Patent ID: 9555460
Date: 2017-01-31
CPC Classifications: B21D,B23P,Y10T

Claim:
1. A method for forming a split link assembly for use in a flexible tube bending mandrel comprising the steps of: a) positioning a plurality of metallic bars along their longitudinal length such that each one of the plurality of metallic bars make contact with at least one of the plurality of metallic bars on a flat surface to form a bar assembly; b) drilling at least one hole in the bar assembly at a predetermined location; c) tapping the at least one hole to a predetermined thread size; d) inserting at least one set screw in the at least one hole; e) machining a portion of the bar assembly to form a split link assembly having a head portion; f) cutting the split link assembly from the bar assembly; g) repeating steps e) through f) until the bar assembly is spent; and h) machining the split link assembly to form a base portion having threads on its outer surface to engage with a head portion of another split link.