Comprising Work-stopping Abutment Patents (Class 72/461)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5794485
    Abstract: The present invention pertains 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. Next there is the step of cutting the tee or main to a desired length. Then there is the step of inserting an end of tee or main into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Next there is the step of crimping tee or main about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. Then there is the step of removing the tool from the tee or main. The present invention also pertains 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: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Lovas
  • Patent number: 5775158
    Abstract: A die structure for use in a tool which crimps or cuts a workpiece between relatively moveable jaws of the tool on which the die structure is securable is particularly structured for durability when used to severe high tensile strength cable such as guy wire and other multi-strand cable. A pair of die structures in accordance with the invention each has a cutting edge formed on a die body, and in a preferred embodiment, the cutting edges have aligned engagement surfaces which are flat and elongate to provide a pinching action which fractures or severs the workpiece usually before the cutting surfaces meet. The flat cutting surfaces provide improved durability over sharp cutting edges, and are preferably heat treated to promote further durability in severe cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Lyman J. Hensley, Neil H. Strawbridge, Jr., Donald L. Shaner
  • Patent number: 5761940
    Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignees: Amada Company, Ltd., Amada America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Moore, Jr., David Alan Bourne, Anne Marie Murray, Robert H. Sturges, Jr., Kensuke Hazama
  • Patent number: 5709122
    Abstract: A tool for manufacturing signs wherein selective sign display elements are retained in a base profile section by folded engagement of opposite end portions of the base section. The tool includes members for cutting the base section, compression members for deforming the base section to secure the sign elements from disengagement with the base section and a punch for providing an aperture in the base section. The tool further includes a guide surface for positionally aligning the base section and gauge blocks for displacing the guide surface generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base section to accommodate respective base sections having different width dimensions. A stop member restricts movement of the sign display elements when cutting the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Lars Hammar
  • Patent number: 5694735
    Abstract: The present invention pertains 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, Next there is the step of cutting the tee or main to a desired length. Then there is the step of inserting an end of tee or main into a slot in the tool to a desired length. Next there is the step of crimping tee or main about 90.degree. with the tool without removing any length from the tee or main. Then there is the step of removing the tool from the tee or main. The present invention also pertains 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 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Gary Lovas
  • Patent number: 5661994
    Abstract: A tube shaping apparatus includes a movable frame having an upper portion mounted upon stanchions, an upper and lower tube engaging member mounted upon the frame for holding a tube therebetween, a tube engagement hydraulic cylinder for urging the upper tube engaging member toward and away from the lower tube engaging member, a tube bending die slidably mounted substantially parallel to the upper portion of the frame, and a pair of tube bending hydraulic cylinders for urging the tube bending die along a horizontal plane for bending and shaping a tube held between the upper and lower tube engaging members. The tube bending die is essentially a tongue-like member having an arcuate forward end which effects the bends in the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin E. Sundquist
  • Patent number: 5661996
    Abstract: A back gage is provided for use with a bending brake of a type that comprises a generally flat bed and a brake edge. In use, the bending brake receives the leading edge of a sheet metal member and bends a portion of the member around the brake edge in order to form a shape therein. The back gage of the present invention broadly comprises a movable carriage assembly arranged on the bed of the bending brake, a drive assembly for moving the carriage assembly relative to the brake edge of the bending brake, and a measuring device mounted to the bed of the bending brake and coupled to the movable carriage assembly. In practice, when the leading edge of the sheet metal member engages the movable carriage assembly, the measuring device conveniently displays the distance between the leading edge of the member and the brake edge of the bending brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Welty
  • Patent number: 5657656
    Abstract: An automatic positioning system that includes positioning means for positioning a hose assembly adjacent a crimping apparatus. Actuator means is in communication with the positioning means to cause the positioning means to move. Control means is in communication with the actuator means to control movement of the positioning means. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) actuating a positioning means to cause the positioning means to move; (b) controlling movement of the positioning means by control means so that the positioning means is in proper position with respect to a crimping apparatus; and (c) placing a hose assembly on the positioning means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: Bryce B. Evans, William J. Weed
  • Patent number: 5650684
    Abstract: In a rotating body or machinery that is equipped with at least one such rotating body, the power loss resulting from the inertial force, which is an internal force caused by the rotation of the rotating body, contributes to mechanical inefficiency, as well as being the cause of unnecessary heat generation, unnecessary machine strength requirements, increased weight, and increased costs. Provided are low-loss machines and engines that essentially eliminate or greatly reduce the power loss due to the aforementioned inertial force. The rotating body of this invention, or machine which is equipped with at least one such rotating body, greatly reduces or essentially makes zero the power loss resulting from the inertial force generated by the rotating or rocking motion of the rotating body due to its poor mass distribution. This inertial force is an internal force of a new concept which excludes the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Newstein lab., Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suganuma
  • Patent number: 5584200
    Abstract: A universal crimping tool locator which is adapted to accurately and repeatedly accommodate and locate all sizes of electrical contacts in a crimping tool within the crimping range of a specific crimping tool frame. The inventive universal crimping tool locator integrates a plurality of concepts in that a multi-stepped receptacle tip of the locator is adapted to accommodate different sizes of electrical contacts and is in operative communication with a measuring device, preferably such as a micrometer head, so as to derive a single crimping tool arrangement or frame which contemplates the provision of a controllable, functionally highly predictable and reliable structure for enabling the crimping of widely divergingly sized electrical contact and wire combination, and which is designed for any particular crimping tool frame with which the crimping tool locator is intended to be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn W. Andersen
  • Patent number: 5572901
    Abstract: An adjustable locator device locates a sheet metal workpiece laterally on a metal forming die. The locator device includes a pivotal locator portion which engages a driver member of the flanging assembly in order to pivot the locator to engage and position the workpiece. The locator portion is movably mounted to a base in order to facilitate longitudinal movement of the locator portion to clearly locator portion and expose the workpiece to the flanging steel for flanging of the workpiece. The locator device includes a pair of springs for biasing the locator portion toward a tilted position for engagement with the driver member, and for biasing the locator portion in the direction of the flanging steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Active Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5526672
    Abstract: A backgage (22) for use in conjunction with a press brake (10), includes an arm (24) movable in three axial directions (R, X, Z) by a drive (26). A gage block (54) is supported on the arm and includes a gage finger assembly (72) including a movable finger (76). A projecting member (94) engages a recess (100) in the finger to releasably latch the finger in a first position. Excessive force encountered by the finger during a collision with an obstruction unlatches the finger and enables it to move to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: InterBold
    Inventors: Larry P. Cain, Theodore L. Bauer, Charles A. Pozzini
  • Patent number: 5501095
    Abstract: A bending press has a drive mechanism for effecting vertical movement of a bending tool in a bending line, a drive actuating device, and a locking mechanism for the actuating device. A stop assembly behind the bending line includes a rail, a rail drive mechanism to move the rail perpendicularly to the bending line, and at least two stops on said rail. A releasable clamping mechanism fixes the stops in position on the rail, and the stops are movable along the rail upon release of the clamping mechanism. A clamp locking mechanism locks the clamping mechanism in a clamp fixing position. The stop assembly is movable into a position in which the stops project over the bending line when the drive locking mechanism is actuated, and the clamp locking mechanism is actuatable to release the clamp locking mechanism when the drive locking mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Werner Dilger, Friedrich Kilian
  • Patent number: 5428983
    Abstract: An improved terminal pliers comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion provided with at least two receiving slots and a terminal locating device mounted thereon. The terminal locating device comprises a base provided with a sliding block movable freely in a direction parallel to a side of the terminal pliers. The sliding block is provided with a stopping member movable in a direction perpendicular to the side of the terminal pliers. The stopping member can be moved freely to an appropriate position so as to locate a terminal intended to be clamped by holding firmly the tail end of the terminal in one of the receiving slots of the second clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Lien-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 5421186
    Abstract: Crimping dies for hydraulic compression tools for electrical connectors and the like in which one of the dies in a matching set is provided with means for engaging and stopping a connector workpiece in proper position for crimping in the die jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventor: John Lefavour
  • Patent number: 5410904
    Abstract: A metal sheet processing apparatus for replacing dies with one another and for positioning a plate material in longitudinal directions. The metal sheet processing apparatus includes left and right side frames (3L, 3R), upper (5) and lower (7) tables supported by the side frames, one of the upper and lower tables serving as a vertically movable ram, and dies (17,19) disposed in a processing zone between the upper and lower tables (5, 7), for processing a plate material (W). A back gauge unit (41) is moved and positioned in longitudinal directions to position in the longitudinal directions the metal sheet (W) to be processed by the dies (17, 19). A die storage section (37) is defined behind the upper table (5). Part of the back gauge unit (41) is vertically movable and capable of supporting and replacing the dies (17, 19) between the die storage section (37) and the processing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tadashi Hirata, Masayoshi Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5377400
    Abstract: A jointing clamp for pressing pipe connections, particularly for pipes of composite materials, includes two pressure clamps, each of which carries a form part of a form insert and which are connected with one another by connecting plates that are disposed on either side, and which are supported at the connecting plates so that they are can be pivoted in opposite directions about parallel pivoting axes and can be moved into the closed position by means of a clamp driving device which can be connected to the jointing clamp by means of a crossbolt reaching through aligned boreholes in the connecting plates. In order to achieve a pressed pipe connection of high form accuracy, the form insert is constructed in three parts and the third form part is supported in a stationary manner between the connecting plates of the jointing clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Hewing GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Georg Homm
  • Patent number: 5353625
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal crimping machine which assures that undesirable bending of a cable caused due to the fact that a terminal firmly fitted into a crimper is raised up together with the crimper after the time of terminal crimping is reduced as far as possible. A terminal crimping machine includes a crimper 3, an anvil 4 located opposite to the crimper 1, and a stopper 13 composed of a terminal disconnecting piece 14 and an arm piece 15, and the arm piece 15 is turnably disposed on a guide frame 11 of the ram 2 to turn about a pin 12. A tension spring 20 is bridged between the arm piece 15 and a spring fixing piece 19. As the ram 2 is lowered, it comes in slidable contact with the arm piece 15 so as to allow the arm piece 15 assume an upright attitude. At this time, the terminal disconnecting piece 14 is located at the terminal disconnecting position higher than the anvil 4 by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hoshino, Toshihiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 5307664
    Abstract: A jointing clamp for pressing pipe connections, particularly for pipes of composite materials, includes two pressure clamps, each of which carries a form part of a form insert and which are connected with one another by connecting plates that are disposed on either side, and which are supported at the connecting plates so that they can be pivoted in opposite directions about parallel pivoting axes and can be moved into the closed position by means of a clamp driving device which can be connected to the jointing clamp by means of a crossbolt reaching through aligned boreholes in the connecting plates. In order to achieve a pressed pipe connection of high form accuracy, the form insert is constructed in three parts and the third form part is supported in a stationary manner between the connecting plates of the jointing clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Hewing GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Georg Homm
  • Patent number: 5285668
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a bending angle detecting system for a press brake which can perform high precision bending process without employing a special die, The bending angle detecting system includes a sensor (20) provided on a back stop (8) for determining a bending position of a workpiece (7) to be subject to the bending process, and means for controlling a lower limit position of a punch (6) based on an angle signal detected by the sensor (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shigeru Tokai
  • Patent number: 5277051
    Abstract: A terminal positioning device of crimping tool comprises mainly a base and an elastic member. The base is provided with a pair of clamping members mounted thereon. The elastic member is mounted on a predetermined location of the crimping tool and provided with a pressing portion of a length extending downwards to form jointly with the base and the clamping members a receiving space for accommodating and holding securely a terminal of any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Lien H. Liu
  • Patent number: 5261265
    Abstract: Compliance apparatus, for gripping and transporting workpiece sheets such as appliance door blanks to be formed to and from a work station having precision locator sheet stop surfaces, is mounted on a carrier for travel in a generally horizontal path toward the work station. The compliance apparatus includes a plurality of generally horizontally spaced apart, workpiece-aligned suction grippers for collectively gripping the top surface of a workpiece sheet. Resilient mechanism connecting each of the grippers to the carrier provides for relative individual lateral movement of the sheet carrying grippers from neutral positions to positions displaced therefrom in any required direction, as dictated by the sheet engaging one of the locator sheet stop surfaces and being forced to a correctly aligned position in engagement with the other locator sheet stop surface as the carrier moves in its said path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: RWC, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5259230
    Abstract: A plurality of notches are formed in one or both ends of long pieces of sheet metal by means of a notched template and a notching tool. The notches establish the break lines on the pieces. The side edge of a sheet metal bending brake is provided with an attachment having a pointed notch receiving and locating edge intersecting the bending axis of the brake which automatically positions the stock for bending. After a bend is made on a break line, the stock is repositioned and another notch used to self-align the stock on another break line. By turning the stock over, notches in the other end can be used to position and locate a break line to perform breaks in an opposite bending direction. Labor cost is greatly reduced, waste due to improper positioning is reduced, and more accurate reproducible bends produce greater uniformity in the finished pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Gerald W. Beyers
  • Patent number: 5236331
    Abstract: A terminal coupling tool comprises a plurality of first fastening portions, a plurality of second fastening portions, and a receiving portion disposed on each of the second fastening portions. The receiving portion has an open end positioned correspondingly to an outer end of clamping tooth for allowing one end of the terminal intended to be coupled to be positioned securely in the receiving portion without the help of an operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Lien-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 5212978
    Abstract: A terminal positioning structure of crimping tool comprises a base having thereon a first restriction portion and a second restriction portion forming jointly a terminal holding area. The first restriction portion is provided with a pair of clamping members capable of adjusting the width of the terminal holding area, while the second restriction portion is composed of arresting memers capable of adjusting the height and the depth of the terminal holding area in accordance with the dimension of the terminal intended to be worked on. Teh terminal to be worked on is securely gripped with precision in the terminal holding area of the crimping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Lien-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 5211045
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining correct mounting of a die assembly on a press brake is intended to determine whether the die assembly mounted on the press brake corresponds to the kind of work to be worked. Back-gauges are first located at predetermined positions and thereafter, they are displaced so that a distance from the center of a die to an end surface of the same is measured by distance sensors. Results are memorized as shape data on the die with respect to each of various kinds of works.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hidekazu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5203198
    Abstract: A workpiece-treating machine having a table with a pair of longitudinal edges and a working station between the edges has an apparatus for positioning a workpiece in the station which in turn has a generally square section metal tube extending along one edge of the table and formed with a longitudinally extending inner T-slot to which the one edge of the table is secured by T-fasteners, a pair of transversely spaced but longitudinally extending and upwardly open outer T-slots, and a pair of outwardly open and longitudinally extending outer T-slots. A longitudinally extending guide rod is supported at the one table edge by supports and T-fasteners that fix the guide rod on the table in the outwardly open T-slots at the one edge in a position extending parallel to the longitudinal edges. A carriage longitudinally displaceable along the guide rod is fixed to one end of an elongated traverse extending transverse to the longitudinal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Rolf Peddinghaus
    Inventor: Bernd Stursberg
  • Patent number: 5117670
    Abstract: A press brake system for bending, flanging, folding and forming an elongate and curved worksheet, and a worksheet handling device for handling such a worksheet are disclosed. The press brake system includes a press brake including a punch and a matrix which cooperate along a bending line in a working plane, and members for straightening an elongate and curved worksheet. The worksheet handling device includes members for straightening an elongate and curved worksheet. Such straightening members include: forcing members for applying force to the worksheet at central portion or end portions of a longitudinal edge, the force being in a direction perpendicular to the bending line and within a loading plane; and fixing members for fixing the worksheet so that it can not move against the force. This design enables the system to carry out appropriate bending or flanging to obtain a work with flanges of constant width along bending lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Franco Sartorio
  • Patent number: 5042286
    Abstract: In a manually operated pliers-type tool comprising an elongated tool body with a part defining an operative section with two carrier means for operative means such as crimping die members, and a longitudinal operating lever, which is journalled to the tool body and together therewith defines a reverse handle arrangement, projects that part of the tool body and tool, which defines the operative section, in the direction from which the operating lever is attached to the tool body, and the operating lever terminates, in its folded-down position, before that projecting part, and is level therewith. In a preferred embodiment, one of the carrier means is embodied by at least one rocker which is pivotably mounted in the operative section with the aid of a resilient means, so that the respective operative means may recede to a certain degree under the effect of predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: C.A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ulrich Wiebe, Hartmut Schmode, Karl-Heinz Siemens, Jorg Gondermann, Hans Undin
  • Patent number: 5001922
    Abstract: Tools and tool supports in a press which permit a tool changeover operation to be performed quickly and easily are disclosed. A pivot arm is carried on a ram of the press. A punch has an aperture formed therethrough, allowing it to be slidably mounted on the pivot arm. The punch is normally retained by a keeper for use in a first operating position on the pivot arm. The punch may be reversed for use in a second operating position by raising the keeper out of its retaining position and moving the punch along the pivot arm toward a second position. There, the punch can be rotated one hundred eighty degrees about the pivot arm. Then, the punch is moved back to the first position. The keeper automatically retains the reversed punch adjacent to the first support block when the punch is moved back to its original position. To remove the punch from the pivot arm, a retainer pin is removed, allowing one end of the pivot arm to pivot away from the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Kranis, Sr., Jan C. Turczynski, Peter A. Calabrese
  • Patent number: 4982594
    Abstract: A locator for a crimping tool is provided with a grip element accommodating an electrical connector for each pair of dies. The grip elements(s) is (are) carried by a carrier block means which is rectilinearily movable between a stand-by position, in which with the aid of a lever and a slanting track the grip element(s) is (are) located in the area between the open jaws of the crimping tool (10), and a rest position, in which they are located completely outside this area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: C.A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ulrich Wiebe
  • Patent number: 4974314
    Abstract: A tool for crimping an elongate electrical contact to an end of an electrical wire. The tool includes a locating device supported adjacent the crimping dies of the crimping tool for supporting and locating the contact in proper position between the dies. Upon crimping, the contact is subject to deformable elongation in its longitudinal direction. The locating device is supported to the tool against the bias of the spring to be movable away from the tool to accommodate such contact elongation caused during crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Earl F. Nickerson, John J. Students
  • Patent number: 4922742
    Abstract: A lower die assembly used in a bending machine to form pre-punched three-dimensional structures has a plurality of plungers located within the V-shaped bending slot of the lower die. As the upper die presses against the pre-punched sheet, the sheet is pinched between an upper end surface of the plungers and the rounded end of the upper die so as to maintain the prescribed position of the sheet during bending. The lower die may include a pin stop which cooperates with positioning holes pre-punched in the sheet in order to establish the desired position of the sheet prior to bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Syrylo, Jr., Madison L. Deal
  • Patent number: 4898019
    Abstract: A vehicle support assembly for maintaining a vehicle in a stationary position during body straightening operations. A housing supports a horizontally extending arm and a shaft extends through and is supported by the housing. A clamping assembly within the housing includes a clamp with plural spaced-apart hooks which are located beneath a T-shaped tie down track. A lever is supported at one end of the shaft. A C-shaped cam is coupled to the clamp and the lever so that when the lever is operated the C-shaped cam raises the clamp and the spaced-apart hooks are clamped beneath the track thereby securing the vehicle support assembly to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: John W. Rich
  • Patent number: 4885928
    Abstract: An adjustable and moveable depth stop for locating an item to be crimped in a crimping apparatus of the type with first and second crimping rings that are arranged coaxial with and axially spaced apart from each other along a ring axis, the rings having facing frustoconical surfaces that engage oppositely facing frustoconical surfaces of a plurality of crimping members interpositioned between the rings and substantially circumjacently arranged around the ring axis. One of the rings is moveable toward the other a predetermined distance and the crimping members and depth stop move in the direction of the ring axis and in relation to the moveable ring an amount that is one-half that of the moveable ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: The Gates Rubber Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Davis, Gerald F. Klaes, Jack L. Harris, Paul L. Douglass
  • Patent number: 4873856
    Abstract: Apparatus for deforming the surface of a cylindrical metal portion of a workpiece at and adjacent its end includes a rotating disk having radially extending slots. Slide members having roller deforming tools rotatably journalled at one end are positioned in a respective slot with the tool disposed radially inwardly, the tools having axes of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the disk. A follower member is fastened to the other end of the slide member and extends outwardly from the slot beyond the circumference of the disk. The disk is mounted within an annular shell having a tapered internal cam surface varying in diameter in the axial direction. The shell is mounted for rotation with the disk but axially moveable relative to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: C & D Engineering Company
    Inventor: David E. King
  • Patent number: 4831862
    Abstract: In a multistep bending machine, a movable apron (LA) provided with a movable tool (D) is moved in a multistep manner up and down toward a fixed apron (UA) provided with a fixed tool (P) by a hydraulic system including a novel die-axis drive mechanism (DDM), when a foot switch (FS) is kept depressed.In addition, an interference prevention device (IPA), a bending speed determining device (SDA), a tool distance determining device (TDA), a backgage stopper positioning device (SPA), and a backgage stopper pull-back distance controlling device (PDC) are all incorporated in the bending machine to realize a full automatic multistep bending operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ohashi, Tadahiko Nagasawa, Katsumi Koyama
  • Patent number: 4790068
    Abstract: A termination tool for terminating a conductor to a contact or terminal having a connecting section for connection with the conductor and a contacting section for contact with a mating contact. The connecting section has either piercing walls or clamp tabs and strain relief tabs. The termination tool consists of a fixed base or head for supporting the contact and a movable die movable toward the fixed base to terminate the contact by either piercing or crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensaku Sato
  • Patent number: 4785650
    Abstract: A pipe bender assembly comprising a pipe bender and a pipe clamp (36) cooperable therewith, the pipe bender including a body (10), a main die (12) forming part of, or mounted on the body, the main die having at least one part annular groove on its periphery. A circular shaping die (16) having an annular groove on its periphery and rotatable about its own axis, which is parallel to the axis of the main die, is supported on a mounting (16) so that it is rotatable about the axis of the main die. The mounting (16) is drivable by a reduction gear (20,22,24,26). An abutment surface (32) is formed on the body of the pipe bender and the pipe clamp has a pipe receiving bore therethrough and an outer surface including at least two faces (50,58) each selectively engageable accurately with the abutment surface to position temporarily the pipe clamp with respect to the pipe bender, the faces (50,58) extending at an angle to one another when viewed along the axis of the pipe receiving bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: M. W. Lusty Limited
    Inventor: Michael W. Lusty
  • Patent number: 4757705
    Abstract: A plate processing device for use in a machine with a vertically acting ram; has a guide device mounted on the frame and a guide member which is pressed to a sliding surface of the ram. The guide member freely rotates around the centerline of the first vertical shaft and also freely rotates around the centerline of the second shaft perpendicular to the first shaft and parallel to the sliding surface and is constructed so that it follows the sliding surface of the ram. Also, a back gauge for the work is buffered against the shock of abutment with the workpiece and may be backed away from the workpiece. A pressing plate for the workpiece is supplied by a high pressure and a low pressure plunger, which are vertically actuated to provide a noiseless operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Arima, Hidekatsu Ikeda, Toshiaki Kunihiro, Chuo Tobita
  • Patent number: 4736614
    Abstract: A contact support device is described. The device is attachable to a contact crimping tool and places the electrical contact in position adjacent the jaws of the tool. The device includes a cavity for supporting the contact. The cavity provides polarization of the contact therein and prevents rotation of the contact during crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Charles T. Fryberger
  • Patent number: 4719789
    Abstract: A tool for crimping terminals onto the ends of electrical conductors so that a cross-sectional shape of a four-tipped star is obtained comprises in a pair of die carriers at least one pair of co-operating die elements, each die element comprising a central indentation and each pair of die elements further comprising at least two lateral cut-in portions so that a crimping space in the shape of star with four tips is obtained wherein the two indentations define two of the tips, and the two cut-in portions define the other two tips, extending transversely to the first ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: C.A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ulrich Wiebe, Manfred Wilmes
  • Patent number: 4706491
    Abstract: A process is described which makes use of a folding press and a numerically controlled manipulator device provided with mechanical pincers; the sheet metal to be worked is gripped by the manipulator device and carried against an abutment shoulder disposed in front of the press; the alignment of the front edge of the sheet metal with the abutment shoulder is then tested by means of microswitches, and then the sheet metal is carried under the blade of the folding press utilizing, as reference co-ordinates for the movements of the manipulator, those of the abutment shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Prima Industrie, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Sartorio
  • Patent number: 4700559
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventors: Byron A. Larson, John J. Molteni
  • Patent number: 4658624
    Abstract: A bending machine for forming bends in a sheet material. The bending machine has a pair of spaced relatively fixed forming tools for movement with respect to an unclamped portion of the sheet material to effect corresponding bends in the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Joseph Rhodes Limited
    Inventors: Charles I. Ridgway, John R. Coultish
  • Patent number: 4637242
    Abstract: A locator device for a tool with crimping dies for cable shoes has at least one track for accommodating the contact portion of the cable shoe, a stationary stop at the end of the track and a movable stop at a selected location along the track. For treating cable shoes with longer contact portions, the movable stop is lifted from the track so that the stationary stop is operative, and when treating cable shoes with shorter contact portions the movable stop is put in place. The device is preferably made as a readily mountable accessory to the crimping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: C. A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Undin, Hans Wiener
  • Patent number: 4630462
    Abstract: A tool for crimping cable shoe terminals having an affixing part and a contact part onto the ends of electrical conductors has a pair of jaws provided with at least one pair of co-operating crimping dies and hinged together by a pivot pin. On the same pivot pin is mounted a rocker arm carrying for each pair of crimping dies a chamber accommodating the contact part of a terminal to be crimped. The rocker arm is affected by a position-controlling force such as friction at the location of mounting, and by suitably located dog means so that it makes a move, after the crimping operation has been terminated, by which the terminal, now crimped on a conductor, is lifted from the crimping die so that it readily can be removed from the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: C. A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Wiener, Hans Undin
  • Patent number: 4598570
    Abstract: Apparatus for crimping electric terminals on electric conductors is disclosed which includes a locator arm operable upon initial actuation of the crimping die to accurately locate the terminal relative to the die before the terminal is engaged with the crimping elements of the die. The apparatus also includes a stripper member operable during the initial stage of retraction of the die to strip the crimped terminal from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventor: Joseph Baldyga
  • Patent number: RE34569
    Abstract: A one-armed handling device having a single pick-up member designed to secure a metal sheet coplanar to a pick-up plane through the aforementioned pick-up member; which member is supported on a head so as to turn about two perpendicular axes by virtue of a first element designed to turn about a first axis perpendicular to the pick-up plane, and to which the pick-up member is secured directly, and a second element designed to turn about a second axis parallel with the pick-up plane and supporting the first element; the aforementioned head, in turn, being designed to travel along three cartesian axes, by means of an arm, with no variation in the position of the second axis (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Franco Sartorio