Abstract: A conjoining apparatus using electromagnetic forming includes a field shaper for concentrating a magnetic field to a conjoining working object, a coil for generating and applying the magnetic field to the field shaper such that the field shaper can form a reactive force, and a charging circuit for supplying electricity to the coil. An auxiliary ring having higher conductivity than steel is disposed between the field shaper and the working object for generating an induced magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetically forming a metallic member includes deforming an end of a metallic member by electromagnetic forming, pressing the outer surface of the deformed end on the surface of a mold to form a flange having a predetermined shape at the end of the metallic member and, at the same time, work-harden the flange. The method is capable of forming a flange having a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of another member to be joined to the metallic member at an end of the metallic member with high dimensional accuracy and shape accuracy and secured joint strength.

Abstract: A system for removing dents from metal or other materials comprising (i) a device which includes at least one magnet having a handle detachably held to a portion of the magnet by magnetic attraction and a roller detachably held to a portion of the magnet opposite the handle by the magnetic forces of the magnet; and (ii) a method which includes the steps of attaching the magnet to the handle, placing the roller inside the tubing of a dented instrument, placing the portion of the magnet opposite the handle against the exterior of the instrument, catching or acquiring the roller with the magnet such that the magnet and the roller form a magnetic assembly, wherein the roller is on the interior of the instrument and the magnet is on the exterior of the instrument, and moving, sliding, or rocking the magnetic assembly across the dents until the dents are removed from the metal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a device for clinching metal sheets disposed one over the other in planar fashion. A joining tool, composed of a punch and a die having an anvil, is used to jointly displace metal sheets, profiles, or multi-sheet connections, out of the sheet-metal plane, under the action of forming energy introduced by ultrasound, compressing and integrally connecting the same.

Abstract: A rivet gun system includes a rivet gun frame having two ends. A die is coupled to one end, and a force sensor coupled to the rivet gun frame. The force sensor detects force applied to the die and generates a force signal in response to the force. A holding coil defines a channel within the rivet gun frame and generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. The channel includes an end defined by an end stop and an end defined by the die. A main coil further defines the channel between the holding coil and the die. The main coil also generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. A plunger slides through the channel in response to the electromagnetic forces. A force sensor electronics controller receives the force signal from the force sensor and activates the holding coil and the main coil in response to the force signal above an activation threshold.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural member includes hydroforming the blank to form a hydroformed member and finishing the hydroformed member by positioning the wall of the hydroformed member between a die surface and an electromagnetic discharging element having a non-circular cross-section, and actuating the electromagnetic discharging element so that the metallic wall of the hydroformed member presses against the die surface.

Abstract: The novel methods, apparatus and reworked rotary braking surface product, for example those exhibited on interior cylindrical braking surfaces of a cast iron brake drum, serve to replace manufacturing defects exhibiting residual tensile stresses and outwardly directed tool marks with smooth compressed braking surfaces in a final manufacturing stage. The plastically deformed surface shape with reduced roughness and surface irregularities furthermore presents improved braking strength above the yield point and approaching the ultimate material strength of the base drum material. An ultrasonic transducer drives individual freely moving impact elements of a set at frequencies up to 55 kHz into the braking surface to effect plastic deformation at surface and sub-surface layers.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus for drawing metal and articles has at last one drawing carriage and a linear motor complex which determines the pattern of movement of that carriage and hence of the drawing operation.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus is assembled from modular units utilizing modular path-forming members and holder modules which can carry the drawing die and drawing carriages shiftable on the guide modules. The drives for the carriages are individual linear motors whose stationary components are the modular path-forming members disposed end-to-end.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a strand has a frame extending in a longitudinal direction, a pair of substantially identical linear motors each having a primary fixed on the frame, and a movable secondary slidable along the respective primary in the direction. The primaries extend parallel to the direction and are transversely spaced on a plane extending in the direction. A strand clamp capable of gripping the strand is fixed between the secondaries. Electricity is supplied to the primaries to longitudinally displace the secondaries and clamp in the frame so that the clamp and any strand held by it are advanced longitudinally through the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a device for clinching metal sheets disposed one over the other in planar fashion. A joining tool, composed of a punch and a die having an anvil, is used to jointly displace metal sheets, profiles, or multi-sheet connections, out of the sheet-metal plane, under the action of forming energy introduced by ultrasound, compressing and integrally connecting the same.

Abstract: The powered pipe cutter and the pipe flaring tool both have a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder. The cylinder has a top end closed by a top end plug. A crimped cartridge bore in the top end plug communicates with a gas expansion chamber. A bolt and firing pin assembly are attached to the cylinder top end. The pipe cutter includes a shear housing with a pipe passage connected to the rod end of the cylinder. A shear plate is connected to the piston and moves with the piston to shear pipes. The pipe flaring tool includes a pipe clamp assembly with a pipe passage and a female flaring surface connected to the cylinder rod end. A male flaring surface on the piston cooperates with the female flaring surface to flare pipe ends.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic peening of metals is intended for strengthening and relaxation treatment of metal surfaces with an ultrasonic oscillation and includes an ultrasonic generator (1) having the optimized power of from 0.2 to 0.5 kW, a piezoelectric transducer with an ultrasonic velocity transformer (6) and a set of readily replaceable heads with striking tools (pins). Various sizes and arrangements of the tools allow for ultrasonic peening of parts of complicated configuration fast and efficiently. In the device, drop-wise cooling and lubrication of striking tools, as well as of treatment area are provided.

Abstract: Rare earth metal switched magnetic devices that comprise one or more magnets, a rare earth metal element positioned in the magnetic field produced by the magnet(s) and a system for controlling the temperature of the rare earth metal element are disclosed. The rare earth metal element is formed of a rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy having magnetic properties that change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic when heated above the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy. Preferably the Curie temperature of the chosen rare earth metal or rare earth metal alloy is at or below the ambient temperature in which the rare earth metal switched magnetic device is to be used—approximately room temperature (70° F.) in the case of devices intended for use in a factory. Tailored Curie temperatures can be obtained by alloying rare earth metals together and/or with conventional switchable “soft” magnetic metals—iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for explosively penetrating hardened containers such as steel drums without producing metal fragmentation is disclosed. The apparatus can be used singularly or in combination with water disrupters and other disablement tools. The apparatus is mounted in close proximity to the target and features a main sheet explosive that is initiated at least three equidistant points along the sheet's periphery. A buffer material is placed between the sheet explosive and the target. As a result, the metallic fragments generated from the detonation of the detonator are attenuated so that no fragments from the detonator are transferred to the target. As a result, an opening can be created in containers such as steel drums through which access to the IED is obtained to defuse it with projectiles or fluids.

Abstract: A press (10) for operating a tooling unit in the performance of a manufacturing operation, such as crimping terminals onto a conductor. The press is adapted for attachment to the frame of a host machine (12), such as a lead maker, and for receiving a tooling unit, such as a terminal applicator (52). The press (10) includes a frame (13), a carriage (20) arranged for reciprocating motion with respect to the frame (13) and a ram (110) in sliding engagement with and carried by the carriage (20). A relatively low powered actuator (22) causes the ram (100) to move through a first incremental amount of movement during the first portion of the crimp cycle and a second, more powerful, actuator (80) causes the carriage (20) and ream (110) assembly to move through a second incremental amount of movement to complete the crimp cycle.

Abstract: The rate of impact between the peening elements and an internal surface of a hollow part is a function of the vibration frequency, and there is a cut-off frequency at which a hollow part can vibrate and induce repeated impact between its internal surface and the peening elements because the rate of impact becomes erratic and loses its cyclical nature as the vibration frequency deviates from the cut-off frequency. The present invention provides a method for determining the cut-off frequency at which a hollow part can vibrate and maintain the repetitive nature of the impact between its internal surface and the peening elements. Such a method requires a peening element speed limit ratio, which is the ratio of the velocity of the hollow part compared to the velocity of the peening element above which the rate of impact begins to become erratic and lose its cyclical nature.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for forming a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) an male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be further or finally formed; (c) at least one of the mold portions comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to several hybrid methods of metal forming including: (1) a method involving a partial mechanical forming followed by electromagnetic forming; (2) a method involving the initial mechanical forming, followed by further mechanical and electromagnetic forming; and a method involving the initial partial mechanical forming and electromagnetic forming, followed by further mechanical and electromagnetic forming.

Abstract: Learning control is adopted in slide control of a press, and the actual behavior pattern of the slide is converged to the optimum pattern thereby breakage of a metal mold or the like can be prevented. The slide control device is provided with a linear motor or a servo motor driving the slide in reciprocation, a position detector detecting position of the slide, and a control circuit fixing and storing previously the command value of the optimum pattern of behavior of the slide, and calculating error between the real position data from the position detector and the fixed command value of the optimum pattern in a prescribed period of time from the drive start of the slide, and correcting the command value to be outputted in order to eliminate the error and outputting the command value after the correction and controlling the linear motor or the servo motor.

Abstract: As procedure for joining two concentrically engaging hollow bodies such as metallic tubes by electromagnetically deforming overlapping surfaces of the hollow bodies to create mutual structural bulges over their common scope in a circumferential and axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of forming a metal work piece into a target shape, said method comprising the steps: (a) obtaining a metal work piece, said work piece having an original shape; and (b)forming said metal work piece by mechanical action while simultaneously subjecting said work piece to electromagnetic forming, so as to deform said metal work piece from said original shape to said target shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molds and mold portions that comprise or have integrated therewith a resinous material and comprise at least one electromagnetic actuator imbedded in the resinous material, so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area of the work piece. The resin is used to locate the coil, and clamps or other restraints preferably are used to keep the weaker electrically insulating resin out of a state of large tensile stress or strain, which may cause it to fracture. Preferably, the resinous material comprises metallic flakes imbedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for formimg a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) a male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; at least one of the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion comprising a removable portion and adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be finally formed; (c) the removable portion comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator, the removable portion disposed so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for surface structuring of workpieces, in particular molds for plastics processing, erosion electrodes or the like, in which a structured surface is applied to an unstructured workpiece surface in order to map the structure into the workpiece surface. In order to provide a method which can be carried out more quickly, and which involves no environmentally hazardous process steps, it is proposed that a structure layer which has the structured surface is arranged between an explosive layer and the workpiece surface, and the structure is forced into the workpiece surface by detonating the explosive layer or a surface-structured explosive layer is arranged on a workpiece surface, and the structure is embossed onto the workpiece by detonating the explosive layer.

Abstract: A magnetic press (10) for performing a manufacturing operation includes tooling (60) operatively connected to reciprocating parts comprising rods (22), and a magnet (41) connected to the rods (22) through a stationary plate (31). A control circuit (200) electrically operates a reciprocating magnet (41) and a stationary magnet (51) for inducing flux fields of attraction in the magnets (41,51), and for reversing the polarity of the flux fields to eliminate residual magnetism and for cushioning the landing of magnet (41) on a return stroke.

Abstract: For the most distinctive technical application purposes and particularly for forming tubular hollow bodies which require a structural bulge, for instance for employment in heat exchangers where a stronger turbulence of the heat exchanger mediums and with it an improved heat exchange is achieved through structural bulges on the exchanger tube. The manufacture such tubular hollow bodies with structural bulges by means of mechanical arrangements are extremely labor intensive and therefore costly. According to the invention, a magnetic impulse provides a hollow body (2) with the desired structural bulges (7) which correspond to a support core in a shrinking process, or by an expansion process when the support core is removed. The hollow body (2) to be formed is preferably tubular.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for peening the internal surface of non-ferromagnetic hollow parts. Ferromagnetic peening elements are inserted into the non-ferromagnetic hollow part, and a magnetic dipole creates a magnetic field through the non-ferromagnetic hollow part attracting the peening elements which contact a portion of the internal surface of the non-ferromagnetic hollow part. The magnetic field is disengaged and a second magnetic dipole creates a second magnetic field, thereby causing the peening elements to contact a second portion of the internal surface. The magnetic dipoles are repeatedly turned on and off, thereby causing repeated impact within the interior of the hollow part until the internal surface attains a predetermined stress level.

Abstract: A machine (10) for receiving and operating a terminal applicator (12) in the attaching of an electrical terminal (14) to a conductor includes a magnetic power unit (28) having a fixed electromagnet (30) attached to the frame (20) and a movable electromagnet (32) coupled to the terminal applicator (12). The machine includes a cycling mechanism (86) for manually moving the movable electromagnet (32) through the power and return strokes of the terminal applicator (12). The cycling mechanism (86) includes a lead screw (88) having a nut (102) in threaded engagement therewith that moves vertically when the lead screw is rotated. A latch (110) attached to the nut (102) pivots into an opening (112) in the periphery (114) of the movable electromagnet (32) when the lead screw is rotated in one direction (130). As the lead screw (88) is rotated further the latch (110) carries the movable electromagnet (32) downwardly through its power stroke.

Abstract: A low-voltage electromagnetic riveter (LVEMR) including two opposed rivet guns (70, 72) for upsetting rivets during the assembly of structural parts is disclosed. Variable capacitor banks (64, 65 or 64', 65') are discharged to provide a variable current pulse which flows through a driver coil (131) and a mass-mounted coil (135) of each rivet gun (70, 72). Preferably, the mating faces of the coils are contoured to assist in the alignment of the coils. The driver coils are affixed to the ends of drivers (125) that drive rivet dies (121) into the ends of a rivet (75) to be upset. The LVEMR is controlled such that the net magnetic forces generated between the two pairs of coils actuate the rivet guns (70, 72) so that one end of the rivet is impacted slightly before the other end. The delay is controlled by a delay generator (44). Further, rapid-acting ground fault detection circuits (52 and 53) cause a power shutdown and capacitor bank discharge in the event of a ground fault.

Abstract: A magnetic press (10) for performing a manufacturing operation includes tooling (60) operatively connected to reciprocating parts comprising rods (22), and a magnet (41) connected to the rods (22) through a stationary plate (31). A control circuit (200) electrically operates a reciprocating magnet (41) and a stationary magnet (51) for inducing flux fields of attraction in the magnets (41,51), and for reversing the polarity of the flux fields to eliminate residual magnetism and for cushioning the landing of magnet (41) on a return stroke. FIGS. 2 and 4.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for absorbing and storing the recoil force of an electromagnetic riveter, and for positioning the elements of the machine where desired for optimal operation, includes a set of recoil cylinders connected between a base plate and a support plate on which the riveter is mounted. When the electromagnetic actuator of the riveter is energized and the recoil mass of the riveter is repelled away from the driver, the recoil cylinders absorb and damp the energy of recoil, and then the stored energy in the recoil cylinders acts to restore the recoil mass to its starting position. A set of damping cylinders prevents the recoil mass from slamming against the mechanism at the end of its return stroke. A set of pop-back cylinders holds the electromagnetic riveter at an elevated position wherein the end of the driver is clear of the top end of a shuttle having several stations, one of which holds a rivet die.

Abstract: An apparatus for deforming a sheet metal workpiece comprises an inductor for generating a magnetic field, a die comprised of substantially non-conductive material, and a workpiece comprised of substantially conductive material situated such that a current flowing in the inductor creates a magnetic field forcing the workpiece toward the surface of the die. Preferably, a flux transfer member is provided between the inductor and the workpiece to improve forming efficiency. In one preferred embodiment, the workpiece is an aluminum beverage container having a wall thickness of approximately 0.004 to 0.008 inches. In this embodiment, the waveform of the inductor current preferably comprises damped oscillations, and the frequency of the oscillations is approximately 20 to 60 kilohertz.

Abstract: An expandable, segmented coil is disclosed for use in electromagnetic can forming. The segmented coil comprises a central camshaft and a plurality of coil segments equally spaced about the central camshaft. Each of the plurality of coil segments comprises a coil core and a conductive tubing. The coil core including a central longitudinal bore and a profiled plate cooperating with the camshaft and movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position upon rotation of the camshaft. The tubing being routed through the central bore, wrapped around the coil core to form coil windings, and terminating in a conductor terminal for connection to a power supply for energization of the coil. The central camshaft includes an elongated shaft with a profiled cam plate on one end thereof. Each profiled plate of the coil core includes a cam follower cooperating with the profiled cam plate to cause movement of the coil segments between the collapsed position and the expanded position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a metal object wherein first and second coils are provided in close proximity to and in electromagnetic association with each other, the first coil is in driving association with a forming tool for forming the metal object and the first and second coils are supported in a manner allowing movement of the first coil relative to the second coil, and wherein an electric current pulse is supplied simultaneously to the first and second coils to produce a repulsive electromagnetic force sufficient to accelerate the first coil and drive the forming tool to perform a forming operation on the metal object, the pulses being shaped in accordance with a characteristic of the object being formed. The pulse shaping aspect includes matching the magnetic force based on the current pulse with the stress-strain characteristic of the object being formed. A voltage doubling network can be employed to provide increased output force.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping a cylindrical workpiece, such as a can body, from a cylindrical supporting device, such as a punch in a can body making machine, using a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fingers which are mounted for radial and linear sliding movement between a non-stripping location and a stripping location.

Abstract: A magnet actuator assembly for reciprocating a ram shaft in a crimping press. The actuator assembly comprises stationary upper and lower electromagnet members and a movable central electromagnet member coupled to the ram shaft. The mating surfaces of the electromagnet members are formed of combinations of frusto-conical and planar regions so that an adequate force at a large separation between the upper and central electromagnet members is generated to raise the central electromagnet member and a relatively large force at a small separation between the central and lower electromagnet members is generated to effect the crimping function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a metal object such as upsetting a fastener in a workpiece wherein first and second coils are provided in close proximity to and in electromagnetic association with each other, the first coil is in driving association with a forming tool adapted for forming the metal object and the first and second coils are supported in a manner allowing movement of the first coil relative to the second coil, and wherein an electric current pulse is supplied simultaneously to the first and second coils to produce a repulsive electromagnetic force sufficient to accelerate the first coil and driving the forming tool to form the metal object, the pulses being shaped in accordance with a characteristic of the metal object. The pulse shaping includes matching the magnetic force based on the current pulse with the stress-strain characteristic of the metal object being formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming, by either radially expanding or reducing an electrically conductive tubular workpiece (11). The method of the expansion embodiment comprises the steps of inserting an insulated electrical conductor (21) into the tube; then making up an electrical circuit that includes the portion of the wall of the tube in series or parallel connection with the electrical conductor and a source of electrical power (C and SW), then applying a voltage across the circuit. The current flowing through the conductor and the tube produces a circumferential electromagnetic field between the conductor and the tube. The current in the tube, interacting with the magnetic field, produces a radially directed outward force on the tube. If the force is sufficiently great and of a duration longer than the time required for a sound wave to pass through the tube wall, the tube wall will radially expand and be permanently deformed.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus and method wherein riveting upset force is provided by a solenoid operated plunger wherein the current provided to the coil of the solenoid is controlled such as by a servo-controller to achieve rivet upset time versatility whereby cracking may be minimized while maintaining high quality rivet upset uniformity. A condition such as plunger velocity or applied force during upset is sensed, and signals indicative of the condition are fed back to the servo-controller so that the condition may be instantaneously adjusted as the plunger is moved for rivet upset.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus including a stationary support frame; a housing having forming and ironing dies located therein mounted on the support frame; an elongated ram; a reciprocating ram drive; and a redraw assembly which includes a redraw sleeve for supporting a can body preform thereon; a redraw carriage for supporting and axially displacing the redraw sleeve relative the ram; a redraw electromagnetic coil fixedly positioned relative the stationary support frame; and a permanent magnet fixedly mounted with respect to the redraw carriage in displace relationship with the coil along the coil axis for co-acting with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil for controllably reciprocatingly displacing the redraw carriage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sizing preferably small diameter sleeves, wherein the method comprises the steps in any effective order of: (a) providing an electrically conductive sleeve and a die; (b) positioning a portion of the sleeve in the die; (c) positioning a portion of an electrically conductive member inside the sleeve; (d) forming a direct electrical connection between the sleeve and the member; and (e) creating a magnetic field to expand the sleeve.

Abstract: A linear electromagnetic actuator has it core mounted to a can body forming apparatus and its coil attached to re-draw sleeve of such apparatus. The actuator provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve exerts the requisite force on the can material preform. The electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring mounted to the re-draw sleeve to hold the re-draw sleeve against the can material preform.

Abstract: A linear electromagnetic actuator has its core mounted to a can body forming apparatus and its coil attached to re-draw sleeve of such apparatus. The actuator provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve exerts the requisite force on the can material preform. The electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring mounted to the re-draw sleeve to hold the re-draw sleeve against the can material preform.

Abstract: The bolt insertion apparatus includes a driver which is partially contained within an interior volume defined by an inner cylindrical sleeve which is secured at its front end to a forward mass portion of the apparatus. An actuator coil is also positioned within the interior volume for electromagnetic actuation of the driver. An outer cylindrical sleeve includes a recoil mass at the rear end thereof, with the coil extending forwardly from the recoil mass into the interior volume of the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is movable longitudinally relative to the inner sleeve. A spacer element is selectively removable between a forward end of the apparatus and a clamp-up nosepiece member. The apparatus is initially positioned such that there is a gap between a tool on the end of the driver and the head of the bolt. The collar-swaging apparatus includes a driver element mounted for longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus including a stationary support frame; a housing having forming and ironing dies located therein mounted on the support frame; an elongated ram; a reciprocating ram drive; and a redraw assembly which includes a redraw sleeve for supporting a can body preform thereon; a redraw carriage for supporting and axially displacing the redraw sleeve relative the ram; a redraw electromagnetic coil fixedly positioned relative the stationary support frame; and a permanent magnet fixedly mounted with respect to the redraw carriage in displaceable relationship with the coil along the coil axis for coacting with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil for controllably reciprocatingly displacing the redraw carriage.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-driven punch press having adjustable anti-skid supports for the ball bearings and ball cages of the ball-bearing bushings which carry the movable tool for preventing downward skidding of these balls and their cages when the moving tool punches down against the work material. Adjustable resilient cushioning arrests tool travel for minimizing "tool whip" and tool wear at the end of the work stroke.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine and its constituent components for drilling a hole in a workpiece, inserting a rivet in the hole, and upsetting the rivet, all without moving the lateral position of the machine or the workpiece, and to an assembly for supporting and positioning a plurality of said machines for working simultaneously on the workpiece.

Abstract: A linear electromagnetic actuator has it core mounted to a can body forming apparatus and its coil attached to re-draw sleeve of such apparatus. The actuator provides for the axial movement of the re-draw sleeve between its fully retracted position and its fully extended position. The re-draw sleeve and the coil are coaxially mounted to each other so that the force exerted on the re-draw sleeve is also coaxial. Once the re-draw sleeve is in its fully extended position, an electromagnet is turned on so that the re-draw sleeve exerts the requisite force on the can material perform. The electromagnet is mounted coaxially about the re-draw sleeve and exerts its force on a magnetic material ring mounted to the re-draw sleeve to hold the re-draw sleeve against the can material perform.

Abstract: Pre-loaded piezoelectric actuators provide improved work piece displacement, frequency of repetition, accuracy and repeatability. Actuators may use a coil spring providing a compressive force adequate to substantially fully compress a laminated piezoelectric element on a non-destructive basis. Upon activation, a pre-loaded actuator delivers a full workpiece drive stroke because piezoelectric element axial compression has previously occurred. Pre-loading methods and pre-loading to damp out element oscillation are also disclosed.