SU1147471A1 | 1985-03-30 | |||
RU2274786C1 | 2006-04-20 | |||
RU2133163C1 | 1999-07-20 | |||
RU2399450C2 | 2010-09-20 | |||
US6151938A | 2000-11-28 |
CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A material forming apparatus, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity and at least one opening through an outer surface of the housing; an array of gears located within the inner cavity and driven by an actuator wherein the array of gears includes a plurality of drive gears and a plurality of driven gears with each driven gear associated with a corresponding drive gear to form a gear set and wherein at least one of the driven gear and/ or corresponding drive gear are non-circular in order to have an ever changing pitch as the drive and driven gears engage and rotate with respect to one another; a flexible bed having a plurality of bed arms with each bed arm being connected to a corresponding gear set via an arm shaft that extends through the at least one housing opening, the flexible bed arms being movable by the corresponding gear set between a first position where the plurality of flexible bed arms form a generally flat bed and a second position where each of the plurality of bed arms is positioned in a different position with respect to the other plurality of bed arms in order to manipulate the flexible bed into a curved shape; and at least one clamp mechanism for clamping a workpiece to the flexible bed so that the workpiece is curved to match the curved shape of the flexible bed when the flexible bed is moved from the first position to the second position. 2. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible bed comprises a first flexible cover member for covering a first side of the workpiece and the apparatus further comprising a second flexible cover member positioned on a second side of the workpiece with both the first and second flexible cover members capable of curving to match the curved shape of the flexible bed when the flexible bed is moved from the first position to the second position to protect and/ or help curve the workpiece when the flexible bed is moved from the first position to the second position. 3. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one clamp mechanism comprises a plurality of clamp mechanisms positioned to secure the workpiece at a plurality of different positions along the flexible bed. 4. The material forming apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality of clamp mechanisms comprise roller clamps positioned to secure the workpiece at a plurality of different positions along the flexible bed with each roller clamp having a roller that allows the clamp and/ or workpiece to move with respect to one another as the flexible bed is moved between the first and second flexible bed positions. 5. The material forming apparatus of claim 4 wherein the roller clamps include at least one hand operated actuator for moving the roller of at least one roller clamp between a first released position wherein the roller is spaced apart from the workpiece and a second secured position wherein the roller is clamped to the workpiece such that the clamp allows the roller and/ or workpiece to move with respect to one another as the flexible bed is moved between the first and second flexible bed positions. 6. The material forming apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least one hand operated actuator comprises a plurality of hand operated actuators with each hand operated actuator being coupled to a respective roller clamp so that each hand operated actuator must be rotated in a first direction to move the roller to the first released position and rotated in a second direction opposite of the first to move the roller to the second secured position. 7. The material forming apparatus of claim 4 wherein the plurality of clamp mechanisms comprise pneumatic driven roller clamps positioned to secure the workpiece at a plurality of different positions along the flexible bed with each roller clamp having a roller that allows the clamp and/ or workpiece to move with respect to one another as the flexible bed is moved between the first and second flexible bed positions, the apparatus further comprising a clamp actuator connected to the pneumatic roller clamps and being operable to move the rollers of each roller clamp between a first released position wherein the roller is spaced apart from the workpiece and a second secured position wherein the roller is clamped to the workpiece such that the clamp allows the roller and/ or workpiece to move with respect to one another as the flexible bed is moved between the first and second flexible bed positions. 8. The material forming apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an air regulator and wherein the clamp actuator comprises at least one air valve that is actuated to move the roller between the first released position and the second secured position. 9. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the array of gears located within the inner cavity comprises a first array of gears corresponding to a first end of the flexible bed and having a second array of gears associated and a second end of the flexible bed. 10. The material forming apparatus of claim 9 having a first motor for driving the first array of gears and a second motor for driving the second array of gears and the apparatus comprising a controller for controlling operation of the first and second motors so that the flexible bed may be moved into the second position to form the workpiece and later returned to the first position for receiving another workpiece. 11. The material forming apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first array of gears is movable independent of the second array of gears to allow only one end of the workpiece to be worked on if desired. 12. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the drive gears and/ or at least one of the driven gears is adjustable to align the gears and/ or bed arm as desired. 13. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive gear is keyed to a drive shaft and includes an adjustable key insert that allows the drive gear to be adjusted as necessary for purposes of engaging and/ or aligning the gears and/ or bed arm as desired. 14. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the driven gear is keyed to the arm shaft and includes a gear lock assembly securing the drive gear against the keyed arm shaft to reduce the risk of slippage or backlash causing the apparatus to fall out of alignment or otherwise operate outside of desired parameters. 15. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a counterbalancing system connected to the driven gears to reduce forces exerted on the gears and associated system components. 16. The material forming apparatus of claim 15 wherein the counterbalancing system comprises a plurality of shocks connected to a lower portion of the driven gear on one end and to a lower portion of the housing on an opposite end. 17. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of spacers positioned between the drive gears to space the drive gears from one another. 18. The material forming apparatus of claim 17 wherein the plurality of spacers extend beyond an outer periphery of the drive gears and at least partly into gaps between the driven gears to align the drive gears and driven gears. 19. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening defined by the housing comprises a plurality of openings through which at least a portion of the arm shafts are disposed, each arm shaft extending through one of the plurality of openings and having a corresponding friction reduction mechanism disposed between the arm shaft and the housing to reduce friction between the arm shaft and the corresponding housing opening so that the arm shaft can readily pivot as the drive gear of the corresponding gear set drives the driven gear. 20. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein a first end of each arm shaft is connected to the driven gear of the corresponding gear set and a second opposite end of the arm shaft is connected to a corresponding arm and the bed arm associated with that arm so that pivotal movement of the arm shaft results in a corresponding pivotal movement of the arm and associated bed arm. 21. The material forming apparatus of claim 20 wherein the second opposite end of the arm shaft is tapered and keyed to the corresponding arm and permanently attached to the corresponding arm so that the arm shaft and arm are integrated with one another and pivotal movement of one results in a corresponding pivotal movement of the other. 22. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 wherein each bed arm is connected to the corresponding gear set via a corresponding arm shaft and corresponding arm and each bed arm is adjustably connected to the corresponding arm so that the position or alignment of the bed arm may be adjusted with respect to the corresponding arm to ensure proper positioning and alignment of same. 23. The material forming apparatus of claim 22 wherein the adjustable connection between the bed arm and corresponding arm comprises at least one fastener that allows the bed arm to be moved with respect to the corresponding arm and secured into position. 24. The material forming apparatus of claim 23 wherein the at least one fastener includes a bolt having a head with a threaded post extending therefrom and terminating in a distal end on a side opposite the head, the at least one fastener further includes a nut located between the bolt head and the distal end of the bolt that is adjustable about a length of the threaded post in order to adjust the spacing between the bed arm and arm when the bolt is used to fasten the bed arm to the arm. 25. The material forming apparatus of claim 24 wherein the at least one fastener comprises a plurality of said bolts so that the nuts corresponding to each bolt may be used to position and/ or align the bed arm with respect to the arm. 26. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lift mechanism connected to the apparatus for moving the flexible bed between a lowered position have a first clearance between the flexible bed and a work surface upon which the apparatus is rested and a raised position having a second clearance between the flexible bed and work surface upon which the apparatus is rested which is greater than the first clearance so that the apparatus may be used to form larger material without obstruction than would otherwise be allowable at the first clearance. 27. The material forming apparatus of claim 26 wherein the lift mechanism comprises an upper portion, a base portion and a drive mechanism to move one of the upper portion and base portion with respect to the other of the upper portion and base portion to travel between the first and second clearances. 28. The material forming apparatus of claim 27 wherein the upper portion and base portion have a telescoping engagement so that when the drive mechanism moves one of the upper portion and base portion with respect to the other of the upper portion and base portion telescope into one another to travel to the first clearance and out of one another to travel to the second clearance. 29. The material forming apparatus of claim 28 wherein the lift mechanism comprises a plurality of chain driven sprockets connected to corresponding acme screw and fixed nut assemblies and includes a motor and drive sprocket for driving a drive chain connected to the chain driven sprockets to rotate the chain driven sprockets in one direction of rotation to raise the upper portion of the housing to position the flexible bed at the second clearance and in a second opposite direction of rotation to lower the upper portion of the housing to position the flexible bed at the first clearance. 30. The material forming apparatus of claim 29 wherein the lift mechanism includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the drive chain driven by the motor and drive sprocket to reduce slippage between the drive chain and sprockets. 31. The material forming apparatus of claim 1 further including an illuminating device for illuminating at least a portion of the area in and/ or around the apparatus housing. 32. The material forming apparatus of claim 31 wherein the illuminating device is a light positioned within the housing for illuminating at least a portion of the interior cavity of the housing. 33. A material forming apparatus, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity and at least one opening through an outer surface of the housing; an plurality of rotating arms with each arm having a bed member and clamp for clamping a portion of a workpiece, the plurality of rotating arms being moveable between a first position wherein the bed members are aligned for supporting a generally flat workpiece and a second position wherein each arm is moved to a unique position to form the workpiece into a desired radius of curvature; and having at least one clamp mechanism for clamping the workpiece to one or more of the bed members so that the workpiece is formed into the desired radius of curvature when the rotating arms are moved from the first position to the second position. 34. A material forming apparatus according to claim 33 further comprising an integral lift mechanism that allows the height of a workpiece supporting bed to be raised from a first clearance with respect to an obstruction to a second clearance with respect to the obstruction greater than the first so that the material forming apparatus may form the material as desired without interference from the obstruction. 35. Adjustable drive gears comprising: a plurality of drive gears driven by a common drive shaft, the drive gears being keyed to the drive shaft and adjustable with respect to the drive shaft so that fine adjustments may be made to one or more components coupled to the drive gears by adjusting the drive gears orientation with respect to the drive shaft. 36. A gear lock assembly for a driven gear keyed to an arm shaft, the gear lock assembly comprising: a body keyed against at least one of the arm shaft and driven gear so that the body cannot move with respect to the at least one of the arm shaft and driven gear, and having a protrusion extending from the body and extending along a surface of the driven gear, the protrusion further defining a second opening; and an adjustable lock member inserted through the second opening to further drive the body toward the at least one of the arm shaft and driven gear to prevent any slippage between the driven gear and the arm shaft. 37. A counterbalance system for a drive system comprising a plurality of drive gears coupled to a common drive shaft, and a plurality of driven gears each being driven by a corresponding drive gear from the plurality of drive gears and having rotatable arm shafts extending therefrom, the counterbalance system comprising a strut or shock connected to at least one of the drive gears, drive shaft and the driven gears on one end and a frame on another end and thereby reducing forces exerted on the drive system. 38. A gear spacing and alignment system comprising: a plurality of drive gears coupled to a plurality of driven gears, the drive gears being coupled to a common drive shaft; and a plurality of spacers spaced in between the drive gears and extending beyond a periphery of the driven gears and into a gap formed between the driven gears to space and align both the drive gears and driven gears and protect one or more of the gears from wear. |
Preferably the key will include a plurality of key slots recessed in the arm shaft 960a and arm shaft opening of driven gear 946 with individual keys 947a inserted into the respective key slots defined by the aligned recesses of the arm shaft 960a and driven gear 946 so that the driven gear is securely connected to the arm shaft 960a and ultimately the bed arm 970 associated or coupled to same. In a preferred form, friction reducing mechanisms, such as bushings, are also disposed in the plurality of openings defined by the housing through which the arm shaft 960a will be disposed in order to align the shaft with the respective openings in the housing of the material forming apparatus to prevent wear on the arm shaft and reduce friction related to the rotation of the arm shaft 960a. In alternate forms, other friction reducing mechanisms, such as ball bearings, may be used. As mentioned above, the arm shaft 960, driven gear 946 and gear lock assembly 947 may be designed with alternate keying structures (see shape of the arm shaft opening in driven gear 446 of FIG. 4 for example). [0063] As also mentioned above with respect to FIG. 9B, in a preferred form, the distal end of the arm shaft 960a in FIGS. 11A-C will be tapered and/ or keyed to the arm in order to maintain proper alignment of the arm shaft and arm. The arm shaft 960a is also preferably fastened to the arm to ensure movement of the arm shaft 960a translates into a corresponding and repeatable rotational movement of the arm. In the form illustrated this is accomplished via a weld or other permanent connection (e.g., such as by casting, molding or pressing the pieces from an integral material), however, in alternate embodiments, the arm shaft 960a may be removably connected to the arm if desired or needed. [0064] In FIG. 12 another embodiment of an adjustable key mechanism for drive gears and adjustable gear lock assembly for driven gears is illustrated. In keeping with the above, items in this embodiment which are similar to those discussed above will use a common latter two-digit reference numeral, but apply the prefix“10” to distinguish one embodiment from others. In the form illustrated, each drive gear 1044 is keyed with an adjustable key mechanism 1045 that allows for independent alignment of the arm 1060 and/ or bed arm assembly associate with a particular drive gear 1044 by adjusting the key mechanism 1045 and, specifically, the driven gear’s positioning with respect to key member 1045a via screws 1045b, 1045c in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to FIGS. 11A-C. Thus, the key mechanism 1045 may be used to make fine adjustments to the drive gear 1044 with respect to drive shaft 1044b so that the corresponding bed arm is positioned in the desired alignment and/ or orientation (e.g., via drive shaft or arm shaft 1060a and arm). Thus, alignment mechanism 1045 similarly allows the alignment of each drive gear 1044 and corresponding bed arm to be fine-tuned in a manner similar to the previously discussed adjustable key mechanism 945 in FIGS. 11A-C. [0065] In FIG. 12, a single driven gear 1046 has been isolated and illustrated to make it easier to see the adjustable gear lock 1047 and particularly the U-shaped sleeve nature of same. In the form illustrated, the driven gear 1046 and adjustable gear lock 1047 are keyed to the arm shaft 1060a in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to FIGS. 11A-C (e.g., with fingers 1047a being inserted into aligned recesses in the arm shaft 1060a, driven gear 1046 and adjustable gear lock 1047). The adjustable gear lock 1047 further defines a rounded end defining the openings through which the arm shaft 1060a and fingers 1047a are disposed and has an elongated sleeve 1047b extending therefrom and having a generally U-shaped cross section that allows the sleeve 1047b to extend across the bottom of the driven gear 1046 and up at least a portion of the sides or sidewalls of the driven gear 1046. The adjustable gear lock 1047 further includes a thickened lower wall portion (e.g., thickened with respect to the other wall portions of the sleeve 1047 and/ or entire gear lock 1047) that is positioned below the driven gear 1046 to support the driven gear 1046 and to define a threaded bore or contain a threaded boss or sleeve through which screw or bolt 1047c is disposed and may be tightened to drive the driven gear 1046 against its keyed fingers 1047a to eliminate slippage and/ or backlash between the arm shaft 1060a and driven gear 1046. [0066] Another item in accordance with the invention disclosed herein for use with any embodiment of the material forming apparatus is a counterbalancing system for removing strain from the drive system (e.g., motor, drive shaft, gears, rotating arms and bed arms, etc.) to assist the system in operating without needless strain or stress. The counterbalancing system further helps aligning and maintaining the position of the driven gears with their respective drive gears so that alignment is maintained even when the drive gears are disengaged from their respective driven gears (e.g., such as for servicing, maintenance, replacement, etc.). One form of such a counterbalancing system is illustrated in FIG. 15B. In keeping with prior form, items that are similar to those discussed above will utilize the same latter two-digit reference numeral but add prefix“11” to distinguish one embodiment from the others. Thus, in FIG. 15B, the first gear array is referenced by reference numeral 1140a and the second gear array is referenced by 1140b, and the apparatus is referred to generally by 1100. In this form, the counterbalance system includes shocks or struts 1184, such as gas charged shocks that are connected to each driven gear 1146 and used to hold the driven gears 1146 in
alignment/ position. More particularly, and as illustrated in the gear systems of FIGS. 11A-12 and 15B, the driven gears preferably include a bore (see 946a in FIGS. 11A-C, 1046a in FIG. 12 and 1146a in FIG. 15B) which a distal end of the counterbalance strut 1184 is connected to. The opposite end of the counterbalance mechanism 1184 is connected to a cross beam of the upper frame of the apparatus 1100 so that the counterbalance mechanism 1184 raises and lowers with the gear arrays 1140a, 1140b. In the form illustrated, the counterbalance mechanism 1184 is a pressurized nitrogen gas filled strut, however, in alternate embodiments it should be understood that other struts or similar devices may be used (e.g., other gas filled struts, alternatively combination coil-over spring and shock absorber assemblies may be used, etc.). [0067] Another concept disclosed herein is an adjustable arm and bed arm assembly which allows for fine adjustment and alignment of the bed arm assembly with respect to the arm. In keeping with the above practices, items that are similar to previously discussed items will use the same latter two-digit reference numeral, but include the prefix“12” to distinguish one embodiment from others. Thus, in FIGS. 13A-B, the adjustable bed arm assembly 1261 is illustrated and connects pivoting or rotating arms 1260 to bed arms 1270. In the form illustrated, the arm 1260b of rotating arm assembly 1260 defines threaded bores 1261a, such as tapped bores or sleeves, and a fastener, such as bolt 1261b passes through an opening defined by the bed arm bracket 1270a, a nut 1261c and is thread into the threaded bores 1261a of the arm 1260b. The location of nut 1261c between the bed arm bracket 1270a and the arm 1260b allows the position of the bed arm assembly 1270 to be adjusted with respect to the rotating arm assembly 1260 to ensure proper alignment of the bed arm assembly 1270 and, specifically, the portion of the flexible bed 1220 associated therewith. In the form illustrated, the adjustable bed arm assembly 1261 includes three threaded bores 1261a, mating bolts 1261b and intermediate nuts 1261c as this provides sufficient ability to adjust the bed arm 1270 in any desired manner. However, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments fewer or more bores 1261a, mating bolts 1261b and nuts 1261c could be used. For example, in one form a single threaded bolt, intermediate nut and mating bore could be used. Such a configuration would likely only allow for longitudinal movement of the bed arm 1270 in/ toward or out/ away from the arm assembly 1260, however, this may be all that is needed for some embodiments of the invention. Similarly, in other embodiments more than three bores, bolts and nuts may be used. For example, if more fine adjustment is desired for the bed arm 1270, additional bores, bolts and nuts could be used. It should also be appreciated that although the depicted embodiment illustrates the arm as defining the threaded bore 1261a, the alignment of the components could easily be reversed so that the bed arm bracket 1270a defines the threaded bore 1261a, the arm defines an opening through which the bolt 1261b is passed and the nut is positioned between the arm assembly 1260 and bed arm bracket 1270a. Similarly, other structures capable of allowing finite adjustment of the bed arm 1270 with respect to the arm assembly 1260 may be used in alternate embodiments. For example, in one alternate form the bed arm 1270 may be connected to the arm assembly 1260 via a swivel-ball and nut design wherein the nut is loosened to allow finite positioning of the arm bed 1270 and then a nut is tightened down over the swivel-ball to prevent the swivel-ball and arm bed assembly 1270 from moving with respect to the arm 1260. [0068] Yet another feature in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14A-C which may be used with any embodiment of the material forming apparatus. In keeping with the above, similar latter two-digit numerals will be used for items discussed above, but will have the prefix“13” to distinguish one embodiment from others. Thus, in FIGS. 14A-C an integrated lift mechanism is illustrated and referenced by reference numeral 1303. The integral lift mechanism 1303 is preferably incorporated into the upper housing portion 1302a and allows the material forming apparatus to be used with a variety of different sized workpieces by allowing the flexible bed to be raised and lowered to provide more and less clearance with a floor or other work surface, respectively. In one form, the lift mechanism 1303 includes chain driven sprockets that either drive an upper portion 1302a of the material forming apparatus upward with respect to the base 1302b of the apparatus or, alternatively, drive a lower portion (e.g., such as feet or posts) of the material forming apparatus downward to raise the flexible bed of the apparatus. In a preferred form, the lift mechanism 1303 allows an upper portion 1302a of the material forming apparatus 1300 to be raised with respect to the lower portion or base 1302b thereby elevating the height of the flexible bed from a first clearance with respect to the floor or work surface to a second clearance greater than the first so that larger workpieces can be formed and/ or larger flexible beds used without causing the flexible bed and/ or the workpieces from coming into contact with the floor surface upon which the apparatus is mounted, or other obstruction. In a preferred form, [0069] In a preferred form, the lift mechanism includes a drive mechanism 1303a to move one of the upper portion 1302a and base portion 1302b with respect to the other of the upper portion 1302a and base portion 1302b to travel between the first and second clearances. The upper portion 1302a and base portion 1302b preferably have a telescoping engagement so that when the drive mechanism moves one of the upper portion 1302a and base portion 1303b with respect to the other, the upper portion 1302a and base portion 1302b telescope into one another to travel to the first clearance and out of one another to travel to the second clearance. The telescoping configuration helps minimize the foot print of the apparatus and allows the apparatus to take up less space when not in use.
[0070] In the form illustrated in FIGS. 14A-C, the lift mechanism 1303 comprises a plurality of chain driven sprockets 1303b connected to corresponding acme screw and fixed nut assemblies 1303c and the drive mechanism 1303a includes a motor 1303d and drive sprocket 1303e for driving a drive chain 1303f connected to the chain driven sprockets to rotate the chain driven sprockets in one direction of rotation to raise the upper portion 1302a of the housing with respect to the base 1302b to position the flexible bed at the second clearance, higher or greater than the first clearance, and in a second opposite direction of rotation to lower the upper portion 1302a of the housing with respect to the base 1302b to position the flexible bed at the first clearance or at least move it closer to the first clearance.
[0071] In the form illustrated, the lift mechanism 1303 further includes an integral tensioning mechanism 1303g for tensioning the drive chain 1303f driven by the motor 1303d and drive sprocket 1303e to reduce slippage between the drive chain 1303f and sprockets1303b ad drive sprocket 1303e. As best illustrated in FIGS. 14A-B, the integral tensioning mechanism 1303g includes a spindle handle and threaded shaft that moves the entire motor 1303d and drive sprocket 1303e assembly away from the rear wall or frame of the apparatus 1300 and more toward the center of the cavity defined by the housing 1302. This causes the drive chain 1303f to tighten and remove slack in same to increase tension. If tension needs to be released the spindle handle and threaded shaft are rotated in an opposite direction of rotation to drive the motor 1303d and drive sprocket 1303e assembly toward the periphery of the housing 1302 and away from the center of the housing 1302 to add slack to the drive chain 1303f. Thus, with this configuration, the lift mechanism 1303 remains out of the way of the user or operator of the apparatus 1300 and the gear arrays, arm assemblies and bed arms, so as not to interfere with same. [0072] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A-C, the housing panels have been removed from the outer or upper housing portion 1302a to make the internal components of the housing more readily visible. In its finished form, the apparatus 1300 of FIGS. 14A-C would look more like the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15A. In FIG. 15A, the apparatus 1100 is illustrated having an optional user interface, such as touch screen unit 1186, which is mounted to post member 1102c extending from the front of the apparatus 1100, which is connected to the upper housing portion 1102a and will raise and lower with the upper housing portion. In a preferred form, the user interface 1186 is connected to a controller, such a programmable logic controller or PLC, located in a rear access panel 1188 along with an electronic pressure regulator, air cylinder and second motor assembly for driving the second gear array 1140b located behind the access panel 1188. The first gear array would be driven by another motor (see motor 842 in FIG. 16A) and wired over to the controller in panel 1188.
[0073] In a preferred form, the apparatus 1100 is operated by first turning the main power switch on which is located in the rear enclosure 1188 located at the back of the apparatus 1100. Then the operator would press a home button on the touch screen 1186 to calibrate and level out the flexible bed 1120. The operator would then place the first cover member on the flexible bed 1120, followed by the desired workpiece to be formed, followed by the second cover member and then the roller clamps 1130d would be hooked into the bed arm assemblies 1170. The operator would press the air valve 1130c on each pneumatic cylinder to clamp down each roller on the workpiece and enter the clamping pressure and the radius desired on the touch screen. After pressing the start button located on the touch screen 1186, the apparatus will form the material as programmed via the touch screen 1186. The material will be left in the apparatus in the formed position and clamped long enough for it to hold its shape on its own, at which time the air valves can be opened to remove the roller clamps 1130d. The formed material can be removed and the bed can be put back into the home position for the next workpiece by hitting the home button on the touchscreen 1186.
[0074] In alternate embodiments, it should be appreciated that the touch screen 1186 and enclosure 1188 can be positioned elsewhere on the apparatus. It also should be understood that the apparatus 1100 may be provided with additional access panels, doors, drawers or windows. Further, the apparatus may include an illuminating device for illuminating at least a portion of the area in and/ or around the apparatus housing. In a preferred form, a bank of LEDs is provided and mounted to the ceiling of the housing 1102 to illuminate the gear arrays 1140a, 1140b. A window may also be provided to allow the user to monitor operation of the apparatus if desired.
[0075] Methods and systems comprising the features specified in this disclosure are also contemplated in addition to a material forming machine or system. For example, methods of manufacturing a material forming machine are disclosed herein, methods of forming materials are disclosed herein, methods for bending workpieces are disclosed, methods for integrally lifting a material forming machine, methods for tensioning such integral lift mechanisms and gear engagement, as are methods for rotationally moving arms connected to a workpiece, methods for rotating arms off of a pivot point to create an arc, methods for continuously changing the pitch of a gear driven system to form a workpiece, methods for counterbalancing a gear driven system to free the system from excess strain, methods for keying and locking a gear system to prevent slippage and/ or backlash, methods for calibrating and aligning moveable arms using adjustable drive gear assemblies, methods of engaging and disengaging drive and driven gears using a sled, methods of solidly engaging drive and driven gears, methods of spacing drive and/ or driven gears, method of adjusting a bed arm with respect to a
corresponding arm assembly, and methods of automating a material forming apparatus are all disclosed herein. [0076] While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.