Abstract: An automatic press line is disclosed which has a series of presses with a conveyor for transporting a succession of workpieces from one press to the next, and loading/unloading devices mounted one to each end of each press for loading and unloading the workpieces into and from the press line and for the transfer of the workpieces from press to press via the conveyor. Each loading/unloading device has a carriage to be controllably moved up and down on a support frame. The carriage carries a parallelogram linkage comprising a top link mounted to the carriage for up and down motion relative to the same, a pair of side links extending in a vertical plane, and a bottom link to which there is affixed a work carrier having suction cups. Extending between the carriage and one of the side links, a drive lever is swung back and forth to cause the parallelogram linkage to reciprocate the work carrier in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for palletizing panels or the like fabricated by a press which includes an unloading mechanism for unloading panels from a discharging conveyor of the press. The unloading mechanism includes a first carrier slidable horizontally, a second carrier movable up and down relative to the first carrier and a turning arm mounted to the underside of the second carrier and having a plurality of vacuum cups mounted thereto. A pair of latch conveyor mechanisms are provided opposite sides of the unloading mechanism for receiving panels therefrom. Provided below the latch conveyor mechanism is a first pallet which receives pallets from the latch conveyor mechanism or directly from the unloading mechanism. Also provided is a hanger mechanism for receiving panels having openings formed therein from the unloading mechanism.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for use in forging machines including a bolster comprising a pair of substantially parallel transfer bars, each supporting gripper means adapted to grip blanks to be transferred, said transfer bars being supported for operation through a cycle including movements in three dimensions, each dimension of movement being substantially perpendicular to the other two directions of movements. Three separate drives are interconnected so as to move the transfer bars and all can be actuated by a single power source and are arranged to operate without adversely affecting the operation of the other drives. The transfer mechanism, further includes a pair of U-shaped casings mounted at both ends of said transfer bars so as to provide enough space to accommodate said transfer bars as well as loading and unloading devices therein.