Importance

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Abstract

A handling apparatus for work pieces such as sheet metal pieces which are to be formed in a sheet metal press. The handling apparatus is designed to pick up a work piece from a first location which may comprise a stack of sheets, and to then move the work piece to a second location which may comprise the tool of the forming press. In the course of movement, the work piece will generally travel laterally, however, a vertical component of movement is imposed in at least one location, for example, when placing the work piece in position at the forming station. The drive means for moving the gripping means comprises a driver and a first shaft supporting a primary arm. A connection is provided between the first shaft and the driver so that the driver oscillates the primary arm. A pivoting follower is also associated with the driver so that movement of the driver simultaneously controls movement of the follower. The primary arm is connected to a secondary arm so that the oscillating movement of the primary arm will move the secondary arm and its associated gripper along a generally lateral path of movement. The follower is also connected to the secondary arm, and movement of the follower applies an additional driving influence to the secondary arm simultaneously with the driving influence imparted to that arm by the primary arm.

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First Claim