Patent ID: 6792787
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B21D,B21K

Abstract:
A workpiece transfer assembly for a press of the type including a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece forming process, said assembly comprising;at least one horizontal carrier beam (14, 114) a vertical drive system (16, 116) for moving said carrier beam (14, 114) between various vertical positions along a vertical axis on a press, at least one horizontal arm (24, 124) for supporting and moving a transfer bar (26) into and out of a press, a horizontal drive system (32, 132) for moving said arm (24, 124) into and out of said press along a transverse horizontal axis extending transversely to said transfer bar (26) and for moving said arm (24, 124) along a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and parallel to said transfer bar (26), said horizontal drive system (32, 132) including a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about said pulleys (42) along a drive axis and a connection (50) connecting said belt (43) and said arm (24, 124) for moving said arm (24, 124) along one of said axes in response to movement of said belt (43), said connection (50) characterized by including a detent mechanism for snapping out of engagement in response to a predetermined force whereby said belt (43) is disconnected from said arm (24, 124) in response to a predetermined force resisting movement of said arm (24,124) by said drive system.