Hugh Sofy

US Patent:

20030051980, Mar 20, 2003

Filed:

Sep 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/952065

Inventors:

Hugh Sofy - Troy MI, US

International Classification:

B65G025/02

US Classification:

198/621100, 072/405110, 072/405130

Abstract:

A work piece transfer assembly () for moving a work piece () through and between presses comprises a transfer mechanism () moveable in a longitudinal (), a lateral (), and a vertical direction () and having a first end () and a second end () for supporting at least one main transfer bar (). The main transfer bar () has a predetermined length () with a support mechanism () attached thereto for supporting a sub-transfer bar (). The sub-transfer bar () includes a plurality of fingers () extending from the sub-transfer bar () for engaging and moving the work piece () between the presses. The support mechanism () includes a cradle () fixedly attached to the transfer bars (). The cradle () also includes an alignment sub-assembly () for securing the sub-transfer bar () into the cradle () and precisely aligns said sub-transfer bar upon each re-attachment of the sub-transfer bar () to the cradle ().

US Patent:

41988450, Apr 22, 1980

Filed:

Nov 6, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/957934

Inventors:

Hugh M. Sofy - Troy MI

International Classification:

B21D 4305

US Classification:

72421

Abstract:

A transfer device for transferring workpieces progressively from station to station in a press by means of mechanical linkages actuated by the press ram. The linkages have a brake mechanism strategically located and uniquely operative to prevent destructive vibrations that otherwise occur particularly during high speed operation of the press. The device has the further optional capability of lifting and carrying all or selected workpieces during the transfer operation.

US Patent:

RE345814, Apr 12, 1994

Filed:

May 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/879023

Inventors:

Hugh M. Sofy - Bloomfield Hills MI
Dennis P. Farhat - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B21J 1308

US Classification:

72405

Abstract:

A workpiece (W) transfer assembly (10) is provided for a progressive die type punch press. The assembly (10) includes a first crank bar (28) driven to oscillate about a first rock shaft (24) by the press ram, and a second crank bar (36) driven to oscillate about a second rock shaft (32) by the press ram. A horizontal linkage (40) extends between the first crank bar (28) and a workpiece engaging jaw (18). A vertical linkage (42) extends between the second crank bar (36) and the horizontal linkage (40). A linear bearing (48) interconnects the vertical linkage (42) and the horizontal linkage (40). A plate (44) having a vertically elongated slot (46) disposed therein is attached to the horizontal linkage (40). The first crank bar (28) extends through the slot. [. (48). ]. (. Iadd. 46). Iaddend. and thereby imparts motion to the jaw (18).

US Patent:

6116075, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

May 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/306575

Inventors:

Hugh Sofy - Troy MI

Assignee:

HMS Products Co. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B21D 4305

US Classification:

7240516

Abstract:

A device for releasably mounting a transfer bar (12) to the distal end (14) of a horizontal link (16) of a transfer press (18) includes a clamping mechanism (10) mounted to the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16) for providing a pocket that supports the transfer bar (12). The clamping mechanism (10) includes a bore (20) for receiving the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16) and a locking means for preventing relative movement between the clamping mechanism (10) and the horizontal link (16). The locking means comprises a key (22) for preventing rotation of the clamping mechanism (10) about the horizontal link (16). The clamping mechanism (10) defines a clamp which includes a threaded fastener (24) for tightening the clamp and locking the clamping mechanism (10) onto the distal end (14) of the horizontal link (16). The clamping mechanism (10) is substantially U-shaped for providing a pocket to hold the transfer bar (12), and includes a pin (26) that extends through the clamping mechanism (10) for retaining the transfer bar (12) in the pocket.

US Patent:

54979722, Mar 12, 1996

Filed:

Oct 26, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/329531

Inventors:

Hugh M. Sofy - Troy MI

Assignee:

HMS Mfg. Co. - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16M 1300

US Classification:

248523

Abstract:

A plastic stand assembly (10) is provided for supporting an upright pole (12) such as used with artificial Christmas trees, merchandise display stands or the like. A substantially circular domed body includes an annular flange (20) forming a bearing surface (18). A receptacle (34) is formed in the body and includes a multi-sectioned conically tapering side wall terminating at a bottom (36). A collet (44) surrounds the pole (17) and is wedged into the receptacle (34) to hold the pole (12) in a vertical position. The collet (44) includes an annular neck (46) and four wedge-shaped grippers (48) which extend in cantilever fashion from the neck (46). Screws (48) pass through ears (64) in the collet (44) and thread into sockets (70) in the body to hold the collet (44) tightly wedged into the receptacle (34). A plurality of radial (30) and circumferential (32) ribs are located on the underside of the body for structural rigidity.

US Patent:

61349399, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

Jul 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/347199

Inventors:

Hugh M. Sofy - Troy MI

Assignee:

HMS Products - Troy MI

International Classification:

B21D 4305

US Classification:

7240516

Abstract:

A workpiece transfer assembly (10) for a press includes a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece (W) forming process. The assembly (10) includes a shaft (14) having a distal end (34) for supporting the transfer bar (12). The distal end (34) of the shaft (14) has a bore (35) for receiving a pin (36) which also extends through the transfer bar (12) for securing the transfer bar (12) to the shaft (14) in a locking position. A spring (52) interconnects the end of the shaft (14) and the pin for retaining.

US Patent:

63223147, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Mar 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/532797

Inventors:

Hugh Sofy - Troy MI

Assignee:

HMS Products, Co. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B65G 4900

US Classification:

4147511

Abstract:

A mounting plate (16) for attaching a finger (14) to extend in a cantilevered fashion from a transfer bar (12) in a work piece transfer assembly for a press including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of a work piece forming process. The finger (14) includes a shank (18) and a pair of shank fasteners (16) extend downwardly through the transfer bar (12) to threadedly engage the shank (18) and force the shank (18) against the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12). A pair of columns (22) extend upwardly above the transfer bar (12) to engage the heads (20) of the shank fasteners (16). Each of the columns (22) include a relief portion (32) defining a shoulder engaging the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12) as the relief portion (32) extends into the bottom (28) of the transfer bar (12).

US Patent:

48843636, Dec 5, 1989

Filed:

Dec 5, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/281921

Inventors:

Hugh M. Sofy - Bloomfield Hills MI

International Classification:

A47G 3312

US Classification:

47 405

Abstract:

A tree stand (10) comprises a cup-shaped receptacle (12) including an upwardly extending peripheral wall (18), a skirt (20) disposed about the exterior of the receptacle (12), and a base (14) extending outwardly from the skirt (20). The angle between the peripheral wall (18) and the skirt (20) is relatively small so that the bolts (24) extending through the skirt (20) and the receptacle (12) can be arranged in vertically spaced pairs.