Abstract: A draw/emboss work station (600) of the invention includes emboss punch (594) moveable by a hydraulic system under control of a press slide (34). An emboss punch head (632) is moved downwardly into a cup-shaped article (626) to bring the article into a draw/emboss die (604). The emboss punch head (632) does not rotate while the draw die (604) does. The draw die (604) is allowed to rotate by thrust bearings (610 and 612). As the emboss punch head (632) pushes into the cup-shaped article (626) the downward rotational force is taken by the thrust bearing (612). As the emboss punch head (632) is withdrawn from the cup-shaped article (626) the upward rotational force is taken by the thrust bearing (610).

Abstract: A power press used for metal working is provided with a cushioning system. During the operation of a press, abrupt changes in the velocity of certain moving parts of the press may damage or cause rapid wear to parts. The present invention utilizes pneumatic bellows actuators. A hydraulic snubber and snubber-intensifier having closed systems are in combination with a pneumatic bellows actuated die cushion. The snubber has a piston within a cylinder assembly. During the upward stroke of the ram of the press, the movable plate of the die cushion is held back by the piston so as to prevent a damaging impact on the movable die parts and workpiece supported by an air cushion. Fluid is allowed to flow from the top of the piston through a flow valve to return to a reservoir within the die cushion or to the bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: Press tooling for manufacturing an inner or outer member of a constant velocity universal joint, with non-undercut ball-receiving tracks and, between such tracks, a part-spherical cage guiding surface, comprises a first element with radially extending ribs for forming the tracks, and a number of second elements with portions which fit between the ribs of the first element and are shaped to form the part-spherical surface of the joint member between its tracks. For forming an outer joint member the first element may have outwardly extending ribs between which the second elements fit, or for forming an inner joint member for first element may be in the form of a sleeve with inwardly extending ribs between which the second elements fit.

Abstract: A method of forming a container body having a profiled bottom in a continuous operation wherein the body is formed from a blank of material into an inverted cup, the cup is reverse drawn and a preliminary profile is imparted to the bottom of the cup, and a final profile is imparted. The apparatus includes a die cut edge movable into telescoping relationship around a redraw die to form the inverted cup and a profile punch movable into telescoping relationship within the redraw die to form the preliminary profile against a profile pad. The profile pad is selectively supported by a pair of fluidly actuated pistons whereby, upon activation of the second piston, the final profile may be formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic press counterbalance and cushion construction. The press counterbalance holds certain parts of a press in the same relative engagement during the return stroke of a ram of the press as during the power stroke of that ram. The counterbalance includes a fixed plate adapted for connection to a part of the press. A pneumatic bellows has one end connected to the fixed plate. A movable plate is connected to the opposite end of the pneumatic bellows. A connector rod is connected to the movable plate and to another part of the press which part is movable relative to the part to which the fixed plate is connected. The pneumatic cushion includes a resilient bellows having one end connected to the fixed plate. A bellows connector is connected to the other end of the bellows. A second bellows has one end connected to the bellows and the other end connected to the movable plate.

Abstract: Tooling system for a forming machine has a continuous guide passageway in which first and second tooling assemblies are contained for movement towards and away from each other. The passageway has passageway surfaces which serve as bearing and guiding surfaces for the tooling assemblies. Each of the tooling assemblies has a ram member and a tool holder mounted on the ram member. Additionally, a face plate is provided on one of the tooling assemblies at the leading end thereof and is movable relative to the leading end between a retracted position and an extended position. When in its extended position, it is spaced from the ram so that tools, such as punches have their ends in openings in the face plate. When the tooling assemblies move against strip material positioned therebetween, the punches or similar tools move from the face plate and perform operations on the strip. The face plate then serves as a stripper plate during reverse movement of the ram.

Abstract: A die cushion construction for use in a press is the subject matter of the present invention. The instant die cushion construction includes a fixed plate connected to the press. A resilient cushion actuator has one end sealingly connected to the fixed plate. The resilient cushion actuator has an opposite end sealingly connected to a movable plate. The movable plate is adapted for connection to a portion of a die mounted in the press. A resilient snubber actuator has one end fixed relative to the fixed plate. The snubber actuator has an opposite movable end connected to the movable plate for affecting the rate of movement of the movable plate and a portion of the die. The snubber actuator is connected to means for allowing fluid to flow into the snubber actuator when the movable plate moves toward the snubber actuator.

Abstract: A die stamping system for use in a fine blanking apparatus that includes opposed die members which clamp a metal workpiece to be cut and pierced after which the die members are moved away from one another and the slugs pierced from the blank and the cut blanks are subsequently ejected wherein the ejector is controlled for a selected delay time by a plurality of cylinder assemblies mounted in a manifold so that they are connected to a source of inert gas such as nitrogen under high pressure. Each cylinder assembly includes a first piston associated with and exposed to the nitrogen in the manifold and a second piston engaged by the first piston and urged outwardly into engagement with a punch base.

Abstract: A method of removing or ejecting a part from a first die after the part has been superplastically formed in a cavity of the die at an elevated temperature such that the part sticks to the surfaces of the die. The method includes the steps of forming a flange of the part between opposed die surfaces and providing movable plate within the die cavity and a ring on the opposed surface of the first die that engages the flange and the part in the cavity in a uniform manner. The movable plate and ring are then translated away from the die surfaces to uniformly move the part from the first die after the dies are separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic press counterbalance which holds selected parts of a press in the same relative engagement during the return stroke of a ram as during the power stroke of that ram. The counterbalance includes a base plate adapted for connection to a first part of a press. An elongated cylindrical base tube having an open end is mounted on the base plate and has a center axis substantially perpendicular to the base plate. A resilient unconfined tubular bellows for holding air has a pair of opposed ends. The bellows has an elongated tubular resilient sleeve connecting the open ends and formed integral therewith. One of the open ends of the bellows is sealingly connected to the base tube. A first portion of the tubular sleeve surrounds a portion of the base tube. A second portion of the tubular sleeve is connected to the first portion by a fold in the sleeve and has a part surrounding the first portion. A movable plate is connected to the other end of the bellows.

Abstract: A pneumatic die cushion for use in a power press is the subject matter of this invention. The die cushion includes a pair of spaced substantially parallel plates with resilient bellows for resiliently spacing apart the plates. A plurality of limiter pins are releasably secured to one of said spaced plates. Each of said limiter pins has an end threadedly mounted in one of said plates. Each of said limiter pins is movable relative to the other of said plates. A stop mechanism is mounted on the other end of each limiter pin for limiting movement of the first mentioned plate away from the other plate. A limit sleeve is mounted on each of the limiter pins to control the minimum spacing between the plates. A quick change adaptor plate is fixed to one end of the bellows. The quick change adaptor plate has a pair of opposed ears. A mechanism is provided to releasably secure the ears of the quick change adaptor plate to said one of said plates to secure said one end of the bellows to said one of said plates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a scroll member for use in a rotary compressor has the steps of heating a material which has been preformed into a substantially frusta-conical body consisting of a flat upper surface portion provided with a cylindrical projection integrally formed in the center portion thereof and a lower surface portion having a conical surface and a flat projecting surface, and forging the material by a forging apparatus. The heating step compriss a first heating at a temperature in the range from 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. and a second heating at a temperature of 440.degree. C. which is carried out after coating the material with graphite, the coating being applied to the material between the first and the second heatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing in a single stroke a forged metal article with a helical contoured surface. The apparatus uses an upper punch with a generally smooth surface which is telescopically received in a punch housing and a lower punch of generally smooth surface which is mounted for free rotation with respect to the axis of the die assembly. This design allows for the use of a die of the general configuration and length of the finished article which is economical and efficient to operate.

Abstract: A tool assembly for shaping workpieces, which comprises a reciprocable punch having a working end engageable with a die to shape a workpiece therebetween. The punch is mounted at its driven end on a reciprocable punch actuator and extends through a floating punch guide having an end adjacent the die which is axially and circumferentially engaged with a recess in the die to align the die and punch axes during the workpiece shaping operation. A workpiece feed tube opens laterally into the punch guide, and the punch guide is reciprocable in response to reciprocation of the punch to open and close the discharge end of the feed tube so as to assure singular feeding of workpieces to the die cavity.

Abstract: An arrangement for ejecting formed parts out of the matrix of a deformation press, in which for avoiding jamming of the segment of an ejection arrangement, which is displaceably and fixedly supported at the guidance in the shape of a circular arc of the driving lever, the mutually contacting surfaces are made according to different radial dimensions whereby the radial dimension of the counterabutment surface of the segment is slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the abutment surface of the driving lever. Clamping elements constructed as pressure cylinders serve for fixing the segment at the driving lever in a position adjustable by an adjusting mechanism; the clamping elements are installed in the segment spaced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal dimension of the circular arcuate guidance.

Abstract: Stripping a workpiece from a punch using a plurality of pivotally mounted segments that in an open position have a diameter greater than the outside diameters of the workpiece and the punch but in a closed position have a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the punch but less than the outside diameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: Fine die stamping of workpieces from sheet metal is effected by clamping the workpiece between a die plate and guide plate, supporting the portion of the material to form the article by an ejector which is displaced along with the punch, and driving the supported portion of the material into a hole in the die plate having flanks tapered away from the guide plate and punch so that swaging occurs on the separated portion with or upon its separation from the balance of the workpiece material.

Abstract: A metal workpiece, such as a gear blank, is forged in a press. The workpiece is first heated and then placed in a working chamber above the press. Force is applied against opposite sides of the workpiece to press the metal of the workpiece outwardly against a sidewall formed by a ring die and inwardly against a side surface of a removable center section. After the workpiece has been shaped, the workpiece and the center section are removed from the working chamber of the press with the center section firmly gripped by the workpiece. The workpiece is then allowed to cool and the center section is separated from the workpiece.

Abstract: A blank section of a steel rod is heated and then successively impacted between hot forging dies to form a preform or rough forging ball joint socket having a tubular socket portion and a laterally projecting mounting flange portion. The rough forging is then inserted into a die set assembly including an upper die member surrounding a relatively movable punch and a lower die member surrounding a relatively movable ejector member. The upper die member is supported by a piston of a hydraulic cylinder which moves with the punch, and the upper and lower die members cooperate to produce the desired precision external configuration of the socket and flange portions. After the die members are closed, the punch cooperates with the ejector member to form the desired precision internal configuration of the tubular socket portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming, from a generally conical billet, a hollow forging of desired wall thickness having a generally conical portion tapering to a smaller cylindrical extension, the inner and outer surfaces of the conical portion having minor predetermined and spatially related devisions from purely conical configurations, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a die having a concave conical configuration, with a cylindrical extension at the smaller end, to conform to the desired external configuration of said forging; a punch having a convex conical configuration to conform to the desired configuration of the inner surface of the conical portion of the forging; and means mounting the punch for movement coaxially into the die from the larger end thereof, to an extent which determines the wall thickness of the forging.

Abstract: A drawing arrangement for producing drawn formations in sheet-shaped workpieces includes a lower tool having a supporting surface for the workpieces and a recess which opens onto the supporting surface, and an upper tool having a female die and movable toward and away from the lower tool for confining a region of the workpiece between itself and the supporting surface. A mandrel is mounted in the recess of the lower tool for movement between a retracted position in which it is fully accommodated in the recess and thus does not project beyond the supporting surface and form an obstruction to the movement of the workpiece, and an extended position in which it penetrates into the female die and forms the drawn formation in the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a cylindrical wall-ironed sleeve having a bottom and a radially inwardly enlarged wall thickness at an end remote from said bottom with there being an internally tapered transition region between a normal wall thickness and the enlarged wall thickness, said method including the forming of the sleeve on a mandrel with said enlarged wall thickness being interlocked with said mandrel; the step of introducing a fluid under pressure through the mandrel between the mandrel and the sleeve at the transition region of the sleeve to momentarily radially enlarge the end of the sleeve remote from the bottom and release the inter-lock between the sleeve and the mandrel.

Abstract: Improved ironing material and structure for drawing and ironing can bodies from lightweight flat rolled sheet metal while facilitating stripping from the ironing mandrel and providing desired flanging metal are disclosed. The exterior surface of the mandrel is provided with a uniform-taper transition zone contiguous to the trim height for a can body being formed such that sidewall metal thickness increases uniformly above the main body portion of the can body and expires along the tapered surface of the transition zone. The tapered surface extends beyond formed can body height so that stripping means approach the open end of an ironed can body along a portion of the mandrel having a smaller diameter than the interior diameter of the mandrel mounted can body.

Abstract: A double action draw press having inner and outer rams reciprocal with respect to a fixed base for forming two piece containers such as beverage or food containers from metal sheet stock. The apparatus includes a pressure system carried by the outer ram and adapted to hold the material during the drawing operation. The apparatus also includes a drawing horn secured to the inner ram and movable independently of the pressure sleeve system. The drawing horn has an inwardly directed recess in its outboard end which communicates with an internal air passage leading to a source of air pressure. This structure permits air pressure to be applied to the interior surfaces of the drawn container as the press opens to move it out of the press for further processing. The horn is capable of being rotated about its longitudinal axis and fixed in any desired position so that this air passage is capable of being precisely directed whereby the air applied to the container will direct the container in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A new and improved die stripping apparatus is provided for use in a body forming apparatus wherein a punch forces a metal blank through a die by means of a ram. This apparatus includes a platform located in a plane perpendicular to the punch and ram, and the platform has a die opening formed therein. Means are provided for forming a plurality of channels in the platform wherein each of the channels has a longitudinal axis parallel with the plane of the platform and located on a radii of the die opening. A corresponding plurality of segments are slidably mounted in the channels and biased inwards towards the die opening.

Abstract: A stock lifter for progressive dies in the form of a fixedly mounted fluid cylinder designed to be charged with gas at a desired pressure. A piston within the cylinder has a piston rod projecting upwardly from within the cylinder so that its upper end is adapted to lift the stock when the downward pressure on the stock is relieved so that the piston is at all times biased upwardly. The cross sectional area of the lower side of the piston is substantially greater than the upper side of the piston and the portions of the cylinder above and below the piston are in free communication.

Abstract: A kickout pin support system for forging machines or the like is disclosed in which a plurality of support members are provided to support the kickout pin at intermediate locations along its length so that the pin is not damaged by the loads applied thereto. The support members are movable to predetermined, spaced support positions by air pressure, and in such positions engage associated stop surfaces along the length of the passage in which they move. With the invention, proper support can be provided for a knockout pin of substantially any length by providing an appropriate number of support members spaced along the length of the knockout pin when the pin is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A planar blank material to be press-formed is confined in a space formed by punch means having peripheral flange part provided with gear teeth corresponding to those of the hollow product, a mandrel provided slidably in the central hole of said punch means and having outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the hollow product, and a die means having bottom surface and through hole having inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the boss part of the product. By the pressing action, the peripheral flange part having teeth of the product is formed and simultaneously boss part of the product is formed whereby the synchronizer ring product is formed by one step and the blank material corresponding to the through hole of the product and the product are both ejected out by returning the punch means, mandrel, and die means.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for making a metal annular member of precise tolerances and desired surface finish. An external die has a continuous die surface of the configuration desired for the external surface of the metal annular member and an annular ridge surrounding the inside of the die for seating one end of an annular sheet metal blank. A first punch engages the sheet metal blank and drives it into the external die so as to reduce the external diameter of the blank and seat it against the ridge. The precise tolerance of the die surface of the external die determines both the external and at least a portion of the internal dimensions produced in the annular sheet metal blank. The first punch is axially movable to an endmost position wherein substantially all of the blank has been forced into the die. An ejector punch is positioned inside of the external die and operates to provide a portion of the forming die surfaces as well as to eject the completed workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is related to pneumatic stripping for use with metal forming machines, including neckers, that are used in the production of thin shell vessels such as beverage cans (60). In prior art devices, pneumatic stripping has been advantageously used for removing a beverage can (60) from the punch portion (18) of a die set (16); but this use of compressed air has been accompanied by objectionably high noise levels. The present invention provides an expansion chamber (50), that is formed by a recess (48) in an end (30) of the punch (18) and that reduces the noise level of pneumatic stripping. Principle uses include noise reduction on machines that are used to inwardly dome the bottom of beverage cans and on machines that are used to neck down the open ends of beverage cans.

Abstract: A progressive stage forging machine is provided for forming an article in stages by means of a plurality of dies and cooperating punches, carried on a ram, wherein more than two forging blows are required to complete the forming of the article. The invention particularly provides a forging machine of the three-blow type having three punches and three cooperating dies, wherein two of the dies are carried on a member to permit alternating changes of position of those two dies, thereby eliminating a transfer mechanism between the two dies and achieving a one hundred percent increase over the production rate of presently available forging machines of the three-blow type.

Abstract: A press structure wherein die pads are movable within die sleeves and wherein the die pads are recessed within the die sleeves initially for receiving material slugs. A suitable mechanism is provided which permits the die pads to be returned to positions beyond their starting positions so as to effect the complete removal of a formed article from its respective die sleeve to facilitate transverse removal of each formed tubular body. The stop mechanism next functions to move the die pad back to the original starting position ready to receive thereon another material slug.

Abstract: A device for the ejection of a shaped part at the male die on a cross-feed press for non-cutting metal shaping is equipped with an ejector which is controlled by the crank-pin of a crankshaft via a connecting link, a cam disc and a roller arm. The cam contour P of the cam disc has an arc K concentric to the rocker shaft and joined to a straight section G and a runout section L. The cam disc has a displaceable cam shoe the outer edge of which is located in the plane of the straight section G and which extends or shortens the straight section G when shifted. This ensures that the standstill condition of the ejector with respect to the female die, required for holding the shaped part, may be retained even when adjustments are made to the length of the stroke of the ejector at the male die at the cam disc.

Abstract: A press for producing machine elements, such as balls, rivets and the like, especially machine elements of relatively small dimensions, e.g. balls having a diameter of 1 mm, from wire sections, which includes a wire intake device, a device for shearing off the wire, a device for conveying the wire sections to and in front of a stationary matrix, and a punch associated with the matrix and adapted to be reciprocated back and forth in axial direction with regard to the matrix. If desired, there may also be provided ejectors for the punch or the matrix. The punch is, axially with regard to the matrix, movably guided in a tool carrier which in pressing direction is stationarily arranged in the machine frame. Furthermore, the punch is drivingly connected to a rotatable cam disc through the intervention of a pick-up roller.

Abstract: A cup holder sleeve and its support assembly for use in a drawing and ironing machine that has a circular bore and is supported for radial as well as tilting movement of the axis of the elongated bore with respect to the support. The support includes a pair of members that cooperate to define a recess surrounding a circular opening and an enlarged portion of the cup holder sleeve is received into the recess and cooperates with a cupper support element. The cup holder support element and cup holder sleeve are normally radially centered with respect to the opening by centering springs and the cup holder sleeve is normally maintained in engagement with the support element by hold-down springs. The cup holder sleeve and support element can be moved radially while the cup holder sleeve can be tilted with respect to the support element and all of the elements are normally maintained in a predetermined position by the centering springs and the hold-down springs.

Abstract: A die assembly for making tubing-elbow halves comprises an upper die half having an upper arcuate relatively long holder, a plurality of relatively short and arcuate upper die sections secured in an upper row to this upper holder and having arcuate and downwardly convex lower faces together forming an elongated and substantially continuous downwardly convex arcuate lower surface, and an upper end section at each end of the upper row and each having a generally semicylindrical downwardly convex face forming a continuation of the lower surface. This assembly also has a lower die half having a lower arcuate relatively long U-section holder, a plurality of arcuate lower die sections complementary to the upper arcuate die sections, and a lower end section at each end of the lower row of lower die sections and each having a generally semicylindrical upwardly concave face forming a continuation of the upper surface of the row of lower arcuate die sections.

Abstract: An improved knockout mechanism for forging machines or formers is disclosed in which the position of the knockout pin during the working operation of the machine is adjustably located by a tube nut threaded into the machine frame. In one embodiment, the tube nut is releasably locked in the adjusted position by a plate threaded onto the tube nut having a fulcrum on one side of the tube nut and a jackscrew on the other side at a location spaced from the tube nut greater than the spacing between the fulcrum and the tube nut so that a forced multiplication lever action is provided and secure locking is achieved without excessive jacking forces. In another embodiment, locking is provided by a lock nut threaded on the tube nut and connected to a fulcrum plate by a trunnion. A carriage is provided on the machine frame which supports means to operate the jacking screw and adjust the tube nut from locations accessible to the operator.

Abstract: Apparatus, for stripping an article from an axially reciprocable punch, of a kind having a plurality of segments surrounding the punch, each of said segments having a working surface resiliently urged radially inwards towards the punch and engaged with a piston, said piston being supported by fluid means for limited motion in a piston plate, parallel to the axis of the punch, to enable the working surface of the segment to contact the edge of the article before stripping wherein the improvement resides in a fixed guide means to confine a pivot portion of each segment for pivotal movement in a plane radial to the punch, individual biasing means to urge each segment substantially longitudinally towards the punch, and a cam ring having a surface which engages with a heel portion of each segment to guide the working surface thereof substantially parallel to the punch to engage with the article to be stripped.

Abstract: A progressive fin die having means for preventing metal particle buildup around the punch with the means stripping the workpiece from the punch. A plurality of draw punches are arranged with decreasing diameters in a row. A ram is movable to and from the draw punches and includes a plurality of draw bushings. Movement of the ram toward the draw punches results in the punches forming bonnets in the workpiece positioned between the punches and bushings. Spring biased stripper rods extend through the bushings and are operable to force the workpiece from the bushings. A compound pierce and straightening station includes a hollow pierce bushing mounted to the frame for receiving a pierce punch movable to and from the frame by a ram. A straightening bushing encircles the pierce punch and is externally engageable with the bonnet formed by the draw punches. A stripper bushing is slidably mounted to the pierce punch and is disposed between the straightening bushing and the pierce punch.

Abstract: An inner ring supports a plurality of stripper segments in nonabutting relationship, bosses on the outer surface of the ring both spacing the segments and retaining them in predetermined positions on the circumference of the ring. Each segment has a stripping edge formed by the intersection of a forward segment face and a radially inward segment face, the latter face having an arc of greater radius than the radius of the metal object being stripped. The outer surface of the ring has a chamfered forward edge and a recess at the rear edge to allow the segments to pivot easily when deflected.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, fabricating a substantially U-shaped body, especially a fork-type joint of a Cardan or universal joint from a blank which is worked by cold press forming while using dies and punches. During a first step there is extruded from a substantially parallelepiped-shaped blank two leg members with the aid of a first die and a first punch, and during a second step the pressed-out or extruded legs are brought into a final shape with the aid of a second die and a second punch.

Abstract: A die apparatus for press machine wherein compressed air may be introduced for blowing off surplus lubricant and particles deposited within a die.The apparatus comprising a die set having a piercing hole therein, a cylindrical plate having a hole therein disposed within said die set, a die disposed on said cylindrical plate within said die set, and a knockout slidably disposed within said cylindrical plate, said knockout having a plurality of grooves on the upper and lower parts thereof.

Abstract: A method for extruding a track link bushing having a contoured opening and a generally cylindrical outer surface.

Abstract: A small percussion cap making tool consisting of a Cutter and a Cutting Block. The Cutter is multi-toothed with an internal forming cone, a shoulder to release the finished caps and a cap exit passage. The Cutting Block has a guide for the Cutter, a material feeding slot and a centered mandrel that works in conjunction with the Cutter's forming cone to form the percussion caps. The percussion cap material is placed in the feeding slot and the Cutter is driven downward. On the downward stroke the material is wrinkled, cut, folded and formed into a percussion cap. Extraction of the Cutter from the Cutting Block pulls the cap free of the mandrel so it can be retrieved from the cap exit passage in the Cutter. The percussion cap may then be charged with a priming mixture and used.

Abstract: Helical or spiral bevel gears are forged from powdered material in a mold ving a stationary die in which a cavity is provided with an interior gear configuration conforming to the desired gear blank to be forged. An ejector rod is movably mounted within the stationary die along its central axis and is provided with means which cause its stroke to have an axial and rotary movement corresponding to the pitch of the teeth on the gear. The front edge of the ejector rod is provided with means forming a key-lock arrangement with the gear blank, thereby simultaneously rotating the gear out of the die on its ejection stroke.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of removing a plurality of rim blade dies around the circumference of a disc while the disc, blades and blade dies are at a temperature approximating those during the forging operation. The upper disc forming die is removed along with a restraining back-up member around the rim blade dies and the rim blade dies are forced radially outwardly to prevent interference between the blade dies and blades during their cool down period. A blade die removal tool has a plurality of individual radial arms extending outwardly from a central hub. The free ends of the arms engage the blade dies and the ram of the press moves the central hub downwardly to move the blade dies radially outwardly.

Abstract: Relates to devices for separating and supporting strip stock out of engagement with opposing pairs of relatively movable progressive die members and during the separation of the latter and also for guiding the strip stock for intermittent advancement during such periods of separation. More specifically, the invention pertains to the assembly of parts making up such strip stock support and guiding devices and particularly one in which the parts of such a device are all enclosed within a single circular bore in one of the progressive die members including a provision for both releasably coupling the stock lifter member to a support within the bore enclosed to the die shoe and for guiding the lifter member for non-deviating rectilinear motion as the pairs of progressive die members open and close with respect to one another.

Abstract: In the deep drawing of unitary can bodies, method and apparatus which reduce frictional contact of the can body sidewall with the female die opening to permit removal of the drawn can body from the female die in the direction of removal of the male punch member without damage to the can body. Deep drawing of organically coated sheet metal stock and removal from the female die structure is also made possible while maintaining desired protection. Smooth, non-reentrant sidewall surfaces are maintained in the work product.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming pipe from sheet metal, comprises a preforming die having laterally spaced substantially parallel walls and an interior surface spaced inwardly from an edge of the wall and located between the walls in which are mounted a pair of transversely spaced curved segments shaped to receive the outside surface of the sheet when it is formed into a pipe. Piston and cylinder combinations carry each segment so that they may be moved outwardly or inwardly for regulating the degree of bending of the sheet therebetween. A drawing punch includes a curved forming punch surface with a holding down element at each end which are constructed so as to be movable into and out of the space between the parallel walls. The apparatus also includes a finishing tool which comprises a receiving die shaped to the outer diameter of the pipe to be formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming hollow metal articles such as aluminum reflectors for Luminaires. The apparatus comprises a convex forming punch movable into a complementary hollow magnetic forming coil device. The forming punch is mounted on a base having an annular slot opening at the periphery of the forming punch and being connected to passages in the base for quickly evacuating the air between the workpiece and the punch prior to the magnetic forming operation.