Abstract: The present invention provides a bake carbon flue straightener for straightening a flue wall of an anode baking surface from a deformed or bowed position to a straight or normal position. The flue straightener includes a plurality of remotely controlled and independently actuated hydraulic cylinders mounted on a plurality of elevations space apart at equal distances from each other, a steel frame for supporting hydraulic cylinders, such that each of the elevations of the hydraulic cylinders are coupled to a continuous length of extendable solid push plates for extending the push plates to the deformed or bowed flue wall so as to push or straighten with equally distributed forces the deformed or bowed flue wall back to the straight or normal position.

Abstract: A hanger for use in joining tubulars includes an inner tubular with a first portion of length with increasing wall thickness and a second portion of length with decreasing wall thickness through the same longitudinal direction. A swedge sized to expand the inner tubular beyond the yield point to engage and expand the outer tubular is to be drawn through the inner tubular. With the variation in wall thickness, the outer tubular is progressively expanded in an increasing manner and then in a decreasing manner. The difference in inelastic expansion operates to insure an appropriate ultimate fit at one or two areas between the overlapping tubulars. The inner tubular may include a nipple affixed to a liner or may include a liner with an outer filler. In one case, the nipple has varying wall thickness while in the other the filler exhibits the varying wall thickness. A segmented swedge includes portions of the part lines between adjacent segments which are circumferential.

Abstract: A blade tip for a rescue spreading tool for spreading apart high strength materials to extricate one or more individuals from a damaged vehicle. The rescue spreading tool has a main body and a pair of arms operatively coupled to the main body and configured to move along an axis. A forked blade tip is releasably coupled to each of the arms and has a wide footprint for gripping the high strength materials. Additionally, each of the forked blade tips is configured to interface with an anchor point, such as a door pin from a damaged vehicle.

Abstract: A blade tip for a rescue spreading tool for spreading apart high strength materials to extricate one or more individuals from a damaged vehicle. The rescue spreading tool has a main body and a pair of arms operatively coupled to the main body and configured to move along an axis. A forked blade tip is releasably coupled to each of the arms and has a wide footprint for gripping the high strength materials. Additionally, each of the forked blade tips is configured to interface with an anchor point, such as a door pin from a damaged vehicle.

Abstract: A ram tip minimizes lateral slippage of an extension ram, while permitting reception of a range of differently sized work structures without contributing significantly to the axial length of the ram. The ram tip includes a base portion presenting a primary support surface oriented substantially perpendicular to an extension axis of the ram and facing outwardly of the ram. The support surface includes texturing providing frictional resistance against lateral movement of the work structure in contact therewith. Structure providing secondary safeguard against lateral disengagement of the ram tip from the work structure during operation includes bilaterally disposed support walls which include primary lateral support portions extending from the base codirectionally with the extension axis of the ram.

Abstract: An ovalizer which employs hydraulic cylinders to directly actuate duct forming members for forming round spiral duct to oval. The ovalizer includes a pair of elongated and laterally spaced-apart duct forming members sized to fit within a ductwork section and to bear against opposing interior surfaces of the ductwork section. Spaced longitudinally along and between the duct forming members are a plurality, five in the disclosed embodiment, of double-acting hydraulic cylinder assemblies for selectively forcing the duct forming members apart for forming round duct to oval, and retracting the duct forming members towards each other at the conclusion of a forming operation. A feedback control system ensures that the hydraulic cylinder assemblies extend together at approximately the same rate and stop when a predetermined extended position is reached.

Abstract: A device (10) that is designed to spread, crush or cut pieces of metal or other materials. The device (10) is particularly adaptable for removing material from a vehicle in which is located a trapped accident victim. The device (10) consists of a first arm assembly (12) which functions in combination with an interlocking second arm (46). The first arm assembly (12) and the second arm (46) operate with a drive-mechanism yoke (100) that pivotally attaches the lower ends (22) on the first arm assembly (12) and the second arm (46). The device also include a drive yoke (50) which includes a pair of cam pins (94,96) that traverse a cam slot (26) located on each arm. The drive yoke (50) includes a drive rod (86) connected to a linear actuating mechanism (172). When the mechanism (172) is in a retracted position, the first arm assembly (12) and the second arm (46) close, and when the mechanism (172) moves upward into a non-retracted position, the two arms open.

Abstract: A device for straightening out a vehicle wheel rim includes a ram and a hydraulic pump for manually operating the ram. Opposing pressure members are on located at opposite ends of the ram, and two semi-spherical contact members are contacted by the pressure members. In use, the semi-spherical contact members are fittable within a vehicle wheel rim for straightening a bent portion of the rim. The method is preferably performed with heating of the rim. Accordingly, the present invention provides a number of advantages which were not before possible with existing methods, including that the device can be completely portable, that the device does not require electricity nor other power source to operate, that it takes little training or expertise to operate, that it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that it takes much less time than the currently used methods.

Abstract: A pipe straightening press is provided with a wheel coupled to its underside. The wheel protrudes below the lowest point of the outer surface of the lower mandrel jaw when the mandrel is contracted, but does not so protrude when the mandrel is expanded. This way the wheel allows rolling the mandrel for positioning within the pipe, but does not interfere with straightening it. In the first embodiment the wheel is rollable around an axle that is fixedly attached to the support arm. The contracted mandrel expands by lowering the lower jaw, which thus lifts the support arm and the wheel with it. In the second embodiment the wheel is located within the mandrel, is fixedly attached to the upper jaw, and protrudes through an opening in the outer surface of the lower jaw only when the mandrel is contracted. In the third and preferred embodiment, the wheel is coupled to the mandrel, and biased downwards and out of the lower jaw by the upper jaw acting on the wheel axle through a spring.

Abstract: A method and process line for producing cold-rolled stainless-steel or titanium-alloy strip from hot-rolled strip descales the hot-rolled strip by shot-blasting and/or brush-polishing and then cold-rolls the descaled strip. The cold-rolled strip, at its final thickness, is annealed and then pickled, all in a single continuous line.

Abstract: The device for necking pipes forces the pipe wall outward in such a way that a neck is formed around the hole. The device has a body to be inserted into the interior of the pipe and a die which is movable radially to the pipe, the outer diameter of the die corresponding to the inner diameter of the desired neck. The cylindrical outer surface of the body is dimensioned, at least in the vicinity of the necking location, in such a way that it corresponds to the cylindrical interior of the pipe so as to support the pipe from the inside during the necking operation. A bore hole or opening which is directed at least substantially radially is located at the body in the region of the cylindrical surface and is dimensioned in such a way that it receives the die or its lower part with a sliding guiding fit. The die can be moved in the guide through the bore hole or opening in the direction of the latter.

Abstract: A so-called rescue spreader is constructed with a pair of replaceable jaws that are mirror images of one another and are operatively positioned back-to-back. Each jaw is generally a triangle having a back side and a front side, with both sides extending from a base and converging at a tip where the sides define an included angle of approximately 20.degree. to 30.degree.. Corrugations on the back side are provided to reduce slippage. The front side along its half length extending from the tip is provided with a plurality of teeth and a circular cam is provided along the other half length of the front side.

Abstract: A lockable spreader clamp comprises first and second handle portions for gripping by an operator and first and second arm portions extending therefrom. Outer portions of the arm portions have contact pads thereon for engaging a work piece. Inner portions of the arm portions are hinged together and cooperate with the handle portions so as to be responsive to movement thereof, so that movement of the handle portions towards each other causes the outer arm portions to move away from each other. The arm portions are locked to engage the work piece when the handle portions are moved towards each other to activate a locking structure, and can be released from a locked position by activating a releasing structure. The invention can be positioned in a narrow space between two members of a work piece using one hand, and can be locked in position so as to be self-supporting and leave the operator's hands free. When so locked, the clamp can provide an anvil for hammering against.

Abstract: A cold form flaring tool that includes first and second mandrel tips each having the shape of a half conical frustum that includes a base with a base radius and a narrow end with a radius that is less than the base radius. The first and second mandrel tips together form a conical frustum when in a closed position and are insertable in a tubing end when in the closed position. The first and second mandrel tips are expanded outwardly away from each other by pivotally interconnected levers which support the mandrel tips in such a manner that the respective narrow ends of the mandrel tips move outwardly at a greater rate than their respective bases, which retains the mandrel tips in the tubing end while being expanded.

Abstract: A telescoping base support having an elongated tube and an elongated slide coaxially and slideably nested therein is provided to form a secure support for a power ram used to deflect the entrapping structure. Ideally, the power ram is pivotably mounted to a carrige which is slideably disposed about the tube of the base support and longitudinally positionable thereon.

Abstract: A portable jack-frame apparatus allows rescue personnel to rapidly force open a partially crushed automobile body and to passively hold open the aperture that they make so that they can remove a trapped accident victim from the vehicle. The invention provides a locking jack frame that can be: 1) inserted into a restricted opening in a car body, using a combination of pin-set telescoping extensions and a slidable lock to attain a best initial fit position; 2) used with a hydraulic actuator to forcibly make an opening large enough for rescue access; 3) employed to passively hold the opening in the enlarged position after the actuator is removed; and 4) be released and removed from the enlarged opening without further use of the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling mechanical system having tubular constructional elements, such methods including the furnishing of an interior work surface of a first constructional element having a complemental internal structure and, further, positioning a second tubular constructional element so that at least one surface thereof is proximal to the complemental internal surface of the first constructional element. The method further includes the step of positioning, within the second constructional element a working element of a highly extended longitudinal tool reciprocatingly within the second constructional element, the working element situated proximally to the complemental internal structure of the first construc-tional element.

Abstract: A brace for use in a door frame of a vehicle to brace an hydraulic ram in order to move the front interior portion of the vehicle away from the seats of the vehicle is disclosed. The brace includes a frame for fitting over the horizontal portion and "B" post of the door frame. The brace includes a brace mechanism that is self-locking with the brace frame through means of opposing sets of openings formed in the sides of the brace frame. The brace has a handle and brace pin which is inserted into the openings. The brace pin has a notch at the end farthest from the handle portion. Notch openings are formed horizontally on each of the openings on the sides of the frame. Accordingly, when the pin portion is inserted through the side openings, the notch fits through the notch openings and then gravity rotates the handle downward thereby locking the notch against the farther side of the brace frame.

Abstract: A split sleeve (S) is deposited into a sleeve loader (24, 24'), with a lower end of the sleeve (S) on a sleeve support surface (154). A mandrel (M) carried by a puller tool (10, 10') is inserted into the sleeve loader (24, 24'), and through the sleeve (S), to position the sleeve (S) on a small diameter portion (50) of the mandrel (M), and an end portion of the sleeve (S) within a nosepiece (12), against a sleeve end contacting surface (66). The tool (10, 10') is moved away from the sleeve loader (24, 24') to pull the mandrel (M) out from the sleeve loader (24, 24'). Then the mandrel (M) is inserted into an opening (16) in a workpiece (14). The tool (10, 10') is moved endwise to place the sleeve (S) within the opening (16) and a workpiece contacting end surface of the nosepiece (12) into contact with the workpiece (14). The tool (10, 10' ) is then operated to retract the mandrel (M).

Abstract: A lever of a metallic binding band is gripped by holding pieces. A pair of forming pieces are located in the loop section of the binding section of the metallic binding band. Forming pieces having outer circumferential arc faces are offset from each other laterally so that the binding section is expanded by the forming pieces into true circle.

Abstract: A stripping device for enlarging an opening in sheet material and possibly for initially forming and then enlarging the opening. A hydraulically operated cylinder has a cylinder housing around it. A piston in the cylinder is connected to move a shoe that is guided on the cylinder housing. A clamping jaw is attached to the cylinder housing. An axially displaceable stripping jaw is connected to the piston either by a rod on the piston or that jaw is attached on the shoe and moves with the shoe. The shoe may have a plurality of spaced attachment points for the stripping jaw. There may be an extension of the piston on which the stripping jaw is carried or on which an additional sripping jaw is carried. There may be an extension of the cylinder housing on which an additional clamping jaw is carried.

Abstract: A mold for forming a groove in a tube includes a split round bar having a groove extending in a substantially straight line along an axis thereof. The two halves of the split round bar are in contact with each other only at a pint at the bottom of the groove, so that the two halves may pivot with respect to each other about the contact point. A spacer bar is removably clamped between opposed inner surfaces of the two halves of the split round bar. When the spacer is removed, the groove in the round bar is slightly enlarged to provide clearance between the tube and each side wall of the groove to enable the round bar to be easily removed from the tube.

Abstract: An internal pipe arching apparatus has a self propelled unit for ground supporting an elongated longitudinal beam along its length. The unit is adapted to drive the beam into a pipe along its axis and lift the beam to a pipe arching position. The beam has an internal pipe arching means mounted thereto for forcible arching of a pipe when said beam is in the arching position. The mobile unit provides means for transporting and controlling the pipe expansion means.

Abstract: Apparatus has a forming die on a boom with the boom being positionable so that the forming die can be urged outward against the damaged wall of a container. Hammering on the outside of the container against the forming die reshapes the container wall to its original contours.

Abstract: A noncircular opening is formed in a material. A mandrel or mandrel and expansion sleeve are used for coldworking a circular region of the noncircular opening, and for forcing a hard metal insert into coldworking contact with the material immediately bordering the remaining portion of the noncircular opening. An insert may be placed within a slot to form with a circular closed end of the slot a substantially circular opening. An expansion sleeve is placed in the opening and an expansion mandrel is pulled through it, or an expansion mandrel is used alone in the opening, to coldwork the circular region of the opening. An insert may be placed within an opening and then a mandrel moved through an expansion sleeve placed in a circular opening in the insert, or a mandrel alone may be moved through the opening, to radially expand the insert and coldwork the material bounding the noncircular opening.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for fabricating metal tubing of generally elliptical shape by cold pressing round tubing stock into the desired shape. The apparatus (10) includes a first pair of opposing dies (16 and 18) secured to the platens (12and 14) of a press for forming the substantially flattened sides of the tubing. A second pair of opposing dies, positioned substantially between and on either side of the first pair of dies, is provided for forming the substantially rounded sides of the elliptical tubing. Means (52) for providing a preselected rate of resistance to movement of the second pair of opposing dies as they are engaged by the substantially rounded sides of the tubing, such that the tubing can be pressed into the desired substantially elliptical shape defined by the die faces of the first and second pairs of opposing dies by operating the press to move the platens (12 and 14) toward one another, are provided.

Abstract: An internal pipe arching apparatus has a self propelled unit for ground supporting an elongated longitudinal beam along its length. The unit is adapted to drive the beam into a pipe along its axis and lift the beam to a pipe arching position. The beam has an internal pipe arching means mounted thereto for forcible arching of a pipe when said beam is in the arching position. The mobile unit provides means for transporting and controlling the pipe expansion means.

Abstract: A manifold spreader which includes a main body portion having at its first end portion a recess in which is rotatably disposed a first end of an arm member. The arm member has a manifold engaging member on a second end thereof. A plurality of bearings mounted on the side of the arm member allows the arm member to freely rotate relative to the main body portion. The second end portion of the main body portion houses a screw member having on its first end a manifold engaging member. The body portion has a surface recessed therein to allow a wrench to engage and turn the main body portion.In operation, the apparatus is placed intermediate a pair of manifold arm members such that the first and second end portions of the apparatus are making contact with the manifold arm members. The main body portion is rotated in a first direction, causing the screw member to move outwardly from the central body portion, thus causing the apparatus to expand and force apart the two manifold arm members.

Abstract: A force-applying tool particularly useful for force-opening window grill bars, comprises a cylinder carrying a first jaw, a piston movable within the cylinder and including a rod carrying a second jaw, a fluid pumping device for pumping fluid to the cylinder to apply a force between the piston and cylinder tending to spread apart the first and second jaws, and a pivotable coupling between the fluid pumping device and the cylinder and piston rod permitting the fluid pumping device to bring its longitudinal axis either parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and piston rod. The pivotable coupling includes a fluid passageway therethrough from the fluid pumping device to the interior of the cylinder in both of the pivotable positions of the fluid pumping device.

Abstract: A rescue tool has a pair of arms which are opened and closed by rotating a threaded member. The arms are pivotably connected together, and are also connected to a common yoke. The yoke is connected to a piston, which is mounted within a frame. Movement of the piston along its longitudinal axis causes the arms to open and close. The piston is connected to a collar which screws onto a threaded member. Rotation of the threaded member therefore causes the piston to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis, and opens or closes the arms. The threaded member can be connected to an external source of power, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric motor. Alternatively, the threaded member can be rotated by a hand-operated crank. The rescue tool can be connected to a variety of different power sources, without modifying the internal structure of the tool. Because the power source is coupled to the arms through a threaded member, the arms can be moved with great precision.

Abstract: An expansion tool having a resilient wedge held in the inner face of an expandable jaw for engaging a ram tongue to expand the jaw. Each resilient wedge has a surface which has a low coefficient of friction, is self-lubricating and which does not bind with the surface of the tongue at high pressure, is angled to repeatedly engage the tongue and communicate great pressure to the jaws without the use of breakable or moving parts in the jaws, is comprised of a material resilient enough and is properly angled to cause the tongue to disengage when the pressure is released, and is hard, dense, and resilient enough to repeatedly withstand great pressure without breaking.

Abstract: An expander to repair elongate thin walled pipes or tubes of larger diameter is disclosed. Similar elongate expander beams are pivotally interconnected by plural, parallel articulating links for motion toward and away from each other. One of the beams is longer than the other and carries a hitch structure that is attachable to the ordinary three-point hitch of a wheeled tractor for locomotion, positioning, and powering of the expander. Hydraulic linkage communicates angularly between the expander beams to move them toward and away from each other for use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the repair and realignment of body/frame portions of a vehicle having unitized body and frame construction comprising a base member for attachment to a body/frame reference point and a connector rotatably adjustable within said base member for attachment to body/frame straigtening and alignment equipment. The apparatus provides a secure attachment to the vehicle and several orthogonally related connection points for applying forces, or combinations of forces for straightening and realigning body and frame portions of a vehicle which have been damaged by collision or otherwise.

Abstract: A light weight portable spreader type rescue tool for applying high push/pull forces comprising a pair of power-driven, light weight aluminum alloy force arms pivotally mounted on a body for swinging movement toward and away from one another. A hardened steel jaw tip member extends forwardly from each arm. The forward end of the arm has an I-cross-section with a central web and a pair of transverse flanges defining a pair of substantiallly rectangular cross-section sockets. The tip member has a main body portion and a shank comprising a pair of transversely spaced rearwardly extending tongues formed to fit snugly within the sockets in the arm. An annular cross-section hardened steel sleeve and a circular cross-section hardened steel pin are spaced apart along the shank and forcibly press-fitted through transverse, aligned, bored holes in the arm web and the jaw tip member shank tongues respectively. In addition, an auxiliary hardened steel strengthening pin is press-fitted into the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching pipe having first and second elongated mandrels each having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface of a predetermined cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis of each mandrel. A displacement system is included for adjusting the relative distance between the mandrels. A cylindrical spiral ribbed pipe is positioned lengthwise over the mandrels with the mandrels fitting against the inner wall of the pipe. The displacement system increases the relative distance between the mandrels so as to reform the original circular end cross-sectional shape of the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a flanged end on a tubular workpiece comprising a die having a throat therethrough connected at one end to an abutment surface of the die extending transversely on each side of the throat, a main frame connected to the die, a sub-frame mounted reciprocably on the frame longitudinally relative to the die, a pair of cheek pieces connected on the sub-frame and movable apart, and a wedge member mounted reciprocably on the sub-frame between the cheek pieces. The sub-frame is driven longitudinally relative to the main frame and the wedge member is driven longitudinally between the cheek pieces, whereby the cheek pieces can be separated by extending the wedge member longitudinally relative to the cheek pieces. The separated cheek pieces are then driven longitudinally towards the abutment surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically straightening portions of a rod assembly having stubs extending outwardly from a yoke connected to the end of a rod and which is used in the electrolytic production of metals. A bent portion of the rod portion of the assembly is straightened by opposing anvils adapted for movement toward one another. As the anvils are closed together, a bent rod portion between them is straightened. The stubs which become toed-in during use are straightened by a stub straightening portion of the apparatus which is inserted between the stubs and actuated against the stubs with sufficient force to remove the toe-in. The apparatus is adapted to perform the straightening automatically on bent rod assemblies which are transported through the apparatus.

Abstract: A flare is formed on the end of a tubular waveguide of elliptical cross-section by first expanding a pair of flaring lugs along the major axis of the ellipse and then by expanding a second pair of flaring lugs along the minor axis of the ellipse.

Abstract: A duct-shaping machine having a pair of major-axis duct-shaping modules for elongating the cross section of a cylindrical duct as they are forced apart, a minor-axis compaction assembly having first and second compactors pressing inwardly towards the center line between the modules to flatten the sides of the duct.

Abstract: An adjustable height beam support (11, 12) is fastened to a frame (1) mounted on wheels (6 to 9); a vertically moveable sliding carriage (14) carries a rotatably mounted pressure beam (13). By means of double-acting hydraulic cylinders, two pressure arms (13a, 13b) slidingly mounted on the pressure beam (13) can press outwards against the container side walls or--with the pressure beam set vertically--against the bottom and the top of the container. Deformations of the container walls can, in this manner, be corrected without large expenditure of time and money. A mobile hydraulic cylinder (23) can be applied to both the frame (1) for moving the equipment into the container and to the pressure beam (13).

Abstract: The invention comprises a hydraulic rescue tool which is useful in extricating victims form traffic accidents. The tool can perform three basic functions: pushing, pulling, and cutting. The tool comprises a pair of pivotably mounted arms connected to each other within a common yoke. The arms are forced together or apart by a hydraulically operated piston. Attached to the arms are a pair of cutting blades. The arms are made of a graphite laminate composite material for increased strength.

Abstract: A rescue device for achieving emergency access to automobiles or buildings or the like has a pair of pivotally connected lever arms is designed to be hydraulically operated by a tool connected between the two arms to power them to open prying jaws at the free ends of the lever arms. Manual actuation for the hydraulic operation is part of the device.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder reconditioner has a base to dispel radial forces not directly under a dent and a piston on the base to bear radially outwardly under a dent to remove the dent without substantially distorting the original dimensions of the remainder of the cylinder. A method of using this reconditioner allows hydraulic cylinders to be quickly reconditioned rather than to be discarded when dented.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing containers for storing nuclear materials. The purpose of the device is to maintain angular sheet metals in the precise position required during the welding operation which is performed along the outer edges of their flange portions. The device includes a core, a thrust bearing and a counter-pressure bearing. The core is sub-divided into two separate core portions. Spring means tend to draw the core portions toward each other. Fluid operated cylinder-piston units tend to separate the core portions against the action of said spring means. Adjustment screw means provided with abutment means and screwed into one of said core portions project into the other of said core portions with the abutment means thereof. The second core portion has abutment means cooperating with the abutment means on said adjustment screw means.

Abstract: A pipe straightening tool that includes an operating unit that can be inserted forwardly in a pipe as far as needed by use of detachable handle extensions. The unit includes an elongated lower segment and a parallel upper segment thereabove having a nose segment pivoted at its forward end for movement of the forward tapered end of the nose segment toward and away from the tapered forward end of the lower segment. The upper unit is movable toward and away from the lower segment on operation of a pair of connecting toggle linkages having a common actuator. A hydraulic cylinder unit is disposed between and connected to the actuator and another toggle linkage connecting the lower and nose segments so that extension of hydraulic cylinder unit concurrently urges upward movement of both the upper segment and the nose segment. All the segments present outwardly facing surfaces that are conformable to cylindrical surfaces. Boots can be attached to the segments to increase the effectiveness of the tool for larger pipe.

Abstract: A tool for forming a lateral opening in a tube comprises an assembly which can be inserted longitudinally into a tube until it lies opposite to an opening (12) through which an operating member (44) can be passed for operative engagement with the assembly at 46. The assembly includes a wedge member (16) with wedge surfaces (22) extending symmetrically in relation to the direction of motion of the operating member (44). Two spreader bodies (28,30) are mounted on the wedge member (16) and after initial insertion of the tool the operating member acts to displace the wedge member and hence the spreader body so that it contacts and deforms the interior of the pipe. Complete withdrawal of the tool through the opening (12) deforms the metal surrounding the opening and after a suitable finishing process another tube can be welded at right angles to the first mentioned tube to form a T-piece.

Abstract: A tube expander (10), for extrudably expanding the walls of a tube (12) is disclosed.The clamping force required on a tube (12) to prevent relative movement between the tube (12) and a tube expander (10), generally limits the amount of deformation completed during single stroke forming operations. The present invention provides a tube expander (10) for partially forming the tube (12) during insertion of the expander (10) into the tube (12) and fully forming the tube (12) during withdrawal of the expander (10). The tube expander (10) has an annular forming member (44) moveably mounted on a mandrel (22) for movement between a first position at which a plane (46) of the annular forming member (44) is at a skew angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (32) of the mandrel (22) and a second position at which the plane (46) of the annular forming member (44) is normal to the longitudinal axis (32).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which couples to one jaw of a pair of jaws of an expandable jaw power tool to remotely apply and distribute expansion power of the pair of power jaws when the jaws are actuated. A sleeve or collar is fitted over one of the jaws of the pair of power jaws, the sleeve adapted to receive and support one end of a threaded shaft, the other end of which supports a power or pressure distributing member. The threaded shaft screw-couples into a tapped hole in the sleeve and impinges upon one side of the jaw over which the sleeve is fitted, locking the sleeve on to the jaw. Thrust or expansion power, normally applied between the two jaws upon expansion, is applied between one jaw and the remote power or pressure distributing member coupled to the locked sleeve.

Abstract: A spreader tool having opposed force arms separately pivotally mounted on a base member for annular movement in opposite directions in response to axial movement of a driven piston of an associated jack wherein the inner edges of the force arms bear upon roller means mounted on the forward end of the piston. The curve of the inner edge of the force arms is preferably so constructed that the angle at which a constant axial force of the piston is applied to the force arm by the roller means is always such that the force applied to the load by the force arm is constant.

Abstract: An alignment system for non-adjustable motor vehicle front end suspension systems, such as those employing McPherson struts, includes anchors for mounting, by appropriate adaptors, to the opposite side forward sheet metal portions of the vehicle to which the upper ends of associated McPherson struts are secured. An elongated adjustable length thrust member is operatively connected between the anchors and a support assembly is provided anchorable relative to one side of the associated vehicle. The support assembly includes an upper portion to which the adjacent alignment system anchor may be connected by means of an adjustable length anchor member and the support further includes an adjustable support member to which the adjacent wheel hub may be releasably anchored.