Apparatus and method for making welded mesh forms

An apparatus for the creation of welded wire mesh cages utilized for the reinforcement of concrete pipe comprising:

• a) an adjustable former with a stationary center beam with adjustments to accommodate any diameter from 12" to 60" of unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh and for the creation of circular, arched, and elliptical wire mesh forms;
• b) a positioner for releasably securing one loose edge of the unwelded, unformed prerolled wire mesh to the adjustable former at the stationary center beam until clamped;
• c) a plurality of adjustable clamps for sequentially, circumferentially clamping the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh around the adjustable former away from the stationary center beam so that the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh is formed to a preselected diameter;
• d) a welder, movably attached to the adjustable former for welding the wire mesh at the stationary center beam after formed and while clamped;
• and
• e) an ejector attached to the adjustable former so that once welded and released from the adjustable clamps the welded wire mesh is ejected from the adjustable former.

A method for making welded wire mesh forms comprising:

• a) providing an adjustable former, with a stationary center beam, for receiving and holding unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh;
• b) placing an unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh around said adjustable former;
• c) releasably securing one edge of the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh to the adjustable former at the stationary center beam;
• d) using clamps starting from the secured edge, sequentially, circumferentially clamping the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh around the adjustable former until the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh is secured away from the stationary center beam to form a preselected diameter;
• e) releasing the unwelded, unformed, prerolled wire mesh at the stationary center beam;
• f) activating an automatic welder so that the wire mesh is welded in place at the stationary center beam;
• g) releasing the clamps;
• and
• h) removing the welded wire mesh.