Abstract: A kickout pin support system for forging machines or the like is disclosed in which a plurality of support members are provided to support the kickout pin at intermediate locations along its length so that the pin is not damaged by the loads applied thereto. The support members are movable to predetermined, spaced support positions by air pressure, and in such positions engage associated stop surfaces along the length of the passage in which they move. With the invention, proper support can be provided for a knockout pin of substantially any length by providing an appropriate number of support members spaced along the length of the knockout pin when the pin is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A bar end dropper for forging machines or the like is disclosed which automatically operates to reject blanks cut from the end of the piece of stock which are of unsatisfactory length and to adjust the feed when necessary to ensure that the ends of pieces of stock being fed into the machine are a sufficient distance from the shear plane of the cutter to ensure a clean cutting operation. As sequential pieces of stock are fed to the machine, they are positioned in the measuring position and the measuring carriage moves in to position a sensor a distance from the shear plane determined by the length of the stock. This automatically positions the sensor.

Abstract: A trim die system for trimming bolt heads or the like is disclosed in which a trim die is formed with a polygonal opening extending therethrough and providing cutting edges at the forward end thereof. The cutting edges are formed in the shallow recess in the forward end of the die, and are spaced back from a land which engages the tool to prevent contact between the cutting edges and the tool when operating without blanks. The land protects the cutting edges against damage and the structure provides increased die life. The tool is mounted for limited sliding movement and is biased toward an extended position. When the die first engages a blank supported by the tool, the tool moves back against the biasing force to reduce the initial impact on the cutting edges of the tool.

Abstract: A multiple blow, two die metal forming machine having a drive system which is capable, without alteration, of conversion in operational mode between two blows at the first die, one blow at the second die and one blow at the first die, two blows at the second die. The various workpiece transferring elements and ejecting members are activated by the drive system in respective fixed cycles which are compatible with operation in both operational modes. Operations at the second die station are out of phase with those of the first die station by one stroke thereby allowing the transfer of workpieces between the first and second dies to occur over a relatively long period for a reduction of transfer speed and an increase in transfer reliability.

Abstract: An improved knockout mechanism for forging machines or formers is disclosed in which the position of the knockout pin during the working operation of the machine is adjustably located by a tube nut threaded into the machine frame. In one embodiment, the tube nut is releasably locked in the adjusted position by a plate threaded onto the tube nut having a fulcrum on one side of the tube nut and a jackscrew on the other side at a location spaced from the tube nut greater than the spacing between the fulcrum and the tube nut so that a forced multiplication lever action is provided and secure locking is achieved without excessive jacking forces. In another embodiment, locking is provided by a lock nut threaded on the tube nut and connected to a fulcrum plate by a trunnion. A carriage is provided on the machine frame which supports means to operate the jacking screw and adjust the tube nut from locations accessible to the operator.

Abstract: A wedge system is disclosed for adjustably positioning tools in a forging press or the like. The system includes a wedge positioned between two assemblies and provided with a locking taper. Hydraulic means permit lubricant to be supplied under pressure to the surface of the wedge so that the wedge is released and can float laterally when large loads are applied to the system, as for example during a tooling jam. Means are provided to prevent substantial separation between the interfaces of the wedge and the remainder of the system when hydraulic fluid is applied to prevent seal extrusion or blowout. The seals are arranged to prevent blowout or extrusion when the associated faces are separated a substantial amount. Further, a hydraulic actuator is provided to take up the load on the mechanical adjusting screws prior to release of the jam and to control the movement of the wedge once it is released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of cold forming is disclosed for improving die life. During a first phase a workpiece is initially engaged between a pair of dies with a sufficiently low force and velocity level to reduce die errosion but with a sufficiently high level to produce limited deformation of the workpiece and provide an area of mating engagement between the workpiece and the tool and die. During a second phase the workpiece is subjected to substantially higher deforming force and velocity levels and is further deformedto the desired shape. Such area of mating engagement is sufficiently large to reduce errosion producing localized pressures on the tool and die during such second phase. The disclosed machine is a ball header with the movable die mounted directly on the machine frame rather than on the reciprocating slide. The position of the movable die is controlled by a cam driven pusher so that the movable die position is independent of the position of the reciprocating slide.

Abstract: A transfer for a forging or forming machine is disclosed in which the transfer assembly is journaled for pivotal rotation about an axis midway between adjacent die stations. The transfer fingers are mounted to extend radially from the pivot axis to gripper portions at the distal end. The structure provides a minimum rotational moment of inertia and dynamic imbalance to permit the transfer to operate at higher speeds. An embodiment is disclosed in which a parallelogram type mechanism connects between adjacent transfer assemblies to permit transfer without turning of the workpiece to one station and transfer with turning of the workpiece at another die station. The transfer drive is arranged on the side of the machine remote from the operator's position to provide better operator access to the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming shouldered tubular rivets is disclosed in which three forming operations are provided, two of which are performed in a single die station. In the first operation, the head end of the blank is squared and the inner end is trapped extruded. In the second operation, both the shoulder and the inner end of the blank are squared. During such second operation, the volume required to form the entire shank is confined within the die and the projecting portion of the blank is headed so that variations in blank volume appear as variations in the head. In the last or third operation, the tubular section is extruded on the inner end of the blank. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed which permits the accurate positioning of a sleeve and an extrusion pin with respect to the die during the second operation to insure proper squaring of the inner end of the blank and the confinement of the exact volume of material required to form the entire shank of the rivet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming shouldered tubular rivets is disclosed in which three forming operations are provided, two of which are performed in a single die station. In the first operation, the head end of the blank is squared and the inner end is trapped extruded. In the second operation, both the shoulder and the inner end of the blank are squared. During such second operation, the volume required to form the entire shank is confined within the die and the projecting portion of the blank is headed so that variations in blank volume appear as variations in the head. In the last or third operation, the tubular section is extruded on the inner end of the blank. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed which permits the accurate positioning of a sleeve and an extrusion pin with respect to the die during the second operation to insure proper squaring of the inner end of the blank and the confinement of the exact volume of material required to form the entire shank of the rivet.

Abstract: A transfer for a forging machine is disclosed which is operable to progressively transfer workpieces laterally between spaced die stations on a die breast of the machine. The transfer mechanism includes first and second assemblies, each including transfer arms which are positioned on either side of the die stations closely adjacent to the plane of the die breast. The transfer arms are mounted for arcuate movement about parallel axes to provide opening and closing. Lengthwise movement of the arms is provided for the transfer of a gripped part and for return of the grippers. Each transfer arm carries workpiece grippers having finger end portions operable to grip workpieces at each die station as the transfer arms are translated toward each other. Guides are provided to cause the finger end portions of the workpiece grippers to follow paths substantially parallel to the plane of the die breast.