US2069511A - Upsetting mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcoX UPSETTING MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2e, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcox UPSETTING MECHANISM Filed Jan. 26, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 22v A TTORNE Y Feb. 2, 1937. R. wlLcox UPSETTING MECHANISM Filed Jan. 26, 1932 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Feb. 2, 1937 UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE UPSETTING MECHANISM Application January 26, 1932, Serial No. 588,859

20 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in upsetting mechanism or the like. It is the object of the invention, among other things, to provide means for presenting a blank successively to each of several stations for operations thereon, to eject the blank from each of such stations after such operations in timed relation with such means, and to be engaged and carried thereby, as well as means for releasing for escapethe finished product. Another feature of the invention is to adapt this mechanism for use with either a single blow and/or solid die header of a conventional type, whereby the adaptability and extent of use of such machines may be materially increased.

To these and other ends, my invention consists, among other things, in the new and improved upsetting mechanism, having certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Heretofore, in subjecting a blank to successive operations in a header or the like, the blank is held in a fixed position in relation to the die, and

cessively presented thereto. Such method requires the use of a plural blow header or the. like. As plural blows are required while the blank is held in a xed position, a reduced output results over headers, or the like, of the single blow type.

In this improved device, plural solid dies and punches are used and the blank is transferred from one die to another so that a single blow header may be used instead of a plural blow. At

each station an operation is performed at each stroke of the gate so that a completed product results from each forward movement of the gate. In the plural blow type, a finished product re- 4U sults only at the termination of each series of blows, which requires a reciprocation of the gate for each blow.

With this improved mechanism, the punch holder is not moved transversely of the movement g, of the gate, except for adjustment purposes, thus eliminating all of the punch holder moving mechanism.

The arrangement of the punches and dies is also such that they are in substantially a straight line and substantially parallel with the axis of the crank shaft, through and from which the gate is actuated. Therefore, a machine having great strength without tendency to torsional and other objectionable strains, results, ensuring the Y d punches of various forms and types are suc-v (Cl.V 10u-12) otherwise be necessary, and having a longer operative life. f

Further, in this invention, the blank is cut from a rod length, and while in the cutter, as is the practice, is transferred to a station, and thereafter, to successive stations by transfer mechanism, shown herein as actuated in part by the cutter mechanism. This utilizes a present and required motion for the transfer mechanism and avoids the use of additional parts to produce the same result.

The ngers of the transfer mechanism are opened by parts associated with the gate, thus also utilizing another present and required motion without additional parts. Thus, the motions of both the cutter and gate mechanisms are utilized for the transfer mechanism.

At the stations the blank is ejected from the tools by synchronously actuated knockout mechanism that Vpresents the blanks into position where they are grasped by the transfer fingers before the latter close, on the return movement of the gate.

The knockout mechanisms are arranged so that the length of stroke thereof may be varied according to the requirements of each station.

There are other new and novel features about this invention that will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings, and are more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals of reference indicate like parts in the several figures;

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view of a single blow header, upsetting machine or the like, with the improvements herein set forth associated therewith;

Figure 2 is another View thereof;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view, the parts in section being taken generally upon line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion thereof, the parts in section being taken generally upon line 4 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View of the gate, die holder and other parts, the parts in section being taken generally uponline 5-5 of Figure 6;

Figure 6 is a View of the transfer mechanism and adjacent parts, those in section being taken generally upon line 3 3 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the feed bracket, the parts in section being taken generally upon line '1 -.l of Figure 1;'

Figure 8 a form of mechanism, other than l ment of the gate.

shown elsewhere, for` opening thev transfer flngers; and

Figure 9 is a View of the n'ger releasemechanism.

VAs hereinbefore indicated, this improved mechanism is particularly adapted for association with a solid die and/or single blow header, upsetting machine or the like Its use enlarges the adapty ability of such headers for work not heretofore possible to be done thereon, but only with headers having plural blows,l

In the mechanism herein shown there are plural punches or other tools, whichr co-operatewith velop and produce the finished product, one of which is produced and released at each move- As the punches maintainv a fixed position `in relation to the gata-,none of the mechanism associated with the gate in plural blow headers is required. So far as at presentadvised no one has heretofore applied plural blows to a blank in a single blow header, or discovered the possibility of doing so without movingV the punches e is slidably mounted in the body member beneath the caps |4; |5 the pitman thatV connects the gate withV the crank shaft; and |6 is a shaft that is journaled in the body member and is driven from the crank shaft by the gear |1 and pinion I8. 1 f Y Fixed upon. one side of the body member is a cut-off bracket |9,Y within which is slidably .mountedthe cut-off plate 20, and'actuated in part thereby lis the cutter bar 2|, which moves in a pathv substantially parallel with the axis Aof the crank shaftj Connected with this cutter bar is a plate 22, in' which isV fixed a stud 23 carrying a cam roll 24. This'cam roll contacts with the cam plate 25 connected with the cut-off plate 20 to move the vcutter bar in one direction and in the opposite direction by the cam plate 26, through a cam roll 21 on the stud 23.

Relative adjustment of the position of the cutterVV bar 2| is obtained through an adjusting screw 28, which is threaded through the stud 23. The outer movement of this cutter bar is limited by a stop screw 29.

The cut-olf plate 20 derives a reciprocator motion from a crank 39 `on the shaft |6 through the pitman3| and turn buckle mechanism 32.

The cut-off mechanism above described is of the conventional type and the details of its construction and operation are now well known in the art; v

Fixed to the forward end of the gate I3 is a backing plate 33 and adjustably mounted thereon are a plurality of punch holders 34, 35, 36 and 31. vWith each of these punch holders vare associated bolts 38 and 39, the former ofl which is encircled by a block 40 slidable in the slots 4| in the punchholder, and the bolt 39 being ad;V

justable .within the slot 42 in the backing plate 33;

Vend of a backing plug 41.

By this mechanism a limited variable adjustment of the punch holder relatively to the gate is permissible, and in its several adjusted positions is maintained by the nuts upon the bolts 38 and 39 and theV screw 43 threaded through the kpunch holder and impinging against a stationary part.

' In each punch holder is mounted an operating tool, and as shown, theseV are designed for the fabrication of a rod length into nuts.

^ In the holder 34 is a pressure punch 44 mounted within a bushing 45 and the inner end of which abuts against a backing plate 46, this in turn being in contact with the forward end of a backing plug 41.

Inthe punch holder V35 is an upsetting punch 48, the inner end of which abuts against a backing` block 49, and in contact withthe forward Mounted within the upsetting punch 48 is the ejector pin 50, actuated in one 'direction' by a coil spring 5|.

In the punch holder 36 is an upsetting punchV 52,-supported by a'backing block 53, which likewise engages the forward end of a backing plug 41. The outer ends of the punches 48 and 52 are shaped to upset the metal of the blank into predetermined'shapes, the former being a primaryv shape and the latter the iinal shape of the blank.V While I have shownV two upsetting punches herein, in another form of article, or even vin the same typerof article, a'single punch might be sufficient, or a greater number than two.

As the nut produced by the tools herein Vis hexagonal in shape, the forward end 54 of the 35 Each backing'plug 41 is angular at the rearv -end and contacts with a wedge 58 mounted on a wedge block 59 that is adjustable in the gate vat substantially a right angle to the axis of the backing plug 41 nand held in adjusted positions by a screw`60, in a well known manner. By means of the wedge blocks the extreme outward position of the face of each tool is accurately determined and in such position permanently hel-d.

Projecting forwardly on each punch holder is a lug 6|, within which the tool is supported, and on the top and bottom thereof at its forward end are secured the plates 62, upon eachof which is a cam face 63. The cam plates associated with theV punch holder 34 extend laterally thereof, substantially as shown in Figure 4.

Mounted in a recess in the wall of the pocket |29 in the body I0, opposite the gate, is a backing plate 64, and associated therewith is a die holder 65, which is secured in position by a locking wedge 66 held by a bo1t61 in a well known manner.

Within the die holder 65 are a plurality of dies or tools that are positioned, except for the cuttingoi tool, substantially concentric with the tools associated with the gate.

The tools mounted in thel die holderare the cutoff die 68, the squaring die 69, upsetting dies 1l! and 1|,- and the piercing die 12. Each of the dies 687, 69, 10 and 12 engages backing blocks 13 that contact with the backing plate 64. f 1 f Letters Patent Nos. 1,832,167 and 1,832,168, issued November 17, 1931, disclose a set of tools similar to those herein shown, with the exception of the punch 44 and die 69. The latter are designed to square the ends of the blank if this seems desirable. The punch 48 and die 1l) upset the blank to dome shape.

The die 'll is mounted in a sleeve 'I4 and held in its outward position by the tension of the spring 15. Within the die sleeve it and projecting through the opening in the die .'ll, is a combined pressure and knocko-ut pin, l5, which is moved against the resistance of the spring ll.'

The cross sectional shape and area of the opening in the die il is substantially the same as that of the punch 54.

Within the backing plate in the rear of the piercing die 'I2 is a pin 18, the forward end of which projects over an opening 'i9 throughone side of the die 12.

Fixed to the die holder 65 is a stripper plate 80 having an opening 8i therethrough slightly larger Ythan the diameter of the piercing punch 55, which projects therethrough in its forward position.

The relative vertical position of the die block 65 is maintained by the set screw 89 and the dies are held rigid by the screws 9B or the like.

Fixed to one wall of the pocket 129 is a bracket 82, which supports a stop pin 83 that is adjustable axially therein by means of the nuts B.

Secured to the inner end of the cutter bar is a cutter 85, having spring fingers i3@ associated therewith, substantially as shown in Figure 6. This cutter and the spring fingers are of the conventional type, as well as their method of association with the cutter bar.

In operation a rod is advanced by means of the feed rolls 86 through the cut-off die 53 until the end thereof abuts against the stop pin 83. The cutter bar now moves forward and the cutter S5 severs that portion of the rod between the stop vpin and the face of the cut-off die. This cut-off portion, now the blank, is carried by the cut-off knife and spring fingers to a position where it is in front of the opening in the die 59 with its axis concentric with that of the punch til. The for- 45gward movement of the gate projects the blank the blank.

Some metals do not cut off squarely but at an angle to the axis of the blank. Such angular or non-square ends do not impair subsequent operations on the blank, except in certain classes of gwork. Hence, the use of the die 69 and punch 44 may be unnecessary at times.

After leaving the die G9, the blank is presented to the die 10, where it is domed in substantially the manner shown in the above referred to patents, and ejected therefrom by the ejector pin 5B and knockout rod 88. Thereafter, the blank is presented to the die H and the dome shape blank is compressed between the knockout pin 'l5 and punch 54 and the thickness and outside shape of `the finished article determined.

The blank, which has now assumed the form of a nut, is presented in front of the die 'l2 and inside of the stripper plate Se, and the punch 55 pierces a hole therethrough. The slug formed ,thereby is deflected downwardly through the cle drops into a chute which leads to a receptacle conveniently arranged to receive the same. At each forward stroke of the gate four different operations are performed upon the blank, by sepmv arate sets of tools to produce the finished nut or article. These successive operations allow for a proper and convenient flow of the metal in the blank without distortion or rupture thereof.

The article produced by the tools herein is a completed nut, ready for threading, that is formed from a rod of -metal and with the minimum waste of material and without requiring a subsequent finishing of the exterior thereof.

Obviously, as before indicated, the shape of the tools may be varied to produce rivets, bolts, screws, and the like, as Well as many other varying shapes and sizes.

The tools are arranged so that they are in substantially the same plane as the axis of the crank shaft, thus obtaining the maximum pressure and eliminating torsional strains.

The knockout rods 87, 88 and Si are operated synchronously so as to eject all of the blanks from the dies at one and the same time, to be taken up and carried bythe transfer means. The mechanism for actuating the knockout rods comprises in part, a plurality of rock levers '$32, one for each of the rods, which contact therewith substantially as shown in Figure l. These are mounted upon a shaft 93 in the feed bracket and the rolls 95 thereon ride against the cam shoe e@ on the rock lever E35, fixed on the shaft 9i. The cam shoe 9S is of harder metal than the rock lever and may be replaced by a new shoe if wear or other reasons should demand.

Shaft 9i derives an oscillating movement in timed relationwith other parts from companion cams S8 and S9 mounted upon the shaft iii, through a link lili), connected at one :1d to a crank il on the shaft 97 and at the other end to a rock member |532. This rock member is actuated by the cam 99 through a cam roll 32, which rides against the cani face. A similar rock member |63 is actuated by the cam 98 through a cam roll IM, which rides against the cam face. These rock members are flexibly connected by the rod |65 having a spring it therearound. Thus, the rock shaft Si is operated positively in both directions by cam mechanism which insures a proper timed relation movement of the rock levers 92 and knockout rods with the punches. The screws i di, threaded in the bracket Sie, adjustably limit the movement of the rock levers Q2 when pushed outwardly by the knockout rods when a blank is projected into a die.

cutter bar and moves therewith. It comprises in part two slide members Hi8, which move within grooves in the face of the die holder 55, and are connected with each other and with the cutter bar by the cross bar 169.

Fixed in each slide member are a plurality of studs Y Hi, upon each of which is rotatably mounted a transfer finger il l, the inner ends H2 of which are suitably shaped to grasp the blank at one of the stations and carry it to the next station. The transfer lingers are moved toward each other by the springs H3 connected at one end with the fingers and at the other end to which projects into the path 63 o-nthe cam plates 62.

When the gate is in its rear position, that is, away from the face of theV dies, the springsl H3 will hold the fingers in'their innermostrpositon, with their innerends H2 substantially in. the position shown in Figure 3. As Ythe gatermoves forward the camV plates 62 engage the rounded ends of the studs H6 and force Vthe fingers'outwardly; Their extreme Voutward position shown in Figure 6. The extent of the opening is determined by the cam face 63 on the plate 62 whenin engagement with the stud H6.

In orderrthat it may not be necessary to subof the ,cam faces stitute new fingers complete for each different shape blank, a separable tip I I1 may be used and attached in any convenient manner tothe body of the finger. .'I'hus, the gripping face of each finger may be varied atwill.

Another form of Contact mechanism between the transfer linger and the punchV holder is shown in Figure 8, wherein a stud |31 is sub- Y stituted for the stud H6, in the outer end of which is a ball |34, positioned and in parti held against dislodgment by the screw |35. This form ofi device will minimize friction and obviate wear of the parts. Y. .i

The timing'of the Yparts is such that the blanks at the several stations are ejected fromY the dies simultaneously and pushed into position between'the fingers when the same are closing, bythe withdrawal of the gate. VThus, a blank, in its incompleted form, is carried from one station to' another untilits arrivall at the'station where itis Vcompletedby the piercing operation. The remaining end of the rodlength, after itV has been successively presented to the cut-off knife, may not beV sufiicientlylong for a new blank. FSuch short length is, however, advanced through the cut-off die bythe new rod length, the forward end of which supplies suflcient material 'to make'a full length blank. Thus, in the cutter there may be two short rod pieces which combined make a single length blank. These two pieces may go through the entire subsequent operations without disturbing any'tools or parts Vbut producing, however, a faulty article.

To prevent this, as well as any damage that might result to the tools, or other parts, by either a shortV piece getting out of alignment, or otherwise, means have been provided to release such short pieces soV that they willY not be presented for subsequent operations. Such ment of the lower transfer finger near the cutting off station, so that` the two short pieces will not be engaged thereby and drop out of the machine. Y Y Y This mechanism comprises a kdrum H8, mounted upon a stud H9, in a bracket |36, Yhaving a cable connection |20, with a stud |2| associated with the lower transfer finger Vadjacent to the cut-off knife. A similar cable v|22 connected with the drum H8 passes over an idler |23 mounted on a fixed bracket |24, and connected with atreadle |25 of a well known type. Y

The ends of cables |20 and |22 are connected with the drum by screws |26or the like, whereby the length of the cables may be varied for adjustment. Y Y

A spring |21 between the drum H9 and a fixed part insures the drum being held in such position that Vthere is no pull on the transfer finger through the cable |20 except when pressure is applied through the treadle |25. A vspring |28 between the cable |22 and treadle v|25 provides means tortake up any excess movement of the Vtreadle after the transfer, finger has been moved `to its extreme position. v YAs the end of theold and the new rod are moved into the path of the cut-off knife,

the operator presses thev treadle |25 downwardly,

lengths the transfer finger ismoved to its non-gripping position, and thefshort ends of the old and new rod lengths cut therefrom drop out of the machine because not engaged by the transfer fingers.

All the other transfer fingers performl their function, however, and transfer ther blanks' as usual. y

Afterthe forward end Y y has been subjected to therst cut-off operation, the operator releases the treadle |25. The re,- turned transfer finger is released and returns to its gripping position and performs its transfer Y function as before.

Having thus described one embodiment of the invention, it is obvious that numerous and extensive departures may be made therefrom without departing` from the spirit of myinvention, and within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In mechanism of the character described, a 30 plurality of dies, a plurality of punches coof the new rod length operating therewith, oneror more punch'holders ,d

for the punches, a cam plate `on each'puph holder, and transfer means, having fingers as a part thereof, for carrying the blankl successively to the dies and having an element thereon in the path of movement of the cam plate, Vwhereby Y Vnon-gripping positions, said element having a Vball contact surface.

3. In mechanism of the character/described,

a gate, a plurality of solid dies, a plurality ofv punches cooperating therewith, means for cutting off agblank from a rod length,y transfer means, having fingers on a part thereof, for carrying the blank successively to the` dies,

means on the gatey for movingV the. fingers .to

and means for Y their non-gripping positions; ejecting the blanks from lthe dies while the fingers are actuated by the gate means. n

4In a heading machinea gate, a plurality of tools, means for cutting off a blankfrom a rod length, means for transferring such blank successively to the tools, comprising a slide, aV con-Y nection between the slide and the cut-off means, Y

a plurality of ngers associated with the slide and movable toward each other to grip the blank therebetween, each finger having a surface thereon in the path of movement of the gate, and a part associated with the gate that engages the said surface and moves the ngers to their nongripping positions.

5; In a header, having a pocket in the body thereof; a gate movable into and out of the pocket; a plurality of punches carried by the gate; a .Y

cutter device projecting through one wall of the pocket; a die holder secured to that wall of the pocket opposite the gate; a plurality of dies in the die holder, the axes of some of which are coincident with the axes of the punches; means for transferring a blank, from the cut-off device, successively to the dies and in line with the punches, comprising in part movably mounted fingers, that hold the vblanks in line with the dies; and means on the gate adjacent to `the punches that actuate the lingers so as to release their hold upon the blank as the punches are about to engage therewith.

6. In a heading machine, a plurality of sets of tools; means for cutting off a blank from a rod length; and means for transferring such blank successively to the sets of tools, comprising a slide; a connection between the slide and the cut-off means, a plurality of iingers associated with the slide and movable toward each other tov grip the blank therebetween, each linger having a part thereon in the path of movement of the gate; and means associated with the gate for engaging said part and moving the transfer lingers positively in one direction.

7. In a heading machine having a gate, a plurality of sets of tools, a portion of which are on the gate; means for cutting off a blank from a rod length; and means, operated in part by the cut-off means and by parts on the gate, for transferring such blank successively to the sets of tools.

8. In a device of the character described,I wherein a rod length is intermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting olf a portion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device for moving the blank from the cut-oi station to the tools, and means for independently actuating the transfer device whereby it will become inoperative in part for transfer purposes.

9. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length is intermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting offV a portion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device for moving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, comprising in part transfer lingers that engage the blank, arranged in pairs, and means for independently actuating one of the transfer ngers, whereby it will be moved into and held in a non-gripping position and thereby made inoperative.

i0. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length is intermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting o a portion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device for moving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, and means for independently and manually actuating the transfer device, whereby it will become inoperative in part for transfer purposes.

l1. In a device of the character described, wherein a rod length is intermittently advanced, the combination with means for cutting off a por tion of such rod length, a series of tools, a transfer device for moving the blank from the cut-off station to the tools, means for independently actuating the transfer device, whereby it will become inoperative in part for transfer purposes, comprising a drum, a connection between the drum and one of the transfer fingers, and manual means for rotating the drum.

l2. In a header having a pocket in the body thereof; a gate movable into and out of the pocket; a plurality of punches carried by the gate; a plurality of solid dies secured to that Wall of the pocket opposite vthe gate, the axes of some of which are coincident with the axes of their co-operating punches; a cutter device projecting through one wall of the pocket and movable in a plane extending across the face of the dies, for cutting off a portion of a rod projecting beyond the face of one of the dies and transferring such` cut-off portion, now a blank, into register withthe next succeeding dieand its co-operating punch; and means, connected and movable with v `|vfthe cutter device, for thereafter transferring the blank, from the aforesaid position, successively 'tothe ,otlier'fdies and in line with their cooperart-ing Punches. v

" j 13;5In'a'he'ading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality o'f"'s`ets' of tool'slocated in substantially the same plane; means that includes a cutter bar,

for the Jlike,L for cutting olf a projecting portion of a rod length passed through a cutting die;

" means connected and movable with the cutter -bar f or grasping and transferring such cut-01T portion, now a'blank, successively from one set of-tools to thenext succeeding set of tools, cornprising in part-1a slide secured to the cutter bar,` anda plurality of fingers associated with the slidel and movable toward and away from each other to grip a blank therebetween.

14. In a heading machine; a cut-0E die; a plurality of solid dies; a plurality of punches cooperating with the; solid dies; a slide movable in a` plane substantially parallel with the face of said dies; Va cutter connected and movable with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide duringl which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod length projecting beyond the face of the 4cut-off die; one or more pairs of members connected and movable with said slide; a finger connected with each of said members and movable toward and away from each other to grasp Ysaid cut-off portion, now a blank, and carry the same successively from said solid dies to another of ,said dies and hold the same in register with its co-operating`punch until it has been projected thereby intothe dies.

f 15,.In'a heading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality of dies; Y'tools or-the like co-oper'ating with said latter dies; a slide movable in a plane substantially parallel with the face of said dies; a cutter connected and movable with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide, during which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod length projecting beyond the face of the cut-off die; a support element fixed to the slide and projecting in advance of the cutter ,end thereof; and fingers connected with said element and movable toward and away from each other to grasp said cut-off portion, now a blank, in advance of the cutter, an-d carry the same successively from one of said dies to another of said dies and hold the same in register with its cooperating tool until the blank has been projected into the die.

16. In a heading machine; a cut-off die; a plurality of dies; tools or the like co-operating with said latter dies; a slide movable in a plane substantially parallel with the face of said dies; a cutter connected and movable with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide, during which the cutter will sever a portion of a rod length projecting beyond the face of the cutoff die; a support element fixed to the slide and projecting in advance of the cutter end thereof with a portion thereof upon one side of said dies and another portion upon the opposite side of Said dies; and fingers connected with each portion of said element and substantially opposite each other` and movable toward and avvay from each other to grasp said cut-off portion, now a blank, in advance of the cutter,l and carry the same successively from one of said dies to another of said dies and hold the same in register with its co-operating tool until the blank has been projected into the die.

17. In a heading machine; a cut-off die;a` plurality of dies; toolsV or the like co-'operating Withsai-d latter dies; a slide movablein Ya plane substantially parallel with the faceof said dies; aY cutter connected and movab-le with the slide; means for imparting movement to said slide, during which the Ycutter Will sever a portion of a rod length projecting beyond the face of theV cut-off die; 1a, support element fixed to the slide and projecting in advance ofthe cutter end thereof; lingers connected With said element; yieldingV means forractuating thengers in one udire'ction,'vvhereloy to grasp saidcut-off portion,

now a blank, in advance of the cutter, andV carry the same from one of said dies to another of said Ydies and hold the same in register Withlits cotools simultaneously, means for feeding stock one step for each reciprocation of` said tools', said feeding means being spaced from the iirst pair of tools a distance equal to the transverse spacing of successive pairs of tools, a cut-off bladetransversely reciprocable for cutting off `a length of Y' stock and moving it into position between the rst pairV of tools, transfer mechanism movable WithY said blade adapted to receive a blank Vfrom said first pair of tools and move it into position between the second pair of tools, said mechanism comprising Work gripping ngers, and means for `mediately prior to the actual forming operation.

i holding said ngers separated Vduring the return movement of theV cut-off blade and transfer mechanism. t Y

19. A machine for simultaneously conducting a plurality of steps of a blank forming procedure which includes, a plurality of dies, a plurality of shaping tools, each of said tools being adapted to cooperate with one of said dies for producing a change of shape in a blank in accordance with a step in the forming procedure; a transfer mech-n anism for moving a blank from a position adr-Y Vjacent one die to a position adjacent another,

said transfer mechanism vhaving independently actuated ngers for gripping each blank to be VVmoved, means for relatively and simultaneously moving said dies and said'tools into a blank forming relationshipwith respect to each other, and

:means for moving the fingers relatively to the other parts of the transfer mechanism and opening said ngers out of thepath of the forming tools and holding them in an open relationship immediately prior to the forming operation, 20; A machine for conducting a blank forming procedure Which includes, adie, a tool, said tool being adapted to cooperate with said die for pro-i ducing a change of shape in a blank in accordance with the forming procedure, Ymeans for moving saidrtool to yand from a cooperative rel lationship with respect to said die, a cut-off die;

a reciprocating transfer mechanism for holding a blank and moving it to said die from the cutioY oi die, said transfer mechanism including a pair of slides, av pair of bell cranks pivotally mounted thereon with their free ends in subsantial engagement with each other when in their closed positio-n at a point between said slides, resilient means for normally holding said fingers in a closed relationship with, respect `to each other, a lpost mounted on each of said bell cranks and projecting outwardly and laterally therefrom, said toolV i' `having plates mounted thereon for cooperating with the posts of the transfer mechanism, for opening said fingers and releasing the blank im- R101-IARDV LESTER WILCOX.

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