Abstract: A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out.

Abstract: A mounting plate (16) pivotally supports a finger (14) for pivotal movement about a pivot axis A as a shear pin (34) breaks between a post (30) and the finger (14) in response to a predetermined force urging the finger (14) to pivot about the pivot axis A. A first fastener (24) is disposed under an opening (46) in the finger (14) for removing the mounting plate (16) and the finger (14) together as a unit from the transfer bar (12) while remaining connected by a bolt (36) at the pivot axis A.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (12, 112) moves workpieces through a press (10) and includes a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about the pulleys (42) and a clamp (46) connecting the belt (43) to a trolley (34, 134) for horizontally moving a pair of trolleys (34, 134) and the arms (24, 124) supported thereby. The clamp (46) is clamped to one reach of the endless belt (43) for moving back and forth along the between the pulleys (42). A biasing device (56) urges a male cam member (52) into driving engagement with a female cam member (54) to connect the belt (43) and the arms (24, 124) and allows the cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of the driving engagement to allow the belt (43) to move without moving the arms (24, 124) in response to the predetermined force resisting movement of the arms (24, 124).

Abstract: A mounting plate (16) for attaching a finger (14) to extend in a cantilevered fashion from a transfer bar (12) in a work piece transfer assembly for a press including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of a work piece forming process. The finger (14) includes a shank (18) and a pair of shank fasteners (16) extend downwardly through the transfer bar (12) to threadedly engage the shank (18) and force the shank (18) against the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12). A pair of columns (22) extend upwardly above the transfer bar (12) to engage the heads (20) of the shank fasteners (16). Each of the columns (22) include a relief portion (32) defining a shoulder engaging the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12) as the relief portion (32) extends into the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12).

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (10) for a press of the type including a reciprocating member and a series of in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece W forming process includes a workpiece engaging jaw (12) having clasps (14) attached thereto for clasping the workpieces W. The jaw (12) is moved on three axis, first by a lateral motion mechanism (16) for moving the jaw (12) in a horizontal direction and laterally relative to the work stations into and out of workpiece W engagement position. Second, by a vertical motion mechanism (22) for moving the jaw (12) in a vertical direction relative to the workstations. Third, in a linear motion mechanism (40) for moving the jaw (12) in a horizontal direction and linearly relative to the work stations.

Abstract: A mounting plate (16) for attaching a finger (14) to extend in a cantilevered fashion from a transfer bar (12) in a work piece transfer assembly for a press including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of a work piece forming process. The finger (14) includes a shank (18) and the mounting plate (16) includes a groove (22) for engaging the sides of the shank (18) to prevent the shank (18) from rotating relative to the mounting plate (16). A shank fastener (24) extends downwardly through the transfer bar (12) and the mounting plate (16) to threadedly engage the shank (18) and sandwich the mounting plate (16) between the shank (18) and the transfer bar (12).The mounting plate (16) is L-shaped with a first leg (32) for being sandwiched between the bottom of the transfer bar (12) and the shank (18) and with a second leg (34) for engaging the side of the transfer bar (12).

Abstract: A transfer assembly for moving work pieces through a press which includes a hollow transfer bar (12) and a motion transmitting mechanism (20) moves the transfer bar (12) inward, outward, and longitudinally for transferring work pieces through the press. A finger (22) is attached to the transfer bar (12) for engaging and transferring work pieces through the press. A proximity sensor (24) is disposed on the finger (22) for sensing the presence of a work piece. In order to establish electrical connection with the sensor (24), an electrical lead is disposed within the hollow transfer bar (12) for connection to the sensor (24). An inline connector (30) electrically interconnects sections (26 and 28) of the electrical lead within the hollow transfer bar (12) to allow the sections (26 and 28) to be removed from the hollow transfer bar (12) and disconnected for movement independently from one another.

Abstract: A device for releasably mounting a transfer bar (12) to the distal end (14) of a horizontal link (16) of a transfer press (18) includes a clamping mechanism (10) mounted to the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16) for providing a pocket that supports the transfer bar (12). The clamping mechanism (10) includes a bore (20) for receiving the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16) and a locking means for preventing relative movement between the clamping mechanism (10) and the horizontal link (16). The locking means comprises a key (22) for preventing rotation of the clamping mechanism (10) about the horizontal link (16). The clamping mechanism (10) defines a clamp which includes a threaded fastener (24) for tightening the clamp and locking the clamping mechanism (10) onto the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16).

Abstract: A method of blanking workparts includes advancing the strip 26, 126 in a zig-zag fashion to a stationary blanking station 14, 114 disposed along axis A from which successive workparts are blanked from the strip 26, 126 and transferred along the axis A to successive forming stations 16, 18, 20, 22 by a transfer mechanism 28.

Abstract: A clutch for mechanically and electrically disconnecting the servo drive of a reciprocable transfer mechanism comprises a housing having bores for the acceptance of a reciprocable piston and a transfer bar, respectively, said piston having a roller and said transfer bar having a groove for the acceptance thereof, and resilient means normally biasing the roller on said piston into the groove on said transfer bar whereby movement of said housing normally effects like movement of said transfer bar, movement of said roller out of the groove in said transfer bar effecting simultaneous mechanical disconnect of said servo drive and opening of a switch to effect electrical disconnect of said servo drive.