By Drive Means Common To Optionally Selectable Tools Patents (Class 72/442)
  • Patent number: 11097930
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the repair of post-collision or damaged vehicles or those under maintenance, which includes a lifter (1) having an upper platform (2) supported by a lifting mechanism (3) connected to a resting base (4) mounted on the ground. The lifter (1) is activated by an actuator (5) which adjusts the upper platform (2) to the desired height. Wheel resting/gripping supports (6) for the vehicle are removably fixed to the upper platform and allow the vehicle to be lifted and lowered by the lifter. Pushing and/or pulling and/or anchoring equipments (7) for the vehicle are movably mounted on a sliding element (8) which is adapted to be slideably mounted within the structure of the wheel resting/gripping supports thereby allowing the quick mounting and centering of the pushing/pulling/anchoring equipments (7) to the desired points of the vehicle under repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Francesco Fiorese
  • Patent number: 10011099
    Abstract: A film-forming apparatus and method capable of film lamination with superior evenness and good followability regardless of the size, shape and number of articles being laminated. The film-forming apparatus provided has a first chamber that is provided with a heating means and that is capable of maintaining a vacuum or a pressurized state, a second chamber that is disposed so as to be able to be joined to, and separated from, the first chamber, that is provided with a movable supporting table on which an article is supported and that is capable of maintaining a vacuum or a pressurized state, a frame-like film holding member that is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber and that holds a film, and an auxiliary film pressing tool having a film pressing part that inhibits lifting of the film when the film is laminated on a surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Takashi Takenouchi, Hideki Serizawa
  • Patent number: 8839651
    Abstract: A horizontally stacked hemming press includes a horizontally disposed base. A first vertical support is mounted on the base and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A linear track is mounted on the base. A horizontally disposed die stack including a plurality of cooperably operable die sets are horizontally arranged in series and moveable along the linear track. Each die set includes a pair of vertically disposed die shoes. A guided press platen is horizontally moveable along the linear track. A second vertical support is mounted on the base distal from the first vertical support and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A drive mechanism is supported by one of the supports and connected to the press platen for opening and closing the die sets. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the press platen and thereby horizontally opens one of the die sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Toeniskoetter
  • Patent number: 8726714
    Abstract: A plate workpiece processing tool including a workpiece support defining a support plane for supporting a workpiece, a tool punch, a tool die, and a control unit configured to control movements of the tool punch and the tool die along a stroke axis. The tool punch and the tool die are displaceable, along the stroke axis, to a processing position above the support plane of the workpiece support such that the tool punch and the tool die are capable of processing a region of a workpiece having a formed shape that extends upwardly from the workpiece support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Buettner
  • Patent number: 8573014
    Abstract: A quill supporting member supporting a quill may include a movable body, e.g. Z-axis movable body that moves in a Z-axis direction of an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system representing a shaft core of the quill as an Z-axis. A tool holder supporting member supporting a tool holder for holding a tool may include the other movable bodies, e.g. an X-axis movable body that moves in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis movable body that moves in a Y-axis direction. Therefore, the quill is shortened in the Z-axis direction, and a contact area is reduced between a guide path of the quill and a wire rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Shinko Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhide Tsuritani
  • Patent number: 8567228
    Abstract: A tool system is provided that has a stamp or punch adapter including eccentrically positioned stamp receptacles. This system permits a simple exchange of tool inserts in the stamp adapter. These tool inserts are also usable in another tool system. The system also permits combining the stamp adapter with a stamp shaft, which can also be used in another tool system. These features permit stamping (and punching) with minimal tooling and retooling efforts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 8561279
    Abstract: The invention provides a spring product manufacturing line comprising: a manufacturing area 2 at which a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 plastically processes a spring material into a spring product; a formation device switching area 3 at which one formation device 50 is removed from the mount 52 and switched with another forming device 50; and a formation device transport line 4 that conveys a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 at the device switching area 3 to a manufacturing area 2; wherein the formation device 50 is provided with a plurality of formation units 54 that perform a bending process on the spring material by fluid pressure; the base mount 52 is provided with a pressure fluid line 62 that supplies pressure fluid to the formation units 54 provided at the formation device 50, and that is removably connected to each of the formation units 54; and the attachment or removal of the pressure fluid line 62 with respect to the formation device 50 is performed at the device sw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kohno, Yasuhiro Adachi, Hiroki Watanabe, Norio Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8375764
    Abstract: A pipe bender includes first and second handles pivotably secured together wherein the second handle includes first and second rotatable pipe receiving grooves at both ends of a forward U; a support member threadedly fastened between a forward bifurcation of the first handle, the support member comprising a spring depressible detent on the bottom, and a plurality of markings on the top; and a slide member comprising a plurality of parallel arcuate pipe receiving channels of different arcuate perimeters on a lower surface, a central U-shaped trough on the top for receiving a lower portion of the support member, retaining holes on the bottom of the U-shaped trough, each retaining hole being aligned with one pipe receiving channel and one retaining hole adapted to lockingly receive the detent for positioning. The slide member is slidably retained by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chang Yang Huang
  • Patent number: 8201435
    Abstract: Machines and tools that can be used to process (e.g., to cut and/or form) plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets. In some aspects, a plate workpiece processing tool includes a first tool portion, which is drivingly connectable to a stroke drive, and a second tool portion. The tool has at least one processing device on the first tool portion and at least two counter-devices on the second tool portion. By using an activating device provided on the second tool portion, different device pairings can be activated for workpiece processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Erlenmaier
  • Patent number: 7926399
    Abstract: A punching assembly includes a die base, a sleeve, an adjusting screw, a pull portion, a latching block, an elastic element, a fixing ring and a stop member. A top of the die base is received in the sleeve. The adjusting screw includes a contact end, a mounted end inserting into the sleeve and connecting to the top of the die base, and a latching portion located between the contact end and the mounted end. The pull portion is disposed around the sleeve. The latching block engages the latching portion. The elastic element is disposed around the adjusting screw, supporting the latching block. The fixing ring surrounding the adjusting screw is fixed on the sleeve. The stop member, contiguous with the fixing ring, prevents axial movement of the adjusting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Jung Huang, Jian Luo, Fu-Shun Huang, Chun-Nan Ou, Chia-Hsiang Ou, Yi-Hua Liu, Shu-Wei Zhou
  • Patent number: 7874194
    Abstract: The invention involves a die holder for a press, such as a metal-fabricating press. The die holder can be configured to receive a die, and can include a clamp portion and a wall portion. Preferably, the clamp and wall portions can be positioned in an open configuration or a closed configuration, and the die holder can be adjusted from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration. The die holder may have a die-release mechanism useful for overcoming stiction and facilitating removal of the die from the die holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Shimota, Brian J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7823434
    Abstract: In conventional ram-driven presses, the downward stroke of the ram into a tool causes acceleration of the tool, thereby facilitating an operation on a workpiece by the tip of the tool. While the ram stroke is found to impart sufficient dynamic energy to the tool to facilitate the necessitated operation by the tool tip, there are other more efficient, and in turn, more effective, means and methods of actuating the tool tip, with such means and methods being facilitated from energy derived from the tool's acceleration or from energy from other external sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Lee, Jon M. Shimota
  • Patent number: 7726167
    Abstract: A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements (24) arranged in an array, each element being supported on a cross rail (22) and being moveable relative to the other elements in the array. Each element terminates in a threaded support post (25) extending from a first end of the element, and is associated with a corresponding internally threaded aperture in the cross rail upon which the element is supported. The tooling system further comprises an adjusting component in the form of a fork (46) which is driveable in rotation and engageable with an element of the array to drive the element in rotation, upon rotation of the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Surface Generation, Ltd
    Inventor: Ben John Halford
  • Publication number: 20100095817
    Abstract: A fluid distributor apparatus includes a body having distribution ports (35, 37, 39, 62, 63); a spool adapted for controlling said distribution ports and mounted sliding in a first sliding seat obtained in said body and communicating with said distribution ports; a copying-member mounted sliding and sealed in a second seat obtained in said spool; and supply means for a controlled supply of said fluid to said second seat, so that said copying-member slides in a controlled way. Said supply means include also chamber means containing said fluid and communicating with said second seat, and pushing means of said fluid mounted sliding and sealed in said chamber means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: EUROMAC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Ostini
  • Patent number: 7640777
    Abstract: The present invention provides a punch press with forming dies which reduces the limitation on the number and positions of forming dies attached to the die supporting member, the punch press enabling a device that elevates and lowers forming dies to operate appropriately without being affected by slag. The punch press with forming dies includes a die supporting member 2 that supports a plurality of forming dies 5 so that the forming dies 5 can be elevated and lowered, a die elevating and lowering driving device 16 that elevates and lowers the forming dies 5, and a die supporting member moving device that moves the die supporting member 2 so as to locate one of the forming dies 5 at a punch position P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroichi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7421876
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking machine for metallurgical products, more particularly continuous cast products, comprising at least one marking stamp and a striking device for striking the marking stamp into the product to be marked. The striking device is provided with a striking bolt and a striker spring driving said bolt. The striking bolt strikes the marking stamp that is placed in striking position by actuating the striker spring with an actuation element that is driven by an electric motor, thereby hammering the marking stamp into the product to be marked. Every time the marking stamp is subjected to the action of the spring, the stamp receives an evenly high kinetic energy thereby causing an evenly high striking depth of the marking. The spring in association with the electric motor drive enables fast, precise and easily controllable execution of the individual working steps of the machine. The ensures a high marking repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Concast AG
    Inventors: Nico Littooij, Daniel Groetzinger
  • Patent number: 7353677
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing setup parameters for use in a machine. In one embodiment a tooling component is removably mountable to a host machine. The tooling component includes a memory that contains information defining setup parameters for the host machine for use with the tooling component. A controller associated with the host machine reads the information from the memory and configures the host machine based on the information read from the memory. In another embodiment, an information carrying tag, is associated with the tooling component. The information carrying tag is read and the identifying information obtained from the tag is used by a controller to select a set of setup parameters from one or more sets of setup parameters stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. A mechanism is provided to precisely position the adapter on the base plate for the host machine to minimize variations in production using the setup parameters derived from the stored information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher J. Zusi
  • Patent number: 7343770
    Abstract: A system and process for stamping parts having tolerances below 1000 nanometers. The inventive system and process is particularly suited for producing optoelectronic parts. The system includes a stamping press and one or a progression of stamping stations for supporting a punch and die. The stamping stations are designed to maintain substantial alignment of the punch and die with minimal moving components. The stamping station includes a shaft for rigidly guiding the punch to the die. The stamping press is capable of providing the punch with the necessary force to perform the stamping operations. The system includes an interface system for interfacing the force of the press with the punch, while simultaneously structurally decoupling the press from the punch. The system also includes a locating sub-plate, for locating the stamping station in alignment relative to each other, and means for in-line machine stock material before entry into the stamping stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nanoprecision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K Barnoski, David Cohen, Dan Harris, Sangkyun Kang, Anthony Levi, Miguel Pinilla, Fritz Prinz, Alex Tarasyuk
  • Patent number: 7152310
    Abstract: A crimping installation with first and second crimping stations includes at each station a device platform with device stations and a crimp press. A cable is advanced by a tape drive whereby the leading cable end is taken over by a first grip arm arranged on a first swivel arm, which supplies the stripped cable end to the first crimping station. After the leading cable end is provided with a crimping contact, a first swivel arm moves backwards into an axis of the tape drive. Then the tape drive continues to advance the cable until the desired length of a cable section is reached. A separation and a stripping station separates the cable section from the cable and removes the insulation at the cable ends. The lagging cable end of the cable section is taken over by a second grip arm arranged on a second swivel arm which supplies the lagging cable end to the second crimping station for assembly with a crimping contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventor: Alois Conte
  • Patent number: 7066001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining band-like or plate-like material (1), especially for punching, notching and forming it, the device comprising the body (2) of the device, at least one tool holder (3), most preferably a gap frame tool holder, between the upper branch (4) and lower branch (5) of which the material (1) to be processed is arranged to be fed, and to the upper branch (4) of which tool holder (3) is connected an upper tool magazine (6) comprising a plurality of upper tools (8), and to the lower branch (5) of which tool holder (3) is connected a lower tool magazine (7) comprising lower tools (9) corresponding to the said upper tools (8), a support means (10) for supporting the tool holder (3) movably on the body (2) of the device, a transfer means (11) for positioning the tool holder (3) in a transverse direction (B) with respect to the direction of feed (A) of the material (1) to be processed, and a power means (12) for effecting the machining movement for the tool comprised of the up
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Pivatic Oy
    Inventors: Veikko Pitkanen, Heikki Saariluoma, Ari Maenpaa
  • Patent number: 6961992
    Abstract: A crimp press apparatus with first and second crimping stations includes at each station a device platform with device stations and a crimp press. A cable is advanced by a tape drive whereby the leading cable end is supplied to the first crimping station. After the leading cable end is provided with a crimping contact, the tape drive continues to advance the cable until the desired length of a cable section is reached. A separation and a stripping station separates the cable section from the cable and removes the insulation at the cable ends. The lagging cable end of the cable section is supplied to the second crimping station for assembly with a crimping contact. With the device stations located on a rotatable disk, a change of a type of contact to another type of contact is possible with minimum downtime of the crimp press apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Alois Conte
  • Publication number: 20040055358
    Abstract: In a cube space having high rigidity, the following members are provided: a die holder (103) which can be pulled out forward, a punch holder (47) fixed to a separate bridge structure, a striker which can be positioned in an XY plane for selecting a desired punch P, a striker supporting frame (59) which can be positioned in the XY plane for selecting a desired punch P and which can slide in a horizontal direction, and a clamp device (232) having clamp arms (233) which are provided with a vertically movable ram (37) and which can enter between the punch holder (47) and the die holder (103) and which hold the opposed ends of the workpiece W. Therefore, it is possible to constitute a punch press (1) which is suitable for precise machining of a thin plate and in which tools can easily be exchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hironori Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 6688152
    Abstract: A drawing apparatus is assembled from modular units utilizing modular path-forming members and holder modules which can carry the drawing die and drawing carriages shiftable on the guide modules. The drives for the carriages are individual linear motors whose stationary components are the modular path-forming members disposed end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: SMS Meer GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann-Josef Klingen, Norbert Zillekens, Karl-Heinz Häusler
  • Patent number: 6467144
    Abstract: A press for the installation of inserts on thin metallic or plastic rolled sections by cold plastic deformation of the rolled sections, comprising a structure (2, 3) bearing a punch (8) and an insert-bearing turret anvil (15) arranged in a substantially axial alignment in a working position thereof, and actuator means (4, 6, 7) within the structure for controlling the sliding of the punch toward the turret anvil. The turret anvil is mounted on a carriage (14) sliding with respect to the structure between the working position, wherein the carriage is completely inserted in the structure, and a loading position, wherein the carriage protrudes therefrom. The distance between the punch and the turret anvil is sufficient to allow the interposition of the thin metallic or plastic rolled sections therebetween, without the risk of accident for the operator and making easier the press loading operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Claudio Arrighi
  • Patent number: 6419614
    Abstract: A punching-bending machine is disclosed for manufacturing different workpieces which is outfitted with at least one exchangeable machining module provided with punching-bending tools which can be driven mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically, wherein the machining module is received by a portal having at least one side wall and a transverse member which can be connected thereto, wherein bearing devices are provided for supporting the machining module
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Heinz Finzer
  • Patent number: 6394941
    Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kawamoto, Takahiko Murayama
  • Patent number: 6341409
    Abstract: A clip disk assembly according to the invention includes an adapter hub which attaches to the motor of an existing crimping machine and a plurality of clip disks, each being removably attachable to the adapter hub. Each clip disk is provided with a different sized peripheral notches to accommodate a different sized eyelet. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the adapter hub has four threaded peripheral studs and the clip disks have four corresponding holes. Four wing nuts are used to removably attach the clip disks to the adapter hub. Preferably, one stud has a larger boss than the others and one hole in the clip disks is correspondingly larger. The assembly permits changing of clip disks in about one minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Stimpson Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Campbell, Hershell P. Sablowski
  • Publication number: 20010029225
    Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kawamoto, Takahiko Murayama
  • Patent number: 6298708
    Abstract: A tool holder having a plurality of tools fixed thereon is used in a production machine such as a production press to position one tool after the other opposite a workpiece holder. All of the tools perform the same operation and can be brought into position by a pneumatic cylinder which can angularly displace a pinion engaging a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gebr. Hilgeland GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt Gaul, Wolfgang Ausländer
  • Patent number: 6266875
    Abstract: A press-connecting punch (3) for press-fitting the sheathed wire (40) into a slot between each pair of opposed press-connecting blades (33) of the press-connecting terminal (30), supported on a bed (1), is moved downward to act on the sheathed wire (40) prior to the downward movement of a clamping punch (13) for pressing a wire holding portion (35) of the press-connecting terminal (30) into clamping engagement with a sheath (41) of the sheathed wire (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Chieko Torii
  • Patent number: 6260262
    Abstract: A press-connecting punch (3) for press-fitting the sheathed wire (40) into a slot between each pair of opposed press-connecting blades (33) of the press-connecting terminal (30), supported on a bed (1), is moved downward to act on the sheathed wire (40) prior to the downward movement of a clamping punch (13) for pressing a wire holding portion (35) of the press-connecting terminal (30) into clamping engagement with a sheath (41) of the sheathed wire (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Chieko Torii
  • Patent number: 6109090
    Abstract: The machine comprises a work surface on which sheet metal rests, a fixed structure which supports the work surface, a work station provided with a hammer movable along a vertical axis to punch the sheet metal, punch units defined by a first holder and a punch tool, and die units defined by a second holder and a die tool. The machine includes a first rotatable table which carries the punch units and which transfers a punch unit to the work station, and a second rotatable table which carries the die units and which transfers a die unit to the work station. It includes a first structure for centering the punch unit with respect to the axis by securing the first holder to the fixed structure and means for centering the die unit with respect to the axis by securing the second holder to the fixed structure, excluding the tables from this securing which are therefore not affected by the mechanical stresses generated during punching, which are transmitted by the centering structure directly to the fixed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Rainer S.R.L.
    Inventor: Eugenio Perazzolo
  • Patent number: 6074330
    Abstract: A device for converting punch changing in punching machines from manual to quick and automatic comprises: a stator element, which can be inserted in a corresponding and conventional seat provided in the machine and supports a plurality of punches which are arranged vertically in a circular pattern and can slide in corresponding hollow seats; a rotor element, which can be rotated by corresponding elements coaxially inside the stator and is eccentrically provided with a pusher which can be aligned, through gradual rotations of the rotor element, so as to be coaxially vertical above each one of the punches; the rotor element can also be moved vertically by an extent inside the stator, in contrast with elastic elements and guided by stem-like elements which are rigidly coupled to the stator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Euromac S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Ostini
  • Patent number: 6067828
    Abstract: A crimping apparatus including a crimping station having a crimping press and at least one set of crimping tools. Each crimping tool includes a wire ram, an insulation ram, an anvil unit and a separating unit. The wire ram and the insulation ram of each crimping tool are associated with a ram holder and each of the ram holders includes crimping height-adjustment means. Crimping pressure-measuring elements that are connected to a control unit are included between the crimping press and the ram holders. During a crimping process a crimping force as determined by the crimping pressure-measuring elements is compared with a preset nominal value range. When the determined crimping force is outside of the range, a corresponding correction signal is produced in the control unit, thereby effecting a corresponding correction of the crimping height-adjustment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventors: Werner Bucher, Alois Lustenberger, Claudio Meissner
  • Patent number: 6053027
    Abstract: A support frame (14) is provided above a base (10), defining a working space (16) together with the support frame. An automatic die-replacing mechanism (24) is provided in the working space, for moving a selected one of a plurality of die units (78) to a predetermined working position. A support base table is provided with an elevating axle (18) for opening and closing the die unit located at the working position, and a drive mechanism section for moving the elevating axle up and down. The drive mechanism section has a pulse servomotor (38) and an oscillating-fulcrum mechanism (22) for transmitting a drive force to the elevating axle. The oscillating arm (46) of the oscillating-fulcrum mechanism has a fulcrum section supported by the support table, a power-point section supported by a shaft which is rotated by the pulse servomotor, and an application-point section coupled to the elevating axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Yoshiki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 5970836
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for punching a printed circuit plate. The machine comprises a plurality of punch blocks that are movable relative to the structure. Each block comprises a frame that is movable relative to the structure, displacement means for positioning each frame relative to the structure as a function of instructions received, a non-removable punch die secured to the moving frame and located beneath the plane corresponding to said plate, a punch tool support secured to said frame and disposed above the plane of said plate and positioned relative to the die, said support including means for removably receiving one of a plurality of punch tools adapted to the characteristics of said plate and for positioning said tool relative to the support, and means for controlling vertical displacement of said tool in said support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Automa-Tech
    Inventors: Alain Sorel, Serge Charbonnier
  • Patent number: 5970770
    Abstract: A bending machine includes a bending head with three bender rollers, one of which is vertically displaceable with a double-acting cylinder having a cylinder body inside the bending machine frame and below the bending head. A work surface is above the bending head and provided with an opening coaxial with the double-acting cylinder. The work surface includes a support for a tool driven by the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: C.M.L. Costruzioni Meccanichi Liri S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Caporusso, Mario Caporusso, Stefano Ramandi, Rossano Ramandi
  • Patent number: 5913934
    Abstract: The crimping machine includes a crimper opposed to an anvil for crimping a stripped wire end to a terminal; a vertical rotation shaft axially secured on a base frame; a lower rotating base disc axially engaged with a lower end of the rotation shaft; an upper rotating base disc and a shank each axially slidably engaged with an upper end of the rotation shaft by way of a spline; and a flange formed at an upper end of the shank and engaged with a hook-shaped portion formed at a lower end of the pressing ram. The lower and upper discs have respectively a plurality of fitting channels radially extending from the rotation shaft. Each channel of the upper disc is detachably mounted with the crimper, and each channel of the lower disc is detachably mounted with the anvil. An adjusting dial for adjusting crimp height of the crimper is respectively provided in an outer surface of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Japan Chain Terminal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Inoue, Akira Sugiyama, Hirokazu Akita, Ichio Igarashi, Masashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5852868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing or making electrical harnesses. The machine includes a plurality of crimping stations situated along a horizontal linear conveyor (5) that moves clamps (6) holding lengths of wire (28). Each crimping device includes a tool (1) that is fed with terminals (50) from a reel (3). The tool (1) includes a fixed matrix (9, 10) and a moving punch (12, 13). The machine includes a press (4) that is movable in translation relative to the crimping tool in a direction parallel to the conveyor. The crimping tool includes means for holding the punch in a high position and the machine includes a servo-controlled actuator for driving the moving press. The technical field of the invention is that of manufacturing electrical harnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Soriano
  • Patent number: 5832771
    Abstract: A hydraulic punch press for use with a set of interchangeable tool assemblies for boring, cutting, bending, or otherwise working on semi-finished steel frame members or the like. Included are a punch press section having a hydraulic cylinder for driving a tool assembly, a toolholder section having a turntable on which tool seats are arranged radially for carrying a set of tool assemblies, and a guideway section for transfer of a tool assembly between punch press section and toolholder section. The turntable is rotatable to bring any of the tool seats to a tool transfer position where a tool assembly may be transferred to or back from the punch press section by way of the guideway. Each tool assembly is normally locked to one tool seat by two lockpins. One lockpin is automatically released when the associated tool seat comes to the tool transfer position, and the other when a positioning arm is manipulated to retain the tool seat in that position. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ogura
    Inventor: Eisuke Oide
  • Patent number: 5682782
    Abstract: A punch press is provided with a tool bearing a workpiece-deforming roller, the tool being received in an aperture in the press for movement between a lower position in which the roller comes into deforming contact with a workpiece supported on a surface and a raised position out of deforming contact with the workpiece. Elongated deformations may be formed in a workpiece by translating the workpiece horizontally along the surface while the roller is in its lower position. A coacting roller may be provided beneath the workpiece so that the rollers come into deforming contact with opposite sides of the workpiece to deform it as the workpiece is translated between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Rosene, John H. Morehead, Richard L. Timp
  • Patent number: 5669128
    Abstract: An index-feed machining system comprising a plurality of machining units, each having a cassettes having a plurality of machining means and detachably fitted to a machining unit proper, disposed at intervals of mP (m being a given positive integer, and P being a feeding pitch of a workpiece) in a direction in which the workpiece is fed to sequentially machining the workpiece that is index-fed at the feeding pitch of mP, in which a ram is vertically movably provided on an upper end of the machining unit proper constituting the machining unit, a hydraulic cylinder is provided in the machining unit or the ram, a piston is vertically movably provided in the hydraulic cylinder, an actuating unit comprising an eccentrically rotating shaft and the piston that can be engaged with each other via a connecting rod or via a connecting rod and the ram, is provided above the machining unit, and a hydraulic circuit is provided so that operating fluid can be selectively introduced from the hydraulic circuit to an upper part
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Institute of Technology Precision Electrical Discharge Work's
    Inventors: Shoji Futamura, Keizo Unno
  • Patent number: 5600986
    Abstract: In a sizing press for reducing by pressure width of hot slabs of both a low carbon steel and a stainless steel, the reduction by pressure of width is performed quickly without replacing the dies each time. Two or more types of dies having caliber configurations for respectively reducing the width at least of a low carbon steel and a stainless steel are disposed in layers and are retained in a manner capable of being displaced in an up and down direction. They may be replaced as a block with another block of stacked dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ishikawa, Takao Yunde, Shigefumi Katsura, Toshisada Takechi
  • Patent number: 5595560
    Abstract: For die arrangement, bar code tags which correspond to identification numbers given to a punch and die to be attached to a punch press are read by a bar code reader, and die information on the punch and die as well as die assembly information on a die assembly in which the punch and die are paired for pressing operation are stored in a non-volatile memory. In connection with the die assembly information, the address of the die assembly stocked in the punch press is stored. When starting pressing operation, the die assembly is fetched according to the die assembly information to perform die replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Ikuo Kamada
  • Patent number: 5575168
    Abstract: A self-locking workpiece-deforming tool for use in mechanical punch presses in which the ram cannot maintain continuous pressure against the tool in a depressed position. The tool includes an elongated punch guide having an interior surface defining a chamber extending therethrough. A punch body having upper and lower segments is partially received within the chamber for reciprocable axial movement with respect to the guide between raised and depressed positions. A lower segment of the punch body carries a rotatable workpiece-deforming roller. The punch assembly includes a positioning device for sustaining the body and the roller in a depressed position without requiring the ram of the press to exert continuous downward pressure on the tool. The positioning means locks the body in the roller in the depressed position upon a momentary strike by the ram, and releases the body and roller upon subsequent momentary strike by the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Rosene, Richard L. Timp
  • Patent number: 5555759
    Abstract: A punch press is provided with a tool bearing a workpiece-deforming roller, the tool being received in an aperture in the press for movement between a lower position in which the roller comes into deforming contact with a workpiece supported on a surface and a raised position out of deforming contact with the workpiece. Elongated deformations may be formed in a workpiece by translating the workpiece horizontally along the surface while the roller is in its lower position. A coacting roller may be provided beneath the workpiece so that the rollers come into deforming contact with opposite sides of the workpiece to deform it as the workpiece is translated between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Rosene, John H. Morehead, Richard L. Timp
  • Patent number: 5522295
    Abstract: A punch press having a rear address configuration is described in which a forward facing carriage cross slide is mounted within the throat space of a punch press main frame and an auxiliary turret frame mounts the punch and die rotary turrets separately from the main punch frame, avoiding the need to prevent turret misalignment by main frame deflection during punching. Separate turret modules also allow matching different turret configurations to various punch press configurations. A turret module having different diameter independently driven upper and lower turrets is also disclosed, allowing a greater number of dies than punches to be stored to allow any several dies to be mated with a particular punch for proper punching with various materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor L. Chun
  • Patent number: 5483814
    Abstract: An apparatus for working metal workpieces comprises a frame (1), a rotatable tool turret (29) movable up and down and carrying a plurality of punch tools (32) which can be moved into a working position by rotation of the tool turret. The frame (1) is provided with a corresponding stationary rotatable tool turret (33) as carrier for the die tools (34) associated with said punch tools which die tools (34) can be moved into a corresponding working position by rotation of said tool turret (33). The apparatus is made in such a manner that the centre line of the punch tool (32) located in the working position and the corresponding die tool (34) located in the working position intersects the axis of the tool turret (29) and/or the axis of the die tool turret (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Cornelis H. Liet
  • Patent number: 5466207
    Abstract: A set of laterally extending rails which facilitate translation of a die into a die opening of a reciprocating cutoff press from a storage area and vice-a-versa. A first set of rails are secured to the longitudinally reciprocable press carriage; and, a second set of rails extend laterally therefrom to function as a storage platform. A rack and pinion system is used to accomplish translation of a die from a storage area into the press opening. In addition, a cylinder is extended so as to index a follower along a cam profile which elevates the follower to facilitate engagement with the die assembly to further translate the assembly into final position in the press opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Cornelus G. Arens
  • Patent number: 5425692
    Abstract: In order to change punches and dies on upper and lower turrets during punching operation on a workpiece, a turret punch press includes a plurality of rotatable holder frames each supporting the upper and lower turret. Thus, when a first set of upper and lower turrets supported on a first holder frames is located in a working region under a striker for a punching operation, a second set of upper and lower turrets supported on a second holder frame is located in a position outside the working region, whereby a punch and die supported on the second set of the turrets can be changed for another punch and die during punching operation. In the preferable embodiment, the holder frame is removably supported on a main frame of the turret punch press, whereby the holder frame can be changed for another holder frame during punching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Morikatsu Matsuda