US2645702A

US2645702A - Wire cloth tube forming machine

Info

Publication number: US2645702A
Application number: US199069A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr James J Harmon
Original assignee: LUDLOW SAYLOR WIRE CO
Current assignee: LUDLOW SAYLOR WIRE CO; LUDLOW-SAYLOR WIRE Co
Priority date: 1950-12-04
Filing date: 1950-12-04
Publication date: 1953-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 1970-07-14

Description

July 14, 1953 J. J. HARMON, JR

WIRE CLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE Filed Dec. 4, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 m w iizkiaflwttiiitizmmjmh m M) fix g \\,\\.////!/M 0777/1? %m mm 9 s w m i s Kw NE w H mm mm Rm k E H M E 4 MJ w Q C v m m A g J w Q \m\ m& wk j mvx w \Q W e xx Q & wk wk mw\ \n\ July 14, 1953 .1. J. HARMON, JR

WIRE CLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 4, 1950 aw Wax A J a? 0 1 T v N E Q o f. N 2 5 E M J Patented July 14, 1953 WIRE CLOTH TUBE FORMING MACHINE James J. Harmon, Jr., Clayton, Mo.,'assignor to Ludlow-Saylor Wire 00., St. Louis, Mo., a cor-.

poration of Missouri Application December 4, 1950, Serial No. 199,069

16 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to machines for forming wire cloth, and more particularly to a novel machine by which wire cloth is automatically formed into seam-welded tubes of predetermined length and diameter.

In brief, the present novel wire cloth tube forming machine includes mechanism for receiving a continuous strip of wire cloth, forming it into a continuous tube, seam-welding the tube thus formed and severing the thus formed and welded tube into segments of predetermined lengths. Actuating and correlating electrical and pneumatic equipment forms part of the present machine. The machine cooperates with a spot welder of well known type in the welding operation and attains a high speed of production of welded tube segments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel automatic machine which functions to transform a continuous strip of wire cloth into a continuous wire cloth tube at a high rate of speed.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic machine for producing wire cloth tubes of predetermined length and diameter at a high rate of speed.

Another object is to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machine which is adapted to cooperate in automatic sequence with a conventional spot welder to produce a continuous seamwelded wire cloth tube.

Another object is to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machine which may be adjusted to produce seam-welded wire cloth tubes of any desired length.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic wire cloth tube forming machine in which parts may be interchanged to provide for the production of wire cloth tubes of various diameters.

Another object is to provide a method for transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth into tubular segments of predetermined length.

Other objects are to provide a novel wire cloth tube forming machine for automatically producing wire cloth tubes of predetermined measurements which is sturdy in construction, which may be readily handled by operating personnel in an efficient manner with minimum instruction, which is adapted to maintain its high rate of production of wire cloth tubes for long periods 2 of time under continuous use with normal maintenance, and which is otherwise adapted to fulfill the objects and advantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a wire cloth tube forming machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, electric wiring and some air hose connections being omitted for purposes of clarity;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational View thereof, showing fragmentarily in dotted lines a conventional spot welder on which the machine may be mounted and with which it cooperates;

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 4-4 of Fig. 1, the wire cloth reel being omitted for conservation of space; I

Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 6--6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 1-1 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal crosssectional View on substantially the line 83 of Fig. 1;

jFig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of a tube holder at the cut-off end;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view through an electrode showing its internal water cooling construction, an integral lug being shown fragmentarily in elevation;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a segment of a continuous wire cloth strip illustrating the manner in which the strip is formed into a continuous cylinder;

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the wire cloth segment shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan View of a wire cloth tube formed by the present machine;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view on substantially the line !4l4 of vtrical equipment forming part of the actuating mechanism of the present machine; and

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic layout of the pneumatic equipment forming part of the operating mechanism of the present machine.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by the numerals thereon, the wire cloth tube forming machine shown generally as includes a reel assembly I I so mounted as to feed a continuous strip 12 of wire cloth to an internal electrode assembly [3 substantially enclosed within a former assembly M. The strip l2, after being formed into a continuous tube in a manner to be described, is advanced (to the right in the views of Fi s. 1 and 2) by a slide and clamp assembly l5, and a portion of the tube is subsequently cut off by the action of a saw assembly Hi. All of the above identified assemblies are mounted upon a base [1 secured by bolts [8 to a bracket 19. The bracket [9, shown clotted in Figs. 2 and 3, is appropriately secured to a frame member 28 or" an electric welding apparatus 2|, as shown in Fig. 3.

The reel assembly II includes a bracket appropriately formed from angle iron and secured as by a bolt 25 to a horizontal plate element 2? of the base ll. Near the end of an upwardly extending arm 28 of the bracket 25, a bolt and nut assembly 29 supports a spacing washer 33 and two reel sides 31 which are separated by a sleeve 32 to form a reel upon which a spool of wire cloth may be mounted so as to permit the drawing off of a continuous strip I2 therefrom.

Fig. 10 shows the internal electrode assembly 3, which includes an electrode 35 having a cylindrical portion 35 and a flared portion 31. This electrode 35, which is preferably made of copper, has a longitudinal hole 38 into the end of which is threaded an adapter 39. The adapter 39 has an axial bore 40 extending from its threaded end to a point 41, the diameter of the bore 48 being substantially equal to that of the hole 38 in the electrode 35. Beyond the point 4! to the left, as shown in Fig. 10, is a coaxial extension 42 of the bore 48, said coaxial extension 42 being smaller in diameter than the bore 40 and threaded to receive a tube 43, which extends from its threaded engagement with the adapter 39 concentrically through the bore 48 and substantially to the blind end of the hole 38 in the electrode 35. be secured as by welding into the unthreaded end of the tube 43. The purpose of this internal construction is to provide cooling means for the electrode 35, it being understood that water 01' other cooling medium may be introduced into the adapter through a connection 45 which threadedly receives a nipple 23 making connection with a coolant tube 24, the water being required thereafter to traverse the length of the tube 43 on the inside thereof to return along the outside thereof in the space between the tube 43 and the wall of the hole 38 and the bore 40 to emerge from the adapter 39 through a connection 46 which threadedly receives a nipple 33 making connection with a coolant tube 34.

A lug 48 is formed integrally with the electrode 35 to extend upwardly therefrom as shown in Fig. 10. This lug 48 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35. At its forward edge, which is to the right in Fig. 10, the lug 48 has a notch 49 on each side thereof to form a wedge-shaped edge 50 as best shown in Fig. 1.

A tube guide extension rod 5! having a flange An orifice tube, such as 44 in Fig. 10, may r 52 equal in diameter to the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35 is secured as by threaded engagement to the end of the electrode 35 to extend coaxially therefrom. A sleeve 53 and a compression spring 54 are slidably mounted upon the guide extension rod 51 and are retained thereon by a collar 55 in threaded engagement with the free end of the guide extension rod 5|. The outside diameter of the sleeve 53 and of the collar 55 are both substantially equal to the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35 and the maximum diameter of the spring 54 when fully compressed is also no greater than the diameter of this cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35. It may thus be seen that a tube formed to the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion 38 of the electrode 35 may be advanced from the said cylindrical portion 36 to and beyond the collar 55.

The internal electrode assembly i3 is mounted in and supported by the former assembly M which includes a cylindrical-shaped body 60 having a bore 6! shaped similarly to the outside of the cylindrical portion 36 and the flared portion 3'! of the electrode 35 so as to leave a uniform annular space 52 between the outside of the electrode 35 and the inside or" the bore 6!. The body 60 has a slot 53 surmounted by two parallel rectangular lugs 64 into which slot 63 and between which lugs 94 the lug 48 of the electrode 35 is removably secured as by a bolt and nut assembly 22 and locating pins 41, the latter being to maintain appropriate uniformity of the annular space 62. At its forward end, which is to the right in Fig. l, the body 60 has a portion of its cylindrical outside surface cut down to form a flat area 55 having a longitudinal slot 63, the sides of which are tapered as shown in Fig. 7. The former assembly I4 is supported by two strips '6! engaging slots 68 in opposite sides of the cylindrical body 65. The strips 6'! are secured as by bolts 89 to upstanding sides 15 of the base H.

A double acting cylinder assembly 15 is disposed horizontally between and parallel to the upstanding sides 78 of the base H and is supported by means of brackets i6 secured to the base element 21 by means of bolts TI. The cylinder assembly 15 includes a piston rod 18 adjustably attached by means of nuts 74 to a carrier assembly 19 of the slide and clamp assembly l5. The carrier 19 includes a horizontal plate 80, a vertical web 8!, and two gussets 82, all in weld ed assembly as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Two parallel strips 83 having transversely extending portions 84 are secured to the underneath side of the plate so as slidably to engage the transversely extending portions 85 of two parallel strips 86 secured to the upper edges of the upstanding sides 18 of the base ll. The construction of this carrier 19, as best shown in Fig. 5, is seen to permit the longitudinal movement of the carrier 19 with respect to the cylinder assembly 15 by which it is actuated.

On the upper face of the plate 80 of the carrier 19 are mounted so as to oppose each other two identical clamp assemblies 99. Each clam assembly 90 includes a single acting spring return cylinder assembl 9| secured to the plate 80 by bolts 92. Piston rods 93 having intermediate flanges 94 and end flanges 35 to which are secured, as by welding, channel elements 95 containing formed cushions 91 of resilient material, such as rubber, all as shown in Fig. 5, coact one 75 with the other to provide a clamping action between the formed faces of the Cushions 91 and the cylinder assemblies 9| Quick exhaust valves 1 IM are connected with the cylinder assemblies 9| by means of bushings I02 and nipples I03. The quick exhaust valves IOI receive compressed air from air hoses I04 connected with the exhaust valve ID! by means of street elbows I05.

The saw assembly I6 includes an air motor I I0 which rotates a spindle III to which is secured, as by a nut H2 and washers I08 and I09, a circular thin bladed saw H3. The motor H0 is supported in a suitable bracket I adjustably mounted upon a plate I2I. The plate I2I is, in turn, appropriately secured to a slide I22 having I a longitudinal T-slot I23 disposed parallelto the plane of rotation of the saw H3 and slidably engaging parallel strips I24 appropriatel secured to a bed plate I25. The bed plate I25 is secured, as by welding, to horizontally disposed flanges I26 of angles I21 supported from the sides of the upstanding members 10 of the base I1, being secured thereto by bolts I28.

The saw assembly I6 is caused to move in horizontal translatory movement parallel to the plane of rotation of the saw II3 by a double-acting air operated cylinder assembly I35. A piston rod I36 of the cylinder assembly I is attached by means of a clevis I31 to a lug I39 projecting from the support I20. The cylinder assembly I35 is appropriately secured near one end of the bed plate I25 and is actuatedby compressed air received from air hoses I40 and MI at speeds adjustably controlled by speed valves I42 and I43 connected with the cylinder assembly I35 by nipples I44 and bushings I45. The connection of the air hoses I49 and MI to the speed valves I42 and I43 is by means of check unit connecting assemblies I46, bushings I41, nipples I48 and street elbows I49.

A guard, such as I50, may be provided and appropriately mounted upon the transverse flange I26 of one of the angles I28 to serve as protection against the rotating saw I I3.

A cut-oil end tube holder I includes in welded assembly an angle member I56 appropriately secured to the horizontally. disposed flange I26 of one of the members I21 and a second angle member I51 attached to an upstanding leg I58 of the angle member I56 so as to dispose in horizontal position a flange I59 of the angle member I51. Also included in the welded assembly I55 is a sleeve I60 secured to the vertical end edge of the horizontal flange I59. This sleeve I60 is disposed concentrically with the collar 55 so as to leave an annular space I6I therebetween. One end of the sleeve I60 coincides with the plane of the end of the collar 55 and also with the near edge of a slot I62 in the horizontal flange I59, as shownin Figs. 1 and l. A sleeve segment I63 having a radius identical with that of the sleeve I60, but extending through an arc of only approximately 90 is also attached to the vertical edge of the horizontal flange I59 adjacent to the side of the slot I62 opposite that which coincides with the end of the leeve I60. The sleeve segment I63 has the center of its are in axial extension to the center axis of the sleeve I60. It will be seen, then, that the saw I I3 may be admitted past the forward end of the sleeve I60 into the slot I52, these elements cooperating to provide an eificient cut-oil means to sever predetermined lengths of thewire cloth'cylinder as such lengths are attained beyond the end of the sleeve I60.

' A compressed air supply is conveyed to the slide and clamp assembly I5 by means of an air hose 'I10 connected by means of a check unit connecting assembly Hi to a nipple I12 engaging the stem portion of a T I13. One of the coaxial ends of the T I13 is connected to one of the air hoses I04 by means of a nipple I14 and an elbow I15. The other coaxial end of the T I13 is connected by means of a nipple I16, an elbow I11 and an-. other nipple I18 to a coaxial end of a second T I19. The other coaxial end of the T I19 is connected to a nipple I80, in turn connected to an elbow I8 I, in turn connected to the other air hose I04. The stem portion of the T I19 is connected by means of a nipple I82, a sequence valve I 83, and a second nipple I04 into the rear end of the cylinder assembly 15. The admission of air into the rear end of the cylinder assembly 15 causes the whole slide and clamp assembly I5 to ,move

forward orto the right in the longitudinal views of the drawings. It may thus be seen that air from a single source, such as the air hose I10, actuates not only the clamp assemblies 90, but also the cylinder assembly 15 in its forward movement. The action of the sequence valve I83 is such as momentarily to delay the admission of air into the rear of the cylinder assembly 15 so that the forward translatory movement of the slide and clamp assembly I5 ma be subsequent to the clamping action-of the clamping assembly 90. When air pressure is released in the hose I10, the consequent reduction of pressure in the quick exhaust valves IOI permits the air in the cylinder assemblies 9I to be expelled directly to atmosphere through the quick exhaust valves IOI, whereupon the piston rods 93 are retracted by the aforementioned spring means, thus quickly terminating the clamping action of the clamping assemblies 90. Compressed air to cause return movement of the slide and clamp assembly I5 is supplied through an air hose I90, a check unit connecting assembly I9I, a nipple I92, a speed valve. I 93 and a second nipple I94 to the forward end of the cylinder assembly 15.

Fig. 16 shows in diagrammatic form an arrangement whereby compressed air may be distributed to the various power units of the pneumatically operated wire cloth tube forming machine. Thus, air from an air line 200 passes through a filter 20I, a line 202, and thereafter divides to flow in one direction through a line 203, through a lubricator 204, through a, line 205 to a grinder motor 200 which serves as the motor H0 in the saw assembly I6. From the line 202, air also flows through a line 201, through a regulator and gauge assembly 208, through a line 209, through a lubricator 2I0, and through a line 2I I, whereupon it divides to flow through lines 2I2 and2l3 to solenoid operated valves 2I4 and 2 I 5, respectively. The valve 2 I4 controls the supply of air to the power units of the slide and clamp assembly I5. Thus, when the valve 2I4 is operated in one direction, air from the line 2 I2 is conducted to a line 2I6 which corresponds to the air hose I10 as best shown in Fig. 1. While the distribution of air from the air hose I10 has been above described, the simple form of Fig. 16 shows a corresponding flow of air from the line 2H5 to divide and flow through lines 2|! and 2|8, through the respective quick exhaust valves I], through lines 22i and 222 to the respective cylinder assemblies 9i. A portion of the air flowing through the line 2IS is taken off by a line 223 and passed through the sequence valve I83, thence through a line 224 to the rear end of the double acting cylinder assembly 15. Operation of the valve 2 M in the opposite direction causes air from the line 2E2 to be conducted by a line 225 to the forward end of the cylinder assembly 15.

The valve 2E5 controls the action of the double-acting cylinder assembly [35 which causes forward and return movement of the saw assembly [5. Thus, when operated in one direction, the valve 2l5 conducts air from the line 2 [3 to a line 225 from which the air passes through the aforementioned speed control valve [43 and through a line 225 to one end of the double-acting cylinder assembly I35. In similar manner, operation of the valve H5 in the opposite direction conducts air from the line 213 to a line 221 from which it passes through the aforementioned speed control valve I42 and through a, line 228 to the opposite end of the cylinder assembly I 35.

The sequential operation of the various power units is automatically controlled by an arrangement of electrical circuits as shown in Fig. 15. The diagram of Fig. shows five single pole, single throw, normally open micro switches, or the like, each of which is appropriately mounted to provide for its actuation in a predetermined sequence. Thus, a micro switch 240 is mounted so as to be actuated when the spot welder is in retracted position, a micro switch 241 is mounted so as to be actuated when the slide and clamp assembly I5 is in advanced position, a micro switch 252 is mounted so as to be actuated when a the saw assembly is is in retracted position, a micro switch 243 is mounted so as to be actuated when the saw assembly !5 is in advanced position, and a micro switch 24-4 is adjustably mounted so as to be actuated when engaged by a finished portion of the wire cloth cylinder advanced from the machine IG. The switch 240 is supported by a bracket 239 mounted on a non-moving element of the welding apparatus 2| as shown in Fig. 8.

Switches

2, 242, 243 and 244 are mounted directly on non-moving elements of the machine 50 and may be supported on appropriate brackets such as 245, 246, 24! and 248, respectively, as shown in Figs. 1-3.

The wire cloth tube formin machine abovedescribed forms a continuous tube from a strip of wire cloth having predetermined appropriate width and mesh. The tube is formed generally in the manner indicated in Figs. 11 and 12 to have a substantially circular cross-section as shown in Fig. 14. Thus, a strip [2 of wire cloth is drawn from a reel assembly 5 I, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and is caused to pass longitudinally through the annulus 52 formed between the electrode 35 and the former body [50. While passing over the flared portion 3'! of the electrode 35, the strip 12 is caused to assume an intermediate form as shown at 300 in Figs. 11 and 12. The wedgeshaped section 50 of the lug 43 permits edges Sill and 352 as shown in Fig. 11 to be brought together so that, when the cloth reaches the cylindrical portion 36 of the electrode 35, the edge 30! has lapped over the edge 302 as shown at 303. The passage of the strip [2 is not continuous through "the machine, but occurs by stages as effected by the slide and clamp assembly [5. The tube formed as above described emerges from the forward end of the former body 60 and passes over the flange 52 of the guide extension rod 5|, over the sleeve 53, over the spring 54, and over the collar 55. The feeding action as efiected by the slide and clamp assembly 15 results from the clamping action of the clamping assemblies wherein the formed cushions 9'! advance to compress the tube upon the sleeve 53 and the subsequent action of the cylinder assembly 15, whereby the whole clamping assembly 90 is caused to move in translatory movement, thereby causing a forward movement of the tube 304 as well as of the sleeve 53 against the action of the spring 54. When the slide and clamp assembly l5 has advanced to the forward end of its movement, the clamping action is released and the clamping assembly is returned to its original position, leaving the formed tube 304 in an advanced position. The sleeve 53 is returned by the action of the spring 54 to its original position abutting the flange 52.

Each time the formed tube 304 is brought forward as above described, an electrode 305 carriedby a movable arm 305 of the welding apparatus 2! is caused to descend through the slot 66 to rest upon the overlapped edges 3! and 302 of the tube at 303. This action of the electrode 305 permits a welding current to flow therefrom through the overlapped edges 30! and 302 to the internal electrode 35, thus effecting a seam weld of the edges 30! and 302. v

The formed and welded tube is thus seen to be advanced by stages until a predetermined length of finished tube such as 304 is brought to extend beyond the sleeve I50, whereupon the H3 advances to cut off the finished length.

As above mentioned, the wire cloth tube forming machine l0 operates under air power in cooperation with a conventional electric spot welder, the various movements being sequentially controlled by means of electrical circuits. Referring to Fig. 15, if it is assumed that the machine i0 is at rest with the slide and clamp assembly l5, the saw assembly 10, and the welder all in retracted' position, then switches 24!, 2:43, and 244 will each be open and switches 240 and 2-2-3 will each be closed. Now, if the 1l0-v. line is energized, two circuits will be completed, one through an actuating coil 25i of a single pole double throw latch relay 250 and the now closed switch 240 and another through the retract side of the solenoid valve 2l4 and through the normally closed contacts 252 of the relay The latter circuit is, however, immediately opened by the action of the relay 250 in opening the contacts 252 and closing normally open contacts 253, which action now completes a circuit through these contacts 253, through the advance side of the valve 214, and through the now closed switch 242. The consequent advance of the slide and clamp assembly l5 thus constitutes the first mechanical response to the electrical control.

Arrival of the slide and clamp assembly i5 at the advanced end of its travel closes the switch 24! to complete a circuit through a coil 253 of a two pole, single throw, normally open relay 255. The closing of normally open contacts 25? of the relay 255 completes a circuit through an unlatching coil 254 of the relay 250 and the closing of normally open contacts 258 of the relay 255 completes a circuit through the welder. With respect to the former of these last-mentioned circuits, it will be noted' that, inasmuch as the actuating coil 25! of the relay 256 is'still energized, the energization of the unlatching coil 254 will have no immediate switching efiect. The energiz'ation of the welder circuit, however,'has the efiect of initiating a conventional automatic welding cycle wherein the welder (a welding electrode, to be more specific) is caused toadvance, to complete the weld, and to retract in predetermined time sequence.

As soon as the welder leaves its retracted position,'the switch 24%] opens to deenergize the actuating coil 25l oi the relay 256, and the still energized unlatching coil 256 permits opening of the contacts 253 and consequently of the circuit through the advance side of the valve 2 M. The latter action is, of course, followed instantly by closing of the contacts 252, once more to complete the circuit through the retract side of the valve 2M, thus causing the slide and clamp assembly 15 to be retracted.

As soon as the slide and clamp assembly leaves its advanced position, the switch24i opens to de-. energize the coil 256 of the relay 255. The consequent opening of the

contacts

251 and 258 opens the circuits through the unlatching coil 254 of the relay 256 and the circuit through the Welder respectively. Deenergization of the unlatching coil 254 has no immediate effect since the relay 2 56 is already in its normal position, and the opening of the welder circuit does not affect completion of the timed welding cycle above described. With the arrival of .the slide and clamp assembly l at the retracted end of its travel, it is obvious that further operation of the machine ll] must await the" completion of the welding cycle as signified by, the return of the welder to its retracted position. Upon such return, the switch 246 will again be closed and the abovedescribed sequence of operation will be repeated again and again until the switch 244 is caused to close by engagement of the finished tube therewith.

Closing of the switch 244 completes a circuit through a coil 2H of a two pole, single throw, normally open relay 260, thus causingnormally open 'contacts 262 and 263 to close and respectively to complete a circuit through the coil 256 of the relay 255 and a circuit through an actuating coil. 266 of a two pole, single throw, normally open latch relay 265.

It is obvious that energization of the coil 2-56 of the relay 255 in this manner produces the same result as when it was energized through closing of the switch 241, i. e., it causes the welding cycle to be initiated and the unlatching coil 254 of the relay 250 to be energized. Initiation of the welding cycle, as previously described, causes the switch 240 to open the circuit through the actu-v ating coil of the relay 250, thus opening the contacts 253 and closing the contacts 252 to reverse the valve 214, thereby to effect an immediate retraction of the slideand clamp assembly I5. It is thus apparent that the advance of the finished wire cloth tube may be halted at any point during the travel of the slide and clamp assembly i5 from its retracted position toward its advanced position in order to cutoil a desired length of tube regardless of whether or not the desired length is a multiple of the normal travel of the slide and clamp assembly I5.

When the circuit through the actuating coil 266 of the relay 265 is completed as above mentioned, the normally

open contacts

261 and 268 are caused to close and respectively to complete a circuit through the advance side of the solenoid valve 215 and a circuit through an unlatching coil 21?; of a single pole, single throw, normally open latch relay 210. Completion of this circuit through the valve 215, of course, causes the saw assembly it to advance toward the now halted wire cloth tube to cut oil" a desired length thereof. Upon leaving its retracted position, the saw assembly 6 permits the switch 262 to open, producing no immediate effect, but serving to preclude subsequent advance of the slide and clamp assembly l5 until the saw assembly I6 is again in its retracted position. It is, therefore, apparent that the slide and clamp assembly may be advanced only when both the saw assembly [6 and the welder are in their respective retracted positions.

Completion of the above-mentioned circuit through the contacts 268 of the relay 265 and through the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 21E] produces an eifect to be described hereinafter. As soon as the desired length of finished tube has been severed from its parent stock, the switch 244-wil1 obviously resume its normally open position, thus deenergizing the coil 26! of the relay 260 and permitting the

contacts

262 and 266 to open. Opening of the contacts 262 in turn deenergizes the coil 256 of the relay 255, thus causing the

contacts

251 and 258 to open and results finally in deenergizing both the unlatching coil 254 of the relay 25D and the welder circuit. As before, however, the relay 256 is already in its normal position and the welding cycle is unaffected by opening of the welder circuit.

Opening of. the contacts 263, of course, deenergizes the actuating coil 266 of the relay 265, but the now closed

contacts

261 and 268 are not afiected due to their being mechanically latched in closed position, in which position they will remain until subsequent energization of an unlatching coil 26!] of the relay 265.

Arrival of the saw assembly [6 at the advanced end of its travel closes the switch 243 to complete a circuit through-a coil 216 of a two pole, single throw, normally open relay 215. This results in closing normally

open contacts

211 and 218, the latter of which completes a circuit through the above-mentioned unlatching coil 2 69 or the relay 265 and causes the

contacts

261 and 268 to open. Opening of the contacts 261 deenergizes the advance side of the valve 2 i 5, while opening of the contacts 268 deenergizes the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 210, this coil 213 having by this time produced an eifect hereinafter to be described.

Closing of the contacts 211 completes a circuit through an actuating coil 21l of the relay 216, thus causing normally open contacts 212 to close and to complete a circuit through the retract side of the valve 215. The saw assembly i6 is thus caused to retract from its advanced position whereupon the switch 243 is again opened. This causes the coil 216 of the relay 215 to be deenergized and the

contacts

211 and 216 to open. Opening of the contacts 211 deenergizes the actuating coil 211 of the relay 210, but the now closed contacts 212 are not afiected due to their being mechanically latched in closed position, which condition will obtain until the unlatching coil 213 is again energized during a subsequent cycle of events as above-described. Opening of the contacts 218 deenergizes the unlatching coil 269 of the. relay 265,- this 001126!) having already effected the return of the contacts 261 and 263 to their normally open condition.

Arrival of the saw assembly 16 at theretracted end of its travel again closes the switch 242. If, at, this point, the last instigated welding cycle has been completed so that the switch 240 is in closed position, it is obvious that the contacts 253 of the relay 259 will also be in closed position and that closing of the switch 242 will again complete a circuit through the advance side of the valve 2M to again start the sequence of operations above described. If, on the other hand, closing of the switch 242 occurs before the last instigated welding cycle is completed, energization of the advance side of the valve 214 will be delayed until the switch 240 closes to energize the actuating coil 25l and close the contacts 253 of the relay 250.

It will be noted that, as this second sequence of operations is begun, the conditions of the electrical circuits of Fig. 15 are similar to those which obtained at the beginning of the first described sequence except that the contacts 212 of the re.

lay 270 are latched in closed position, thereby causing the retract side of the valve 215 to remain energized. These contacts 272 will open, however, when the unlatching coil 213 of the relay 21B is energized as above described. It is thus apparent that the retract side of the valve 215 remains energized at all times during which advance of the saw assembly [6 would be particularly detrimental to the desired operation of the wire cloth tube forming machine ID.

The above-described machine, which is capable of forming a tube from an appropriate strip of wire cloth, of cooperating with a conventional welder to effect welding of the overlapped edges of the wire cloth thus formed into a tube, and of cutting off portions of the tube to desired lengths, obviously fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in the form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, an electrode assembly comprising a welding electrode having a cylindrical portion and a flared portion, said electrode having a straight longitudinal bore formed concentricaly with said cylindrical portion and extending through said flared portion, an adapter connected to said flared portion, a tube connected within said adapter and extending therefrom in spaced concentricity with said bore through said flared portion and into said cylindrical portion, means to admit a liquid to said adapter, and means to exhaust a liquid from said adapter, there 'being a path for flow of liquid from said means for admittance, through said tube, and thereafter within said bore externally of said tube to said means for exhausting the liquid.

2. In a Wire cloth tube forming machine, in combination, a former assembly and a welding electrode, said former assembly comprising a body having an internal bore, said bore including a cylindrical portion and a flared portion, said welding electrode being received in said bore and having an external configuration similar thereto, a uniform annular space between said bore and said electrode, a slot in said body parallel to said bore, said slot communicating with said bore to provide access of a second welding electrode to a portion of said annular space, and

means to retain said body and said first-m'eritioned electrode in fixed relative positions.

3. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for advancing a wire cloth tube comprising a tube guide extension rod extending coaxially from a cylindrical portion of a welding electrode, a sleeve slidably mounted on said rod, a spring biasing said sleeve toward said electrode, and a slide and clamp assembly adapted first to embrace a portion of said sleeve so as to effect a clamping action thereupon and thereafter to move said sleeve in a direction away from said electrode.

4. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means intermittently to advance a wire cloth tube comprising a sleeve about which a portion of a tube may be slidably disposed, a rod upon which said sleeve is slidable, resilient means biasing said sleeve toward one end of said rod, a plurality of clamping assemblies each having a clamping element reciprocable normal to said sleeve whereby portions of a tube may be alternately clamped to and released from said sleeve, means to reciprocate said plurality of clamping assemblies parallel to said sleeve whereby said sleeve and a tube clamped thereto may both be advanced in a direction against the biasing action of said resilient means, and means to coordinate said clamping action and the release thereof with said reciprocation of the clamping assemblies whereby said clamping action may be instigated before, and maintained during the movement of said clamping assemblies in said direction of advance and whereby said releasing action may be instigated before, and maintained during the movement of said clamping assemblies opposite to said direction of advance.

5. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, a slide and clamp assembly comprising a carrier, power operated means for reciprocating the carrier, and a pair of clamping assemblies mounted on the carrier so as to be movable therewith, said clamping assemblies being in opposed relation one with the other, each including a power operated reciprocable resilient cushion adapted to engage a portion of a wire cloth tube disposed on a cylindrical sleeve.

6. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, a slide and clamp assembly comprising a carrier, a double-acting cylinder assembly connected to said carrier for reciprocation thereof, a pair of clamping assemblies mounted on said carrier so as to be movable therewith, each clamping assembly including a movable clamping element and a single acting spring return cylinder assembly connected thereto, means for delivering power from a single source to one end of said double-acting cylinder and to each of said single acting cylinder assemblies including means to delay said delivery to said end of said doubleacting cylinder assembly until substantially after delivery to each of said single acting cylinder assemblies to provide for a desired sequential operation of said slide and clamp assembly in one mode of movement, and means associated with said delivery means for a quick release of power from said single acting cylinder assemblies to provide for a second desired sequential operation of said slide and clamp assembly in another mode of movement.

7. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for severing a wire cloth tube into segments of predetermined length comprising stationary means to support a tube from the interior thereof, means to advance a segment of a tube beyond said stationary supporting means, a movable cutaerator ting blade to: sever :a segment tram-saute, and stationary means adapted to support. a tube including a segment externallythereof during a severing operation, said latter means includinga stationary arcuate element'disposed oneach side of the plane of said cutting-blade.

8. In a wire cloth tube forming machine, means for severing a wire cloth tubeinto segments'of predetermined length comprising means toi support a tube from the interior thereof," power operated means for intermittently advancing a supported tube so as to cause a-predetermined length thereof to extend beyond said supporting means, control means cooperating with said power operated means to prevent further advance of a tube as long as a predetermined length thereof extends beyond said supporting means, a power operated reciprocable cutting blade adapted to sever a segment of predetermined length from a tube, control means cooperating with said reciprocable cutting blade whereby a segment is severed from a tube only when a predetermined length thereof has been advanced beyond said supporting means, arcuate shaped means externally of a tube for supporting both the tube and a segment being severed therefrom, and control means whereby the advance of a tube is resumed subsequentto a severing operation.

9. In a wire cloth tube forming machine comprising means to advance a continuous strip of wire cloth through a forming assembly wherein the edges of said strip are overlapped, means adapted to cooperate with conventional welding means for seam-welding overlapped edges of a tube to produce a seam-welded tube, and means for severing predetermined lengths from a seamwelded tube, in combination, a first power operated means to actuate said advancing means, a, first electrically operable control associated with said first power means, a second power operated means to actuate said severing means, a second electrically operable control associated with said second power means, and an arrangement of electrical circuits cooperating with said first and second electrically operable means to effect a desired sequential operation of said advancing means, said welding means including said means cooperative therewith, and said severing means, thereby to provide for continuous automatic operation of said wire cloth tube forming machine.

10. In a wire cloth tube forming machine comprising means to advance a continuous strip of wire cloth through a forming assembly wherein the edges of the strip are overlapped, means adapted to cooperate with conventional welding means for seam-welding overlapped edges of a tube to produce a seam-welded tube, and means for severing predetermined lengths from a seamwelded tube, in combination, a first power operated means to actuate said advancing means, a first electrically operable control associated with said first power means, a second power operated means to actuate said severing means, .a second electrically operable control associated with said second power means, and an arrangement of electric circuit elements cooperating electrically with sadi first and second electrically operable means and with said conventional welding means and cooperating mechanically with said advancing means, with said conventional welding means, with said severing means, and with a seamwelded tube to effect a desired sequential operation of said advancing means, said welding means including said means cooperative therewith, and said severing means, thereby to provide for continuous automatic operation of said' wire cloth tube'forming machine. I g 11. A method for. transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth into tubular'segments of pre-, determined length comprising thesteps-ofalter: nately overlapping the edges of a previously determined length of the continuous strip to form a previously determined length of tube and bonding. an equal previously determined length of overlapped edges to produce a continuous bonded tube, interrupting the production of continuous bonded tube when predetermined lengths thereof have been produced and severing tubular segments of desired predetermined length from the bonded tube during the interruption in production.

12. A method for transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth into tubular segments of predetermined length comprising the steps of advancing the continuous strip longitudinally through a forming assembly adapted to overlap the edges thereof to form a tube, retaining the thus formed tube in the forming assembly and supporting the overlapped edges from the interior of the tube, bonding the overlapped edges while they are thus supported in the forming assembly, advancing the bonded tube beyond the forming assembly, and severing tubular segments of desired predetermined length from the bonded tube.

13. A method for transforming a continuous strip of wire cloth into tubular segments of predetermined length comprising the steps of intermittently advancing the continuous strip longitudinally through a forming assembly adapted to overlap successive portions of the edges thereof to form a portion of a continuous tube during each intermittent advance, bonding successive portions of the overlapped edges while the tube is held stationary between intermittent periods of advance, interrupting the intermittent advancement of the tube when a predetermined length thereof has been bonded, severing a tubular segment of desired predetermined length from the bonded tube during the period of interrupted intermittent advancement, and repeating the above cycle.

14. A wire cloth tube forming machine comprising,in combination, stationary forming means including a stationary welding electrode for receiving a continuous strip of wire cloth and overlapping the edges of the same, a reciprocable welding electrode cooperative with said forming means and said welding electrode therein for bonding the overlapped edges of wire cloth, means for advancing the wire cloth through the forming means, means for reciprocating the reciprocable welding electrode, and means for coordinating the advance of the wire cloth with the reciprocation of the reciprocable electrode, whereby to produce a continuous wire cloth tube having a rectilinear welded seam.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein the means for advancing the wire cloth is intermittently operable, and wherein the means for coordinating the advance of the wire cloth with the reciprocation of the reciprocable electrode is adapted to effect alternate advancing movements of the wire cloth and reciprocations of the reciprocable electrode.

16. A wire cloth tube forming machine comprising, in combination, means for receiving a continuous strip of wire cloth, means for advancing a strip of wire cloth by intermittent stages longitudinally through said receiving means, means in said receiving means for overlapping names '15 the edges of a strip of wire cloth during longitudinal advance thereof through said receiving means, means in said receiving means adapted to cooperate with conventional welding means to seam-weld overlapping edges of a strip of wire cloth to produce a seam-Welded tube, means for severing predetermined lengths from a sea-m welded tube, and means for automatically controlling said advancing means, said welding means, and said severing means automatically to produce a plurality of Wire cloth tubes from a strip of wire cloth.

JAMES J. HARMON, JR.

Number Name Date smith et a1 Apr. 21, 1925 Sessions Nov. 8, 1927 Rupley Dec. 25, 1928 Richter et a1 Feb. 23, 1932 McDougall May 2, 1933 Rector May 8, 1934 Dudley June 18, 1935 Quarnstrom Mar. 28, 1939 Widell Apr. 21, 1942