Abstract: A thin plastic element has a flat central region provided with a plurality of spaced apart radially extending fingers which extend from the region and define the outer edge of the element. These fingers are arranged into first and second finger sets, each set containing a like number of adjacent fingers. Each two adjacent fingers are separated by an intermediate radially extending slot which extends from the central region to the outer edge. Each finger has an enlarged outer end so that the width of each slot is reduced at these enlarged ends and is otherwise itself enlarged. The outer ends of the first set of adjacent fingers are disposed at discrete positions along a circular arc. The outer ends of the second set of adjacent fingers are disposed at discrete positions along a straight line.

Abstract: A stamping die produces gears or other parts having quality tooth forms or the like from smooth edged metal blanks. A lower portion of the die includes a trim punch, whose perimeter shape corresponds to the shape of the desired part, and a vertically movable stripper plate surrounding the trim punch and having a recess for aligning the blank. An upper portion of the stamping die is vertically movable with respect to the lower portion, and includes a trim die. The trim die has a bore disposed therein complementary to the trim punch. A nest plate is affixed to the underside of the trim die, and has a tapered nest opening that aligns with the die bore. A controllably biased shedder passes through the bore and opening. During operation, a blank is first placed in the recess. A press ram subsequently descends, with the blank becoming sandwiched between the shedder and the trim punch, with a portion of the blank to be trimmed being left unsupported.

Abstract: A stamping die produces gears or other parts having quality tooth forms or the like from smooth edged metal blanks. A lower portion of the die includes a trim punch, whose perimeter shape corresponds to the shape of the desired part, and a vertically moveable stripper plate surrounding the trim punch and having a recess for aligning the blank. An upper portion of the stamping die is vertically moveable with respect to the lower portion, and includes a trim die. The trim die has a bore disposed therein complementary to the trim punch. A nest plate is affixed to the underside of the trim die, and has a tapered nest opening that aligns with the die bore. A controllably biased shedder passes through the bore and opening. During operation, a blank is first placed in the recess. A press ram subsequently descends, with the blank becoming sandwiched between the shedder and the trim punch, with a portion of the blank to be trimmed being left unsupported.

Abstract: A method of electrical discharge machining a curvature onto the cutting edge of a punch or die. An electrode has a cross-section that is identical in shape as the cross-section of the punch or an opening of the die to be machined. The electrode is centered relative to the punch or die; an electrical charge is applied to the electrode; the electrode is moved in a small orbital path, without changing the orientation of the electrode; and the electrode is translated along its axis while simultaneously varying the diameter of the orbital path of the electrode in time relation with the translation of the electrode along its axis, thereby electrical discharge machining the curvature onto the cutting edge of the punch or die.

Abstract: An improvement to a stamping press having a blanking punch and die combination comprising a blanking die defining an opening, a cooperating blanking punch dimensioned closely to mate with the opening wherein the die edge defining the opening is radiused to cause metal flow, a stock engaging shedder displaceable within the die opening to engage and clamp stock, and a stripper encircling the blanking punch and displaceable therealong to remove surplus stock after a blanking operation. The improvement comprises the stripper being disposed to engage and clamp stock being punched by the blanking punch and die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a smooth edge blank from stock material. A blanking die is carried by the movable die shoe and a closely cooperating blanking punch is secured on the fixed die shoe. Spring biassed means is displaceably provided within the blanking die to apply pressure on a sheet of stock located on the punch only over the area to be blanked out from said sheet of stock. A piercing punch may also be provided and extends coaxially through the blanking die and a bore extending through the blanking punch provides a piercing die. The spring biassed means for applying pressure to clamp the stock only over the area to be blanked is a shedder displaceably disposed within the bore of the blanking die. A stripper encircling the blanking punch is provided for removing scrap stock upon completion of the blanking step and a spacer means is disposed to space the blanking die and the stripper apart by a distance exceeding the thickness of the stock.