Abstract: A strength flanging method which improves the method of stretch flanging by press forming so as to disperse strain generated during a forming operation in a blank and in turn prevent the formation of cracks at the center of an arc part, which strength flanging method performs stretch flanging using a stretch flanging tool provided with a top surface part having a protruding part in a top view, straight wall parts, a main slanted wall part between the top surface part and the straight wall parts positioned forming an angle with the top surface part of more than 0° and less than 90° and with the straight wall parts of 10° or more and less than 90° and having two intersecting ridgelines at the straight wall part sides, a first sub slanted wall part sharing one ridgeline among the two ridgelines with the main slanted wall part and positioned forming angles with the top surface part and a straight wall part of more than 0° and less than 90°, and a second sub slanted wall part sharing the other ridgeline among the

Abstract: A wedge drive (1) has a slide upper part (4), a slide lower part (2), and a slide (3) arranged between the slide upper part (4) and the slide lower part (2). The slide (3) is movable between a closed and an open position in a working position. The slide (3) has a variable-position device (10), a first stop (30) and second stop (40), to obtain either the working position or an installation position. In the working position, the device (10) is positioned so that it is used as the limiter for the first stop (30) when the wedge drive (1) is actuated or is in its intended fully open position. In the installation position, the device (10) is positioned so that the second stop (40) supports itself on the device (10).

Abstract: A corrugate fin manufacturing apparatus includes: a die; a machining punch inserted into a concave in the die to form a rib, wherein on entering the concave, the machining punch does not contact a part of a plate-like body that has not been machined into ribs or does not cause resistance to drawing in of the unmachined part during formation of a rib even when there is contact; a mounting portion provided on the die; and a flat punch provided upstream of the machining punch, wherein when a rib is being formed, the flat punch is positioned to not contact the unmachined part or shaped to not cause resistance to drawing in of the machined part even when there is contact, and wherein after formation of a rib, the flat punch presses down the unmachined part and flattens the unmachined part in combination with the mounting portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a wire bending apparatus capable of both on and off-plane nose and mandrel bends. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporate a center turret cluster with a plurality of radii possible, a nose-bending mandrel, and a mandrel-bending mandrel. This apparatus forms a bending head that is attached to a CNC wire bending machine. This combination allows increased flexibility in forming complex wire forms and cuts down secondary operations, such as operations from robot arms, sometimes associated with CNC wire bending. In addition, the turret cluster position in the center allows for bending support with mandrel bends or nose bending on the back side of the bending head, usually 180 degrees away from the normal bending area. This allows the manufacturing of double end-loop forms without the addition of external clamps or robotic manipulation.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A stamping tool for forming a stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle is provided. The stamped metal panel is arcuate and has a u-shaped cross-section, the arcuate panel including a transitional portion so as to avoid a die lock condition. The tool includes an upper die, and a lower die, and transitional portion surfaces. The transitional portion surfaces tapers as the transitional portion surface extends from the ends of respective upper and lower dies to a first point. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall surfaces of the dies to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower dies of a stamping tool.

Abstract: A device for producing at least partly closed profiles from a blank includes at least one first die and at least one second die which can be positioned opposite the first die. The first die has a cavity and two side walls, wherein the side walls and the cavity of the first die can be raised and lowered relative to one another. A U-punch is provided to produce a U-shaped cross-sectional shape of the blank with the first die. The second die of the device has a cavity for producing an at least partly closed cross-sectional shape from a U-shaped blank. The device also has at least one supporting core. The cavity of the second die has elongated side walls in the direction of the first die, with which, the side walls of the first die can be lowered relative to the cavity of the first die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming at least one end turn and one slot segment of a coil for a stator of a dynamoelectric machine includes the utilization of a plurality of forming dies. Each forming die includes two lateral surfaces extending from a base and an end turn surface disposed substantially between and connecting the two lateral surfaces. Each forming die is disposed and pivotable into an arrangement where at least one lateral surface of a first forming die is substantially adjacent and parallel to at least one lateral surface of a second forming die, a slot segment thereby formable between lateral surfaces of adjacent forming dies and an end turn is at least partially formable between an end turn surface and a base of adjacent forming dies.

Abstract: A method for producing low-springback half shells made of a metal, in particular steel or a steel alloy, includes drawing in at least one drawing die a blank, such that the blanks have flange regions on the deep drawn body after the deep drawing. The flange regions are shaped by upsetting a corner substantially perpendicularly to a wall of the deep drawn region of the blank and the flange regions are subsequently trimmed in a shearing die, such that half shells without margins are produced.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a metal member includes at least one die, a punch disposed on an opposite side of the die through the metal member for pressurizing the metal member by relatively moving with respect to the die to perform bending, and a knock out die for supporting the metal member when the bending is performed. Friction generated on a surface of the knock out die for receiving the metal member becomes smaller continuously or gradually from a center portion toward side portions thereof in a bending ridge line direction. In addition, a surface of the knock out die includes multiple grooves formed at the side portions thereof in the bending ridge line direction, and widths of the multiple grooves become larger continuously or gradually from the center portion toward the side portions of the knock out die in the bending ridge line direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a variable gauge metal sheet into a desired shape, said process comprising: providing a variable gauge metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface, the metal sheet having a thickness measured at any point on the metal sheet as the distance between the first surface and the second surface, the thickness of the metal sheet being different over a first portion of the sheet than over a second portion of the sheet, and forming said metal sheet into a first desired shape by bending the metal sheet about a first fold line, said first fold line extending through both the first portion and the second portion, to bring segments of the first surface of the metal sheet on either side of the first fold line into increased opposition with each other.

Abstract: A press for crimping longitudinal edges of a plate for the manufacture of pipe has a closed press frame, an upper press platen, and a lower press platen extending longitudinally through the frame. A pair of transversely spaced and transversely shiftable upper supports are provided on the upper platen, and a pair of transversely spaced and transversely shiftable lower supports on the lower platen. Respective upper dies are fixed in the upper supports and have downwardly directed lower faces, and respective lower dies are fixed in the lower supports and have upwardly directed upper faces. A piston/cylinder assembly braced between the frame and one of the platens and pressurizable to shift the one platen vertically toward the other of the platens. Hydraulic actuators may position the holders and their dies transversely and also lock them in place.

Abstract: To enable formation at a negative angle with deep bending and forming a high-quality panel, a negative-angle press-working die includes an elevatable pad fixed to an upper die, a slide cam supported to be slidable laterally on the upper die or a lower die and having a bending blade, a rotary cam rotatable about a rotational center having a bending part which forms a negative-angle portion on a workpiece and a cam surface abutting on the slide cam, an elevatable slide body disposed under the pad so as to be rotatable together with the rotary cam and having a hold part provided at an upper portion on a bending part side of the rotary cam and constituting a part of a male die for workpiece forming, a drive unit that rotates the rotary cam to a workpiece working position, and a slide drive unit that slides the slide body in an up and down direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member. Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding mating profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming at least one end turn and one slot segment of a coil for a stator of a dynamoelectric machine includes the utilization of a plurality of forming dies. Each forming die includes two lateral surfaces extending from a base and an end turn surface disposed substantially between and connecting the two lateral surfaces. Each forming die is disposed and pivotable into an arrangement where at least one lateral surface of a first forming die is substantially adjacent and parallel to at least one lateral surface of a second forming die, a slot segment thereby formable between lateral surfaces of adjacent forming dies and an end turn is at least partially formable between an end turn surface and a base of adjacent forming dies.

Abstract: A stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle includes a main wall, an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a transitional portion. The outer side wall extends from one side of the main wall. The inner side wall extends from an opposite side of the main wall and forms a generally U-shaped cross section with the main wall and the outer side wall. The inner side wall has a first wall that extends from the main wall and a second wall that extends from an end of the first wall opposite from the main wall. The transitional portion extends arcuately between the first wall and the second wall. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall of the first side wall to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower halves of a stamping tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining a variable trim line of a panel, which can machine the variable trim line through a simple manipulation within a single process at the time of machining a trunk lid panel. The apparatus includes: an upper die unit disposed at an upper die steel and including a select retainer adapted to selectively punch the variable trim line of the panel, and an upper punch adapted to be moved forward and backward; and a lower die unit disposed at a lower die steel in such a fashion as to be directed opposite to the upper die unit in a row and adapted to push a strap caught in the lower die steel while cooperating with punching operation of the upper punch of the upper die unit. With the apparatus, a die manufacturing cost can be reduced, productivity can be increased and default rate can be reduced.

Abstract: To enable forming a negative angle with deep bending and forming a high-quality panel, a negative-angle press-working die includes an elevatable pad fixed to an upper die, a slide cam supported slidable laterally on the upper die or a lower die and having a bending blade, a rotary cam rotatable about a rotational center having a bending part which forms a negative-angle portion on a workpiece and a cam surface abutting on the slide cam, an elevatable slide body disposed under the pad rotatably together with the rotary cam and having a hold part provided at an upper portion on a bending part side of the rotary cam and constituting a part of a male die for workpiece forming, a drive unit that rotates the rotary cam to a workpiece working position, and a slide drive unit that slides the slide body in an up and down direction.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EMF) trimming, flanging and hemming steps are performed at a single workstation in a combined fixture designed to form a hemmed panel assembly, such as a vehicle closure panel. Two or more formed sheets, outer and inner panels, are positioned together for hemming. The panels are clamped and EMF coils are activated to provide EMF force to retain the panels and trim off excess addendum material from the outer panel. The coils are then activated to bend the trimmed edge upward against a flanging member and form a 90 degree flange. Flanging and trimming members are retracted and a coil member positions EMF hemming coils opposite the flange. The hemming coils are then activated and apply EMF force to bend the flange of the outer panel to a 180 degree angle, overlaying the edge of the inner panel and forming a panel assembly having a hemmed edge. Optionally, if needed, the flanging member is then lowered against the flange to assure flatness of the hem.

Abstract: The invention is a machine, machine system, and method of using a machine that alters metal plates to enable rigid stacking of the metal plates. In a preferred embodiment, the machine system includes a machine cabinet, a first altering system secured in the machine cabinet and configured to enable the machine to produce a divot or other indention in a metal plate, and a second altering system secured in the machine cabinet, the second altering system being configured to interact with the first altering system to change the shape of a metal plate, such as by bending a corner.

Abstract: Operations for uniting together a fixed support base 4 for fixedly supporting a workpiece W and a support die and for composing and decomposing a negative-angle press-forming die to take out a product processed by a negative-angle press-forming process are provided by an L-shaped die and a rotational support mechanism 21, serving as a pivot on which the L-shaped die is turned, inclined at an inclination determined according to the height range of a curved surface to be formed.

Abstract: Narrow aerial and die-mount cams, each having a cam adapter, a driver and a slide sandwiched between the cam adapter and driver. The narrow aerial cam slide has an elongate primary portion that has a T-shaped cross-section and has a primary bearing surface, and the cam adapter has a rectangular recess. An elongate keeper plate having a longitudinal slot is secured to each side of the cam adapter adjacent the rectangular recess to slidably retain the primary portion of the slide within the longitudinal slots and the rectangular recess. The primary bearing surface and a pair of intermediate bearing surfaces formed in the slide below the primary portion slidably support the keeper plates and thus the cam adapter. The driver slidably supports the slide. The narrow die-mount cam is basically an inverted version of the aerial cam.

Abstract: A rotary bending tool having a series of graphite plugs mounted in a saddle recess engaging a rocker surface to lubricate the same. The rocker is machined in an unhardened state and thereafter heat treated to be hardened, with reverse bending of the rocker thereafter carried out to correct any warpage.

Abstract: A mobile flange press adapted to be mounted on a flange of a workpiece I-beam and moved thereon including at least one clamp that contacts an underside of the flange of the workpiece I-beam, at least one hydraulic cylinder adapted to apply vertical downward pressure on the flange with resulting upward pressure at the ends of the flange to straighten the flange, and a drive mechanism for moving the mobile flange press along the flange of the workpiece I-beam to another portion of the flange. In addition, a method of straightening flanges of a workpiece I-beam where the mobile flange press is moved along the workpiece I-beam while straightening the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming serpentine heat exchanger coils from spine fin tubing involves applying spine fins to a tube while simultaneously forming the tube into a serpentine shape. The bending and fin wrapping occurs while a feed roll continues paying out the tube without interruption. Multiple bends can be made simultaneously.

Abstract: The method of bending the long length of the member and a bending apparatus which are capable of restraining the occurrence of wrinkles in flanges of the long length of the member, preventing free end sides of the flanges from buckling, and setting and taking out the long length of the member easily in bending a long length of a member in the longitudinal direction, which is approximately L-shaped or U-shaped in cross section and has a platelike bottom portion and flanges installed in a standing manner at the end of the platelike bottom portion, it is to provide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming of elongated metal articles comprising one or more rotating dies (1) provided with an indentation (3), being complementary shaped to the actual final shape of the resulting articles, where the dies (1) are designed and adapted to ensure/allow three rotational degrees of freedom under deformation by rotation of the dies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a predetermining curvature in the flange and web of a structural member including an indexing mechanism and method for controlling the amount of curvature produced.

Abstract: A metal structural panel being suitable, for use in point of display assemblies or other cladding in retail outlets, comprised of a length of metal sheet deformed uniformly and repetitively across the width of the sheet. The panel is manufactured in a machine of two main parts, top and bottom tooling. Firstly the top tooling is moved down onto the sheet metal, pushing it into a gap in the bottom tooling forming a channel in the sheet, at this point two opposed elements in the bottom tooling are forced towards each other forming an overcast channel in the sheet all of these movements are performed and controlled hydraulically and bear no likeness to previous all mechanical tools, also no likeness is given to the finished panel other than its similar use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying the main insulation of conductor bars, in particular conductor bars for stator windings, whereby the conductor bars have a rectangular cross-section. The method comprises the following steps: insertion of a conductor bar with ends in an injection mold; centering of the conductor bar in the injection mold so that a void for holding an insulation material remains between the conductor bar and the injection mold; filling of the void with an elastomer in order to form the main insulation.

Abstract: In manufacturing an electronic component composed of a plastic molded part having a built-in electronic element, and leads projecting from the plastic molded part, a first partial lead section, between an intermediate section and a tip section, of each lead of the electronic component is bent downward. The first section of each lead is bent from the side toward a bottom of the plastic molded part after further bending a base of each lead.

Abstract: The end faces of the edge portions of a flat plate, which have been respectively cut into a given shape according to a trimming operation, are then respectively face-struck into a linear shape. Also, in the trimming operation, each of the edge portions of the flat plate is cut into a shape having a larger dimension than that of a finally required shape thereof, and the thus produced excess length portions of the edge portions are worked by compressing when a pair of semidivided cylindrical portions are butted against each other. Since a connecting portion situated between the pair of semidivided cylindrical portions is always pressed with a given pressure, the working properties of the connecting portion in the molding operation are prevented from being revived.

Abstract: A cam apparatus includes: a cam driver having a sliding surface with a V-shaped cross section; a cam slide having a sliding surface of a shape complementary to the sliding surface of the cam driver in such a manner as to be slidably brought into contact with the sliding surface of the cam driver; and a cam-slide supporting base for movably supporting the cam slide so that the cam slide can move while being guided by the sliding surface of the cam driver as the sliding surface of the cam slide and the sliding surface of the cam driver are brought into contact with each other. The cam slide is disposed with a gap with respect to the cam-slide supporting base.

Abstract: A structural panel, suitable for use as slatwalling in retail outlets, comprised of a metal sheet bent to define on each side of the panel a series of channels of re-entrant cross-section extending continuously across the width of the panel. The panel is manufactured by a bending process wherein a portion of sheet material is deformed into a U-shaped cross-section, and the sides of the channel are deformed by bending into a substantially S-shape to define the re-entrant channel shape, this process being repeated at regular intervals along the sheet material. The bending process is performed by tooling including first and second tool assemblies, the first assembly including a shaping part for deforming a portion of sheet material into a recess defined between a pair of opposed tool elements of the second tool assembly, the opposed tool elements being driven towards each other to deform the channel side walls into an S-shape.

Abstract: A hemming machine of the type having a base, a nest for supporting a sheet metal part to be hemmed, and at least one die is disclosed in which the nest supporting the part to be hemmed is vertically displaced against the dies in order to form the hem. The improvement includes at least three elongated and external shafts wherein each shaft has one end rotatably mounted to the base so that the shafts are spaced apart and parallel with each other. A nut threadably engages each shaft, and these nuts are swivelly secured to the nest which permits a small amount of angular and radial deflection of the nut and shafts during movement of the nest from its lower to its upper position.

Abstract: An earring clip spring assembly has a strip of spring metal which is bent to have a pair of spring arms connected to each other by a closed U-shaped portion. An opening through the omega shaped portion receives a pin which holds the spring to an earring clip. A method of making the bent earring clip has two sets of dies for bending the clip in separate steps into its final shape.

Abstract: A hemming apparatus has a stand which is axially and rotatably adjustable, a carrier pivotally connected to the stand and a hemming tool adjustably received on a slide assembly which in turn is slidably received on the carrier. The hemming tool can be rotatably adjusted relative to the carrier to properly orient the hemming tool on the slide assembly for engagement with a flange of a sheet metal panel to hem the flange. Further, the stand can be axially and rotatably adjusted and the carrier can be pivotally adjusted relative to the stand to vary the orientation and path of travel of the slide assembly and hence the hemming tool relative to the sheet metal panels. Desirably, this readily adjustable and versatile hemming apparatus can be used to form or hem the flange of substantially any sheet metal panel having contours or corners of substantially any configuration or orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulated bending mold for shaping heat softened substrates, e.g., glass sheets, into curved shapes. The bending mold has a central portion with at least one, and preferably two, pivoting end sections. A biasing assembly is mounted on the side of the mold between the end section pivot points, preferably outboard of the end section pivot points and in proximity to an outer side of the end section. The biasing assembly includes a weight arm with a linkage assembly mounted on one end of the weight arm and connected to the end section, preferably at or near an outer corner of the end section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a cam assembly for use in a pressing machine having a lower cam to be fixed to the base of the pressing machine, a spring-biased sliding cam whose front surface is allotted to fix a machining tool and a cam holder to be fixed to the upper frame of the pressing machine. The sliding cam is operatively combined with the lower cam to slide on the inclined surface of the lower cam synchronously with the rising and descending of the upper frame of the pressing machine, whereas the cam holder and the sliding cam is so combined as to leave a predetermined space defined therebetween, thereby permitting the sliding cam to be slidably held in the cam holder. The cam assembly further has a spacer to be inserted in the predetermined space and detachable fastening means to fix the sliding cam to the cam holder as if the slider were like with the upper frame of the pressing machine staying at its lower dead end.

Abstract: Aerial and die mounted cams are provided with dual opposed wearplates on bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A laminated punch assembly (20) is adapted for use in a press brake to bend sheet metal (M) interposed between a punch and die when the punch and die are moved relatively toward one another. The improved punch assembly includes a plurality of plate-like members (24). Each member has large-area obverse and reverse faces (30, 31), and has a peripheral surface. A slot extends into each member from a portion of its peripheral surface, and communicates the two faces. The plurality of members are arranged in face-to-face area contact to define an elongated laminated punch assembly, with the slots of each member being aligned to form an elongated slot in the punch assembly. An elongated insert (26) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the punch assembly slot, and has an exposed bending surface (63) adapted to engage the sheet material when the brake is used.The invention also provides an improved die assembly for use in such a press brake.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for producing reinforcement profiles on sheet metal panels wherein the profiles are obtained with the same metal sheet which constitutes the body of the finished shelf. The profiles are obtained by performing a drawing action so as to create a channel of inverted "C" shape and then performing a successive bending action capable of causing the reciprocal approach of the ends of its two parallel sides, obtaining, at the end of the operation, a shape in the form of an inverted isosceles triangle which constitutes the reinforcement profile.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) and method are provided for forming an eye at the end of a heated leaf spring blank (2). Apparatus (100) includes a forming plate (16) operative to move angularly downwardly against a cantilevered portion (10) of blank (2) and roll it about a retractable rotary eye pin (5) to form the eye. Apparatus (100) includes neutralizing the force created by forming plate (16) against blank (2) during the rolling operation and further preferably includes a scarf blade (14) operative to move angularly to scarf or shape the end of portion (10) prior to the rolling operation.

Abstract: A pressing cam die includes a cam slide having a cam surface; a supporting device for supporting the cam slide onto an upper die such that the cam slide is movable in a downwardly inclined direction; a coil spring for urging the cam slide toward its initial position; and a cam driver having a cam surface which is slidably brought into surface contact with the cam surface of the cam slide. The supporting device has a base and a round guide bar which is attached to a front wall portion and a rear wall portion of the base. The coil spring is wound around the guide bar and is disposed concentrically with the guide bar.

Abstract: A bending process including both preliminary and following steps takes place in one apparatus. A plastic pipe (6) is heated to a temperature in which it can be plastically deformed. The heated pipe is thereafter shoved into a pipe-shaped bending channel (27) of a bending tool, with the bending tool comprising two dies (9,10), each respectively defining a groove (14,13) which together form the bending channel. Finally, a cooling agent is allowed to flow through the bent pipe which is still in the bending tool. The thusly cooled pipe is removed from the bending tool after the dies are separated from one another. The apparatus to bend the plastic pipe comprises heating, bending, and cooling stations (1,2,3). The heating station comprises two heating fixtures, and the cooling station comprises a supply line (21,22) with a coupling joint (20) which can be coupled to an end of the pipe.

Abstract: A bending apparatus (10) for use in bending moldings (300 and 301) having a decorative outer surface (308) is described. The bending apparatus includes an upper bending member (12) and a lower bending member (52) which are moved together to form intricate compound bends in the molding. The bending surface (14) of the upper bending member has a variable curvature which is controlled by adjustment units (38). The lower bending member includes first and second outer tool members (54 and 56) and a middle tool member (120). The moldings are mounted onto the holders (102) of the tool members during bending. The outer tool members pivot along two axis in response to the pressure of the upper bending member during bending. The middle tool member pivots along one axis and is compressed downward during bending. The bending apparatus allows double plane bends to be formed in the molding without damaging the decorative outer surface of the molding.

Abstract: A universal cam unit for use in a power press comprising a driver assembly, a slide block to which the working tool is mounted, and a mounting bracket for coupling the slide block to the ram for movement therewith. The slide block is slidably mounted to move between a retracted and an extended position. The slide block and the driver assembly include parallel inclined bearing surfaces which abut when the pressure pad and the ram are lowered. As the ram motion continues, the inclined bearing surfaces slide against each other thereby causing the slide block to move from the retracted to the extended position. The movement of the slide block brings the tool into engagement with a workpiece disposed between the pressure pad unit and the lower die to perform a desired operation. The components of the universal cam unit may be disassembled and selectively replaced, so that the unit may be quickly and easily adapted for use in a desired application.

Abstract: A bending apparatus (10) for use in bending moldings (300 and 301) having a decorative outer surface (308) is described. The bending apparatus includes an upper bending member (12) and a lower bending member (52) which are moved together to form intricate compound bends in the molding. The bending surface (14) of the upper bending member has a variable curvature which is controlled by adjustment units (38). The lower bending member includes first and second outer tool members (54 and 56) and a middle tool member (120). The moldings are mounted onto the holders (102) of the tool members during bending. The outer tool members pivot along two axis in response to the pressure of the upper bending member during bending. The middle tool member pivots along one axis and is compressed downward during bending. The bending apparatus allows double plane bends to be formed in the molding without damaging the decorative outer surface of the molding.

Abstract: A die assembly (10) for shaping a workpiece (12). The die assembly (10) includes a die shoe (22) within which a channel (24) is provided. A hollow die head (32) may move within the channel. One or more passages are disposed within the die head (32). Within each passage is a locking member (46) which is seatable within a groove (52) defined within a head portion (50) of a shaft (48) which transmits a shaping force to the workpiece (12) or a driven or shaping force within the die assembly (10), thereby allowing the shaft (48) to rotate axially. The die assembly (10) permits the die head (32) and shaft (48) to move in unison during the initial stages of retraction. During later stages of retraction, the die head (32) becomes unlocked from the shaft ( 48).

Abstract: An adjustable aerial cam unit for use in a power press comprising a stationary driver assembly coupled to the press bed, a slide block to which the working tool is mounted, and means for coupling the slide block to the ram of the power press for movement therewith. The slide block is slidably mounted at an angle relative to the plane of movement of the ram to move between extended and retracted positions. The slide block includes a lower inclined bearing surface and the driver assembly an upper inclined bearing surface, so that when the pressure pad and the ram are lowered, the slide block will abut the driver assembly, and the inclined bearing surfaces slide against each other. As the ram motion continues, the slide block moves from the extended to the retracted position with respect to the ram.