Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising first and second fixtures mounted in laterally spaced relation for movement toward and away from each other. The first fixture has a mechanism providing a die-supporting surface and is in the form of a cradle rockable between a loading position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal and a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the second fixture. The second fixture has a die-supporting surface and also is in the form of a cradle rockable between a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the first fixture and a position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal. Clamps are provided to clamp the lower die of a die set to the die-supporting surface of the first fixture and for clamping the upper die to the die-supporting surface of the second fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising a gantry having a fixture mounted on a main frame for up and down movement, and a sub-frame mounted on the fixture for 180.degree. of rotation. Clamping units are mounted on the sub-frame for clamping the upper die to the sub-frame when the fixture is in a lower position at a work-transfer station. The die set is transported on a cart to the work-transfer station where the upper die is clamped to the sub-frame. The fixture is raised to elevate the upper die to an upper position. The cart is moved away from the work-transfer station carrying only the lower die with it. The upper die is inverted, lowered onto a second cart and it, too, is then moved away from the work-transfer station. Both dies now face upwardly for convenient inspection, cleaning and/or repair. The transporter cart table on which the die set is supported can be rotated to any desired angle such as 90.degree.

Abstract: A spindle bearing and lubrication system having bearings supporting a shaft for rotation within a housing to which the outer bearing rings are keyed. End retainers and a spacer locate the bearings axially, and, with the bearings, define annular lubricant cavities on both sides of both bearings. Lubricant inlet passages lead through the housing and spacer to the lubricant cavities. Lubricant outlet passages lead from the lubricant cavities through slots in the bearings, in the retainers, in the key, and in the housing keyway, and finally through a filter which prevents the entry of solid contaminants in the event of reverse flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for submerged grinding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals comprising a work tank adapted to contain a liquid, and means for supporting a workpiece in the work tank. The level of liquid in the tank can be raised to cover the work for grinding or lowered to expose the work for inspection. Changing the liquid level is accomplished by a ballast tank connected to the work tank, and a liquid displacement member in the ballast tank. Raising the displacement member lowers the liquid level in both tanks, and lowering it raises the liquid level in both tanks.

Abstract: A honing assembly comprising a hollow head or shell provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, honing elements projecting from said slots, and an adjusting member longitudinally adjustably supported within the head. The adjusting member has longitudinally tapered surfaces provided with elongated undercut grooves. The honing elements have studs shaped to fit the grooves so that longitudinal movement of the adjusting member will cause radially inward or outward movement of the honing elements depending on the direction of movement of the adjusting member.

Abstract: A method of grinding a metal billet by supporting a group of grinding wheels in a circular array above the slab, bloom or billet, rotating the grinding wheels individually, and orbiting the grinding wheels about a central axis extending transversely of the workpiece. The workpiece is moved back and forth under the grinding wheels and the grinding wheels are preferably tilted one way and then the other as the workpiece moves back and forth so that the wheels will grind at a negative rake. The grinding wheels are supported in a manner such that they can float and thus follow the contour of the material being ground.