Ejector Patents (Class 72/427)
  • Patent number: 11707775
    Abstract: A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: STANDARD LIFTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 11446731
    Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a steering rack forged in a forging die, comprising a gripper to grip the shank of the rack, a lost-motion mechanism supporting the gripper and permitting limited movement in the direction of closing of the forging die, and a side-shift mechanism to move the gripper sideways. The lost-motion mechanism abuts the die assembly as the forging die closes thereby positioning the gripper to grip the shank of the steering rack during the final closing travel of the forging die. The gripper then lifts the steering rack as the forging die opens. The side-shift mechanism then moves the gripped steering rack sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BISHOP STEERING TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD
    Inventor: Wayne Bruce Cornish
  • Patent number: 11267036
    Abstract: A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: STANDARD LIFTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 11186056
    Abstract: A mechanical press, with at least one drive shaft having a driver that is eccentric with respect to a shaft axis, and a sliding block. The sliding block is driven by the driver to perform a forcibly guided movement. During an execution of a pressure stroke, the sliding block is guided on at least one sliding surface on the pressure-input side opposite to a pressure-input-side surface of a slide guide. The sliding block has a sliding surface on the pressure-output side lying opposite to the pressure-input side surface, this surface being guided on a pressure-output-side surface of the slide guide, wherein the sliding surface on the pressure-input side of the sliding block has a concave or convex curvature. The sliding surface on the pressure-output side of the sliding block has the opposite concave or convex curvature, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SMS group GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Krieger
  • Patent number: 11084240
    Abstract: A path-controlled press, with at least one drive shaft having a driver that is eccentric relative to a shaft axis, and a sliding block, wherein the sliding block is driven by the driver to perform a forcibly actuated movement During the execution of a pressure stroke, the sliding block is guided on at least one sliding surface on the pressure side in relation to a pressure-side surface of a slide guide. The sliding block has a sliding surface on the pulling side opposite the sliding surface on the pressure side, which is guided on a surface of the slide guide on the pulling side. The sliding surface on the pressure side of the sliding block has a concave or convex curvature. The sliding surface on the pulling side of the sliding block has another respective concave or convex curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Krieger, Dieter Fuchshofen, Norbert Gober
  • Patent number: 11007564
    Abstract: A method for thickening a plastically deformable hollow body wall of a hollow body includes the steps of arranging the hollow body in an outer mold, arranging an inner supporting body inside the hollow body, applying a compressive force to the hollow body wall by means of two application members moving towards one another in an axial direction with a continuous compressing movement, and performing an axial relative movement of the application members performing the continuous compressing movement on the one hand and of the outer mold on the other hand. Due to the compressing movement of the application members, material of the hollow body wall is plasticized and flows into an expansion space of the outer mold, an axial extent of the expansion space increasing due to the axial relative movement of the application members performing the continuous compressing movement and of the outer mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: FELSS Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Michi, Joerg Wachter, Dennis Beihofer, Philipp Grupp, Michael Marre
  • Patent number: 10862258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of interchangeable crimp units for a crimping machine. According to the invention each crimp unit comprises an integrated sensor for measuring a crimping force or a crimping displacement during the crimping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: WEZAG GMBH WERKZEUGFABRIK
    Inventors: Kurt Battenfeld, Thomas Glockseisen
  • Patent number: 9511404
    Abstract: A sheet molding device contains: a base, a mold, and at least one spray nozzle. The base includes a forming zone and a removing zone. The mold includes a molding part, an insolation washer, and a sealing part. The molding part has a peripheral rib, a die cavity, and a first heater. The insolation washer has a melting point higher a sheet, and the insolation washer is connected with a top surface of the peripheral rib and its top surface is higher than the peripheral rib. The sealing part has an outlet connecting with a high-pressure gas supply unit via an air pipe and has a second heater. The molding part and the sealing part are connected together in the forming zone, and after blow molding the sheet, the sealing part is moved toward the removing zone. Furthermore, the at least one spray nozzle is arranged in the removing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Po Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 8955364
    Abstract: A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a pilot insert having tapered outer end. The pilot assembly has at least one inwardly curved sidewall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the pilot body, and an inner end attached to the inner end of the pilot insert in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 8881570
    Abstract: A press (1) including: —a frame (2); —a first press bed (3) with a first tool part (4), wherein the first press bed (3) is provided between the frame (2) and the first tool part (4); —first displacement means (5); —a second press bed (6) with a second tool part (7) which in use is arranged at a position opposite to the first tool part (4), and where the second press bed (6) is provided between the frame (2) and the second tool part (7); —a device (8) for introducing workpieces (9) between the first (4) and the second tool parts (7); —a device (10) for ejecting finished workpieces (9?); —a punch (11) which is vertically displaceable through coaxial openings (13, 14) between the first tool part (4) and the second tool part (7); —a punch cylinder (15) for displacing the punch (11), wherein the press furthermore includes second displacement means (16) which are connected between the frame (2) and the second tool part (7) for horizontal displacement of the second tool part (7) between a pressing position with the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kiermar Technology Holding ApS
    Inventor: Martin Hansen
  • Patent number: 8782862
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus includes a spline sleeve defining a central hole having an inner surface defining a plurality of first and second sliding grooves, a first connecting member and a second connecting member positioned on opposite ends of the spline sleeve, a sliding member sildably received in the spline sleeve and having at least one first key portion slidably received in the corresponding first sliding groove, a rotation member rotatable relative to the sliding member and including a plurality of second key portions selectively slidably engaged in the corresponding first sliding grooves and interfering with the corresponding second sliding grooves, a first elastic member abutting the first connecting member and the rotation member, a second elastic member abutting the second connecting member and the sliding member, and a knockout pin assembly fixed to the sliding member and slidable relative to the second connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Xuan Song
  • Patent number: 8695649
    Abstract: A portion measuring and dispensing device comprises a chamber, a handle and a hingeable lid. The chamber comprises a bottom, a side structure attached to the bottom, and an aperture opposite of the bottom. The handle comprises a body defining a longitudinal channel with a first end opening to the chamber and a second end opening at a distal point on the handle. The second end is proportioned to be received within a mouth of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Ryan Ricely
  • Publication number: 20140007643
    Abstract: A pressing and stripping apparatus for punch die includes a base, a pressing and striping plate, an A-type pillar, a first bolt, an elastic or pressure element, a stripping bolt, a second bolt, a die-mounting bolt, a B-type pillar, a locating pin, a cylindrical guide column, a third bolt, an outer supporting frame, and a square guide column; wherein the pressing and stripping plate is movably connected to the base via the stripping bolt, wherein the pressing and stripping plate reciprocates along the axial direction of the stripping bolt while working, and the elastic or pressure element is provided between the pressing and stripping plate and the base. The push rod used with the pressing and stripping apparatus for the punch die is a column, one end thereof is a polygonal blind hole, and the other end thereof is a stepped shaft with parallel threads. This arrangement can achieve a common pressing and stripping apparatus, making the punch die easy to be disassembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Forward Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130255350
    Abstract: A pilot assembly includes a body portion including an outer surface and an opening defined in the outer surface. A pilot is configured for extending through an alignment hole in a sheet of material and is coupled with the body portion. A shaft of the pilot extends through the opening and beyond the outer surface. A stripper includes a bushing and a resilient biasing member. The bushing is configured for moving with respect to the main body portion and the pilot to push the sheet of material off of the pilot. The resilient biasing member is situated within the body portion and is compressed when the bushing engages the sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DAYTON PROGRESS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Nikolaus Schneider, Richard Everett Del Grosso, II, Shrinidhi Chandrasekharan, Frederick Charles Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8544312
    Abstract: A press molding die structure having a paired press lower die and press upper die that are relatively movable to each other in which a work transferred into a portion between the press lower die and the press upper die is press-molded thereby to form a molded work. A concave portion is formed to a molding surface of the press lower die, and a suction cup of a vacuum stabilizer is provided to the concave portion formed to the molding surface of the press lower die, wherein the suction cup elastically sucks and retains the work at least at a time when the press molding dies are opened, thereby stabilizing a posture of the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kengo Imai, Hidemi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8511128
    Abstract: A plate-type workpiece part ejector tool includes an upper tool portion and a lower tool portion. The upper tool portion includes a tool body, and a plurality of cutting tools that carried by the tool body. Each of the cutting tools includes a guide body having a punch. The lower tool portion has a single ejection opening. The ejection opening has at least one counter-cutting edge. The cutting tools are accommodated in the tool body so as to be movable relative to the lower tool portion, such that each of the cutting tools is optionally alignable with the counter cutting-edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Boepple
  • Patent number: 8468867
    Abstract: A rolling machine comprises parallel guides delimiting a workpiece conveying channel extending from a plurality of per se known rolling tools to a machined workpiece unloading arrangement, wherein, upstream of the workpiece unloading arrangement, one of the channel delimiting guides is operatively coupled to a structural element swingably supported by a pivot pin, the structural element being integral with the piston rod of a cylinder-piston unit slidably driving the structural element together with the channel delimiting guide, thereby providing a side unloading opening for the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ingramatic S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Imperato
  • Patent number: 8375762
    Abstract: A stripper device for can drawing and ironing apparatus can remove a drawn and ironed can material from a punch without causing buckling (curl and wrinkle) on the material. Each finger (2) is split into three small fingers (21), and an axial end of each small finger (21) is engaged with the lower part of a rocking arm (3) with an elastic member (24) in between. A head portion (33) of each rocking arm (3) is engaged with a cam portion (42) of a cam ring (4) to allow the finger (2) to be driven independently each other. Each rocking arm (3) is biased by an arm spring (32) in the direction of opening the small finger (21), while the small finger (21) is biased by a finger spring (22) in the direction of its closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Funatsuki, Hidekazu Tomaru, Susumu Sakamoto, Toshiki Okuda
  • Patent number: 8122752
    Abstract: A discard conveying apparatus comprising a chute provided below a die of an extrusion pressing machine in which discards are freely dropped along the chute through which the discards are guided, in which the discard conveying apparatus comprises a chute having a discharging port in a position which is approximately just under the dies, a bucket for containing the discards disposed in the discharging port of the chute, and a transporter capable of freely moving the bucket in a forward and backward direction, the transporter being attached to a machine base in the direction of crossing to an axis line of the machine base in the manner of being passed through the machine base and supporting an inversion axis of the bucket, and the bucket is turned and inversed when the bucket is transported to an end portion of the forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ube Machinery Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeharu Yamamoto, Yasuo Katoh
  • Patent number: 8069698
    Abstract: A press assembly including a die assembly having a trim die defining an annular cavity wherein the trim die is fixed to the press assembly, a punch assembly including a trim punch having an annular boss that is correspondingly shaped to the annular cavity, wherein the trim punch is movable relative to the die assembly, and an ejector assembly including an ejector arm, wherein the ejector arm is mounted to the punch assembly. The object is pressed into the annular cavity of the trim die by the annular boss of the trim punch when the annular boss is slidably received in the annular cavity, and the ejector arm pushes the object upwardly within the annular cavity of the trim die when the annular boss of the trim punch is removed from the annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Murata
  • Publication number: 20110265543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a take-off ring 10 which is provided in particular for use in connection with deep-draw presses 12. It serves for removing a top-shaped can body 11 from a drawing plunger 18. The take-off ring 10 includes a multitude of take-off elements 27 which are arranged uniformly distributed in circumferential direction U and separated in each case by a gap 48. The take-off elements 27 are interconnected by an annular base section 30 which extends around the take-off elements 27 in the circumferential direction U. Radially inwardly a spring section 38 and a transition section 39 of the take-off element follow. The transition section 39 is pivotable by way of the spring section 38 about a pivot axis 55 which extends in the circumferential direction U. A take-off tongue 35 extends in a transverse direction away from the transition section 39 toward a free end 41.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Klaus Blei
  • Publication number: 20110219849
    Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kuriso, Yoshiaki Shia, Kazuto Yamamura, Yuuichi Ishimori, Hiroyuki Mitake, Tetsuo Shima, Hiroshi Fukuchi, Norimasa Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20110219843
    Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kurisu, Yoshiaki Shia, Kazuto Yamamura, Yuuichi Ishimori, Hiroyuki Mitake, Tetsuo Shima, Hiroshi Fukuchi, Norimasa Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20110219848
    Abstract: A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kurisu, Yoshiaki Shia, Kazuto Yamamura, Yuuichi Ishimori, Hiroyuki Mitake, Tetsuo Shima, Hiroshi Fukuchi, Norimasa Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 8006532
    Abstract: A workpiece supporting device for a multiple-die horizontal forging press comprises a transfer pliers arranged at each recess of a die and having a movable stem operating as a workpiece ejecting means, the stem being coupled, at one end portion thereof, facing a driving mechanism, through a coupling bracket, to a driving rod, one end of which, arranged at a recess of the die respectively of the transfer pliers, houses a workpiece restraining device, formed by a rocker mechanism, which can swing about a cross pivot pin and against a spring means affecting an arm of the rocker mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sacma Limbiate S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Trabattoni
  • Publication number: 20100126245
    Abstract: A device to grip and handle a metal container, obtained as an extruded, deep-drawn or deep-drawn/ironed metal rough piece, especially suitable for use on high-speed machines intended to perform, in a sequence, a plurality of mechanical working operations or other sort of working on the metal container, and including a first or lower portion that is fit to interface-connect the device to the machine both at the working stage and at the transfer stage of the high-speed machine from one working station to the one coming next, and a second or upper portion that is adapted for firmly gripping the metal container during the handling and the entire working sequence of working operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: FRATTINI S.P.A. COSTRUZIONI MECCANICHE
    Inventor: Roberto Frattini
  • Patent number: 7631533
    Abstract: A method for the production of stamped part in a tool, particularly a fine cutting tool, by means of at least one stamp which is used to press the stamped part from a strip of material. According to the inventive method, the stamped part is moved from the material strip to a discharge element after it has been pressed from the material strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Feintool International Management AG
    Inventors: Willi Grimm, Shin Takhashi
  • Publication number: 20090235714
    Abstract: A plate-type workpiece part ejector tool includes an upper tool portion and a lower tool portion. The upper tool portion includes a tool body, and a plurality of cutting tools that carried by the tool body. Each of the cutting tools includes a guide body having a punch. The lower tool portion has a single ejection opening. The ejection opening has at least one counter-cutting edge. The cutting tools are accommodated in the tool body so as to be movable relative to the lower tool portion, such that each of the cutting tools is optionally alignable with the counter cutting-edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Boepple
  • Publication number: 20080209977
    Abstract: A workpiece supporting device for a multiple-die horizontal forging press comprises a transfer pliers arranged at each recess of a die and having a movable stem operating as a workpiece ejecting means, the stem being coupled, at one end portion thereof, facing a driving mechanism, through a coupling bracket, to a driving rod, one end of which, arranged at a recess of the die respectively of the transfer pliers, houses a workpiece restraining device, formed by a rocker mechanism, which can swing about a cross pivot pin and against a spring means affecting an arm of the rocker mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Roberto Trabattoni
  • Publication number: 20080181749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tooling suitable for handling closure blanks (5) having an external radius (6) at their cut edge at production speeds of about (1200) closures per minute. The external radius (6) limits formation of “angel hair” (a common problem in metal closure production). However, reversing the external radius causes a problem, when producing metal closures having a conventional inward curl at their peripheral edge. Accordingly, the invention proposes a modified curling rail (40) having a first portion (41) to uncurl the external curl (6) on the closure blank (5) and a second portion (45) to urge the straightened side wall of the closure blank (5) towards an inward curl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Meier, Frank Roland Strebe
  • Patent number: 7254979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a so-called spring cushion (5), for the ejection of moulded pieces (4) from a moulding tool (3), with a plunger (6), moving in a guide tube (9) within the moulding tool and loaded in the ejection direction (14) by means of a spring (15). According to the invention, the spring (15) is embodied as a draw spring, in particular as a spiral draw spring. Considerably longer service life can be achieved as draw springs do not have radial deflections on loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Adval Tech HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Lüthi, Daniel Meier
  • Patent number: 7249480
    Abstract: An in-die hydropiercing device comprises a punch with an annular shearing blade which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder and is received in a ring-shaped die button mounted in one of the dies that form a die cavity for the hydroforming of a part, a center support member that is received in the center of the punch and supports the wall of the part inward of the shearing blade during the hydroforming of the part and also during the piercing of the part with the shearing blade, a slug collector, and a slug retainer that is mounted on the center support member and provides for retention of a slug produced from the piercing operation against the center support member and later releases the slug onto the slug collector for disposal following the opening of the dies and insertion of the slug collector between the open dies and then retraction of the slug collector with the slug for slug disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mircea M. Ghiran, Gerry A. Harmon
  • Patent number: 7021099
    Abstract: The distortion-free removal of a heat softened sheet metal part from a heated forming surface is enabled by the elevation of lift pads in the forming surface. Strategically located and sized pads are recessed in the forming surface of the hot forming tool and the pads are part of the forming surface. At the completion of the stretch forming, or other hot forming, of a sheet metal blank on the forming surface, the pads are lifted in unison, without rotating them, on lift posts by a suitable lift mechanism to carefully and uniformly strip the flexible part from the hot forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Bennett, Leonard L. Pollum, Gary A. Kruger
  • Patent number: 7000444
    Abstract: A method of producing a bevel gear, particularly a bevel ring gear, the bevel gear comprising mounting surfaces. The method comprising the steps of flashless warm forging a blank, preferably an annular blank, in a forging die to produce the bevel gear with precision forged teeth; performing a hardening operation on the teeth; and then, without machining, finishing the teeth by lapping the teeth with a mating bevel gear. A die apparatus for use in a press for forging the bevel ring gear from the annular blank is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bishop Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Klaus Jurgen Roeske, Andrew William Hassett
  • Patent number: 6918280
    Abstract: A workpiece ejector and transfer apparatus adapted to automatically extract a workpiece from a tool after work has been performed, and thereby reduce the cycle time for the operation. The apparatus includes a cylinder, a pair of cam plates adapted to convert the reciprocating motion of the cylinder into a rotational motion, and an engagement portion adapted to engage and unload the workpiece. When the cylinder is actuated, the cam plates are initially translated in an upward direction, and thereafter rotated. The initial upward translation of the cam plates is intended to engage and lift a processed workpiece such that it has sufficient clearance from its tool, whereas the rotation of the cam plates acts to transfer the processed workpiece such that the tool can accommodate a new workpiece. The processed workpiece is preferably transferred to a temporary retaining device while the new workpiece is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Michael F. Poppe
  • Patent number: 6615631
    Abstract: Equipment and method for the rapid and easy extraction of formed metal parts from forming dies while in a press and operating at elevated temperatures. The invention features the controlled supply of streams of air or other inert gas to the interface of the hot surface of the forming die and the formed panel to augment removal so that flaws from removal equipment are minimized for optimized production of high quality parts. High velocity air is discharged through nozzles onto the forming surfaces of hot forming dies to cool the forming die and the part that contract at different rates and pop the part from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Murray Kleber, Nelson T. Brinas, Dana W. Moore, Donald L. Kenyon, Joseph B. Harris
  • Patent number: 6571596
    Abstract: A system for automatically producing formed parts from feedstock using two successive adiabatic processing stations, a first station performing adiabatic cut-off of blanks from the feedstock, and the second station performing adiabatic forming of the blanks into the formed parts. The first station operates cooperatively with a feedstock feeder assembly which feeds feedstock to the first station and also charges blanks produced at the first station into a transfer capsule of a transferer assembly. The first and second stations cooperatively operate with the blank transferer assembly which transfers in the transfer capsule blanks from the first to the second station. The second station includes means for positioning blanks relative to a forming cavity before blanks are adiabatically shaped to conform to the forming cavity and also means for ejecting formed parts from tooling that defines the forming cavity. The system includes automation means that synchronizes and sequences subassembly operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Lennart J. Lindell
  • Patent number: 6301949
    Abstract: A reciprocating press for forming workpieces includes a tilting table that supports the workpiece and positions it with respect to the press tooling as the press closes, and then is pivoted upward into an inclined orientation as the press opens so that the finished workpiece falls down the table and is automatically discharged from the press. A preferred embodiment has a lifting arm attached to an upper reciprocating press member that carries an upper forming tool such as a punch. The lower end of the lifting arm engages the tilting table such that the table is pivoted about a horizontal axis in concert with the upward and downward movement of the reciprocating press member. The press preferably also includes a safety door that is automatically closed before the press fully closes and is opened again as the press opens such that operator access to the moving press parts is prevented by the door during a press cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Andrew Gregory Beddoe, Ezra Lark Merrill, Trent Robert Wetherbee, Thomas Jacob Hagman
  • Patent number: 6256871
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for crimping a crimpable connector onto at least one electrical conductor. The apparatus includes a pair of crimping arms defining a staging area behind a crimping area. The staging area allows a first connector to be fed thereto and moved to the crimping area to be crimped thereat. A second connector is fed to the staging area, and an ejector moves the second connector into engagement with the first connector to eject the first connector from the crimping area while the second connector moves into the crimping area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Ed Bunnell, Robert DeRoss, John Grosjean, John MacNeil, Robert Quinn
  • Patent number: 6134938
    Abstract: Forming tools includes an upper holder; a lower holder; a punch having a punch body which can be attached to/detached from the upper holder and the lower holder; an ejector being disposed movably in a vertical direction around a convex portion provided on a face of the punch body; a resilient unit for urging the ejector, the resilient unit being provided on a back face of the punch body; a die having a die body which can be attached to/detached from the upper holder and the lower holder, the die body being provided with a concave portion for performing forming work on a workpiece in cooperation with the convex portion; another ejector for pushing out a forming-worked portion of the workpiece from the concave portion, the another ejector being provided movably in a vertical direction within the die body; and another resilient unit for urging the another ejector, the another resilient unit being provided on the die body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Amada Metrecs Company, Limited
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 6006566
    Abstract: A method and a device for removal of a slug separated from a hollow profile by means of a fluidic internal pressure from a hydroforming tool. The slug is separated from the hollow profile from the inside to the outside by the retraction of a plunger integrated into the hydroforming tool and clearing a slug channel when retracted, and is forced out of the die cavity of the hydroforming tool into the slug channel. Then, with the hollow profile in a zero-pressure state, the slug, which after it is pressed in abuts the end of the plunger, is removed by a removal tool from the hydroforming tool. In order to remove slugs from the hydroforming tool in any desired position of the slug channel that leads into the die of the hydroforming tool, in which the slug is initially received after perforation, in simple fashion, the slug is held at the end of the plunger during its stay in the slug channel by an adhesion means connected with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Huelsberg, Ralf Puenjer
  • Patent number: 5974852
    Abstract: A lifter unit is provided for use with a transfer die of the type used to form sheet metal components. The lifter unit functions to appropriately position a stamping between the upper and lower die assemblies and is easily accessible from the top of the lower die assembly. The lifter unit is fabricated from standard components and is readily adaptable to a wide range of transfer die designs. As such, the lifter unit of the present invention is a standardized item that can be quickly utilized by a die designer to provide a part positioning feature in a transfer die running in a transfer press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel F. Nieschulz
  • Patent number: 5884520
    Abstract: A die set (24) for use with a stamping and forming machine (10) includes two opposed tooling plates (50, 52) arranged to undergo reciprocating motion with respect to a base plate (40) toward and away from a strip of material (30) that is fed along a feed path (38) between the two ram plates (50, 52). Each ram plate has a tooling attachment plate (58, 60) having tool mounting surfaces (62, 64) facing inwardly toward the feed path (38) for the attachment of punch and die tooling assemblies (26, 28) for performing the stamping and forming operations on the strip of material. Each of the ram plates (50, 52) includes a shut height adjusting mechanism (100) associated with each tooling attachment plate (58, 60) for adjusting the shut height of individual tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelis Wilhelmus Bakermans
  • Patent number: 5857375
    Abstract: Can ends are ejected from a tool station by a lifter ring and air currents in an ejector chute provided by a curved nozzle assembly adjacent an opening in the lower edge of the chute. It entrains can ends in air current across the die station and over a knife edge in the lower opening of the chute. The lower wall of the chute is positioned on top of the blanking die during the can end entrainment. The punch assembly moves down through the lower opening and through a larger opening in the chute. After can end clears the tooling and continues down the chute with air streams that are augmented by nozzles in the upper wall, the chute is lifted. Double-acting cylinder actuators lift the chute. Side walls of the chute taper inwardly to align the can ends for precise release from the discharge end. Sensor emitters sense passage of the can ends. Solenoid valves control application of fluid pressure to opposite ends of the actuator cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: M. S. Willett, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Nelson, Gary V. Ruby
  • Patent number: 5823104
    Abstract: The invention is a press for cold working of metal workpieces. The invention includes a double-acting linear hydraulic power drive cylinder, a continuous press frame for accepting reactive forces that develop during the operation of the press, and a control valve system operable by output signals, and being one of program-controlled or manually triggerable, from an electronic control unit, for controlling motion of a piston of the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Grabener Pressensysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Winfried Beisel, Eckehart Schulze, Heinz Groos, Dieter Budenbender, Hans-Werner Kutscher
  • Patent number: 5816089
    Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus having in-die hole piercing capabilities and a slug ejection system is disclosed. The slug ejection system uses the pressurized hydroforming fluid as the motive force to eject the slug of material created by the in-die hole piercing system. The in-die hole piercing system includes a movable punch disposed within a bore formed in one of the die blocks. The bore opens into the die cavity. The punch includes a cutting edge on a first end which is adjacent the cavity. The hole is formed when the punch is inserted against a hollow workpiece positioned in the apparatus, thereby creating a slug of material. The slug ejection system includes two passageways formed internally to the same die block having the in-die hole piercing system. Both passageways open into and extend in a generally transverse direction to the bore. A first passageway is in fluid communication with the source of the hydroforming fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Marando
  • Patent number: 5735159
    Abstract: Assembly to expel bars which is associated with a bar production line (11) fed by a coiled roll (12), the bar production line (11) comprising in line a straightening and drawing assembly (13), an assembly (14) for shearing to size, a revolver-type storage assembly (15) and a gauging assembly (16), the revolver-type storage assembly (15) comprising rotary drum means (17) including peripherally a plurality of container seatings (18) to hold the drawn bars, the assembly to expel bars (10) comprising thrust means (21) associated with guide means (26) cooperating with the container seating (18) lying momentarily on the same axis as the axis (20) of the bar production line (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Danieli Centro Maskin SpA
    Inventor: Davinci Schiavi
  • Patent number: 5666838
    Abstract: A hot forging press for use in closed-die hot forging operations wherein the forging press may be operated in conjunction with an automated multi-station transport sub-system to move parts through a progressive multi-station forging die. The press includes a press bed and vertically moveable ram for supporting lower and upper dies, respectively. A drive mechanism for driving the ram is provided with an adjustment system whereby the shut height of the press may be adjusted during operation of the press. A programmable logic controller is provided for controlling the press operations including the shut height adjustment, transport of parts by the transport sub-system and operation of a kickout sub-system for kicking parts out of the dies. Further, the press includes an enlarged tonnage zone whereby the full tonnage zone encompasses a plurality of the dies in their entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: EFCO, Incorporated
    Inventors: George Michael Dudick, Victor C. Chernauskas, Allen J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5542277
    Abstract: In a press comprising at least one die (3), a hollow punch (1) and ram (2) assembly movable through the die, and a bottom forming tool (13) having a convex surface portion (14) axially aligned with the punch, said punch and ram assembly having a valve seat (24) in the ram hollow and a valve member (21) which has a valve body engageable with the valve seat and a stem extending through the valve seat towards the free end of the punch so that as the punch approaches the convex surface portion of the bottom forming took, the valve member is lifted off the valve seat to permit compressed air to pass from the punch hollow, the valve stem is supported in a bearing between the valve seat and the extremity of the punch, and said valve stem and interior surface of the punch define a cavity of prechosen volume between the valve seat (24) and extremity of the punch (1) so that as the punch approaches the bottom forming tool (5) cooperation of the convex surface portion (14) of the bottom forming tool and valve stem (20)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Carnaudmetalbox PLC
    Inventor: Paul R. Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 5542276
    Abstract: A method of ejecting an elongate blank (57) from a through bore in a die (58) in which one end of the blank (57) has been formed with a head by a tool. Ejector rods (60, 62) are successively moved into the die (58) against the other end of the blank. A first ejector rod (60), short with respect to the length of the die (58), moves the blank (57) a relatively short distance, and then the blank (57) is completely ejected using ejector rod (62) having substantially the same length as the die (58). A control unit (63) is placed in facing relation to the formed head of the elongate blank at a predetermined distance from the formed head. The control unit determines whether the formed head conforms to a predetermined geometrical condition thereof, specifically by forming the control unit with a slot detector (64) having the same shape as a slot formed in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Enkotec A/S
    Inventors: Ove Nielsen, Jesper Frandsen