Abstract: A press system having a frame, a slide, a first die element on the slide, and a knockout assembly. The slide is movable guidingly relative to the frame in a predetermined path between a first position and a second position. The first die element has a forming surface against which a workpiece can be borne to conform the workpiece to the forming surface as the slide is moved from the first position towards the second position. The knockout assembly has an ejecting element that is movable selectively relative to the first die element between extended and retracted positions. The ejecting element causes a workpiece conformed to the forming surface to be separated from the forming surface as an incident of the ejecting element moving from its retracted position into its extended position. The knockout assembly further includes a knockout bar and at least a first knockout pin.

Abstract: A press system having a frame, a slide, a first die element on the slide, and a knockout assembly. The slide is movable guidingly relative to the frame in a predetermined path between a first position and a second position. The first die element has a forming surface against which a workpiece can be borne to conform the workpiece to the forming surface as the slide is moved from the first position towards the second position. The knockout assembly has an ejecting element that is movable selectively relative to the first die element between extended and retracted positions. The ejecting element causes a workpiece conformed to the forming surface to be separated from the forming surface as an incident of the ejecting element moving from its retracted position into its extended position. The knockout assembly further includes a knockout bar and at least a first knockout pin.

Abstract: A press system having at least one elongate column. A slide element is guided by the at least one column between a retracted position and an extended position. A first guide assembly acts between the slide element and the one column.

Abstract: A press system having at least one elongate column. A slide element is guided by the at least one column between a retracted position and an extended position. A first guide assembly acts between the slide element and the one column.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A reorientation station has front and rear vertical drives that are spaced apart from each other along a flow axis of the orientation station that coincides with the flow axis of the machine. A pivot carriage support bar is coupled at its front end to the front vertical drive and at its rear end to the rear vertical drive. The vertical drives are operable to move the pivot carriage support bar to predetermined heights and to orient the pivot carriage support bar at predetermined tilt angles. A pivot carriage is mounted on the pivot carriage support bar for rotation about a roll-axis defined by the pivot carriage support bar. A roll drive coupled between the pivot carriage support bar and the pivot carriage rotates the pivot carriage about the roll axis to a selected roll angle.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A multistation transfer press (10) is provided. Cross bar assemblies (28) transfer work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14) in transfer press ten (10). Each cross bar assembly (28) moves work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14). Motions of cross bar assemblies (28) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (22) and (24) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (28) along transfer rails (22) and (24). Cross bar assemblies (28) are operable to dynamically orient work pieces (12) during transfer between adjacent press stations (14). Additionally, a portion of the motion of cross bar assemblies (28) occurs while upper dies (20) and lower dies (18) are separated by less than a maximum distance.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A multistation transfer press (10) is provided. Cross bar assemblies (28) transfer work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14) in transfer press ten (10). Each cross bar assembly (28) moves work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14). Motions of cross bar assemblies (28) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (22) and (24) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (28) along transfer rails (22) and (24). Cross bar assemblies (28) are operable to dynamically orient work pieces (12) during transfer between adjacent press stations (14). Additionally, a portion of the motion of cross bar assemblies (28) occurs while upper dies (20) and lower dies (18) are separated by less than a maximum distance.

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for use in a transfer press having moving die bolsters. The shifting apparatus includes transfer rail sets that are located on the bolster and on the fixed bed that are interconnected during the normal transfer of the work pieces between dies. Transfer fingers are carried by both transfer rail sets that serve to engage the work pieces and move the work pieces through the positions of the transfer press. The transfer finger shift apparatus extends between the two rail sets and includes a shaft carrying a shift base member which has transfer fingers connected thereto. An elevating device is provided on the fixed bed to raise the transfer fingers sufficiently to pass over the top of the transfer fingers located on the bolster. When it is desired to move the transfer fingers from the fixed bed to the bolster, the transfer rails are moved in the direction of the bolster moving the transfer fingers along the shaft and onto the bolster.

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for use in a transfer press having moving die bolsters. The shifting apparatus includes transfer rail sets that are located on the bolster and on the fixed bed that are interconnected during the normal transfer of the work pieces between dies. Transfer fingers are carried by both transfer rail sets that serve to engage the work pieces and move the work pieces through the positions of the transfer press. Transfer finger shift apparatus extends between the two rail sets and includes a shaft carrying a shift base member which has transfer fingers connected thereto. An elevating device is provided on the fixed bed to raise the transfer fingers sufficiently to pass over the top of the transfer fingers located on the bolster. A piston rod, which is secured to the transfer fingers, is retracted into an air cylinder which is attached to the transfer rail set of the bolster, causing the transfer fingers to move from the fixed bed to the bolster.

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for use in a transfer press having moving die bolsters. The shifting apparatus includes transfer rail sets that are located on the bolster and on the fixed bed that are interconnected during the normal transfer of the work pieces between dies. Transfer fingers are carried by both transfer rail sets that serve to engage the work pieces and move the work pieces through the positions of the transfer press. The transfer finger shift apparatus extends between the two rail sets and includes a shaft carrying a shift base member which has transfer fingers connected thereto. An elevating device is provided on the fixed bed to raise the transfer fingers sufficiently to pass over the top of the transfer fingers located on the bolster. When it is desired to move the transfer fingers from the fixed bed to the bolster, the transfer rails are moved in the direction of the bolster moving the transfer fingers along the shaft and onto the bolster.

Abstract: An improved snubber apparatus for an air cushion within a forming press is provided. A floating piston is mounted within the air cushion and defines a snubbing chamber. As the air cushion returns to its top stroke position after yieldably deforming to cushion a member within the forming press, a movable piston within the air cushion contacts the floating piston, forcing it to move in the direction reducing the volume of the snubbing chamber. A check valve is provided between a cushion chamber and the snubbing chamber which maintains the pressure in the snubbing chamber at a minimum equivalent to the pressure in the cushion chamber. As the volume of the snubbing chamber is reduced, the air trapped within is rapidly compressed to a value snubbing the motion of the air cushion. The snubber valve is provided communicating with the snubbing chamber and maintained in a closed position by the air pressure within the cushion chamber.