Abstract: A forging manipulator has a billet gripper carrier rotatable about its longitudinal axis in bearings, which in turn are displaceable transversally along cross arms on a carriage. To reduce height and to reduce bending moments, the cross arms are above the bearings and above the gripper carrier, which are suspended from the cross arms. The cross arms are raised and lowered, by telescopic piston and cylinder units which support the cross arms on the upper ends of the cylinders, the piston rods being suspended on the carriage.

Abstract: In a straight side press having a bed, a reciprocal slide, a power drive for the slide and apparatus for feeding a stock strip onto the dies, and a conventional die set, the improvement of modifying the press to function as a transfer press by replacing the conventional die set with a transfer unit. The unit includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced sequential dies upon a lower die shoe having a sub-plate secured to the bed to define a series of stations. A plurality of corresponding spaced sequential punches are mounted upon an upper die shoe and secured to the slide. A pair of slide bars are reciprocally mounted upon the lower die shoe outwardly of the dies mounting pairs of opposed workpiece gripping fingers adapted for engagement with the respective workpieces at each station. The transfer unit includes a slide bar translator mounted upon the sub-plate and has a reciprocal end plate connected to the slide bars for intermittently transferring the workpieces from station to station.

Abstract: A forging manipulator for a forging machine is moved longitudinally by a rack and pinion mechanism comprising a pair of longitudinal guide rails on opposite sides of the manipulator, and respective toothed racks associated with these guide rails, the toothed racks being inclined inwards (in cross section), and the manipulator carriage being provided with a respective travel drive for meshing with each rack, the travel drives similarly having their axes inclined to the horizontal.

Abstract: An article extracting means which is mounted on a carriage means which in turn is slidably mounted on the side of an article forming machine having two members movable relative to one another to form an article between them. A pivoted extractor arm in mounted on the carriage means to pivot in a vertical plane toward and away from the forming machine. An upper portion of the extractor arm carries an independently pivoted arm which may move in the same vertical plane as the extractor arm between at least two 180 degree opposed positions related to positioning gripping members carried thereby between an article gripping and an article release positions. The gripping members feature a construction wherein opposing jaw members are moved in a parallel direction toward and away from one another. One jaw member is actuated in a linear direction which via a rack and pinion arrangement cause the other jaw to move in parallel, but opposing direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a workpiece to and out of a press is provided with at least a pair of workpiece carrying mechanism assemblies which are driven and controlled independently, and each of the mechanism assemblies includes at least one attachment for attracting the workpiece.

Abstract: A forging manipulator has two pairs of workpiece gripping arms which operate in respective mutually perpendicular planes. Each pair of arms is operable by a respective independent actuating mechanism, so that the respective pairs of arms can accommodate workpiece dimensions. The two actuating mechanisms comprise:a common bore in the gripper carrier of the manipulator, defining two co-axial fluid pressure cylinder disposed end to end,a respective annular piston in each of these cylinders,a respective hollow piston rod extending from each piston towards the gripper arms, one of these piston rods extending within the other piston rod, anda respective wedge at the forward end of each piston rod, for operating the corresponding pair of gripper arms on movement of the piston rod. The wedges slope in opposite directions, and the pistons move simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing pressed shapes and similar structures in which loading and unloading arms are driven by displacement drive mechanisms. These displacement drive mechanisms have at least two displacement cylinders with strokes that are shorter than either the displacement path of the loading arm or the displacement path of the unloading arm. There is no force transmission from the cylinders to the loading and unloading arms to provide for minimum use of driving power during acceleration intervals when the loading and unloading arms move from a stationary position to a displacement speed.

Abstract: A pulling clamp which can engage an automotive frame member at two points. The pulling clamp includes two elongated bow shaped members (12, 14) each of which is provided with at least one elongated slot (18) for the reception of a bolt (66) which is passed through suitable apertures in the frame member (56) to be pulled the bolt being held in place by a nut (68). The bow shaped members are spread apart by a threaded spreading member (34) to firmly clamp opposed side walls of the frame member between the head of the bolt, the nut, and the outer surfaces (20) of the pulling clamp. In one embodiment a second elongated slot (90) is provided inwardly of the first elongated slot (28) so that box sections of smaller width may be engaged by passing a bolt through a second set of elongated slots. In another embodiment threaded apertures (30, 42) are disposed inwardly of the elongated slots (28), which threaded apertures may receive additional gripping means (72).

Abstract: An arrangement for the transport of workpieces in a multi-stage deformation press in which the workpieces are to be seized by gripping tongs and are to be transferred in the deformation stages. The gripping tong consists essentially of a base body which is displaced in the direction of a deflection movement by way of a coupling rod. The base body carries a pivot support in which the gripping arms are rotatably supported in pivot joints. The areas of the gripping arms remote from the workpiece are pivotally connected at the base body by way of a coupling member. Within the area of the pivotal connection, the gripping arms carry rollers which are placed from the outside against curved regions of a cam plate by way of a compression spring between the base body and the pivot support. One cam region is on the shape of a circular arc about the pivot bearing so that a larger closing and opening movement is imposed on the gripping arms.

Abstract: A die apparatus operable to form or to clamp a tube with an upset annular flange includes a pair of opposed die members mounted for horizontal movement toward and away from each other at opposite sides of a fixed path along which the tube is axially fed when the die is opened. The die members are spring biassed to their open position and driven to their closed position by a vertically reciprocable die actuator having inclined surfaces slidably engaged with the outer surfaces of the die members to wedge the die members to their closed position.

Abstract: A workpiece conveyor for conveying a workpiece between presses is disclosed. The workpiece conveyor comprises first, second and third stations disposed between the presses, a reversing mechanism disposed at the first station and equipped with a pair of right and left reversing jaws that are driven separately for elevation and rotation, a first workpiece receiver disposed at the second station and capable of moving up and down, an unloader mechanism and a second workpiece receiver disposed on an unloader which is disposed at one of the end portions of a carriage capable of moving between the first to third stations, and a third workpiece receiver disposed at the other end of the carriage which is spaced apart from the second workpiece receiver by a distance equal to the distance between the stations.

Abstract: An arrangement for the feeding of sheet-metal blanks to a first machine stage is provided. A drawing stage of a transfer press is provided which has a conveying device for taking sheet-metal blanks from a supply pile and depositing them in an intermediate depositing stage adjacent the supply pile. The conveying means takes the sheet-metal blanks from the intermediate depositing stage to a first machining stage adjacent the intermediate depositing stage. Transfer rails are provided which can be driven in transfer direction, in lifting in lowering direction and in closing and opening direction. Gripping devices are attached to the transfer rails for the transport of the workpieces between the machining stages.

Abstract: A first eccenter sleeve allocated to the drive of the devices operative for the balancing of masses is drivingly connected to the eccenter shaft by means of a displaceable locking bolt. The first eccenter sleeve is provided with pins and slide rings engaging into slots in the second eccenter sleeves. The second eccenter sleeves are connected via punch connecting rods to the ram of the machine. Slides are supported in the machine frame, which slides can be moved into slots provided in the second eccenter sleeves. Accordingly, all three eccenter sleeves can be held against rotation on the eccenter shaft. The drive connection between eccenter shaft and all eccenter sleeves proceeds accordingly via one single connecting member, namely the locking bolt. And this locking bolt operates together with one eccenter sleeve. Accordingly, no splined shafts which must be machined extremely precisely but are prone to knock out during operation are necessary.

Abstract: A process is described which allows metal sheets of different dimensions to be manipulated in a automatic manner by means of a numerically controlled robot provided with a pair of mechanical pincers; it consists in positioning the metal sheet onto a support table carried by a rotatable base to effect rotation thereof parallel to its own plane having previously released the metal sheet by the pincers, and, for metal sheets of large dimensions, displacing, with the pincers, both the metal sheets and the table on which it is lying simultaneously, which table is removable from the said base.

Abstract: A workpiece conveyor for conveying a workpiece between presses is disclosed. The workpiece conveyor includes first, second and third stations disposed between the presses, a reversing mechanism disposed at the first station and equipped with a pair of right and left reversing jaws that are driven separately for elevation and rotation, a first workpiece receiver disposed at the second station and capable of moving up and down, an unloader mechanism and a second workpiece receiver disposed on an unloader which is disposed at one of the end portions of a carriage capable of moving between the first to third stations, a third workpiece receiver disposed at the other end of the carriage which is spaced apart from the second workpiece receiver by the same distance as the distance between the stations, and leaf cams disposed near the first station in such a manner as to be capable of meshing with the unloader lifter and removing along an arcuate or curved path the workpiece.

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

Abstract: A pair of generally parallel, laterally spaced and registered plates are provided including corresponding opposite margins having projections supported therefrom and spaced therealong projecting toward and engageable with the corresponding margin of the opposing plate. The projections on corresponding margins of the opposing plates are staggered relative to each other and clamp fastener structure is secured through the mid-portions of the plates for forcibly drawing the plates toward each other and clamping sheet metal portions between one pair of corresponding projection equipped margins thereof. At least one marginal edge of one of the plates includes anchor structure supported therefrom, to which a pull member may be removably anchored.

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

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

Abstract: A device for handling metal sheet workpieces for a bending press or other metal-working machine has a pair of vertical plates which are movable along the front of the press and are spanned by guide columns upon which respective slides are movable vertically to carry the tongs. A turntable on the press allows rotation of the plates about horizontal axes in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A multi-stage press includes support columns; a press stage including tools for deforming a workpiece; an empty stage adjoining the press stage in a direction of a length dimension of the multi-stage press and being situated in a zone of the support columns; a gripper rail being formed of a first gripper rail lenth portion situated in the press stage and a second gripper rail length portion situated in the empty stage; a plurality of workpiece gripper assemblies mounted on the gripper rail; and a tool table normally situated in the press stage and being removable therefrom in a direction transversely to the press length. The workpiece gripper assemblies are independently shiftable relative to one another along the gripper rail and the gripper rail assemblies normally supported on the second gripper rail length portion are shiftable onto the first gripper rail length portion.

Abstract: For avoiding collisions between the grippers (5) adapted to be moved out of the idling stage area and the grippers (4) disposed fixedly at interchangeable gripper rail partial sections (1) and work tool parts, the grippers (5) which are adapted to be moved out of the idling stage area, are raised into an upright position. The grippers (5) and the rotary adjusting drive (10) for the uprighting are adapted to be moved out of the idling stage area on a carriage (18-gripper mounting support) by way of an adjusting means (13) at the exchangeable gripper rail partial section.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a bar or several bars in a vertical pile along a predetermined horizontal path extending through a bending station, where the bars are bent into desired shape. A first conveyor has mounted thereto a first gripper assembly, which releasably grips the bar or bars, for feeding successive requires lengths of the bar or bars to the bending station. Arranged collinearly with the first conveyor, a second conveyor has a second gripper assembly and coacts with the first conveyor for transporting the bar or bars through, and away from, the bending station with the progress of bar bending. The second gripper assembly is further movable up and down on the second conveyor. Upon completion of the bending of the bar or bars, the second gripper assembly grips the bent bar or bars while being lowered, then is raised for lifting the bar or bars out of engagement with the bending mechanism at the bending station, and then is transported by the second conveyor away from the bending station.

Abstract: The assembly and the invention accomplishes a method for forging work-pieces by drop forging. The method comprises the steps of providing a blank having a given volume of material corresponding at least to the volume of the work-piece to be produced. The drop forging assembly includes a swage having cooperating swage portions corresponding at least to the length of the work-piece to be produced. The blank is first forged along a predetermined portion of its length between the cooperating swage portions. Then, the remaining section of the blank is transported to the otherside of the same swage and forged between the cooperative swage portions. Devices are provided at either side of the operational faces of the swage so that a continuous movement of blanks, partially forged work-pieces and finished work-pieces may be effected in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically bending tubular materials. The apparatus comprises a bending direction setter which is operative to securely grip a length of tubular material approximately centrally along the length of material. The bending direction setter is operative to rotate the tubular material about its original axis a preselected and carefully controlled amount. The bending apparatus further comprises a pair of automatic benders which are operative to engage the tubing at selected locations on opposed sides of the bending direction setter. The benders are operative to selectively engage the tubing material at a predetermined location therealong and to effect a controlled bend therein. The bending direction setter may rotate the tubular material about its original axis between successive bends carried out by the benders, thereby enabling the tubular material to be bent through three dimensions.

Abstract: A clamp includes an elastic member which comprises a generally U-shaped tube portion, two recessed portions which separately extend from the tube portion and are curved inwardly, and two gripping portions which extend from the respective recessed portions, two opposing clamp teeth each of which is mounted on the inner face of a respective gripping portion, and a fastener which urges the two gripping portions toward each other for tightening and contracting the tube portion and at the same time driving the two clamp teeth toward each other. An elongated pipe-like member runs through the tube portion of the elastic member. A portion of a damaged automobile is positioned between the two opposing clamp teeth, and then the gripping portions are tightened by the fastener so that as the elastic member of the clamp is secured on the elongated member a portion of a vehicle is gripped tightly between the clamp teeth.

Abstract: A linkage for controlling the removal of a workpiece from a press by controlling the timing between the workpiece support apparatus and the ram as it is raised and lowered. The linkage is connected to the ram in such a manner that the supporting apparatus has an adjustable dwell which can be adjusted by adjusting the length of both the linkage as well as a rod connected between the ram and the linkage.

Abstract: A chuck secures a rigid coaxial cable to a reference machine plane. A rotatable pressure die automatically engages and bends the cable relative to both a bend die, which is rotatable about a fixed axis, and a fixed support die. The support die absorbs the brunt of the bend forces created by the pressure die and supports the cable as it is displaced by the machine carriage between bending operations. A cable clamp automatically selectively holds the cable and is lowered out of the way of the chuck to permit bending of the cable close to the chuck. The clamp jaws, pressure die, and chuck are adjustable to preclude damage to the cable.

Abstract: A clamp support for securing an automobile body part to a ramp has a base secured to a ramp, an upwardly open socket on its base, and an upstanding post with oppositely extending arms, one higher than the other, upon either of which a clamp may be mounted. The post is insertable in the socket so as to dispose either arm beneath a vehicle supported on the ramp.

Abstract: A machine for forming the leads of electronic components has an endless load transporting belt. The load transporting belt is mounted on rollers which are arranged in a triangular configuration so as to support the load transporting belt with its forward run extending along a longitudinally elongated planner work plane which extends through a work station. A first guide rail is disposed opposite and extends longitudinally of the forward run to define a component guideway therebetween which extends through said work station. A second guide rail is located below and supports the forward of the load transporting belt. A drive motor is connected to the load transporting belt to drive it through said work station. At least one lead working mechanism located in said work station and has work tools disposed laterally outwardly from the guide rails and remote from said support face, for use in forming the leads of said electronic components.

Abstract: A transfer feed press for performing a series of press operations on a workpiece at a series of work stations where a plurality of finger units spaced along the work stations for gripping the workpieces move the same between successive work stations in the press. Servo motors, in association with the appropriate gearing, transfer the finger units along the X, Y, Z axes for positioning the workpieces at successive work stations. Separate servo motors are adapted to rotate a workpiece, gripped by the finger units, 180.degree., for performing press operations on both sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A transfer feed press for performing a series of press operations on a workpiece at a series of work stations where a plurality of finger units spaced along the work stations for gripping the workpieces move the same between successive work stations in the press. Servo motors, in association with the appropriate gearing, transfer the finger units along the X, Y, Z axes for positioning the workpieces at successive work stations. Separate servo motors are adapted to rotate a workpiece gripped by the finger units 180.degree., for performing press operations on both sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A clamping device comprises a clamping means disposed towards an upper end of the device for clamping to a vehicle body and a securing means disposed towards a lower end of the device for releasably securing first and second transverse support members. The device is clamped to a vehicle body and supports the vehicle body in a fixed position above the transverse support members.Vehicle clamping and support apparatus includes four such clamping devices. One pair of clamping devices is clamped to opposite, rear undersides of the vehicle body. The other pair of clamping devices is clamped to opposite, front undersides of the vehicle body. First and second support members are then slideably positioned along the lateral undersides of the vehicle by slideably engaging the support members with the clamping devices clamped along each side of the vehicle. Third and fourth support members slideably engage the front and rear clamping device pairs, respectively, transversely to the first and second support members.

Abstract: The lifting beam manipulator assembly is used for transporting workpieces in a forging press having machine tools. The assembly comprises a lifting beam including a carrier that is movable forwards and backwards and has workpiece grasping means. The grasping means includes a pair of grab arms located at each of the machining positions. A control mechanism is provided for the lifting beam for controlling the movement of the carrier along a workpiece transporting path which includes movement in three axes which are perpendicular with respect to each other. The movement control mechanism includes a linear transport means for movement along each of the axes and individual drive assemblies for each linear transport mechanism for effecting each movement of the carrier in the three axes. A limit switch gear mechanism activates each of the individual drive mechanisms for the linear transport means.

Abstract: A spacer frame for insulating glass has corners in which the radii of curvature of the inner wall and the outer wall each are of a larger radius than the side portions of the hollow shaped bar portion. The spacer frame may be manufactured in an apparatus provided for that purpose, having two displaceable bending heads, by first simultaneously bending a hollow shaped bar portion twice through 90.degree., and then further bending it twice through 90.degree. between the corners, wherein, before the operation of bending the corners, the inner wall of the hollow shaped bar portion is curved inwardly and two notches are produced in the outer wall.

Abstract: An automatic bending apparatus comprises a bending machine (1) provided with a bottom die (7a) and a top die (7b) for bending a plate, and a gripper (27) for holding the plate. The gripper (27) can be positioned in a vertical plane in the forward and backward direction with respect to the bending machine (1) as well as around a horizontal axis orthogonally intersecting with the vertical plane. When the plate is bent by lowering of the top die (7b) or lifting of the bottom die (7a), the ends of the plate rise. In order to make the gripper (27) follow up the rising motion, positioning of the gripper (27) is controlled successively based on the position data concerning the lowering of the top die (7b) or the lifting of the bottom die (7a).

Abstract: A transfer system for forging machines or the like is disclosed in which a transfer assembly is cantilever-mounted on a powered support for easy removal and replacement, e.g., to provide access to the forging machine dies. Mounting means including mating surfaces on the support and the transfer assembly, which, when engaged, position the transfer assembly with respect to the support. Such surfaces are contained in at least three mutually perpendicular planes. A wedge operated by a piston and cylinder actuator operates in one position to lock the transfer assembly on the support and, when retracted, permits removal of the transfer assembly by vertical movement. The mounting means is arranged to provide locating surfaces and cam surfaces which assist the operator in guiding the transfer assembly to its mounted position.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is made retractable away from a power press in order to facilitate die change. A main carriage is cammed toward and away from the press dies in synchronism with the operation of the press. Mounted on the main carriage is a subcarriage which is also slidable toward and away from the press relative to the main carriage. The jaw assembly is mounted on the subcarriage. Thus, during die change, the jaw assembly can be held retracted away from the press as by a fluid actuated cylinder acting between the main and subcarriages. The jaw assembly typically comprises a pair of gripping jaws mounted on the piston rod of a fluid actuated cylinder on the subcarriage. When retracted, the jaw assembly does not interfere with the dies being changed.

Abstract: The forming machine includes a load station adjacent one end, an unload station adjacent the other end and a first work station, turnaround station and second work station spaced longitudinally in succession between the load and unload stations along a workpart flow path. Each work station includes a rotatable spindle fixed in position on one side of the flow path and a tailstock with a workpart support slidable toward the spindle transversely of the flow path. An overhead transfer mechanism is slidable along the flow path and carries multiple workpart transfer members such as grippers to transfer workparts successively from one station to the other along the flow path. First and second pairs of forming tools are spaced longitudinally to cooperate with the first and second work stations and are slidable longitudinally and simultaneously in engagement with first and second workparts rotatably and transversely supported at the respective work stations between the respective spindle and tailstock.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and rotating a sheet metal element comprises a frame and a carriage displaceably mounted on the frame for feeding the sheet metal element. The sheet metal element is selectively gripped in a predetermined plane by a non-rotatable gripping jaw mounted on the carriage, a rotary backing jaw rotatable about an axis extending perpendicularly to the plane, and a rotary gripping jaw carried by the frame independently of the carriage and rotatable about the axis, the non-rotatable gripping jaw and the rotary gripping jaw being adapted selectively to cooperate with the rotary backing jaw to grip the sheet metal element therebetween. The backing jaw is alternately and selectively forced against the non-rotatable or the rotary gripping jaw to grip the sheet metal element therebetween, and a rotary drive is mounted on the frame independently of the carriage and is operable to rotate the rotary gripping jaw when the sheet metal element is gripped between the rotary gripping and backing jaws.

Abstract: Shaped metal parts are produced on a continuous basis from a semisolid metal preform. A plurality of freestanding metal preforms are sequentially heated in an induction heating zone to the semisolid level and transferred without substantial deformation or heat loss to a press where they are shaped in a semisolid state into a shaped metal part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided wherein a pressed material is withdrawn from a lower metal mold in a press in accordance with a horizontal, pivotal movement and a vertical, linear movement of a carry-out arm, and a material to be pressed is fed from a preceding stage to the press in accordance with a horizontal, pivotal movement and a vertical, linear movement of a carry-in arm. In this method of feeding a material to be pressed, the height of a path along which the carry-out arm is turned is set greater than that of a path along which the carry-in arm is turned. The operations of the carry-in arm and carry-out arm are timed in such a manner that a material being newly fed and a pressed material being removed are overlapped as they are vertically spaced at a predetermined distance from each other, in a position above a lower metal mold in the press.

Abstract: A pull measuring system used in a puller for extrusion profiles being extruded out of an extruder comprises a divided puller head (14) having its parts (30,31) supported for pivoting movement with respect to each other about an axis (32) which extends transversely of the direction of pull. In operation a tie bar (39) fixed to the part (31) carrying the clamping grippers for the extrusion profiles acts in the direction of pull on a force detector (34) fixed to the other part (30) which is arranged at a cantilever (13) of a carriage. In this manner the pull prevailing in operation and being transmitted by the puller to the extrusion profiles can be sensed reliably and accurately under any operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of exhaust pipes for automotive vehicles comprises the steps of continuously withdrawing an elongated substantially flat metal strip from a coil and subsequently bending and forming the moving strip into a longitudinally slitted tube strand. The opposite faces of the slitted pipe strand are then welded together and subsequently the pipe strand, while still moving, is severed into pipe sections of predetermined length and the pipe sections are then transferred to at least one bending apparatus for bending the pipe sections into exhaust pipes with predetermined bends; and an apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: This device is especially suited for gripping heavy and cumbersome pieces of sheet metal without human force and transporting them from a stacking device to a bending press for further processing. By means of rotatable clamping of gripping jaws mounted on a vertically movable jaw carriage, a laterally movable first horizontal carriage, a longitudinally movable second horizontal carriage and a swivel or turning device, any piece of sheet metal can be directly rotated or turned about a horizontal gripping jaw axis or can be rotated in the plane of the sheet and then regripped, or can be subjected to both actions. The piece of sheet metal normally held by two pairs of jaws is further supported below the jaw axis by multi-component sheet metal support devices carried on two independently movable sheet metal support carriages.

Abstract: A press unit having gripper rails to be exchanged at the same time as the tools, wherein in hollow spaces of the ends of the gripper rails, means are inserted for the locking of the form-fitting or toothed connection of gripper rails on the side of the press and gripper rails on the side of the tool that are to be connected with one another for the transfer of workpieces. The device comprises a control element, a pressing rod that can be acted upon by the control element, and a locking member connected to said pressing rod, with said locking member being slidable in a preferably press side end of the gripper rails and a mating piece for receiving the locking member during the form-locking or toothed connection of the ends of the gripper rails and being slidable in an end at the side of the tool.

Abstract: Flat metal strip of indeterminate length is apertured in a punch press having a flying die set to define a lengthwise succession of identical workpiece blanks connected by strap-like portions of the strip adjacent to its longitudinal edges. That press, each time it operates, makes two apertures that define respective end edges of a blank. The strip is pulled lengthwise through that press by roller forming apparatus which imparts a predetermined transverse profile to it and propels it through a flying shear press whereby each blank is severed from the rest of the strip. On a conveyor having two stretches bridged by the severed blank and moving faster than the strip the severed blank is carried to a folding press. There a ram rises from between the conveyor stretches, lifting the blank off of the conveyor and clamping it against a folding die.

Abstract: A misalignment detector for forging machine transfers is disclosed. Such transfers provide grippers which move from a first position in which workpieces are not present to a second position when a workpiece is properly gripped. If a misaligned workpiece is present, the gripper moves to a third position beyond the second position. Each of the embodiments provides a beam-type spring mounted for deflection as the associated gripper or grippers move between the three positions. In some embodiments, the spring is bent as a function of the relative position of two opposed grippers and in other embodiments a spring is associated with a single gripper and is bent as a function of the gripper position. In some embodiments, strain gauges are mounted on the springs to produce a modulated signal to indicate the gripper position and operate the machine's emergency stop if necessary. In one embodiment, the spring is associated with a pneumatic system and allows a bleed orifice to open when misalignment is present.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for downsetting lead frame strips includes a die set mounted in a punch press, two parallel guide rails for guiding the lead frame strips into the die set, a placing mechanism for placing lead frame strips onto the guide rails one at a time, a slide mechanism for advancing a lead frame strip along the guide rails and into the die set and for unloading a downset lead frame strip from the die set, a retractable stop and a slot in the die set for positioning the lead frame strip within the die set, and a stacker mechanism for neatly stacking downset lead frame strips on an output stack as they are unloaded from the die set.

Abstract: A grip-feed machine for gripping a material in the form of strip or the like and feeding the gripped material in a bending machine which has a sun gear, comprising: a guide bracket having a guide shaft securely received therein; a cradle member having lower and upper portions and movable axially forwardly and backwardly on and along the guide shaft and formed at the lower portion thereof with a rack gear in parallel to the guide shaft; a gripping mechanism for gripping the material and feeding the gripped material in the forward and backward directions of the guide shaft; a pinion gear held in mesh with the rack gear of the cradle member; a direct current servomotor for driving the pinion gear to rotate about an axis thereof; an angular position detector having mounted thereon a detecting gear which is held in mesh with the sun gear and adapted for detecting the angular position of the detecting gear to produce a pulse signal indicative of the angular position of the detecting gear; and control mechanism for