US 6,981,398 B2
Seam closing apparatus
John J. Toben, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (US); and Michael C. Borwig, Swisher, Iowa (US)
Assigned to Met-Coil Systems Corporation, Westfield, Mass. (US)
Filed on Sep. 23, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/668,842.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/412723, filed on Sep. 23, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2004/0093924 A1, May 20, 2004
Int. Cl. B21D 39/02 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 72—211 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A seam closing apparatus for use in sealing a duct seam having an outwardly extending sealing portion and a lower fold, said seam closing apparatus comprising:
a handle portion having a power actuation trigger;
a first roller comprising a first exterior side and a first annular surface connected thereto;
a second roller located proximate and axially parallel to the first roller and comprising a second exterior side, a second annular surface connected to the second exterior side, and an annular groove formed in the second annular surface proximate the second exterior side for engaging said lower fold of said duct seam;
wherein the first annular surface of the first roller extends substantially past the second exterior side of the second roller for engaging said outwardly extending sealing portion of said duct seam; and
wherein operation of said power actuation trigger causes said first roller to rotate in a first direction, thereby flattening said outwardly extending sealing portion of said duct seam.