Importance

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Abstract

An improved bending die and ram assembly is provided for use in a tube bending machine used for bending metal tubing of the type used, for example, in vehicle exhaust systems and the like. The machine features a bending die having a convexly curved die face for bending engagement with a metal tube supported by a pair of backshoe dies mounted on an outwardly pivoting pair of back gates. The bending die is advanced by the ram assembly along a line extending between the back gates to engage and bend the metal tube, with the back gates swinging outwardly in opposite directions as the tube is bent. The ram assembly utilizes retractor hooks which cooperate with lugs projecting from the underside of the bending die to permit the die to be attached and detached from the ram assembly in a drop-in, lift-out manner that does not require tools. Following a bending operation, the retractor hooks engage the lugs to pull the bending die away from bent tube during retraction of the ram assembly.

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First Claim