Patent ID: 6923030

Claim:
A machine for hot stretch forming of sheet material comprising: two or more opposing tool members adapted to close upon and grip edges of a workpiece of said sheet material during forming of said sheet material, one of said tool members having a forming surface for one side of said sheet material workpiece and the second of said members providing a walled chamber for pressurized gas on the other side of said sheet material workpiece, said tools being heated for the stretch forming of said workpiece; a first rotatable shaft with a first end supported for rotation in a wall of said walled chamber, said first end extending through said wall, and a second end for actuating a mechanical sheet material forming tool in said walled chamber; a second rotatable shaft having a first end for coupling to said first end of said first shaft for rotation of said first shaft, and a second end; a coupling connecting the first end of the second shaft to the first end of the first shaft; and a housing enclosing said coupling and comprising a pressure seal for the pressurized gas in said chamber.