Abstract: A process is provided for lubricating and protecting bearings in steel and process mills. In the process, metal is processed in the mill and conveyed on caster rollers. The caster rollers are lubricated with a special grease which enhances the longevity of the rollers, protects the rollers from rust and corrosion, and prevents the grease from leaking out of the rollers. In the preferred form, the grease comprises a water-resistant polymer to prevent the grease from washing out of the rollers and bearings when the metal workpiece is quenched with a high pressure water spray.

Abstract: The apparatus for support of a roll in a rolling mill comprises a single supporting member having a longitudinally-extending elliptically-cross sectioned shell-like cavity extending over the entire length of the roll and engaging the roll so it rests in the shell-like cavity and a plurality of crescent-shaped plastic blocking pieces spaced from each other transversely along the supporting member in the shell-like cavity to divide it into a plurality of pressurized chambers to which a plurality of pressurized medium lines are connected. Each of the blocking pieces are provided with a plurality of openings for a lubricant and can be provided with compression springs to urge the blocking piece toward the roll.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus is provided for placing a plurality of bends in an elongated tube. The apparatus includes a position sensor for sensing at least one location on the tube for assessing the accuracy of the bends placed therein. The apparatus further includes a programmable bender having a bend die and a clamp die for securely engaging the tube and bending the tube through a selected degree of curvature. A collet assembly is operative to axially and rotationally position the tube for each sequential bend. A pressure die boost and a collet assembly are provided for exerting axial pressure on the tube to urge the tube into the bend. The amount of axial force is programmed and selectively controllable in response to sensed operating conditions. A lubricated mandrel is programmably operative to be placed inside the tube. The movement of the mandrel is programmable and the flow of lubrication therethrough is both programmable and condition responsive.

Abstract: An automatic system for providing a liquid to a rivet setting mechanism is described. The liquid lubricates, cleans, and cools the rivet setting mechanism. The system includes a reservoir for the liquid, a metering device, and controls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thin film coating a substrate comprising spraying a stream of molybdenum disulfide powder mixed with steel shot at a predetermined velocity against the substrate, the velocity being sufficient, when impacting the substrate, to bond minute plate-like particles of molybdenum disulfide to the substrate and form a friction reducing surface thereon.

Abstract: A multi-stage roll mill for producing a lengthy continuous rolled sheet material by a one-pass operation, comprises a driven central working roll, and a plurality of peripheral working rolls arranged spaced apart and on the periphery of the central working roll, the diameter of each of the peripheral working rolls being much smaller than that of the central working roll. Each peripheral working roll has a screw-down mechanism which is capable of freely adjusting the gap between the periphery of the peripheral working roll and the periphery of the central working roll. The peripheral working rolls are arranged in such a manner that the work being held in the gap between the peripheries thereof and the periphery of the central working roll is subjected to continuous multi-stage rolling.

Abstract: A variable-geometry plug for use in the plug drawing of tube or other elongated hollow stock. The plug comprises first and second coaxial and relatively-movable parts which co-operate with a deformable annular sealing ring. With the two parts so disposed that the ring is relaxed, the plug can be inserted easily into the undrawn stock. In use, the two parts are caused to move relative to each other, so deforming the ring that is seals an annular clearance between the plug and the undrawn stock. If lubricant is then provided at the upstream face of the seal, the movement of the stock over the seal then tends to draw that lubricant forward across the seal by hydrodynamic action, so tending to fill the clearance with that lubricant at an enhanced pressure. Plugs are described in which this hydrodynamic pressurization is augmented by fluid under pressure supplied direct to the clearance through conduits including passages formed through the body of the plug.

Abstract: To forge billets, the billets are fed end-to-end along a path which leads to a coating tank containing a lubricant and then through a heating station to a forging station. Within the coating tank, the line of billets is made to undergo a change of direction for example by passing over a hump in the feed path, such that an angular separation is created between adjacent end faces of successive billets. In this way, a better coating of the end faces of the billets is achieved.

Abstract: A multi-stage steel wire drawing machine has, in each stage, two dies and a single drive motor for drawing the wire through the two dies. In a preferred arrangement the dies are mounted side-by-side and an idler wheel used to define part of the wire path between the dies in the stage and a coaxial driven wheel is used to draw the wire through both dies in the stage and to define part of the wire path leading to the next stage. Dry wire lubrication before die entry and water cooling after passage through the dies are disclosed.

Abstract: A billet lubrication apparatus which lubricates an end of a metal billet prior to insertion of the billet into an extrusion press by providing for timed, relative rotary coaxial contact between the billet and a solid lubrication medium during transfer of the billet into the extrusion press.

Abstract: A continuous process for high speed fabrication of wire comprises the steps of directing wire through a first set of drawing dies to reduce the wire diameter to an intermediate diameter, applying a lubricant to the wire during the drawing process, annealing the intermediate diameter wire while it is still coated with some of the lubricant, controlling the tensile forces and elongation of the wire during the anneal, and drawing the annealed intermediate diameter wire to a desired final diameter in a second set of dies. The process is particularly well suited for fabricating fine copper wire having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A cradle straightener feeder for feeding sheet metal to an accessory unit comprising a bottom payoff cradle feeder, driving the coil at the outer periphery thereof, a straightener feeder having an output which feeds sheet metal to an accessory unit, a mechanism for directing sheet metal from the cradle feeder to the straightener feeder, and a mechanism for cross-feeding said sheet metal to said accessory unit which may cross-feed the sheet metal simultaneously with the forward feeding of the output of the straightener feeder. The directing mechanism may include a pivoted threader bar mechanism which is an instrumental part of a loading cushioning mechanism, a coil peeler mechanism and a dekinking or decurling mechanism. The straightener feeder may also include a powered mechanism for adjusting the pass line height of the straightener feeder to the correct height needed for a selected accessory unit.

Abstract: Continuous in-line control of work product is provided in draw-redraw processing of flat-rolled sheet metal, coil coated on both its surfaces with organic coating, to finished one-piece can bodies. Drawing of a sheet metal blank is controlled to present flange metal at the open end of the cup-shaped work product which is disposed with its closed end wall in the sheet metal line. The drawn work product is pneumatically controlled to separate the sheet metal line from the can line eliminating random accumulation of work product. Redrawing operations are carried out closed end up to present flange metal which stabilizes in-line movement of work product. Electrostatic lubrication to protect organic coating and facilitate forming is carried out prior to each redrawing operation; in-line movement of work product is controlled during such lubrication.

Abstract: A continuous process for high speed fabrication of wire comprises the steps of directing wire through a first set of drawing dies to reduce the wire diameter to an intermediate diameter, applying a lubricant to the wire during the drawing process, annealing the intermediate diameter wire while it is still coated with some of the lubricant, controlling the tensile forces and elongation of the wire during the anneal, and drawing the annealed intermediate diameter wire to a desired final diameter in a second set of dies. The process is partially well suited for fabricating fine copper wire having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a dry type continuous wire drawing process which can retain satisfactory working circumstances while eliminating the problem of disposal of waste liquids. The wire drawing process includes the steps of descaling a wire to be drawn, coating the descaled wire with a lubricant, and drawing the lubricant-coated wire through a drawing die. The descaling step is conducted in a mechanical manner. At the lubricant coating step, the descaled wire is once coated with lime powder and then with metallic soap powder. Thus. the three steps recited are conducted under dry and continuous conditions. At the lubricant coating step, the lime-coated wire may be coated with powder of sodium stearate before it is coated with the metallic soap.

Abstract: Methods of necking-in and flanging tubular can bodies having body walls of constant thickness. A pilot die initially inserted into the tubular can body reverses its direction during the necking-in operation with respect to the motion of a ring die member that contacts the exterior surface of the tubular can body member. This concurrent reverse movement of the two forming dies eliminates wrinkles in the necked-in region and produces a container body with increased columnar strength. Repetitive use of the method produces containers with two or three necked-in portions. A method is also disclosed for relubricating the necked-in area of the tubular can body between the successive necking stations.

Abstract: A cradle straightener feeder for feeding sheet metal to an accessory unit comprising a bottom payoff cradle feeder, driving the coil at the outer periphery thereof, a straightener feeder having an output which feeds sheet metal to an accessory unit, a mechanism for directing sheet metal from the cradle feeder to the straightener feeder, and a mechanism for cross-feeding said sheet metal to said accessory unit which may cross-feed the sheet metal simultaneously with the forward feeding of the output of the straightener feeder. The directing mechanism may include a pivoted threader bar mechanism which is an instrumental part of a loading cushioning mechanism, a coil peeler mechanism and a dekinking or decurling mechanism. The straightener feeder may also include a powered mechanism for adjusting the pass line height of the straightener feeder to the correct height needed for a selected accessory unit.

Abstract: The article handling assembly includes a lifting beam having a support with a plurality of workpiece grasping members. The support is moved inwardly and outwardly with respect to the work stations of the forging press. A spraying mechanism is also provided to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the work stations of the forging press. A control mechanism operates the movement of the lifting beam having the workpiece grasping members effecting movement from one work station to the next. The movement is effected along the length of the forging press work stations outside of the area of the work stations. The movement of the spraying mechanism into and out of the work stations is synchronized with the movement of the workpiece grasping members moving into and out of the work stations to initially grasp workpieces and then to release the workpieces in the next work station. These operations are effectuated while the forging press is in an open position.

Abstract: A fluidized bed die container holding a lubricant compound receives material which is to be reduced in a die. Pressurized air entering the bed beneath the lubricant agitates the particles to fluidize them so that contact is continually assured between the lubricant and the material, and the pressurized air is used to help cool the die.

Abstract: A dry lubricated wire drawing and cooling apparatus comprising a die holder supporting a pair of dies in coaxially aligned and axially spaced relation. The die holder and dies cooperate to define a cooling chamber through which cooling liquid is circulated and drawn wire is constrained to pass. A sensing device detects approach of a wire end and operates mechanism to shutdown the apparatus and expel cooling liquid from the cooling chamber before the wire end reaches the first one of the dies.

Abstract: A method for warm forging a cup-shaped piece is disclosed. In warm forging a blank is heated between 400.degree. and 800.degree. C. and is inserted within a die having a cross sectional area substantially larger than that of the blank. The ends of the blank are clamped between a recess in the die and a recess in an upsetting punch and the upsetting punch compresses the blank until its sides become sufficiently bulged to almost touch, or touch, the sides of the die. The upsetting punch is then removed and a backward extruding punch is press fitted into the bulged blank and the blank is extruded to form a cup. The extrusion punch is lubricated and cooled by lubricant and coolant applicators at a position remote from the die so that the blank is not prematurely cooled by the coolant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying an ordinarily high viscosity lubricant as an atomized spray onto metal working surfaces without the use of high velocity air. The method comprises the steps of heating the lubricant to a temperature of approximately 170.degree. to 300.degree. F., hydraulically atomizing the lubricant by feeding the lubricant through a nozzle under a pressure of approximately 30 to 70 pounds per square inch whereby the relative velocity of the lubricant with respect to ambient atmosphere is increased upon exiting an orifice in the nozzle, and directing the lubricant onto the metal working surfaces.

Abstract: A process for the lubrication of a tool surface which comprises high pressure blast spraying a powder lubricant having a particle size of 0.6 to 1.5 .mu. at a spray pressure of 4 to 5 bar, onto the tool surface thereby producing a high temperature compacted coherent lubricant film on the surface while simultaneously smoothing, strengthening and compressively stressing the tool surface.

Abstract: The pressure medium used in the pressure chamber of a hydrostatic press is degassified in a degassing tank prior to delivery to the pressure chamber so as to improve the resistance of the pressure cylinder, or the liner inside of the pressure cylinder, to fatigue. The degassified pressure medium can be a mixture of recirculated pressure medium recovered after passage through the die extrusion hole and new pressure medium, such as castor oil.

Abstract: Flexible core such as rubber rod useful as an internal mandrel in the construction of tubular articles, such as hose, is coated with a liquid lubricant substantially undiluted with solvent, and excess lubricant is removed using high pressure liquid spray jets impacting the core angularly and countercurrent to the direction of movement of the mandrel.

Abstract: An improved mandrel is provided for use with a tube-finning machine. The mandrel is mounted to a stationary arbor and supports a tubular member during a tube-finning operation. The mandrel comprises a stationary body axially mounted to the arbor and a lubricated bushing which is rotatably mounted on the body. The bushing facilitates rotation of the tubular member relative to the body and supports the interior surface of the tubular member during the finning operation.

Abstract: A mandrel, in particular a floating mandrel, for the cold drawing and/or sizing of tubes comprising a drawing portion and a shoulder portion section, wherein corresponding to the various functional requirements which are made of its different sections the mandrel consists of two or more different portions which are joined to form a resilient structure and comprise between them at least one intermediate space whose volume is variable by resilient deformation of the mandrel portions and/or relative movement of the mandrel portions with respect to each other, and is substantially completely sealable by engagement of the mandrel portions on the inner wall of the tube to be drawn.

Abstract: A hole expansion mandrel assembly for expanding holes through work pieces including a drive pin with a leading pulling section and a trailing driving shoulder; and a collet removably carried on the drive pin and abutting the driving shoulder where the collet has an expansion surface to enlarge the holes as the drive pin is used to force the collet through the holes. The drive pin may incorporate a fastener trailing the collet. The method of using the apparatus is also contemplated.

Abstract: Four trains of gripping element quadrants are advanced continuously around four endless paths, meeting along one length of travel common to the four paths and cooperating to form a succession of centrally apertured gripping elements moving continuously toward an extrusion die located along the common length of travel. The gripping element quadrants are driven by pinion gears, each of which engages simultaneously sets of teeth on gripping element quadrants in two adjacent trains in order to key the quadrants together and thereby prevent one quadrant from lagging another during their advance toward the die. Four guide elements extend along the paths of the gripping elements and engage simultaneously portions of the two adjacent gripping element quadrants to guide the engaged quadrants during their advance toward the die. Four endless belts are advanced with the gripping elements toward the die and serve to transmit pressure from four stationary pressure pads to the moving gripping elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a reducing neck and a peripheral flange on a free peripheral edge portion of a cylindrical container body is disclosed herein. The apparatus consists of a fixed frame having a waxing station, a necking station, and a flanging station defined thereon. The containers are fed from a source in a synchronized fashion along a path with the axis of the cylindrical bodies of the containers extending vertically and are moved past the waxing station where the cans are rotated relative to fixed brushes to apply lubricant to the outer surface of the peripheral free edge portion. The reduced neck on the container is produced by supporting the containers on a bottom member that is carried on the periphery of a turret and an upper member having an annular die with the bottom member being cammed towards and away from the die to produce the reducing neck of the container.