Apparatus and method for continuous material feeding and deformation

Claim 3

Method as in claim 1, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in the fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force.

Claim 4

Method as in claim 1, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in the fluid to adjust viscosity in the fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force.

Claim 5

Method according to claim 1 wherein the extrusion die is associated with a hydrostatic extrusion chamber and the fluid stream advances the rod into the extrusion chamber from which it is extruded through the extrusion die.

Claim 6

Method according to claim 1 wherein axial stress in the wire is controlled by application of force to the wire as it exits the extrusion die.

Claim 7

Method according to claim 5 wherein axial stress in the wire is controlled by application to the wire of viScous drag forces.

Claim 8

Method of advancing rod into an extrusion die, said method comprising: a. pumping an annular flow of pressurized viscous fluid along the surface of the rod to apply viscous drag force to the rod; b. controlling the flow of said viscous fluid such that the viscous drag force applied to the rod is of sufficient magnitude to generate a compressive axial stress in said rod upstream of said extrusion die exceeding the yield strength of the rod material and to advance said rod through said extrusion die and such that the pressure in said flow of viscous fluid increases from a station upstream of said extrusion die toward said extrusion die; c. further controlling the flow of said viscous fluid such that the fluid pressure drop ( Delta P) per increment of rod length exposed to the flow of viscous fluid does not differ from the axial stress increment ( Delta SA) produced in the rod for the same increment of rod length ( Delta L) by an amount greater than the yield strength of the rod material.

Claim 9

Method of advancing rod into an extrusion die, said method comprising: a. pumping an annular flow of pressurized viscous fluid along the surface of the rod to apply viscous drag force to the rod; b. controlling the flow of said viscous fluid such that the viscous drag force applied to the rod is of sufficient magnitude to generate a compressive axial stress in said rod upstream of said extrusion die exceeding the yield strength of the rod material and to advance said rod through said extrusion die and such that the pressure in said flow of viscous fluid increases from a station upstream of said extrusion die toward said extrusion die; c. further controlling the flow of said viscous fluid such that the fluid pressure drop ( Delta P) per increment of rod length exposed to the flow of viscous fluid does not differ from the axial stress increment ( Delta SA) produced in the rod for the same increment of rod length ( Delta L) by an amount greater than the yield strength of the rod material.

Claim 10

Method as in claim 7, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in said viscous fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force.

Claim 11

Method as in claim 7, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in said viscous fluid to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force.

Claim 12

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of rod into an extrusion die wherein the extrusion of said rod produces axial stress in said rod in excess of the yield strength of said rod, said method comprising: a. providing an annular alternate-reverse flow of a viscous fluid, said flow having linearly interrupted portions; b. applying said linearly interrupted portions to the surface of said rod, said portions building up radial stress in said rod and applying viscous drag forces to said rod, said viscous drag forces building up axial stress in said rod; and c. controlling the pressure drops in said linearly interrupted portions such that at any point along the rod the difference between said radial stress and said axial stress does not exceed the yield strength of said rod, and wherein said viscous drag forces applied to said rod are of magnitude sufficient to continuously advance said rod into said die.

Claim 13

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of rod into an extrusion die wherein the extrusion of said rod produces axial stress in said rod in excess of the yield strength of said rod, said method comprising: a. providing an annular alternate-reverse flow of a viscous fluid, said flow having linearly interrupted portions; b. applying said linearly interrupted portions to the surface of said rod, said portions building up radial stress in said rod and applying viscous drag forces to said rod, said viscous drag forces building up axial stress in said rod; and c. controlling the pressure drops in said linearly interrupted portions such that at any point along the rod the difference between said radial stress and said axial stress does not exceed the yield strength of said rod, and wherein said viscous drag forces applied to said rod are of magnitude sufficient to continuously advance said rod into said die.

Claim 14

Method as in claim 10, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in said viscous fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag forces.

Claim 15

Method as in claim 10, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in said viscous fluid to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag forces.

Claim 16

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of material into an extrusion die, wherein the extrusion thereof produces opposition force of sufficient magnitude to produce stress in said material along the direction of material advancement in excess of the yield strength of said material, said method comprising: a. providing an alternate-reverse flow of a pressurized viscous fluid, said flow having cyclically interrupted portions with each portion having a pressure drop ( Delta P); b. applying said cyclically interrupted portions of said flow to the surface of said material, said portions: i. applying pressure to the surface of said material which builds up normal stress in said material perpendicular to the direction of said material advancement, and ii. applying viscous drag frictional forces to the surface of said material which build up longitudinal stress in said material acting in the direction of said material advancement; c. controlling the pressure drops ( Delta P) in said cyclically interrupted portions such that at any point along said material to which said interrupted portions are applied, the difference between the normal stress and the longitudinal stress does not exceed the yield strength of said material, and said viscous drag frictional forces are of magnitude sufficIent to continuously advance said material into said die.

Claim 17

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of material into an extrusion die, wherein the extrusion thereof produces opposition force of sufficient magnitude to produce stress in said material along the direction of material advancement in excess of the yield strength of said material, said method comprising: a. providing an alternate-reverse flow of a pressurized viscous fluid, said flow having cyclically interrupted portions with each portion having a pressure drop ( Delta P); b. applying said cyclically interrupted portions of said flow to the surface of said material, said portions: i. applying pressure to the surface of said material which builds up normal stress in said material perpendicular to the direction of said material advancement, and ii. applying viscous drag frictional forces to the surface of said material which build up longitudinal stress in said material acting in the direction of said material advancement; c. controlling the pressure drops ( Delta P) in said cyclically interrupted portions such that at any point along said material to which said interrupted portions are applied, the difference between the normal stress and the longitudinal stress does not exceed the yield strength of said material, and said viscous drag frictional forces are of magnitude sufficIent to continuously advance said material into said die.

Claim 18

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of rod into an extrusion die wherein the extrusion of said rod produces axial stress in said rod in excess of the yield strength (SY) of said rod, said method comprising: a. providing an annular alternate-reverse flow of a pressurized viscous fluid, said flow having linearly interrupted portions with each portion having a pressure drop ( Delta P); P; b. applying said linearly interrupted portions of said flow to the surface of said rod, said portions: i. applying radially acting pressure to the surface of said rod which builds up radial stress (SR) in said rod, and ii. applying viscous drag forces to the surface of said rod which build up axial stress (SA) in said rod; and c. controlling the pressure drops ( Delta P) so that at any point along said rod to which said interrupted portions are applied, (SR) does not differ from (SA) by an amount greater than (SY), and wherein said viscous drag forces applied to said rod by said portions are of magnitude sufficient to continuously advance said rod into said die.

Claim 19

Method of continuously advancing an indefinite length of rod into an extrusion die wherein the extrusion of said rod produces axial stress in said rod in excess of the yield strength (SY) of said rod, said method comprising: a. providing an annular alternate-reverse flow of a pressurized viscous fluid, said flow having linearly interrupted portions with each portion having a pressure drop ( Delta P); P; b. applying said linearly interrupted portions of said flow to the surface of said rod, said portions: i. applying radially acting pressure to the surface of said rod which builds up radial stress (SR) in said rod, and ii. applying viscous drag forces to the surface of said rod which build up axial stress (SA) in said rod; and c. controlling the pressure drops ( Delta P) so that at any point along said rod to which said interrupted portions are applied, (SR) does not differ from (SA) by an amount greater than (SY), and wherein said viscous drag forces applied to said rod by said portions are of magnitude sufficient to continuously advance said rod into said die.

Claim 22

Method as in claim 15, said predetermined value being the yield strength of said rod.

Claim 23

Method as in claim 15, said predetermined value being one-half the yield strength of said rod.

Claim 26

Method as in claim 18, said predetermined value being the yield strength of said rod.

Claim 27

Method as in claim 18, said predetermined value being one-half the yield strength of said rod.

Claim 28

Method of producing elongated product of indefinite length from elongated billet material of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. advancing said elongated billet material through pressurized fluid, the pressure in said pressurized fluid increasing in the direction of advancement of said elongated billet material, and thence into a high pressure environment; b. continuously hydrostatically extruding said elongated billet material from said high pressure environment in the form of elongated product.

Claim 29

Method of producing elongated product of indefinite length from elongated billet material of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. advancing said elongated billet material through pressurized fluid, the pressure in said pressurized fluid increasing in the direction of advancement of said elongated billet material, and thence into a high pressure environment; b. continuously hydrostatically extruding said elongated billet material from said high pressure environment in the form of elongated product.

Claim 30

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. exerting along the elongated surface of the workpiece force which drags and advances the workpiece against a deforming agency; b. generating a compressive axial stress in said workpiece at least in part by said force, said axial stress having a magnitude upstream of said deforming agency in excess of the yield strength of the workpiece material; c. generating a normal stress in said workpiece, said normal stress increasing from a station upstream of said deforming agency toward said deforming agency; d. controlling the difference between said axial stress and normal stress in the workpiece upstream of said deforming agency so that the difference does not exceed the yield strength of the workpiece material; e. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the elongated product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 31

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. exerting along the elongated surface of the workpiece force which drags and advances the workpiece against a deforming agency; b. generating a compressive axial stress in said workpiece at least in part by said force, said axial stress having a magnitude upstream of said deforming agency in excess of the yield strength of the workpiece material; c. generating a normal stress in said workpiece, said normal stress increasing from a station upstream of said deforming agency toward said deforming agency; d. controlling the difference between said axial stress and normal stress in the workpiece upstream of said deforming agency so that the difference does not exceed the yield strength of the workpiece material; e. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the elongated product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 32

Method as in claim 22, comprising: e. performing steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) on metal rod to produce metal wire as the elongated product.

Claim 33

Method as in claim 22, comprising: e. performing step (d) by means of an extrusion die.

Claim 34

Method as in claim 22, wherein: e. said axial and normal stresses in the workpiece upstream of said deforming agency have sufficient magnitude to increase the ductility of the workpiece material and permit deformation thereof without fracture.

Claim 35

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. exerting along the elongated surface of the workpiece force which drags and continuously and non-intermittently advances the workpiece and produces a compressive axial stress in said workpiece in excess of the yield strength of said workpiece: i. into and through a pressurized chamber wherein the pressure level is sufficient to increase the ductility of the workpiece and permit the desired deformation thereof without fracture, normal stress in said workpiece in said pressurized chamber being in excess of the yield strength of said workpiece; and ii. thence against a deforming agency; b. simultaneously with step (a), applying normal pressure to said workpiece prior to entry of said workpiece into said pressure chamber, said normal pressure increasing from a station upstream of said pressure chamber to said pressure chamber; and c. continuously and non-intermittently deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 36

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. exerting along the elongated surface of the workpiece force which drags and continuously and non-intermittently advances the workpiece and produces a compressive axial stress in said workpiece in excess of the yield strength of said workpiece: i. into and through a pressurized chamber wherein the pressure level is sufficient to increase the ductility of the workpiece and permit the desired deformation thereof without fracture, normal stress in said workpiece in said pressurized chamber being in excess of the yield strength of said workpiece; and ii. thence against a deforming agency; b. simultaneously with step (a), applying normal pressure to said workpiece prior to entry of said workpiece into said pressure chamber, said normal pressure increasing from a station upstream of said pressure chamber to said pressure chamber; and c. continuously and non-intermittently deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 37

Method as in claim 22, comprising: e. performing step (a) by applying a flow of fluid along the surface of the workpiece to exert viscous drag force along the surface of the workpiece.

Claim 38

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern, b. applying portions of said alternate-reverse flow pattern of viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said workpiece towards a deforming agency thereby to apply viscous drag force along said elongated surface of said workpiece toward said deforming agency whereby to advance said workpiece against said deforming agency, c. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 39

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern, b. applying portions of said alternate-reverse flow pattern of viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said workpiece towards a deforming agency thereby to apply viscous drag force along said elongated surface of said workpiece toward said deforming agency whereby to advance said workpiece against said deforming agency, c. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 40

Method as in claim 28, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in said viscous fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said workpiece.

Claim 41

Method as in claim 28, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in said viscous fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to control the magnitude of said viscous drag force oN said workpiece.

Claim 42

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing a plurality of discrete streams of viscous fluid arranged as a series having a first discrete stream of viscous fluid at one end of said series and a second discrete stream of viscous fluid at the other end of said series; b. controlling the pressure in each discrete stream of viscous fluid in a manner related to the pressures in the other discrete steams of viscous fluid to provide said series with a pressure gradient increasing from said first discrete stream of viscous fluid to said second discrete stream of viscous fluid; c. applying a portion of each of said discrete streams of viscous fluid of said series along the elongated surface of said workpiece towards a deforming agency thereby to apply viscous drag force along said elongated surface of said workpiece toward said deforming agency whereby to advance said workpiece against said deforming agency, said series being arranged relative to said workpiece and said deforming agency so that said first discrete stream of viscous fluid is at the end of said series furthest from said deforming agency and said second discrete stream of viscous fluid is at the end of said series closest to said deforming agency whereby to pressurize said workpiece with a gradient increasing towards said deforming agency; d. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 43

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length to produce an elongated product of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing a plurality of discrete streams of viscous fluid arranged as a series having a first discrete stream of viscous fluid at one end of said series and a second discrete stream of viscous fluid at the other end of said series; b. controlling the pressure in each discrete stream of viscous fluid in a manner related to the pressures in the other discrete steams of viscous fluid to provide said series with a pressure gradient increasing from said first discrete stream of viscous fluid to said second discrete stream of viscous fluid; c. applying a portion of each of said discrete streams of viscous fluid of said series along the elongated surface of said workpiece towards a deforming agency thereby to apply viscous drag force along said elongated surface of said workpiece toward said deforming agency whereby to advance said workpiece against said deforming agency, said series being arranged relative to said workpiece and said deforming agency so that said first discrete stream of viscous fluid is at the end of said series furthest from said deforming agency and said second discrete stream of viscous fluid is at the end of said series closest to said deforming agency whereby to pressurize said workpiece with a gradient increasing towards said deforming agency; d. deforming the workpiece against the deforming agency to produce the product of indefinite length and of cross-section different from that of the workpiece.

Claim 44

Method as in claim 31, further comprising: e. adjusting viscosity in said discrete streams of viscous fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said workpiece.

Claim 45

Method as in claim 31, further comprising: e. adjusting temperature in said discrete streams of viscous fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in said discrete streams of viscous fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said workpiece.

Claim 46

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern, b. applying said alternate-reverse flow pattern of viscous fluid at spaced lengths along the elongated surface of the elongated workpiece thereby to produce viscous drag force on the elongated workpiece, c. advancing the elongated workpiece by means of said viscous drag force against a deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece.

Claim 47

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern, b. applying said alternate-reverse flow pattern of viscous fluid at spaced lengths along the elongated surface of the elongated workpiece thereby to produce viscous drag force on the elongated workpiece, c. advancing the elongated workpiece by means of said viscous drag force against a deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece.

Claim 48

Method as in claim 34, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in the viscous fluid thereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece.

Claim 49

Method as in claim 34, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in the viscous fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece.

Claim 50

Method for continuously deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing a plurality of discrete currents of fluid arranged as a series, the discrete currents of fluid of said series each having a different pressure and being so arranged as to provide said series with a pressure gradient increasing from one end of said series to the other end of said series; b. applying said plurality of discrete currents of fluid at spaced lengths along the elongated surface of said workpiece to produce viscous drag force on the elongated workpiece; c. advancing the elongated workpiece by means of said viscous drag force against a deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece; d. said series of discrete currents of fluid being arranged relative to said elongated workpiece And said deforming agency so that that end of said series at lowest pressure is furthest from said deforming agency and that end of said series at highest pressure is closest to said deforming agency whereby to pressurize said elongated workpiece with a gradient increasing toward said deforming agency.

Claim 51

Method for continuously deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. providing a plurality of discrete currents of fluid arranged as a series, the discrete currents of fluid of said series each having a different pressure and being so arranged as to provide said series with a pressure gradient increasing from one end of said series to the other end of said series; b. applying said plurality of discrete currents of fluid at spaced lengths along the elongated surface of said workpiece to produce viscous drag force on the elongated workpiece; c. advancing the elongated workpiece by means of said viscous drag force against a deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece; d. said series of discrete currents of fluid being arranged relative to said elongated workpiece And said deforming agency so that that end of said series at lowest pressure is furthest from said deforming agency and that end of said series at highest pressure is closest to said deforming agency whereby to pressurize said elongated workpiece with a gradient increasing toward said deforming agency.

Claim 52

Method as in claim 37, further comprising: d. adjusting viscosity in the fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece.

Claim 53

Method as in claim 37, further comprising: d. adjusting temperature in the fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in the fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece.

Claim 54

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. applying a flow of fluid along the elongated surface of the elongated workpiece to produce viscous drag force thereon and continuously advance the elongated workpiece against a deforming agency, b. said viscous drag force producing in the elongated workpiece a compressive axial stress which exceeds the yield strength of the elongated workpiece upstream of said deforming agency, c. the pressure gradient within the fluid along the elongated workpiece increasing from a station upstream of said deforming agency toward said deforming agency and being such that at no point upstream of the deforming agency does the fluid pressure differ from the axial stress in the elongated workpiece by an amount exceeding the yield strength of the elongated workpiece material, d. deforming the elongated workpiece against the deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece.

Claim 55

Method for deforming an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. applying a flow of fluid along the elongated surface of the elongated workpiece to produce viscous drag force thereon and continuously advance the elongated workpiece against a deforming agency, b. said viscous drag force producing in the elongated workpiece a compressive axial stress which exceeds the yield strength of the elongated workpiece upstream of said deforming agency, c. the pressure gradient within the fluid along the elongated workpiece increasing from a station upstream of said deforming agency toward said deforming agency and being such that at no point upstream of the deforming agency does the fluid pressure differ from the axial stress in the elongated workpiece by an amount exceeding the yield strength of the elongated workpiece material, d. deforming the elongated workpiece against the deforming agency to produce an elongated product of indefinite length having a cross-section different from that of the elongated workpiece.

Claim 56

Method as in claim 40, comprising: e. adjusting viscosity in the fluid to adjust the magnitude of said viscous drag force.

Claim 57

Method as in claim 41, comprising: f. performing step (e) by adjusting temperature in the fluid.

Claim 58

Method for changing the cross-section of an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. establishing a pressure zone having an inlet and an outlet, the pressure in said pressure zone increasing at least part of the way between said inlet and said outlet from said inlet toward said outlet; b. advancing said elongated workpiece into the inlet of said pressure zone and through said pressure zone to the outlet of said pressure zone without deforming said elongated workpiece, thereby to apply a pressure gradient to the elongated surface of said undeformed elongated workpiece and thereby to create a predetermined stress condition in said undeformed elongated workpiece; c. deforming said elongated workpiece at the outlet of said pressure zone.

Claim 59

Method for changing the cross-section of an elongated workpiece of indefinite length, said method comprising: a. establishing a pressure zone having an inlet and an outlet, the pressure in said pressure zone increasing at least part of the way between said inlet and said outlet from said inlet toward said outlet; b. advancing said elongated workpiece into the inlet of said pressure zone and through said pressure zone to the outlet of said pressure zone without deforming said elongated workpiece, thereby to apply a pressure gradient to the elongated surface of said undeformed elongated workpiece and thereby to create a predetermined stress condition in said undeformed elongated workpiece; c. deforming said elongated workpiece at the outlet of said pressure zone.

Claim 60

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (a) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said workpiece.

Claim 61

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing step (b) by applying longitudinally directed force along the entire elongated surface of said elongated workpiece toward said tool from the inlet of said pressure zone to said tool.

Claim 62

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool; e. applying longitudinally directed force along the entire elongated surface of said elongated workpiece toward said tool from the inlet of said pressure zone to said tool, said longitudinally directed force being of magnitude such that the axial stress in said elongated workpiece adjacent said tool exceeds the yield strength of said elongated workpiece; f. maintaining the difference between said axial stress and the normal stress induced in said elongated workpiece perpendicular to said axial stress by the pressure in said pressure zone at a value not exceeding the yield strength of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 63

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (b) by flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward the outlet of said pressure zone, said viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 64

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool.

Claim 65

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid at successive lengths along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool.

Claim 66

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid in an alternate-reverse flow pattern along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool.

Claim 67

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid as a plurality of separate fluid currents along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool.

Claim 68

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (c) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid at successive lengths along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool in such manner that the average fluid pressure in successive lengths increases in the direction of said tool.

Claim 69

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (a) by advancing said elongated workpiece against a tool, e. performing steps (a) and (b) by flowing pressurized viscous fluid as a plurality of separate fluid currents having different viscosities along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece from the inlet of said pressure zone toward said tool.

Claim 70

Method as in claim 49, comprising: f. proportioning the lengths of said successive lengths of viscous fluid in said manner that the pressure drop in said viscous fluid across each of said successive lengths is substantially the same.

Claim 71

Method as in claim 46, comprising: g. performing steps (a) and (e) to produce normal and axial stresses in said elongated workpiece of magnitude sufficient to cause the elongated workpiece to increase in ductility, whereby to permit the desired deformation thereof.

Claim 72

Method as in claim 47, comprising: e. adjusting viscosity in said viscous fluid to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 73

Method as in claim 47, comprising: e. adjusting temperature in said viscous fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to adjust the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 74

Method as in claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (b) by flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece between said elongated surface and a second surface spaced from said elongated surface, said viscous fluid being flowed from the inlet of said pressure zone toward the outlet of said pressure zone, e. adjusting the viscosity of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface thereby to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 75

Method as iN claim 43, comprising: d. performing step (b) by flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece between said elongated surface and a second surface spaced from said elongated surface, said viscous fluid being flowed from the inlet of said pressure zone toward the outlet of said pressure zone; e. adjusting the temperature of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface thereby to adjust the viscosity of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface whereby to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated workpiece.

Claim 76

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product.

Claim 77

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid at successive lengths along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product.

Claim 78

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: (d) flowing viscous fluid in an alternate-reverse flow pattern along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product.

Claim 79

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid as a plurality of separate fluid currents along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product.

Claim 80

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid at successive lengths along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product, e. controlling the average fluid pressure in each of said successive lengths so as to establish a predetermined pressure gradient along said elongated product.

Claim 81

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid at successive lengths along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product, e. proportioning the lengths of said successive lengths of viscous fluid in such manner that the pressure drop in said viscous fluid across each of said successive lengths is substantially the same.

Claim 82

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated product, said viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product; e. adjusting viscosity in said viscous fluid to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated product.

Claim 83

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated product, said viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product; e. adjusting temperature in said viscous fluid thereby to adjust viscosity in said viscous fluid whereby to control the magnitude of said viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated product.

Claim 84

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid along the eLongated surface of said elongated product between said elongated surface and a second surface spaced from said elongated surface, said viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product; e. adjusting the viscosity of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated product.

Claim 85

Method as in claim 43, wherein said elongated workpiece is deformed to produce an elongated product, said method comprising: d. flowing viscous fluid along the elongated surface of said elongated product between said elongated surface and a second surface spaced from said elongated surface, said viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated product to control the advancement of said elongated product; e. adjusting the temperature of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface thereby to adjust the viscosity of said viscous fluid adjacent said second surface whereby to control the magnitude of viscous drag force exerted along the elongated surface of said elongated product.

Claim 86

Method for advancing an elongated member of indefinite length against a deforming agency to deform said elongated member, said method comprising: a. operatively engaging the entire perimetric surface of said elongated member from a station before said deforming agency to immediately adjacent said deforming agency and exerting force along the entire said perimetric surface from said station toward said deforming agency to advance said elongated member against said deforming agency whereby a compressive axial stress is induced in said elongated member, the magnitude of said force being such that the axial stress in said elongated member increases from said station toward said deforming agency and at said deforming agency said axial stress exceeds the yield strength of said elongated member; b. simultaneously with step (a) exerting pressure normal to the entire said perimetric surface between said station and said deforming agency whereby a normal stress is induced in said elongated member, said pressure having a gradient of magnitude such that said normal stress increases from said station toward said deforming agency and the difference between said axial stress and said normal stress at any point between said station and said deforming agency does not exceed the yield strength of said elongated member.

Claim 87

Method for advancing an elongated member of indefinite length against a deforming agency to deform said elongated member, said method comprising: a. operatively engaging the entire perimetric surface of said elongated member from a station before said deforming agency to immediately adjacent said deforming agency and exerting force along the entire said perimetric surface from said station toward said deforming agency to advance said elongated member against said deforming agency whereby a compressive axial stress is induced in said elongated member, the magnitude of said force being such that the axial stress in said elongated member increases from said station toward said deforming agency and at said deforming agency said axial stress exceeds the yield strength of said elongated member; b. simultaneously with step (a) exerting pressure normal to the entire said perimetric surface between said station and said deforming agency whereby a normal stress is induced in said elongated member, said pressure having a gradient of magnitude such that said normal stress increases from said station toward said deforming agency and the difference between said axial stress and said normal stress at any point between said station and said deforming agency does not exceed the yield strength of said elongated member.

Claim 88

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of conduits connected and arranged to provide said viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern.

Claim 89

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of conduits connected and arranged to provide said viscous fluid with an alternate-reverse flow pattern.

Claim 90

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and sAid elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of conduits with a first conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means; f. said pump means comprising a plurality of pumps, each pump being operatively associated with one of said conduits, thereby to provide a plurality of separate currents of viscous fluid to said conduits; g. said pump means being adapted to provide the viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said first conduit to said second conduit.

Claim 91

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and sAid elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of conduits with a first conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means; f. said pump means comprising a plurality of pumps, each pump being operatively associated with one of said conduits, thereby to provide a plurality of separate currents of viscous fluid to said conduits; g. said pump means being adapted to provide the viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said first conduit to said second conduit.

Claim 92

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligned conduits comprising a first conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means, each of said conduits having a first end and a second end, the second end of said first conduit facing the first end of said second conduit, the first end of said first conduit being remote from the second end of said second conduit; f. first connecting means communicating between the discharge of said pump means and the second end of said first conduit, said first connecting means being adapted to direct viscous fluid under pressure through the space between said first conduit and said elongated workpiece whereby to establish a flow of viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece from said second end toward said first end of said first conduit, said viscous fluid exerting first average pressure in said first conduit normal to said elongated workpiece; g. second connecting means communicating between the first end of said first conduit and the second end of said second conduit, said second connecting means being adapted to direct viscous fluid exiting from the first end of said first conduit to the second end of said second conduit whereby to establish a flow of viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end toward said first end of said second conduit, said viscous fluid exerting second average pressure in said second conduit normal to said elongated workpiece; h. third connecting means communicating between the first end of said second conduit and the intake of said pump means; i. said pump means being adapted to provide said viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said second average pressure in said second conduit to said first average pressure in said first conduit.

Claim 93

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligned conduits comprising a first conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means, each of said conduits having a first end and a second end, the second end of said first conduit facing the first end of said second conduit, the first end of said first conduit being remote from the second end of said second conduit; f. first connecting means communicating between the discharge of said pump means and the second end of said first conduit, said first connecting means being adapted to direct viscous fluid under pressure through the space between said first conduit and said elongated workpiece whereby to establish a flow of viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force on said elongated workpiece from said second end toward said first end of said first conduit, said viscous fluid exerting first average pressure in said first conduit normal to said elongated workpiece; g. second connecting means communicating between the first end of said first conduit and the second end of said second conduit, said second connecting means being adapted to direct viscous fluid exiting from the first end of said first conduit to the second end of said second conduit whereby to establish a flow of viscous fluid exerting viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end toward said first end of said second conduit, said viscous fluid exerting second average pressure in said second conduit normal to said elongated workpiece; h. third connecting means communicating between the first end of said second conduit and the intake of said pump means; i. said pump means being adapted to provide said viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said second average pressure in said second conduit to said first average pressure in said first conduit.

Claim 94

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligned conduits comprising a first conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means, each of said conduits having a first end and a second end, the second end of said first conduit facing the first end of said second conduit, the first end of said first conduit being remote from the second end of said second conduit; f. said pump means comprising a first pump associated with said first conduit and adapted to direct pressurized first viscous fluid through the space between said first conduit and said elongated member from the second end to the first end of said first conduit whereby to establish a flow of first viscous fluid exerting first viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end toward said first end of said first conduit, said first viscous fluid exerting first average pressure in said first conduit normal to said elongated member; g. said pump means further comprising a second pump associated with said second conduit and adapted to direct pressurized second viscous fluid through the space between said second conduit and said elongated member from the second end to the first end of said second conduit whereby to establish a flow of second viscous fluid exerting second viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end to said first end of said second conduit, said second viscous fluid exerting second average pressure in said second conduit normal to said elongated member; h. said first and second pumps being operated simultaneously and being adapted to provide said viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said second average pressure in said second conduit to said first average pressure in said first conduit.

Claim 95

Apparatus for deforming an elongated member of indefinite length, said apparatus comprising: a. elongated conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongated conduit means being adapted to receive said elongated member through said first end with an annular space between said elongated conduit means and said elongated member; b. deforming means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; c. fluid outlet means positioned adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means; d. pump means adapted to pump viscous fluid through said annular space from the first end of said elongated conduit means to said fluid outlet means adjacent the second end of said elongated conduit means thereby to exert viscous drag force along the elongated surface of said elongated member directed toward said deforming means to advance said elongated member through said elongated conduit means and against said deforming means; e. said elongated conduit means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligned conduits comprising a first conduit at the second end of said elongated conduit means and a second conduit at the first end of said elongated conduit means, each of said conduits having a first end and a second end, the second end of said first conduit facing the first end of said second conduit, the first end of said first conduit being remote from the second end of said second conduit; f. said pump means comprising a first pump associated with said first conduit and adapted to direct pressurized first viscous fluid through the space between said first conduit and said elongated member from the second end to the first end of said first conduit whereby to establish a flow of first viscous fluid exerting first viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end toward said first end of said first conduit, said first viscous fluid exerting first average pressure in said first conduit normal to said elongated member; g. said pump means further comprising a second pump associated with said second conduit and adapted to direct pressurized second viscous fluid through the space between said second conduit and said elongated member from the second end to the first end of said second conduit whereby to establish a flow of second viscous fluid exerting second viscous drag force on said elongated member from said second end to said first end of said second conduit, said second viscous fluid exerting second average pressure in said second conduit normal to said elongated member; h. said first and second pumps being operated simultaneously and being adapted to provide said viscous fluid in said elongated conduit means with a pressure gradient increasing from said second average pressure in said second conduit to said first average pressure in said first conduit.

Claim 96

Apparatus for advancing an elongated member of indefinite length against a deforming agency to deform said elongated member, said apparatus comprising: a. means operatively engaging the entire perimetric surface of said elongated member from a station before said deforming agency to immediately adjacent said deforming agency, said means being adapted to exert force along the entire said perimetric surface from said station toward said deforming agency to advance said elongated member against said deforming agency whereby a compressive axial stress is induced in said elongated member, said means being proportioned to exert force of magnitude such that the axial stress in said elongated member increases from said station to said deforming agency and upstream of said deforming agency said axial stress exceeds the yield strength of said elongated member; b. said means simultaneously exerting pressure normal to the entire said perimetric surface between said station and Said deforming agency whereby a normal stress is induced in said elongated member, said means being proportioned to exert pressure of magnitude such that said normal stress increases from said station toward said deforming agency and the difference between said axial stress and said normal stress at any point between said station and said deforming agency does not exceed the yield strength of said elongated member.

Claim 97

Apparatus for advancing an elongated member of indefinite length against a deforming agency to deform said elongated member, said apparatus comprising: a. means operatively engaging the entire perimetric surface of said elongated member from a station before said deforming agency to immediately adjacent said deforming agency, said means being adapted to exert force along the entire said perimetric surface from said station toward said deforming agency to advance said elongated member against said deforming agency whereby a compressive axial stress is induced in said elongated member, said means being proportioned to exert force of magnitude such that the axial stress in said elongated member increases from said station to said deforming agency and upstream of said deforming agency said axial stress exceeds the yield strength of said elongated member; b. said means simultaneously exerting pressure normal to the entire said perimetric surface between said station and Said deforming agency whereby a normal stress is induced in said elongated member, said means being proportioned to exert pressure of magnitude such that said normal stress increases from said station toward said deforming agency and the difference between said axial stress and said normal stress at any point between said station and said deforming agency does not exceed the yield strength of said elongated member.