Lester J Sova, 7522155 31 Mile Rd, Ray, MI 48096

5359875, Nov 1, 1994

May 14, 1993

8/062842

Lester J. Sova - Ray MI

AMSD Partnership - Roseville MI

B21D 4305
B21D 4310

72336

The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transferring and forming parts in a press (20). The press (20) has a plurality of longitudinally disposed workstations (W). A parts transfer system (22) has a grasping unit (69) for releasably grasping or holding matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) and is mounted upon a translation base (68) which is movable between workstations (W). The press (20) simultaneously stamps and forms at least a pair of matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) in a single stroke of the press (20) and the parts transfer system (22) grasps and transfers the matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) between workstations (W). Each matrix has at least two longitudinal spaced columns and two laterally spaced rows of workpieces (WP). Preferably, the grasping unit (69) include matrices of gear boxes (110), interconnected by connecting rods (198), which pivotally support arms (140) and finger assemblies (146) which releasably grasp the workpieces (WP). Ideally, the workpieces (WP) are stamped from a sheet material (24) in one of the workstations (W), pass through respective chutes (96) and are arranged into a matrix configuration.

5598733, Feb 4, 1997

Oct 31, 1994

8/332247

Lester J. Sova - Ray MI

AMSD Partnership - Roseville MI

B21D 4305
B21D 4310

72336

The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transferring and forming parts in a press (20). The press (20) has a plurality of longitudinally disposed workstations (W). A parts transfer system (22) has a grasping unit (69) for releasably grasping or holding matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) and is mounted upon a translation base (68) which is movable between workstations (W). The press (20) simultaneously stamps and forms at least a pair of matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) in a single stroke of the press (20) and the parts transfer system (22) grasps and transfers the matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) between workstations (W). Each matrix has at least two longitudinal spaced columns and two laterally spaced rows of workpieces (WP). Preferably, the grasping unit (69) include matrices of gear boxes (110), interconnected by connecting rods (198), which pivotally support arms (140) and finger assemblies (146) which releasably grasp the workpieces (WP). Ideally, the workpieces (WP) are stamped from a sheet material (24) in one of the workstations (W), pass through respective chutes (96) and are arranged into a matrix configuration.

5829300, Nov 3, 1998

Sep 16, 1996

8/714220

Lester J. Sova - Ray MI

B21D 4305
B21D 4310

72336

The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transferring and forming parts in a press (20). The press (20) has a plurality of longitudinally dispose workstations (W). A parts transfer system (22) has a grasping unit (69) for releasably grasping or holding matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) and is mounted upon a translation base (68) which is movable between workstations (W). The press (20) simultaneously stamps and forms at least a pair of matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) in a single stroke of the press (20) and the parts transfer system (22) grasps and transfers the matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) between workstations (W). Each matrix has at least two longitudinal spaced columns and two laterally spaced rows of workpieces (WP). Preferably, the grasping unit (69) include matrices of gear boxes (110), interconnected by connecting rods (198), which pivotally support arms (140) and finger assemblies (146) which releasably grasp the workpieces (WP). Ideally, the workpieces (WP) are stamped from a sheet material (24) in one of the workstations (W), pass through respective chutes (96) and are arranged into a matrix configuration.