Abstract: In a can body maker for the forming of a shallow metal cup blank into a relatively deep shaped cup body, a redraw sleeve for use in a redraw mechanism has a generally cylindrical body portion with a first end adapted to engage the redraw mechanism and an opposite, second end for contact with the shallow cup blank during the forming of the deep shaped cup body. The second end has a radially inwardly directed, circumferentially disposed, deformable face that facilitates uniform contact with the metal cup while compensating for minor misalignment of the cup and ram.

Abstract: An air bag actuator is incorporated into the redraw motion assembly of a can body maker apparatus to maintain a cam actuated arm in compression during the reform cycle. Additionally, a housing is provided to enclose an air bag actuator, preventing axial displacement of the air bag and inadvertent damage to it during operations. The air bag actuator also functions as a pivotal link in the redraw system and eliminates the need for a complex pneumatic systems that include surge tanks, air supply tanks, and housing.

Abstract: A movable body panel for a vehicle is provided. The body panel includes a load bearing frame member made from an elongated hollow beam member. Inner and outer panels are secured to one another with the frame member disposed between the panels and secured to the inner panels. Hinges are secured to the frame member and the vehicle for permitting movement of the body panel relative to the remainder of the vehicle. A method of making the body panel is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of generally hollow frame members is provided. The generally hollow frame members are secured to central portions of core members. The core members are positioned in juxtaposition with respect to one another so as to enclose a space therebetween with the core member extending generally outwardly from the enclosed space. The core members are secured to one another. An associated frame assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The fill chamber bore of a die-casting machine is lubricated and prepared for casting by inserting an elongated member into the die-end of the bore while spraying with lubricant. During withdrawal of the elongated member, a conical spray of gas directed toward the die-end drys the lubricant and sweeps vapor and flash, or solder, out of the die-end. The elongated member is preferably a flexible carrier which is guided between the bore and a path between the open die halves lateral to the bore. The lateral path is perferably defined by a tubular member supported by a vertical carriage mounted on a vertical mast for alignment of the flexible carrier with the fill chamber bore when the dies are open. The vertical mast can be mounted on a horizontal carriage moveable along a horizontal bore to preclude interference with normal operation of the die-casting machine.

Abstract: A pedal for a vehicle has an integrally formed clevis, a central portion, and an integrally formed relatively flat foot engaging section. A lightweight, one-piece, extruded aluminum tubing with a thin wall and a round cross section is bent at an acute angle to form a clevis at its upper end and is bent at about a right angle at its lower end to form a foot engaging portion. A hydroforming process forms the walls of the clevis end and the central portion into a rectangular cross section and forces the walls of the lower end together to form a relatively flat, smooth, upper foot engaging surface and an undersurface with longitudinal ribs. Hexagonally configured apertures in opposing walls of the clevis receive a bushing having the same hexagonal configuration. A cut-out section communicates with the aperture in the two opposing walls, and the bushing is secured in the apertures by forcing together the walls adjacent to those with the apertures to close the gap in the cut-out sections.

Abstract: Vacuum die casting machine including an improved siphon tube for transporting molten metal from a reservoir to a shot cylinder. The siphon tube defines a passageway having a first end portion which is adapted to communicate with a shot cylinder and a second end portion opposite the first end portion which defines a molten metal entry portion. The passageway tapers from the first end portion to the second end portion which reduces jetting in the shot cylinder. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable can conveyor comprises a fixed trackwork assembly and a moveable trackwork assembly. The fixed trackwork assembly includes at least two outer collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. The moveable trackwork assembly includes at least two inner collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. An interlocking mechanism is used to secure the two trackwork assemblies together such that a track able to convey can bodies is created. The locking mechanism is adjustable such that the conveyor may be set up to move cans of varying length. Because of the interlocking mechanism used, the moveable trackwork assembly is completely supported by the fixed trackwork assembly during adjustments. Further, the four guide rails associated with both trackwork assemblies may be rotated in such a manner that allows for adjusting the conveyor for cans of varying diameter.

Abstract: The die casting machine includes a trough containing a supply of molten metal and a feed tube extending into the supply of molten metal in the trough. A flow of molten metal is maintained in the trough past the feed tube independent of the transfer of molten metal through the feed tube. The die casting machine further includes a filtering system.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and methods for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and methods use a flexible constraining means which surrounds at least a portion of the outer periphery of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced within the interior of the hollow metal section during the reshaping of the extrusion by the stretch forming operation. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein resist wrinkles, crimps and bulges being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke having a tubular body and a pair of ears projecting generally axially therefrom is provided. The ears-have an inner surface, an outer surface and an ear connecting surface. The ear connecting surface has a pair of lower portions, a pair of transition portions and an upper portion. The lower portions are oriented such that a generally straight line drawn in the tubular body connecting surface plane goes through (i) a point at the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface; (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface; and (iii) a point on the axis of the tubular body. The upper portion is oriented such that a generally straight line drawn between (i) a point on the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface and (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface is generally parallel to the common axis. The universal joint yoke includes a generally concave endcap.

Abstract: Both a method and an apparatus for the reduction of the load magnitudes present during the operation of a can body maker apparatus are provided through the use of a counterbalance mass structure system. A counterbalance structure is operatively associated with the crankshaft which motivates the can body maker ram assembly so that as the ram assembly is reciprocated along a straight line path during the formation of can bodies, the counterbalance structure is reciprocated to compensate for both the straight line (X axis) motion of the ram assembly as well as motion perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method uses one or more constraining means secured to the forming die and a die extension to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced by air pressure within the interior of the hollow metal section. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein prevent the formation of wrinkles, crimps and bulges in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method of this invention uses a collapsible and expandable articulated mandrel positioned inside portions of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the internal wall surfaces of the elongated hollow metal section against the reshaping forces imposed on the interior of the hollow metal section during the stretch forming operation. The mandrel disclosed herein prevents the formation of wrinkles and crimps being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: A rolling can conveyor includes an endless belt path and a flexible belt defining a plurality of openings therein for fluid communication therethrough. The flexible belt is operatively associated with the endless belt path such that the flexible belt is vertically oriented for at least a portion of the belt path. The bottom of the can body is held in contact with the flexible belt during transport by negative pressure. A guide rail extends along the vertically disposed flexible belt so as to support the can body. A plenum is operatively associated with the endless path proximate the guide rail. A vacuum is coupled to the plenum for applying a negative pressure sufficient to rotatably retain the can body in contact with the flexible belt and the guide rail, which imparts rotational motion to the can body about its longitudinal axis during transport.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool holder which permits lateral insertion and removal of a tool means into and from the holder thereby making it unnecessary to move the machine or work piece to provide excess clearance. The tool holder includes a main body having a shallow tool cavity formed in one end thereof for receiving the tool means. A locking element having a u-shaped collar is rotatably mounted to the main body for clamping the tool means within the tool cavity. The u-shaped collar defines a tool slot having a tool slot opening which extends from the side of the locking element. When the locking element is in an unlocked position, the tool slot opening aligns radially with the open side of the tool cavity to permit lateral insertion and removal of the tool means into and from the cavity. When the locking element is rotated to the locked position, tool slot opening is moved out of alignment with the open side of the cavity thereby preventing removal of the to tool means.

Abstract: A tightening fixture for tightening a lock nut on a chuck including a torque readout device for measuring the torque applied to tighten the lock nut. The tightening fixture includes a stationary support block having a torque transmitting collar rotatively mounted therein. The torque transmitting collar is designed to receive and hold the chuck so that the chuck is held nonrotatable with respect to the collar. When torque is applied to tighten the lock nut on the chuck, the chuck and collar rotate as a unit. A torque indicator is mounted in the stationary block and is responsive to the rotation of the torque transmitting collar to provide an indication of the torque applied to tighten the lock nut.

Abstract: A cutting insert with improved chip control and metal cutting capabilities and a toolholder with an improved clamping arrangement for use in combination therewith. The insert includes a first notch disposed in the insert body extending from the cutting end to the mounting end thereof. A top wall of the insert body has a forward section with a cutting edge, a middle section with a second notch extending across substantially the entire insert body and a rearward section. In one embodiment, the forward section of the insert body includes a chipbreaker. In another embodiment, the forward portion includes an advanced cutting material which defines a cutting edge. In yet another embodiment of the insert, the insert body top wall forward section defines the cutting edge and the insert body does not include a chipbreaker.