Patent Publication Number: US-3875653-A

Title: Swaging machine for end portion assembling of elongated workpieces

Description:
United States Patent [1 1 Schoepe et al.  
 l l SWAGING MACHINE FOR END PORTION ASSEMBLING OF ELONGATED WORKPIECES [76} Inventors: Adolf Schoepe, 1620 N. Raymond Ave., Fullerton. Calif; Fredric E.  
 Schmuck, 535 Century Dr., Anaheim, Calif. 92805 22 Filed: May 3, 1974 2: Appl. No.: 466,623  
 Primary Examiner- Lowell A. Larson Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Mahoncy, Schick &amp; Cislo [57] ABSTRACT An elongated tubular workpiece is positioned length- [451 Apr. 8, 1975 wise vertically with the upper end portion engaged with a force absorbing support and the lower end portion engaged by a reforming device, while the workpiece remains effectively unsupported between the end portions. The reforming device includes a vertically movable punch impacted by a fluid propelled impact member driving the punch with a predetermined impact force penetrating upwardly into and reforming the workpiece lower end, for instance, at least partially transversely outwardly into engagement with a telescoping outer workpiece part. At the time of the impact force against the workpiece lower end, a freely vertically movable weight of the force absorbing support is resting downwardly against the workpiece upper end portion and reacts to that portion of the impact force transmitted upwardly through the workpiece, the weight moving upwardly away from the workpiece upper end portion absorbing a sufficient part of the impact force preventing transverse deformation of the workpiece transversely unsupported portion. As the weight moves upwardly, it is snubbed by an electromagnet retained above the workpiece upper end portion and the punch is forceably withdrawn from the workpiece lower end portion by downward movement thereof, both ready for positioning for a next workpiece reforming operation.  
 EATENTEUAFR 8 ENE Fig. l.  
 8M1 1 Uf 8 Fig. 2.  
 PATENTEDAPR BIQYS SLLU 3 BF 8 Fig. 4.  
 PATENTEUAPR 3.875.658  
 Fig. 5.  
 PATEN IEU 81975 LIL 8 U? L SWAGlNG MACHINE FOR END PORTION ASSEMBLING OF ELONGATED WORKPIECES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a machine for the reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece which operation requires an extensive force at a first workpiece end portion at least part of which is transmitted lengthwise through the workpiece while the workpiece remains effectively unsupported between the end portions so that the reforming force can only have the required resistance to accomplish the reforming applied at the second workpiece end portion. According to the present invention. through the application of the reforming force as an impact force and workpiece end portion resisting the same by a unique yieldable resistance, the reforming may be carried out with a required magnitude of reforming force that normally would distort the workpiece unsupported portion between the workpiece end portions, yet without such distortion The overall result is that the required reforming operation is efficiently accomplished without prohibitive workpiece damage.  
  There are many occasions in the assembly of workpieces into final product form where it is desirable to reform a workpiece in a relatively severe manner, yet due to the workpiece configuration and its particular location in the assembly, workpiece support during the reforming operation is difficult. in such instances, it has heretofore been necessary to either modify the workpiece reforming into a less secure and, in most cases, far less desirable final assembly or redesign and modify the particular workpiece or workpieces into a more complex and expensive final form. Frequent incidences of this type are encountered where elongated workpieces must be used in the assembly and which require reforming of an end portion thereof to secure the same into the assembly, yet the reforming operation cannot be carried out until the elongated workpiece has been telescoped by outer, more fragile and virtually unsupporting parts of the final assembly. This means that during the elongated workpiece end portion reforming, those parts of the reforming force transmitted through the elongated workpiece can only be resisted by some support at the opposite end of the workpiece, the intermediate portions being cffectively unsupported. thereby subjecting the workpiece to the dangers of intermediate distortion if a severe reforming force is applied,  
  A prime example of these exact problems being encountered is presented in the assembly of ballcocks usable for the water level control in flush tanks. In such ballcock assemblies. assuming that the ballcock is of the frequently plumbing code required anti-syphon form, a typical assembly would include an enlarged water inlet connector secured in communication with a relatively long, small diameter water inlet tube which is secured at an opposite end in communication with an enlarged valve assembly. Extending between the enlarged water inlet connector and the enlarged valve assembly is a water outlet tube which telescopes the water inlet tube between the enlarged water inlet connector and valve assembly so to completely shield the water inlet tube from access after assembly. The en larged water connector, the water inlet tube and the various parts of the valve assembly to which the water inlet tube is connected are, of course, usually formed of appropriate metals, the water inlet tube usually being of copper for anti-corrosion, and the telescoping water outlet tube is formed of plastic for both economy and, more important, its sound deadening qualities to aid in muffling the sounds of water flow and exiting. Furthermore, this plastic water outlet tube will frequently be telescoped by the ball cock float which moves vertically along the length thereof and is guided by the water outlet tube in such movement.  
  In the ballcock assembly procedure, the enlarged water inlet connector is secured to the one end of the water inlet tube by telescoping and soldering, this being possible due to the free outward access to the parts at this stage of assembly. Next, however, in view of the fact that the valve assembly is also enlarged, before securing the valve assembly to the opposite end of the water inlet tube, it is first necessary to telescopically as semble the plastic water outlet tube over the water inlet tube and the ballcock float over the plastic water outlet tube. Thus, when the parts of the valve assembly necessary of connection to the opposite end of the water inlet tube are brought into position telescoping the opposite end portion of the water inlet tube inwardly of the water outlet tube, and outwardly covering or telescoping an end of the water outlet tube, the location of the necessary sealed securement between the water inlet tube and the valve assembly parts is totally shielded by the plastic water outlet tube except internally of the valve assembly parts and lengthwise of the water inlet tube.  
  The ideal form of connection between the water inlet tube and the valve assembly parts, the end portion of the water inlet tube being telescoped by the valve assembly parts, is the reforming of the water inlet tube end portion. Such reforming, however, requires forces of relatively large magnitude which must be applied lengthwise of the water inlet tube end portion. Such reforming forces, due to the described assembly, can only be resisted sufficient to carry out the reforming operation at the opposite end portion of the water inlet tube or, with the enlarged water inlet connector secured thereto, at this water inlet connector. This presents the problem ofjust how to apply the necessary magnitude of reforming force against the valve assembly end portion of the water inlet tube and resisting this reforming force at or through the opposite end of the water inlet tube sufficient to carry out the desired reforming operations while this relatively long and relatively thin water inlet tube remains effectively unsupported between the end portions thereof, all without distortion of the water inlet tube which could destroy the entire assembly.  
 OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a machine for reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece without prohibitive lengthwise distortion and damage to the workpiece despite the fact that the workpiece must remain effectively unsupported over the length thereof between end portions and the reforming forces must be of normally distorting and damaging magnitude. According to the principles of the present invention, the workpiece to be reformed is positioned with the reforming force applying means directed lengthwise of the workpiece end portion to be reformed and the reforming force is applied as a sharp impact reforming force. At the same time, the other end portion of the workpiece required to resist the impact reforming force in&#34; order for the same to be effective in the reforming operation is positioned at a force absorbing support having a unique yieldable resistance which supplies the necessary resistance for carrying out the reforming operation while yieldably absorbing a sufficient part of the workpiece transmitted impact reforming force to prevent transverse deformation of the workpiece unsupported portions between the workpiece end portions. Thus, with the unique combination of the impact reforming force and the yieldable resistance force, relatively severe reforming of the workpiece end portion can be accomplished without prohibitive distortion of such workpiece.  
  It is a further object of this invention to provide a machine for reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece of the foregoing general type wherein, in the preferred form, the desired impact force is efficiently applied in a manner providing the required impact magnitude to carry out the determined reforming, yet while still maintaining the desired reforming in an exact and accurate predetermined manner. In a preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention, a captively movable punch is aligned at the workpiece end portion for performing the reforming operation and a fluid propelled impact member strikes the punch with the impact force causing the punch to strike the workpiece end portion with the impact reforming force. In this manner, the control of the punch movement permits the maintaining of exact alignment and exact movement relative to the workpiece end portion, while the controlled fluid propelling of the impact member against the punch maintains the exact, predetermined impact force for the consequent reforming operation.  
  It is also an object of this invention to provide a machine for reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece of the foregoing general type wherein, again in the preferred form, if the ultimate predetermined reforming operation is of the type requiring that the punch must penetrate into the workpiece end portion to accomplish the reforming with final punch interference resisting punch removal, the punch, through unique mounting thereof, may be forceably removed at completion of the reforming stroke ready for subsequent reforming operations. A preferred embodiment of the machine may include a stationary workpiece positioning device upon which the workpiece end portion to be reformed is positioned prior to the reforming operation. The punch and impact member assembly are arranged on movable mounting means so that the punch and impact member assembly may be moved between an operable position with the punch at and exactly properly aligned with the workpiece end portion ready for the impact reforming stroke and an inoperable position spaced away from such operable position. Thus, with the punch and impact member assembly in operable position. the impact force can be applied to the punch by the impact member driving the punch into penetration and interference with the workpiece end portion carrying out the exact predetermined reforming operation and immediately following, the punch and impact member assembly can be forceably moved from this operable position to its inoperable position so as to forceably withdraw the punch from the workpiece end portion freeing the workpiece and readying the punch for its next reforming operation upon return to the assembly operable position.  
  It is an additional object of this invention to provide a machine for reforming an end portion of an elongated workpiece satisfying one or more of the foregoing objects wherein the unique yieldable resistance means required for yieldably resisting and partially absorbing that part of the impact reforming force transmitted lengthwise through the workpiece in carrying out the required reforming while preventing workpiece distortion may be of a relatively simple, although accurately precalculated, structure. With the preferred embodiment of the machine of the present invention, the workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise vertically, the lower workpiece end portion being that end portion originally receiving the impact force and being reformed and the upper workpiece end portion being that requiring the yieldable resistance means for aiding in accomplishing the lower end portion reforming. To provide the necessary yieldable resistance, a precalculated, vertically movable weight is positioned resting on the workpiece upper end portion and upon the part of the impact force being transmitted lengthwise through the workpiece during the reforming operation, the weight reacts to this impact force part by moving upwardly away from the upper workpiece end portion to thereby carry out the resistance and force absorbing functions. Furthermore, as the weight moves upwardly reacting from the impact force, it is preferably snubbed spaced upwardly from the upper workpiece end portion by electromagnet means and retained in this position until removal of the completed workpiece from the machine and the positioning of a new workpiece to be reformed, at which time, it is released for return to yieldable resistance position.  
  It is still another object of this invention to provide a machine for reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece which may incorporate all of the foregoing advantageous structure in an efficiently operating, mass production machine capable of carrying out repeated predetermined workpiece reforming operations on a relatively high speed production basis. All of the described uniquely functional elements are integrated through appropriate controls for sequentially carrying through the procedural steps of accepting the workpiece insertion, positioning the impact reforming and yieldable resistance elements ready for the impact reforming operation, efficiently carrying through the impact reforming operation and releasing the reformed workpiece for removal and replacement by a subsequent workpiece to be reformed. At the insertion of the workpiece to be reformed, the yieldable resistance weight is snubbed upwardly and the impact punch assembly is spaced downwardly in inoperable position so that upon full workpiece insertion, an appropriate switch is contacted to release the yieldable resistance weight downwardly against the workpiece upper end portion and to begin upward movement of the impact punch assembly toward operable position. As the impact punch assembly reaches the operable position, the impact reforming stroke of the impact punch assembly is carried out, the weight is snubbed and the punch is forceably withdrawn by downward movement of the impact punch assembly, all on a proper sequential and timed basis through appropriate switches and timing controls, thereby placing the machine in form for commencement of a subsequent sequential cycle.  
  Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings which are for the purpose of illustration only.  
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:  
  FIG. I is a front elevational view of a swaging machine for end portion assembling of ballcock subassemblies incorporating a preferred embodiment of the unique principles of the present invention, the machine having a ballcock sub-assembly inserted therein with various machine elements being positioned ready for movement to operable position and the ultimate carrying out of a reforming operation;  
  FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine as positioned in FIG. I;  
  FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 2;  
  FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but with the machine elements in position ready for the reforming operation&#39;,  
  FIG. 5 is an enlarged, horizontal sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 5-5 in FIG. 4;  
  FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 6-6 in FIG. 1;  
  FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but with the machine elements in a position ready for the reforming operation;  
  FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view taken from the upper portion of FIG. 7 and showing the machine elements in position immediately following the actual reforming stroke;  
  FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 99 in FIG. 8;  
  FIG. I0 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a ballcock sub-assembly ready for the carrying out of the reforming operation by the machine of FIGS. I through 9; and  
  FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows &#34;-11 in FIG. 10.  
 DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED:  
  Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a swaging machine for end portion assmbling of ballcock subassemblies is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof and incorporates the principles of the present invention. A typical ballcock sub-assembly ready to have an end portion reformed by swaging with the swaging machine of FIGS. 1 through 9 is illustrated in FIGS. and II. The various components or elements of the machine and ballcock sub-assembly are formed of usual materials and fabricated by usual manufacturing processes appropriate for their intended uses, all well known to those skilled in the art, and will only be discussed below as they relate to the principles and problems of the present invention.  
  Initially referring to FIGS. l0 and 11, the ballcock sub-assembly to have an end portion thereof reformed or swaged to complete such sub-assembly by the embodiment of machine illustrated is generally indicated at and is shown up-ended in the position for insertion in the machine for such reforming or swaging operation. The sub-assembly 20 includes an enlarged water inlet connector 22, a water inlet tube 24, a partial valve assembly generally indicated at 26 comprised of a valve casing 28, a valve seat 30 and an anti-syphon seal 32, and a water outlet or hush&#34; tube 34. All of these components of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 are formed of anti-corrosive materials such as brass, copper and resilient or rigid plastics depending on the particular component but of importance to the problems of the present invention and as will be hereinafter discussed more in detail. the water inlet tube 24 is formed of copper and the water outlet tube 34 is formed of a rigid plastic, the latter water outlet tube being termed a hush tube for its qualities of muffling the water outlet flow sounds.  
  In the ballcock sub-assembly 20, the water inlet connector 22 is telescoped with and soldered to one end portion of the water inlet tube 24 so that the water inlet connector and this water inlet tube end portion, with the ballcock sub-assembly in its up-ended position, comprise the upper end portion of the ballcock subassembly. The opposite end of the water inlet tube 24 is telescoped by a short tubular portion of the valve seat 30 so that the water inlet tube opposite end portion and the partial valve assembly 26 comprise the lower end portion of the ballcock sub-assembly 20, although as shown in FIG. II, this lower end portion is merely assembled in place ready for the reforming or swaging operation by the machine of the present invention between the water inlet tube and the valve seat tubular portion. The ballcock sub-assembly 20 is completed by the rigid plastic water outlet tube 34 which upwardly partially telescopes a portion of the water inlet connector 22 with slotted spacing therebetween (not shown) for outward water flow and is downwardly partially telescoped by the valve casing 28 of the partial valve assembly 26 spaced outwardly of the valve seat tubular portion 36, all as clearly shown.  
  More important to the reforming or swaging problems of the present invention, it is seen that the reforming or swaging operation to part axially and part transversely reform the lower end portion of the water inlet tube 24 into securement with the valve seat tubular portion 36, the final secured form being shown in FIG. 8, can only be accomplished by forces lengthwise against the water inlet tube 24 in view of the configuration of the partial valve assembly 26. Furthermore, it can be seen that these reforming or swaging forces can only be resisted axially at the water inlet connector 22 and will be transmitted lengthwise of the water inlet tube 24 which must remain transversely unsupported the major portion of its length or between the valve seat 30 and the water inlet connector 22, the water outlet tube 34 being incapable of any such transverse support due to its outward spacing and the fact that it is formed of plastic. To more clearly illustrate the problems, in the ballcock sub-assembly 20, the copper water inlet tube 24 is transversely unsupported over between approximately seven inches and ten inches, depending on the particular model of the ballcock, while the water inlet tube is less than 5 1 inch outside diameter and greater than Va inch inside diameter. The final swaged securement between the water inlet tube 24 and the valve seat tubular portion 36, the reforming from the form shown in FIG. I] to the form shown in FIG. 8, must be mechanically and watertight capable of withstanding one thousand pounds per square inch water pressure.  
  Referring to the overall construction of the swaging machine as shown in FIGS. I and 2, such machine includes a main frame 38 mounting an upper force absorbing support generally indicated at 40 and a lower reforming device generally indicated at 42, the force absorbing support and the reforming device being appropriately controlled through an upper control panel generally indicated at 44. The main frame 38 is adapted for positioning on a horizontal surface (not shown) and is supplied with the usual air supply and electrical supply connections all well known to those skilled in the art. The air supply and electrical supply connections and controls on the main frame 38 are also of usual form and will be hereinafter mentioned only as they become important to the particular components of the swaging machine.  
  As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the force absorbing support 40 includes a carriage 46 selectively vertically slidably mounted on the main frame 38 for selected vertical adjustment as determined by the particular ballcock sub-assembly to have the reforming or swaging operation performed thereon. The carriage 46 is retained in a selected position by adjustment pins 48 and is vertically suspended on the main frame during adjustment movements by a pair of tension springs 50. The carriage 46, in turn, mounts a workpiece positioner 52, a yieldable resistant weight 54, an electromagnet 56 and an adjustable stop 58.  
  The workpiece positioner 52 is secured extending downwardly from the carriage 46 and has a forwardly opening. vertical positioning slot 60 for transversely re ceiving the upper end portion of the up-ended or inverted ballcock sub-assembly 20 exactly positioning the same during the reforming or swaging operation. As can be seen in the drawings, the positioning slot 60 of the workpiece positioner S2 specifically receives the upper portion of the water inlet connector 22 of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 while maintaining the upper extremity of the water inlet connector upwardly exposed. Furthermore, as best seen in FIG. 5, a transversely pivotal start switch lever interferes with the rearward portion of the positioning slot 60 being resiliently urged forwardly and depressed rearwardly by the water inlet connector 22 of the ballcock sub-assembly 20. When depressed, the start switch lever 62 actuates a start switch 64 as shown for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.  
  The yieldable resistance weight 54 is vertically movably mounted within the carriage 46 having a lower end portion 66 vertically aligned with and projecting at all times partially vertically downwardly into the workpiece positioner 52. An upper end portion 68 of the yieldable resistance weight 54 projects upwardly into the location of the electromagnet 56. The yieldable resistance weight 54 consists of pre-determined dead weight being normally urged downwardly by gravity.  
  The electromagnet 56 is vertically suspended resiliently urged upwardly by a compression spring 70, the upward movement through the spring urging thereof being determined by abutment with the adjustable stop 58 and the lower position thereof by compression of the spring being determined by a holder 72 secured to the carriage 46. As shown in FIG, 3, when the electromagnet 56 is electrically energized and is magnetically gripping and suspending the weight 54, the electromagnet is in its lowermost position engaged by the holder 72, and when the electromagnet is de-energized. the  
 spring urges the same upwardly, as shown in FIG. 4, to engage the stop 58. This vertical movement of the elcctromagnet 56 and the purpose thereof will be explained hereafter in greater detail.  
  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 through 9, the reforming device 42 includes a workpiece positioning device or workpiece holder 74, a main positioning cylinder 76 and impact reforming means in the form of an impact cylinder 78 housing a punch 80 and an impact member 82. Generally, the workpiece holder 74 is secured to the main frame 38 and serves the function of positioning the lower end portion of the up-ended ballcock subassembly 20 during the reforming or swaging operation. The main positioning cylinder 76, likewise secured to the main frame 38, vertically movably mounts the impact cylinder 78 carrying the punch 80 and impact member 82 vertically movable between a lower inoperative position and an upper operative position.  
  More specifically as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the workpiece holder 74 includes an upwardly opening positioning recess 84 and an upwardly projecting pilot portion 86 centrally of the positioning recess. A vertical punch opening 88 is formed through the pilot portion 86 downwardly to a lubrication cavity 90 and from such cavity downwardly through a lower surface 92 of the workpiece holder 74. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a vertically pivotal impact switch lever 94 is mounted on the workpiece holder 74 adjacent the lower surface 92 engageable for actuating an impact switch 96, and as shown in FIG. 9, an oil spray jet 98 is positioned within the workpiece holder for directing an oil spray into the lubrication cavity 90 when actuated, all in a manner and for a purpose to be hereinafter described.  
  The main positioning cylinder 76 is positioned spaced downwardly from the workpiece holder 74 as shown and is a double acting cylinder having an upward fluid, preferably air, inlet I00 and a downward fluid inlet 102, both communicating into the cylinder at opposite ends thereof and against an annular piston 104 secured telescoping the impact cylinder 78 which vertically movably projects centerly through the main positioning cylinder 76. Thus, pressurized air into the main positioning cylinder 76 through the upward fluid inlet 100 while exhausting air from the downward fluid inlet 102 will move the impact cylinder 78 vertically upwardly to its operative position engaging the lower surface 92 of the workpiece holder 74, while opposite air application to and from these fluid inlets will move the impact cylinder downwardly to its inoperative position, the operative position being shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the inoperative position in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.  
  The impact cylinder 78 has an impact fluid inlet 106 at the lower end thereof and transverse fluid exhaust openings IIO, the latter being shown in FIG. 8 and being specifically placed communicating downwardly into the impact cylinder beneath a punch holder 112 secured within the impact cylinder at the extreme upper end thereof The piston-like impact member 82 is mounted vertically reciprocal within the impact cylinder 78 between the impact fluid inlet 106 and the punch holder 112, and the punch 80 is vertically reciprocally mounted in the punch holder ll2, downwardly cushioned by a spring 116, normally projecting downwardly of the punch holder and projecting upwardly of the punch holder upwardly from the end of the impact cylinder 78 exactly vertically aligned with the punch opening 88 of the workpiece holder 74. As shown by comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7. a rest 118 is positioned on the main frame 38 located for engagement by the impact cylinder 78 upon movement ofthe impact cylinder to its lower inoperable position and a normally resiliently upwardly urged cushioning pin 120 projects upwardly from the rest 118 for initial engagement by the impact cylinder during downward movement thereof and to cushion the ultimate contact against the rest.  
  As can be seen particularly in FIGS. 7 and 8. the vari ous described components particularly including the punch 80 are specifically formed and aligned so that during the latter stages of upward movement of the impact cylinder 78. the upper end portion of the punch may pass freely upwardly through the punch opening 88 ofthe workpiece holder 74, and may then be impact driven by the impact member 82 a further distance upwardly to perform the reforming or swaging operation As can he best seen in HO 8. the upper extremity of the punch 80 is specifically formed with a somewhat enlarged reforming nose I22 pre-calculated to exactly carry out the desired reforming or swaging operation as will he hereinafter more specifically described.  
  In operation of the embodiment of swaging machine incorporating the principles of the present invention. at complete shut-down condition thereof. not shown. there will he no ballcock sub-assembly positioned in the machine and the electromagnet 56 of the force absorbing support 40 will be electrically de-energized so that the yieldable resistance weight 54 will he resting by gravity downwardly against the carriage 46. The impact cylinder 78 of the reforming device 42 will he in its downward inoperative position such as that shown in FIGS, l. 2 and 6. To ready the machine for operation. therefor. appropriate controls are actuated to electrically energize the electromagnet 56 of the force absorbing support 40 and the yieldable resistance weight 54 is mo\ ed upwardly by hand until magnetically gripped by the electromagnet. and release of the weight causes the electromagnet to move from its extreme upward position shown in FIG, 4 with the electromagnet and weight mming downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 3 compressing the spring 70.  
  The first of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 is then inserted into the machine. the lower end portion being received downwardly into the workpiece holder 74 of the reforming device 42 and the upper end portion being received transversely againt the workpiece positioner 52 of the force absorbing support 40. As is shown clearly in FIG 6. this insertion of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 places the partial valve assembly 26 downwardly into the workpiece holder positioning recess 84 with the \alve seat of such partial valve as sembly partially telescoping the workpiece holder pilot portion 86 while resting downwardly on the workpiece holder. Furthermore. the water inlet connector 22 of the upper end portion of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 is transversely received within the positioning slot 60 of the workpiece positioner 52 at the force absorbing support as shown in FIG. 3.  
  The machine is now ready for a cycled operation and slight rearward or horizontal depression of the upper end portion ofthe ballcock sub-assembly 20 causes the water inlet connector 22 within the positioning slot 6t) of the workpiece positioner 52 to rearwardly depress and hori7ontally pivot the start switch lever 62 from the phantom line to the full line showing in FIG. 5. This ac- (til tuates the start switch 64 which de-energizes the electromagnet 56 releasing the yieldablc resistance weight 54 which then moves downwardly through gravity to engage and rest on the upper end portion of the ballcock sub-assembly 20 or the upper extremity of the water inlet connector 22 as shown in FIG. 4. Upon release of the yieldable resistance weight 54. the compression spring forces the electromagnet 56 upwardly to engage the stop 58 as also shown in FIG. 4, and shortly thereafter. a time delay relay in the electrical circuit re-energizcs the electromagnet 56 now spaced at considerable distance above the yicldahle resistance weight 54 and places it in a condition ready for carrying out its further important function in the scquential operation of the machine.  
  A fraction ofa second delay after the yieldable resis tance weight 54 moves downwardly against the upper end portion of the ballcock sub-asscmbly 20. again through usual well known controls. air is admitted to the upward fluid inlet [00 of the workpiece holder main positioning cylinder 76 against the piston 104 while the downward fluid inlet I02 is opened to exhaust air from the main positioning cylinder. This begins upward movement of the impact cylinder 78 from the position shown in FlG. 6 toward the position shown in FIG. 7 ultimately beginning to project the upper end of the punch 80 into and upwardly through the punch opening 88 of the workpiece holder 74 in exact axial alignment with the water inlet tube 24 of the ballcock sub-assembly 20. At this time. the impact member 82 within the impact cylinder 78 is resting downwardly by gravity against the impact fluid inlet I06 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 so that the lower end of the punch 80 is projecting downwardly from the punch holder I12 within the impact cylinder 78.  
  At the final stage of upward movement of the impact cylinder 78 by the main positioning cylinder 76 and as the impact cylinder closes on upward abutment with the lower surface 92 of the workpiece holder 74, the upper end of the impact cylinder engages the impact switch lever 94 vertically pivoting the same and actuat&#39; ing the impact switch 96. that is. from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7. Actuation of the impact switch 96 through usual electrical and air controls. admits a short burst of closely prccalculated high pressure air into the impact cylinder 78 through the impact fluid inlet 106 propelling the impact member 82 upwardly with a predetermined force within the impact cylinder. the impact member ultimately returning downwardly by gravity after striking the punch 80. Also. an oil spray is ejected from the oil spray jet 98 within the lubrication cavity of the workpiece holder 74 against the punch 80.  
  As the impact member 82 impact strikes the punch 80 driving the punch upwardly in its impact stroke as shown in FIG. 8, the punch reforming nose 122. exactly particularly formed. enters the lower end of the water inlet tube 24 on the ballcock sub-assembly 20 axially and transversely reforming or swaging the lower end portion of the water inlet tube outwardly against the valve seat 30 of the partial valve assembly 26 from the form of ballcock sub-assembly 20 shown in FIG. ll to the form shown in FIG. 8. A relatively large part of the impact force is transmitted upwardly lengthwise through the water inlet tube 24 of the ballcock subassembly 20 being received at the water inlet connector 22 into the yieldable resistance weight 54 causing the yieldable resistance weight to yield or bounce upwardly providing sufficient downward resistance for carrying out the impact reforming or swaging operation. yet absorbing a sufficient part of the impact force by the weight upward movement to prevent transverse distortion of the water inlet tube 24. The upward movement of the yieldable resistance weight 54 moves it upwardly into the magnetic field of the energized electromagnet 56 and the electromagnet grips and snubs the weight retaining the same against return to the water inlet connector 22 of the ballcock sub-assembly 20. the weight now being repositioned as shown in FIG. 3. Snubbing or gripping of the yieldable resistance weight 54 by the electromagnet 56 causes the combined weights to again depress the compression spring 70 as hereinbefore originally described.  
  Following the impact stroke of the punch 80. appropriate time delay controls reverse the flow of air into the main positioning cylinder 76 of the reforming device 42 causing air to be admitted through the downward fluid inlet [02 and exhausted from the upward fluid inlet 100. This begins downward movement of the impact cylinder 78 and forcibly withdraws the punch 80 and its reforming nose 122 from the lower end of the now reformed water inlet tube 24 on the ballcock subassembly 20. ultimately withdrawing the punch downwardly through the workpiece holder 74 moving the impact cylinder from the position shown in FIG. 8 back toward the position shown in FIG. 6. In the final stages of downward movement of the impact cylinder 78 by the main positioning cylinder 76. the impact cylinder downwardly engages the cushioning pin I20 and settles against the rest 118 to the final position of FIG. 6 and terminating a complete reforming or swaging cycle of the swaging machine.  
  lfthe swaging machine is structured with appropriate controls for continuous automatic recycling on a mass production line basis. for safety of both operator and machine a time delay may be provided at completion of the machine cycle to prevent the start of the next cycle until the operator has had sufficient time to remove the now completed ballcock sub-assembly 20 and insert the next ballcock sub-assembly in position for the reforming or swaging operation. In any event, the completed ballcock sub-assembly 20 is removed from the machine and the next ballcock sub-assembly inserted in the manner described. Slight rearward depression of the hallcock sub-assembly 20 now mounted in the machine will begin a repeat of the swaging machine cycle exactly as hereinbefore described.  
  According to the present invention. therefore. an embodiment of swaging machine has been shown and de scribed for the reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece. the ballcock subassemblies 20. which reforming or swaging operation requires an extensive force at the first workpiece end portion at least part of which is transmitted lengthwise through the workpiece while the workpiece remains effectively unsupported between the end portions. The reforming or swaging force. therefore. can only have the required resistance to accomplish the reforming applied at the second workpiece end portion. In the particular em bodiment. the required impact force by the punch 80 required to enter and reform or swage the lower end portion of the water inlet tube 24 is resisted by the yieldable resistance weight 54. Combined resistance and yieldable upward movement of the weight 54 pro- (ill vides sufficient resistance for accomplishing the impact reforming or swaging operation while yielding sufficiently to prevent transverse deformation of the effectively unsupported part of the water inlet tube 24 between the end portions thereof. In this manner. the required impact force having at least a part thereof transmitted lengthwise through the intermediately unsupported water inlet tube 24 which would normally distort the water inlet tube if solidly resisted is sufficiently resisted to accomplish the reforming operation while sufficiently absorbed through yieldable upward movement of the weight 54 to prevent such unwanted transverse distortion of the water inlet tube.  
  It is clear to those skilled in the art that the unique impact force and yieldable resistance force principles of the present invention may be equally efficiently applied to many other reforming operations where similar problems exist. Thus, it is not intended to limit the principles ofthe present invention to the exact embodiment shown nor beyond the express limitations set forth in the appended claims.  
 We claim:  
  I. In a mechanism for controlled reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece subject to transverse deformation; the combination of: a force absorbing support having engagement means thereon for cngaging one end of said elongated workpiece and yieldably resisting a determined impact force transmitted lengthwise through said workpiece from an opposite end portion thereof while said workpiece is effectively transversely unsupported over a substantial portion thereof between said end portions, said yieldable resistance of said engagement means absorbing a sufficient part of said determined impact force preventing transverse deformation of said workpiece transversely unsupported portion; a reforming device engagable with said workpiece opposite end portion including impact reforming means moveable in a determined impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against said workpiece opposite end portion producing an exact determined reforming of said workpiece opposite end portion 2. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said impact reforming means is mounted moveable in a determined impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against and penetrating into said workpiece opposite end portion. said impact reforming means having reforming surfaces thereon forming said workpiece opposite end portion at least partially transversally during said penetration.  
  3. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said impact reforming means is comprised of a punch aligned with and moveable in said impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece and a fluid propelled impact member moveable in an impact stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against said punch.  
  4. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion thereon, said impact reforming means being moveable toward and away from said workpiece positioning device. said impact reforming means when moved to said workpiece positioning device being moveable in said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  5. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said impact reforming means is moveable in a determined impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against and penetrating into said workpiece opposite end portion. said impact reforming means having reforming surfaces formed thereon at least partially transversely reforming said workpiece opposite end portion during said penetration; and in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device engaged by and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means reforming movement and penetration. mounting means operably connected to said impact reforming means for moving said impact reforming means between an operable position at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position spaced from said workpiece positioning device. said mounting means in said impact reforming means operable position move-ably retaining said impact reforming means for said determined impact reforming stroke and during movement of said mounting means from said operable to said inoperable position after said impact reforming stroke forceably withdrawing said impact reforming means from said workpiece opposite end portion penetration.  
  6. ln a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means movement in said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said impact reforming means is comprised of mounting means reciprocally mounting a punch aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a fluid propelled impact member aligned with said punch. said mounting means carrying said punch and said impact member being moveable between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device. fluid propelling means on said mounting means actionable against said impact member when said mounting means is in said operable position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said workpiece opposite end portion carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke. said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said workpiece opposite end portion after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position 7. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said workpiece includes an elongated tubular part having an end portion telescoped by a relatively short tubular connection. said tubular part end portion and tubular connection carrying said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said impact reforming means in said determined impact reforming stroke penetrates said tubular part end portion and forms said tubular part end portion at least partially transversely outwardly against said tubular connection.  
  8. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said workpiece includes an elongated tubular part telescoped by an outer part. said tubular and outer parts having end portions comprising said workpiece opposite cnd, portion: in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming stroke; in which said impact reforming means is comprised of mounting means reciprocally mounting a punch aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a fluid propelled impact member aligned with said punch, said mounting means carrying said punch and said impact member being moveable between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device, fluid propelling means on said mounting means actionable against said impact member when said mounting means is in said operable position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said tubular part reforming said tubular part at least partially transversely against said telescoped part carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke, said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said tubular part after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position.  
  9. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means movement in said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said impact reforming means is comprised of cylinder means reciprocally mounting a punch projecting from an end thereof and aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a piston-like impact member moveahle by gaseous fluid with an impact force against said punch. mounting means carrying said cylinder with said punch and said impact member and moving said cylinder between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device. said mounting means having fluid positioning means thereon operable for moving said cylinder with said punch and said impact member between said operable and inoperable positions, gaseous fluid supply means operably connected to said cylinder for directing said gaseous fluid against said impact member when said cylinder is in said opera ble position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said workpiece opposite end portion carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke. said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said workpiece opposite end portion after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position.  
  10. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; and in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means, said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  H. in a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming, said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yield-able resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke. said weight means moving upwardly away from said workpiece upper end portion in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said force absorbing support includes snubber means for snubbing said weight means spaced upwardly from said workpiece upper end portion upon upward movement of said weight means.  
  12. ln a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means, said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke. said weight means moving upwardly away from said workpiece upper end portion in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said force absorbing support includes snubber means for snubhing said weight means spaced upwardly front said workpiece upper end portion upon upward movement of said weight means. said snubber means comprising electromagnet means spaced above said weight means at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke and while said weight means engages said workpiece upper end portion. said electromagnet means being energized and magnetically gripping said weight means upon upward movement of said weight means reacting front said determined impact reforming stroke and retaining said weight means spaced above said workpiece upper end portion during said magnetic gripping. de-energization of said electro magnet means releasing said weight means for downward movement of said weight means into engagement with said workpiece upper end portion prior to commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  13. in a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact rcform ing stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward mmement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke. said weight means moving upwardly away from said workpiece upper end portion in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said force absorbing support includes snubber means for snubbing said weight means spaced upwardly from said workpiece upper end portion upon upward movement of said weight means. said snubber means comprising electromagnet means spaced above said weight means at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke and while said weight means engages said workpiece upper end portion. and electromagnet means being energized and magnetically gripping said weight means upon upward movement of said weight means reacting from said determined impact reforming stroke and retaining said weight means spaced above said workpiece upper end portion during said magnetic gripping. de-energization of said electromagnet means releasing said weight means for downward movement of said weight means into engagement with said workpiece upper end portion prior to commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke, resilient means suspending said electromagnet means for absorbing generally vertical forces created by said weight means upward movement and said magnetic gripping of said weight means by said electromagnet means.  
  14. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said impact reforming means is comprised of a punch aligned with and moveable in said impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece and a fluid propclled impact member mo eable in an impact stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against said punch: in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; and in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  15. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means movement in said determined impact reforming stroke; in which said impact reforming means is comprised of mounting means reciprocally mounting a punch aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a fluid propelled impact member aligned with said punch. said mounting means carrying said punch and said impact member being moveable between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device. fluid propelling means on said mounting means actionable against said impact member when said mounting means is in said operable position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said workpiece opposite end portion carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke. said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said workpiece opposite end portion after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position; in which said elongated workpiece is positioned estending lengthwise generally \ertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end por tion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; and in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  16. hi a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said workpiece includes an elongated tubular part telescopcd by an outer part. said tubular and outer parts having end portions comprising said workpiece oppo site end portion: in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means movement in said determined impact reforming stroke; in which said impact reforming means is comprised of mounting means reciprocally mounting a punch aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a fluid propelled impact member aligned with said punch. said mounting means carrying said punch and said impact member being mo\able between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device. fluid propelling means on said mounting means actionable against said impact member when said mounting means is in said operable position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said tubular part reforming said tubular part at least partially trans- \crsely against said telescoped part carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke. said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said tubular part after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position; in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming, said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; and in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke.  
  17. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said impact reforming means is comprised of a punch aligned with and moveable in said impact reforming stroke lengthwise of said workpiece and a fluid pro pelled impact member moveable in an impact stroke lengthwise of said workpiece against said punch; in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke. said weight means moving upwardly away from said workpiece upper end portion in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said force absorbing support includes snubber means for snubbing said weight means spaced upwardly from said workpiece upper end portion upon upward movement of said weight means.  
  18. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said reforming device includes a workpiece positioning device receiving and positioning said workpiece opposite end portion during said impact reforming means movement in said determined impact reforming stroke; in which said impact reforming means is comprised of cylinder means reciprocally mounting a punch projecting from an end thereof and aligned lengthwise of said workpiece and reciprocally mounting a piston-like impact member moveable by gaseous fluid with an impact force against said punch. mounting means carrying said cylinder with said punch and said impact member and moving said cylinder between an operable position with said punch at said workpiece positioning device and an inoperable position with said punch spaced from said workpiece positioning device. said mounting means having fluid positioning means thereon operable for moving said cylinder with said punch and said impact member between said operable and inoperable positions. gaseous fluid supply means operably connected to said cylinder for directing said gaseous fluid against said impact member when said cylinder is in said operable position to propel said impact member against said punch and said punch into penetration into said workpiece opposite end portion carrying out said determined impact reforming stroke. said mounting means forceably withdrawing said punch from said workpiece opposite end portion after said impact reforming stroke upon movement of said mounting means from said operable toward said inoperable position; in which said elongated workpiece is positioned extending lengthwise generally vertically during said controlled reforming. said workpiece one end portion constituting an upper end portion and said workpiece opposite end portion constituting a lower end portion; in which said engagement means of said force absorbing support comprises vertically reciprocal weight means resting downwardly against said workpiece upper end portion at commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke of said impact reforming means. said weight means creating said yieldable resistance by upward movement in reaction to said determined impact reforming stroke. said weight means moving upwardly away from said workpiece upper end portion in reac tion to said determined impact reforming stroke; and in which said force absorbing support includes snubber means for snubbing said weight means spaced upwardly from said workpiece upper end portion upon upward movement of said weight means. said snubber means comprising clectromagnet means spaced above said pact reforming stroke and retaining said weight means spaced above said workpiece upper end portion during said magnetic gripping. de-energization of said electromagnet means releasing said weight means for downward movement of said weight means into engagement with said workpiece upper end portion prior to commencement of said determined impact reforming stroke. resilient means suspending said electromagnet means for absorbing generally vertical forces created by said weight means upward movement and said magnetic gripping of said weight means by said electromagnet means.  
  [9. In a method of controlled reforming of an end portion of an elongated workpiece subject to transverse deformation; the steps of; positioning an elongated workpiece effectively unsupported over a substantial part between end portions thereof; engaging one of said workpiece end portions with determined yieldable resistanee means; impacting an opposite of said workpiece end portions by a determined impact reforming force to controllably reform said opposite end portion while transmitting a sufficient part of said force length wise through said workpiece to normally cause transverse deformation of said workpiece unsupported part; during said impacting. partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by movement of said yieldable resistance means reducing said force part sufficient to prevent said transverse deformation of said workpiece unsupported part.  
  20. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion.  
  2|. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion by an impact member in the form of a punch.  
  22. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating a hole of said opposite end portion and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion outwardly against and generally conforming to a telescoping outer workpiece.  
  23. In a method as defined in claim I) in which said impacting includes fluid propelling impact reforming means against and lengthwise penetrating into said workpiece opposite end portion providing said determined impact reforming force to controllably reform said opposite end portion.  
  24. In a method as defined in claim [9 in which said impacting includes impacting reforming means lengthwise against said workpiece opposite end portion lengthwise penetrating and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion to place said reforming means in lengthwise interference with said opposite end portion. forceably withdrawing said reforming means from said workpiece opposite end portionv 25. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes impacting an impact member against a punch lengthwise of said workpiece opposite end portion causing said punch to contact with said determined impact reforming force said opposite end portion and penetrate an opening of said opposite end por tion to at least part transversely reform said opposite end portion and place said punch in lengthwise interference in said opposite end portion. forceably withdrawing said punch from said interference with said workpiece opposite end portion.  
  26. In a method as defined in claim l9 in which said impacting includes moveably impacting an impact member against a punch driving said punch into an opening of said workpiece opposite end portion with said determined impact reforming force to penetrate said opposite end portion opening and part transversely reform said opposite end portion at least partially conforming outwardly with and transversely against an outer telescoping workpiece while placing said punch in lengthwise interference with said opposite end portion. forceably withdrawing said punch from lengthwise interference with said workpiece opposite end portion.  
  27. in a method as defined in claim 19 in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vcrtically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force.  
  28. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yicldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force. snubbing said weight upon upward movement of said weight from reaction of said impact reforming force and temporarily retaining said weight spaced above said workpiece one end portion.  
  29. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and par tially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force. snubbing said weight by moving said weight upwardly into a magnetic field of an electromagnet during said weight upward movement in reaction to said impact reforming force. magnetically retaining said weight temporarily spaced above said workpiece one end portion upon said weight upward movement into said magnetic field.  
  30. In a method as defined in claim I) in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said reforming force. passing said weight into a magnetic field of a resiliently suspended electromagnet upon upward movement of said weight in reaction to said impact reforming force. resiliently magnetically suspending said weight temporarily spaced above said workpiece one end portion upon said weight upward movement in reaction to said impact reforming force.  
  31. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion&#34;. in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part ineludes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveahle weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force.  
  32. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion by an impact member in the form ofa punch; in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveahle weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force. snubbing said weight upon upward movement of said weight from reaction of said impact reforming force and temporarily retaining said weight spaced above said workpiece one end portion.  
  33. la a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes controllably reforming said opposite end portion by lengthwise penetrating a hole of said opposite end portion and at least part transversely reforming said opposite end portion outwardly against and generally conforming to a telescoping outer workpiece; in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force. snubbing said weight upon upward movement of said weight from reaction of said impact reforming force and temporarily retaining said weight spaced above said workpiece one end portion.  
  34. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes impacting said impact member against a punch lengthwise of said workpiece opposite end portion causing said punch to contact with said de termined impact reforming force said opposite end portion and penetrate an opening of said opposite end portion to at least part transversely reform said opposite end portion and place said punch in lengthwise interference in said opposite end portion. forceably withdrawing said punch from lengthwise interference with said workpiece opposite end portion; in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part includes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveable weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yicldably move upwardly in reaction to said impact reforming force. snubbing said weight upon upward movement of said weight from reaction of said impact reforming force and temporarily retaining said weight spaced above said workpiece one end portion.  
  35. In a method as defined in claim 19 in which said impacting includes moveably impacting an impact member against a punch driving said punch into an opening of said workpiece opposite end portion with said determined impact reforming force to penetrate said opposite end portion opening and part transversely reform said opposite end portion at least partially conforming outwardly with and transversely against an outer telescoping workpiece while placing said punch in lengthwise interference with said opposite end portion, forceably withdrawing said punch from lengthwise interference with said workpiece opposite end portion; in which said positioning of said elongated workpiece includes generally vertically positioning said elongated workpiece with said workpiece one end portion above said workpiece opposite end portion; and in which said engaging of said workpiece one end portion with said determined yieldable resistance means and said partially absorbing of said impact reforming force part ineludes engaging said workpiece one end portion with a vertically moveahle weight resting downwardly there against and partially absorbing said impact reforming force part by permitting said weight to yieldably move upwardly in reaction to said reforming force. snubbing said weight by moving said weight upwardly into a magnetic field of an electromagnet during said weight upward movement in reaction to said impact reforming force. magnetically retaining said weight temporarily spaced above said workpiece one end portion upon said weight upward movement into said magnetic field.