Abstract: A handling apparatus for work pieces such as sheet metal pieces which are to be formed in a sheet metal press. The handling apparatus is designed to pick up a work piece from a first location which may comprise a stack of sheets, and to then move the work piece to a second location which may comprise the tool of the forming press. In the course of movement, the work piece will generally travel laterally, however, a vertical component of movement is imposed in at least one location, for example, when placing the work piece in position at the forming station. The drive means for moving the gripping means comprises a driver and a first shaft supporting a primary arm. A connection is provided between the first shaft and the driver so that the driver oscillates the primary arm. A pivoting follower is also associated with the driver so that movement of the driver simultaneously controls movement of the follower.

Abstract: An improvement in a strip feeder for feeding a continuous strip of sheet material to a punch press, for example. The feeder includes a drive roller segment and an idler roller. The drive roller segment is driven in oscillating fashion by the punch press through a cam oscillator drive. A lever assembly connects the cam drive with the drive roller segment shaft. The lever assembly includes a lever which pivots about a point adjustable along the length of the lever. This adjustment, which can be made while the feeder is in operation, is effective to vary the oscillating travel of the feed roller segment and, accordingly, the length of strip which is fed.

Abstract: A device for applying a lubricant coating to strip material subsequently formed in an operation which necessitates uniform application of the lubricant. Propulsion rolls pull the strip through a lubricant bath and squeeze off excess lubricant to leave a relatively heavy and somewhat uneven coating of lubricant. The propulsion rolls drive the coated strip between metering rolls which have hardened metal surfaces roughened by grit blasting to achieve a uniform, pitted effect. The metering rolls exert substantial pressure on the thickly coated strip and cause separate and independent, limited volume patches of lubricant to be defined and adhere to the strip uniformly across its surfaces.