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 backgage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail the bending apparatus.

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: 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: 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 crimping tool for crimping crimp contacts, in particular crimp contacts in the form of a strip, and which includes a base body (3) which mounts a pressing device (2), and a table (4) associated with the base body for guiding the crimp contacts to a crimping position. The crimp contacts are fed to the crimping position via the table (4), and the position of the table (4) is adjustable relative to the base body along a guideway (5) so as to permit a precise and variable positioning of the crimp contacts. Also, an adjusting mechanism (6) is provided for an infinitely variable positioning of the table (4) along the guideway (5). The table (4) further includes a positioning device (20) for a functional positioning of the crimp contacts (1) relative to the table (4).

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 device for positioning stock within a metal forming machine has a body containing a pusher arm. The device may use interchangeable standard and reverse pusher arms . The pusher arms mount on pivot pins and have position restoring springs. The springs exert force on the pusher arms at a distance from the pivot pins, thereby inducing a moment in the pusher arm. The pusher arm translates this moment into a lateral force exerted by the pusher arm on a piece of stock metal. The body may be mounted in either a reverse or standard configuration resulting, in combination with the use of either the standard or reverse pusher arm, in the ability to exert a lateral force in different directions depending on the configuration used. The device may also have a single pusher arm which may be used in either configuration.

Abstract: A method for moving metal sheets of a working area by an antropomorphous robot comprises a) taking of preselected fixed input data that identify the geometry in the space of components of a working island; b) taking, comprising from a machine tool, preselected variable input data comprising dimensions and shape of a preselected metal sheet to be handled and a sequence of working preselected metal sheets; c) processing the fixed and variable input data on a processing unit in order to generate automatically output data that identify a preselected trajectory of the metal sheet to be handled and d) transfer the output data to a control unit of the robot in order to drive said robot to move the metal sheet along the preselected trajectory so as to handle said metal sheets selected by type.

Abstract: A transmission control system for a wire forming machine includes a slide base and a transmission control device attached thereto. A feed unit is slidably mounted on the slide base and has a screw base mounted thereon. The slide base has a through hole therein and a slot to allow the screw base to move therein and a groove to receive a rail therein. The transmission control device includes a bearing seat received in the through hole of the slide base and a bearing received in the bearing seat. The transmission control device further includes a moving control unit and a power source, the moving control unit connected to the screw base and the power source supplying the power to the moving unit to control the position of the feed unit. The feed unit further includes a horizontal base plate and a vertical support plate. The base plate has a plurality of slides each attached thereto and having a groove to receive the rail and slidably mounted on the slide base. The support plate extends from the base plate.

Abstract: An elongated low profile sheet metal tray has a bottom panel adapted to seat on the bolster plate of a stamping press under a die set. The panel supports adjacent upper and lower runs of an endless belt directed around guide rollers and a drive roller supported by cast support members removably connected to opposite ends of the tray. A motor and gear reducer unit is mounted on one support member and drives the belt drive roller, and the sheet metal tray has opposite integral side rails forming inclined surfaces and channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. A sheet of plastics material extends between the bottom panel and the bottom run of the belt, and a detector senses belt stoppage for stopping the motor and stamping press.

Abstract: There is described a machine for machining metal sheets, which comprises a bending machine for bending sides of a metal sheet and a manipulator-rotator that is mobile in relation to the bending machine for automatic positioning of the metal sheet during bending. The machine comprises at least one punching press for punching said metal sheet, that is served by said manipulator-rotator so that said manipulator-rotator is utilised for automatic positioning of the metal sheet both during bending and during punching of the metal sheet.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for forging and may be applied to trim processes using trim presses. Included are methods and apparatus for forging a gas turbine engine blade forging from a pre-formed workpiece having in serial relationship root, platform, and airfoil sections. A forge press includes a lower die and an upper die and the workpiece has a workpiece contact surface area for contacting a die contact surface area of the upper die during impact of the upper die against the workpiece. A workpiece is heated to a first temperature above an impact temperature, the workpiece is placed on the lower die such that the workpiece contact surface area is in an elevated position above the die contact surface area during chill down, and the ram is actuated to effect impacting of the upper die against the workpiece and contact between the workpiece contact surface area and the die contact surface area during the impacting.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for loading and positioning a sheet metal blank between upper and lower tool members adapted to close and engage the blank for the purpose of preforming and heating it in preparation for a superplastic forming operation. The loading device comprises a supported horizontal shaft carrying a rotatable counterbalanced arm with a pad on the arm for use in positioning a corner or edge of the blank. In the operation of the device: (a) the arm is balanced with a suitable counterweight for initially supporting and positioning the blank between the open tools, (b) the arm and its pad rotates downwardly with the blank as the tools are closed drawing the blank between them, (c) the rotating arm and pad release the blank as it is withdrawn from their reach, and (d) the unloaded arm and pad are returned to their initial position by the counter balance.

Abstract: A rotator is disclosed for precisely rotating a horizontally disposed, cylindrical workpiece comprising first and second workpiece rotator members which are vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart. Each of the workpiece rotator members has a gear rack provided at its lower inner end which is in mesh with a driven gear or shaft so that rotation of the shaft in one direction causes the first workpiece rotator member to move upwardly with the second workpiece rotator member being moved downwardly in a corresponding and equal amount. When the driven shaft or gear is moved in a direction opposite to that described, the first workpiece rotator member is moved downwardly while the second workpiece rotator member is moved upwardly. The workpiece is positioned between the workpiece rotator members and precisely rotated in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions so that the proper bends may be imparted to the workpiece after the workpiece has been rotated.

Abstract: A roller guide for a roll stand for precise guiding of a rod-shaped or wire-shaped rolling product in a caliber opening formed by rolls which engage the rolling product from an outer side and are distributed on its periphery, the roller guide has angular levers provided with legs on which the rollers are rotatably supported, turning pins on which the angular levers are turnable and which have turning axes extending transversely to a roll axis, an adjusting bushing by which the levers are jointly turnable so as to jointly displace the rollers radially to the roll axis, a coupling rod arranged between the adjusting bushing and each of the levers, the coupling rod being hingedly engaged on a leg of the lever which faces away from the rollers, and an angle between an engaging point between the coupling rod on the lever and a rotary axis of the roller with an apex point on the turning axis of the turning pin amounting to between 80 and 92.degree..

Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.

Abstract: A bending machine (1) for bending the edges (3) on sheet-like workpieces (2). The workpieces (2) can be grasped by clamping jaws (12) located on a manipulator (11) and supplied to a tool (6) and a mount. The manipulator (11) is located and supported above the processing plane and the workpiece support (4). The clamping jaws (12) can, in addition to being movable transversely or perpendicular to the tool (6), are also movable parallel thereto, and can rotate about an axis (15) running perpendicular to the workpiece plane. The workpieces (2) can be held in any position and then conveyed, without the need for additional conveying, transfer and removal devices, because all of these functions can also be performed by the manipulator (11).

Abstract: A lifter unit is provided for use with a transfer die of the type used to form sheet metal components. The lifter unit functions to appropriately position a stamping between the upper and lower die assemblies and is easily accessible from the top of the lower die assembly. The lifter unit is fabricated from standard components and is readily adaptable to a wide range of transfer die designs. As such, the lifter unit of the present invention is a standardized item that can be quickly utilized by a die designer to provide a part positioning feature in a transfer die running in a transfer press.

Abstract: A positioning control device having a moving body engaged with a screw shaft to be moved with the rotation of the screw shaft, and a rest bar for fixing the moving body having two long positioning retainers extending in the axial direction of the screw shaft makes it possible to securely hold a guide apparatus for rolling stock. The moving body is provided on its upper portion with a shift base for mounting the guide apparatus thereon, and on its lower portion with a shift bracket. A pair of hydraulic cylinders piercing through the shift bracket are opposed to each other across the screw shaft. A piston rod in each hydraulic cylinder is movable vertically so as to come into contact with the lower surface of the retaining portion of the rest bar. Both positioning retainers are secured on the retaining portion of the rest bar and disposed opposite to each other across the piston rods and the retaining portion of the rest bar so as to come into contact with the contact members of the shift base.

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 backgage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: In order to improve a processing machine for workpieces consisting of flat material, in particular, sheet-metal parts, comprising a work station which is designed as a bending station, in which the workpiece aligned parallel to a bending plane can be clamped by means of a lower beam and an upper beam for carrying out a bending operation and bent along a bending edge by means of a bending beam, as well as a manipulator device with a gripping means for holding the workpiece and a positioning device for the gripping means, with which this can be moved in the bending plane in a first direction transversely to the bending edge and rotated about an axis at right angles to the bending plane, such that other machining operations are possible with it in addition to one type of bending operation in order to finish a sheet-metal part at least with respect to its shaping it is suggested that the gripping means be movable with the positioning device in a second direction parallel to the bending plane and in a vertical dir

Abstract: In order to improve a bending center comprising a bending unit, a loading device with a feed table for receiving a sheet-metal part to be inserted, and a manipulator arrangement, with which the sheet-metal part can be gripped, moved as well as rotated, in such a manner that handling of the sheet-metal part is as error-free as possible with loading times which are as short as possible it is suggested that the loading device have a sensor, with which the position of the sheet-metal part relative to a defined insertion position into the bending unit can be determined, and that the loading device have a control which controls the manipulator arrangement handling the sheet-metal part with respect to the movement in the first and second directions as well as the rotation about the axis of rotation on the basis of the position of the sheet-metal part determined by the sensor in such a manner that the manipulator arrangement inserts the sheet-metal part into the bending unit in the exactly defined insertion position.

Abstract: In a press bending arrangement for an aluminum profile, especially for manufacturing the equator profile for an LNG-tank, the press is connected to control and measuring devices in such a manner, that the reflection of the workpiece is taken into account both in bending the profile and in determining the bending control based on measurements being made.

Abstract: An elongated low profile sheet metal tray has a bottom panel adapted to seat on the bolster plate of a stamping press under a die set. The panel supports adjacent upper and lower runs of an endless belt directed around guide rollers and a drive roller supported by cast support members removably connected to opposite ends of the tray. A motor and gear reducer unit is mounted on one support member and drives the belt drive roller, and the sheet metal tray has opposite integral side rails forming inclined surfaces and channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. A sheet of plastics material extends between the bottom panel and the bottom run of the belt, and a detector senses belt stoppage for stopping the motor and stamping press.

Abstract: A can body embossing apparatus has a first mandrel with a first tooling member adapted to receive thereon a can body and a second mandrel with a second tooling member reciprocally movable from a first position distal the first tooling member to a second position proximate the first tooling member. In the second position, the can body side wall is engaged between the first tooling member and the second tooling member. The first tooling member defines one or more recessed portions therein and the second tooling member defines one or more protuberances extending therefrom and adapted to correspond with the recessed portions. The first mandrel and second mandrel are in mechanical communication throughout the reciprocal movement of the second mandrel such that the first and second tooling members rotate continuously with respect to each other and maintain a substantially constant relative position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stamping and forming machine (10) is disclosed having a feed mechanism for incrementally feeding a strip of material (32) along a feed path and momentarily stopping the strip in proper position within tooling (20, 22) during the stamping and forming operation. The feed system includes a feed drum (36) and is arranged to move between a driving position where the feed drum (36) is in engagement with the strip of material (32) for effecting the movement thereof along the feed path and a remote position out of feeding engagement therewith. A misfeed detection and feed release mechanism is provided for moving the feed drum (36) from the driving position to the remote position upon detection of a misfeed where the strip of material (32) is displaced from the proper position. The feed drum (36) is spring loaded toward the remote position. A first sear (190) is in engagement with the feed drum so that it is held in the driving position against the urging of the spring (174).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for executing a bending process on a workpiece plate is provided wherein a rear edge of the workpiece plate is place in contact with stop members of a back gauge unit. Simultaneous with input of target value of bending dimensions, a controller provides drive units of the stop members with operative amounts for achieving front/rear directional positioning of the stop members and a gradient angle of a horizontal surface a stop surface corresponding to the target value. In response to the effective value of the operative amount, the drive units are activated to cause stop members to be moved to predetermined positions. After executing a trial bending of a workpiece plate, bending dimensions at two arbitrary bent portions of the processed workpiece plate are measured.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide a method or a system by which an operator without skills in bending operation can easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following skilled operator's experience, hints or data. To achieve this object, the method of this present invention comprises the steps of storing data for a shape of said part; storing data for a bending order for manufacturing said part from said workpiece; selecting tools for performing each of bending operations; storing data for the selected dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of said press to performs the bending operations in said bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operation by using said bending press.

Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.

Abstract: The mechanical hand (16) comprises, on one hand, a zone (46) for the support and sliding of a panel or slab (SP) in a horizontal working plane (WP) and, on the other hand, a handling gripper (36) which can move horizontally along and across the whole range of said supporting and sliding zone (46). The gripper (36) has a lower jaw (40) located below the working plane (WP). The support and sliding zone (46) is defined by retractable members consisting of an array of vertically moving pillars (48) with each of which are associated positive control means for causing them to perform selectively a travel independently of that of the other pillars between a raised position in which one of its upper support and sliding surfaces is in the working plane (WP), and a lowered position in which the surface is at a level which is lower than that of the lower jaw (40) of the gripper (36).

Abstract: An automatic indexer a portable sheet bending brake having a first longitudinally extending member forming a clamp surface, a second longitudinally extending member movable with respect to the first member for clamping sheet material against the clamp surface, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member for bending sheet material clamped between the first and second members over a bending anvil on the forward edge of the second member. The indexer includes a pair of slides having means for mounting the slides parallel to each other and spaced from each other lengthwise of the clamp surface on the bending brake. A pair of carriages are each slidably disposed on one of the slides, and a bar extends longitudinally between the carriages for engagement with an edge of sheet material inserted between the first and second members of the sheet bending brake.

Abstract: An automatic crimping tool having a crimping mechanism and a carrier strip feed mechanism where the crimping mechanism includes a vertically slidable ram with crimping dies and a spring loaded terminal clamping bar mechanism that has a slidable spring loaded clamping bar that presses a terminal against an anvil during the downward stroke of the ram by way of a pivotable hook mechanism attached to the clamping mechanism that engages with a pin of the bar to lift the bar off the terminal during the upward ram stroke after crimping, thereby considerably increasing the crimping cycle speed, the crimping mechanism further includes a depressor attached to the ram that depresses the carrier strip feeding mechanism in sync with the movement thereof, such that the carrier strip is pushed below the height of the anvil just prior to crimping so that bending of the carrier strip and tilting of the terminal is avoided, ensuring a high crimp quality, the feeder mechanism having a double acting motor that effectuates advanc

Abstract: A folding press is disclosed having a frame supported by a fixed base; a fixed beam and a ram beam supported by the frame, the ram beam being movable relative to the fixed beam; a pair of folding blades attached to the beams for folding a sheet of metal; and manipulation means for grasping the sheet of metal and introducing the sheet of metal between the folding blades, the manipulation means being attached to the ram beam. The folding blades are so disposed as to produce a horizontal working stroke relative to the fixed base, and the manipulation means comprises a plurality of arm members rotatable in relation to each other. In operation, the manipulation means grasps a sheet of material and introduces it between the blades while maintaining the sheet of material in a substantially vertical position relative to the fixed base, thereby minimizing folding errors caused by a horizontal disposition of the sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process for shaping at least an end of a tube to a desired form by incremental axis shifting. This is accomplished by providing an apparatus including an inside/outside end sizing machine and a work table having a plurality of stop blocks associated therewith such that an angle cut perforated tube is presented to the machine at preset angles set by the stop blocks. The tube is aligned adjacent the first stop block and is presented to the inside/outside end sizing machine. The machine is then cycled and begins to align the center line of the tube with the center line of the tooling. However, the stop block prevents the tube from moving which results in the axis of the end of the tube being shifted. This process is repeated for a plurality of stop blocks which are used to alter the angle of presentation to the end sizing machine.

Abstract: A collet assembly for a bending apparatus has a support ring the support ring being connected coaxially to a tubular support member, five jaws being pivotally connected to the free end of the support ring by means of parallelogram linkages, each of the parallel linkages having a pair of links one disposed radially inwardly of the other to permit movement of the jaws transverse to the axis of the support rings, the jaws being spaced angularly around the circumference of the support ring; an actuating assembly has an outer ring connected to a control sleeve slidably mounted on the tubular support member and an inner ring disposed on the internal diameter of the support ring, the inner ring defines a cam formation for engagement with corresponding formations on the inner link of each parallelogram linkage, the inner ring of the actuating assembly being connected to the outer ring through elongate slots in the support ring, so that the actuating assembly may be moved axially with respect to the support ring betwe

Abstract: A folding press, comprising at least two fixed beams: a first fixed beam (2.sup.1) and a second fixed beam (2.sup.2), to which are connected counterblades (5.sup.1, 5.sup.2), and a ram beam (3) being disposed between these first fixed beam (2.sup.1) and second fixed beam (2.sup.2), and to the ram beam (3) being connected two thrust blades (6.sup.1, 6.sup.2) on both parallel margins of the ram beam, whereby the counterblades and thrust blades constitute a first pair of folding blades (5.sup.1, 6.sup.1) and a second pair of folding blades (5.sup.2, 6.sup.2) while the ram beam (3) serves as joint ram for both pairs of folding blades. A force member (4) has been arranged to produce bidirectional working stroke of the ram beam (3) optionally toward the first or second fixed beam. A manipulation arm (7) is arranged to serve the first as well as the second pair of folding blades.

Abstract: A back gage is provided for use with a bending brake of a type that comprises a generally flat bed and a brake edge. In use, the bending brake receives the leading edge of a sheet metal member and bends a portion of the member around the brake edge in order to form a shape therein. The back gage of the present invention broadly comprises a movable carriage assembly arranged on the bed of the bending brake, a drive assembly for moving the carriage assembly relative to the brake edge of the bending brake, and a measuring device mounted to the bed of the bending brake and coupled to the movable carriage assembly. In practice, when the leading edge of the sheet metal member engages the movable carriage assembly, the measuring device conveniently displays the distance between the leading edge of the member and the brake edge of the bending brake.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-stage forging apparatus for forging a work in transportation through a plurality of forging stations each provided with a die and a punch so that the work is progressively refined, in which the position of the work is changed during the forging procedure. A work, for example, consisting of a shank and a ring-shaped head can be produced. The forging apparatus includes a position change station having a rotation unit instead of a die. The rotation unit contains a pair of rotation bodies with gears. The gears are engaged with racks rotated synchronously with the movement of a crank shaft. When an intermediate work consisting of a shank and a ball-like head is driven into a space between the rotation bodies, the rotation bodies are rotated so as to shift the intermediate work to a vertical position where the shank extends perpendicularly to the driving direction of a punch, and the vertically positioned intermediate work is pushed out of the rotation unit by a knockout pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for forming a T-shaped slot a sheet of material. The sheet of material is clamped to a top surface of an arbor. The arbor has a uniform T-shaped cross section having two undersides of the T-shape. The sheet of material is first formed into an inverted U-shape and then the sheet of material is bent to conform to the undersides of the arbor forming the T-shaped slot. The arbor is withdrawn from an open end of the formed T-shaped slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-pressure bulge forming of tubular workpieces has an upper die plate facing generally downward and extending at an acute angle to the vertical and a lower die plate generally parallel to and confronting the upper die plate. One of the plates is movable along an axis generally perpendicular to the plates toward and away from the other die plate. Respective upper and lower die halves carried on the die plates can fit together to form a die cavity having open ends and are adapted to receive a one of the workpieces with ends of the workpiece exposed at the open ends of the die cavity. The one die plate and the respective die half are displaceable toward and away from the other die plate. Respective actuators on the upper die plate have heads engageable with the ends of the workpiece in the die cavity and one head is formed with a passage for internally pressurizing the workpiece in the die cavity for bulge-deforming the workpiece.

Abstract: An adjustable locator device locates a sheet metal workpiece laterally on a metal forming die. The locator device includes a pivotal locator portion which engages a driver member of the flanging assembly in order to pivot the locator to engage and position the workpiece. The locator portion is movably mounted to a base in order to facilitate longitudinal movement of the locator portion to clearly locator portion and expose the workpiece to the flanging steel for flanging of the workpiece. The locator device includes a pair of springs for biasing the locator portion toward a tilted position for engagement with the driver member, and for biasing the locator portion in the direction of the flanging steel.

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 downstream through a guideway to a receiving station. Prior to being seated in 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: In front of a bending machine is arranged a unit of a 5-axis control robot provided with a work hand at an end thereof, for loading work to the bending machine and unloading a bent work from the bending machine. A single-work taking-up device takes up only a single work from stacked works. Therefore, the work loading and unloading device is low in cost and requires a short program preparation and teaching (setup) time. The work loading and unloading device may be moved to any desired position and is provided with a work hand having a double-work take-up detecting device and an upper hand accessible to a bent work without interference with the punch.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending a lithographic plate having an image thereon, comprising an inspection system for (a) inspecting a plate held on a table at an inspection station, (b) determining the extent to which the plate needs to be adjusted relative to a predetermined reference position, and (c) generating a signal indicative of any such adjustment. A first positioning mechanism responsive to the signal automatically moves the table to position a plate on the table for a bending operation.

Abstract: A wheel repair stand includes a frame with a pair of horizontal support beams to support a turntable. A wheel may be mounted on the turntable and radial forces applied by an extensible tool between the frame and the wheel rim. The wheel may be rotated on the turntable to allow the force to be applied at the desired location.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for punching and bending a lithographic plate to match a particular press so that when the plate is subsequently mounted on that particular press, it is oriented to print a properly positioned image on a print surface.

Abstract: In a press feed of the kind comprising an upright chute 1, a rotatable feed cam 2 adjacent the chute and guide rails 3,4 around the feed cam to guide a workpiece or cup 5 to a cup holding stop member 7 between a punch 10 and die 9, a clamp member 6 engages the cup as it leaves the feed cam to push the cup into the stop member and hold it until the punch 10 and blank holder 8 have entered the cup.

Abstract: A suture guide used for inserting a suture into a hole of an eyeless needle positioned between an upper guide and a lower guide. This suture guide comprises a first guide member having a certain plane and the second guide member having a first plane positioned lower than the plane of the first guide member and a second plane crossing the first plane, This suture guide also has fixing means combining the first guide member and the second member together to form a guide having a guiding corner with the plane of the first guide member and the second plane of the second member and the guide disposed next to the lower mold to face the guiding corner to the hole of the eyeless needle. A positioning mechanism of a suture guide for inserting a suture into a hole of an eyeless needle positioned between an upper guide and a lower guide is desirable for the suture guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a curved workpiece to a workstation, includes a frame member and a guide channel associated with the frame member for receiving a curved workpiece in a generally upright position. A first pusher mechanism is reciprocally movable in a transverse direction relative to the guide channel for engaging and positioning the workpiece against a bearing surface of the guide channel. A second pusher mechanism is advanceable within the guide channel to engage the workpiece and to advance the workpiece to the workstation. The apparatus has particular application in the manufacture of curved surgical needles.

Abstract: Aluminum automobile wheels are straightened by exerting gentle pressure on the wheel to urge the wheel back to its original shape. If the metal does not move under pressure, the wheel is heated, and pressure again exerted, the process continuing until the wheel becomes round. A C-shaped wheel mount carries a spindle which mounts a hub. The hub rigidly receives the wheel, and the hub is selectively rotatable, and the wheel mount is selectively rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel is gently brought back to shape without excess heat or excess working to damage the metal. A final metal spinning step relieves stresses in the metal and brings the wheel to final tolerances.