Method of forming T-connectors
US6694616B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49442
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a method of forming a T-shaped pipe (60) or tube connecting section, also referred to as a T-connector, T-junction or a T-section. The method comprises the step of cutting a form out of sheet metal, the form substantially comprising a rectangle having extensions on each side arranged in two pairs of opposing extensions (2) followed by the step of bending the edges of a first pair of opposing extensions (6a, 6b) together to form a body having a central passage extending through the body in a first plane and a further passage (64) extending from the exterior of the body to the central passage in a plane orthogonal to the first plane. The invention also provides apparatus arranged to form a T-connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.