Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, and a central guide aperture. A guide pin with a cylindrically shaped body portion is closely received in the central aperture of the base. A first end of the guide pin has an enlarged head to positively limit travel between the die shoe and die pad, and an opposite second end with a generally flat terminal shoulder configured for close reception in a blind hole in the die pad. The shoulder has a fastener aperture extending perpendicularly therethrough at a location spaced radially offset from the central axis of the guide pin.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A two-piece guide pin for metal forming dies includes a guide pin body formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having a cylindrical shape and a hard and smooth finished exterior surface with an outside diameter selected for close reception and reciprocal motion in an associated die bore. An alignment member is formed on a first end of the guide pin body. A guide pin head is formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having an outside diameter that is substantially greater than that of the guide pin body, and is rigidly connected with the second end of the guide pin body in a generally concentric relationship to define an enlarged head that positively limits travel between an associated die shoe and die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, a connector portion and a central aperture. A guide pin has a cylindrical center portion closely received in the central aperture of the base for reciprocation, an enlarged first end with an alignment member, and an outwardly opening circumferential groove. A retainer ring is removably mounted in and protrudes radially outwardly of the groove to securely, yet detachably, retain the base on the guide pin between the enlarged head and the retainer ring in an assembled condition to facilitate transport and mounting of the guided keeper assembly.

Abstract: A modular spring retainer and method for metal forming dies includes a base shaped for detachable connection with an associated die plate, having a threaded central aperture, and an adjacent lock dowel aperture which extends through the threaded central aperture to form a window. A cylindrically-shaped spring retainer is configured to receive a spring therein, and has a threaded exterior portion which engages the threaded central aperture of the base, such that mutual rotation of the same adjusts the longitudinal position of the spring. A locking dowel is closely received in the lock dowel aperture in the base, and has an unthreaded exterior surface which protrudes through the window and abuttingly engages an adjacent portion of the threaded exterior surface of the spring retainer to securely, yet detachably, retain the spring member in a selected longitudinal position.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A self-contained stock lifter is particularly adapted for use in multiple station, progressive metal forming dies and the like, and includes a base plate with two vertical through holes adjacent opposite sides, and a vertical spring unit aperture located between the through holes. The stock lifter also includes a lifter bar having two vertical through holes in vertical registry with the base plate through holes. Two rigid guide shafts are mounted in the base plate through holes to permit the lifter bar to reciprocate in a manner which selectively lifts stock in the die to permit longitudinal shifting of the stock along the multiple die stations. A spring unit has a base retained in the spring unit aperture, and a reciprocating rod biased outwardly, with a free end abutting a central portion of the lifter bar to shift the lifter bar to an extended position, thereby defining a fully self-contained unit that can be readily mounted in and removed from the die to reduce manufacturing and repair costs.

Abstract: A self-contained stock lifter is particularly adapted for use in multiple station, progressive metal forming dies and the like, and includes a base plate with two vertical through holes adjacent opposite sides, and a vertical spring unit aperture located between the through holes. The stock lifter also includes a lifter bar having two vertical through holes in vertical registry with the base plate through holes. Two rigid guide shafts are mounted in the base plate through holes to permit the lifter bar to reciprocate in a manner which selectively lifts stock in the die to permit longitudinal shifting of the stock along the multiple die stations. A spring unit has a base retained in the spring unit aperture, and a reciprocating rod biased outwardly, with a free end abutting a central portion of the lifter bar to shift the lifter bar to an extended position, thereby defining a fully self-contained unit that can be readily mounted in and removed from the die to reduce manufacturing and repair costs.

Abstract: A self-contained stock lifter is particularly adapted for use in multiple station, progressive metal forming dies and the like, and includes a base plate with two vertical through holes adjacent opposite sides, and a vertical spring unit aperture located between the through holes. The stock lifter also includes a lifter bar having two vertical through holes in vertical registry with the base plate through holes. Two rigid guide shafts are mounted in the base plate through holes to permit the lifter bar to reciprocate in a manner which selectively lifts stock in the die to permit longitudinal shifting of the stock along the multiple die stations. A spring unit has a base retained in the spring unit aperture, and a reciprocating rod biased outwardly, with a free end abutting a central portion of the lifter bar to shift the lifter bar to an extended position, thereby defining a fully self-contained unit that can be readily mounted in and removed from the die to reduce manufacturing and repair costs.