Abstract: A preloaded spring assembly is disclosed having a compression coil spring received interior of a housing. The housing is made of opposed cup-shaped housing members having open ends with one of the cup-shaped members having a smaller diameter and having its open end projecting into the open end of the second housing member. The respective open ends are configured to provide a lock abutment preventing separation of the housing members beyond a certain dimension whereby the spring positioned interior of the housing members having its opposite ends in contact with the bottoms of the respective cup-shaped housing members is provided with a compressive preload. Also, disclosed is a method of manufacturing the preloaded spring assembly which configures the open ends to provide a mechanical interlock during assembly such that the spring is preloaded at the time of assembly.

Abstract: A turret punch machine is disclosed having upper and lower turrets each equipped to carry a plurality of tools. The turrets carry a plurality of modules projecting from a central turret section in spoke-like fashion. The modules on the upper turret are each adapted to carry one or more punching tool assemblies and the modules on the lower turret are each adapted to carry one or more die tools. The modules are attached to and rotate with the turret by interfitting connections adjacent the modules' inner peripheries, the modules being easily detachable from the turrets to allow quick tool and/or module change.

Abstract: A punching device includes a fixed frame adapted to support punch means in alignment with a ram. An assembly of the punch, a guide and stripping sleeve and a stripping spring is removable as a unit and such assembly includes means by which such assembly is retained together, especially during handling away from the frame of the punching device. To this end, the punch has a radial opening, such as a circumferential groove, in which there is disposed a friction member, such as of plastic, which has an interference fit with the interior of the stripping sleeve.

Abstract: Tooling for use in a punching device, the tooling being a punch and stripping guide assembly, comprises a stripper sleeve guiding a punch having a threaded end encircled by a stripping spring which is preloaded by a threaded punch head secured thereto, the threaded end and the threaded head having hexagonal axial openings in which a locking rod of corresponding cross-section is disposed.

Abstract: A Punch and Stripper Assembly for use in a punch press includes a punch with a shoulder at an intermediate portion thereof, a head threaded onto an end of the punch for being engaged by the ram of the press, a compression spring engaging the head, a washer engaging the opposite end of the spring, a retainer acting between the punch shoulder and the washer, and a stripper sleeve for acting between the workpiece and the retainer, whereby the position of the head on the punch provides a preload to maximize spring life, as well as to control the effective height of the assembly with respect to the ram. With this assembly, no special tooling is needed to assemble it. The retainer can be inverted to alter the retractive position of the punch shoulder. .Iadd.