Abstract: A can forming apparatus interposes a plurality of feed guides projecting part way into a path of feed of a can blank. The feed guides hold a leading can blank and embrace it in cooperating outer peripheral recesses to move the can blank into alignment with a die. Radially extended portions, continuous from the recesses, press the can blank downward after the can blank is released from the recesses. A pair of leaf springs or a pair of rollers temporarily hold the can blank before it is pressed downward by the radially extended portions of feed guides. An elongated punch is advanced into the die bore effect deep drawing and ironing of the can blank in the die bore thereby forming a can body. The punch is driven in reciprocating linear motion, supported on fluid bearings. Pressurized gas is admitted through the punch into the can body at a time in the can-forming cycle appropriate to remove the can from the punch. The pressurized gas separates the can body from the punch.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting sheet bars into drawing tools provides a program controllable sheet bar inserter with a gripper which contains a plurality of suction cups or electromagnets for picking up or setting down a sheet bar. The drawing tool contains a pair of bearing faces which together clamp in the sheet bar during drawing. In order, in particular for complicated bearing faces of the deep-drawing tool, to achieve a uniformly high drawn component quality and avoid rejects due to possible displacement of the sheet bars within the drawing tool as it closes, the gripper is constructed in the form of an at least three legged gripping spider with controllable legs with which the picked-up sheet bar can be deformed in a defined manner during transportation from the picking-up location to the drawing tool and can be matched to the shape of the bearing face of the lower bearing frame.

Abstract: An end discharge system is disclosed for quickly removing blanked and formed end closures from a forming press, the end discharge system including rotating overhead belts mounted closely adjacent the press tooling, and operable to receive air-blasted or otherwise-ejected pre-curled end closures from the forming tooling and then rapidly draw the discharged end underneath the belt along a guide track in a discharge plate away from the tooling area, for subsequent delivery to associated cross conveyors or other end collection equipment. The belt discharge apparatus allows the container ends to be quickly deposited in a uniform, consistently spaced line or pattern upon the associated cross conveyors, all without any substantial damage to the ends and any coated surfaces thereon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming, Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conversion system for converting easy-open can ends has an improved slide assembly capable of handling multiple conveyor belts with improved tension and vibration control. The slide assembly includes a stationary idler shaft mounted transverse to the conveyor axis on a take-up slide. At least two guide pins extend from the shaft parallel to the conveyor axis. Each guide pin mounts a cylindrical bearing holder thereon. The bearing holders are both pivotable and slidable on the guide pins. Springs disposed in pockets in the idler shaft bias the bearing holders. The bearing holders each mount a drum for rotation with the drum.degree. s axis parallel to the idler shaft. The pivoting of the bearing holders accommodates conveyor belt camber while the sliding permits tension adjustment and control.

Abstract: A multiple lane ironing and doming apparatus for ironing and doming cup-shaped blanks into can bodies by pushing them through ironing dies by reciprocations of punches. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of punches vertically held and retained at their upper ends for vertical reciprocations; at least one ironing die unit arranged below and coaxially with each of said punches for ironing cup-shaped blanks into ironed can bodies; one doming unit arranged below the ironing die for doming the bottoms of the ironed can bodies into a predetermined configuration; stripping means for stripping the ironed and domed can bodies from the punches; and conveying means for discharging the stripped can bodies from below the punches.

Abstract: A forging method for making a forged product from an elongate steel bar material. The forging comprises a heating step in which the elongate bar material is heated, a cutting step in which the heated bar material is cut into billet materials each having a predetermined length, and a forging step in which the billet materials are successively forged. In this forging method, when an abnormality arises in the forging step, the cutting in the cutting step is interrupted and the bar material in the heating step is maintained in the heating step without being transferred toward the cutting step. Additionally, unless the abnormality is normalized within a predetermined limit time, the cutting in the cutting step is restarted and the billet materials formed after the restarting of the cutting are transferred to a storing apparatus which is outside of a normal forging line.

Abstract: A press having a drawing apparatus has a sheet metal part that is drawn in the drawing stage. This sheet metal part is to be taken over by a transfer device in a stage of the upward movement of the drawing apparatus that is as early as possible in order to utilize the long time period of the upward movement of the slide for the transfer movement. After the drawing, passing through the lower dead center of the slide movement and the drawing apparatus movement, the sheet metal holder is temporarily stopped in a removal position and is therefore temporarily prevented from continuing to move upward.

Abstract: Workpiece is placed in press tool and fastened to die parting plane. Lateral force is applied only to end portions of the workpiece to extrude workpiece metal to grips and form wedged fins. Grips engage with fins to carry workpiece to stamping stations.Arrangement for die forging elongated workpieces has die, punch, and grips at either side of the die. Grips are locked by stop members to prevent relative displacement. Punch has cavity to receive workpiece and chamfered portions. Punch can engage with the die.

Abstract: In production of a lock nut used for fastening in cooperation with a bolt, a tubular material of a polygonal transverse cross section is machined into a crude block integrally made up of an angled main body and a truncated cone having a common, circular cente hole which is then tapped, a series of crude blocks are periodically and intermittently supplied to and registered at a shaping center provided on a holder assembly, each crude block is compressed with a compression mould to deform its tapped hole into a polygonal transverse cross section in the region of its truncated cone, and a lock nut thus produced are delivered out of the shaping center after compression. The process is fully automatized and the deformed transverse cross section of the rapped hole assures halmless, elastic, blanced fastening on a bolt in screw engagement of the lock nut.

Abstract: A path for retreating movement of a cross bar from a standby position between a drawing mold and a mold of the next step to the drawing mold for holding the workpiece drawn by the drawing mold and a path for advancing movement of the cross bar holding the workpiece to the mold of the next step are formed into an upwardly smoothly curved line, and raising of a blank holder for the drawing mold is stopped temporarily for a period until the workpiece is discharged from the drawing mold by the cross bar. The paths for movement of the cross bar includes no suddenly turning portion and hence, any vibration of the cross bar due to an inertia force is prevented. Even if the paths for movement of the cross bar associated with all the molds are established in the same form, it is avoided that the cross bar or the workpiece interferes with the blank holder in the drawing mold.

Abstract: A cupfeeder for feeding cups from a supply chute to a feed location in operative alignment with a drawing and ironing machine is disclosed. The cupfeeding mechanism comprises a push rod mechanism mechanically driven in reciprocating strokes to advance a cup which has dropped from the lower end of the chute to the feed location along a transfer path defined by a positioning member. The push rod mechanism includes an inner push rod extending telescopically from an outer push rod driven by the reciprocating drive. The inner push rod is maintained by pressurized fluid in a fixed axial location, relative to the outer push rod, to project forwardly therefrom to a maximum extent to engage the cups in the cupfeeding process. In response to jamming of a cup within the drawing and ironing station, pressurized fluid is re-routed within the outer push rod to retract the inner push rod and prevent further transfer of cups along the transfer path.

Abstract: A system for cold-forming shell or cartridge casings in which there are movable tubular dies having open ends and adapted to accommodate a casing, and which includes a feeding station having an upper punch for inserting a casing into a die; a header-forming station including an upper high force punch, a lower punch, and an ejector; an ejection station including a punch for ejecting a casing from the die; and a turntable for sequentially moving a die to the loading station, forming station and ejection station.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for press-forming workpieces and a bolster apparatus for the same. The process employs a first bolster apparatus comprising a die holding portion and a transfer, and a second bolster apparatus comprising a die holding portion and a transfer. The process comprises the steps performed sequentially: an exchanging step of removing the first bolster apparatus from a bolster mounting portion of a pressing apparatus and mounting the second bolster apparatus to a bolster mounting portion of the pressing apparatus, thereby exchanging the first bolster apparatus with the second bolster apparatus; and a press-forming step of press-forming second workpieces with the second dies held in the second bolster apparatus by operating the pressing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making and transferring shells for cans within a ram press. The shells are formed in a two-step operation in which shell preforms are formed at a first station within the press and then transferred to second station where they are formed into completed shells. The first station includes first and second rows of tooling sets with the tooling sets of the first row being located in alternating transverse positions relative to the tooling sets of the second row. Similarly, the second station includes third and fourth rows of tooling sets in which the tooling set of the third row are located in alternating transverse positions relative to the tooling sets of the fourth row, and the tooling sets of the third and fourth rows are located for receiving the shell preforms from the tooling sets of the second and first rows, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making and transferring shells for cans within a ram press. The shells are formed in a two-step operation in which shell preforms are formed at a first station within the press and then transferred to second station where they are formed into completed shells. The first station includes first and second rows of tooling sets with the tooling sets of the first row being located in alternating transverse positions relative to the tooling sets of the second row. Similarly, the second station includes third and fourth rows of tooling sets in which the tooling set of the third row are located in alternating transverse positions relative to the tooling sets of the fourth row, and the tooling sets of the third and fourth rows are located for receiving the shell preforms from the tooling sets of the second and first rows, respectively.

Abstract: An individually variable multi-stage drawing apparatus has a succession of drawing stations in a multi-level configuration, each station other than the first being vertically offset from and at a level lower than that of a preceding station. Each station includes a circular die through which a workpiece is forced by a cylindrical plunger. Each plunger is operated by its own individual hydraulic ram. In this way, plunger movement commences at a pressure and continues at a rate governed by the metallic flow requirements of the workpiece at each successive drawing stage.The invention further comprises transfer devices for shifting the workpieces from one drawing stage to the next. These transfer devices grip, carry and release the workpieces without subjecting them to potentially damaging frictional contact.

Abstract: A method of forming container end panels from a sheet of material includes inserting the material into a press at a first level, blanking the material at that level, passing the material through a die and preliminarily forming it in a continuous stroke but at a second level and transferring it laterally at the second level for reforming and curling. The apparatus includes blanking and forming tooling at a first station and reforming and curling tooling at second and third stations. The reforming and curling tooling is disposed at the second level and the first, second and third stations are interconnected by an endless, apertured belt also disposed at the second level. An alternative embodiment involves disposing the first station tooling at an angle with respect to the press centerline, feeding the material into the press in a first direction and moving the preliminarily formed ends in opposite directions normal to the feed direction to second and third stations disposed on opposite ends of the press.

Abstract: Apparatus which eliminates mechanically-moving parts for clasping or releasing a sheet metal can body for moving a can body from a forming station and, which reduces the number of moving parts as well as the type of movements required by such transfer apparatus to enable sheet metal can bodies to be transferred rapidly, in synchronism with movements of tooling in a forming press without damage to sheet metal or coating while controlling orientation and stability of the can body. A shuttle-arm oscillates in the longitudinal direction of the can line, into and out of the area of the press tooling to transfer a can body for continued movement in the line; such shuttle arm moves at a rate which does not obstruct any movement of the forming tooling or the operating rate of the press. A formed can body is attracted to and physically held at the leading end of the shuttle arm in desired orientation without mechanical movement clamping of any type by a stacked array of permanent magnets and flux path bars.

Abstract: This invention provides a feed system comprising a base on which a portion of the article being fed rests. The base extends along a feed path for the article. The feed system also includes at least one rotatable feed screw lying in an axis parallel to the feed path. The feed screw includes an entry end, a discharge end and a continuous, helical groove having a profile for receiving a portion of the article being fed. The feed system includes a linkage device for transferring reciprocating motion of a reciprocating press into which the articles are fed into rotary motion of the feed screw, and a feeding device for feeding articles into the groove at the entry end. The feed system also comprises a cooperating second screw or a resilient guide bar, for maintaining the article within and along the feed path as the feed screw is rotated.

Abstract: A multi-stage cold forging machine including a parts forming aid unit, which has a number of aid pins corresponding to that of the forging dies, the pins being adapted to retain a forged blank against a knockout pin slidably housed in the dies, and transfer it from the respective stage to the next. The blank is progressively refined as it is transferred from stage to stage. The aid pins are operated in such a manner as to stand out of the way of the hammers moved by a ram.

Abstract: A portable and easily adjustable parts unloader which is usable with different types and sizes of power presses is provided by driving a parts remover tray through a simple cable and sheave arrangement and by mounting the parts remover on top of a telescopic post whose effective length is varied hydraulically so the height of the loader is easily changed for different presses. The post, in turn, is mounted on a wheeled cart so it is easily moved from one press to the other by a single operator. By using a simple pulley, the stroke of the parts remover tray is directly proportional to the stroke of the press ram, but the stroke of the tray can be made greater than and/or faster than the stroke of the ram by using a compound pulley in which the two pulley parts have different effective diameters.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from semi-solid metal preforms. Plurality of cans, each containing a metal preform, are sequentially heated in an induction heating zone to bring the preforms to a semi-solid level. The preforms can be transformed without loss of any metal or heat to a press where they are shaped in a semi-solid state into a metal part. The can can then be removed and recycled.

Abstract: A punch press has first and second sets of tooling mounted longitudinally of a press conveyor belt. The second set of tooling is located externally of the usual press columns. A second ram slidably mounted on the outside of the columns is driven by a connecting arm eccentrically mounted on a crankshaft extension. The second ram drives the upper tooling of the second tooling set in a reciprocating manner. The second ram can be operated out of phase with the main ram to reduce the total tonnage required of the press.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming elongated metal cans from relatively short cups by utilizing a reciprocating ram to drive the cups one at a time through a die pack, is provided with a continuously rotating feeder that transfers the cups from the exit of a gravity feed chute to a receiving station where each cup is indexed for engagement by the ram as it moves forward in its working stroke. The feeder rotates through one complete revolution for each forward-return cycle of the ram and during each revolution thereof a pocket in the feeder receives a cup from the chute, which cup then moves along a curved guideway to a receiving station. Prior to being engaged by a registry formation at the receiving station the cup is engaged by a stripper that removes the cup from the feeder pocket. The feeder continues to drive the cup toward the registry formation while the cup is being stripped from the feeder pocket.

Abstract: A follow-on tool to equip a stamping press for making deep-drawn products. A metal strip is associated with elastic support devices. A rigid intermediate plate, vertically mobile between two stops, carries centering and extraction tubes.

Abstract: A method of forming container end panels from a sheet of material includes inserting the material into a press at a first level, banking the material at that level, passing the material through a die and preliminarily forming it in a continuous stroke but at a second level and transferring it laterally at the second level for reforming and curling. The apparatus includes blanking and forming tooling at a first station and reforming and curling tooling at second and third stations. The reforming and curling tooling is disposed at the second level and the first, second and third stations are interconnected by an endless, apertured belt also disposed at the second level.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a relatively flat object from a work station along a transfer path includes an upper tooling within the work station for locating the object in a ready position by causing an upper surface of the object to adhere to the tooling. The object is thus unsupported along its lower surface. A manifold forming at least one orifice is located adjacent to and directed toward the ready position, and is connected to a source of pressurized gas. A valve initiates and discontinues flow of pressurized gas through the orifice. A control system controls the valve to direct a stream of pressurized gas through the orifice as or before an object is located in the ready position, thereby causing the transfer of the object in free flight from the work station.

Abstract: Successively formed cans or cups are quickly and smoothly removed from beneath the lower die shoe of a high speed forming press by an elongated dual lane stainless steel air conveyor having closely spaced upper and lower parallel walls defining an air chamber therebetween. A blower supplies air to the discharge end portion of the conveyor, and the inner end portion of the conveyor top wall defines two cup receiving zones adjacent corresponding outlets formed by upwardly projecting air deflecting hoods. Each hood directs a high flow of air horizontally across the adjacent receiving zone and longitudinally along the top conveyor wall to move each cup quickly from the receiving zone. Longitudinal extending parallel ribs project upwardly from the top wall for each lane, and a set of louvered slots are formed within the top wall between the ribs to maintain the linear and uniform flow of the cups to the discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A press for converting work pieces into finished parts has an endless conveyor for carrying work pieces into and out of the area of the press tooling. Work pieces rest in openings formed in the conveyor. A vacuum box on the lower side of the conveyor's forward run applies a vacuum to the work pieces to retain them on the conveyor. The conveyor has a plurality of transverse beads located intermediate the work piece openings. The beads stiffen the conveyor, thereby reducing deflection of the belt due to the load placed on it from the underside by the vacuum box.

Abstract: A device for centering plastic webs automatically fed thereon one by one so as to feed it to a pair of cramp chains to be correctly gripped thereby at the opposite side edges. This comprises a bed consisting of a central frame and longitidinal as well as transverse arms respectively extended in opposite directions from the central frame for supporting the web of varied size. A plurality of pairs of centering members, each having an upwardly projected pin, are oppositely arranged and adapted to move toward and apart with each other so as to abut on the longitudinal and transverse side edges of web on the table with said pin for centering. It is preferable and sufficient to move said centering members by means of a belt and pulleys for treating a light web.

Abstract: A stainless steel wheel trim ring is constructed of an outer ring and a grip annulus. The outer ring is formed of a sheet metal band which is constructed from a rectangular blank having a pair of wedge shaped strain relief notches in a longitudinal edge adjacent to each end. The blank is welded at the joined ends to form the band. During manufacture, the band is expanded in the order of 25% at the longitudinal edge. A crimped peripheral bead along the longitudinal edge secures the grip annulus to the outer ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for feeding a material to a hot forging machine in a forging line in which a coiled material is uncoiled, straightened, fed intermittently by pinch rollers through a heating device, cut by a cutting device and then fed into a hot forging machine. The method has the steps of preparing a driving device which drives the pinch rollers mechanically independently from the hot forging machine; picking up the timing of forging conducted by the hot forging machine as an electric signal, and controlling the driving device in accordance with the electric signal.

Abstract: Stamping and forming machine has first and second tooling assemblies which are movable relatively towards and away from each other. Pilot pins are mounted on, and moved with, the first tooling assembly. The pilot pins enter pilot holes in the strip material and are movable on the first tooling assembly between extended positions and retracted positions. When the tooling assemblies are in their open, or separated, positions, the pilot pins are in their retracted positions and clearance is provided to permit feeding of the strip between the two tooling assemblies. As the tooling assemblies move to their closed positions, the pilot pins move to their extended positions and perform their piloting function. The pilot pins are actuated by an actuator which is separate from the actuator which moves the tooling assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spur gear automatic production process wherein spur gears are cold-press formed. The invention provides a top and bottom table with stock fed therebetween in sequential operation with the vertical stroke of the press machine, stamping a disk-shaped gear workpiece by means of top and bottom die sets in the first section which are positioned for integrated movement, thereafter moving said gear workpiece to the second section by means of an unobstructed feed, stamping thereon the tooth profile by means of the vertical stroke of top and bottom die sets positioned in said second section, and ironing said gear workpiece in the reverse direction to the stamping process.

Abstract: A conversion press assembly for forming easy open beverage cans and a transfer belt conveyor therefor. The press assembly comprises a main press having tooling therein for forming the can ends and a can end transfer belt extends therethrough to carry can end blanks from a downstacker or other supply apparatus. Attached to the main press frame is an auxiliary, tab press having its own crankshaft but being driven off the same drive assembly as the main press. Strip stock is fed into the tab press wherein the tabs are formed, and the tabs, still in strip form, are then fed transversely into the main press for attachment to the can ends at a stacking station. The transfer belt comprises a plurality of carriers mounted on a flexible belt wherein the carries include flexible fingers for resiliently gripping the can ends.

Abstract: An upstacker reject device includes a reciprocating plunger connected to a selectively oscillating shaft. A bellcrank is adjustably connected to a press ram and a rotatably mounted cylinder. A clutch is engaged to transfer rotary motion from the cylinder to the shaft. As the press ram travels downwardly, the cylinder and shaft are rotated, thereby causing the plunger to travel upwardly and engage an article carried by a transfer belt. A cylinder assembly and motion restriction cooperate with the clutch to insure that the plunger is retracted before the belt is advanced.

Abstract: A device for aligning an elliptical blank relative to a female die half comprising a drawpad having an elliptical opening supporting a blank in position on a female die half. Alignment pins are movable rearwardly of the minor diameter of the blank within slots formed in the drawpad for engaging the perimeter of the blank for rotating the blank to the aligned position, in preparation for press forming the blank into the desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a relatively flat object from a work station along a transfer path includes an upper tooling within the work station for locating the object in a ready position by causing an upper surface of the object to adhere to the tooling. The object is thus unsupported along its lower surface. A manifold forming an orifice is located adjacent to and directed toward the ready position, and is connected to a source of compressed gas. A valve initiates and discontinues flow of pressurized gas through the orifice. A control system controls the valve to direct a stream of pressurized gas through the orifice when an object is located in the ready position, thereby causing the transfer of the object in free flight from the work station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for feeding a material to a hot forging machine in a forging line in which a coiled material is uncoiled, straightened, fed intermittently by pinch rollers through a heating device, cut by a cutting device and then fed into a hot forging machine. The method has the steps of preparing a driving device which drives the pinch rollers mechanically independently from the hot forging machine; picking up the timing of forging conducted by the hot forging machine as an electric signal, and controlling the driving device in accordance with the electric signal.

Abstract: The proposed cross transfer device has two parallel support tubes (2a, 2b) which are displaceable in reciprocating manner in the workpiece transfer direction in the forming area and to which are fixed in each case an upper and a lower gripper box (3a, 3b). The two gripper boxes are used for the rectilinear guidance of gripper jaws (11) which interact in pairs, seize a workpiece at each forming station (U1 to U3) and can be transferred to the in each case adjacent forming station (U2 to U4) and released again. Transmission levers (6a, 6b) pivotably mounted in the gripper boxes (3a, 3b) are used for driving the gripper jaws (11), the pivoting movement of which transmission levers (6a, 6b) is controlled by a rotating camshaft (4a, 4b) which in each case is centrally mounted in one of the support tubes (2a, 2b) via antifriction bearings (15) and supporting pins ( 14).

Abstract: Successively formed cans or cups are quickly and smoothly removed from beneath the lower die shoe of a high speed forming press by an elongated dual lane stainless steel air conveyor having closely spaced upper and lower parallel walls defining an air chamber therebetween. A blower supplies air to the discharge end portion of the conveyor, and the inner end portion of the conveyor top wall defines two cup receiving zones adjacent corresponding outlets formed by upwardly projecting air deflecting hoods. Each hood directs a high flow of air horizontally across the adjacent receiving zone and longitudinally along the top conveyor wall to move each cup quickly from the receiving zone. Longitudinal extending parallel ribs project upwardly from the top wall for each lane, and a set of louvered slots are formed within the top wall between the ribs to maintain the linear and uniform flow of the cups to the discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding, locating and ejecting tubular workpieces to and from a horizontal recess in a vertical die face wherein the workpiece projects beyond the opposite sides of the die includes a horizontally reciprocable feed means mounted for reciprocatory movement between a forward and rearward movement relative to the fixed die. The feed means includes a horizontal pusher plate which upon movement from its rearward end to its forward end limit pushes a horizontally disposed workpiece forwardly across the top of the die and over the front edge of the die. Horizontal locator bars stop the falling workpiece in front of the recess and fingers carried on spaced side plates of the feed means guide the workpiece downwardly along the die face. Upon rearward movement of the feed means from its forward end limit, the fingers pivot against biassing means to ride upwardly over the workpiece which at this time is clamped in the recess by a movable die.

Abstract: A conversion press assembly for forming easy open beverage cans and a transfer belt conveyor therefor. The press assembly comprises a main press having tooling therein for forming the can ends and a can end transfer belt extends therethrough to carry can end blanks from a downstacker or other supply apparatus. Attached to the main press frame is an auxiliary, tab press having its own crankshaft but being driven off the same drive assembly as the main press. Strip stock is fed into the tab press wherein the tabs are formed, and the tabs, still in strip form, are then fed transversely into the main press for attachment to the can ends at a staking station. The transfer belt comprises a plurality of carriers mounted on a flexible belt wherein the carriers include flexible fingers for resiliently gripping the can ends.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from semi-solid metal preforms. The preforms are supported on pedestals which are surrounded by a ring of material which acts as a heat sink to absorb heat from the liquid portion of the preforms to substantially solidify the liquid portion and prevent the preforms from losing liquid to runoff.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting short tubular elements into nuts, fittings, sleeves, or other annular fasteners or couplers comprises means defining a plurality of stations including a receiving station and a plurality of working stations. Each tubular element must be positioned in each station in the course of its conversion. The receiving station is constructed to establish a predetermined orientation of each tube received thereby. Mechanism is provided for automatic and successive transfer of the tube elements from the receiving to the following stations, in series relation. Tooling is provided in essentially coaxial alignment with each of the tube elements at each working station.

Abstract: A press tool is provided with a system for guiding and relieving a metal strip which is caused to pass through the tool. During the successive manufacture of several pieces having different predetermined dimensions and forms. The system for guiding and relieving a metal strip, which is provided with adjustable sliding and interchangeable elements for controlling the position of the metal strip within the press tool, is adapted to be adjusted to be used for certain preselected widths of metal strips and for different degrees of brittleness of the metal strips used, as well as for different pieces to be manufactured having a predetermined bulk of the upper parts and for various mechanical operations performed by the tool.

Abstract: A bearing is manufactured by applying an axial pressing force to a cylindrical wound bush and thereby forming a notch-free flange at one end of the bush which is tapered previously. The flange is formed through a kind of plastic flow induced in the tapered end by the force.

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 apparatus for transferring a relatively flat object from a first station to a second station includes a support for the object at the first station, a substantially closed housing, and a piston disposed therein for sliding movement from a normal position to an activated position. An actuator extends through the housing and is integrally formed with the piston for sliding movement thereby. Compressed air is selectively directed into the housing for movement of the piston to the activated position, whereby the actuator strikes a blow edgewise of the object for propelling it toward the second station along a predetermined path. A pair of fingers disposed at the second station define therebetween a portion of the path along which an incoming object enters the second station. Each finger includes a path wall having an end surface extending generally inwardly from the finger for blocking the object path for halting object movement.