Abstract: A single-cylinder hydraulic press has a ram member spaced apart from a lower head die, and a work area being defined therebetween. The cylinder and the piston rod enable reciprocating movement of the ram member relative to the lower head die. A linkage mechanism enables cooperative engagement between the piston rod and the ram member. The linkage mechanism provides rolling contact with the ram member along four distinct linear locations. The linkage mechanism includes four pivot brackets, enabling pivotal rotation of the bell cranks relative thereto, and two lever pins retaining the bell cranks with the piston rod. Sandwiched between the bell cranks are two cam followers, which are driven upwardly and downwardly by the piston rod, the bell cranks each including a pair of rollers which engage with the ram member and provide "four point" contact therewith.

Abstract: A single-cylinder pneumatic press has a ram member spaced apart from lower head die, and a work area being defined therebetween. The cylinder and the piston rod enable reciprocating movement of the ram member relative to the lower head die. A return spring biases the ram member away from the surface. A linkage mechanism enables cooperative engagement between the piston rod and the ram member. The linkage mechanism provides rolling contact with the ram member along four distinct linear locations. The linkage mechanism includes four pivot brackets, enabling pivotal rotation of the bell cranks relative thereto, and a lever pin pivotably connecting the bell cranks together. Sandwiched between the bell cranks are two cam followers, which are driven upwardly and downwardly by the piston rod, the bell cranks each including a pair of rollers which engage with the ram member and provide "four point" contact therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is disclosed for introducing a curvature or sweep into a preferably previously-formed elongated article. The elongated article is substantially constrained, both laterally and transversely, as it moves longitudinally through the sweep-forming apparatus and is permanently deformed in a transverse direction in order to introduce the sweep or curvature therein.