Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a press-formed product. The method includes: a first process of preparing a material that is long in a first direction, and when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-section is a hollow cross-section that is long in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second process of bending the material in a direction intersecting the second direction when viewed from the first direction, by pressing the material along the second direction.

Abstract: A method for producing a torsional profile from a tubular hollow profile, the torsional profile being provided, over its entire length, with spaced-apart walls, is provided. The method includes placing the tubular hollow profile into a first deformation die, positioning the ends of the tubular hollow profile in the first deformation die by means of in each case one tapering first mandrel which extends into a torsional region, positioning the tubular hollow profile over its longitudinal extent in the first deformation die, deforming the tubular hollow profile over its longitudinal extent in the torsional region by means of a first punch, with a reduction in the tube cross-sectional area in the torsional region, and removing the first punch and the first mandrels.

Abstract: A device for shaping a blank into a hollow profiled element can include at least one base plate, onto which the blank that is to be shaped can be placed, at least one die core for the hollow profiled element, and at least two die halves for shaping the blank into the hollow profiled element. A method can include producing a hollow profiled element with at least one molded-on stiffening and/or functional element made from a blank. Hollow profiled elements can be produced at low cost, but at the same time ensure high reliability of a process where different hollow profiled elements are joined together by a generic device, wherein at least one form punch is provided for introducing an element structure into the planar blank that can be shaped and/or fixed into a stiffening and/or functional element.

Abstract: A method for forming heat exchanger plates (10) comprises formation of a fluid flow channel (28) along the edges (22) of a sheet metal strip or blank, and formation of a pair of raised end bosses. The raised end bosses (32) are elongated in the longitudinal dimension and are formed within the final width dimension of the plate so as to avoid the need for trimming of excess material along the edges of the plate. The method generates less scrap than prior art processes using progressive stamping, and also permits variation of the plate lengths.

Abstract: A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member. Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding mating profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shaping a blank into a hollow profiled element comprising at least one base plate, onto which the blank that is to be shaped can be placed, at least one die core for the hollow profiled element and at least two die halves for shaping the blank into the hollow profiled element, as well as a method for producing a hollow profiled element with at least one molded-on stiffening and/or functional element made from a blank.

Abstract: A heavy-duty hose clamp installation tool is described. A pair of lever arms operates a pair of jaw members to engage a pinch clamp ear. The installation tool includes a pair of jaw members with clamp edges forming a lip for receiving the clamp ears. A pair of extension arms connects the jaw members to a pair of lever arms. The extension arms are pivotally interconnected intermediate the jaw member section so that closing the handle ends of the lever arms translates the jaw members towards a closed position thereof, thus squeezing the clamp ear. Once the ear of the clamp is crimped, an auxiliary form punch is used to flatten the ear, resulting in a tighter clamp configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a tube having an inverted cross section and the resulting tube made thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a beam member for a torsion beam in a rear wheel suspension system of an automobile wherein said apparatus includes top and bottom dies for forming a U-shaped or V-shaped section and an extension section of the beam member, upper and lower pad-dies coupled to top and bottom dies for forming a rectangular section of the beam member before operation of the top and bottom dies, and left and fight cams installed at both sides of a pipe so as to be horizontally inserted into the pipe by a hydraulic cylinder for maintaining inner shapes of the extension section and the rectangular section, said cams preventing both distortion and wrinkling from occurring on the rectangular section and the extension section of the beam upon operation of the top and bottom dies, thereby allowing the beam member to be formed to have different cross sections at different portions of the beam with complete symmetry, by a single process.

Abstract: A method for producing, by forming techniques, an undercut profile in the outer circumferential face of cylinder liners to be cast in place in a crankcase, characterized by the introduction of a bracing inner core into the cavity of a cylinder liner, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a first forming die equipped on its working faces with a serrated profile, the pressing of the first forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner, thus producing a complementary profile in the outer circumferential face, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a second forming die equipped on its working faces with a smooth surface, and the pressing of the second forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner equipped with the complementary profile.

Abstract: A bending head for bending of metallic hollow profile strips (2) in the production of spacer frames for insulating glass panes has a bending abutment (5) and a bending cheek (7). The bending abutment (5) can be placed by swivelling against one side of the section of the hollow profile strip (2) to be bent, conversely the bending cheek (7) can be placed from the outside against the hollow profile strip (2). In the execution of the bending process the bending abutment (5) and the bending cheek (7) are moved at the same time and hold the section of the hollow profile strip (2) to be bent between themselves.

Abstract: An intermediate molding (41) is formed so that a cylindrical arm-to-be portion (42) projects from the cylindrical outer surface of a body portion (13) of the arm-to-be portion (42). The arm-to-be portion (42) has a given thickness and a hole (42a) with a diameter greater than the inner diameter of a projecting connector portion (20) of an arm portion (15). A pair of flat face portions (42b) extending parallel to the axis of the body portion (13) are formed on the cylindrical outer surface of the arm-to-be portion (42). A tap (44) that has an external thread (43) formed along its cylindrical outer surface is inserted into the hole (42a) of the arm-to-be portion (42). Concave faces (49),(49) are concaves respectively formed on the opposing surfaces of an upper die (47) and a lower die (48) so as to have a shape like a half cylinder with a curvature corresponding to that of the cylindrical outer surface of the projecting connector portion (20).

Abstract: A mandrel for insertion into a pipe prevents distortion and buckling while bending the pipe. The mandrel comprises three or more radial support members distributed along a longitudinal extent of the mandrel. A first radial support member is located at a first end of the mandrel. A second radial support member is located at a second end of the mandrel. At least one intermediate radial support member is located between the first and second radial support members. A channel is formed in the at least one intermediate radial support member. A leaf spring extends along the longitudinal extent of the mandrel, and the leaf spring is located within the radial support member channel. The leaf spring has a first and second spring end. A first end bolt attaches the first spring end to the first radial support member. A second end bolt attaches the second spring end to the second radial support member. A compliant member attaches to the leaf spring by a compliant member bolt.

Abstract: In a method of bending a pipe material, in order to use an apparatus, such as a press, and prevent the pipe material from being made thin and cracks from being generated, one side of a cylindrical pipe material is firmly held by a first clamp and another side thereof is loosely held by a second clamp. The clamp is relatively moved downward with respect to the clamp. At this time, pressing force is applied to the pipe material in an axial direction from both ends thereof. The pipe material is plastically deformed by being guided by one quarter spherical surface of a first mandrel and one quarter spherical surface of a second mandrel, whereby two bent portions and an intermediate straight portion are formed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a hollow rack bar wherein the load imposed on the rack teeth configuration of a forming die is reduced and precision level of the formation of rack teeth is improved. After the formation of a flat portion, a steel pipe is placed in the forming die having a rack-teeth configuration and a plurality of mandrels having extruding portions of different sizes are sequentially inserted into the steel pipe in order to form rack teeth. A mandrel having a planar extruding portion is firstly inserted and then a mandrel having an extruding portion with an approximately central depression in the longitudinal direction is inserted. The width of the mandrels is smaller than the inside diameter of the steel pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bending device (10) comprising two shaping dies (12, 14) with shaping chambers (22, 24) in order to round a sheet bar (26) about a core (16). The peripheral lengths of the two shaping chambers (22, 24) are each longer than half the bushing circumference. During a pre-shaping step, the core (16) penetrates a first chamber (22) by a depth which is greater than the bushing radius. The sheet bar (26) is thus shaped in the form of a U. In an intermediate shaping stage, an auxiliary core (18) is placed on the core (16) such that, as the second shaping die (14) moves downwards, only the end of the U-legs of the sheet bar blank (26) are shaped arcuately. When the auxiliary core (18) and part (20) of the first shaping die (12) have been removed, the final bushing shaping process occurs, in which the second shaping die (14) likewise travels over the center of the bushing. The three-stage bending method enables a bushing to be rounded highly accurately and carefully.

Abstract: An earring clip spring assembly has a strip of spring metal which is bent to have a pair of spring arms connected to each other by a closed U-shaped portion. An opening through the omega shaped portion receives a pin which holds the spring to an earring clip. A method of making the bent earring clip has two sets of dies for bending the clip in separate steps into its final shape.

Abstract: A three-dimensional simple flexible mould for bending pipes comprised of a plurality of arciform or half-circled spring elements, pins and chucking rings for being a protecting mould in a three-dimensional pipe bending process. The two ends of every spring element have two lapping portions with a hole both or respectively with a hole and a snap mouth or with a snap mouth both for receiving two pins therein. The spring elements are strung with pins to form a spiral spring typed flexible mould. Thereby, a straight pipe to be bent can be placed for being processed by a three-dimensional pipe bending process with a pipe bending machine. The spring elements can scatter the stress in bending. Thus can increase the bending strength of the pipe under bending moment. The bending process and detachment of the mould are simple and can improve the technique of processing in making artistic pipes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional simple flexible mould for bending pipes comprised of a plurality of arciform or half-circled spring elements, pins and chucking rings for being a protecting mould in a three-dimensional pipe bending process. The two ends of every spring element have two lapping portions each with a hole for insertion of two common pins therethrough. One of the lapping portions on each of the spring elements is lapped over one of the lapping portions of the neighbored one of the spring elements at one side of the spring element and the other over another of the lapping portions of another neighbored one of the spring elements at the other side thereof. Such that said spring elements are strung to be in the form of a spiral spring typed flexible mould. The pins are provided on the two open ends thereof with annular grooves for engagement by the chucking rings to prevent the spring elements from dropping.

Abstract: An easy removed die core device used for cold swaging comprising a mandrel, two end supporting members, an outer spring and a plurality of inner springs, wherein, the mandrel is extended into the position between the two end supporting members which are provided with coaxial stepped stubs, each stub is provided with a C shaped locking ring, so that the inner and the outer springs can engage each with a stub in a coaxial arrangement, and can resist the swaging force by their inherent resiliency; the end supporting members are provided each with a cam lever which is used to mount or dismantle the inner and the outer springs between the end supporting members in a easy way, while the threads on the outer spring has on the lateral shoulders thereof cutting angles, so that when the springs are drawn out of the inner wall of the shaped workpiece, the rough edges on the inner wall formed during forging can be planed simultaneously thereby, thus the objects of easy removing the die core device and rough edges planing

Abstract: A tubular member to be shaped comprises a first portion to be shaped and a second portion other than the first portion. A punch having a projection is inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is pressed between a die having a recess and an anvil within a range where elastic deformation of the second portion occurs, to thereby form the first portion into an outwardly projecting portion. When the first portion is to be formed into an inwardly projecting portion, a die having a recess is inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is pressed between a punch having a projection and an anvil within a range where elastic deformation of the second portion occurs, to thereby form the first portion into the inwardly projecting portion.

Abstract: A method for forging a die core with a given shape for manufacturing metallic hollow pipes with a thin wall, the method is completed by using a hollow can shaped plastic film loaded with a filler, the plastic film is endued with embossment in conformity with the shape of a desired shaped pipe wall; the filler can be chosen from three kinds, i.e., the liquid, plastic and heat resistant fillers, to be filled in the plastic film, an opening of the plastic film is then sealed; fast freeze the liquid filler to form a frozen die core, cool the plastic filler to form a plastic die core, or insert a heat resistant steel post in the heat resistant filler and then bake or sinter to harden it to shape the heat resistant die core for hot forging.

Abstract: A method and machine for manufacturing compression rings in which flat band material is fed to a stamping station from a feed station, a blank is stamped out with a mechanical connection having male and female configurations at opposite ends, the blank is then fed to a deformation machine where it is displaced into the several axial positions of the machine in which, in a first position, the blank is predeformed into configuration permitting closing of the mechanical connection in a second position in which the blank is also deformed into its circular configuration. Preferably the thus-deformed and closed compression ring is then subjected to a swaging action in a third position before it is ejected out of the machine.

Abstract: Reformation of a round tube to a tube with a selected polygonal segment is achieved by supporting the round tube on a mandrel having rounded corners that mate with the tube's inside diameter. The mandrel is otherwise provided in the resultant polygonal shape. The supported tube is subjected to the compressive force of a die having upper and lower die sections that define an elongated polygonal cavity. The planar sides of the cavity are offset relative to the parting line. Preferably, the corners of the cavity adjacent the parting line are wrapped by a leg of the die section. Upon closure of the die sections, the tube material is allocated to a particular quadrant by contact with the die section and the tube is reformed. Excess material that may result from tolerance permitted variations is delivered to the corners of the polygonal tube section maintaining uniform wall thickness across the flat sides of the reformed tube.

Abstract: A method of reducing the end portion of a pipe to a smaller diameter of exact and smooth dimensions for fitting therein a roller contact bearing comprises the steps of; inserting into the end to be reduced a mandrel of an outside diameter coextensive with that of the bearing to be inserted and of a length coextensive with the predesignated length of the reduced portion; placing the pipe together with the inserted mandrel into a split die having a first portion of a length coextensive with that of the predesignated reduced length of the pipe and of an inner diameter coextensive with the predesignated outer diameter of the pipe, and a second portion of a diameter at least coextensive with the original diameter of the pipe; and placing the die and the pipe into a press for compressing the pipe end by means of the die and the mandrel.

Abstract: A clip and process for its manufacture includes feeding a strip into a cutting and bending machine. The strip is formed into blanks such that one end of the blank has two prongs. The border of the area between the prongs on the first end matches the outline of the prong on the second end. The clip is then bent into a C-shape and the prongs are bent inwardly.

Abstract: A shaping device for corrugating a tube includes at least one mandrel which is radially expansible and has a body associated with at least one relatively resilient arm which carries on its surface an impression whose profile corresponds to the profile of the corrugation to be obtained, and an axially movable locking member for causing the mandrel to move from a retracted position to an outer position in which the locking member immobilizes the mandrel, and hammers. The hammers, the tube and the mandrel-locking member are adapted to be subjected to relative rotations about their common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A header for an automotive air conditioner evaporator is made from a cut-off length of a cylindrical aluminum tube (10), one end of which is clamped on a cylindrical arbor (11) so that a header region (20) of the tube can be pressed into a generally rectangular shape in a channel-shaped forming tool (15). While confined within the forming tool, a forming arbor (25) having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape is pressed into header region (20) to conform the header region to the shape of forming arbor (25) and the confines of forming tool (15).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for consolidating and sintering a tube preform (12) previously fabricated by powder metallurgical techniques. A plurality of forming dies (22, 24) and movable mandrels (30, 32) cooperate to form tube consolidation zone (58,60). One-way tube gripping means (42) permit the tube (12) to progress through the apparatus (10) by the retraction of the mandrels (30, 32) while preventing the tube (12) from retreating back into the zone (58) when the mandrel (30, 32) is advanced. Heating coils (18A, 18B and 18C) heat the tube (12) to sinter it and cause it to expand clear of the mandrels (30, 32). The tube (12) is reduced in diameter and consolidated to greater than 90% theoretical density.

Abstract: A tubular metal workpiece undergoes radial forging employing shrink forming. A multiplicity of dies are arranged circumferentially around the workpiece and urged radially inwardly in a first shrink forming pass to decrease the diameter of the workpiece. The dies are retracted, the workpiece is rotated slightly and another shrink forming pass is performed. The workpiece is then advanced axially, and the procedure described above is repeated. Procedures are employed to prevent torsional deformation and radially outward extrusion of metal in the gaps between adjacent dies.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending a light gauge, profiled, metal panel to a curved shape, including an anvil mounted on a frame and having a part-annular surface, an arm mounted for pivotal movement about the center of curvature of the part-annular surface, a roller carried by the arm at a position spaced from the center and rotatable about its own axis, so that it can roll in an arc adjacent the annular surface, a mandrel carried by the arm for movement therewith at a location between the roller and surface, the mandrel comprising a plurality of blocks each having its length parallel to the roller axis, the blocks being juxtaposed in side-by-side relation and each shaped to conform to the profile of the panel to be bent, and at least one flexible element passing through all of the blocks and loosely holding them in juxtaposed relation, but allowing slight relative movement whereby, in use, with the mandrel engaged in the profile of a panel to be bent, the mandrel acts as a shape retaining member for the profiled panel,

Abstract: A brake shoe resizer characterized as a hydraulically operated die which includes a groove presenting a shape corresponding to the area of the ribs surrounding the openings for the brake shoe anchor pin. Guide and/or stop means are provided for positioning and/or checking purposes during the reworking operation. The latter includes introduction of a guide pin into the openings for the anchor pin and the successive reshaping of each such openings after the selective heating of the areas around the anchor pin openings prior to die or reforming action. The overall assembly further includes structure for reshaping the curvature of the brake shoe, if necessary, and, as well, the spacing between the ribs presented on the brake shoe.

Abstract: The forming punch (18) comprises two planar surfaces (20, 22) interconnected by an edge (23), two portions of a cylinder which passes through the edge (23) and a curved surface centered on this edge. This punch (18) is inserted in the tube to the point of the tube to be deformed and then the tube is compressed between a V-shaped groove (34) in a die (36) and a curved groove (40) in a compression member (38). The punch (18) is thereafter withdrawn from the tube by axially sliding the punch out of the latter.

Abstract: Curved metal structures such as cylinders, circumferential parts of cylinders, tubes, and circumferential parts of tubes formed from flat stock have reformed protrusions in limited areas in order more accurately to position mating parts. The flat stock is formed to its cylindrical or tubular shape with known onestroke die-mandrel techniques, and near and at the end of the forming process there also is a concurrent precision reforming of limited sections of the formed stock by localized radial thinning of the material. When precisely-located radial and axial surfaces are desired at an end of the structure, then this is done at an axial end at least by related localized elongation and cold working of material into contact with a die wall. When a precise internal surface is desired, the reforming and cold working can be done at a substantial distance from the end.

Abstract: A mandrel for the production of internally profiled, specially threaded tubes or cylinders (2) by the cold forging of tube shaped forging blank (2) around a profiled mandrel (3) by cold forging the workpiece (2) from its one end to the opposite end. The threaded mandrel is parted at or near its axial center and both halves (3a, 3b) are held together axially free under a given radial play. Both ends (8, 13) of the mandrel halves are shaped for the application of a spanner. The mandrel halves can be shaped slightly conical from the ends in towards the parting line, and the flanks of the mandrel threads (14, 15) can be ground so that the threads thicken slightly and continously from the parting line and outwardly towards the mandrel's ends. The thread depth in the mandrel can be slightly deeper than the required thread height on the cold forged tube or product.

Abstract: A mandrel for the production of internally threaded tubes or cylinders by the cold forging of a forging blank (3) around an externally threaded mandrel (2). The mandrel is formed with a conicity of 0.2-1.0% or preferably 0.4-0.7% and the flanks of the mandrel's threads can be ground so that the thread width is least at the mandrel's narrow end. The reduction of flank width can be 0.1-0.4% of preferably 0.2-0.3% for a length unit of the mandrel with the above named conicity. Preferably even the inner diameter of the mandrel's thread is made 0-0.5% less than the required inside diameter in the tube's or cylinder's thread.

Abstract: A method and tool for cold forging or cold hammering of internally profiled tubes, whereby a forging blank (2) is while rotated, forged by the action of a number of forging hammers (4), whereby the workpiece (2) as a result of material displacement is formed around a profiling mandrel (3). Before cold forging, the mandrel (3) is adjusted with its axial center (c--c) to a position axially to the side of the forging blank's (2) axial center (c'--c') at a distance equal to half the rolled billets extension during cold forging, and in the direction away from the forging hammers' start position. The apparatus comprises an end socket (5) and a driver (10) between which both the workpiece (2) and mandrel (3) are arranged to be clamped.

Abstract: A stiff ring useful for such purposes as electric motor housings. The ring is a single piece, usually having a ratio of diameter to wall thickness less than about 40:1. The ring consists of a single piece of steel cut from a continuous strip having a tongue at one end and a recess at the other. These have interfering tapered locking segments to prevent separation, and are interlinked with one another. The process for making the ring comprises forming the strip in a U-shape around a cylindrical mandrel by interaction with a first half cylindrical die part, and then while holding the bent strip with the mandrel and first die part pressing the free ends so that they symmetrically pass along the inside surface of a second semi-cylindrical die part with the interlocking ends of the strip shaped and riding the die in such a manner that the tongue and recess inter-engage one another with a minimum of physical interference.

Abstract: A method of making cylindrical rotor coil for use in coreless motors is provided whereby the coil is of a reduced thickness with compressed coil turns enabling the stator magnetic gap distance to be reduced, thus enabling a higher flux density to be utilized highly efficiently in the gap. A radially inward force is applied to a cylindrically wound coil of an insulation coated wire so as to act against the outer periphery of the cylindrical coil, whereby respective turns of the wire are compressed together and flattened on their portions defining the respective peripheries. The force application is preferably repeated while varying the relative position of the cylindrical coil in its peripheral directions to the applied force. A mandrel is inserted into the coil before the coil is compressed. The outer diameter of the mandrel is less than the inner diameter of the coil so that the inner and outer diameters of the coil is compressed radially inwardly against the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of lining a cylindrical bore for instance of an internal combustion engine with a thin-walled liner. Initially, a strip of material is cut to such a length that when formed into a cylindrical liner of external diameter equal to that of the unlined bore the liner is subjected to hoop-stress. The cut strip is pressed into a semi-circular groove in a jig-plate with a mandrel of at least part-circular form, and then two jig cheek-pieces each defining a quadrant-shaped groove are moved to deform the strip into a cylindrical shape. During this, the strip is held in the groove in the jig-plate for instance by electromagnets let into the jig-plate, or by a vacuum-holding technique. The grooves respectively in the jig-plate and jig-cheek pieces together define a cylinder of the same diameter as the bore to be lined, so that the liner is subjected to hoop-stress while in the jig.

Abstract: A hydraulic wedge mandrel is disclosed for supporting top and bottom cylindrical segments of pipe during cold bending of the pipe. Bottom and top assemblies (14) and (16) are vertically movable to and away from each other for expanding and collapsing the mandrel. Bottom and top arcuate support segments (18) and (22) support the bottom and top assemblies (14) and (16) respectively. Bottom spring plate (20) is mounted to bottom arcuate support segments (18) opposite bottom assembly (14) and top spring plate (24) is mounted to top arcuate support segments (22) opposite top assembly (16). Secured to the top of bottom spring plate (20) and the bottom of top spring plate (24) are a plurality of wedges (28).

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus for bending thin wall pipe used in oil and gas pipelines. The apparatus includes a housing section with an upper bending die connected to its frame. Mounted within the housing section are a pair of flexible external bending shoe assemblies for clamping around the external surface of that section of pipe to be bent. The apparatus further includes a flexible mandrel aligned between the external bending shoe assemblies and adapted for being inserted into the pipe and expanded during bending operations. A positioning assembly is also connected between the mandrel and the housing section for accurately positioning the mandrel in the pipe and moving the pipe with respect to the apparatus while insuring that the bend is properly aligned. The mandrel further includes a series of slidably mounted shoe assemblies which move in a toggle-like manner to engage the inner surface of the pipe.

Abstract: Method of producing tube bends of a given diameter and substantially uniform wall thickness from a straight tube having a diameter smaller than the given diameter, which includes re-shaping at least one end of the straight tube with a work-tool to form tangentially directed cylindrical leg extensions of equal tube bend cross section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for feeding an auxiliary tool into the working zone of a press and can be used most efficiently in hydraulic free-forging presses. The device comprises a body in the form of a horizontally-movable platform located close to a supporting element and mounting a number of tool rods which are set with a provision for being moved relative to the platform by a discrete feed mechanism and for turning in a vertical plane around the supporting element. This layout of the device broadens considerably the technological capabilities of the press and reduces the manual labor and the time spent for feeding the tool.

Abstract: A heavy duty pipe spreader to open formed steel-line pipe, approximately 40 feet long, of approximately 0.250 to 0.750 wall thickness, so as to obtain an approximate 2 inch permanent edge separation prior to O.D. sub-arc welding. The pipe spreader is comprised of an approximately 45 feet long boom, pivotally supported at one end by a vertically adjustable base support and intermediate its length by four hydraulically actuated devices under the boom and mounted to the floor; these devices retract as the pipe telescopes onto the boom. A device at the extreme front of the unit centers and assists in stabilizing the pipe and unit during spreading. The pipe is received on five support rollers, the first of which drives the other four, and all of which are fixed in place and rotate only to move pipe over the vertically adjustable boom. Attached to the boom structure are five sets of pivoted arms which are operated by wedge devices attached to a center pull rod.