Patent ID: 6647609
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for press fitting inserts into a first and second plurality of receptacles in a single workpiece, the method including the steps of:providing a single press having a ram and a backup tool in alignment with the press; providing a shuttle that is movable relative to the press and the ram; providing first and second insertion tools carried by the shuttle; providing first and second insert magazines carried by the shuttle adjacent the first and second insertion tools, respectively; providing first and second pluralities of inserts in the first and second insert magazines, respectively; providing a workpiece positioner adjacent the press; moving the shuttle to align the first insertion tool with the press between the ram and the backup tool; actuating the workpiece positioner to move a workpiece sequentially through a first plurality of receiving positions in which respective ones of a first plurality of receptacles in the same workpiece are each aligned with the single press and the ram between the first insertion tool and the backup tool; serially press fitting each insert of the first plurality of inserts in corresponding ones of the first plurality of receptacles in the same workpiece by actuating the press and the ram to actuate the first insertion tool to force an insert into the workpiece when the workpiece is in each position of the first plurality of receiving positions; actuating the workpiece positioner to move a workpiece sequentially through a second plurality of receiving positions in which respective ones of a second plurality of receptacles in the same workpiece are each aligned with the single press and the ram between the second insertion tool and the backup tool; and, serially press fitting each insert of the second plurality of inserts in corresponding ones of the second plurality of receptacles in the same workpiece by actuating the press and the ram to actuate the second insertion tool to force an insert into the workpiece when the workpiece is in each position of the second plurality of receiving positions.