Patent ID: 6609643
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: B23D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of fracturing a connecting rod preform across a fracture plane of a large end to separate the large end into an upper and lower part, said method comprising the steps of:(1) mounting the preform onto a mandrel having upper and lower portions, (2) providing a top clamp including forward top and rearward top portions pivotally attached to each other with a space defined by a shim therebetween, said rearward top portion actuated by an actuator to drive said forward top portion into engagement with said preform, said forward top portion pivotal away from a parallel position relative to said rearward top portion to conform to said preform, (3) providing a bottom clamp including forward bottom and rear bottom portions, said forward bottom portion pivotal relative to said rear bottom portion and including at least two contact members mounted to said forward bottom portion and rotatable relative to said rear bottom portion for conforming to said preform; and (4) engaging said preform with said top and bottom clamps; and (5) forcing a first wedge member through a central bore defined between said upper and lower mandrel portions to force said mandrel portions apart and fracture the preform across the fracture plane.