Abstract: The disclosure relates to a die transfer system for a press having a bolster for the support of a die. The system comprises a pair of elongated, parallel upwardly opening cavities having horizontally extending vertically movable rails therein. A plurality of rollers are supported by each rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. An air bag extends longitudinally of each of said cavities under said rails and is engageable with the bottom thereof. Inflation of the air bags effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for setting metal molds on a press bolster are disclosed. A plurality of spaced bearing units are arranged in a press bolster wherein freely rotatable main large balls of the bearing units protrude at their tops slightly above a level of an upper surface of the bolster so as to cooperate to freely slidably support a combined set of an upper and a lower molds placed thereon, for positional adjustment of the molds to a desired exact position on the bolster.

Abstract: A die forging press which includes a press machine proper adapted to detachably mount a die set having an upper die and a lower die; an auxiliary station having a die opening mechanism for holding and moving the upper and lower dies of the die set toward and away from each other and a heater having a heating head retractably protrudable to a position between the upper and lower dies when opened by the die opening mechanism. A transfer mechanism for transferring a die set between the press machine and auxiliary station is provided.

Abstract: A bolster travels, with a first set of wheels propelled by a first pneumatic motor, along a first pair of rails into and out of a press and, with a second set of wheels propelled by a second pneumatic motor, along a second pair of rails laid at right angles with the first rail pair. The first set of wheels are mounted to the bolster body via hydraulic lift jacks for up-and-down movement into and out of engagement with the rails. The first and second pneumatic motors communicate with a source of air under pressure via first and second pilot-operated selector valves respectively. The lift jacks communicate with a hydraulic pump, driven from the pressurized air source, via a third pilot-operated selector valve. For pilot-operating the first, second and third selector valves there are provided manual control valves and sensors, the latter being actuated automatically to produce pneumatic signals representative of various working conditions of the bolster.

Abstract: A flexible wedge for use under the die of a press to compensate for deflection of the die when force is exerted against it, the wedge being elongated and tapering across its width and having graded flexibility along its length with the portions nearer the ends of the wedge being more flexible in order for the wedge to deflect as a uniformly load beam when a concentrated force is applied at its center to position it under a die.

Abstract: An apparatus for manually shifting a transfer bar of a transfer press between a first or advanced position and a second or retreated position. The apparatus is mounted on a moving bolster and comprises a frame and a sliding member slidable between the first and second positions and carrying a transfer bar thereon. A lever is pivotally mounted at its base end to the frame and the leading end of the lever has a roller rotatably mounted thereto. The roller is adapted to move vertically guided by a guide member mounted to the under surface of the sliding member as the lever pivots on its base end. A spring is provided for helping the movements of the transfer bar between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a forging press including an automatic rolling key die lock comprising a forging ram and a forging frame including a die socket with an inner sidewall slot. A die, preferably comprising a split ring die, is received in the die socket and includes a mating slot for mating alignment with the press sidewall slot. A rolling key is received in the sidewall slot and the mating slot comprising an elongated bar including an intermediate undercut portion and a connecting member eccentrically secured to one terminal end of the bar. A lever is operatively engaged at one end to the connecting member for rotation of the rolling key upon selective operation of the lever, and operatively engaged at a second end to the ram for operation of the lever upon selective advancement and retraction of the ram.

Abstract: An automatic die changing system for a power press having carriers for transporting dies to and from a work station in the press and having a plurality of air lines and electrical lines in the press for supplying compressed air and electrical power to the dies on the carriers. All of the air and electrical lines terminate at the surface of the press, with a normally closed valve at the end of each of the air lines and electrical contact means at the end of each of the electrical lines. A plurality of connectors are mounted on each of the carriers to register with the valves and electrical contacts when the carrier is positioned at the work station, and responsive to the lowering of the carrier onto the press bed to automatically connect the air and electrical lines at the surface of the bed with corresponding air and electrical lines for operating control devices associated with the dies on the carrier.

Abstract: An assembly for precisely positioning a pair of die members beneath a reciprocating press ram, wherein a clamping assembly extends between each die member and a frame supported on a bed of the press for clamping and unclamping the die members. A self-lifting assembly provides a force which bears downwardly against the frame and upwardly against the die members for appreciably reducing frictional contact therebetween. An adjustable key is positioned for aligning the frame beneath the reciprocating ram. Finally, positioning apertures are provided for aligning the die members relative to one another on the frame.

Abstract: A rotary transfer press comprising a crown, a bed, a post extending from the bed to the crown, a slide upwardly and downwardly movable as guided along the post, a drive assembly for moving the slide upward and downward, a plurality of working stations disposed in a circular arrangement and each provided with a press die, and a transport assembly for transferring workpieces from each of the stations to the next station in succession. The press can be installed in a small space, and the workpieces are feedable to and dischargeable from the press at any of the stations. The press dies are also replaceable at any station.

Abstract: A press for bending a sheet metal comprising a support member fixedly secured to a press frame, a slide vertically movable on the press frame toward and away from the support member, a punch secured to the slide, a table mounted on the support member, a die secured to the table, and a plurality of adjusting wedge mechanisms disposed between the support member and the table. An upper wedge member is fixedly secured to the table, and a lower wedge member is laterally movable relative to the support member. A rack is fixedly secured to the lower wedge member, and a pinion engageable with the rack for vertical adjustment of each adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A tool for modifying openings in carburetor jets includes a base, upwardly extending guide rods, a relatively heavy tool-carrying block slidable on the rods, and a plate for holding the jet or jets to be modified. The plate has locating openings and the base has a locating pin, the locating openings being spaced so that when the proper one is placed on the pin the selected jet is accurately located beneath a tool carried by the block. The block, with the proper tool installed therein, is then lifted and allowed to drop so that the tool reduces the jet orifice size. The tools have rounded ends and diameters to properly modify various jets.

Abstract: A die lifter unit comprises a rolled metal section of inverted open-topped rectangular shape which is floatably supported on heavy duty springs in a groove extending along the top surface of the bolster, the section carrying a roller for supporting the die.

Abstract: A forming press is disclosed having a press frame, a slidable press carriage, and at least one tool couple comprising a plunger and a matrix. A pressure member is movable in the direction of motion of the press carriage for bracing the plunger against the press carriage. A screw controlled adjustment means including a motor is mounted on the press frame for driving the screw of the adjustment means and thereby positioning the pressure member. A drive gear is mounted on the screw, and coupling means is provided for connecting the motor and the drive gear at a predetermined position of the press carriage.

Abstract: The bolster of a pressing or punching machine is provided with a hydraulic die lifter unit having a hydraulic system in itself, the die lifter unit including rollers adapted to allow a die to transport smoothly thereon, and being floatably fitted in a groove on the top surface of the bolster.

Abstract: A die changing apparatus is disclosed, which includes a base or bed having holes, a die mounting base plate having holes registering with those of the base, brackets arranged on the upper surface of the base having holes registering with those of the base plate and the base in which guide pins are accomodated to set the position of the base plate with respect to the base by registering the respective holes of the brackets, the base plate and the base and inserting the guide pins into these holes, and eccentric cams for clamping the base plate on the surface of the base driven in synchronizing with the actuation of the guide pins.

Abstract: Three-dimensional work pieces, such as instrument panels or dashboards, are made of initially flat stock or of synthetic material such as a two-component foamable material. The tools of the present apparatus include upper and lower holding tools which are preferably simultaneously shaping tools, and cutting or trimming tools. The upper tools and the cutting or trimming tools may have a common support which is preferably exchangeably secured in a main frame. The shaping tools are moved into a first cooperating position relative to each other, whereby the work piece is formed into the desired shape. The shaping tools may then be locked in the shaping position or they may be moved into a second cooperating position to be rigidly locked in the second position. A tool support such as a table carried by a scissors lift frame is used for moving the shaping tools into the desired positions. The cutting or trimming is then performed by applying pressure to the respective tools.

Abstract: Manually operated pincer mechanism for rapid shutoff of a pipeline that has developed a break or leak. The pincer mechanism is actuated by a manually operated hydraulic jack. The jaws are designed to shutoff small diameter steel pipe with the lower jaw in the upper position and with adapter members attached to both jaws with the lower jaw in the lower position is able to squeeze off plastic pipe up to a larger specified diameter. Removal of the plastic adapter jaws and with the lower jaw in the lower position permits booming down on patches for steel pipe up to a larger specified diameter for welding.

Abstract: A bolster for a press, such as a mechanical press, which is capable of being easily retracted downwardly so as to increase the die separation thereby enabling easy access to the dies for maintenance. The bolster assembly includes a base mounted to the bed of the press, a bolster supported on the base and guided thereby for rectilinear movement in opposed relation to the bed and slide between an extended position for normal press operation, and a retracted position wherein the separation between the upper and lower dies is sufficient to permit easy access, and a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement for rigidly holding the bolster in its extended position when charged with high pressure hydraulic fluid, yet permitting the bolster to retract when the hydraulic pressure is released.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing a liquid sample for combustion and analysis in an elemental analyzer. In order to avoid damage to the quartz combustion tube and ladle by molten aluminum, the sample is placed in an aluminum foil vial which is crimped and placed in turn in an open ended capsule of nickel or other non-reactive metal. The capsule is then distorted by a novel encapsulator to partially obstruct the open end and retain the liquid sample vial therein during the combustion process.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick changing of tooling in heavy die sets is disclosed wherein interchangeable die shoes and tooling are piloted and guided on the bed of the press during operation of the same. Oil-hydraulic jacks lift the die shoe from the bed of the press and disengage the pilots and pneumatic cylinders disengage and retract the guides therefrom for roll-on and roll-off of the shoe from the press giving free access to the die shoe and to the underside of the blanking punch holder plate for repair or change of tooling. Guide sleeves for alignment of the blanking punch with the blanking die during operation of the press are pneumatically disengaged from leader pins in the die shoe providing transfer clearance for the roll-on/roll-off.

Abstract: A wedge system is disclosed for adjustably positioning tools in a forging press or the like. The system includes a wedge positioned between two assemblies and provided with a locking taper. Hydraulic means permit lubricant to be supplied under pressure to the surface of the wedge so that the wedge is released and can float laterally when large loads are applied to the system, as for example during a tooling jam. Means are provided to prevent substantial separation between the interfaces of the wedge and the remainder of the system when hydraulic fluid is applied to prevent seal extrusion or blowout. The seals are arranged to prevent blowout or extrusion when the associated faces are separated a substantial amount. Further, a hydraulic actuator is provided to take up the load on the mechanical adjusting screws prior to release of the jam and to control the movement of the wedge once it is released.

Abstract: A bending device comprising a bar for connection at one end to a ram of a bending press, the bar having a tapered end fitting into a bending matrix fitted with a displaceable jaw. A sheet of metal placed on the matrix is bent by the bar which is forced down by the ram into a longitudinal groove of the matrix. Means are provided at the side of the matrix to determine the limiting plane of the groove and thereby control the angle and further means vary the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A unitary coining die assembly is provided which is mountable on the frame of an underdriven coining press independent of the press slide. The die assembly is positioned on the frame above the slide and is comprised of a mounting plate attached to the frame and a pair of support plates suspended therebeneath. An upper coining die is carried by the mounting plate, and a vertically displaceable lower coining die is carried by the lower support plate. A ring providing a die cavity cooperable with the coining dies is carried by the upper support plate. The support arrangement provides for the lower coining die to be pivotal laterally about an axis spaced from the die axis to facilitate access to the component parts. Further, the portion of the upper support plate is pivotal about the same axis to provide access to the die cavity ring and upper coining die.

Abstract: A rolling bolster system for a press in which the press has a press frame with a bed. The press frame is provided with at least one side opening for access to the press bed. Tracks in the form of grooves are formed in the top of the press bed and further tracks are provided externally of the press bed aligned with the tracks on the bed. The tracks engage support rollers provided on a bolster which can be rolled on the tracks into working position in the press frame and rolled out of the press frame for access to die members mounted on the bolster. When the bolster is rolled into the press frame, track sections provided in the tracks formed in the press bed are lowered, thereby setting the bolster down directly on the press bed and in which position the bolster can be fixedly secured to the press bed.The vertically movable sections of the track formed in the press bed are adjustable between upper positions of alignment with the tracks and lower positions in which the bolster is set down on the press bed.

Abstract: Mold changing apparatus is disclosed for a press having a slide for the upper mold, a movable bolster for the lower mold and transfer bars for successively transferring work pieces. In exchanging the molds, the upper mold is mounting on mounting members which are raised so as to move the upper mold above the transfer bars, thereby permitting the molds to be moved out of the press by the movement of the bolster without causing interference between the upper mold and the transfer bars held in position in the press.

Abstract: A die holder frame receivable in the die plate or bed of a press brake has a die holder bar mounted thereto supported on a plurality of adjustable wedges, the forming die itself being mounted in the die holder bar. Wedges are individually adjustable to provide a crown along the length of the die holder bar, and are adjustable as a group to provide various desired heights of the die holder bar.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for automatically interchanging die assemblies in a metal working press having a pair of moving bolsters to be used alternately in the press. An initial condition setting device having control circuits connected to various portions of the press for setting data such as the number of products, the pressing force of the slide of the press for working, the die height for different die assemblies, the balancer air pressure, the die cushion stroke, the die cushion air pressure, the kind of operation of the die cushion for the drawing, the locking or the shearing and the blank holder air pressure is provided for sequentially carrying out various steps.

Abstract: A press comprising a base, a lower bolster mounted on the press, an upper bolster mounted on the press for movement with respect to the lower bolster, power means for moving the upper bolster vertically, a substantially horizontal track mounted on the base, a die set comprising a pair of die plates having post means guiding the plates for movement with respect to each other, means for guiding the die set on the track, and power means for causing the die set to travel back and forth along the track between a press position intermediate the upper and lower bolsters, and a loading and unloading position at a point remote from the press position. The apparatus may be used for molding metal or plastic material, blanking, stamping and piercing.

Abstract: A die system wherein upper and lower die shoes have a basic generally standardized form and are adapted for an interchangeable mount of various sub-assemblies embodying different die tools. The system features means facilitating a precise and quick location of a sub-assembly on its related die shoe as well as a quick release thereof. The invention further provides a unique pressure cell for backing the material being worked in a manner to insure optimal performance of the die and a quality work product.

Abstract: A bolster table device for a punch press includes a reciprocable table positioned upon a support plate and movable along guideways. The support plate and table have inclined confronting planar surfaces which engage each other when the table is in a retracted position whereby the entire impact load exerted by the punch press is transferred to the support plate. The inclined confronting planar surfaces of the table and support plate are spaced from each other when the table is shifted towards and away from the retracted position. The bolster table is reciprocated by a closed hydraulic system which is operated by a driven cam device.