Abstract: A method of making a bimetal electrode for spark plugs on a single progressive header starts with a cylindrical bimetal blank having a diameter substantially equal to that of the finished electrode, with a core of high temperature-resistant metal and an outer layer of highly thermally conductive material, with the outer layer comprising substantially one-third of the material of the blank. In progressive operations, the blank is coned and then headed to a diameter so that the core at the headed portion has a diameter greater than that of the blank. A shearing operation then shears the outer portion of the headed portion and the thermally conductive material away to leave an end for the firing tip having a diameter equal to that of the rest of the blank but consisting essentially of the temperature-resistant core material.

Abstract: A method of producing bimetal electrodes is disclosed in which a core of one metal is positioned within a cup of another metal so that the core is recessed back from the open end of the cup. In two embodiments, where the core is fully encapsulated, the open end of the cup is initially bottled or bent inward and subsequently the assembly is pressed through an extrusion die with a tool having a nose with an area substantially equal to the area of the core. In one such embodiment, a weld lug is produced by said tool during the extrusion. Such tool completes the closing of the open end of the cup to fully encapsulate the core and applies the principal extrusion force through the closed end to the core and from the core to the forward end or originally closed end of the cup. Subsequently, the extruded part is trimmed and additionally worked as required. In another embodiment, similar tooling is provided to produce an electrode in which the core is not fully encapsulated.

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.