Automated forming station
US5261264A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D37/145
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus under control of a computer for forming into a three-dimensional shape a generally planar workpiece having a pair of spaced holes therein at predetermined positions, the apparatus comprising a forming tool including a molding surface having a pair of spaced bores therein at predetermined positions and a locating pin disposed in each bore for selective axial movement therein; guide tracks and selectively operable drive mechanisms for moving the tool through an operating circuit including sequential mating, molding and removal stations; a selectively operable transferring mechanism at the mating station for disposing the workpiece on the molding surface of the tool with respective hole and bore positions in registration; a ram at the mating station for selectively projecting one end of each locating pin into a respective hole to restrain the workpiece on the molding surface; a hydropress at the molding station for forming the workpiece to the shape of the molding surface; and selectively operable gripping mechanism at the removal station for removing the shaped workpiece from the tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.