Abstract: A method of orienting cans on a continuously rotating machine, in which the machine has a plurality of rotating heads for can bodies (2), each of the heads having a sensor (9) for detecting the orientation of the can body. Each head comprises a mandrel (6), chuck (8) and can carrier (7). In one embodiment, the chuck and mandrel rotate at different speeds. The can body is generally held by the chuck but is transferred to the mandrel in order to impose the required orientation on the can body. In an alternative embodiment, each chuck is driven by an independent motor (15) and orientation is achieved by imposing a motion profile on the chuck to correct any error. An unique mark or series of marks is provided at or around a free edge of the can body so that the sensor can detect the orientation of the can body. Typically these marks are hidden in the finished product by a double seam which joins the can end to the can body.

Abstract: A transfer system for moving work pieces held in workpiece grippers along a first, horizontal axis between a plurality of spaced apart workstations, the transfer system including a press having a ram moveable along a second, vertical axis and a bolster aligned with and positioned below the ram. The workpiece grippers are mechanically connected to a transfer rail which extends along the first, longitudinal axis, the transfer rail being supported for movement along the second, vertical axis between a raised and lowered position and along a third, horizontal axis, normal to the first, longitudinal axis, between a forward position and a retracted position. The improvement of the present invention comprises biasing means for urging the transfer rail toward its raised and forward position and movement means connected to the ram for exerting a force on the transfer rail to overcome the biasing means and urge the transfer rail toward its lowered and retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for working a workpiece comprises a drive unit for rotating a forming tool about an axis of rotation, a forming roller for working said workpiece, means for moving the forming roller in an x-direction and a y-direction with respect to said drive means, and a control unit comprising a memory for one or more control programs. In this embodiment the axis of rotation of the drive unit coincides with the x-direction. The axis of rotation extends at least substantially in vertical direction. The drive unit and the forming tool can be moved in the x-direction by the moving means.

Abstract: In order to optimize a process for the machining of sheet-metal parts in a bending unit of a bending center, in which the sheet-metal parts are transported one after the other from a feed area to the bending unit for the purpose of bending and are thereby taken over by a first manipulator of a manipulator arrangement in a takeover position and then placed against a bending edge for carrying out at least one bending operation, it is suggested that after the last bending operation each finished sheet-metal part be moved away from a bending end position, that during the bending operation of each one of the sheet-metal parts the next respective sheet-metal part be supplied, proceeding from the feed area, to a takeover position arranged so as to be non-overlapping in relation to the bending end position and in this be positioned for gripping by the first manipulator and that the first manipulator begin to take over the next sheet-metal part in the takeover position during the period of time, during which the finis

Abstract: An elongated low profile sheet metal tray has a bottom panel adapted to seat on the bolster plate of a stamping press under a die set. The panel supports adjacent upper and lower runs of an endless belt directed around guide rollers and a drive roller supported by cast support members removably connected to opposite ends of the tray. A motor and gear reducer unit is mounted on one support member and drives the belt drive roller, and the sheet metal tray has opposite integral side rails forming inclined surfaces and channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. A sheet of plastics material extends between the bottom panel and the bottom run of the belt, and a detector senses belt stoppage for stopping the motor and stamping press.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process to produce staggered dent profiled material sheets in response to the application of either excess pressure or underpressure. A rectangular, staggered dent-profiled structure is achieved when a material sheet, in curved form, is supported by regularly spaced-apart support elements and then excess pressure or underpressure is applied. As a result of the pressure dents appear on the material sheet in the direction of the support elements as well as by self-organization. Hexagonal dent profiled structures are generated when flexible support elements are used. The dent profiling can result from a semi-continuous or continuous operation. Segment-wise dent profiling can be achieved when the material sheet is successively bent in peripheral direction over a segment of regularly spaced-apart support elements and then dent profiled under pressure.

Abstract: A press working machine includes a lower mold that is vertically movable between a first position for exchanging the lower mold, a second position for exchanging a workpiece, a third position for placing and displacing the workpiece on and from the lower mold, and a fourth position for pressing the workpiece between an upper mold and the lower mold. The machine further includes a servo motor and an eccentric cam for vertically moving the lower mold. A workpiece feed bar is moved only in the horizontal direction, whereby the structure of a feed bar horizontal mover is extremely simplified and the overall press working machine is also simplified in structure.

Abstract: A feed control system for a metal forming machine. The feed control system includes a feed assembly mounted on the metal forming machine. The feed assembly includes a slide assembly and a rotating ball-screw operatively connected to the slide assembly. The slide assembly is linearly movable in response to rotation of the ball-screw which is driven by a servo-motor. A control system is operatively connected to the feed assembly for automatically cycling the feed assembly in synchronization with the press so as to feed the metal stock into the press.

Abstract: A sheet metal working apparatus having a supply mechanism adapted to supply an elongated and flat strip of sheet metal stock to an inlet of a punch press and along a longitudinal axis of the strip. An intermittently operable drive device is provided for effecting an intermittent movement of the strip of sheet metal stock relative to a punch press. A set of tools are provided on the punch press as well as a second intermittent drive device for effecting a metal working engagement of the tools with the sheet metal stock during intervals of time between the movement of the sheet metal stock to produce a continuous strip of a finished sheet metal fin stock.

Abstract: An electromechanical press apparatus for trimming excess portions from a leadframe strip package having a semiconductor chip thereon and for forming leads of the leadframe strip package extending from the semiconductor chip is disclosed. The apparatus provides an electric motor that drives two orthogonally oriented shafts through a 90 degree gear box coupler. One shaft is used to move a portion-of the apparatus along a rectangular path of motion for linearly shifting a leadframe strip along a plane orthogonally oriented to the rectangular path of motion. The other shaft is used to move another portion of the apparatus along a line of motion orthogonally oriented to the plane for performing a trimming operation or a forming operation.

Abstract: An electromechanical press apparatus for trimming excess portions from a leadframe strip package having a semiconductor chip thereon and for forming leads of the leadframe strip package extending from the semiconductor chip is disclosed. The apparatus provides an electric motor that drives two orthogonally oriented shafts through a 90 degree gear box coupler. One shaft is used to move a portion of the apparatus along a rectangular path of motion for linearly shifting a leadframe strip along a plane orthogonally oriented to the rectangular path of motion. The other shaft is used to move another portion of the apparatus along a line of motion orthogonally oriented to the plane for performing a trimming operation or a forming operation.

Abstract: In a process for operating a press unit comprising a press, more particularly a forging press, having a hydraulic driving and control system that causes the working stroke movement of the press to follow a substantially sinusoidal course, and at least one integrated forging manipulator, synchronization of the working stroke of the press and the stroke of the tong arm of the manipulator is effected by a driving and control system of the forging manipulator by which a stroke movement of the tong arm of the forging manipulator adjusted to match the working stroke of the press and having the same frequency as that of the working stroke movement of the press, but with a smaller amplitude, is produced. For raising and lowering of the tong arm at least one continuously variable, reversible-flow pump is associated with the forging manipulator.

Abstract: An electrical terminal applicator is disclosed for crimping terminals onto wires, with the terminals being secured to a tape in a side-by-side relationship. An applicator ram is drivable in a first path through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil. A crimping die on the applicator ram cooperates with the anvil to crimp a portion of a terminal onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram. A track guides the tape in a second path which intersects the first path of the ram. A tape feeding system includes a shuttle member adapted for linear reciprocal movement alongside the second path of the tape in an advancing stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, the crimping anvil. The shuttle member has at least one tooth for engaging indexing apertures in the tape and incrementally advancing the tape on the advancing stroke of the shuttle member.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-planar article such as an automotive heat shield from a preform comprising planar sheets superposed upon one another and bonded to one another at selected locations using a roll bond process. The preform is positioned between a male tool and a female tool, the male tool having a protuberant portion and the female tool defining a cavity adapted to accomodate the protuberant portion of the male tool. The preform is then deformed by pushing the protuberant portion against the preform and pressurized fluid is thereafter introduced between the sheets to space them from one another on the unbonded portions.

Abstract: The turning device has a guideway (13) which is formed integrally on the tong carrier (3) and in which is guided the roller (16) of an oscillating lever (15). The reciprocating movement of the guideway (13) is transmitted via the oscillating lever (15) to a pivot pin (14). The latter turns the portion (A) in conjunction with a counter-holder (22). The turning device is used on horizontal cross-transfer presses having a high production rate for metal forming starting from portions of wire.

Abstract: A method of operating an upsetting press for reducing the width of a hot slab cast in a continuous casting plant by laterally pressing the slab between the pressing tools of the upsetting press which are moved toward each other and away from each other by an eccentric lifting member as the slab moves on a roller conveyor through the upsetting press. During the time phase in which the pressing tools have no contact with the slab, the slab is accelerated from a predetermined feeding speed and is subsequently decelerated to this predetermined feeding speed, reducing the upsetting of the slab.

Abstract: When deforming an elongate workpiece, as by forging, rolling, or the like, it is necessary to know the exact position of the workpiece along its length with respect to the deforming device. To this end, one end of the workpiece is secured to a carriage in abutting relation with a stop member and the carriage is moved in the direction away from the deforming device. The position of the stop member with respect to the deforming device is continuously detected thus giving an indication of the position of the workpiece with respect to the deforming device.

Abstract: In a manipulator (1) for forging machines, for example multiple-ram forging machines with a plurality of rams acting radially on the forging (2), the workpiece (2) is moved axially according to the forging sequence and the feed drive of the manipulator (1) takes place at a constant speed, an actively controllable, axially effective superposed drive acting intermittently on the gripper axle (5) of the manipulator (1) and at least one hydraulically working piston/cylinder unit (12) being provided for supporting the axially displaceable gripper axle (5) in relation to the manipulator housing (4). To design the control of the manipulator (1) in a mechanically constructive way so that it functions simply and reliably, the front and rear stroke spaces (18, 19) of the piston/cylinder unit (12) are connectable by a line (28) by means of a valve (26), and the piston/cylinder unit (12) is designed as a servo-control device (17), by means of which the piston/cylinder unit (12) can be controlled.

Abstract: A press for converting work pieces into finished parts has an elongated bolster mounted on a press bed. The bolster supports columns on which a ram is slidable. The bolster also supports the lower die shoe of the press tooling. A conveyor or transfer system mounted on the bolster carries work pieces into and out of the area of the tooling. The bolster is a unitary piece which integrates support of the die shoe, columns and conveyor to assure proper cooperation and alignment among them. A pivotable carrier mounts a feed mechanism for feeding a stock strip into the tooling. Power to the feed mechanism is supplied through a shaft which is coaxial with the hinge line of the carrier, so that the carrier can be swung away from the tooling for service access without requiring disconnection of the power supply. A traveling vacuum box on the lower die shoe supports the conveyor for vertical as well as longitudinal motion, and retains the work pieces on the conveyor.

Abstract: A die transfer system that includes a lower die, an upper die carried for reciprocal vertical movement toward and away from the lower die to perform at least one operation on a workpiece positioned therebetween, and a conveyor for sequentially conveying workpieces between the dies. The conveyor includes a plurality of hands for gripping workpieces and spaced from each other by distances corresponding to stations of the die. The conveyor and hands are indexed in a direction through the die between the stations in synchronism with motion of the upper die. The hands are moved simultaneously in at least one direction perpendicular to the indexing direction by a camshaft that extends through the stations along an axis parallel to the indexing direction. A cam is mounted on the camshaft for rotation with the camshaft in synchronism with motion of the upper die.

Abstract: A frame and ram for terminal applicators is described which can be used for applicators for ladder strip terminals and can be used for applicators for in-line strip terminals. The frame has first and second mounting sites for strip feeders, the first mounting site being used when a ladder strip applicator is being produced. The second mounting site is used for the feeding mechanism for an applicator for in-line strip. The applicator ram has first and second slots or grooves therein in which racks can be mounted. A rack is mounted in the first groove for cooperation with the strip feeder for a ladder strip and a rack is mounted in the second groove or channel for cooperation with a strip feeder for in-line strip.

Abstract: In conventional fabrication manufacture the thickness of the steel plates are often determined by the metal section required at the weld joints. The subject apparatus and method overcomes this problem by selectively forming a thickened edge along the edge of a thinner steel plate which can now be limited to the thickness required to withstand the stresses on the fabrication. The thickened edge is produced by passing a plate supported on a table through a forming apparatus having a forming roller. The table is movable in an oblique direction relative to the plate so that the shape of the thickened edge may be varied. The forming apparatus and table are automatically controlled to produce a thickened edge of a desired shape intermittently or continuously along a linear or non-linear edge of the plate.

Abstract: Vertical guide posts are securely mounted on a base plate, and a cylinder plate is securely mounted on top portions of the guide posts. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the cylinder plate and a movable plate is slidably mounted on the guide posts. A piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the movable plate. By vertically moving the movable plate, press work is performed.

Abstract: A positioning device for arranging elongated workpieces, such as wire pieces which are to be worked up into headed nails, and the use of such a device in a wire-working machine, includes at least one positioning tool for displacing at least one workpiece in its axial direction by a predetermined distance. The tool is a rigid body which is displaceable parallel to its longitudinal direction. The positioning device may include an additional positioning tool to push the workpieces slightly backward, to compensate for any tolerances in the nominal length of the workpieces of each batch of workpieces.

Abstract: A disk is fitted over a transmission shaft which delivers drive force from a press drive to feed bars. Engagement members are selectively engaged with and disengaged from teeth on the disk so that when engagement members are engaged with the disk, the movement of the feed bars is interrupted. As a result, maintenance operation can be carried out safely.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for shaping a long plate member (31), converts on initial cross-section into a final sectional configuration, e.g., into a U-shaped final sectional configuraiton. The forming apparatus has an upper die (32) and a lower die (33) defining a forming part with pressing surfaces which are movable toward each other for a pressing operation. The long plate member is appropriately fed into the forming part. A drive mechanism reciprocates the upper die (32). The forming part defined by the upper die (32) and by the lower die (33) includes an initial forming region which is located on an inlet for the long plate member. The initial forming region has a forming configuration corresponding to a flat sectional configuration. A final forming region located at an outlet for the long plate member has a forming configuration corresponding to a U-shaped sectional configuration.

Abstract: A device for controlling a manipulator for handling a workpiece processed by a press brake. The press brake is equipped with a side sensor for detecting the horizontal X-axis direction positions parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower dies of the press brake. The manipulator is arranged to be movable in the X-axis direction and the head of the manipulator is arranged to be rotatable about first and second shafts of the manipulator. The device includes apparatus for inputting a position of the workpiece for an initial bending stage and apparatus for inputting an angle of rotation of the workpiece about the first and/or second shafts of the manipulator for each of a plurality of bending stages.

Abstract: A system for transferring workpieces through a series of linearly aligned, equally spaced work stations where a predetermined sequence of operations are performed thereon. The workpieces are transferred along an X axis by a plurality of workpiece gripping finger operators mounted on a transfer rail at equally spaced locations thereon corresponding to the spacing of the work stations. The transfer rail is reciprocated along the X axis for a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent work stations. Independently supported actuator units are provided which have a lateral arm to support the transfer rail and to impart up and down and back and forth movement to it. The means for moving the workpiece in all three axes are individually controllable and may be coordinated with operation of, for example, a transfer press.

Abstract: A workpiece manipulator assembly for a forging press having a press ram comprises a workpiece rotating mechanism including a rotary drive system for rotating a workpiece in peripheral direction. The rotary drive system is operated by a drive motor running at a preselected constant speed to rotate the workpiece about an axis of rotation. An arresting assembly stops the rotary movement of the workpiece before and during a pressure contact phase for the press ram. The rotary drive system is adapted to rotate a driven worm which produces rotary movement to the workpiece rotating means and is mounted for axial displacement. The arresting assembly includes an axial drive unit for predeterminably controlling axial displacement of the driven worm to effect the arresting of said rotary movement.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a workpiece in plurality of manufacturing steps with small time losses between successive manufacturing steps, which utilizes a small number of manufacturing machines, according to which the manufacturing machines and the transferring machines are controlled such that while one manufacturing step is being applied by one manufacturing machine and then the workpiece is being transferred by the transferring machine from that one manufacturing machine to another manufacturing machine for applying a next manufacturing step to the workpiece, the another manufacturing machine is prepare for the next manufacturing step by placing an appropriate one of the manufacturing press dies under the ram of the press machine of the another manufacturing machine by intermittently moving the plurality of manufacturing press dies.

Abstract: This invention provides a feed system comprising a base on which a portion of the article being fed rests. The base extends along a feed path for the article. The feed system also includes at least one rotatable feed screw lying in an axis parallel to the feed path. The feed screw includes an entry end, a discharge end and a continuous, helical groove having a profile for receiving a portion of the article being fed. The feed system includes a linkage device for transferring reciprocating motion of a reciprocating press into which the articles are fed into rotary motion of the feed screw, and a feeding device for feeding articles into the groove at the entry end. The feed system also comprises a cooperating second screw or a resilient guide bar, for maintaining the article within and along the feed path as the feed screw is rotated.

Abstract: An applicator die for use with a crimping machine of the type in which a supply of terminals are fed in the form of a terminal strip comprising a carrier band and a plurality of terminals respectively secured at one end thereof to successive points along the band, individual leads are fed to the machine and the machine functions to crimpingly apply a terminal to an end of each lead and sever the terminal from the carrier band.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming elongated metal cans from relatively short cups by utilizing a reciprocating ram to drive the cups one at a time through a die pack, is provided with a continuously rotating feeder that transfers the cups from the exit of a gravity feed chute to a receiving station where each cup is indexed for engagement by the ram as it moves forward in its working stroke. The feeder rotates through one complete revolution for each forward-return cycle of the ram and during each revolution thereof a pocket in the feeder receives a cup from the chute, which cup then moves along a curved guideway to a receiving station. Prior to being engaged by a registry formation at the receiving station the cup is engaged by a stripper that removes the cup from the feeder pocket. The feeder continues to drive the cup toward the registry formation while the cup is being stripped from the feeder pocket.

Abstract: Compound press suitable to autonomously perform all operations necessary to mold pieces, including mechanisms to feed the pieces to be molded, and molding of same and to discharge the molded pieces.

Abstract: A multi-station press, having a press frame, a press bed and a ram tooled for performing sequential work operations at plural stations and a transfer mechanism for transporting work pieces from one station to the next, has positively driven finger operating mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes transfer rails and fingers extending inwardly toward the work station. The finger operating mechanism includes an actuating rod mounted for sliding movement on each transfer rail, a finger pull-back lever pivoted to the transfer rail and engaging the finger, with the actuating rod including an upstanding tooth for engaging the finger pull-back lever. In one embodiment two teeth are provided for rotating the lever to both open and close the fingers. An actuating lever pivotally mounted to the transfer rails operates the actuating rods.

Abstract: A system for transferring workpieces through a series of linearly aligned, equally spaced work stations where a predetermined sequence of operations are performed thereon. The workpieces are transferred along an X axis by a plurality of workpiece gripping finger operators mounted on a transfer rail at equally spaced locations thereon corresponding to the spacing of the work stations. The transfer rail is reciprocated along the X axis for a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent work stations. Independently supported actuator units are provided which have a lateral arm to support the transfer rail and to impart up and down and back and forth movement to it. The mechanism for moving the workpiece in all three axes are individually controllable and may be coordinated with operation of, for example, a transfer press.

Abstract: A press having a work positioning carriage for moving a workpiece horizontally along relatively transverse X and Y axes to position different areas of a workpiece at a work station. Lower forming tools are fixed at the work station and a lower stripper is mounted for vertical movement relative to the lower forming tools. Upper press tools are mounted on the press ram and operative when the ram is moved downwardly to force the workpiece downwardly over the lower forming tools and depress the lower stripper. The lower stripper is yieldably biased upwardly to raise the workpiece off the lower press tools when the upper press tools are raised. A work carrier is mounted for horizontal movement by the work positioning carriage and the work carrier has a workpiece support that is vertically movable relative to the work carrier.

Abstract: An improvement in a system for transferring parts between work stations wherein the system has part grippers movable along three orthogonal axes, the first being the opening and closing movements of the grippers, the second being the transfer movement of the grippers between stations and the third being the lifting and lowering movements of the grippers at a station. The improvement resides in the mechanism which effects movements along the first and third axes. This mechanism includes two linearly movable bushings connected with a lost motion and separated by a compression spring with the first bushing being movable by the action of a cam. In their closing movement, the grippers are moved by the bushings until the second bushing is stopped by an abutment.

Abstract: The lifting beam assembly for transporting workpieces from work station to work station in a forming press includes a pair of transport beam members for grasping workpieces to be transported within the forming press. A first drive mechanism executes vertical movement to raise and lower the transport beam members. A second drive mechanism executes longitudinal movement of the transport beam members in a direction parallel to the direction traveled from work station to work station. A third drive mechanism executes transverse movement of the transport beam members. Each of the three drive mechanisms include movement actuating devices for effecting the respective vertical, longitudinal and transverse movements. An actuating shaft is secured at one end thereof for hydraulic actuation by an electro-hydraulic booster. It is coupled at the other end thereof to the movement actuating device for effecting the particular respective movement of the transport beam members.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (10) for carrying workpieces (W) to subsequent forming stations in a punch press (12) is disclosed. The reciprocation of a press ram (14) actuates a plate cam (50) having a curvilinear slot (52) disposed therein to arcuately displace a rocker arm (34). The rocker arm (34) linearly drives an input rack (42) having a series of gear teeth extending therealong. The gear teeth of the input rack (42) engage and rotate an input gear (44) integrally connected to an output gear (46) having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the input gear (44). An output rack (40) having a plurality of gear teeth extending therealong engages the output gear (46) for moving a workpiece engaging jaw (18) longitudinally of the work stations a greater distance than the input rack (42) is moved.

Abstract: A press apparatus mechanical dwell linkage comprises a pair of cam plates, one of which is fixed and the other pivotable, positioned in side-by-side parallel relationship. An operating arm is connected to the moving die in a press apparatus and simultaneously engages cam slots in each cam plate to transmit cam slot curvature and direction in the fixed cam to pivoting motion of the pivotable cam. A workpiece manipulating link oscillates with said pivotable cam to transversely change the position of a workpiece between the dies. The cam slots cooperate to introduce a dwell period in the work manipulating link at the start of, and end of, its workpiece-changing motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for feeding a material to a hot forging machine in a forging line in which a coiled material is uncoiled, straightened, fed intermittently by pinch rollers through a heating device, cut by a cutting device and then fed into a hot forging machine. The method has the steps of preparing a driving device which drives the pinch rollers mechanically independently from the hot forging machine; picking up the timing of forging conducted by the hot forging machine as an electric signal, and controlling the driving device in accordance with the electric signal.

Abstract: A tool for mounting cable end sleeves on the ends of cables, the tool having two profiled clamping jaws which can be pressed against a cable end sleeve by means of two pliers arms via a toggle joint. The sleeves to be mounted form an end sleeve magazine together with a carrier which, at the time of the opening of the tool, is transported along by means of a jump feed device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for feeding a material to a hot forging machine in a forging line in which a coiled material is uncoiled, straightened, fed intermittently by pinch rollers through a heating device, cut by a cutting device and then fed into a hot forging machine. The method has the steps of preparing a driving device which drives the pinch rollers mechanically independently from the hot forging machine; picking up the timing of forging conducted by the hot forging machine as an electric signal, and controlling the driving device in accordance with the electric signal.

Abstract: A bending press includes a work support table comprised of a pair of support elements, at least one of which is mounted on the frame for movement generally vertically relative to the work support plane. Workpiece positioning elements are located on opposite sides of the work station defined by the upper and lower dies and are movable horizontally of the work support plane defined by the work support table. A drive motor effects horizontal movement of at least one of the workpiece positioning elements relative to the other positioning elements so as to move the workpiece on the work support table and effect its precise positioning in desired positions relative to the work station. The machine includes a computer control for operating the various drive motors and may include a rotatable work support table for effecting rotation of the workpiece to reorient it relative to the work station.

Abstract: A transfer press for performing by means of a series of rams and dies, sequential operations on successive workpieces has a reciprocable transfer slide for conveying the workpieces through a series of locations at which the operations are performed, there being provided driven means, which, at or near the forward end of the travel of the slide, mechanically open the transfer slide workpiece engaging devices to release the workpieces as the workpieces are engaged between the corresponding ram tool and associated die and which, at or near the rearward end of the travel of the slide, enable the said devices to engage each of the workpieces, said driven means comprising elements driven from a main drive shaft and mounted on a frame part of the press and workpiece transfer device actuating means carried on the transfer slide and co-operating in readily separable manner with said elements on the frame part.

Abstract: In a transfer press having feed bars and a press drive, an improved feed bar driving apparatus has a vertical rod reciprocally movable in association with the press drive and having a threaded portion, a drive means to the vertical rod means for rotating the vertical rod means in opposite directions, a feed screw device connected to the threaded portion of the vertical rod for being rotated by the vertical rod in opposite directions by rotation and reciprocation of the vertical rod, a pair of feed bar receptacles slidably supporting the feed bars and connected to the feed screw device for being moved toward and away from each other when the feed screw device is rotated in respective opposite directions for moving the feed bars in a clamping and unclamping movement, a cam rotatable in assocation with the press drive, a lever mounted on a fulcrum and connected to the vertical rod and in contact with the cam for being pivoted around the fulcrum by the cam for moving the vertical rod through a stroke, and a strok

Abstract: Feed bar advance and return driving apparatus for a transfer press. An upper slider is reciprocally vertically movable in the press crown in synchronization with the operation of the press, and a pinion rotatably mounted on the upper slider is rotated alternatingly in opposite directions with the upward and downward vertical movement of the upper slider. A drive rack vertically slidably supported on the upper slider is connected to the pinion at a position on the pinion which is eccentric to the axis of rotation of the pinion and is reciprocally vertically driven by the rotation of the pinion. The lower end of the drive rack extends downwardly and engages a drive pinion for rotating the drive pinion alternatingly in opposite directions during the reciprocal vertical motion of the drive rack.

Abstract: A conveyor in a plastic working machine, wherein lower dies and upper dies for plastic working of a work in collaboration are disposed on a plurality of working stations, respectively, the stations being set at intervals along the direction in which the work is conveyed, arms each having a handling mechanism for holding the work are provided on transfer bars disposed sideway of the working stations for conveying the work in sequence among the working stations, the transfer bars are provided on both sides of each working station, the arms are bridged between both the transfer bars with both the ends borne on both the transfer bars movably back and forth in the conveying direction or fixed to both the transfer bars.

Abstract: A method of controlling a press having a slide mechanism mounted for reciprocating movement, a press drive for cycling the slide mechanism and including a press drive shaft and a mechanism for driving the shaft at a controllable angular velocity, and an automated feed mechanism for transferring workpieces in and out of at least one work station in the press in synchronism with the reciprocating movement of the press slide, the method comprising the steps of driving the press drive shaft at a first, relatively fast angular velocity during a "closed" portion of each cycle of reciprocating movement of the press slide, the "closed" portion of each cycle including that portion of the cycle during which the press slide is working one or more workpieces, and driving the press drive shaft at a second angular velocity, slower than the first angular velocity, during an "open" portion of each cycle of reciprocating movement of the press slide, the second angular velocity being sufficiently slow to allow the automatic fe