Abstract: A staging assembly for a shell press assembly sheet feeder assembly is provided. The shell press assembly includes an infeed and the sheet feeder assembly. The sheet feeder assembly includes a feeder actuator. The feeder actuator has a first path and a second path. The staging assembly includes a staging assembly frame assembly. The staging assembly frame assembly defines a first sheet bay and a second sheet bay. The first sheet bay is structured to temporarily support a first number of material sheets. The second sheet bay structured to temporarily support a second number of material sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel and a chuck wall is provided. The apparatus and method employ the use of a biasing member to selectively bias and control movement of the inner pressure sleeve and a die core having an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the punch core. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel connected to a chuckwall with a z-fold located between the central panel and the chuckwall is provided. The apparatus and method of the invention is characterized by forming the z-fold in a downstroke of the press and supporting the z-fold in an upstroke of the press. The apparatus and method take place in a triple action die contained within a shell press. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.