| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for inflating lengths of metal strip having at least one inflatable fluid passageway, and preferably, long lengths of such strip. The process employs a coil of the metal strip. The metal strip preferably is of a composite metal, wherein the inflatable fluid passageways correspond to patterns of weld inhibiting material. The strip is paid off from the coil and pinched to prevent subsequent inflation from reaching the coil itself. The other end of the strip is clamped in a suitable inflation device through which pressure is applied to inflate the fluid passageway or passageways. The inflation proceeds up to the pinched off portion of the strip. Thereafter, the strip is severed just ahead of the pinching means, yielding a long length of strip having at least one inflated passageway while leaving an open tube in the end of the coil ahead of the pinching means for insertion in the inflation fixture for inflation of a subsequent length of strip. The apparatus comprises means for holding a coil of the strip, pinching means receiving the strip from the coil, inflation means receiving the strip from the pinching means and severing means spaced between the pinching means and the inflation means for severing the strip from the coil after it has been inflated.
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