With Tool Carrier (e.g., Press Frame) Patents (Class 72/455)
  • Patent number: 6499332
    Abstract: A pair of upright arms are connected at their lower ends to an anchoring beam that lies on the floor after the truck is driven onto a ramp. The front truck axle is positioned below the top ends of the upright arms, which are then joined by a pressure distributor located above the axle to form an upright arm assembly. A hydraulic ram presses upwardly against the axle, which is restrained by the pressure distributors, thereby bending the axle to align the wheels. A system of countersunk apertures and mating conical frustrum fittings and bushings distribute the resulting forces more evenly throughout the apparatus, thereby preventing bending of the upright arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Progressive Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Clingan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6453708
    Abstract: A reciprocating press for forming workpieces includes a tilting table that supports the workpiece and positions it with respect to the press tooling as the press closes, and then is pivoted upward into an inclined orientation as the press opens so that the finished workpiece falls down the table and is automatically discharged from the press. A preferred embodiment has a lifting arm attached to an upper reciprocating press member that carries an upper forming tool such as a punch. The lower end of the lifting arm engages the tilting table such that the table is pivoted about a horizontal axis in concert with the upward and downward movement of the reciprocating press member. The press preferably also includes a safety door that is automatically closed before the press fully closes and is opened again as the press opens such that operator access to the moving press parts is prevented by the door during a press cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Jacob Hagman
  • Patent number: 6435082
    Abstract: A portable electropressing apparatus is provided with an installing base having an installing surface extending in a plane in parallel with the axial movement directions (horizontal, vertical and oblique) of a pressing ram so that the apparatus may be may be easily and exactly installed with a variety of positional changes with respect to a workpiece to be pressed, wherein the portable electropressing apparatus comprises an apparatus body; a pressing ram provided in the apparatus body and axially movable to import a required amount of pressure to a workpiece to be pressed; an electric drive motor; a drive mechanism including a threaded drive shaft operatively connected to the electric drive motor to be rotated thereby; a transmission operatively connected to the threaded drive shaft and to the pressing ram to convert the rotational movement of the threaded drive shaft into the axial movement of the pressing ram; and an installing arrangement including the aforementioned installing base formed integral with th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naohide Habara
  • Patent number: 6389864
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake and stabilizing assembly wherein the sheet bending brake alone is constructed and arranged such that when a workpiece is clamped for bending when a person stands on the floor facing the handle means and the handle means is grasped and raised in a direction away from the person in order to move the handle means and raise the handles means, forces occur which prevent the handle means from moving sufficiently to produce a predetermined bend and the forces causes the entire sheet bending brake to tip away from the person about the portions of the legs which project outwardly from said bending brake and thus prevent the movement of the bending member relative to the first member and prevent bending of the workpiece. The stabilizing assembly for counteracting such forces on the sheet bending brake comprises transversely spaced rails receiving at least a portion of the ends of the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 6386009
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydroforming multiple components simultaneously with a smaller capacity press than would be possible using conventional hydroforming methods and apparatus. Die pairs are positioned with multiple die cavities in series so that the separating force transmitted to a press holding the dies equals the force developed in a single die cavity, even though multiple components are being formed in the die cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Mou Ni, James Chatterley
  • Patent number: 6374658
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bending press for bending metal foils, comprising a mobile panel and a fixed panel. The fixed panel comprises two slots open on the lateral faces of the lower panel and symmetrical with respect to the transverse median plane of this fixed panel. The bottom of each slot is formed by the inner wall of a through bore made in the lower panel which extends over an angle close to 360°, in order to distribute the stresses due to the bending over a broader area. A safety stop is provided in the opening of each slot in order to limit the vertical displacement of the ends of the upper part of the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Amada Europe, Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Gascoin, Olivier Bouchentouf, Koji Shima
  • Patent number: 6250216
    Abstract: A mechanical press having a press deflection controller. The press includes press members which have work surfaces, such as a slide and a bed. The press deflection controller includes a tie rod which is encased in a tube. The tie rod is connected to the press member and is maintained in tension while the tube is maintained in compression. Adjusting the tension in the tie rod during press operation works to adjust deflection in the press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: John B. Bornhorst
  • Patent number: 6186061
    Abstract: A plurality of hydrostatic bearing pads are each integrally formed in a respective pin or journal member being used within a mechanical press machine. The hydrostatic bearing pads are supplied with pressurized fluid sufficient to create a combined hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effect between the opposed bearing surfaces of the pin and an associated bushing. The hydrostatic bearing pads are used in conjunction with rotational and oscillating bearings in which relatively little rotation, oscillation, or slow rotational speeds exist or where it is desired to minimize the effects of hydrodynamic action which creates bearing “lift off” on journal bearings. These types of bearings are particularly associated with crankshaft and connection journal bearings, connection pins, and pivot pins used by a rocker-type coupling assembly that couples a weight assembly to the press machine piston or slide assembly or drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventors: Bradley A. Burns, Edward A. Daniel, Brian A. Watercutter
  • Patent number: 6182488
    Abstract: A clamping device for internal high-pressure forming includes a tool carrier (1), a tension clamping holder (3, 4) which extends from the tool carrier (1), a clamping jaw (8) which is arranged opposite from the tool carrier, and a bayonet clamping device (13-16) for holding together the forming tool parts between the clamping jaw and the tool carrier, which bayonet clamping device (13-16) wedges the clamping jaw between the tension clamping holder and the forming tool. The tension clamping holder has at least one feed opening which is suitable for guiding the forming tool into the working position in a direction vertical to the clamping direction. This solution substantially facilitates the installation of forming tools in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Anton Bauer Werkzeug-und Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Bieling
  • Patent number: 6178804
    Abstract: An improved top die raising and lowering guide mechanism for punching, pressing, and shearing machines having three hydraulic cylinder sets installed in a triangular configuration and, furthermore, three piston rod sets conjoined to an attachment mount to which is mounted a top die that is thereby guided during ascent and descent to execute punching, pressing, and shearing operations. The innovation of the present invention is that the top and bottom ends of the triangularly arranged three hydraulic cylinder sets are interconnected such that when a hydraulic system conveys hydraulic fluid to and from the top and bottom ends, the piston rods are simultaneously raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Fwu-Shing Juang
  • Patent number: 6170309
    Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus for simultaneously performing two or more hydroforming operations includes a frame that is sized to support a plurality of hydroforming dies in a stacked relationship. Each of the dies includes a pair of cooperating die sections having respective recesses formed therein that define a die cavity. Initially, the first die section of the first die is positioned in an uppermost spaced apart position relative to the second die section of the second die, while the second die section of the first die and the first die section of the second die are positioned in an intermediate spaced apart position relative to both the first die sect of the first die and the second die section of the second die. Then, hollow tubular blanks are inserted between the spaced apart die sections of the first and second die Next, the ram and the support mechanism are moved downwardly relative to the be such that the pairs of cooperating die sections of the first and second dies engage one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Marando
  • Patent number: 6112652
    Abstract: A press for the stamping of plates, in combination with a cutting apparatus, provided with two magazines that are formed on the press table, while the magazines accommodate registers that are positioned horizontally with respect to one another, whereby each register encompasses a series of holders for stamping tools that have the same or differing width. The holders are positioned vertically with respect to one another. The stamping tools are combined in pairs and, by computer control, can be positioned at the height of the press table by vertical drives and horizontal drives and into correspondence with the plate design that is to be stamped into a sheet metal strip. The stamping tool pairs can also be slid into the press, and be removable therefrom, by additional horizontal drives using the press, it is possible to stamp out plates, particularly vehicle license plates, having a design in which the individual symbols are either in registered layout or in a free (or non-registered) layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Erich Utsch KG
    Inventor: Lothar Wurmbach
  • Patent number: 6101861
    Abstract: The invention comprises a bridge frame for a transfer press. In one aspect of the invention, a bridge frame includes a first plurality of horizontal beams operable to receive a press bed, a second plurality of horizontal beams disposed outwardly from the press bed and operable to receive a crown capable of moving a slide vertically relative to the press bed and the crown, and a plurality of vertical support structures disposed between the first and second plurality of horizontal beams and supporting the second plurality of horizontal beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Verson, a division of Allied Products Corporation
    Inventors: Allen J. VanderZee, Thuy M. To
  • Patent number: 6085569
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake and stabilizing assembly wherein the sheet bending brake alone is constructed and arranged such that when a workpiece is clamped for bending when a person stands on the floor facing the handle means and the handle means is grasped and raised in a direction away from the person in order to move the handle means and raise the handles means, forces occur which prevent the handle means from moving sufficiently to produce a predetermined bend and the forces causes the entire sheet bending brake to tip away from the person about the portions of the legs which project outwardly from said bending brake and thus prevent the movement of the bending member relative to the first member and prevent bending of the workpiece. The stabilizing assembly for counteracting such forces on the sheet bending brake comprises transversely spaced rails receiving at least a portion of the ends of the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 6073525
    Abstract: Tools (3, 4) mounted on the free ends of the arms of a C-frame applicator are aligned by providing the arms of the C-frame (1) in a form which is capable of flexing between a first position in which the axes of the tools (3, 4) are disposed at an angle relative to each other and a second position in which the axes of the tools are coaxial with each other. A workpiece (6) is arranged between the tools and a predetermined clamping load is applied to the workpiece (6) sufficient to flex the C-frame (1) from the first position towards the second position and bring the tools (3, 4) substantially into coaxial alignment. One or more of the tools (3, 4) is then actuated to apply a force to the workpiece (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Ariel Industries PLC
    Inventor: Cyril Kenneth Edwards
  • Patent number: 6023958
    Abstract: The invention comprises a bridge press, a method of assembling a bridge press, and a method of forming a work piece using a bridge press. In one aspect of the invention, a bridge press includes a first plurality of horizontal beams, a plurality of vertical support structures disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams, and a second plurality of horizontal beams disposed outwardly from and supported by the plurality of vertical support structures. The invention further comprises a press bed disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the first plurality of horizontal beams, a crown disposed outwardly from the second plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the second plurality of horizontal beams, and a slide disposed between the press bed and the crown, the slide coupled to the crown and operable to move vertically relative to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Verson
    Inventors: Thuy M. To, Allen J. VanderZee
  • Patent number: 6018971
    Abstract: An apparatus for hydraulically shaping hollow bodies of metal using a shaping tool arranged in a press frame includes a shaping tool arranged in a press frame, wherein the shaping tool has a lower part mounted so as to be displaceable vertically guided between an open position and a closed position and a movably supported upper part, wherein the lower part can be locked in the closed position by a locking member and the upper part can be pressed hydraulically against the lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Bentler AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 6000271
    Abstract: A metal forming apparatus utilizes the combination of a wedge shaped die half and a complementary shaped cavity in a frame to shape metal blanks. The cavity includes a metal forming mechanism located adjacent a surface adapted to receive a blank to be shaped. The die half is moveable between an inoperative position outside the cavity and an operative position within the cavity. With the die half in the cavity, the metal forming mechanism can apply the necessary force to shape the metal blank in accordance with the die shape. Forming can be attained through the use of pressurized fluid applied against the blank, mechanical or hydraulic ram forces or the like. After shaping is finished, the die half is withdrawn from the cavity, the die half carrying with it the shaped metal part for part recovery and initiation of another forming cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ap Parts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Conny Olsson, Bertil Ovg.ang.rd, Lars Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6000326
    Abstract: In a transfer press in which a crown (3) is mounted on a plurality of uprights (6) disposed vertically on a bed (4), the crown and the bed are fastened by tie rods (7) penetrating through the respective uprights to thereby constitute a press body (1). A plurality of working stations are set in the press body, the crown and the bed are divided into a plurality of crown sections and bed sections at portions offset from central axes of the tie rods, and the crown sections and the bed sections are respectively fastened by horizontal connection devices (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nishida
  • Patent number: 5992207
    Abstract: In a large-part transfer press, several forming stations are arranged below a common slide in order to minimize cost. The bedplate construction has two longitudinal or basic supports. On each support, one bedplate per forming station is transversely placed and fastened as required. Driving of the slide takes place by two mutually independent head pieces which, depending on the number of stations, are arranged side-by-side at a distance. Each of the head pieces spans only one forming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Hofele, Martin Schmeink
  • Patent number: 5873279
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a transfer press which achieves a reduction in the overall length of the press line and, hence, in the total weight, while ensuring high efficiency and safety of preparatory work, such as changing of idle nests, owing to a facility which permits such a preparatory work to be performed externally of the press. To these ends, the transfer press has: an upright (3) disposed between and commonly possessed by adjacent press units (P1, P2); locating means (4A, 2A) for locating adjacent crowns (4, 4) with respect to each other and adjacent beds (2, 2) with respect to each other, respectively; and a tie rod (7) extending through the boundary between the adjacent beds (2, 2) and through the boundary between the adjacent crowns (4, 4), the adjacent crowns (4, 4) and the adjacent beds (2, 2) respectively being tied together through the upright (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishida, Kazuo Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5836196
    Abstract: A portable machine for on the job forming of pre-countered metal roofing tile wherein the pre-contour may be selectively flattened for accurate cutting or bent to accommodate ridges or valleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Lance D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5743129
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake and stabilizing assembly wherein the sheet bending brake alone is constructed and arranged such that when a workpiece is clamped for bending when a person stands on the floor facing the handle means and the handle means is grasped and raised in a direction away from the person in order to move the handle means and raise the handles means, forces occur which prevent the handle means from moving sufficiently to produce a predetermined bend and the forces causes the entire sheet bending brake to tip away from the person about the portions of the legs which project outwardly from said bending brake and thus prevent the movement of the bending member relative to the first member and prevent bending of the workpiece. The stabilizing assembly for counteracting such forces on the sheet bending brake comprises transversely spaced rails receiving at least a portion of the ends of the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 5732590
    Abstract: A supporting frame of a slab upsetting press includes a supporting frame for receiving a pair of upsetting slides and tool slides connected to the pair of upsetting slides. The supporting frame includes two housing beams supporting the pair of upsetting slides and, arranged spaced above the housing beams supporting the pair of upsetting slides, two additional housing beams, and connecting beams which connect the respective ends of the housing beams and receive the bearings of the screw-down spindles or the balancing pistons. The individual housing beams form independent structural elements, wherein the housing beams arranged one above the other form a pair of housing beams whose ends have plane side surfaces which can be placed on corresponding plane side surfaces of crossheads which are also constructed as independent structural components and receive the bearings of the screw-down spindles and can be connected by screws to the crossheads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Heitze, Adolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5720198
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a transfer press which achieves a reduction in the overall length of the press line and, hence, in the total weight, while ensuring high efficiency and safety of preparatory work, such as changing of idle nests, owing to a facility which permits such a preparatory work to be performed externally of the press. To these ends, the transfer press has: an upright (3) disposed between and commonly possessed by adjacent press units (P1, P2); locating means (4A, 2A) for locating adjacent crowns (4, 4) with respect to each other and adjacent beds (2, 2) with respect to each other, respectively; and a tie rod (7) extending through the boundary between the adjacent beds (2, 2) and through the boundary between the adjacent crowns (4, 4), the adjacent crowns (4, 4) and the adjacent beds (2, 2) respectively being tied together through the upright (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishida, Kazuo Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5661994
    Abstract: A tube shaping apparatus includes a movable frame having an upper portion mounted upon stanchions, an upper and lower tube engaging member mounted upon the frame for holding a tube therebetween, a tube engagement hydraulic cylinder for urging the upper tube engaging member toward and away from the lower tube engaging member, a tube bending die slidably mounted substantially parallel to the upper portion of the frame, and a pair of tube bending hydraulic cylinders for urging the tube bending die along a horizontal plane for bending and shaping a tube held between the upper and lower tube engaging members. The tube bending die is essentially a tongue-like member having an arcuate forward end which effects the bends in the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin E. Sundquist
  • Patent number: 5611231
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing reshaping operations on a can, with the apparatus being modular in construction. The modular construction allows for the easy add-on of additional processing stations for performing additional reshaping operations to the cans. Each module is readily connected to an adjacent module in such spaced relationship that cans are transferred directly from can support pockets that hold the cans during processing on one module to can support pockets that hold the cans during processing on the adjacent module, without the need for any conveyors or track work to transfer the cans. The modules are cast with internal chambers that form vacuum chambers, gear chambers, and/or pressurized air passageways. The internal chambers of one module can be interconnected with corresponding internal chambers in adjacent modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventors: Clifford R. Marritt, Harold J. Marshall, Terry Babbitt
  • Patent number: 5596900
    Abstract: Traction and alignment arm, particularly for motor vehicle body repair benches, including a base which is associable with a repair bench and a post that extends from the base and has traction elements for engaging a portion of the object to be repaired which is placed on the bench. The traction arm includes: a first supporting plate slidably connected to a beam of the bench; a second supporting plate pivotally connected to the first plate for the rotation of the base about a first axis that is substantially horizontal and substantially at right angles to the front plane of the first plate for applying the base to the repair bench; a third supporting plate pivotally connected to the second plate for the rotation of the base about a second axis that is substantially at right angles to the first axis; and pivoting elements for the rotation of the base about a third axis (its own axis) that is substantially at right angles to the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Car Bench S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Pietrelli
  • Patent number: 5595111
    Abstract: A transfer press or similar press installation is provided with a press frame including press supports, a press bed, and headpieces, these press parts being rigidly connected with one another by turnbuckles. The press installation includes slides and a transfer device, which are movable by driving devices. Longitudinal traverses are provided which extend along the length of at least the working stages. The press supports are arranged in front of and behind the working stages, and the longitudinal traverses are placed on these press supports. The longitudinal traverses are provided with guides which interact with guides mounted on the slides for the bearing of the slides which move up and down. As a result, a stable and cost-effective construction of the press installation is achieved while supports in the central working areas are omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: L. Schuler GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Michael, Kurt Strommer, Hans Hofele
  • Patent number: 5586495
    Abstract: A transfer press, capable of being easily transported, capable of being adjusted flexibly to changes in specifications, and capable of eliminating the idling of the transfer feeder, has a body (1) which is divided into a bed (2), uprights (3) provided vertically upon the bed, a pair of supporting beams (4) provided upon the uprights and disposed in spaced relationship with each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which a workpiece is fed, and a plurality of pressing units (5) each of which is independently provided for a respective one of a plurality of pressing operations. Each of the pressing units (5) comprises a crown (6) accommodating a slide-driving mechanism (8), and a slide (7). The crowns (6), provided for the individual pressing operations, are removably mounted upon the supporting beams (4). Slide guides (12) for guiding the vertical motion of the slides (7) are also provided on the supporting beams (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuo Ogawa, Naoaki Ikeoka
  • Patent number: 5582063
    Abstract: A multistand press or similar press facility for the forming of sheet metal parts, is provided with bedplate, press stand and several press slides driven by the press drive for tool top parts interacting with tool bottom parts. Gearings for deflecting the rotating movement of the motor drive into the upward and downward movement of the press slides are arranged between press stands which each form a pair of stands, and are disposed opposite one another, and above the introduction of force into the press slides. Two gearings are provided for the respective pair of stands of two press slides. This make it possible to drive the press slides assigned to a pair of press stands from one press stand area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: L. Schuler GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Hofele, Wolfgang Michael, Hermann Braun, Franz Schneider
  • Patent number: 5582055
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a clamping surface, a clamping member having a member movable toward and away from the clamping surface for holding a workpiece in position for bending and a second member extending longitudinally with respect to said first member. Each of the first and second members have substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges thereof formed with longitudinally spaced intermeshing integral projections, the projections on the second member having a plurality of aligned openings and the projections on the first member having a plurality of aligned openings comprising slots extending axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of said member. A hinge pin extends through the openings of the second member and the slots of the first member. The second member has a workpiece contacting portion spaced from the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 5570602
    Abstract: In an apparatus for molding particularly a tubular blank (1) of a ductile metal with internal high pressure in a mold, which has a cavity (5), a lower part (2) and a removable upper part (3) as well as a mechanism (6, 7, 13-21) for holding the upper (3) and lower parts (2) together, this mechanism consists of a pot (7), which is provided with a lid (15) and in which the mold (2, 3) is inserted. Between the pot (7) and the lid (15), a bayonet lock (13-20) is provided with a row of interlocking devices (14, 19), which can be brought into and out of engagement by means of a ring (16), which can be rotated relative to the mold (2, 3), and with an annular (9; 21) introduction of force into the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) near their circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Huber & Bauer GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Bauer
  • Patent number: 5551275
    Abstract: A multiple stand press or similar press facility for the forming of sheet metal parts has a bedplate, several press stands, and a press slide 7 which can be moved up and down by the press drive via drive gear boxes and connection rods. Tools in progressive stations follow a drawing station. In order to be able to reduce the size of the press facility, the press slide extends along at least two stand areas, and the introduction of force takes place via the connecting rods into the press slide in the stand areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Hofele, Wolfgang Michael, Kurt Strommer, Karl Thudium
  • Patent number: 5526671
    Abstract: A leveling apparatus for leveling a die mounted on die posts on a die base. The die base has first and second die posts on which is mounted a die for adjustable vertical movement. A first motor is operatively connected to the first die post for moving the first die post in a vertical direction. A first vertical position sensor cooperates with the first motor for sensing the vertical position of the first die post. A first servo-feedback device interconnects the first motor and the first vertical position sensor for transmitting a vertical position signal from the first vertical position sensor to the first servo-feedback device. A second motor is operatively connected to the second die post for moving the second die post in a vertical direction. A second vertical position sensor cooperates with the second motor for sensing the vertical position of the second die post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Larry A. Polen
  • Patent number: 5517909
    Abstract: A press machine having side frames which are effectively reinforced so as to appreciably reduce the noise generated during operation of the machine and improve the working accuracy of the machine without installing any special device on the outside thereof, significantly increasing the weight of the entire press machine, or obstructing a space between the side frames of the press machine. The side frames of the press machine are C-shaped in side view and are reinforced by at least one reinforcing member fixedly secured to each of the side frames at at least one predetermined place. The reinforcing members function to suppress the deformation of the opening of the C-shaped side frames to reduce noise and improve accuracy. The reinforcing members convert the vibrational energy of the side frames into heat energy which is then absorbed into the side frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tairo Samejima, Kikuo Ejima, Shigeki Honda, Kenji Nishikawa, Kazuya Imamura, Kazuhisa Suzuki, Hiroyasu Suda, Yoshitaka Nishihara, Hirohide Sato
  • Patent number: 5493964
    Abstract: A press machine having side frames which are effectively reinforced so as to appreciably reduce the noise generated during operation of the machine and improve the working accuracy of the machine without installing any special device on the outside thereof or significantly increasing the weight of the entire press machine. The side frames of the press machine which are C-shaped in side view, are reinforced by at least one reinforcing member fixedly secured to each of the side frames at at least one predetermined place. The reinforcing members function to suppress the deformation of the opening of the C-shaped side frames to reduce noise and improve accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tairo Samejima, Kikuo Ejima, Shigeki Honda, Kenji Nishikawa, Kazuya Imamura, Kazuhisa Suzuki, Hiroyasu Suda, Yoshitaka Nishihara, Hirohide Sato
  • Patent number: 5425262
    Abstract: Method and Apparatus for carrying out an operation, such as pressing, riveting, cutting, etc., on a mechanical workpiece which operation comprises at least one stroke, or movement, along a predetermined path, of at least two active members (6,7) each being arranged on a carrying unit (1,2). The mechanical workpiece is first positioned between the active members (6,7). Thereafter the carrying units (1,2) for the active members are approached to each other in a first part of the stroke. The carrying units (1,2) are then locked to each other at the end of said first part of said stroke and a second part of said stroke is carried out by way of the relative movement between the active members (6,7) to achieve the desired effect on the said workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Attexor Equipements S.A.
    Inventor: Olivier Dubugnon
  • Patent number: 5394723
    Abstract: A stand frame for a roller levelling machine and including spaced frame posts formed each of two spaced post members, and frame cross-piece members including cross-piece elements which connect each of the two post members forming a frame post, with each cross-piece element being connected to respective post members with hollow dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Willi Benz
  • Patent number: 5377521
    Abstract: A method of using an apparatus for straightening a propeller having an arbor press with two opposed inner surfaces. The opposed surfaces are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a propeller to fit between them with one opposed surface extending beyond the second opposed surface. Two pads are mounted on the first inner surface to support the propeller during the straightening procedure. One or both of the pads may be adjustable to more precisely locate the points of pressure that will be applied to the propeller to straighten it. A ram is mounted on the second inner surface to apply pressure to the propeller. A reinforcing ridge may be attached to the outer surface of the arbor press to provide rigidity during the propeller straightening procedure. To allow precision manipulation of the device under water, a floatation collar is fixed to the arbor press or the reinforcing ridge. The floatation has sufficient buoyancy to counteract the weight of the apparatus when under water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Lips Propellers, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Mackey
  • Patent number: 5363686
    Abstract: A progressive former and method of producing progressive formers is disclosed in which the bed frame is formed of two side frame members and a spacer member. The two side frame members and the spacer member are substantially fully machined before the side frame members are assembled on opposite sides of the spacer member. Within a given machine size, the side frame members are identical and the width of the spacer member is adjusted to provide the proper spacing between the side frame members for the particular number of work stations in a given machine. By utilizing component parts to produce the machine bed frame rather than a one-piece casting, substantial cost savings are achieved. Further, since the side frame members are identical in machines of a given size having different numbers of work stations, it is economically feasible to produce side frame members for inventory and then assemble them with an appropriate spacer member to provide the desired number of work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: The National Machinery Company
    Inventors: William H. Hite, Dennis H. Roush, Stephen G. Corthell
  • Patent number: 5347840
    Abstract: A materials press comprising a press table and a sliding table. The contact surfaces between the press table and the sliding table have surface contours which conform to a bending line which would occur in a planar press table when it is placed under a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: L. Schuler GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wolfgang, Lauke Andreas, Fritz Werner
  • Patent number: 5347901
    Abstract: An inventive tube cutting apparatus includes spaced plates which allow modular mounting of the main components of the tube cutting apparatus. The various components can be replaced and matched with other components by either changing the position that the components are mounted on the plates, or replacing the plates. An accelerator utilizes an eccentric connection to a rotary motor to provide a relatively simple drive for the die set. In an alternative accelerator, a steel belt is reversibly rotated and is fixed to drive the die set. In a powerhead assembly for actuating the die set, a pair of spaced shafts are connected through two offset links to synchronize the shafts, and maintain parallelism of the ram as it is forced downwardly into the die set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: John J. Borzym
  • Patent number: 5345861
    Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism for a mechanical press including an adjustment screw rotatable to vary shutheight. A pressurized chamber is formed between the adjustment screw and the housing of the adjustment mechanism. Fluid is injected into the chamber to create an oil squeeze-film capable of supporting high impulse working loads and also preload the adjustment screw in the direction of press closure. A rebound damping mechanism is included having a two part takeup nut assembly. Upon actuation of the takeup nut assembly, the two part takeup nut assembly separates to bear on opposite facing thread surfaces of the adjustment screw thereby reducing clearance space and possible changes in shutheight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: The Minater Machine Company
    Inventors: William C. Brewer, Edward A. Daniel, Frederick C. Bergman
  • Patent number: 5343728
    Abstract: A sheet bending brake comprising a first longitudinally extending member having a clamping surface, a clamping member having a member movable toward and away from the clamping surface for holding a workpiece in position for bending and a second member extending longitudinally with respect to said first member. Each of the first and second members have substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges thereof formed with longitudinally spaced intermeshing integral projections, the projections on the second member having a plurality of aligned openings and the projections on the first member having a plurality of aligned openings comprising slots extending axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of said member. A hinge pin extends through the openings of the second member and the slots of the first member. The second member has a workpiece contacting portion spaced from the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur B. Chubb, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 5315856
    Abstract: An apparatus for straightening a propeller has an arbor press with two opposed inner surfaces. The opposed surfaces are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a propeller to fit between them with one opposed surface extending beyond the second opposed surface. Two pads are mounted on the first inner surface to support the propeller during the straightening procedure. One or both of the pads may be adjustable to more precisely locate the points of pressure that will be applied to the propeller to straighten it. A ram is mounted on the second inner surface to apply pressure to the propeller. A reinforcing ridge may be attached to the outer surface of the arbor press to provide rigidity during the propeller straightening procedure. To allow precision manipulation of the device under water, a floatation collar is fixed to the arbor press or the reinforcing ridge. The floatation has sufficient buoyancy to counteract the weight of the apparatus when under water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Lips Propellers, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Mackey
  • Patent number: 5303573
    Abstract: Aluminum automobile wheels are straightened by exerting gentle pressure on the wheel to urge the wheel back to its original shape. If the metal does not move under pressure, the wheel is heated, and pressure again exerted, the process continuing until the wheel becomes round. A C-shaped wheel mount carries a spindle which mounts a hub. The hub rigidly receives the wheel, and the hub is selectively rotatable, and the wheel mount is selectively rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel is gently brought back to shape without excess heat or excess working to damage the metal. A final metal spinning step relieves stresses in the metal and brings the wheel to final tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Wheel Wizard International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5301585
    Abstract: Disclosed is a punch pressing machine requiring no turret, having punch units and die units as die sets, the number of which is not inferior to a turret punch pressing machine, and exhibiting a working accuracy superior to the turret punch pressing machine. A plurality of punch units and die units are disposed in two or more lines on a mounting plate member. A hammer member confronting the respective punch and die units is positioned in X-and-Y axis directions, whereby a workpiece can undergo necessary punch press working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Sonoike Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Hosaka
  • Patent number: 5293767
    Abstract: A force isolating machine tool. The invention is directed to a machine tool divided into two separate cooperating structures, a first frame structure for supporting and guiding a pair of tools to provide precision of movement and a second frame structure for transmitting reaction forces. The first and second frame structures are pivotally connected along the axis along which the tools move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Franco Sartorio
  • Patent number: 5272904
    Abstract: The press brake of the invention comprises a cross bar-like pressure ram member. The two lateral ends thereof are connected each to the piston rod of a pressure bar operating cylinder. For transmitting the power exerted by the operating cylinder, there is provided an articulated joint assembly with two articulated joints which are arranged in series as seen in the power transmission direction. Thereby, a complete absence of clearance in the pressure ram driving elements can be realized and higher tolerances as far as the parallelism of the two operating cylinders can be accepted. Furthermore, an operational tilting of the pressure ram member with relatively high tilting angle is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: M + S Brugg AG
    Inventor: Waldemar Krumholz