Barnes Group Inc.

Terry L Gang, Jr

Steven J Reilly

Henry J Kelm

Harold L Lanterman

Harold I Lanterman

A die separator cylinder for use in separating first and second portions of a metal forming die set comprises a housing including a bore. A piston is adapted to reciprocate in the bore between an extended position and a depressed position. The die separator cylinder further includes gas flow paths leading to and from the bore that define asymmetrical gas flow rates relative to each other so that said when the bore is charged with an inert gas, the inert gas biases the piston to the extended position with a force that varies depending upon a time interval elapsed since the piston moved from the depressed position to the extended position. As such, the cylinder is configured so that during opening and closing of the press for metal-forming operations, the piston moves inward and outward with reduced force, while during periods of inactivity, the piston is biased outward with maximum force sufficient to separate the die halves of the die set to protect the die surfaces and to facilitate stacking of the die set for storage. The die separator cylinder can be configured as a stand-alone self-contained cylinder or can be configured as part of a hosed system or the like.

Die separator cylinder

A high-pressure, inert gas cushion assembly for the ram or bolster of a metal stamping press includes a manifold having fluid-flow passages defined therein, along with a plurality of cylinder mounting locations each in communication with at least one of the fluid-flow passages. A plurality of cushion cylinders are located respectively in the cylinder mounting locations. Each cylinder includes a body having an inner wall that defines a bore of diameter D. A piston is located in the bore and includes opposite inner and outer faces, wherein the outer face is oriented outwardly relative to the bore and manifold. A fluid seal is supported on the piston and is slidably engaged with the wall defining the bore. One or more bearings are supported on the piston and slidably engaged with the inner wall that defines the bore. The bearing(s) support the piston slidably in the bore for reciprocal sliding movement between extended and retracted positions. The bearing(s) define a bearing-length L that is less than or equal to 40% of said bore diameter D.

Growing community of inventors

Uniontown, OH, United States of America

Terry L Gang, Jr