Abstract: The invention comprises a bridge press, a method of assembling a bridge press, and a method of forming a work piece using a bridge press. In one aspect of the invention, a bridge press includes a first plurality of horizontal beams, a plurality of vertical support structures disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams, and a second plurality of horizontal beams disposed outwardly from and supported by the plurality of vertical support structures. The invention further comprises a press bed disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the first plurality of horizontal beams, a crown disposed outwardly from the second plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the second plurality of horizontal beams, and a slide disposed between the press bed and the crown, the slide coupled to the crown and operable to move vertically relative to the bed.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for supporting one or more dies used in a transfer press. In one aspect of the invention, the press die support structure comprises a gull wing shaped press bed comprising a top portion including two opposing wing portions, at least a part of each wing portion being supportable by one of a pair of approximately parallel horizontal beams, the top portion operable to support at least one press die, and a bottom portion having a center portion disposed between the wing portions.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).