Abstract: An assembly tool apparatus includes a manipulator having a range of motion defined by a plane and an axis that is substantially normal to the plane, a jig having an assembly surface operative to move from a first orientation relative to the axis to a second orientation relative to the axis, a first tool tip operative to engage with and be positioned by the manipulator, and a second tool tip operative to engage with and be positioned by the manipulator.

Abstract: A system for distortional clamping of a flexible member may include a dimensional reader and a positioning fixture. The dimensional reader may have a plurality of reader pogos that may be axially movable into contacting relation with a detail to measure a detail contour. The positioning fixture may have a plurality of positioning pogos and at least one clamping finger configured to mechanically clamp a flexible member between the positioning pogos and the clamping finger. The positioning pogos may be axially movable to deflect the flexible member into a contour that may be complementary to the detail contour.

Abstract: A drill bit 1 has a drill head 3 and a shank 4. The shank 4 has a body 20, an add-on part 40 and an internal channel 50. The drill head 3 is attached to the body 20. The add-on part 40 is attached to a lateral surface 21 of the body 20 and arranged completely within a cylindrical envelope 29 that circumscribes the body 20. The internal channel is configured within the add-on part and/or between the add-on part 40 and the lateral surface 21.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tool and method for removing sweeper bristles from a railway track broom are disclosed. An exemplary tool may include a tube member for insertion into a sweeper bristle gripped onto a nipple element, wherein two or more slits split a front portion of the tube member into flexible prongs each having outward-facing gripping elements near its tip. A plunger element, located inside the tube member, can be propelled forward into a front end of the tube member to cause the flexible prongs to substantially expand at least part of the front portion of the tube member, thereby loosening the sweeper bristle's grip on the nipple element. A hydraulic assembly coupling the plunger element to a hydraulic pressure source is controlled by a trigger mechanism to supply hydraulic pressure to propel the plunger element.

Abstract: An engine valve spring compression tool to assist in removing and replacing valve stem seals without removing a cylinder head from the engine. The tool having exhaust and intake valve connecting stems that provide fulcrum points, a compression bushing assembly to compress the valve spring, and a hook assembly to lock the tool in compression to allow the ancillary work to be completed.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a thin-walled structure includes providing a thin-walled structure in a first unconstrained configuration, constraining the thin-walled structure to a first constrained configuration in which a first feature of the thin-walled structure is spatially located relative to the a second feature of the thin-walled structure in a predetermined manner, wherein an open volume of the thin-walled structure is constrained to maintain a predetermined open volume shape, and machining the thin-walled structure to a second constrained configuration in which the first feature of the thin-walled structure remains spatially located relative to the second feature of the thin-walled structure in the predetermined manner.

Abstract: A laser-assisted machining device includes a spindle, a beam splitting module and a cutting tool. The spindle has a chamber, and multiple exit holes. The beam splitting module is disposed in the spindle and includes a beam splitter for splitting a main laser beam into a plurality of secondary laser beams that are directed into the chamber, and an outer reflecting unit mounted in the chamber for reflecting the secondary laser beams out of the spindle through the exit holes. The cutting tool is fixedly mounted on the spindle, for machining a workpiece, and includes multiple cutting teeth. The secondary laser beams maintain constant irradiation on multiple areas of the workpiece during rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A device for a body's spherical motion control connected with a frame by means of a spherical joint arranged on a shank connecting the body with the frame and through actuating arms with drives, where the shank is sectional and the spherical joint is arranged between the first part of the shank which is firmly fixed to the frame and the second part of the shank which is firmly fixed to the body, whereas the number of parallel arms with drives is redundant. In order to increase the accuracy of both the self-calibration itself and a follow-up positioning of the body in the work area and to achieve a large range of the body's rotating, the number of parallel arms with drives is five at minimum and the length of the first part of the shank connected to the frame is longer than the distance of the body edge from the point of connection of the shank to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jig for processing the inner surface of an aluminum alloy Winston cone baffle having the thickness of a sheet through an ultra-precision machining, the jig having a shape identically corresponding to the outer shape of a Winston cone baffle having a can body shape made up of compound parabolic, and divided into an upper plate jig and a lower plate jig in formation, wherein the upper plate jig is divided in two, a left side jig and a right side jig, which are formed to correspond in shape and size so as to enable isolation or coupling to/from each other, and the inner surface of the Winston cone baffle attached inside the upper plate jig is made to enable ultra-precision machining at the cutting speed of 220 m/min-300 m/min, which enables the inner surface of the Winston cone baffle to process a slickenside having approximately 4 nm of surface roughness, and in particular, ultra-precision machining at surface roughness of Ra=2.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a work piece is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate to support the work piece; at least one clamp body fixed to the base plate, each clamp body having a hole that receives a corresponding screw, wherein the hole passes through the clamp body such that as the clamp screw is inserted through the clamp body an end of a body of the screw moves horizontally towards the work piece supported by the base plate at a downward angle; fastener fixing the at least one clamp body to the base plate; and the at least one corresponding screw, each screw having a hollow point tip where outer and inner lateral surfaces of the hollow point tip join to define a sharp circular edge at an end of a body of the screw.

Abstract: An aero-contouring apparatus is provided. The aero-contouring apparatus has a housing assembly and a motor assembly disposed therein. The motor assembly has a motor unit and a drive unit. The aero-contouring apparatus further has an engagement force/tilt limiting member coupled to the housing assembly, which has a central opening and a bottom end configured to contact a surface to be aero-contoured of an aerodynamically functional coating applied to a structure. The aero-contouring apparatus further has an abrading unit coupled to the drive unit and inserted through the central opening in non-contact communication with the engagement force/tilt limiting member. The abrading unit is driven by the drive unit in a random orbit motion on the surface. The engagement force/tilt limiting member mechanically limits both an engagement force and any tilting motion of the abrading unit with respect to the surface.

Abstract: Composite materials for use with a drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations. The composite material comprises a first pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent and a second pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent. The second pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent is a carbide which comprises at least 0.5 weight % of a binder and at least about 1% porosity. The composite material further comprises an infiltrant.

Abstract: A tooling fixture that provides a self-centering vise to hold a work piece is described. The design provides a means to allow a centering adjustment of the clamping surfaces that is integrated into the central support structure for the threaded spindle.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises holder (20) with a seating face on which a container such as a cupshaped article (1) stands. Air is supplied through channels and air pressure is balanced so as to hold the article (1) against the face. The profile of the apparatus guides a base feature, or “stand” of the article (1) into the holder (20) and onto the seating face (23), and contacts the article (1) radially outside the seating face (23). The apparatus also has a concentric outer sleeve (25) to provide the additional radial contact and resist lateral movement of the article (1) while maintaining concentricity.

Abstract: A device for the temporary position fixing of adjacently arranged aircraft structures to be interconnected includes a support frame with at least one vacuum suction cup for temporary surface attachment and with clamping means for the position fixing of the aircraft structures to be interconnected. The support frame with the at least one vacuum suction cup in the region of a transverse gap is attached on the side of one aircraft structure. The support frame includes mechanical contact pressure means for the gap-bridging position fixing of the adjacent other aircraft structure. On the support frame there is a counter support to pressure elements of the contact pressure means.

Abstract: A multi-mode one-way wrench includes a handle, a toothed wheel, two pawls and a switch. The handle is formed with a head and two grooves. The toothed wheel is rotationally placed in the head and formed with teeth. The first pawl is movably placed in the first groove for engagement with the toothed wheel. The second pawl is movably placed in the second groove for engagement with the toothed wheel when the first pawl is disengaged from the first pawl. The switch is operable for moving the second pawl between a first mode for engagement with the toothed wheel and a second mode kept from engagement with the toothed wheel. The first groove is biased from the second groove by an angle of 360°×(M+½)÷N, wherein N is an integer that represents the number of the teeth and M is any proper integer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools or devices which are commonly used for extracting or removing damaged or broken male threaded pipe fittings from their female threaded fitting counterparts. Said damaged male pipe fittings are often removed or extracted as a cost savings measure, in order to salvage the female fitting portion. This avoids the necessity and cost of discarding and replacing both the damaged or broken male fitting, as well as the undamaged female fitting or fittings. This salvage process is especially cost effective in cases where the broken or damaged male pipe fitting in question, is part of a larger, more expensive plumbing assembly or system.

Abstract: An impact wrench, includes a housing including a handle. A rotating anvil is supported by the housing and includes a polygonal head adapted for receiving a socket thereon. A socket retention device is mounted to the polygonal head of the rotating anvil for securing a socket to the polygonal head. A socket release mechanism includes an actuator mounted to the housing and operable to disengage the socket retention device from the socket to allow the socket to be removed from the anvil.

Abstract: A quick rotatable wrench includes a first bar including a first position limit portion and a rotary connector, a second bar including a second position limit portion having a shape complementary to the first position limit portion and a recessed accommodation chamber, and a position limit device to secure the rotary connector to the inside of the recessed accommodation chamber in such a manner that the first bar is movable relative to the second bar between an engaged position where the first and second position limit portions are engaged together to secure the first bar and the second bar together and a released position where the first and second position limit portions are disengaged from each other and the rotary connector is rotatable in the recessed accommodation chamber for allowing relative rotation between the first bar and the second bar.

Abstract: Provided is a power tool which is capable of more reliably detecting excessive reaction torque acting on a tool body. More specifically, provided is a handheld power tool which causes a tip tool to rotate so as to carry out a predetermined machining operation, the handheld power tool comprising a tool body, a motor which is housed in the tool body and causes the tip tool to rotate, a first sensor which detects the torque state of the tip tool, a second sensor which detects the motion state of the tool body, and a torque cut-off mechanism which cuts off the transmission of torque between the motor and the tip tool. The torque cut-off mechanism is configured to cut off the transmission of torque on the condition that the first sensor and the second sensor respectively detect a preset threshold value for the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: One embodiment of a modular combination press and puller tool consisting of a tool body (4) comprising a tubular element open at both ends and with a plurality of elongated fins radially displaced on the outer surface of the tubular element, with the long axis of the fins parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element, the fins having a plurality of apertures, and one end of the tubular element at least partially threaded (16) on the internal diameter.

Abstract: A lifting and transporting device for lifting a load and transporting the same transversely to the lifting direction includes a frame (2) which for picking up and lifting a load (15) extends around a load space (13) of specified size and a holder (3) for holding the load (15). The holder (3) is movable in lifting direction (9) relative to the frame (2), and includes a hoist (4) which is attached to the frame (2) transversely to the lifting direction (9) beside the load space (13), and includes a portion (25) extending on the load space side thereof, to which the holder (3) is attached, and which is equipped for lifting and lowering the holder (3) with the load (15) attached thereto.

Abstract: A storage compartment sleeve structure in a tool shank comprising: an operation unit with a pin; a tool shank linking the operation unit and developing at least a tool compartment; a tool shank sleeve enveloping the tool shank and developing a positioning through hole securely penetrated by the pin. As such, the storage compartment sleeve structure in a tool shank is easily and fast opened or closed for removal or accommodation of spare parts and provides a tool shank with flexible lengths based on operation states for adjustable and selectable torque.

Abstract: An adjustable holder assembly for removably holding, articulating, and rotating painting tools may include a handle assembly. An articulating arm may be pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the handle assembly and may be configured to allow both the articulating arm and a tool handle housing to be simultaneously angularly adjusted from a longitudinal axis of the holder assembly to any position from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The tool handle housing may be configured to removably secure a handle of a painting tool at least partially therein. The tool handle housing may be removably coupled to the articulating arm such that the tool handle housing can be rotationally adjusted around a longitudinal axis of the holder assembly to any position from 0 degrees to 90 degrees; and a receiver end defining a channel.

Abstract: A socket rail tray receives socket rails therein in releasable locking engagement. A slide-click-lock function is provided to lock the rail to the tray, and depressing a release button allows the rail to be removed from the tray. Both ends of the rail as well as a central portion thereof are secured by the tray.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Abstract: Described is a system for controlling motion and constraint forces in a robotic system, the system infers constraints, at each time step, from a sensed state of robot/environment interactions. The inferred constraints are appended to known internal robot constraints to generate constrained dynamics. Properties associated with the constrained dynamics are determined provided to a controller. Inequality conditions associated with maintaining desired robot/environment interactions are also determined. A set of equality conditions based on the inequality conditions are then specified. The set of equality conditions are aggregated with any internal robot constraints to generate aggregated conditions that are provided to the controller. Joint torque commands are then generated for the robot based on the aggregated conditions and a specified task and null space motion command. Finally, the robot is actuated based on the joint torque commands.

Abstract: An end effector base and a finger unit are formed as separate members, and are disposed with a space therebetween. A force sensor is fixed to a finger base of the finger unit, and is disposed with a space between it and the end effector base. Three supporting members are supported by the end effector base, and are configured to be able to be moved by the driving of a driving unit to a position where they support the force sensor and a position where they are separated from the force sensor and support the finger unit.

Abstract: A kinematic holding system for a placement head of a placement apparatus comprises a placement head alignment device which comprises at least one length-variable holding member arranged at a distance from a joint between a placement head support and the placement head. This holding member determines the pivoting position of the placement head relative to the placement head support. The length of the holding member is changeable during the placement operation depending on a deformation of the placement head guide device caused by the pressing force of the placement head against the substrate in such a way that an axis error (tilt) of the placement head caused by the deformation of the placement head guide device is compensated.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an articulating probe comprises an elongate probe constructed and arranged to articulate in at least one predetermined degree of motion and to transition from a flexible state to a rigid state, and a force transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to apply a force to the probe. The force is selected from the group consisting of a force that causes probe to articulate in the at least one predetermined degree of motion and a force that causes the probe to transition from the flexible state to the rigid state. The base structure is attached to portion of the force transfer mechanism and the elongate probe; the base structure comprising one or more stabilizing elements constructed and arranged to resist undesired movement of the probe caused by force from the force transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A multiple joint robot includes a movable body, a motor for generating power to actuate the movable body, a motor housing for accommodating the motor, and a cooling structure for dissipating heat generated from the motor. The cooling structure includes a heat conductor in the motor housing, and the heat conductor forms a heat conductive path for transmitting heat from the motor to the motor housing. The heat conductor has a first surface in contact with a heat generating surface of the motor and a second surface in contact with an inner surface of the motor housing. A position of the heat conductor can be adjusted to form the heat conductive path by sliding the first surface and/or the second surface along the opposed heat generating surface or inner surface. The heat conductor includes a metal plate.

Abstract: A folding knife has a handle portion and a safety liner with a spring biased portion that slides laterally lodging the end of the spring biased portion under the tang of the knife blade to hold the blade in a safe open position. An adjustment screw has an extended ball surface disposed in a sleeve extending through and attached to one side of the handle and the safety liner. A rotational safety has a safe on detent and a safe off detent for receiving the ball is disposed between the safety liner and the tang of the blade. The blade is secured in the open position by rotating the rotational safety to a safe on position, lodging a safety engagement end under an edge of the spring safety portion of the safety liner and lodging the ball surface into the safe on detent. The adjustment screw is adjusted by to maintain the safety of the knife over time.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pen cutters. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pen cutter apparatus with an auto-retractable blade. Embodiments of the pen cutter apparatus are further comprised of a tether-hole and a blade slider button.

Abstract: A solar knife that is used as a cutting or chopping tool that includes handle scales that have reflective shallow parabolic outside surfaces that can be used to ignite combustible materials using solar energy. The solar knife has a tinder holder blue print machined into its surface and also has an angled tinder holder mounting hole. Using the tinder holder blue print on the invention and the cutting edge of the solar knife, the user can fashion a precision tinder holder in the field using a tree branch or twig. The fashioned tinder holder is then inserted into the tinder holder mounting hole which allows the tinder to be held firmly at the exact focus of the parabolic outside surface of the handle scales where it is ignited using only energy supplied by the sun. The solar knife also includes sacrificial anodes to minimize metal oxidation.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver with an outer cutter having a circular shaving top surface with numerous hair introduction openings and an inner cutter having a small cutter slidably rotating in contact with a bottom surface of the outer cutter. The rotary electric shaver includes an outer cutter set wherein the outer cutter is assembled in an outer cutter holding unit and an inner cutter set wherein the inner cutter is assembled in an inner cutter holding unit. The outer cutter set and the inner cutter set are respectively provided with a positioning convex portion on one and a positioning concave portion on the other. The positioning convex portion can fit in the positioning concave portion such that the outer cutter set can be assembled with the inner cutter set only in a case where the outer cutter set and the inner cutter set are in a predetermined assembly position.

Abstract: Razor blade unit for shaving a skin comprising a stretcher, a rear support and at least one blade (11) allocated in between the stretcher (9) and the rear support (10). The blade (11) is movable with respect to an exposure plane (14) from a rest position to a working position. The exposure plane (14) is defined as a tangential plane from the stretch surface to the support surface. An adjusting mechanism (15) is provided to adjust the movable blade from the rest position to the working position during a sliding movement of the razor blade unit over the skin in the shaving direction.

Abstract: A power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandible and contractible to receive the blade. The split blade housing member and blade engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize friction and blade heating when the knife operates. The bearing locations are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis so that the blade position is stabilized during operation of the knifes.

Abstract: A cutter for printed substrates includes a supporting plane adapted to receive a substrate on which images separated by mutually perpendicular edges are printed, and a plurality of cutting units suitable for cutting the printed substrate along the edges. Each cutting unit has a pair of parallel blades spaced apart at a distance corresponding to a width of the edges, a backing plane arranged underneath the supporting plane of the cutter, and a connecting arm which extends from a frame of the cutting unit to the backing plane. The connecting arm is parallel to the blades and is arranged between them and a through opening is formed in a portion of the backing plane under the connecting arm.

Abstract: A cutter includes a cutting part including a movable blade and a fixed blade, the movable blade being configured to be moved by a drive mechanism; an operation part configured to cause an edge of the movable blade to move in an arc by causing the drive mechanism to be driven; and a blade pressure generation part configured to cause a blade pressure to be generated between the movable blade and the fixed blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for severing elastic in an advancing elastic laminate. A continuous elastic laminate may be formed by bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer. As discussed in more detail below, the continuous elastic laminate may advance through a cutting apparatus that intermittently deactivates or severs the elastic strands of the elastic laminate along the machine direction.

Abstract: A cutting plotter includes a conveying mechanism, a guide shaft, a cutting head, a cutter moving mechanism, and a slidable contact. The conveying mechanism is configured to convey a sheet-like object in a first direction and includes one roller shaft and a driving roller. The roller shaft includes two rollers located at different positions. The conveying mechanism is configured to convey the object held between the rollers and the driving roller. The cutting head is slidably supported by the guide shaft and configured to be mounted with a cutter. The slidable contact is located in the cutting head and contacts the roller shaft between the rollers of the roller shaft so as to be slidable, maintaining a position of the cutting head. The slidable contact has a U-shaped cross section, and the roller shaft is disposed at an open side of the U-shape.

Abstract: A device for cutting to size and handling a substantially planar blank from a planar CFRP semi-finished product positioned on a cutting table by a cutting means, it being possible for the separated blank to be drawn up by suction and at least raised by a vacuum effector, characterized in that at least one blank electrode can be brought into contact with the blank and at least one peripheral electrode can be brought into contact with a peripheral portion separated from the CFRP semi-finished product and the at least two electrodes are connected to a voltage source and to a measuring means, the measuring means being able to detect a complete separation of the blank from the CFRP semi-finished product.

Abstract: To provide a chain tension adjustment device for a chain saw. When a first mechanism is rotated around an axis, a bevel gear of a second mechanism is engaged with a bevel gear of the first mechanism and rotated, and a bevel gear of a third mechanism is engaged with the other bevel gear of the second mechanism, so that a shaft portion is rotated. A plate portion integrated with a nut portion of a fourth mechanism screwed on a screw formed on the shaft portion moves in an axial direction, and a guide bar engaged with an engagement portion of the plate portion via an engagement hole moves in a longitudinal direction, to adjust tension of the chain saw by adjusting the movement amount. Thus, fine adjustment can be performed while reducing an operating force, and reducing the weight and the cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus for the metered addition of an additive to a pumpable mixture, in particular a pumpable hydraulically setting mixture, in particular a liquid shotcrete composition, wherein the mixing apparatus includes a delivery line for delivering the mixture through the mixing apparatus, and a metering device communicating with the deliver line for introducing the additive into the mixture is provided, wherein the mixing apparatus is including in that the metering device has a device for dispersing the additive in a carrier method such that the additive can be introduced into the mixture in a state in which the additive is finely distributed in the carrier medium.

Abstract: A table cutting machine includes a table for carrying an object to be cut; a cutting device, associated with the table, for cutting the object to be cut; a water tank for providing a cooling water to the cutting device; and a water level indicating device for indirectly indicating a water level of the cooling water from a top of the table or a side of the water tank. The device thus enables the user to observe the water level from the top of the table or the side of the water tank of the table cutting machine without removing the table during the observation.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus of a foam injection mold that includes an upper mold that is disposed on an upper side as a movable mold to inject a core and a vacuum forming mold to form a skin. The upper mold and the vacuum forming mold are operated integrally and a lower mold is used during injection-molding and foaming of the core. A resilient sealing unit is integrally formed with the core when the core is injection-molded between the upper mold and the lower mold, to attach the core and the skin while the lower mold in which the core is formed and the vacuum forming mold in which the skin is formed are combined using a resilient restoring force. The resilient sealing unit seals a foaming space between the core and the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding an article. The apparatus includes a mold and a mold plate slidable between a first position and a second position within the mold. In the first position the mold plate creates an undercut feature in a molded article in the second position the molded article with the undercut feature may be easily removed from the mold without damaging the mold or the article.

Abstract: A multi-component composite block includes a pair of opposed and parallel masonry face panels amalgamated with transverse non-masonry truss-webs or a truss-module including a plurality of joined non-masonry truss-webs. Truss-webs and/or truss-module are delivered within the mold assembly and aligned, retained, and held fast in place by mold apparatuses. Portions of truss-web and/or truss-module unite together with mold apparatuses to shape partitioned residual cavity spaces for the addition of concrete block forming material to form face panels. The truss-web members and/or truss-module have configured elements that integrate with the concrete mass of the face shells providing a permanent amalgamated bond. The assembled multi-component composite block is rigidly stable, durable, structural, lightweight, and thermally efficient.

Abstract: A method of preparing an article includes compressing a polymeric material to form a body and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) the body in an inert atmosphere at a pressure of at least 3 ksi without an encapsulant. The body may optionally be sintered prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The body may have a porosity of not greater than 8% prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The polymer material may be a non-melt processible polymer.

Abstract: A method of molding composite plastic sheet material to form a compression molded, deep-drawn article is provided. The method includes placing a heated blank of moldable, composite plastic sheet material over a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the die so that the heated blank has a predetermined position and orientation over the cavity. Then an inner portion of the heated blank is forced into the cavity along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the die to obtain deep-drawn material. Outer peripheral portions of the heated blank adjacent the cavity are controllably held with corresponding predetermined holding forces based on the size and shape of the article to resist movement of the outer peripheral portions towards the cavity during the step of forcing wherein the deep-drawn material controllably stretches during the step of forcing without wrinkling, tearing or ripping.