Patent ID: 8474292
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for straightening a tubes extending along a tube axis, the apparatus comprising: a radially expandable mandrel; means for relatively axially shifting the mandrel and the tube while expanding the mandrel to radially expand and plastically deform the tube at the mandrel; two outer straightening elements bearing radially inward against the tube at respective outer points thereon axially spaced from and flanking the mandrel and radially substantially nonmovable relative to the mandrel; a central element bearing radially inward on the tube at a central point axially level with the mandrel and between the outer points; a common frame carrying all of the straightening elements; and means for radially inwardly shifting one of the straightening elements on the frame relative to the other two straightening elements so as to apply radially directed bending forces to the tube and thereby straighten a section of the tube lying between the outer points.