| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus and method for forming a bend in a thermoplastic tube including a fixture having a former with a bend. A clamp (28) holds the tube in place while an upper form (22) and lower form (16) sandwiches the tube therein. Infrared lights are positioned against the bends of the upper and lower forms. The upper and lower forms are made of a Teflon material to allow the infrared wavelengths to flow therethrough and heat only the bend of the tube. Another embodiment includes a hollow box having a top surface with a groove formed therein to correspond to the desired shape and bend of the tube. Along the bend portion of the groove are slots (116). The hollow upper box (112) is connected to a solid lower box (118) having air intake holes therethrough to the hollow interior of the upper box. Cold or hot air enters through one of the intake holes and is directed through the slots (116) to the bend portion of the tube.</p> |
