Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously manufacturing optical fiber cable in which optical fiber is encased by an hermetically sealed homogeneous metal tube formed from flat metal strips. A first assembly of mating rollers having successively different shapes forms the flat metal strip into a partially formed tube having a longitudinal gap. Optical fiber is guided through the gap to lie within the partially formed tube. The tube is then closed by a second assembly of mating rollers having successively different shapes. A laser beam is used to weld the seam closed without filler metal and without heat shielding between the seam and the optical fiber. The finished tubing with optical fiber therein is sunk by being drawn through wire dies to reduce the diameter. A wheel draws the tubing through the apparatus at constant speed to effect a uniform weld line.

Abstract: In a method for making thin-walled metal pipes, application of a pre-deformation to a metal sheet by plastic bending longitudinally perpendicular thereto, and forming the metal sheet into a pipelike shape by use of the widthwise curvature resulting from residual stress of the metal sheet receiving such plastic bending, when its lengthwise curvature is reduced to zero, the metal sheet being joined together at its junction.

Abstract: A hollow tubular structure having edges held in close proximity by residual compressive forces in the material forming the tubular structure is formed by first drawing a metal or metal alloy strip through a first die and forming an open tube section and then drawing the open tube section through a second die. The hollow tubular structures have particular utility in optical fiber communication cable constructions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a die device for forming tube from a metal band, wherein the die comprises a long die block comprising, lengthwise and passing through it, a conduit comprising an inlet orifice of larger cross section and an outlet orifice of smaller cross section. The conduit converges from the inlet orifice towards the outlet orifice. At the level of the inlet orifice, the conduit is of a width slightly greater than that of said metal band. As the planar metal band passes through the conduit, it is formed by the interior surface, or generatrices, of the conduit into a tube of the desired configuration. Means are provided for creating tubes of differing cross-sectional shapes, such as a square, or a circular configuration. The die block is removably mounted on a carriage, which carriage is movable horizontally in front of a horizontal mandrel driven in rotation. The tube created by passage through the die block is wound around the mandrel.

Abstract: A pipe mill and method comprises certain improvements in pipe mills of cage-type. Edge forming roll sets, usually mounted immediately downstream of the breakdown passes, are mounted for lateral movement to compensate for strip camber or lateral creep. In one form of the invention the edge forming rolls are adjustably fixed with respect to each other on a mounting plate which is suspended on a pivot. Movement of the edge forming rolls from side-to-side about the pivot is obtained by power steering each edge forming roll housing with the steering pivot located at the center of pressure of the edge forming roll set. The steering is controlled by a closed loop system utilizing sensors with a microprocessor. A taper pin lock holds the plate centered and against movement for threading purposes. Side push cylinder assemblies may be employed to center the plate for locking.

Abstract: To promote the forming performance of band material into pipes and to decrease the number of forming stages and changes of the forming rolls in the pipe mill, considering that it is superior when forming the band material into pipes of required diameters if the sectional shape of the band material is provided with a curved surface which changes its curvature continuously into the required diameter, we provide a curved roll surface of numerous curvatures changing continuously. In a continuous roll forming in accordance with the present invention, a forming roll having an approximate involute curve based upon a polygon comprising a plurality of sides is used. By using the conventional rolls in various combinations therewith in each stage of forming as a horizontal roll, side roll and upper intermediate roll or a cage roll, the number of stages of the forming roll can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously manufacturing optical fiber cable in which optical fiber is encased by an hermetically sealed homogeneous metal tube formed from flat metal strip. A first assembly of mating rollers having successively different shapes forms the flat metal strip into a partially formed tube having a longitudinal gap. Optical fiber is guided through the gap to lie within the partially formed tube. The tube is then closed by a second assembly of mating rollers having successively different shapes. A laser beam is used to weld the seam closed without filler metal and without heat shielding between the seam and the optical fiber. The finished tubing with optical fiber therein is sunk by being drawn through wire dies to reduce the diameter. A wheel draws the tubing through the apparatus at constant speed to effect a uniform weld line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming seam welded tubes in which the positions of cage rolls are adjusted in accordance with the thickness, substance and size of a material to be formed into a tube in a process for forming a tube blank for a seam-welded tube by using cage rolls.

Abstract: A method of lap welding an eventual can blank of a metal sheet or the like by passing a lap joint between the upper and lower roller electrodes via upper and lower wire electrodes to be heated and simultaneously applied pressure, thereby forming continuous thermal press bond sections, wherein the width of the contact surface of the upper and lower wire electrodes is set to three times the width of the lap joint, and the thermal press bond sections are formed by thermal press bonding without fusion, the center-to-center distance between adjacent thermal press bond sections being set to be in a range of 0.8.+-.0.2 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process by means of which to obtain hollow members from variegated longitudinal strips, longitudinally assembled. The hollow member obtained may either remain hollow or be provided with a removable core, and can be embodied in precious or semi-precious metals, or their alloys; strips of such materials are utilized to make up the various components of the hollow member's nominal cross section, and the end-product is a new type of multi-colored semi-finished article for use in the manufacture of high-class and costume jewelry, as well as in other fields such as the production of objects of art and/or general interior design.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus has an elevatable base that is moved up and down by an elevating mechanism. Carriages are movably mounted on the base on both sides of a forming pass line. Each carriage carries several side rolls that are disposed along the forming pass line. A pair of side roll position adjusting mechanisms are coupled to each carriage. The pair of side roll position adjusting mechanisms move a carriage back and forth to form the desired forming pass. An elevating mechanism is provided to move up and down the base so that the level and inclination of the forming pass line is set as desired.

Abstract: A guide rail serves for bringing together the edges of blanks of sheet metal rolled to form cylinders. The guide rail contains curved guide slots for the sheet metal edges. The guide slot bases are planar and converge toward the exit end of the guide rail. The sheet metal edges guided in the curved guide slots tend--after a first weld point has been made--to translate toward one another due to their innate elasticity.

Abstract: The device comprises several sets of shaped rollers disposed on parallel circumferences. The rollers of one of said sets are gauged and innerly define a circumference the diameter of which is equal to that of the cylindrical box-shaped elements to be shaped. In order to ensure a perfect welding of the cylindrical box-shaped elements, some of the gauged rollers are powered at a constant speed. These powered gauged rollers mesh with each other by means of their respective toothing and only one of them is powered by a powered toothed belt which moves the welded box-shaped elements away from the shaping device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a tube from a flat tape, more particularly for forming a shielding tape around a cable core, is disclosed. The tape is moved longitudinally along a straight path and simultaneously deflected laterally from a flat to a circular configuration around a mandrel, and the center of the tape is stressed over an eccentric ring attached to the outside surface of the mandrel in substantially inverse proportion to the stretch imparted to the tape during forming of the tube.

Abstract: An improvement in a continuous rolling mill for forming flat steel strip into tubing. The improvement is a strip preparation station including upper and lower composite roller systems. Each system has end rollers which define a pass path for the strip. The lower end rollers have a support surface for engaging the lower surface of the strip and an outer pocket with a lower transition surface extending between the support surface and the outer pocket. Each of the upper end rollers has an engagement surface for contacting the upper strip surface and an outer flange which terminates below the level of the support surface and extends into the pocket. Each upper end roller has a bevelled working surface adjoining the engagement surface and overlying at least a portion of the transition surface and a portion of the support surface for cold working the irregularities of the strip. A method of preparing a strip for formation into a tube in a continuous rolling mill is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of forming an electric welded steel tube, wherein a hot-rolled sheet is formed into a cylindrical shape, with the central portion thereof being lowered as the forming progresses, and thereafter, subjected to reduction in the circumferential direction of the tube by means of tandem type fin-pass rolls to be finished into the tube, the proper forming condition ranges capable of eliminating occurrence of edge waves in the tube seam edge portion and/or of cambers in the longitudinal direction of the tube by three forming conditions factors including the downhill value D.sub.H (downhill coefficient .eta.) of the hot-rolled sheet, the fin-pass total reduction R of the tandem type fin-pass rolls and the distribution of the fin-pass reduction (the distribution ratio .delta. of the first fin-pass reduction).

Abstract: A strip-bending mill is assembled from a set of interchangeable stages, each stage imparting a particular curvature of the strip; a group of stages so assembled, stepwise bending a particularly wide strip or skelp into a tube. For bending a different width strip or skelp, a different group of stages is assembled, but usually including some of the previously used stages in different positions. None of the stages are adjustable. Particular simple construction features are able to be achieved.

Abstract: A transition forming unit is provided for forming a strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies adjustably mounted on a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are adjustable in respect of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. A hold down assembly is provided for controlling the alignment of the U-shaped strip as it passes through the forming unit. The roll assemblies are mounted on each beam to absorb thrust loads produced during the forming process.

Abstract: A complementary pair of top and bottom rolls for the initial breakdown step of a skelp in the manufacture of welded tubular products by rolling. The bottom roll has a convex midportion, a pair of concave end portions, and a pair of straight border portions each lying between the midportion and one of the concave end portions. The top roll is shaped in complementary relation to the bottom roll to define therebetween a path for the skelp. The breakdown roll pair of the above configuration makes it possible to curl the opposite edge portions of the skelp into arcs of a desired radius without the usual defects of rolling, and in such a way that the skelp can be subsequently rounded and have its edges welded together into a tube of minimal out-of-roundness.

Abstract: A strip (56) of non-metallic material and one (59) of a metallic material are wrapped simultaneously about an advancing cable core (32) to enclose partially the core. Then longitudinal edge portions (71, 72) of the strip of non-metallic material are separated by a shoe (150) which permits movement of the edge portions in a direction circumferentially of the core. One longitudinal edge portion (72) of the non-metallic strip becomes confined in a guideway (118) of a tool (99) and longitudinal edge portions (73, 74) of the metallic strip (59) are guided along guideways (117, 118) of the tool as the strips are moved through a converging passageway (103). This controls the relative circumferential movement between the edge portions as the strips are moved through the passageway to form a core wrap (33) and a shield (34).

Abstract: A die member has a conical bore with a cylindrical extension, and a shallow groove in the conical bore; a conical mandrel with a cylindrical extension fills the conical bore, except for the groove which merges into an annular space between the cylindrical bore and the extension. A metal strip is pulled through the groove and the space is to be folded into a split tube.

Abstract: Controlling the bending of an overlapping edge portion of a metal shield of a cable core by supporting one side of an edge portion at a position along its feed path and applying pressure against the edge portion immediately downstream of and in a direction opposite to the support. Bending of the edge portion occurs immediately it has passed the support while the support dampers resiliency in the edge portion to prevent or lessen springback. Apparatus for bending is placed immediately upstream of the overlapping die and preferably includes means to vary the applied pressure. Hence, the desired orientation of the bent edge portion is obtainable by varying the pressure dependent upon the actual orientation as the overlapped shield leaves the die.

Abstract: For producing steel pipe from thick steel plate, an up-set shrinker is employed for reducing and processing an O-shaped pipe-blank in a facility for producing thick wall steel pipe. The up-set shrinker is provided with a plurality of reducing shrinker dies located around the pipe-blank in correspondence to parts other than abutting parts of the edges of the pipe-blank, and with at least one edge processing shrinker die located in correspondence to the butting parts of the edges of the pipe-blank. The edge processing shrinker die is formed at its die surface with a projecting portion over the length of the die. The edge processing shrinker die is actuated independently of the reducing shrinker dies.

Abstract: A process for producing large-sized steel pipe of rectangular or square configuration from a single plate includes providing a predetermined length of steel plate. The plate is bent to form a longitudinally extending base, opposed sidewalls and a top wall. The top wall is constituted by inwardly directed extensions of the sidewalls which terminate in spaced apart longitudinally extending edges. The sidewalls are angularly disposed relative to the base. At least one inner roller having outwardly facing substantially planar surfaces is positioned within the bent plate upon the base thereof. Outer rollers are positioned externally of the bent plate so as to be cooperable with the underside of the base and with the sidewalls. Relative longitudinal movement between the rollers and the bent plate is effected, the outer sidewall rollers are pressed against the planar surfaces of the inner rollers, and the longitudinally extending edges are brought into substantially abutting relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a substantially circular metallic shield (37) about a cable core (32) by wrapping a metallic tape (64) longitudinally about the core with longitudinal edge portions of the tape being overlapped by a forming key (100) to provide a closed seam (38). As the seam is formed, an underlying longitudinal edge portion (48) of the shield is supported while an overlying longitudinal edge portion (45) at the overlap is directed inwardly toward the cable core to preclude its protrusion into a jacket (39) which is subsequently extruded over the shielded cable core. A relatively thin strip (145) of metal attached to an inner surface of the forming key assures formation of the seam before juxtaposing the longitudinal edge portions and the core, and avoids penetration of a priorly formed inner shield by the longitudinal edge of the outer shield to prevent rotation of the inner shield and undesirable alignment of the shield seams.

Abstract: A process for producing large-sized square steel pipe includes the steps of continuously paying off steel plate from a roll of the same, removing strain from the plate while conveying the plate, and cutting the plate to predetermined lengths. The lengths of plate are successively bent into a shape resembling a rectangular or square pipe having corner portions with angles slightly larger the 90.degree.. The successive plates are tack-welded and opposed outer rollers are pressed against the outer sides of the plate while the plate is conveyed longitudinally thereof. The opposed edges of the plate are thereafter welded together by high frequency welding.

Abstract: A metal pipe forming mill progressively forms a flat metal sheet into a circular form along the mill axis by forming rolls including pairs of cage rolls. A cage-roll unit in this type of mill has a pair of movable bases disposed on both sides of the mill axis, with the space between the two movable bases being freely adjustable, and a pair of stands mounted on the movable bases, one on each. The stands rotatably support, on their surfaces facing the mill axis, two or more pairs of cage rolls, one pair following another along the mill line.

Abstract: A machine and method for forming line pipe is disclosed wherein small diameter roll elements not exceeding five times the thickness of the blank form a tube. The roll elements positioned in a pyramid roll assembly are dynamically adjustable toward and away from each other to provide different size line pipe, or similar tubular articles. The segments of the upper roll elements are mounted on cantilever arms, the leading edge of blank being deflected against the upper curved surface of the arms during the final stages of forming. The deflection is maintained within the elastic recovery limit of the metal. A rigid frame mounts the cantilever arm and other components. The frame includes a plurality of vertical bed plates and corresponding upper frame plates and cross tie members. A pusher mechanism pushes the sheet blank through the pyramid roll assembly. A multi-walled tube may be formed by providing the required additional length to the blank and continuation of the forming beyond 360.degree..

Abstract: Material is drawn from a roll of flat stock, passed through a pipe forming machine, and welded to provide a continuous length of pipe which is stored in a variable size loop. Pipe is withdrawn from the loop by means of a series of pipe straightening and feeding rollers which feeds the pipe to a bending machine. The bending machine is suspended from an overhead platform for rotation about a vertical axis and carries a shearing cutter so that multi-bend pipe sections, such as automobile exhaust pipes, may be bent, severed and dropped onto a conveyor for inspection and disposition while the pipe is being continuously formed from the flat stock. Distance between bends and plane of bend are respectively controlled by the pipe feeder and the bend machine rotation. Differences between forming and bending rates are compensated by varying the amount of pipe in the storage loop.

Abstract: A machine for automatically assembling radius elbows and/or O.G. sets, and the method of utilization of the machine. Four edge deformation effecting components, such as Pittsburg rollers or air hammers, are provided for interlocking edge configurations of ducts to be formed, the edge deformation components defining the corners of a vertical quadrate opening. Two of the components are mounted at the same vertical height above a fabrication table for movement relative to each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction of feed of duct pieces through the quadrate opening defined by the edge deforming components. The other two edge deformation components are located at substantially the same level as the rollers of the fabrication table, rollers of the fabrication table being disposed on either side of the vertical plane containing the four edge deformation components. The mounts for the edge deformation components are rotatable about vertical axes to accommodate O.G.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously transforming a flat metal strip into an elongated pipe, in which the strip is fed through a forming tool along a curved forming path wherein the longitudinal edge portions are progressively turned up into cross-sectionally arcuate portions leaving between a substantially cross-sectionally rectilinear section, the width of which progressively decreases during travel of the strip through the forming tool. The curved forming path in the tool is such that it has a radius of curvature R(z) in its longitudinal direction, the arcuate portions each having a radius r.sub.o and the decreasing width of said rectilinear section being 2x(z) (wherein z is the distance of travel through the tool). The radius of curvature R(z) is controlled in sole dependence on r.sub.o and the differential quotient x'(z).

Abstract: An assembly for maintaining alignment of a metal strip between successive roll forming means in an apparatus for forming a metal tube is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first set of roll forming means, which form the flat strip of metal into a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, and a second set of roll forming means which form the U-shaped strip into a generally annular cross-sectional configuration. The assembly includes a pair of cylindrical hold down rolls which engage the guide respective marginal edge portions of the U-shaped strip into the second set of roll forming means. The cylindrical hold down rolls are rotatably supported by appropriate shaft means. The end portions of each of the shaft means are supported by vertically adjustable bearing means for adjusting the angular disposition of the shaft and the associated cylindrical hold down roll with respect to the marginal edge portions of the formed strip of metal.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a metal pipe wherein a flat strip or skelp is formed into a cylindrical pipe while being fed in its longitudinal direction by a forming mill having a prefinishing stand, a train of forming stands for forming the skelp with a U-shaped cross section, and a train of finishing stands, the improvement wherein both edge surfaces of the skelp are caused to contact in substantially point contact recess-defining surfaces of concave V-shaped recess in pairs of forming rolls, the respective rolls which are disposed symmetrically in a plane normal to the pass line as the skelp moves through the train of forming stands along the line, and the skelp has a bending load applied by the forming rolls so as to form the skelp into a U-shaped skelp.

Abstract: The longitudinal welding seam of a tube is subjected to flexing to obtain strengthening by up and down bending followed by one or multiple stage rolling which in turn is followed by sizing.

Abstract: An improved roll former for imparting a predetermined symmetrical curve to an advancing elongated metal strip in a tube mill. The roll former includes two identical rollers, each having a contoured surface for contacting and shaping one half of the metal strip. Each roller is mounted on a shaft which extends substantially perpendicular to a form radius in a central region of the section being formed by such roller. The shafts are mounted for simultaneous pivotal adjustment in both the same direction about a point and in opposite directions about such point to compensate for camber in the strip and to receive different sized rollers.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating a helicoidal tube from a longitudinal flat and bendable strip includes a frame, and tube-forming means disposed on the frame for receiving the longitudinal flat strip. The strip is then formed into a tube which has a seam. Helicoid-forming means are disposed on the frame for receiving the tube and for the forming thereof into a helicoid.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a cable. The cable generally comprises a core sheathed with a metal tape. A plastic jacket, e.g., polyethylene, is extruded over the sheath. The apparatus includes a self-tracking edge forming apparatus which bends the longitudinal edges of the tape. When the tape is overlapped over the core, the bent edges provide intimate control in the overlap area to promote proper sealing to eliminate failure of the cable jacket through a "zippering" effect. The edge forming apparatus may comprise a movable and a fixed forming roller, one of the forming rollers having a surface with flanged ends and the other surface having a surface that facially conforms to the curvatures of the flanged roller, and adjusting means to move the first roller relative to the second roller. The edge forming apparatus is self-tracking because it is mounted on a base comprising apparatus to movably adjust the edge forming apparatus in relation to lateral movement of the metal tape as it is pulled along the tape path.