Patent ID: 6460236
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: B21C,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for producing a wrapped slip tube of a desired diameter from ribbon material fed in along a feeding axis, while said wrapped slip tube exits along an exits axis, said feeding axis and said exit axis forming an angle therebetween, said ribbon material consisting of metal at least in part and having lateral edges, the apparatus comprising:profiling means for deforming said lateral edges into seamed edges; at least one guiding means for guiding said ribbon material when provided with said seamed edges; bending means for deforming said ribbon material into a helical partial surface of a cylindrical shell and for interengaging said seamed edges, said bending means comprising: a deforming surface formed on a flexible forming ribbon which has a contact surface for contacting said ribbon material, and said contact surface is made of plastic material, said forming ribbon joining said at least one guiding means for guiding the ribbon material provided with said seamed edges into a helical path thereby interengaging said seamed edges in cooperation with said guiding means; seam closing device for closing said interengaged seamed edges by pressing said seamed edges together; cutting means for cutting off produced portions of said tubes; and further comprising sustainer means substantially extending along said feeding axis being pivotally mounted for holding at least said profiling means, said at least one guiding means and said deforming surface being pivotable relative to said exit axis, said angle between the feeding axis and the exit axis is adaptable to the desired diameter by pivoting said sustainer means.