Kenney Manufacturing Company

John Surrette

Keith M Bibby

Richard A Ross

Robert H Hesford, Sr

Apparatus and methods for uniformly twisting hollow, open-seam rods with preferably rectangular cross-sections for use as decorative curtain rods are disclosed. The twist extends throughout substantially the entire length of the rod. This feature enables a telescoped pair of rods, that is, a pair of rods with an inner rod dimensioned to slide into and out of an outer rod, to be twisted simultaneously such that the telescoping feature is maintained after twisting. The apparatus includes a rotatable first chuck and a substantially non-rotatable second chuck. Each chuck has male and female components to engage the inner and outer surfaces of a respective end of the rod. These components prevent buckling along the open seam and permit twisting throughout substantially the entire length of the rods. Sensor controls ensure uniform twisting and controlled unwinding of the rods. The controls are programmable to vary the amount of twist performed on each rod, and the apparatus is adjustable to accommodate rods of different lengths. In addition, rods with other cross-sections can be twisted.

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Warwick, RI, United States of America

John Surrette