With Pivotal Tool (e.g., Sheet Metal Bender) Patents (Class 72/319)
  • Patent number: 11819897
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a continuous stirrup and an apparatus for implementing such method are provided. The method includes placing a planar structure formed of a wave-shaped rebar on a platform, fixing a side of the planar structure and using an elongated mold to abut against the other side of the planar structure to form an intermediate structure, flipping the intermediate structure, and abutting the elongated mold against the side of the planar structure to form a continuous stirrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: RUENTEX ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Samuel Yin, Shao Kuo Lu, Tai Shang Yang
  • Patent number: 11612925
    Abstract: Bending machine and method for bending a workpiece out of a flat material The invention relates to a bending machine (10) for bending a workpiece (12) out of a flat material, such as a sheet for example. A section (14) to be bent may be reshaped relative to a clamped section (16) of the workpiece (12) about at least one bending axis (18), wherein the bending machine (10) comprises: a machine frame (20); a first side clamping wall (22); a second side clamping wall (24) which can be moved relative to the first side clamping wall (22); and at least one bending unit (26, 28) comprising at least one bending tool (30). The first side clamping wall (22) and the second side clamping wall (24) are designed to clamp the workpiece (12) on a clamping plane (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Nikolaus Franz Duscher
  • Patent number: 11325177
    Abstract: A die adjustment mechanism, includes a base, the base is provided with a die that can apply pressure on the workpiece. The die includes multiple modules arranged sequentially and capable of sliding laterally relative to the base. The base is further provided with a slide rest/slide rests capable of sliding laterally relative to the base. Each slide rest is provided with a shifting fork which can be clamped with a module or can be clamped between two adjacent modules. Each slide rest is provided with a drive component capable of driving the shifting fork to be clamped with the module or be clamped between the two adjacent modules. Using this mechanism, bending and pressing of multiple sides of the metal plate can be completed by the same machine and the production efficiency is greatly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OMS MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaobin Long, Haifeng Hu, Chuan Long, Yang Shi
  • Patent number: 11318516
    Abstract: A bending group of a paneling machine tool for manufacturing profiled elements by bending a sheet of sheet metal includes a main frame, and a blocking press able to block the metal sheet during the manufacturing steps. The bending group includes a first bending member and a second bending member, distinct from the first bending member, both suitable for carrying out at least a bending of at least a portion of the sheet of sheet metal, at least one of the first bending member and second bending member being mobile with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: OLMA S.R.L
    Inventor: Alberto Lazzati
  • Patent number: 11117175
    Abstract: A forming operation on a workpiece clamps the workpiece between a first clamping jaw with a first shaping edge, and an adjustable second clamping jaw with a second shaping edge so that a portion projects between the shaping edges and afterwards a bending edge of an adjustable bending bar is guided at a distance past the shaping edges, whereby the portion of the workpiece is angled away in relation to the part of the workpiece that is clamped between the clamping jaws. The bending edge is guided on angling along a straight path of movement of the bending edge, and after the bending edge has passed the shaping edges, the shaping edges are adjusted along an adjustment path which approaches the path of movement of the bending edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TRUMPF MASCHINEN AUSTRIA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aigner, Stefano Speziali, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 11065660
    Abstract: A production installation for producing workpieces from sheet metal by forming in a bending operation includes a bending machine and a clamping tool having at least one lower clamping jaw and an upper clamping jaw set including first upper clamping jaws and a second upper clamping jaw. The second upper clamping jaw has a clamping jaw part at each of the two second upper clamping jaw end sections, the clamping jaw parts being movable from a working to a pull-out position. At least one first upper clamping jaw is arranged on both sides of the second upper clamping jaw. The first upper clamping jaws have a first horn at each of the first end regions of the first upper clamping jaws facing away from the second upper clamping jaw. A method adapts a total length of a bending edge of a clamping jaw set of this production installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Auzinger
  • Patent number: 11047629
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a fin-assembled tube by arranging a helical fin in an interior of a tube, a plate-shaped fin material is inserted into the interior of the tube and the helical fin is formed by twisting the fin material in the interior of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Marelli Cabin Comfort Japan Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Oono
  • Patent number: 11007561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper system (16) for a press brake (2), having a gripping device (11) for manipulating a bending tool (6). The gripping device (11) comprises a first gripping arm (21) and a second gripping arm (22) that is displaceable in the clamping direction (26) relative to the first gripping arm (21), said gripping arms (21) being configured to engage in a gripping groove (17, 18) of a bending tool (6) and to clamp the bending tool (6). The gripping device (11) is arranged on a carriage system (46), said carriage system (46) comprising a horizontal linear guide (47) by means of which the gripping device (11) is displaceable towards the gripping groove (17, 18) or away from the gripping groove (17, 18) in the longitudinal direction (35) of the gripping arms (21, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Roberto Veronese
  • Patent number: 10556262
    Abstract: A tool storage device is disposed on a side of a press brake. In the tool storage device, a lower tool holder is lifted up from lower tool holder support members, is moved forward or backward, and both end sides in a left-and-right direction of the lower tool holder are lowered after being passed through recessed portions formed on the lower tool holder support members (step (a)). The lowered lower tool holder is conveyed forward, and is positioned to a same height as a height of a lower tool mounting portion in a lower table (step (b)). The lower tool held in the lower tool holder is transferred to the lower tool mounting portion by a tool replacement device, and is mounted on the lower table (step (c)). The lower tool mounted on the lower table is returned into the tool storage device (step (d)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: AMADA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaaki Sato
  • Patent number: 10537926
    Abstract: A bending apparatus in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a robot, a chuck mechanism, and a plurality of bending mechanisms. The plurality of bending mechanisms are each provided as a separate component from the robot and the chuck mechanism, and are arranged in a space reachable by a workpiece held by the chuck mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: OPTON CO., LTD
    Inventors: Teruaki Yogo, Sadayoshi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 10500623
    Abstract: A bending machine for sheet metal comprises a bending assembly (2) provided with a tool holder crosspiece (3) which is mobile and supports a set (20) of bending tools (40, 41, 42, 43, 44) which are aligned, and mutually positionable, along a first longitudinal direction (A) so as to form predetermined compositions (C1, C2, C3, C4) of bending tools suitable to bend a workpiece (50) according to respective defined bending lines; the bending assembly (2) comprises a moving assembly (5, 6) to move the bending tools (40, 41, 42, 43, 44) along the crosspiece (3), the set (20) of bending tools comprises, arranged adjacent and in sequence starting from an end (3a) of said crosspiece (3): four first bending tools (41) having a width of X+p, one second bending tool (42) having a width of X+2·p, one third bending tool (43) having a width of X+3·p, one basic bending tool (40) having a width of X, three third bending tools (43), one fourth bending tool (44) having a width of X+4·p, two basic bending tools (40), one first
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SALVAGNINI ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Nicola Meneghetti
  • Patent number: 10486214
    Abstract: Tools for punching machines for reshaping at least one portion of a plate-shaped workpiece are described. The tools have a first tool portion that includes a first device configured to be held in a first tool holder of the punching machine and a bending stamp having a bending edge and a second tool portion including a second device configured to be held in a second tool holder of the punching machine and a bending roller configured to cooperate with the bending stamp to reshape the plate-shaped workpiece. The bending roller is rotatable around a rotation axis running parallel to the bending edge. The bending roller includes a sector-shaped notch formed along the rotation axis and formed, at least in part, by first and second bending shank edges. The bending roller includes a plurality of second bending segments positioned on the rotation axis to rotate about the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Walz, Markus Hees, Yakup Coskun, Thomas Burzig
  • Patent number: 10464115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bending press (3) and to a method for bending sheet metal in relation to a work piece (2). The bending press (3) comprises a machine frame (7) on which lower and upper clamping jaws (5, 6) are arranged, having first and second reshaping edges. A bending tool (41) having a bending edge (42) is arranged on a bending bar (43). The bending tool (41) is mounted about a swivel axis (46) such that same can swivel. The swivel axis (46) can be moved into both a position above and a position below a work piece contact plane (40). In a position above the work piece contact plane (40), the bending edge (42) is oriented down-wards in the direction of a first reshaping edge, and in a position below the work piece contact plane (40), said bending edge is oriented upwards in the direction of the second reshaping edge. The invention also relates to a method for reshaping, in particular bending, sheet metal in relation to a work piece (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aigner, Stefano Speziali, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 10350661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a production plant (1) comprising a brake press (3) having press beams (13, 16), slot-shaped tool holders (19, 20) disposed and/or arranged on the press beams (13, 16), bending tools (4), a tool magazine (31) for at least one bending tool (4), a first manipulation device (30) for transporting the bending tool (4) between the tool magazine (31) and the tool holders (19, 20), and a second manipulation device (33) for positioning the bending tool (4) in the tool holder (19, 20). The second manipulation device (33) comprises at least one traction means (37) guided via two deflection means (35, 36), on which traction means (37) at least one pusher element (38) is disposed. The bending tool (5, 6) has a slot (46) extending in a direction (48) parallel with a bending edge (47) through which the at least one traction means (37) is run. The at least one slot (46) is further dimensioned such that the at least one pusher element (38) cannot be run through the slot (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Denkmeier
  • Patent number: 10350662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bending press (18) for carrying out a forming operation on a workpiece (1), comprising a first clamping beam (27), which has a first clamping jaw (2) with a first forming edge (5), and an adjustable second clamping beam (28), which has a second clamping jaw (3) with a second forming edge (6), and also at least one bending beam (7, 38), which is adjustable in relation to the machine frame (19) along a bending beam guide (33) and has at least one bending edge (8, 39), the path of movement (12) of which passes by the forming edges (5, 6) at a distance (10) and with which a portion (4) of the workpiece (1) can be angled away in relation to the part of the workpiece (1) that is clamped between the clamping jaws (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH Co. KG.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aigner, Stefano Speziali, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 10315280
    Abstract: A press frame for a robot system includes a base, a bridge and a set of columns supporting the bridge above the base. A first robot holds a part on the base and a second robot manipulates a pressing tool to press a component into an opening. The pressing tool is backed by the bridge that opposes a reaction force resulting from pressing the component part into the part. A method of assembling components to a part by pressing the part into an opening while engaging the bridge of a reaction frame. The part is transferred to the base by a first robot that positions the part on the base. A pressing tool and a component are selected by a second robot that orients the component to be inserted in the opening. Data relating to displacement, load and time is collected by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Alexander Marrocco, Isaac Zolotarev, Arnold Bell, Joosok Jinn, Hossein Firoozgan
  • Patent number: 9908163
    Abstract: An apparatus for bending a metal work piece, the apparatus including a press support frame and a bending anvil disposed on the press support frame. A clamp press can be mounted to the press support frame, the clamp press positioned to selectively clamp the work piece over the bending anvil when the work piece is positioned on the bending anvil. A bending press unit can be mounted to the press support frame, the bending press unit including a bending roller oriented to engage the work piece during a bending operation when the work piece is clamped over the bending anvil. The bending press unit is operable to move the bending roller with respect to the press support frame in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction being substantially perpendicular to the second direction. A method of bending a metal work piece with the bending apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Design & Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bruce Rose, Billy Keith Willhite, William Brian Travis
  • Patent number: 9283603
    Abstract: A pivot link for interconnecting a locking bar and a pivoting arm of a sheet bending brake includes an arm portion and a locking bar portion. The arm portion defines a first threaded bore, and the locking bar portion defines a second threaded bore. A threaded stud extends between and interconnects the arm portion and the locking bar portion, and is disposed in threaded engagement with both the arm portion and the locking bar portion. The threaded stud includes a first thread portion in threaded engagement with the first threaded bore, and a second thread portion in threaded engagement with the second threaded bore. The first threaded bore and the first thread portion include one of a left hand thread or a right hand thread, and the second threaded bore and the second thread portion include the other of the left hand thread or the right hand thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Clyde Allen
  • Patent number: 9157502
    Abstract: A belt fastener applicator tool and method are provided. The tool is very simple and provides a low cost tool for applying staple belt fasteners to belt ends. The applicator tool includes a plate body having both anvil and comb portions that are fixed thereto so as to be integrated therewith. In one form, the tool has a one-piece construction so that the plate body and anvil and comb portions are integrally formed together. Preferably, the comb portion includes upstanding comb locating members for receiving hinge loops, and the anvil portion includes both initial set anvil wells on one side of the locating members and a final set flat surface portion on the other side of the locating members. The same tool is used for both initial set and final set staple leg setting operations by turning the tool around with an operator using a hammer for staple setting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: Virgil Layne Hagie, Pan Yim Ng, Mark Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9079233
    Abstract: A kit is provided, including a body for mounting to the bending bar of a sheet bending brake having a first mounting assembly for mounting to the bending bar and a first predetermined portion of a second mounting assembly for mounting a gauge plate; a gauge plate having a second predetermined portion of the second mounting assembly and an upper surface against which sheet material being bent within the sheet bending brake will be supported; and a stop dimensioned to slide along the gauge plate and including a third mounting assembly to reversibly lock the stop to the gauge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alexandre Cloutier
  • Patent number: 9032771
    Abstract: A method for bending a workpiece includes positioning a first bending surface adjacent to the workpiece; positioning a second bending surface adjacent to the workpiece; and moving the first bending surface and the second bending surface linearly toward the workpiece while the second bending surface rotates with respect to the first bending surface such that the first bending surface bends a first portion of the workpiece, the second bending bends a second portion of the workpiece, and the first portion of the workpiece, and the second portion of the workpiece are disposed on a first side of a bend line formed on the workpiece by the first bending surface and the second bending surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Scott McCallum
  • Patent number: 8950229
    Abstract: A flanged duct blank has a male part defined by lead notches formed at each side of a leading end and has a female part defined by trail notches formed at each side of a trailing end. The male part includes a lock tab. The female part includes a leg part and a Z-bend. The Z-bend includes a leg part and a gap. The duct blank is repeatedly clamped and bent by a pivoting wiper to form a duct portion. The pivoting wiper includes a clench tool that has a retractable rib and a retractable roller. With the lock tab inserted into the Z-bend and the retractable rib engaged with the Z-bend, the retractable roller clenches the leg part over the lock tab to lock the male and female parts together in a duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C Borwig
  • Publication number: 20140283575
    Abstract: A pivot link for interconnecting a locking bar and a pivoting arm of a sheet bending brake includes an arm portion and a locking bar portion. The arm portion defines a first threaded bore, and the locking bar portion defines a second threaded bore. A threaded stud extends between and interconnects the arm portion and the locking bar portion, and is disposed in threaded engagement with both the arm portion and the locking bar portion. The threaded stud includes a first thread portion in threaded engagement with the first threaded bore, and a second thread portion in threaded engagement with the second threaded bore. The first threaded bore and the first thread portion include one of a left hand thread or a right hand thread, and the second threaded bore and the second thread portion include the other of the left hand thread or the right hand thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Clyde Allen
  • Patent number: 8820134
    Abstract: A panel bender (10) designed for making bends on sheet metal sheets (13) comprises a substantially C-shaped main structure (11) equipped with a fixed element (12) and a mobile element (14) designed to support and clamp in a preset position a sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent, and also comprises a substantially C-shaped blade holder structure (16) connected to the main structure (11) and mobile in space inside this by means of a series of vertical guides (15) at right angles to the plane of the sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent. The blade holder structure is equipped with an upper blade (26) and a lower blade (27) designed to enter into contact with the surface of the sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent clamped between the mobile and fixed elements (12, 14) of the main structure (11) and to deform the sheet metal sheet by means of a movement with a programmable trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Finn-Power Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Cabianca
  • Patent number: 8789402
    Abstract: A bending die having a first bending surface and a second bending surface that is rotatable with respect to the first bending surface. The second bending surface rotates with respect to the first bending surface during a bending operation. The first bending surface is engagable with a workpiece during the bending operation to bend a first portion of the workpiece. The second bending surface is engagable with the workpiece during the bending operation to bend a second portion of the workpiece. The first portion of the workpiece and the second portion of the workpiece are disposed on a first side of a bend line formed by the bending operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Scott McCallum
  • Patent number: 8627701
    Abstract: A device for bending sheet material comprises a receiving plate and a forming plate defining or connectable to one another so as to define therebetween a receiving slot of fixed dimensions. A bending plate is pivotally connected to the receiving plate. The bending plate has an upper surface substantially in a common plane with an upper surface of the receiving plate. The forming plate comprises a first side surface extending along an open end of the receiving slot and forming a first acute angle with a first major surface of the forming plate. The bending plate has a range of pivotal motion of greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Gatchell
  • Patent number: 8561448
    Abstract: A flanged duct blank has a male part defined by lead notches formed at each side of a leading end and has a female part defined by trail notches formed at each side of a trailing end. The male part includes a lock tab. The female part includes a leg part and a Z-bend. The Z-bend includes a leg part and a gap. The duct blank is repeatedly clamped and bent by a pivoting wiper to form a duct portion. The pivoting wiper includes a clench tool that has a retractable rib and a retractable roller. With the lock tab inserted into the Z-bend and the retractable rib engaged with the Z-bend, the retractable roller clenches the leg part over the lock tab to lock the male and female parts together in a duct seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 8555690
    Abstract: Plant (10) for bending metallic flat elements (11) including a bending machine (13) provided with a support plane (21) on which the metallic flat element (11) to be bent is positioned, a bending group (19) which bends, upwardly or downwards, a section of the metallic flat element (11), and a sucker feeding group (22) associated with the support plane (21) for selectively feeding the metallic flat element (11) to the bending group (19). The feeding group includes one or more sucker organs (22) aligned in a direction substantially transverse to the metallic flat element (11) to be bent and placed, in the rest position, below the support plane (21), to lift the metallic flat element (11) of a given height (D) from the edge of the support plane (21), after the bending has been carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Atlantic International Assets S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Codatto
  • Publication number: 20130160515
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA OPTON
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Patent number: 8322180
    Abstract: The metal bending apparatus is an easily portable apparatus with substantial frame integrity. The vertical plate of the apparatus removably receives any of a plurality of different diameter nodes. Each node enables a different radius to be bent into existing sheet metal. While the ideal embodiment features node diameters of ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1 1/16 inch, and 1¾ inch, the nodes are not limited to these diameters only. To bend sheet metal, an edge of the metal is removably secured to the back side of the vertical plate via the metal retainer. The pivoting assembly is then pivoted over the metal and downwardly toward the front of the frame. The metal is thereby bent to the desired radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: James D. Renwick
  • Patent number: 8322181
    Abstract: A forming assembly includes, a rocker having an operating surface defining a cavity, the operating surface including a first cavity surface and a second cavity surface, a saddle defining a space in which the rocker rotates, and a pad extending into the cavity and defining (i) an abutment surface which faces toward the saddle and defines a first plane, and (ii) a workpiece contact surface which faces away from the saddle and defines a second plane, wherein relative movement between the saddle and the pad when the first cavity surface is positioned in contact with the abutment surface causes rotation of the rocker within the space, wherein rotation of the rocker within the space causes the second cavity surface to advance toward the workpiece contact surface, and wherein the first plane intersects the second plane so as to define an angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ready Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Michael Wilson
  • Patent number: 8312752
    Abstract: A kinematic system of movement for the clamping/pressing unit of a semifinished piece, that is to say of sheet metal or the like, of panelling machines, the kinematic system comprising a frame on which a presser unit is hinged to a pin and which is free to make angular movements around the pin, the presser unit consisting of elements v fixed to a head supporting the upper presser tool, the presser unit being moved angularly by at least one connecting rod driven by a first lower crank, in which the presser unit is driven by a second upper crank, the first and second crank defining an articulated mechanism, for driving the punch-presser unit, with two degrees of freedom in sequence that can be activated independently or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Finn-Power Oy
    Inventor: Luigi Patuzzi
  • Patent number: 8276425
    Abstract: A ductmaking apparatus bends a metal web to form a duct blank having a lock seam with male and female portions. Prior to shearing off the duct blank, the apparatus bends the web to form a lock tab that secures the lock seam during subsequent handling of the duct blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mestek Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Borwig, John Welty
  • Patent number: 8279454
    Abstract: A method of measuring a length of sections of extrados or intrados curves of an elongated workpiece travelling in a bending machine along a forwarding direction, the elongated workpiece having cross-sections each of which is separated by a neutral axis in both an extended portion and a compressed portion when the elongated workpiece is subjected to bending, and at least a neutral cross-section, i.e. not subjected to bending, neutral cross-section beyond which the bending of the elongated workpiece begins along the forwarding direction thereof, provides a measuring instrument positioned so that it engages either an extrados or an intrados point of the elongated workpiece near the neutral cross-section, but displaced therefrom in the forwarding direction of the elongated workpiece. Further, a measuring instrument on a bending machine that embodies the method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: CML International S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Caporusso, Silvio Rea
  • Patent number: 8191394
    Abstract: A step flashing bending device comprises a supporting a lower press block and an upper press block thereon for movement relative to one another for bending blank metal sheets into step flashing therebetween. The press blocks have working surfaces which are elongate in a longitudinal direction extending at a downward inclination from a top end to a bottom end thereof. The frame and the press blocks are open at the bottom end such that the working surfaces are arranged to automatically release the step flashing from the frame between the bottom ends of the upper and lower press blocks under force of gravity when the press blocks are separated into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph T. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20120036912
    Abstract: A crust bending apparatus includes a positioning assembling and a bending assembly. The positioning assembly includes a conveyance cylinder, a conveyance block, a positioning cylinder, a positioning rod, a positioning block, a holding cylinder, a holding rod, and a holding block. The bending assembly includes a bending cylinder, a bending rod, a bending block, first and second pivot pins, a line-to-rotation conversion member, and an outer casing. The bending rod has an end coupled to the bending cylinder and an opposite end forming a projection having a circular cross-section on a side surface thereof. The projection is received in a position constraint slot defined in the line-to-rotation conversion member. The apparatus is operated with power cylinder based mechanisms to replace human labor in bending a metal crust in order to reduce undesired influence of human factor and also to realize stable assembling operation and improve product passing rate and throughput.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-chuan Chiu, Yu-feng Lin
  • Patent number: 8087278
    Abstract: The present invention provides bending apparatuses and methods that can form lithographic plates having different radii, such as for different printing press configurations, without the need to remove and replace the anvils on a bending apparatus. More particularly, the present invention provides bending apparatuses having integrated changeable anvils useable for forming bends having different radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nela Ternes Register Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Deis, Matthias Hoelle
  • Patent number: 8079244
    Abstract: A device and method for bending a metallic strip (1), particularly for manufacturing die cutting blades. The bending tools (20, 30) are capable of being rotated about a common axis (15) and wherein each tool (20, 30) is further capable of being rotated about its own axis (25, 35) of rotation which is different from each others (15, 25, and 35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Pro Form S.r.l.
    Inventors: Secondo Spairani, Roberto Spairani
  • Publication number: 20110265546
    Abstract: A forming assembly includes, a rocker having an operating surface defining a cavity, the operating surface including a first cavity surface and a second cavity surface, a saddle defining a space in which the rocker rotates, and a pad extending into the cavity and defining (i) an abutment surface which faces toward the saddle and defines a first plane, and (ii) a workpiece contact surface which faces away from the saddle and defines a second plane, wherein relative movement between the saddle and the pad when the first cavity surface is positioned in contact with the abutment surface causes rotation of the rocker within the space, wherein rotation of the rocker within the space causes the second cavity surface to advance toward the workpiece contact surface, and wherein the first plane intersects the second plane so as to define an angle ?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: READY TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: David Michael Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110259073
    Abstract: An improved compound leverage hand seamer with removable blades. The hand seamer includes a pair of pivotably connected handles and a pair of pivotably connected seamer heads. Each of the seamer heads is connected to one of the handles at a first end and terminates at a second end in a substantially planar head segment having a flat, inwardly-facing mounting surface. A substantially planar, rectangular blade is removably mounted to the mounting surface of each of the seamer heads in a flatly abutting relationship therewith by a pair of threaded fasteners that engage threaded mounting holes in the blades and in the seamer heads. The blades can be conveniently removed and replaced if they become worn or damaged, or if user wishes, to install smaller or larger blades on the hand seamer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST TOOL AND CUTLERY COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott Musser
  • Patent number: 8028560
    Abstract: Vise pliers with duck bill jaws and a brake attached thereto, having utility as a vise pliers tool and/or as a handheld sheet metal brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Custom Spec Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Badiali
  • Publication number: 20110232353
    Abstract: A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a male portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clyde G. Allen, Todd M. Lajewski, Douglas Break
  • Patent number: 7954352
    Abstract: A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a male portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde G. Allen, Todd M. Lajewski, Douglas Break
  • Publication number: 20110100084
    Abstract: This invention is a manually operated tube bending machine with a power drive mechanism that is adjustably set to a desired bend speed. The bending machine includes a bending die, a counter die and a rotating hook die to form a desired bend into a tube or pipe. The tube bender includes a drive wheel with ratchet teeth around its perimeter. A drive pin grips one of the ratchet teeth. The drive pin is secured to a lever and torque bar. During each bending stroke, the lever and torque bar incrementally rotate the drive wheel a desired amount. The rotation of the drive wheel and hook die draw the tube through the bending and counter dies to bend the tube. An anti-spring back mechanism holds the position of the drive wheel while the power drive mechanism is advanced to grip the next ratchet tooth of the drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rusch
  • Publication number: 20110079067
    Abstract: A hemming tool is used to hem a roofing panel having a base portion, a pair of standing ribs extending in a longitudinal direction along opposing sides of the base portion, and a tongue section extending from the base portion beyond the standing ribs, for use in a standing seam roofing system. The hemming tool comprises a panel support supporting to roof panel thereon such that the tongue section extends outward beyond a free edge of the panel support. A die member having a working surface, for engaging the tongue section of the roofing panel, is supported by a die support linkage such that the working surface of the die member is arranged for rolling engagement with the tongue section of the roofing panel about the free edge of the panel support from an upper surface to a lower surface of the panel support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Brent Neudorf
  • Patent number: 7908899
    Abstract: Improved slide lock apparatus used in bending apparatus to bend stock to an acute angle. A hydraulic cylinder with a ram extendable under hydraulic pressure provides the bending power. The ram automatically retracts a slide from an first outward location when hydraulic pressure is removed to a second inward location for two separate bends to achieve an acute angle bend. This improved slide lock prevents any possible injury to the operator by covering a stop arranged to prevent the slide from moving outward a greater distance then the first outward location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marshall R. Bulle
  • Patent number: 7900495
    Abstract: A powered conduit bending tool comprises a portable drive housing including a handle and having a powered drive gear. A bracket is secured to the housing defining a pivot connection spaced from the drive gear. A guide is operatively secured to the housing. A platform is pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and includes a driven gear operatively engaging the drive gear to controllably pivot the platform. A shoe is removably mountable to the platform and comprises a first bender defining a downwardly opening arcuate channel selectively positionable proximate the guide. A hook is proximate one end of the bender for engaging a conduit received in the channel. In use, the guide supports a conduit engaged by the hook and pivotal movement of the shoe driven by the platform deforms the conduit as it passes by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Huskie Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Latoria
  • Publication number: 20110030446
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a duct includes a bending apparatus and a support apparatus. The bending apparatus includes a table, a cut off beam, and a leaf hinged to a forward edge of the table. The cut off beam is movable toward and away from the table to clamp or release a metal web being fed forward across the table and the leaf. The cut off beam repeatedly clamps the metal web to the table while the leaf pivots toward the cut off beam to form a duct section. The support apparatus includes a cross rod movable along pivoting support arms. As the metal web is bent to form the duct section, the support arms and the cross rod are moved to internally support the duct section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: MESTEK MACHINERY, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL C. BORWIG, SCOTT SLOAN, RICHARD BURKART, STEVEN KERSKA, JOHN WELTY
  • Publication number: 20100307214
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bending mechanism for holding an elongated workpiece between a bending die and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and revolving the clamping die, to thereby bend the workpiece. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted, and an articulated robot on which a chuck mechanism for holding the workpiece is mounted and which moves the chuck mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA OPTON
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Patent number: 7836743
    Abstract: An improved system and method for material bending comprises first handle 51, second handle 61, pivot rod 70, roller 80, and brace 82.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Danny McCoy