Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-shaped workpiece positioning structure for hot press forming that, upon executing a hot press forming of a heated plate-shaped workpiece (16), positions the plate-shaped workpiece relative to a pair of press dies (10, 12, 14). The positioning structure includes (a) a first positioning opening (20b) and (b) a second positioning openings (22a, 22c). The first positioning opening is arranged in a center part of the plate-shaped workpiece, and engages with a first positioning pin (22b) provided on one (12) of the pair of press dies to position the plate-shaped workpiece. The second positioning openings are arranged between the first positioning opening and a predetermined outer peripheral parts (16a, 16b) of the plate-shaped workpiece, and are formed in an elongate shape that extends along a line connecting the first positioning opening and the predetermined outer peripheral part of the plate-shaped workpiece.

Abstract: A device for monitoring an area of coverage on a work tool may comprise a lighting unit, a camera, and an evaluation unit. The lighting unit may be adapted to emit light rays for illuminating the area of coverage. The camera may be adapted to detect two-dimensional images of the area of coverage, and the camera may comprise receiving elements arranged linearly. The evaluation unit may be coupled to the camera to evaluate the output signals of the receiving elements to determine a distance value for each receiving element based on the light rays emitted by the lighting device and reflected back from the area of coverage. The evaluation unit may have at least one switching output coupled to the work tool to activate the work tool such that the work tool is operational only if no object is located in the area of coverage.

Abstract: To improve a bending apparatus for flat material parts, comprising a bending device at which the flat material part is positioned in an insertion plane prior to bending and remains in the insertion plane during bending, and a handling device having handling axes for picking up the flat material part from a feed position, inserting it into the bending device for bending, taking it out of the bending device and placing it in a deposit position, so that the bending apparatus requires as little constructional expenditure as possible, it is proposed that the handling device comprise a positioning axis, that the positioning axis have a greater positioning accuracy than the handling axes, that, when positioning the flat material part in at least one bending position relative to a bending line of the bending device, the positioning axis be aligned parallel to the insertion plane and parallel to a direction extending transversely to the bending line, and that, with handling axes rigidly secured, the flat material part

Abstract: A device and a process for producing a corrugated plate having a plurality of bent-into-contact portions extending in parallel on one face of a metal plate employs a number of steps. A first pressing step sequentially molds a plurality of U-shaped bent portions in the metal plate. A second pressing step sequentially molds the bent-into-contact portions by sequentially crushing the plurality of U-shaped bent portions. In the first pressing step, the U-shaped bent portions are fed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the U-shaped bent portions, and positioned, and are pressed in a state in which the position is released. In the second pressing step, another face of the metal plate is pressed flat while molding the bent-into-contact portions by pressing the U-shaped bent portions from both sides.

Abstract: A workstation has a base, a conveying device, a driving assembly and a working device. The base is composed of multiple supporting frames. The conveying device is mounted on the base and has a rail, a moving base, a motor, a pushing rod and two rotating rods. The rotating rods are rotatably mounted on the base and are parallel with each other. Each rotating rod is composed of multiple connecting rods and multiple connecting elements. The connecting rods are combined with each other, and the connecting elements are mounted respectively between the connecting rods to connect adjacent connecting rods together. The driving assembly is mounted on the base to drive the rotating rods to rotate along a same direction. The working device is mounted on the base to process a manufacturing process to a worked object.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method and a device for transferring workpieces. In the method, at least one first handling device positions and/or securely holds at least one workpiece in a working region of a shaping machine, and, in at least one shaping process in the shaping machine, the at least one first handling device subsequently transfers the workpiece to at least one second handling device. The at least one workpiece is then aligned in a predetermined (or predeterminable) position when it is received by the at least one second handling device with the assistance of the at least one positioning means and a positioning aid.

Abstract: Substrate processing apparatus for processing holes accurately positioned in an long film, comprising: work supporting devices for supporting the work; clamping devices for clamping the work onto the work supporting devices; first movement devices for moving the work supporting devices in the transferring direction of the work; guiding devices for guiding the work supporting devices; guide supporting devices for supporting these guiding devices; and second movement devices for moving the guide supporting devices in the direction perpendicular to the transferring direction of the work, wherein two pins or holes are disposed on or in each of the guiding devices, holes or pins to engage with the pins or holes are disposed on or in each of the guide supporting devices to combine the guiding devices and guide supporting devices in a grid form, and the holes and pins at four junctions are fitted.

Abstract: A metal sheet folding device, particularly a folding press, comprising a table beam stationarily arranged on a machine frame, and a press beam arranged on the machine frame in guide arrangements with a driving device. The press beam is adjustable in relation to the table beam. Furthermore, provision is made for a sheet depositing/positioning device for at least one metal sheet plate or at least one workpiece for intermediately positioning the latter for carrying out a gripping operation with the gripping device of a handling system. The device is supported on the machine frame preferably on the table beam and adjustable in a linear guide arrangement in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the table beam over at least part of the length.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for forging a workpiece (3) with an intermittently drivable clamping head (4) for the workpiece (3) and with a counter-holder (5) for receiving the end of the workpiece (3) averted from the clamping head (4), which counter-holder is rotatably held in a frame (12). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the counter-holder (5) is connected with an intermittent rotational drive (13) which can be triggered synchronously to the clamping head (4).

Abstract: A metal sheet-receiving system for receiving parts and feeding a metal sheet-folding machine, particularly a folding press comprising at least one manipulator for seizing and moving metal sheet parts with a gripper head fitted with gripping means; an electronic controlling device for controlling the movements of the manipulator; as well as a measuring system for determining the position of the metal sheet parts. The measuring system is formed by an optoelectronic measuring device, particularly an image acquisition means, and a transillumination platform.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering rack bar (6) by forging, the method comprising the steps of pacing a heated cylindrical rack bar (6) in a first forging die (15) and forging a first toothed protion (37) at one end thereof; removing the rack bar; heating the rack bar at or near the other end of said rack; and placing the other end of the rack bar in a second forging die and forging a second toothed portion (39) wherein, prior to forging the second toothed portion, the rack bar is axially and angularly aligned to a predetermined axial location and angularly orientated utilising the first toothed portion or features at or near the one end of the rack bar as a datum, and placed and held in the predetermined axial location and angular orientation prior to forging of the second toothed portion.

Abstract: A reaction device for forming equipment includes a housing having a mount adapted to be connected to a forming die and a casing carried by the mount. A lift rod is disposed at least partially on the housing for movement relative to the house between extended and retracted positions. The lift rod has a first end disposed in the housing, a second end and a passage extending through the lift rod between its ends. An adapter is connected to the lift rod within the passage and is adapted to be coupled to a lift bar of the forming equipment. A biasing member is disposed between the lift rod and the housing to yieldably bias the lift rod to its extended position.

Abstract: A wire feeder driving mechanism capable of driving a wire feeder of a spring manufacturing machine to perform a three-dimensional movement. The spring manufacturing machine includes a machine base and a work table. The work table has an opening and a plurality of tool seats. The opening provides the feeding chuck of the wire feeder a moving space. The tool seat is provided to install a tool set to move back and forth on the work table. The wire feeder is assembled with a plurality of axial driving devices. The axial driving device is able to receive power and to move perpendicular to each other. The metal wire led through the wire feeder is thereby able to approach the tool seat in a three-dimensional manner. The spring manufacturing machine is therefore able to produce various complicated springs.

Abstract: In a process for forming a linking element for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission, material is displaced from a central portion of the linking element during a blanking process, which central portion is substantially centrally located in the horizontal transverse direction. A blanking member which is applied during the blanking process, comprises a shaping surface which abuts against a front surface or a back surface of the linking element under the influence of pressure during the blanking process. The blanking member is provided with a relatively elevated central portion, which serves to displace material from the central portion of the linking element during the blanking process.

Abstract: A transmission device for a tube bending machine include a first power means and a second power means mounted on the sliding seat to drive the sliding seat as well as a workpiece securely connected to the sliding seat to move. The second means has a second motor alternately connected to the clutch so that the transmission power is selectively transmitted to drive the sliding seat when required. Therefore, transmission of workpiece is smooth and the processing work to the workpiece is accomplished.

Abstract: A pipe feeding mechanism includes a rack, a power source, first and second planetary gears, a clutch for releaseably securing an output shaft to an input shaft in the first planetary gear, and a brake for releaseably blocking rotation of a sun gear of the first planetary gear; the input shaft of the first planetary gear is connected to the power source; the first planetary gear will be stopped from functioning, and the output shaft thereof rotated at a same speed as the input shaft thereof during a return stroke of pipe feeding cycle after the clutch is switched to a clutching position, and the brake device a releasing position; the first planetary gear will be allowed to function together with the second planetary gear to increase output torque during a forward stroke after the clutch is switched to a releasing position, and the brake device a braking position.

Abstract: An improved device for stripping a wheel rim from a wheel rim expanding tooling apparatus (100) includes an inboard wheel rim expanding tooling assembly (102) including a plurality of segmented inboard wheel rim press members, an outboard wheel rim expanding tooling assembly (104) including a plurality of segmented outboard wheel rim press members, and at least one stripper pin device (120) installed in at least one of the segmented inboard wheel rim press members or the segmented outboard wheel rim press members. The at least one stripper pin device is installed in the at least one of the segmented inboard wheel rim press members or the segmented outboard wheel rim press members from the outer surface side thereof.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism of a pipe bending machine is equipped with several auxiliary hydraulic cylinders in addition to an original power source for providing power to feed a pipe; the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders are joined to an auxiliary fixing member at output rods thereof, which fixing member is displaceable along a toothed locating rod secured on the bending machine, and is equipped with an engaging device capable of releaseably engaging the toothed locating rod to fix the fixing member in position; thus, the feeding mechanism can feed a pipe with increased force output when the fixing member is made unmovable along the locating rod by the engaging device, and when the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders operate.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for aligning an integrated circuit die on an integrated circuit substrate. A plurality of deposits of deformable material are placed on the substrate where the integrated circuit die is to be aligned. In one advantageous embodiment a stamping tool is indexed to a first tooling hole and to a second tooling hole in the substrate. The stamping tool imprints the deposits of deformable material to a tolerance of less than one hundred microns with respect to the first and second tooling holes. The imprinted portions of the deposits a form a pocket for receiving the integrated circuit die. This enables the integrated circuit die to be precisely aligned on the substrate in three dimensions.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for folding sheet bars, particularly sheet metal bars, comprising a folding press with two press beams, which are adjustable in relation to each other and provided with folding dies, whereby the folding press is fed by means of an automated manipulating system. The manipulating system has three hinged arms connected via pivoting devices to form an arrangement of hinged arms. A first hinged arm is swivel-mounted on a swivel axle extending in a swivel device parallel to a guide track of a linearly displaceable chassis. A second and a third swivel axles supporting the hinged arms are arranged extending parallel to the swivel axle of the swivel device. A gripping system and a seizing device for picking up the sheet bars are arranged in another end area of the hinged-arm arrangement. A positioning device assures that the sheet bar is correctly positioned for the folding process.

Abstract: A metal ring loading and unloading apparatus is capable of loading and unloading a metal ring quickly and highly accurately for increased efficiency. The metal ring loading and unloading apparatus has a moving unit 41 slidably movable along a rail 48 which extends from a loaded ring placement unit 8 to an unloaded ring placement unit 11. On the moving unit 41, there are mounted a loaded ring delivering unit 9 for holding and delivering a metal ring W on the loaded ring placement unit 8 and an unloaded ring delivering unit 10 for removing the metal ring W from support rollers 3, 4 and delivering the metal ring W to the unloaded ring placement unit 11. The loaded ring placement unit 8 has a pressing unit for radially pressing the metal ring W to deform the metal ring W into a substantially elliptical shape. The loaded ring delivering unit 9 has a loaded ring gripping unit 26 for gripping the metal ring W deformed by the pressing unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic press utilizes a product feed mechanism including a product lifting linkage capable of raising and lowering a product-holding platen while maintaining same in a precise horizontal position during such movement. The hydraulic drive for the lifting and lowering mechanism is capable of moving the platen to any precise vertical position and maintaining same at that position before, during and after press operations. In connection with the lifting and lowering mechanism, a linear motor horizontal drive mechanism is coordinated with the lifting mechanism to enable the product feed system to precisely position the platen anywhere along the travel of the linear motor. The combination of the lifting and lowering mechanism with the linear motor horizontal drive mechanism provides, when operated by an open architecture PC control system, a new and improved product feed mechanism more precisely controllable than heretofore known.

Abstract: A blank positioning and guide construction which includes guide pin slotting that effects the accurate positioning of the sheet on the forming die and guide pin thereof and which provides for the enlargement of the guide pin slot by the predetermined deformation of portion of the sheet at a predetermined bend line adjacent to the guide pin slot to eliminate adherence of the part to the pin so that the part can be ejected from the die without detrimental part distortion of the part.

Abstract: A computer readable recording medium which stores control data to control the action of a sheet metal bending system which is provided with a press brake and a sheet metal support device, where the press brake is provided with a punch and die which bends the sheet metal along the bending line by approaching to and parting from each other, and a back gauge to determine the position of the sheet metal against the punch and die, the sheet metal support apparatus is provided with a support arm which supports the sheet metal and may be rotated freely centered on the rotation axis which is parallel to the bending axis, the control data is a control data to control the bending process which includes a plurality of bending processes to produce sheet metal parts (parts) with a plurality of bending lines by the press brake and sheet metal support device by controlling the approach and parting motion of the punch and die and at least the rotational motion of the support arm, and the control data is related to the sheet

Abstract: A method for bending a work of a plate shape by moving a die with the work being butted against a butting member, and an apparatus for executing the method are provided. The bending apparatus is provided with an input unit for inputting data on bending conditions including respective target values of a bending angle and a bending dimension, as well as respective measured values of a bending angle and a bending dimension of the work obtained in trial bending. A control device installed in the apparatus executes an initial computation for computing an operation amount of the die when the data on bending conditions are inputted. Further, the control device executes computation for a correction value for an operation amount of the die and computation for an estimated value of a bending dimension when the respective measured values of the bending angle and the bending dimension obtained in trial bending are inputted.

Abstract: An automatic bending system includes an automatic bending press (46) including a pair of bending tools (48, 50) cooperating with each other, and an automatic manipulator (10) including a head (26) movable in a work space and provided with a toolholder member (29) intended to receive at least two take-up members (32, 34, 38, 42) independent from each other. The head (26) is rotatable about a first axis (28) and the toolholder member (29) is provided with tool attachment seats (30) arranged on opposite sides of said first axis (28) and rotatable about a second common axis (36) orthogonal to the first axis (28).

Abstract: In a wire termination apparatus, an anvil for placing a terminal thereon is mounted on a base plate, corresponding in position to a crimper of a ram. The terminal is crimped by a crimping portion, which includes the crimper and the anvil. An elongate link piece is mounted on the ram, and a guide member having a groove in which an elongate component, such as a fluorescent tube, is placed, is mounted on the tip of the link piece. The guide member is positioned to be aligned with the terminal placed on the anvil, when the ram is in its uppermost position. A conductive lead of the component and a conductor of an insulated wire are inserted into the terminal from directions perpendicular to each other, then the terminal is crimped by the crimper.

Abstract: A crimping system comprises a frame having a plurality of plates with a clamp adjacent to the lower end. Applicator mechanisms are adapted to feed crimpable components coupled together by and releasably coupled to a carrier. A crimping mechanism has an anvil with at least one tooth and a nest with at least one recess associated with the anvil. A feeding mechanism coupled to the frame adapted to feed crimpable components between the anvil and the nest. An actuator arm coupled to the frame is adapted to move the anvil and nest toward each other.

Abstract: A flange is formed on a workpiece by first mounting the workpiece in an inner holder shiftable along about a main axis and securing the inner holder against rotation about the main axis. A roller is rotated about the main axis adjacent the inner holder. Then the inner holder and workpiece are displaced axially to press the workpiece axially against the roller and deform the workpiece and form a flange thereon. This is done without heating the workpiece, that is in a cold-forming operation.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a guide mechanism used to position and securely hold a sheet metal blank in a sheet metal forming press that is operated at high temperatures. A sheet metal blank is initially positioned in the forming press by resting the sheet metal blank on the highest portion of the convex surface of the lower tool member and counter balancing it with a blank loading device that includes a support hand to initially hold the blank. The guide apparatus comprises an engagement tool mounted to a beam that is slidably attached to guide supports. As the upper tool member drops, the engagement tool pinches and securely holds the sheet metal blank as the guide supports slide along the beam in sync with the downward movement of the upper tool member.

Abstract: To improve the speed with which a worksheet is positioned in a press brake, and to further eliminate the need for conventional moving back gauge systems, the present invention replaces the conventional back gauge mechanical system with sensors that non-contactedly determine the positioning of the worksheet, with reference to the bending tools. The thus sensed worksheet position is compared with the desired worksheet location preprogrammed into the CNC controller. Any deviation between the sensed, or the actual worksheet position, with the desired worksheet position for each bend of the worksheet is compensated by further moving the worksheet, until there no longer is any discrepancy between the actual and the preprogrammed desired locations.

Abstract: A sheet metal follower for a bending press that has a bottom fixed table carrying a bending matrix on its top face. The follower is of the type comprising in particular pivot means for pivoting the follower table about a pivot shaft, and means suitable for moving the follower table in horizontal displacement relative to its support structure and perpendicularly to the pivot shaft, the active length of the pivot means being variable between a fixed hinge on the support structure and a moving hinge on the follower table, and the moving hinge being suitable for sliding along said table in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft of said table.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a guide mechanism used to position and securely hold a sheet metal blank in a sheet metal forming press that is operated at high temperatures. A sheet metal blank is initially positioned in the forming press by resting the sheet metal blank on the highest portion of the convex surface of the lower tool member and counter balancing it with a blank loading device that includes a support hand to initially hold the blank. The guide apparatus comprises an engagement tool mounted to a beam that is slidably attached to guide supports. As the upper tool member drops, the engagement tool pinches and securely holds the sheet metal blank as the guide supports slide along the beam in sync with the downward movement of the upper tool member.

Abstract: A crimping tool for crimping crimp contacts, in particular crimp contacts which are supplied to the crimping tool in the form of a strip, having a pressing device (1) and a feed device (2) for advancing the crimp contacts to the pressing device (1). The feed device (2) comprises an advancing element (3) and means (4) for reciprocating the advancing element (3), so as to provide a reliable supply of crimp contacts to the pressing device (1) in a constructionally simple manner. The means (4) for reciprocating the advancing element (3) comprises two cylinder-piston arrangements (5,6), which are independent of each other.

Abstract: A machine and method for corrugating a metal foil strip utilizes an enclosure defining a chamber and a controllable heat source for heating the chamber. The chamber may optionally include at least one gas that is also heated by the heat source. At least one tool set received in the chamber forms corrugations in the metal foil strip. Foil entry feeder elements supply and guide the metal foil strip from outside the chamber into the chamber and to the tool set. A drive for the tool set is mounted outside the chamber and coupled to the tool set to actuate the tool set. Foil exit delivery elements guide the strip from the tool set and out of the chamber. Where required to prevent oxidation of the foil strip, a source supplying an inert gas to the chamber at a controlled rate is used.

Abstract: A machine for corrugating a metal foil strip includes a form gear having identical cavities along its perimeter that is driven intermittently by an electronically controlled rotary servomotor to index successive cavities to a forming station. During each dwell of the form gear, a form tooth of a punch unit at the forming station is driven by an electronically-controlled linear servomotor into the cavity to at least partly form a corrugation in the strip. During each operating stroke of the punch unit, a hold finger clamps the immediately outgoing node of the corrugation that just left the forming station against the immediately outgoing tooth of the form gear, thus preventing any part of the outgoing corrugation from being pulled back into the cavity and ensuring that the next corrugation is formed solely from a segment drawn in from the incoming foil.

Abstract: In order to easily, rapidly and precisely carry out a setting work after exchange of a pressuring unit, a shank module is provided that is capable of integrally exchanging a shank of a pressing unit. The shank module is configured to removably link a main body and a ram. By adopting the universal pressing unit, adjustment after exchange of the pressing unit becomes considerably easier. Additionally, in carrying out a universal design of a terminal-feeding mechanism, improved workability is implemented by linking the setting of press conditions with the feed conditions of a terminal belt. In order to accomplish this goal, an anvil unit of a press mechanism is configured to be detachable from a main body base. Furthermore, a positioning mechanism is provided on the anvil unit. The positioning mechanism positions the setting position of moving elements of a driving mechanism of a terminal-feeding mechanism corresponding to the terminal belt.

Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.

Abstract: A press for the installation of inserts on thin metallic or plastic rolled sections by cold plastic deformation of the rolled sections, comprising a structure (2, 3) bearing a punch (8) and an insert-bearing turret anvil (15) arranged in a substantially axial alignment in a working position thereof, and actuator means (4, 6, 7) within the structure for controlling the sliding of the punch toward the turret anvil. The turret anvil is mounted on a carriage (14) sliding with respect to the structure between the working position, wherein the carriage is completely inserted in the structure, and a loading position, wherein the carriage protrudes therefrom. The distance between the punch and the turret anvil is sufficient to allow the interposition of the thin metallic or plastic rolled sections therebetween, without the risk of accident for the operator and making easier the press loading operations.

Abstract: A punch press includes: a press main body; an upper turret member having a workpiece detecting plate; a lower turret member; a striker; striker ascending/descending means; a carriage with a clamper for holding a workpiece in order to position the workpiece between the upper turret member and the lower turret member; and carriage moving means to move the carriage in the horizontal direction. In the above construction, one end of a first conductive wire is electrically connected to the workpiece detecting plate; and one end of a second conductive wire is electrically connected to the press main body. The other end of the first conductive wire and the other end of the second conductive wire are electrically connected to a touch detecting unit to detect a touch between the workpiece detecting plate of the upper turret member and a workpiece clamped by the clamper.

Abstract: A reciprocating press for forming workpieces includes a tilting table that supports the workpiece and positions it with respect to the press tooling as the press closes, and then is pivoted upward into an inclined orientation as the press opens so that the finished workpiece falls down the table and is automatically discharged from the press. A preferred embodiment has a lifting arm attached to an upper reciprocating press member that carries an upper forming tool such as a punch. The lower end of the lifting arm engages the tilting table such that the table is pivoted about a horizontal axis in concert with the upward and downward movement of the reciprocating press member. The press preferably also includes a safety door that is automatically closed before the press fully closes and is opened again as the press opens such that operator access to the moving press parts is prevented by the door during a press cycle.

Abstract: A two-stage hemming machine has a centrally located press station with an anvil extendable along a vertical axis, and a loading station and an unloading station located on opposite sides of the press station. Separate first and second dies slide on horizontal tracks mounted above the press, the first die movable therealong between the loading station and the press station, and the second die movable between the unloading station and the press station. The dies shuttle back and forth, in unison, between the press station during a production cycle wherein a component to be hemmed is loaded into the first die in the loading station, is carried into the press station along with the first die where the first stage of the hemming operation occurs, and remains on the anvil as the anvil is lowered. The first die then returns to the loading station as the second die moves into the press station.

Abstract: A metal sheet having a pair of thin portions on respective marginal edges thereof which are joined to a remaining portion of the metal sheet via respective corners is centered by positioning the center between the corners as the center of the metal sheet. Then, elements are blanked out of the metal sheet. The elements remain joined to the metal sheet by respective connectors which are formed in the respective thin portions of the metal sheet, the bodies having respective lower edges formed in the respective thin portions of the metal sheet. The elements are separated from the metal sheet by cutting off the connectors along the lower edges of the bodies.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus (30) for a workpiece includes a base (310) with a shoulder (312), a positioning block (330) and a circuit. The positioning block includes an upper block (332) secured on the shoulder, and a lower block (334) having a front surface (336). A lay of insulator (320) is compressed between the base and the positioning block. The circuit includes a power source (50) and a relay (60). The power source provides direct current voltage. The relay comprises a coil (601) electrically connected between the power source and the positioning block, and a normal-open switch (603) electrically connected between the power source and a manipulator which acts on the workpiece. When the workpiece contacts the front surface of the positioning block, the coil is electrified and the normal-open switch closes. The interface of the manipulator turns to high level, and the manipulator starts its next programmed motion.

Abstract: A sheet metal follower for a bending press that has a bottom fixed table carrying a bending matrix on its top face. The follower is of the type comprising in particular pivot means for pivoting the follower table about a pivot shaft, and means suitable for moving the follower table in horizontal displacement relative to its support structure and perpendicularly to the pivot shaft, the active length of the pivot means being variable between a fixed hinge on the support structure and a moving hinge on the follower table, and the moving hinge being suitable for sliding along said table in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft of said table.

Abstract: A straight rod is automatically positioned at the center of a mandrel of a U-bolt bending machine for subsequent bending into a U-bolt by the bending machine. The rod is positioned between spaced centering plates of a centering device mounted to the machine. The centering plates are coupled to a transport mechanism of the centering device that automatically provides for conjoint oppositely directed movement of the centering plates to automatically center and position the centerline of the rod at the centerline of the machine without marking or measuring the rod or other tasks previously required to accurately position the rod.

Abstract: An auxiliary control system is operatively associated with a press machine controller including a programmable logic controller having a main processor. The auxiliary control system includes a sensor assembly arranged to provide sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine. An auxiliary processor is arranged to monitor for the occurrence of press operating events as signified by the sensor information. The auxiliary processor provides a state signal to the press controller which is representative of the results of the monitoring activity to enable the PLC to control the press machine. Additionally, an improved press machine PLC includes an auxiliary sensor assembly for providing sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine.

Abstract: A hemming apparatus for vertically moving an upper mold toward a lower mold to thereby compress the marriage panel whereby the marriage panel is hemmed is disclosed. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for moving the lower mold in the horizontal direction to allow the lower mold to be movable from the position to be hemmed facing to the upper mold and a position for setting the panel where the marriage panel is set. Also disclosed in a hemming process comprising setting one panel on another panel to form a marriage panel, and unifying these panels with each other by claming the marriage panel between an upper mold and a lower mold.

Abstract: An integrated die cast system is provided comprising a die casting machine, a servo-controlled ladle, a servo-controlled sprayer, a pick and place robot, an integrated controller, and a programming pendant. The die casting machine includes a die casting machine controller. The servo-controlled ladle includes a molten material ladle and a servo-motor arranged to cause the ladle to transfer molten material to an injection chamber of the die casting machine. The servo-controlled sprayer includes a sprayer assembly and a servo-motor arranged to orient the sprayer assembly proximate a die cavity of the die casting machine. The pick and place robot is arranged to access a die cavity of the die casting machine. The integrated controller is in communication with the die-casting machine controller, the servo-controlled ladle, the servo-controlled sprayer, and the pick and place robot.