Die fixture and control apparatus

Claim 2

A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving the base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element being aligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stampng position, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: timing control means for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.

Claim 3

A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movably into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving the base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element being aligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stamping position, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 4

A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movably into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving the base in a loading direction to a loading station and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element being aligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stamping position, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 5

A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movably into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving the base in a loading direCtion to a loading station and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element being aligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stamping position, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: air supply means supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the laoding station position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; a fixture control valve interposed between the air supply means and the die fixture actuator, the fixture control valve having one actuated position connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position and one other actuated position connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position; means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and the stamping station position; and means connected to the die fixture actuator for actuating the die fixture actuator.

Claim 6

A die fixture for positioning a workpiece blank formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movably into engagement with the workpiece blank supported on a lower die element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper and a lower face; support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in the upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press, having a portion movably supporting the base and defining a guide path for moving the base in a loading direCtion to a loading station and in a stamping direction to a stamping station, the lower die element being aligned with the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base for imparting a predetermined shape to a portion of the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press and the lower die element being positioned for receiving a workpiece blank in the loading station position thereof; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the punch press and a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to the loading position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position actuating the punch press in a stamping position, in one other actuated position thereof, comprising: air supply means supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the laoding station position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; a fixture control valve interposed between the air supply means and the die fixture actuator, the fixture control valve having one actuated position connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position and one other actuated position connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position; means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and the stamping station position; and means connected to the die fixture actuator for actuating the die fixture actuator.

Claim 7

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, on one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: timing means for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.

Claim 8

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, on one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: timing means for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.

Claim 9

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having A portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 10

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having A portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 11

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: air supply means supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the loading station position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; and means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and the stamping station position.

Claim 12

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus comprising: air supply means supplying pressurized control air; a die fixture actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein, having a portion connected to the base, the die fixture actuator moving the base to the loading station position, in one actuated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; and means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and the stamping station position.

Claim 13

The die fixture actuator of claim 6 wherein the fixture control valve includes: a pair of pilot connections connected to the air supply means, the fixture control valve being positioned to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator for moving the base to the loading station when receiving pressurized air at one of the pilot connections, and being positioned to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator for moving the base to the stamping station when receiving pressurized air at the other pilot connection; and means interposed between the air supply means and the pilot connections of the fixture control valve connecting the air supply means to one of the pilot connections in one position thereof and connecting the air supply means to the other pilot connection in one other position thereof.

Claim 14

The die fixture of claim 7 wherein the means interposed between the pilot connections of the fixture control valve and the air supply means includes: a first direction control, having an opened and a closed position, interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position and connecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; means to open and close the first direction control; a second direction control, having an opened and a cLosed position, interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position and connecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; and means to open and close the second direction control.

Claim 15

The die fixture of claim 8 wherein the first direction control includes: a trip arm connected thereto to position the first direction control in the opened position in an engaged position of the trip arm; and wherein the second direction control includes: a trip arm connected thereto to position the second direction control in the opened position in an engaged position thereof; and wherein the means opening and closing the first and the second direction control are each defined further to include: a timing actuator connected to the air supply means, having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein, and being reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the first direction control in one actuated position, and being reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the second direction control in one other actuated position; and wherein the fixture control valve is interposed between the air supply means and the timing actuator connecting the air supply means to the timing actuator means reciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the first direction control when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the second direction control and reciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the second direction control when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the first direction control, the first and the second direction control thereby controlling the actuated position of the fixture control valve to automatically move the base to the loading station position and the stamping station position at controlled intervals of time.

Claim 16

The die fixture of claim 9 wherein the control apparatus is defined further to include: a loading station control interposed between the fixture control valve and the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the second direction control, thereby controlling the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station; and a stamping station control interposed between the fixture control valve and the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the first direction control, thereby controlling the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.

Claim 17

The die fixture apparatus of claim 9 wherein the control apparatus is defined further to include: a ram controller connected to the punch press and to the air supply means positioning the punch press in an actuated stamping position when receiving pressurized air from the air supply means; a ram actuator, having an opened and a closed position, interposed between the air supply means and the ram controller connecting the pressurized air to the ram controller in an opened position thereof; and means actuating the ram actuator to the opened position in one position thereof; and wherein the reciprocating portion of the timing actuator actuates the means actuating the ram actuator when moving to engage the trip arm of the first direction control.

Claim 18

The die fixture apparatus of claim 8 wherein the control apparatus is defined further to include: a hand control valve, having an opened and a closed position, interposed between the air supply means and the pilot connection fo the fixture control valve actuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply means to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position and connecting the air supply means to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; and a shuttel valve interposed between the first direction control, the hand control valve and the pilot connection of the fixture control valve connected thereto providing a flow path therethrough between the hand control valve and the pilot connection in an opened position at the hand control valve and providing a flow path therethrough between the first direction control and the pilot connection in an opened position of the first direction control.

Claim 19

The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a pair of flange connectors connected to opposite sides of the base and having a guide flange means extending therefrom, a guide opening being formed through the guide flange means; and a fixture support plate secured to a portion of the punch press; and wherein the base support means includes: a pair of guide rods secured to the fixture support plate, each guide rod slidingly extending through the guide opening of one of the flange connectors, the base being slidingly supported on the guide rods via the flange connectors to be moved to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 20

The die fixture of cliam 13 wherein the guide rods slidingly support the base a distance generally above the fixture support plate.

Claim 21

The die fixture of cliam 13 wherein the guide rods slidingly support the base a distance generally above the fixture support plate.

Claim 22

he die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a fixture support plate secured to a portion of the punch press; and wherein the base is slidingly supported on the fixture support plate to be moved to the loading station position and the stamping station position, and wherein the base support means includes: a pair of channels disposed generally adjacent opposite sides of the base, each channel secured to the fixture support plate and having a portion overlapping an adjacent portion of the upper face of the base.

Claim 23

The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a fixture support plate secured to a portion of the punch press, having an air cushion opening formed in a portion thereof for accommodating an air cushion pad, an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press; and wherein the base includes: a plurality of spaced air cushion pin openings formed therethrough and positioned to be aligned with the air cushion opening in a stamping station position of the base; and wherein the die fixture is defined further to include: a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base having at least one air cushion pin opening formed through a portion thereof aligned with one of the air cushion pin openings in the base, the air cushion pin openings through the lower die element having a larger diameter portion forming an annular ledge therein; a cushion pin disposed in each air cushion pin opening of the lower die element and having a portion partially disposed in the aligned air cushion pin opening of the base; a spring disposed about each cushion pin having a portion engaging one of the cushion pins and a portion engaging one of the annular ledges, each spring biasing one of the cushion pins in a direction generally away from the fixture support plate, each cushion pin positioned to be biased in a direction generally toward the fixture support plate via a portion of the workpiece blank engaged by the upper punch element generally against the biasing force of the springs to a position disposing a portion of each cushion pin generally within air cushion opening in the fixture support plate, each of the cushion pins being biased by the springs in a direction generally away from the fixture support plate to augment removal of the workpiece blank from the lower die element after the stamping operation.

Claim 24

The die fixture of claim 4 defined further to include: a guard encompassing a substantial portion oF the lower die element and the upper punch element in the stamping station position of the base, the guard having a guard opening formed through a portion thereof providing a minimum clearance between the guard edge formed by the guard opening and the base, the lower die element and the workpiece blank, the base being movable through the guard opening to a stamping station position and a loading station position.

Claim 25

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus, comprising: a die fixture actuator, having a portion connected to the base, moving the base to the loading station position, in one actutated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; means to actuate the die fixture actuator; timing means for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station; and means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 26

An improved die fixture and control apparatus for positioning a workpiece blank to be formed in a punch press having an upper punch element movable into engagement with the workpiece blank in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, comprising: a base, having an upper face; a lower die element secured to the upper face of the base; means positioning workpiece blanks in predetermined positions on a portion of the lower die element; base support means secured to a portion of the punch press and having a portion engaging the base to provide a guide path for the base; and control apparatus, having a portion connected to the base, automatically moving the base to a loading station position for loading workpiece blanks in predetermined positions generally on the lower die element, in one actuated position, and moving the base to a stamping station position for imparting a predetermined shape to the workpiece blank via the engagement of the upper punch element in an actuated stamping position of the punch press, in one other actuated position, the control apparatus, comprising: a die fixture actuator, having a portion connected to the base, moving the base to the loading station position, in one actutated position thereof, and moving the base to the stamping station position, in one other actuated position thereof; means to actuate the die fixture actuator; timing means for variably adjusting the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station and variably adjusting the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station; and means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base moving to the loading station position and to the stamping station position.

Claim 27

The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 18 wherein the means for positioning the workpiece blanks is defined further to include: support means connected to the upper face of the base, having an engaging surface formed thereon and a plurality of index openings formed in an upper face thereof, each of the index openings being identifiable via locating indicia; locators, each locator having a blank engaging surface and a stop surface and being secured to a predetermined assembled position on the upper surface of the support means, the stop surfaces of each of the locators engaging the engaging surface of the support means to position each of the locators in one direction; and means removably securing each of the locators to the upper surface of the support means via predetermined index openings to locate each of the locators in one other direction to securedly position the blank engaging surfaces of the locators in a predetermined assembled position, each blank engaging surface engaging a portion of the workpiece blank for positioning the workpiece blank in a predetermined position.

Claim 28

The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means to actuate the die fixture actuator is defined further to include: air supply means supplying pressurized control air connected to the die fixture actuator; a fixture control valve interposed between the air supply means and the die fixture actuator, having a pair of pilot connections connected to the air supply means, the fixture control valve connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position when receiving pressurized air via one of tHe pilot connections, and connecting the air supply means to the die fixture actuator actuating the die fixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position when receiving pressurized air via the other pilot connection; and wherein the means for variably adjusting the rate of travel of the base includes: needle valve means interposed between the fixture control valve and the die fixture actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air between the die fixture actuator and the fixture control valve to control the rate of travel of the base; and wherein the timing means is defined further to include: a first direction control, having an opened and a closed position, and a trip arm opening the first direction control in an engaged position, the first direction control interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the loading station position and connecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; a second direction control, having an opened and a closed position, and a trip arm opening the second direction control in an engaged position, the second direction control interposed between the pilot connection actuating the fixture control valve to connect the air supply to the die fixture actuator to move the base to the stamping station position and connecting the air supply to the pilot connection connected thereto in an opened position thereof; a timing actuator connected to the air supply means having a portion reciprocatingly disposed therein and being reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the first direction control, in one actuated position, and being reciprocated to engage the trip arm of the second direction control, in one other actuated position; and wherein the fixture control valve is interposed between the air supply means and the timing actuator connecting the air supply means to the timing actuator means reciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the first direction control when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the second direction control and reciprocating the portion thereof to engage the trip arm of the second direction control when actuated via the pilot connection connected to the first direction control, the first and the second direction control thereby controlling the actuated position of the fixture control valve to automatically move the base to the loading station position and the stamping station position at controlled intervals of time; and wherein the timing means is defined further to include: a loading station control interposed between the fixture control valve and the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the second direction control, thereby controlling the loading station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the loading station; and a stamping station control interposed between the fixture control valve and the timing actuator for variably adjusting the flow of pressurized air to the timing actuator to variably control the rate at which the reciprocating portion moves to engage the trip arm of the first direction control, thereby controlling the stamping station delay time wherein the control apparatus maintains the base positioned at the stamping station.

Claim 29

The die fixture and control apparatus of claim 20 wherein the control apparatus is defined further to include: a ram controller connected to the punch press and to the air supply means positioning the punch press in an actuated stamping position when receiving pressurized air from the air supply means; a ram actuator, having an opened and a closed position, interposed between the air supply means and the ram controller connecting the pressurized air to the ram controller in an opened position thereof; and means actuating the ram actuator to the opened position in one position thereof; and wherein the reciprocating portion of the timing actuator actuates the means actuating the ram actuator when moving to engage the trip arm of the first direction control.