Plastic article or earthenware shaping or treating: apparatus – Preform reshaping or resizing means: or vulcanizing means... – Including both heating and cooling means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-18
2001-07-10
Mackey, James P. (Department: 1722)
Plastic article or earthenware shaping or treating: apparatus
Preform reshaping or resizing means: or vulcanizing means...
Including both heating and cooling means
C425S392000, C264S339000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257864
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a method and apparatus for forming tubes into required configurations, especially tubes made of a thermoplastic material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Thermoplastic tubes formed to various configurations are used in a number of environments. Current methods for bending the thermoplastic tubes consist of time consuming and expensive operations. This presents a significant disadvantage when a large number of tubes are required for a particular manufacturing application such as in the automotive field as used for hydraulic, fluid, coolant, vapor, and oil conduits. One consideration for the manufacturer when devising a new method or apparatus for bending tubes is to search for a cost cutting method that maintains the high standard of quality and reduces production cost. Related concerns include the number of cycles or pieces bent per hour, retooling costs for production change, and flooring space required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the intent of the invention to address the aforementioned concerns. The method to achieve a forming of a bend in a tube of a thermoplastic material includes the steps of providing a former and an adjacent halogen infrared light, supporting the tube internally within the former, controlling the emission of infrared lights to heat the bend of the tube, and then transferring cold air directly to the bend of the tube to provide a permanent thermoformed bend in the tube.
The invention provides an apparatus for forming the bend in the tube of a thermoplastic material wherein the former has an upper and lower portion and means for supporting the tube internally within the former. At least one infrared light is provided on the apparatus for heating the bend of the tube therein.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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PA-12-Rohre Mit Infrarotstrahlern Warmformen, Kunststoffe, De, Carl Hanser Verlag. Munchen, vol. 82, No. 3, Mar. 1, 1992, pp. 184-188.
Heckenberg Donald
ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
Mackey James P.
Seitter Robert P.
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