Comprising Work-stopping Abutment Patents (Class 72/461)
  • Patent number: 11904493
    Abstract: A die press system includes a die press device including a fixed platen and a moving platen, and accessory parts to be installed on the die press device. The accessory parts include a cutting blade set comprising a first cutting blade having a first tooth profile, and a second cutting blade having a second tooth profile, wherein one of the first cutting blade or the second cutting blade is to be installed on the fixed platen, and a pad set comprising a first padding block comprising a first padding layer composed of a first padding material having a first Shore value, and a second padding block comprising a second padding layer composed of a second padding material having a second Shore value, where the first Shore value is different from the second Shore value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Richard Putch, Robert Weidhaas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11909160
    Abstract: A crimping hand tool, including a first clamp body and a second clamp body pivotally connected to each other, a driving member, a crimping assembly, and a cable stripping assembly, is provided. The driving member is movably disposed in the second clamp body, with one end pivotally connected to the first clamp body, and another end pivotally connected to the crimping assembly that is movably disposed in the second clamp body. The cable stripping assembly is movably disposed in the second clamp body and is pivotally connected to the crimping assembly. A pivotal axial direction of the first clamp body and the second clamp body, a pivotal axial direction of the driving member and the first clamp body, a pivotal axial direction of the crimping assembly and the driving member, and a connection axial direction of the cable stripping assembly and the crimping assembly are parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: JETOOL CORP.
    Inventor: Yi Ching Kao
  • Patent number: 11482824
    Abstract: An apparatus (102) for holding at least one elongated workpiece (106) to be crimped, wherein the apparatus comprises a holder frame (122), a guide member (124) and a locator element (114) having at least one holder surface (116) defining an elongated cavity (118) for receiving and holding the workpiece. The holder frame is arranged to hold the guide member and the locator element, the at least one elongated cavity having a longitudinal main extension (120). The locator element is movable in a first guide (126) in the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension. The guide member is movable in a second guide (128) in relation to the locator element in a direction (129) perpendicular to the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension. The guide member and the locator element are slidably engaged with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Pressmaster AB
    Inventors: Otto Sivertsen, Marco Endler
  • Patent number: 9682416
    Abstract: The device comprises a base (12), a mobile support (14), a contact member (16), a lever (34) which comprises a blocking arm (38) pivotally mounted around an axis (36). The device comprises retention means (40, 42) capable of opposing the pivoting of the lever. The device also comprises a reaction member (48A) fixed with respect to the base (12) and capable of cooperating with a reaction zone of the blocking arm (38) by defining a reaction surface inclined with respect to the translation direction X of the support on the base. The pivoting of the lever allowed by the release of the retention means allows the displacement of the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: AMADA EUROPE
    Inventor: Kévin Jarrier
  • Patent number: 8784999
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extruded or rolled clad metal article having a core metal layer and a cladding metal layer on at least one surface of the core layer, wherein the metals of the core metal layer and the cladding metal layer are each aluminum alloys, preferably an aluminum-magnesium alloy, having at least Sc in a range of 0.05% to 1%, and wherein the Sc-content in the core metal layer is lower than in the cladding metal layer. This further relates to a welded structure incorporating such a metal article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Aleris Aluminum Koblenz GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew Norman, Sabine Spangel
  • Patent number: 8683835
    Abstract: The invention describes an automatic stop device (1), that can be positioned by means of a control and regulating device of a bending press, in particular an edging press, for positioning a workpiece (6) to be shaped by bending deformation between bending tools (4, 5) arranged opposite one another in a table bar (2) and a bending bar (3) adjustable in relation to the latter. It comprises a stop support slide (13) and a stop support (14) on the latter projecting substantially in perpendicular direction to a bending plane (8) formed by the bending tools (4, 5) and a stop element (15) which forms a finger section and is adjustable in a guiding arrangement (16) running perpendicular to the bending plane (8) relative to the stop support (14) between a position of rest facing the bending plane (8) and a stop position spaced apart from the latter against the effect of a spring arrangement (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alois Austaller
  • Patent number: 8627701
    Abstract: A device for bending sheet material comprises a receiving plate and a forming plate defining or connectable to one another so as to define therebetween a receiving slot of fixed dimensions. A bending plate is pivotally connected to the receiving plate. The bending plate has an upper surface substantially in a common plane with an upper surface of the receiving plate. The forming plate comprises a first side surface extending along an open end of the receiving slot and forming a first acute angle with a first major surface of the forming plate. The bending plate has a range of pivotal motion of greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Gatchell
  • Patent number: 8601856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pliers head for crimping pliers. The pliers head comprises at least two dies for crimping a connector. A locator comprises at least one nest. The nest is configured and designed for housing the connector. According to the invention, the nest has a width which is at least as large as the distance between a first die and an adjacent second die of the pliers head. The locator has two crimping states: In a first crimping state, the nest is located at a predetermined position aligned with the first die. In the second crimping state, the nest or another nest of the locator is located at a predetermined position aligned with the second die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik
    Inventor: Kurt Battenfeld
  • Publication number: 20130142639
    Abstract: A method is provided for reconditioning a turbomachine vane cover plate, by a forming apparatus. The vane having a mounting portion, an airfoil extending radially outward therefrom and a vane head connected to the airfoil. The vane also having a cover plate connected to the vane head, bulged in a direction opposite to the root. In a first analysis step, dimensions of the vane in relation to the cover plate are determined in respect of predefined reference points. If, thereafter, forming of the cover plate seems necessary and possible based on comparison of measurement values from the analysis step with predefined dimension values, the bulged cover plate is formed, at least essentially pressed smooth, by pressing by the forming apparatus in a forming step. After the forming step, the cover plate is re-treated in one or more follow-up steps. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • Publication number: 20130031946
    Abstract: A tool for repairing Venetian blinds comprising a cradling member and a receiving member which moves relative to the cradling member. The cradling member has a horizontal portion and a vertically extending portion. The cradling member has a protrusion located a distance away from the ledge for supporting a portion of the Venetian bond. The receiving member slides up the cradling member towards the edge. The edges of the Venetian blind are compressed towards each other between the extended ledge and the receiving member to re-introduce a curvature to the Venetian blind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Chad Wooters
  • Publication number: 20120180546
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improvements to dies used in the formation of pressware from blanks In some embodiments, the die includes at least one stop that helps contain the blank as it is fed to the die and that allows for improved adjustability of the stop with respect to the die. In some embodiments, the die includes a defined recess that contains and centers the blank on the die as the blank is fed to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Eric J. Berg, Daniel A. Duncan, James W. Gregory, Kenneth J. Zirbel
  • Publication number: 20120174649
    Abstract: A pipe vise stand having increased utility and greater useable work space, particularly during use of vise provisions associated with the stand, is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Christopher R. Miller, Robert Skrjanc
  • Patent number: 8141408
    Abstract: A press die holder holds an upper die with its receiving structure above the die body. This configuration allows the die to be removed from the holder in the configuration in which it will be loaded into the press. The operator does not have to flip the die over before loading the die into the press. The holder may be configured to hold a lower die with its receiving structure disposed below the die body. This also prevents the lower die from being flipped over when it is removed from the holder and loaded into the press. One configuration of the invention provides a holder having a pair of fingers that engage the pair of continuous grooves defined by the receiving structure of the die so that the die hangs from the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Kirk Allen McCauley
  • Publication number: 20100319191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device for positioning an element to be crimped in a crimping tool, for example a wire end sleeve or an electrical connecting plug. The invention further relates to a crimping tool for crimping a connecting element to be situated in a pressing axis. To allow the element that will be crimped to be brought into the pressing axis, the positioning device has a retaining unit for retaining, about its periphery, the element that will be crimped. The retaining unit has a retaining opening which encompasses the pressing axis coaxially. The positioning device further permits the positioning of the element that will be crimped within the pressing axis, in order, in particular, to ensure the necessary insertion depth of the element to be crimped in the crimping tool. For this purpose, the positioning device of the invention has an axial stop, with which the position in the pressing axis of the element to be crimped can be defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Rennsteig Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Horst HOFMANN, Thomas WAGNER
  • Patent number: 7610785
    Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichio Akami, Koichi Ishibashi, Teruyuki Kubota, Tetsuaki Kato, Jun Sato, Tatsuya Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090223267
    Abstract: A pipe hand bender with v-shaped milled degree ports to accommodate various style stop members and shallow cut degree slots in the outer edges of the bend through walls using a snap in place stop member with v-dents matched to the v-ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Franklin H. King
  • Publication number: 20080295566
    Abstract: A protective tool (5) for the protection of a workpiece, which is to be bent in a bending tool (1), is formed by at least one profile having two faces (6, 7), where the one face (6) includes magnets (8) for securing the protective tool to a lateral face on the bending tool (1), while the other face (7), which is perpendicular to the one face, engages a surface (4) on the bending tool (1) and extends inwards over a groove (2) of the bending tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Torben K. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7412863
    Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichio Akami, Koichi Ishibashi, Teruyuki Kubota, Tetsuaki Kato, Jun Sato, Tetsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7360390
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing a corner connector to a rectangular duct section having a transverse duct flange. The disclosure also relates to a method for securing a corner connector to a transverse duct flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Richard R. Lavalliere
  • Patent number: 7260974
    Abstract: A bending machine (1) is provided wherein components of the existing abutment system, namely a drive part or a carriage (7), which can be directly or indirectly detachably coupled to the lower tool, are used instead of an additionally integrated device (axle) for displacing lower tools (2) transversely in relation to their length. In this way, the existing axle of the abutment system can also be used to adjust the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Gerald Koch, Thomas Gerber, Thomas Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 7165436
    Abstract: A compression connector crimp die is disclosed. The crimp die includes a first section and a second section. The first section connects the crimp die to a compression connector tool, and the second section is connected to the first section for crimping the connector. The first section also includes a locator mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Steven R. Bitz
  • Patent number: 6968721
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade retainer using a material cutting device and a material bending device includes steps for suspending a bar stock material between a polyurethane shock absorber and a bore of a cutting jig support, moving the cutting punch downward to press the distal end of the bar stock material into the shock absorber and then cut the bar stock material to thereby generate a blank, clamping the blank between a bending punch and a receiving slide by pressing the bending punch against the receiving slide, bending the distal end of the blank against a chamfered section of a bending support in response to continued downward motion of the bending punch to thereby form a blade retainer precursor, and milling the blade retainer precursor to form the blade retainer. Corresponding devices for performing these steps are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Tabuchi, Go Nabatame
  • Patent number: 6938454
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for folding sheet bars, particularly sheet metal bars, comprising a folding press with two press beams, which are adjustable in relation to each other and provided with folding dies, whereby the folding press is fed by means of an automated manipulating system. The manipulating system has three hinged arms connected via pivoting devices to form an arrangement of hinged arms. A first hinged arm is swivel-mounted on a swivel axle extending in a swivel device parallel to a guide track of a linearly displaceable chassis. A second and a third swivel axles supporting the hinged arms are arranged extending parallel to the swivel axle of the swivel device. A gripping system and a seizing device for picking up the sheet bars are arranged in another end area of the hinged-arm arrangement. A positioning device assures that the sheet bar is correctly positioned for the folding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Hagen Strasser, Helmut Theis, Thomas Bongardt, Georg Wünsch
  • Patent number: 6935154
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts having variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention includes a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Patrick Calder, Albert Randy Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6925846
    Abstract: A sheet metal bending tool for bending materials, such as flat metal sheets is disclosed. The tool has a restraining base for receiving and cooperatively holding a sheet metal workpiece and the tool has a bending component that is rotatably mounted to the restraining base, the workpiece is held, cooperating with the restraining base component, and the clamp bar for stabilizing the workpiece while the workpiece is held and bent by the rotating action of the bending component. In the preferred embodiment, the workpiece is restrained by a template comprising a pattern of holes drilled, a hole receiving a peg or means of stop, the stops (pegs) constraining the workpiece from movement while being bent act like a jig for measuring and predetermined incumbents. Holes are also drilled in restraining base and in the bending component at spaced intervals along lines that are run parallel to the line defined by the intersection of the bending component and the restraining base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Perruccio
  • Publication number: 20040149002
    Abstract: The truck is in the form of a bed fitted with a wagon (20) which includes, cantilever, and a stop system (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Touya
  • Patent number: 6748783
    Abstract: A bend/cut-off gauge includes a hanger having a first portion adapted to engage at least one track feature on the anvil member of a sheet bending brake, and a second portion extending from the first portion so as to be cantilevered from the anvil member adjacent to the sheet material clamp surface on the base member of the brake. An abutment stop is disposed on the second portion of the hanger for engagement by an edge of sheet material resting on the clamp surface. The width of the sheet material between the edge of the anvil member and the abutment stop is thus accurately gauged. The gauge may then be removed from the anvil member, and the bend member operated to bend an accurately gauged strip of material over the anvil member, or the cutter mechanism operated along the track feature(s) on the anvil member to sever an accurately gauged strip of material from the sheet stock clamped between the anvil member and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: J-Dan
    Inventors: Arthur Bryant Chubb, Norman Chubb, James E. Suyak, Arthur Bryant Chubb, II
  • Patent number: 6722181
    Abstract: A method for bending a work of a plate shape by moving a die with the work being butted against a butting member, and an apparatus for executing the method are provided. The bending apparatus is provided with an input unit for inputting data on bending conditions including respective target values of a bending angle and a bending dimension, as well as respective measured values of a bending angle and a bending dimension of the work obtained in trial bending. A control device installed in the apparatus executes an initial computation for computing an operation amount of the die when the data on bending conditions are inputted. Further, the control device executes computation for a correction value for an operation amount of the die and computation for an estimated value of a bending dimension when the respective measured values of the bending angle and the bending dimension obtained in trial bending are inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Toyokoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiju Nagakura
  • Patent number: 6711931
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts having variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention includes a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Patrick Calder, Albert Randy Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6564442
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing sheet metal workpieces which has a bending station and a joining station between which the workpiece is moved. The bending station has a positioning stop for the positioning of the workpiece relative to the bending tools, and the stop is movable in controlled fashion by a motorized drive unit. This drive unit also moves a laser welding head at the joining station to perform a welding operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich Kilian, Hubert Wilbs
  • Publication number: 20030084702
    Abstract: A bending method for bending both sides of a major dimension portion of a workpiece to form flanges. The method comprises measuring a dimension of one bent flange and setting an object L value in an other flange processing to be below a flange dimension by a predetermined value, if the measured value is over an object value. If the measured value is below the object value, setting the object L value in the other flange processing to be over the flange dimension by a predetermined value. Bending is performed with the set object L value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: AMADA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Katsuji Sekita, Tadahiko Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6474131
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Jukka M. Torvinen, Stephen Turner
  • Patent number: 6422055
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus (30) for a workpiece includes a base (310) with a shoulder (312), a positioning block (330) and a circuit. The positioning block includes an upper block (332) secured on the shoulder, and a lower block (334) having a front surface (336). A lay of insulator (320) is compressed between the base and the positioning block. The circuit includes a power source (50) and a relay (60). The power source provides direct current voltage. The relay comprises a coil (601) electrically connected between the power source and the positioning block, and a normal-open switch (603) electrically connected between the power source and a manipulator which acts on the workpiece. When the workpiece contacts the front surface of the positioning block, the coil is electrified and the normal-open switch closes. The interface of the manipulator turns to high level, and the manipulator starts its next programmed motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun Nan Ou, Hua Dong, Pupeng Hui
  • Patent number: 6325367
    Abstract: A novel back stop gauge for determining accurate and safe positioning of work piece material in a machine tool, such as a press brake, wherein a linear stop has an axially stiff, but transversely flexible coil spring intermediate end portions, one end portion being engaged by work piece material and the opposite end portion being anchored to a cooperating support. Misplacement of work material either over or beneath the stop, while normally destructive of the work piece upon closure of the press brake, does not result in damage to the machine tool or the press because of the flexible nature of the back stop, which permits movement of the stop out of the path of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Power Brake Dies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Russell
  • Patent number: 6298700
    Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a predetermined shape by using a bending press provided with detachable tools. The apparatus includes a computer memory storing bending operation support information obtained after successfully completing bending operations. The bending operation support information supports an operator later performing bending operations on a workpiece while manufacturing the product or part. The bending operation support information is one of dependent on and associated with the completed bending operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tadahiko Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20010023609
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: ABB T&D Technology LTD.
    Inventors: Jukka M. Torvinen, Stephen Turner
  • Patent number: 6269677
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with. a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: ABB T&D Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Jukka M. Torvinen, Stephen Turner
  • Patent number: 6227022
    Abstract: A method and system are provided that enable an operator without skills in performing bending operations to easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following a skilled operator's experience, hints or data. The method may include: storing data for a shape of a part; storing data related to a bending order for manufacturing the part from a workpiece; selecting tools for performing each bending operation; storing data for the selected tools or dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of the bending press to perform the bending operations in accordance with the bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operations by using the bending press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tadahiko Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6212933
    Abstract: A back gauge device for a sheet metal machine with upper and lower tables, one being movable relative to another, and which machine processes a workpiece by using a die attached to the upper and lower tables. The back gauge device has a pair of link mechanisms, and a stretch to which abutments have been attached can be moved forward, backward, upward and downward via the link mechanisms. Furthermore, the back gauge device has a pair of upward-downward driving mechanisms which operate independently from each other, and the stretch having the abutments is attached thereto so as to be swingable in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Aoki
  • Patent number: 6155095
    Abstract: Pliers (1) include a pliers head (2) defining a pliers head plane (5) and including a tool, the tool including a stationary first tool element (6) and a movable second tool element (7). A drive (15) moves the second tool element (7) with respect to the first tool element (6). A pivot bearing (10) has a pivot axis (11), the pivot axis (11) being arranged in a plane (12) parallel to the pliers head plane (5). A positioning device (9) includes at least one receiving element (20) for receiving a work piece (8). The positioning device (9) is pivotable with respect to the tool about the pivot axis (11) of the pivot bearing (10) to be moved from an insertion position for the work piece (8) to a working position for the work piece (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Wezag GmbH Werkzeugfabrik
    Inventor: Horst Beetz
  • Patent number: 6145367
    Abstract: An adjustable gage block for a press brake comprises a base attachable to the press brake and a body pivotally carried by the base for pivoting movement about a vertical axis. The body carries a first guide member, and a second guide member is pivotally carried by the body for pivoting movement about said vertical axis with respect to the first guide member. One or both of the guide members have upwardly-facing guide surfaces laying in a horizontal plane to support a workpiece, and each guide member has a vertical guide surface, with the vertical guide surfaces laying in convergent planes. Adjustment means are provided for adjusting the angle between the vertical guide surfaces of the guide members to accommodate the shape of a workpiece. Desirably, a workpiece support is mounted to the press brake spaced from the gage block, the workpiece support having an edge guide surface positioned to engage an edge of the workpiece and to orient the workpiece with respect to the gage block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne F. Peloquin, David M. Runk
  • Patent number: 6125682
    Abstract: A hydraulic compression tool comprises a frame and a die movably connected to the frame with a hydraulic drive system. An alignment guard is connected to the frame, and the alignment guard extends along a side of the die and has a receiving area to a receive a workpiece therein such that the workpiece can be received in the receiving area and make contact with the alignment guard such that the alignment guard aligns the workpiece relative to the path of a die for aligning contact of the die against the workpiece as the die is moved toward the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rzasa, Keith Mello
  • Patent number: 6082167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a ceiling. The method comprises the steps of setting a tool for a desired length of crimp of a tee or main by adjusting a plate in a slot of the tool. Then the tee or main is cut to a desired length. An end of tee or main is inserted into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Then the crimping tee or main is rotated about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. The tool is separated from the tee or main. The present invention also relates to a tool to crimp a tee or main. The tool comprises a housing having an end, with a first slot disposed in the end. Additionally, the tool comprises a plate disposed in the first slot of the housing. The plate is adjustable in regard to position in the first slot so the tee or main can be inserted into the first slot a desired distance defined by where the plate is disposed in the first slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Lovas
  • Patent number: 6082164
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and adjusting the position of a workpiece in relation to a machine are disclosed. The apparatus includes an edge guide against which an edge of the workpiece is placed; and a swinging support structure for (1) supporting the edge guide for swinging movement in a plane to adjust the edge guide's distance from the machine, and for (2) maintaining the edge guide in a generally parallel orientation relative to the machine as the edge guide is swung to and from the machine. The method includes placing the edge of the workpiece against the edge guide so that the workpiece is in the parallel orientation relative to the machine; and swinging the edge guide to adjust its distance from the machine so that the workpiece will be in a desired position relative to the machine when the workpiece's edge is against the edge guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Steven E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6038899
    Abstract: A method and system are provided that enable an operator without skills in performing bending operations to easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following a skilled operator's experience, hints or data. The method may include: storing data for a shape of a part; storing data related to a bending order for manufacturing the part from a workpiece; selecting tools for performing each bending operation; storing data for the selected tools or dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of the bending press to perform the bending operations in accordance with the bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operations by using the bending press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tadahiko Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 5924322
    Abstract: A locator for use with a crimping tool including a first slot for seating and aligning slot blade terminal type connectors and a second slot for seating and aligning female disconnect type connectors whereby the locator is rotatable between these two positions and a third open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jack E. Caveney
  • Patent number: 5865056
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for executing a bending process on a workpiece plate is provided wherein a rear edge of the workpiece plate is place in contact with stop members of a back gauge unit. Simultaneous with input of target value of bending dimensions, a controller provides drive units of the stop members with operative amounts for achieving front/rear directional positioning of the stop members and a gradient angle of a horizontal surface a stop surface corresponding to the target value. In response to the effective value of the operative amount, the drive units are activated to cause stop members to be moved to predetermined positions. After executing a trial bending of a workpiece plate, bending dimensions at two arbitrary bent portions of the processed workpiece plate are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Toyokoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiju Nagakura
  • Patent number: 5842372
    Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed for producing trigs from flat metal strips. The hand tool has a pair of opposite press blocks or "jaws." One jaw serves as a base. It has a loop affixed in it for receiving an insertion portion of the strip. It also has appropriate guides and stops for promoting proper location of the insertion portion and preventing its untimely dislocation. The other jaw has a corner edge which when the jaws are closed on the single ply of the insertion portion, forms the outer limit of the insertion portion and allows for initiating bending of the remaining portion of the strip back upon the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Charlotte L. Madden
    Inventor: Richard C. Madden
  • Patent number: 5799530
    Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide a method or a system by which an operator without skills in bending operation can easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following skilled operator's experience, hints or data. To achieve this object, the method of this present invention comprises the steps of storing data for a shape of said part; storing data for a bending order for manufacturing said part from said workpiece; selecting tools for performing each of bending operations; storing data for the selected dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of said press to performs the bending operations in said bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operation by using said bending press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tadahiko Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 5799531
    Abstract: A crimping device for crimping end fittings on hoses and tubes includes a base ring and a pressure ring. The base ring includes a frustoconical inner surface in which is positioned a die assembly which, at its opposite end, abuts a portion of the pressure ring. When the pressure ring is pushed toward the base ring, the dies converge, crimping the fitting to the hose or tube. In order to properly locate the hose or tube, a locator pin is affixed to the pressure ring by an L-shaped bracket. The locator pin, pressure ring and crimping die assembly form a tool package which, upon being initially set, does not have to be reset for subsequent uses. The tool package can be stored while other tool packages of a similar configuration are set, used and then stored for subsequent use. In this way, the irritation and resulting inefficiency of having to continually reset tooling is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Orcutt, Dean D. Fritz