Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Product assembly or manufacturing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-17
2001-06-12
Sheikh, Ayaz (Department: 2781)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Product assembly or manufacturing
C700S130000, C700S143000, C702S033000, C702S402002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246922
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to stamping processes and presses and in particular to a computer controlled programmable stamping apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
Stamping presses for use in cutting, blanking and shaping sheet metal stock have been known for many years. The prior art presses at best would be semi-automatic in operation. However, when changing from one work piece to another the die sets would have to be manually changed in the press whenever a new type of work piece was to be produced. Therefore, whenever a small number of work pieces were to be created during a run the time and labor needed to change the setup of the press manually is substantial. Furthermore, the changing and setup of the press creates lost press time which is valuable to a manufacturing company. Therefore, all of the prior art presses had a manual set of steps necessary in order to change over to a new type of work piece so that a different run can occur.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a completely automatic die that does not need manual adjustments in between different runs of work pieces. There is also a need for a computer controlled die such that a computer controls most pertinent functions in creating the different die positions and cam punch positions for each new work piece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a computer controlled die in a press stamping apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer controlled master die which has a plurality of movable sub-dies.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic computer controlled master die that requires less down time and manual adjustments in between runs of various parts.
Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce manufacturing costs by use of a fully automatic computer controlled master die.
To achieve the foregoing objects an automatic computer controlled programmable apparatus to produce variable design stampings is used. The automatic computer controlled apparatus includes an input system, a plurality of sub-dies and a motion system. The computer controlled die system further includes a proximity switch system, an air driven cam system, a clamping system and an airlift system. All of the above systems are interconnected via cables to a programmable computer system.
One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a completely automatic computer controlled die and stamping apparatus.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a stamping apparatus that does not have to be manually adjusted between runs of various parts.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a computer controlled master die that includes a plurality of movable sub-dies.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces manufacturing costs by reducing down time of the press between various part runs.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Korman Roger
Rushman Philip
Ziehm George
Backer Firmin
Dinnin & Dunn P.C.
Hydro-Cam Engineering Company
Sheikh Ayaz
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