Patent ID: 6422271
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B21F

Abstract:
A clamp ring manufacturing apparatus for coupling a rib wire to spine wire and for forming ribs from the rib wire, the clamp ring manufacturing apparatus comprising:first and second die assemblies having: first and second electrodes; and first and second dies spaced apart to receive the rib and spine wires; an actuator coupled to the first die and first electrode, the first die and first electrode movable by the actuator between a first position in which the rib and spine wires are held between the first and second electrodes and a second position in which the rib and spine wires have clearance to move between the first and second electrodes; and a spring biasing the first die assembly away from the second die assembly, the spring having a selected separating force exerted upon the first and second die assemblies corresponding to a desired compression force exerted upon the rib and spine wires; the first die at least partially defining a recess cooperating with the second die to bend the rib wire between the first and second dies in the first position of the rib wire.