Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a compressed lump of metal scrap that is capable of compressing various kinds of collected metal scrap into a standardized form so that the metal scrap can be directly introduced into a blast furnace. A through hole is formed in a compressed lump of metal scrap during manufacture of the compressed lump of metal scrap so that the compressed lump of metal scrap can be efficiently melted and the interior of the compressed lump of metal scrap can be observed.

Abstract: For collecting fine particles from fume generated in the process of thermal cutting or welding of a metal material and solidifying them, a fume disposal system comprises a fume introducing chamber 25 which is connected to a cutting machine body through a suction duct 2 and into which suctioned fume is introduced; a bug filter 24 for separating and collecting fine particles from the fume introduced into the fume introducing chamber 25; a hopper 22 for storing the separated, collected fine particles; a screw conveyor for conveying the fine particles stored in the hopper 22 to a molding chamber; and a pressurizing device 38 for pressurizing the fine particles fed into the molding chamber to reduce the volume thereof.

Abstract: A frame of a metal-forming press having upper and lower traverses interconnected by vertical columns having upper and lower ends is provided with respective sets each of a plurality of identical tension bolts at each end of each of the columns. The traverses are formed at each end of each column with an array of throughgoing holes through each of which a respective one of the bolts extends, and the columns have opposite ends each formed with an identical array of blind threaded bores each in turn aligned with a respective one of the throughgoing holes. Each bolt has an inner end seated in a respective on of the bores of the respective column end and an outer end bearing inwardly on a face of the respective traverse.

Abstract: A lubricant supply device includes a solid lubricant, a supply member contacting and rubbing the solid lubricant and thereby scraping a lubricant off the solid lubricant and supplying the lubricant to a lubricant supplying target, and a pressing mechanism pressing the solid lubricant against the supply member. The pressing mechanism includes a biasing device, and a plurality of pressing members receiving a biasing force of the biasing device and thereby pressing places of the solid lubricant at symmetrical positions with respect to a center of a contact part of the solid lubricant contacting the supply member, respectively.

Abstract: In a wafer dicing press for reducing time and cost for wafer dicing and for evenly applying a dicing pressure to a whole wafer, a wafer dicing press includes a support unit supporting a first side of a wafer; and a pressurization device applying a pressure, by dispersing the pressure, to a second side of the wafer so that a laser-scribed layer of the wafer operates as a division starting point. Accordingly, the wafer dicing press reduces laser radiation and pressure-application times for dividing a wafer into semiconductor devices. This increased efficiency is achieved without increasing the likelihood of damaging the wafer.

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 pressing module for the press-forming and curing of impregnated conductor bars for large electrical machines, such as for example hydro generators, can be distinguished by an improved closing system for applying the pressing pressure, and a pressing apparatus equipped therewith, the handling of which involves significantly reduced work. A pressing module (1) has a pressing vat (2) for applying a horizontal pressing force and a pressing yoke (3) for applying a vertical pressing force. The closing units (6) and (7) for applying the horizontal and vertical pressing forces have a housing (20), which receives, slidingly mounted therein, a pressing piston (21), which is in operative connection with an axially fixed, rotatable threaded bolt (27) in such a way that a turning movement of the threaded bolt (27) brings about an axial movement of the pressing piston (21). An axial bearing (3), supported on a spring assembly (35), provides a flexible mounting of the pressing piston (21).

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: This invention is intended to provide a large-capacity servo press apparatus driven by multiple motors, the servo press apparatus enabling a drive at a high efficiency and with reduced torque pulsations in a simple structure. The disclosed servo press comprises a slide that is moved up and down by a plurality of crank structures (including eccentric rings and connecting rods), main gears that drive the crank structures, a plurality of drive gears interlinked with the main gears directly or indirectly, intermediate gears interlinked with the main gears directly or indirectly, and servo motor sets connected to drive shafts to drive the drive gears. In each of the servo motor sets, a plurality of servo motors are directly connected to each servo motor shaft.

Abstract: Device for squeezing fruit (3) in a beverage, in particular citrus fruit, comprising an elongate member (10) and a squeezing surface (11) for squeezing said fruit, wherein the device furthermore comprises fruit holding means (12) arranged to hold the fruit. Preferably the fruit holding means are arranged to hold the fruit on the squeezing surface.

Abstract: A press machine controller (10) for controlling a press machine (30) having a servo motor (41) to drive a slide (38) via a reduction mechanism (37) changed in reduction ratio in accordance with the position of the slide (38) is disclosed. The device includes a command generator (20) for generating at least one of a position command, a speed command and a torque command for the servo motor (41); a vibration command generator (13) for generating a vibration command based on a parameter preset for the press machine controller (10); a slide position detector (12) for detecting the position of the slide (38); and a vibration command adding portion (21, 22, 23) for adding the vibration command to any one of the position command, the speed command and the torque command for the servo motor (41) in the case where the slide position is in a predetermined range. The press machine, even if stopped with the slide at the bottom dead center, can be restarted with a small torque.

Abstract: A two-stroke hand operated container crusher designed for crushing various recycling materials that have deposit payments associated with them. It is a rectangular shaped box comprised of four solid sides, a base, and top, which creates a hollow chamber. This chamber houses the crusher mechanics and the containers to be crushed. A crushing head is operated manually by a handle, which forces the piston down. This downward force crushes the container housed at the base of the unit. The crushing force is amplified by the use of a fulcrum, hinge, and a pivot system. A guide groove is provided in which a pawl slides to lock the head at a first stage position to permit the lever to be retracted and re-applied to effect a second stroke of a two-stroke operating system results in dimension savings while still maintaining a required distance of crushing.

Abstract: To provide a permanent magnet synchronous machine capable of expanding a high-speed operation range without reducing torque, and a pressing machine or an extrusion machine using the permanent magnet synchronous machine. In order to achieve the object described above, the present invention provides a permanent magnet synchronous electric machine having at least one permanent magnet on a radial surface of a rotor core, the permanent magnet having a rotor constituting a field pole, wherein a plurality of slits constituted by nonmagnetic material is provided on a core part between adjacent permanent magnets with opposite magnetic polarities of the rotor. According to the present invention, expansion of a high-speed operation range can be achieved without reducing torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine (1) for compacting an annular part (2) made of a flexible material, said machine (1) having a section-reducing passage (4) through which the annular part (2) is forced in order to be folded, said machine (1) being characterized in that said section-reducing passage (4) is defined by at least one section-reducing plate (5) that is pivotally mounted so that, under thrust from said annular part (2), said section-reducing plate (5) pivots so as to come to close onto said annular part (2) in order to compress it.

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: The invention relates to a press having an electric direct drive, without any motion transmitting means, such as, for example, gears or gear drives wherein the electric direct drive is located between an eccentric 3 and a connecting rod 6 and brings about a relative movement between the eccentric 3 and the connecting rod 6.

Abstract: An article compaction apparatus is described which comprises a fixed compaction surface and a movable compaction surface substantially parallel to the fixed compaction surface, the movable compaction surface being movable relative to the fixed compaction surface by means of an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism comprises at least one scissor jack mechanism arranged for horizontal operation within the apparatus which may also utilize a compaction zone which may expand in one dimension during the compaction cycle. Compacted articles are removed from the compaction zone under the action of gravity.

Abstract: A packaging device for packing stacked soft hygienic products, e.g. sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like, into a plastic bag made of an endless film, has specific forming shoulder (21) and MD sealing unit (5) to produce a MD seal (35) at a closure edge (46) of the bag. Thus four integral side panels are available at the bag (WB) for imprinting.

Abstract: A homogenizer apparatus and method for homogenizing are provided for breaking up a solid sample in a container. The container has an impactor freely movable therein. The impactor has a magnetic field associated therewith. The homogenizer apparatus includes a magnetic field generator which produces an alternating magnetic field and a container holder adapted to maintain the container in a position in which it is subjected to the alternating magnetic field of the magnetic field generator. The alternating magnetic field causes movement of the impactor within the container to repeatedly force the impactor against the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a self-supporting ale of metal cans comprising a baler adapted to compact metal cans into a bale. Opposite side walls of the baler include an array along each side wall of parallel open-face grooves. A platten having defined along each of its opposite sides walls, an array of projections adapted to be received within respective ones of the wall grooves I meshing relationship whereby movement of the platten along the length of the baler functions to compact the cans disposed within the grooves to a higher degree of densification than the degree of densification of cans proximate the central portions of the bale.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for compressing a curved region of a laminated element 2 having a first surface region following a first curved path and a second surface region opposed to the first surface region following a second curved path, wherein a first compression member 40 is placed against the first surface region and urged towards a second compression member 50 placed against the second surface region.

Abstract: A motor drive control device including a power supply converter that is connected to an alternating-current power supply, a voltage detector that detects a direct-current voltage of the power supply converter, an inverter that is connected to a motor, and an energy storage device that is connected to a direct-current bus that connects the power supply converter and the inverter.

Abstract: In an industrial machine using a flywheel, in order to prevent increase in size of a driving motor, etc. and very freely control velocity of a load, an output shaft of a reduction gear set is connected to a load driving shaft, an input-shaft-sided gear of the reduction gear set is driven by a first motor, a differential mechanism is connected to the flywheel, the differential mechanism is configured such that the output shaft of the reduction gear set is connected to a carrier, rotational force inputted from the sun gear is transmitted to the flywheel and stored as energy while the stored energy is discharged to the sun gear and the carrier. Further, the sun gear of the differential mechanism is driven by a second motor, energy is stored by accelerating the flywheel using the second motor according to the rotational angle position of the load driving shaft, and then the load driving shaft is driven while compensating insufficient torque of the first motor by discharging the stored energy.

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: The aim of the invention is to provide pivoting and rotary drives for electric machines with low number of parts economically. Said aim is achieved, by means of a secondary part (4) of circular or arched design. The primary part of the drive has at least two straight primary part segments (1), arranged at a predefined angle to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof to correspond to the shape of the secondary part (4). A pivoting or rotary drive can thus be economically produced with standard linear motor components.

Abstract: A high-pressure press includes a pressure vessel surrounded by a force-absorbing press frame. The high-pressure press also includes a detection structure for detecting changes in length of at least one column comprised in the press frame, the changes in length depending on the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The detection structure includes a limit switch, which is adapted to detect if the change in length of the column has reached a threshold value and, in that case, interrupt a pressing operation in progress and reduce the pressure inside the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A compressing device for plastic bottles optimized for recycling machines providing carefully shaped first and second plates with one being generally convex while the other being concave so as to mate more completely and provide a flattened bottle, ready for recycling. Also, a tail serves to align the bottom of the bottle so that the bar code remains visible when the bottle is run through an automated recycling machine. There are two embodiments one has as component a stand and a tongue while another embodiment is without a stand and has a hingedly movable tail. Also, the tongue and the tail are configured and shaped so as to accept a variety of bottle bottom configurations and are also used for precisely aligning the bottom of the bottle for improving the way the bottle is compressed.

Abstract: A trash container is disclosed that has a flexible, corrugated baffle attached to or integrated into the lid of the container. The baffle may have a handle and a compacting plate attached to it, and it allows a user to compact trash inside the trash container. Specifically, the flexible design of the baffle allows the compacting plate to compact trash inside the container when the baffle is extended into the container. After the trash inside the container is compacted, the baffle may spring back into its original shape. The lid structure, including the baffle, may be incorporated into the container, which may have other features, such as a foot pedal to raise and lower the lid. The baffle allows trash in the trash container to be reduced in size, allowing more trash to be placed in the container, while maintaining a simple design and keeping the user clean and safe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device between a moving member and the moving end of a drive device. It comprises: a mechanical connection element in contact with said moving member; and a thermal insulator element interposed between said mechanical connection element and said end of the drive device, whereby the heat produced by said drive device is substantially not transmitted to said moving member. The invention is applicable to making press brakes.

Abstract: The pressing device serves for the relative axial movement of two parts, which are arranged coaxially with respect to one another and are moveable relative to one another only by high pressing power. The pressing device has one fixed pressure plate and one pressure plate which is moved axially by hydraulic cylinders and an insert which is to be placed around the parts which are to be pressed. The insert is held closed by means of a closure door which is articulatedly mounted on the moving part of the pressing device. The pressure cylinders are arranged as close as possible to the center of pressure, that is to say to the axis of the parts which are to be pressed.

Abstract: A method of nanomachining is provided. The method includes plunging a nanometer-scaled tip into a surface of a substrate at a first location in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface, thereby displacing a first portion of the substrate with the tip. The method also includes withdrawing the tip from the substrate in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction. The method further includes moving at least one of the tip and the substrate laterally relative to each other. In addition, the method also includes plunging the tip into the substrate at a second location in a third direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction, thereby displacing a second portion of the substrate with the tip and withdrawing the tip from the substrate in a fourth direction that is substantially opposite to the third direction.

Abstract: A roll stand for edgers in rolling mills. The roll stand is formed of several pieces, including two crossheads and four longitudinal bars as main components, as well as one respective common cruciform junction point for the crosshead and the longitudinal bars, which is located at the ends of the longitudinal bars. Pretensioned through bolts that act as a joint are used at least at the top ends of the longitudinal bars.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device for a device for the production of metal parts by forming with a closed forming tool, the clamping device comprising at least several tension hoops (2), these tension hoops (2) each being provided with at least one tension frame (2.2) of a closed contour, the tension frame being provided with two segments (2.3) arranged opposite each other at some distance, between which a forming tool (12) can be arranged, each of these segments (2.3) being provided with at least either one bearing surface (2.1) or one bearing surface (2.4), and the tension hoops (2) being each linked by at least one articulated joint (8) in order to be pivoted, a bearing surface (3.1) which is located above or on the upper surface of the forming tool (12) and used as support for a bearing surface (2.1) of a tension hoop (2), and a device (5) which generates a clamping force of more than 3 MN and is composed of several power-generating elements.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for the programming of presses is described. The programming is performed interactively by an input of points on a display screen, wherein the points determine the movement strategy x? (?). For calculating the resulting plunger-time curve or plunger-guide angle-curve, preferably a Fourier analysis or, respectively Fourier transformation and back transformation of the curve determined by the input values is performed. In this way, a smooth and well executed kinematics plunger movement is obtained.

Abstract: In a press with an adjustable drive arrangement including, in addition to, a main drive, an adjustment drive for dynamically changing the press kinematics of the manually predetermined press angle-plunger stroke. Means are provided, whereby during a transforming process, the speed of a movable plunger of the tool part which engages the workpiece for the transformation thereof, is reduced, essentially to zero, for the moment of engagement between the plunger and the workpiece, so as to provide for a smooth impact force engagement between the plunger and the workpiece.

Abstract: Module builder including holding chamber, wheeled frame towable behind a harvester; compaction chamber, compaction device, forming chamber, door assembly. The compaction chamber having compaction surface oriented between and substantially perpendicular to compaction chamber sidewalls. Compaction surface is nominally vertical and translatable through the compaction chamber at vertical and near-vertical. The compaction chamber is situated to receive material from the holding chamber. Compaction device are coupled to the compaction surface, and operative to translate it in a substantially horizontal direction through the compaction chamber at vertical and near vertical. The forming chamber is aligned with the compaction chamber trailing edge. The forming chamber door assembly includes a substantially vertical door frame at least spanning the forming chamber trailing edge, and is movable toward and away from the forming chamber along the wheeled frame.

Abstract: A press for rigid foam sheets with continuous adjustment of the spacing between the two press plates (1,3), in particular for sandwich panels with an upper and lower outer layer and, located therebetween, a core of rigid polyurethane foam. The lower press plate (3) is here moved into a preselected position corresponding to the panel thickness to be foamed by means of synchronously rotating threaded lifting spindles (4), assisted by weight-compensating cylinders (5). Short-stroke cylinders (6) are provided between the heads of the threaded lifting spindles (4) and the lower press plate (3). Said short-stroke cylinders have the function of dissipating the moulding force which has arisen due to foaming by moving the press plate (3) a very small stroke downwards. It is also possible, instead of the short-stroke cylinders (6), to install an air cushion system, which has a stroke of approx. 1 mm, between the press plate and the heating plate. This stroke is sufficient to dissipate the foaming pressure.

Abstract: A system and process for stamping parts having tolerances below 1000 nanometers. The inventive system and process is particularly suited for producing optoelectronic parts. The system includes a stamping press and one or a progression of stamping stations for supporting a punch and die. The stamping stations are designed to maintain substantial alignment of the punch and die with minimal moving components. The stamping station includes a shaft for rigidly guiding the punch to the die. The stamping press is capable of providing the punch with the necessary force to perform the stamping operations. The system includes an interface system for interfacing the force of the press with the punch, while simultaneously structurally decoupling the press from the punch. The system also includes a locating sub-plate, for locating the stamping station in alignment relative to each other, and means for in-line machine stock material before entry into the stamping stations.

Abstract: A slip-sheet compactor for an imaging device with automatic media handling capabilities provides a two-stage compaction for a slipsheet removed from a media sheet to be imaged. A pair of rollers advances the slipsheet into a pre-compression chamber effecting a first compression or folding operation. In a second compression, a plunger sweeps the pre-compression chamber, which is narrowed towards an exit aperture thus effecting a second compression on the slipsheet material.

Abstract: A cotton receiving basket for an on-board cotton harvesting machine including a lower basket having a plurality of upwardly extending walls having upper portions including elongate upper seal elements extending therealong, respectively; a basket lid having a plurality of downwardly extending walls having lower portions including elongate lower seal elements extending therealong, respectively, and the lower basket and the basket lid being telescopically related so as to be movable one relative to the other between a telescopically retracted position and a telescopically extended position, and wherein the upper and lower seal elements have oppositely facing tapered seal surfaces, respectively, which are cooperatively engaged along substantially the lengths thereof forming substantially sealed conditions therebetween when the lower basket and the basket lid are in the telescopically extended position.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: A compressing device for plastic bottles optimized for recycling machines providing carefully shaped first and second plates with one being generally convex while the other being concave so as to mate more completely and provide a flattened bottle, ready for recycling. Also, a tail serves to align the bottom of the bottle so that the bar code remains visible when the bottle is run through an automated recycling machine. There are two embodiments one has as component a stand and a tongue while another embodiment is without a stand and has a hingedly movable tail. Also, the tongue and the tail are configured and shaped so as to accept a variety of bottle bottom configurations and are also used for precisely aligning the bottom of the bottle for improving the way the bottle is compressed.

Abstract: A compressing device for plastic bottle uses a pair of plates which are strapped on each side of a bottle. The straps are tightened as the bottle's content is used up. The plates are shaped in such a way so as to reduce crimping on the bottle. Optional accessories such as a saddle to hold the plates on the side of the bottle while installing; a stand to hold the bottle upright; and a handle to facilitate pouring are available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-stressed tie rod and method of manufacture. The pre-stressed tie rod can be used on injection molding machines to increase the length of the tie rod and movement of the platen, wherein the tie rods are loaded to restrict mold separation. The pre-stressed tie rods could also be used with other types of presses.

Abstract: A punch includes a jig having four punching regions, each punching region having a pattern hole and a concave embossment; guide columns extended upward from a border of the punching regions on the jig; a base for fixing the jig; a punching member punching and embossing the rectangular corner of a sheet member with vertically moving against the jig by guidance of the guide columns; and an elastic body to elastically bias the punching member upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing containers includes a die defining an opening, a punch, and a system for displacing the die and punch relative to each other. The punch may be fixed and the die may be moved from a first position spaced apart from the punch such that a container to be crushed can be placed between the punch and die and a second position in which the punch extends into the die opening to define an annular gap between the punch and die opening. The arrangement is such that a container crushed between the die and punch as a result of displacement of the die to the second position is at least in part forced into and deformed within the annular gap.

Abstract: A device for processing a thin metal foil and provided with a frame plate (7) for a die (16), a guide plate (10) for a punch (11), and a guide arranging for the die (16) and the punch to cooperate in the desired manner for the purpose of processing a thin metal foil by the die and the punch. The guide consists of at least two hinge elements (8, 9), each connected by means of an elastic line hinge (4, 5) with both the frame plate and the guide plate, the line hinges allowing only a pivotal motion in substantially the rectilinear displacement. The frame plate, the guide plate and the guide are manufactured from a single block (1) of material, in which the frame plate, guide and guide plate connected by the elastic line hinges are formed by the provision of bores (3), slits (6) and/or recesses (2).

Abstract: A press of pressure cell type includes a press body part. The press body part comprises a number of plates with the planes of the plates oriented parallel to the planes of the adjacent plates. Each plate has a through hole which has the same center axis as the hole of the adjacent plates. Prestressing bands which induce a compressing prestress acting in the planes of the plates are arranged on an external edge surface of each of the plates.

Abstract: A ram guidance system for a stamping press is provided including an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush has a central passageway sized and arranged so that a reciprocating ram extends through the passageway. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to the outer bush and a portion of the rod, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement. In another embodiment of the invention, a metal stamping system for operating a die set is provided that includes an outer bush mounted to a portion of the stamping press. The outer bush includes a passageway sized and arranged so that a ram extends through the passageway so as to be enclosed by the outer bush. An inner bush is coaxially mounted to (i) the outer bush and (ii) a portion of the ram, with an anti-friction bearing assembly positioned between the outer bush and the inner bush so as to guide their relative movement.