Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal forging press for massive forming, which comprises a machine frame, a forging ram, a clamping ram, at least a first force transmission device, at least a second force transmission device, and a multipart forging tool, wherein each force transmission device comprises at least one drive. The first force transmission device of the forging ram is here configured as a stroke-controlled force transmission device, and the second force transmission device of the clamping ram is here configured as a stroke-controlled force transmission device or as an energy-controlled force transmission device.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending a hypodermic needle includes a bending die, a needle gripper configured to grasp the hypodermic needle, a servo-actuated slide operatively coupled to the needle gripper, and a servo- or pneumatically-actuated bending pin. The servo-actuated slide is configured to translate the needle gripper along a linear path adjacent to the bending die for positioning the hypodermic needle at a predetermined bending position with respect to the bending die. The bending pin is rotatable about a bending axis passing through the linear path. The bending pin is configured to press a portion of the hypodermic needle against the bending die as the bending pin rotates to form a bend in the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A holding device for a flanging tool includes two clamping parts movable towards one another to respective clamping positions. A stop is configured to abut, in an abutment position, an end of a pipe to be flanged. An actuating mechanism is configured to move the clamping parts into the respective clamping positions so as to clamp the pipe to be flanged. The actuating mechanism is coupled to the stop such that actuation of the actuating mechanism moves the stop out of the abutment position.

Abstract: A fixed support for a metal sheet drawing machine. In one implementation the fixed support includes a window through which metal sheet to be drawn passes, and a holder which holds the metal sheet within the window as the metal sheet is drawn. The fixed support is stationary in relation to the drawing machine and includes a suspending structure that maintains a base of the fixed support a distance from any other surfaces during the sheet drawing process.

Abstract: A tool for bending sheet metal and in particular for making bends along the edges and a bend known as a cross break for duct work. A pair of longitudinal right angle members are spaced apart at each end and welded together forming a gap through which a piece of sheet metal is inserted. A pair of parallel rods are welded one to each one of the coplanar webs and perpendicular to the two right angle members at a selected position. The parallel rods provide a handle which may be squeezed to urge the gap closed and thus clamp and hold the sheet metal tightly between the two right angle members whereby the metal can be gripped and bent at the desired angle forming a crease therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a can, such as a paint can, comprising the steps of: i. providing a cylindrical body; ii. arranging piston means in a first opening of the cylindrical body for defining the diameter of the opening; iii. curling a free end of the first opening radially outwardly and axially along the cylindrical body thereby forming a curl, such that the defined diameter of the first opening is substantially circumferentially, dimensionally stable, and to the can and can body made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of expanding a vehicle for extracting a person trapped therein by providing a structural bar with a plurality of receiving points, securing the structural bar to the vehicle such as by placing against the back seat of an interior of a vehicle or by chaining to structural elements of the vehicle. One end of an expansion ram is then set into one of the receiving points of the structural bar with the other end of the ram set into a point in the vehicle to be expanded, or against a structural plate placed in a vehicle. The ram is then activated or expanded, thus resulting in an expansion of the interior of the vehicle to permit a person trapped therein to be extracted.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an actuator having an actuation axis, a base having a base plane, a first actuator mount for associating the actuator with the base in a first position, and a second actuator mount for associating the actuator with the base in a second position, and a clamp for associating the golf club head with the base. If the actuator is in the first position, the actuation axis is substantially perpendicular to the base plane, and, if the actuator is in the second position, the actuation axis is oblique relative to the base plane.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing or processing work pieces consists of a preform (4.1), with a mandrel (1a) that is supported rotatably and parallel to a longitudinal axis (x) of the device, an associated chuck (1b) for clamping the preform (4.1) as well as a spindle sleeve (2a) that can be coupled with the mandrel (1a) and can be moved along the longitudinal direction (x), and with a forming unit (3) for forming the preform (4.1). The chuck (1b) is designed in a rotational fashion in relation to the mandrel (1a).

Abstract: A lower die or nest apparatus is described to create a hemming environment that locates and holds a metal panel to a frame using suction in a manner that substantially resists said loads on the panel without damage or deformation. The vacuum nest includes a frame made of a rigid material with an outer work surface and an interior region with a sealed elongated channel shaped to the contour of the metal panel. A polymeric rope is inlayed within a groove formed in the interior region to form the sealed elongated channel. A support member may be formed within the channel by inlaying additional polymeric ropes into grooves formed within the channel. A vacuum source is fluidly coupled with the sealed elongated channel to create a downward force by evacuating the volume of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for attaching components to strips of material to form assemblies, e.g., a system for fastening pre-sharpened razor blades to individual support strips on a continuous band of material, such as a metal, to form discrete blade assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching edging (13) to a sheet (12) has two stationary guides (5, 8) at each end. An upper hollow guide (8) is mounted on top of a lower guide (5). A fixed base (4) is placed between the lower guides (5). A hollow profile (1) is vertically movable between the guides. A binding rail (2) is placed on the underside of the profile (1). The upper guide (8) is placed inside the profile. A space (9) is created between the upper interior of the profile and the upper exterior of the upper guide. Another space (7) is created between the lower interior of the profile and the lower exterior side of the upper guide. A flexible element (10,11) is placed in each space. The elements can in turn be filled or emptied with a gas or a liquid. The fixed base is preferably provided with magnets. In use the upper flexible element (10) is filled and the lower (11) is emptied. An edging and a sheet is placed between the fixed base (4) and the binding rail (2).

Abstract: An incremental metal folding apparatus may include a crank arm driving a folding mechanism in continuous reciprocating motion. The folding mechanism may be mechanically linked to a clamp arrangement such that motion of the folding mechanism causes movement of the clamp arrangement. The apparatus may be arranged to perform tangential folding operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described to form and join a short flange on a periphery of a sheet material supported in a nest (30). The apparatus includes a positional pressure forming steel (PPFS) assembly (50) located on the end of a robotic arm (42). The PPFS assembly (50) includes a hub (52) slidably supported in a cylinder (56). At least one tool steel (70, 70?, 70?) is located on an extension (68, 68?) from the hub (52). A biasing element (58) interposed between the cylinder (56) and the hub (52) enables precise control of the forming pressure by defining a tool path control program which maintains a relative relationship between the PPFS assembly (50) and the nest (30).

Abstract: A golf club adjustment tool for adjusting at least one of loft angle or lie angle of a golf club. The golf club adjustment tool includes a body having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. A first end of a first lever is attached to the second clamping portion. A second lever may be removably mated with the body.

Abstract: Plural saddle shape patches are formed on a blank material for forming a blade using a manufacturing apparatus provided with a punch support having punches each with a holder attached to be opposite with one another at a predetermined interval corresponding to a thickness of the blank material. The punch support is mounted to a second ram via a second rotational mechanism which is rotatable in a direction in which the ram moves. The die is attached to the first ram via the first rotational mechanism. The actuator controls the rotating angles of both the rotational mechanisms.

Abstract: A hemming working device is provided with: a jig body configured to support a first workpiece and a second workpiece which are overlapped; and a working drive portion configured to join the first workpiece and the second workpiece and perform a hemming on the first workpiece and the second workpiece. The jig body is provided with: a holding mechanism capable of holding the first workpiece and the second workpiece; and a backing member capable of being contacted with a portion of the first workpiece where hemming working is executed.

Abstract: A golf club adjustment tool for adjusting at least one of loft angle or lie angle of a golf club. The golf club adjustment tool includes a body having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. A first end of a first lever is attached to the second clamping portion. A second lever may be removably mated with the body.

Abstract: A flexible board bonding method is a method in which a flexible board is bonded to a head holding member having a bent projection, provided with a load beam and a flexible member. The flexile board is sucked by a main suction head and a sub suction head positioned on the flexible board, and then the sub suction head is shifted in such a way that the sub suction head remains within an area defined by a rotation center located substantially at the main suction head and a rotation radius extending substantially between the main suction head and the sub suction head. Then, the flexible board is bonded to the head holding member at the main suction head side under the state in which the flexible board is kept away from said the bent projection by bending of the flexible board.

Abstract: A clamping sleeve for a shelf includes an intermediate neck portion and two open ends. The clamping sleeve is formed by pressing a metal plate, with an outwardly tapering conic coupling portion formed between the intermediate neck portion and each open end. A method and an apparatus for forming such a clamping sleeve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A propeller repair apparatus suitable for repairing and changing the pitch of a propeller includes a first rail parallel to and spaced from a second rail. A tapered shaft extends upwardly between the first and second rails for mounting a propeller thereon. A first frame extending between the first and second rails is movably mounted on the first and second rails for movement along the first and second rails. In one embodiment, a first actuator is pivotally mounted to the first frame and includes an extendible ram engagable with a propeller mounted on the tapered shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for process control of a burnishing process comprising a body having a first end and a second end, at least one process control coupon, and structure for attaching the process control coupon to the body. At least one edge of the process control coupon is clamped along the entire length thereof during burnishing. A method of process control for burnishing of components comprising selecting at least one process control coupon, selecting an apparatus for holding the process control coupon(s), attaching the process control coupon(s) to the apparatus, selecting a region on the surface of the process control coupon(s) for burnishing, burnishing a patch on the selected region using a burnishing process, and, measuring at least one physical parameter at a selected location of the process control coupon(s) after burnishing.

Abstract: A system and method for joining two articles together is disclosed. The nest and hold station of the present invention includes a positive alignment system which comprises two or more upper arms extending from the upper nest member and a like number of lower cooperative alignment components arranged on or about the lower nest member. The cooperative alignment system may be defined by pins fitted to the upper arms and pin-receiving apertures formed in the lower cooperative alignment components.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame puller attachment which includes a generally triangular main member having three sides with opposite side edges extending along each of the sides. The main member comprises a first side adapted for coupling to a chain to facilitate pulling on the main member using the chain, with a generally round aperture for freely passing a portion of a chain therethrough and a pair of chain slots for positioning a link of the chain in one of the chain slots such that an adjacent link in the chain is prevented from passing through the chain slot. A second side has four door hinge slots with each of the door hinge slots being elongate and having longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to the side edges. A third side has a plurality of bolt slots for coupling to various bolt patterns used to attach door hinges to different vehicles.

Abstract: A method for tensioning shaped parts, with a frame and a plurality of tensioning elements which are formed by a holding part and a clamping part. The holding part abuts the shaped part pointwise and a clamping part pushes the shaped part in the direction of the surface normal against the holding part.

Abstract: A universal side impact auto puller for facilitating pulling of a door post back into proper position after an auto accident. The universal side impact auto puller includes a main member having three substantially planar faces, opposite sides of each face being integrally joined to a respective one of said three faces such that said faces form a triangular wall. A pair of adapters are provided for engaging cutouts in said faces for coupling the main member to a door post of a vehicle.

Abstract: A device for tensioning shaped parts, with a frame and a plurality of tensioning elements which are formed by a holding part and a clamping part. The holding part abuts the shaped part pointwise and a clamping part pushes the shaped part in the direction of the surface normal against the holding part.

Abstract: A system for customizing a golf club which utilizes a hosel to interconnect the had and the shaft includes a hosel bending vise. The hosel bending vise imparts an offset bend and a lie angle bend in the hosel. The shaft of the golf club is then cut to length. If desired a loft angle bend may be made in the hosel.

Abstract: A device for clamping a golf club to a base including a clamping mechanism adapted to clamp the face of the golf club at a predetermined angle with respect to the base, and a measuring mechanism including at least a loft scale operational in combination with the clamping mechanism wherein the loft scale is pivotable about an axis parallel to the club face, further including measuring scales for reading loft angles of the club and optionally including scales for measuring the lie angle of the club.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal part with covering, in particular an inside part of a motor vehicle door, and to a method for producing such a covering. To enable producing a visually attractive covering of a metal part in a substantially simpler and more economical way, it is proposed according to the invention that the covering fabric be glued directly onto the as yet undeformed metal panel and in that state deformed together by deep drawing; in the region of overlap of layered pieces of upholstery, a bead is formed in the metal panel, into which the peripheral regions are pulled. This bead is then pinched together, causing the peripheral regions of the pieces of upholstery to be fixed in clamped fashion. The result is a visually attractive transition from one piece of upholstery to another, since no raveled edges are visible but are instead held in the beads. The covering is effected in the peripheral region of the metal part by means of crimping.

Abstract: Apparatus for straightening and orientating the deformed nipples of an anode employs framework through which each anode suspended by its anode rod is passed. A hollow casing with openings for receiving the nipples is raised relative to the framework to locate the nipples in the openings. A yoke of the anode is supported by pressure-pieces driven by self-locking spindle drives to engage the yoke from the outside and by support members engaging the yoke from the underside. The casing carries mechanisms each composed of piston and cylinder units with the piston rods and cylinders interconnected by yokes. One of these yokes has recesses for applying force to a central nipple and the other of these yokes carries a force-applying element with a socket for receiving the outermost nipples. The yokes and force applying elements are guided within the casing and serve to bend the nipples back into the desired orientation. Stops serve to control and limit the displacement of the piston and cylinder units.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for bending hosels of metal wood golf club heads to alter the characteristics of golf clubs incorporating the heads. A club head is clamped into a rigid clamping framework using a pair of clamps which engage the top and the back of the club head. A bending bar having an adjustable throat for engaging the hosel of the club head is then used to bend the hosel as required. The throat of the bending bar is defined by material which is softer than the golf club head to substantially eliminate marring of the club head. The back of the club head is engaged by an elongated pad of polymeric material formed to receive the back of the club head and the top of the club head is engaged by a pair of club head gripping areas formed to spread the top head gripping forces over two relatively large areas. The top gripping areas are formed as a single polymeric pad which is bifurcated to define the gripping areas.

Abstract: A shaving system that includes a holder and a blade member secured to the holder. The blade member has an aperture that defines an annular sharpened edge with main facet portions that converge at an angle of less than 30.degree. and supplemental facet portions that are extensions of the main facet portions and define an ultimate tip defining portion that has an included angle of less than 30.degree.. The supplemental facet portions are offset in the same direction from the main facet portions each at an angle of less than 175.degree., the outer main facet portion defines a shaving plane, the ultimate tip is disposed above the shaving plane less than 0.1 millimeter, and the bisector of the included angle defined by the supplementary facets is disposed at an angle to the shaving plane in the range of 15.degree.-35.degree..

Abstract: An extrusion pulling apparatus including an extrusion run-out table and an extrusion puller which is mounted for reciprocal movement along the run-out table. The extrusion puller has an upper jaw mounted for vertical reciprocal movement between clamping and release positions on a support frame and a lower jaw mounted for reciprocal lateral movement between clamping and release positions also on the support frame. The lower jaw is also mounted for vertical movement with respect to the support frame. A stripper finger is mounted on the puller adjacent the upper and lower jaws when the jaws are in the clamping position and is movable laterally to push extrusions toward a cooling table when the lower jaw moves in an opposite direction to strip the extrusions from the lower jaw and to push one end of the extrusions from the extrusion line.

Abstract: End mounts (92, 94) of an attachment are connected to bed (14) and bending leaf (44) portions of a shet metal brake (10). A right angle outer corner (102) is formed where an upper edge surface 46 of the bending leaf (44) intersects a side surface (48) of the bending leaf (44). A bending member (90) extends between the end mounts (92, 94) and is mounted for pivotal movement between a start position and a forming position. The bending member (90) carries force applying surface means (38) which rests on an overhanging portion of a sheet metal member (42). The operator swings the bending member (90) downwardly and as the bending member (90) so moves, the force applying surface (38) bends the sheet metal member (42) down about the right angle corner (102). The end mounts (86, 88) are formed to include arcuate slots (104, 106) having geometric centers which coincide with the bending corner (102 ).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending machine having a bottom die on which a sheet metal workpiece is supported horizontally in a frame body and an upper die which secures the workpiece by pressing against the bottom die. A bending beam is freely movable in the vertical direction to bend the edges of the workpiece when the workpiece is secured between the top and bottom dies. The bending machine also comprises a die changing system having a plurality of elevator bases each formed with a plurality of stages which store top dies separately and a device for controlling the elevator bases individually to prepare any combination of the top dies stored on the stages and a die exchanging device for furnishing the combination of the top dies in the proper position in the bending machine by transferring it from the stages.

Abstract: A device for measuring and adjusting the angle of lie and face angle of a golf club including a club head supporting base vice with a reference surface for supporting the sole of the golf club. A spring mounted vertical scale is provided in a vertical plane mounted to each side of the base vice. Vertical supports with a horizontal threaded shaft therebetween supporting a threaded nut having a clevis for holding a bending wrench at various positions.

Abstract: A golf club loft and lie calibration machine has a fixture with a cavity that exactly matches the back of the golf club head for clamping the golf club head. A pin with a tapered end is inserted into the bore of the golf club's hosel. The angular displacement of the pin is mechanically converted into two components of angular displacement which components are then converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the deviations from the specified loft and lie angles. The deviation is used to activate hydraulic rams distributed around the fixture to bend the golf club head's hosel and bring the golf club back to specification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to an improved die for homogeneously stretch forming sheet metal in standard sized presses without also drawing the sheet metal. The die is comprised of complementary male and female die halves moveable between open and closed positions, and a blank holder member moveable between open and closed positions relative to the female die half. A pair of grippers having mutually facing surfaces is carried by the female die half and the blank holder member. One of the gripper surfaces defines exactly two rectangular shaped beads which extend entirely around the circumference of the male and female die halves, while the other of the gripper surfaces is flat. The beads are equally spaced apart along their lengths and each includes a pair of relatively sharp edges for biting into the sheet metal.

Abstract: A golf club adjuster employs a base within which the head of a golf club is immobilized for purposes of adjusting the lie and loft angles of the club. The surface of the base which contacts the sole of the golf club head is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle of between about 20.degree. and about 40.degree.. The surface of the base which contacts the face of the golf club head is inclined relative to the vertical at an angle of between about 5.degree. and about 30.degree.. When a golf club head is immobilized in a base having such a configuration the neck of the club can be twisted, for adjustment as necessary, to properly define a fulcrum so as to impart spin to a golf ball struck by a player who uses an oval swing.

Abstract: An electrical connector programming tool is provided which is operable "in-the-field" to program the bus bar of an electrical connector for a flat ribbon cable. The tool includes a tray subassembly adapted to removably retain a connector having a bus bar to be programmed, and a head subassembly having a plurality of selectively extendable tongues adapted to program the bus bar.

Abstract: Arcuately curved cultivator shanks carrying ground working tools often become partially straightened or the attaching portion becomes bent due to the ground working tool engaging obstructions such as a root, rock or the like. Due to the resiliency thereof, they are difficult to re-shape to the original contours or specifications. The present device includes firstly, a vertical standard having a cross pin at the upper end thereof under which the hooked attaching end may be engaged. The distal end, which is apertured to receive the ground working tool, is engaged by a jack underneath the standard and a sliding member engages within the standard and is engaged by the distal end of the shank so that when the jack is extended, the arcuately curved portion is re-shaped to the original contours.

Abstract: A tube expander (10), for extrudably expanding the walls of a tube (12) is disclosed.The clamping force required on a tube (12) to prevent relative movement between the tube (12) and a tube expander (10), generally limits the amount of deformation completed during single stroke forming operations. The present invention provides a tube expander (10) for partially forming the tube (12) during insertion of the expander (10) into the tube (12) and fully forming the tube (12) during withdrawal of the expander (10). The tube expander (10) has an annular forming member (44) moveably mounted on a mandrel (22) for movement between a first position at which a plane (46) of the annular forming member (44) is at a skew angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (32) of the mandrel (22) and a second position at which the plane (46) of the annular forming member (44) is normal to the longitudinal axis (32).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing metal casings, particularly gate valve casings, comprises, forming two casing shell half portions from a plate by holding the plate and forming a valve port in at least one of the plates with a forming tool, forming wall portions of the plate bounding the port into axially inwardly and axially outwardly extending collars bounding the opening and joining the two casing shell half portions together by a longitudinal weld which is accessible to ultrasonic and radiographic inspection to form a fluid- and pressure-tight casing. A device for carrying out the method comprises forming tools for imparting a shell, shaped to the plates and upper and lower dies which are provided with recesses for holding fast and forming or overforming flange-like collars.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of fabricating boron fiber and aluminum matrix composite structures, especially gas turbine compressor blades having titanium metal skins. Titanium skins and boron aluminum composite cores are preformed by gas pressure and hard dies prior to hot pressing. The composite sheets of the core are preformed with the use of expendable carrier sheets, which hold the stacked sheets firmly as both the carrier sheets and composites are shaped through moderate temperature and gas pressure against a hard die. The preforming permanently shapes and lightly bonds the composite sheets. The skins are preformed in an analogous process using gas pressurization of a metal envelope into die cavities. The skins and composite core are then hot pressed in hard dies to form the finished part.

Abstract: A golf club adjusting apparatus for modifying the relationship of the club shaft and head which includes a base for supporting the club at spaced first and second preselected positions. A force applying element positioned intermediate the first and second support positions for controlled, precise club adjustment without damage, and an adjustment measuring element for determining the degree of adjustment.

Abstract: A device for measuring and adjusting the angle of lie and face angle of a golf club including a club head supporting base with a reference surface for supporting the sole of a golf club. A measuring element is indexed to the reference surface to contact the face of a golf club and to indicate the face angle thereof.A shaft supporting and club adjusting structure is secured to the base and includes measuring apparatus referenced to the sole reference surface for measuring the lie angle of the golf club and for producing golf club adjustments to selectively vary the lie and face angles of the golf club.

Abstract: A propeller is mounted on a vertical bolt on one end of a table. A horizontal radial wedge under the table is actuated by an hydraulic cylinder to tighten the bolt and clamp the propeller against rotation. A head frame is movable along the table by an hydraulic motor. An anvil beam and a presser foot beam are movable vertically in the head frame by hydraulic cylinders to clamp a blade of the propeller, remove dents, twist the blade and perform other operations as may be necessary to repair a damaged metal marine propeller.

Abstract: A fixture to facilitate measuring and adjusting the loft and lie angles of a golf club or iron comprises a guide having a plane indexing surface pivotally adjustable to various standard loft angles, and having upper and lower shoes for clamping the head of the club therebetween in predetermined alignment whereat the score lines on the club face are horizontal, the face is flush with the indexing surface, and the sole of the head is seated on the lower shoe at only two locations adjacent the rounded junctures respectively of the sole with the heel and toe of the head, the latter location being elevated with respect to the former. The upper shoe is movable parallel to the indexing surface toward the lower shoe in the clamping action, has a rounded cam engageable with only a mid-location of the top edge of the head for camming the head toward the indexing surface and lower shoe, and has limited universal lost motion for adjusting the cam to the angle of the top edge during the clamping action.