Method and apparatus for removing drawn container from draw horn

Abstract

Apparatus for removing a drawn container from a draw horn which is carried by the inner slide of a double acting press includes a stripper assembly also carried by the inner slide and capable of controlled axial movement relatively of the draw horn. The draw horn and draw riser have coaxial, centrally disposed bores within which is received an elongate shaft of the stripper assembly. The distal end of the shaft carries a stripper pad while the proximal end is adjustably connected to a pivoting linkage mounted on the inner slide and normally pivoted under pressure by a pneumatically actuated piston so as to maintain the stripper assembly in retracted condition, the pad then forming the bottom of the horn. The method includes timing the press so that, upon movement of the inner and outer slides away from the bottom platen of the press, the inner slide trails the outer slide by a predetermined amount so that the outer slide comes into contact with one end of the pivoting linkage of the stripper assembly thereby overcoming the piston and enabling the stripper pad to be disposed in an axially extended position with respect to the draw horn. As the inner and outer slides continue to move away from the lower platen, the stripper pad, which is in contact with the bottom of the drawn container, effectively holds the container while the horn is pulled out of it. Final removal may be assisted by air pressure.