Workpiece translation mechanism for transfer die press

A workpiece transfer mechanism for a multistation die of a transfer press comprising, in combination:

• 1. A main frame structure disposed adjacent said transfer press and fixedly secured relative thereto;
• 2. A first subframe disposed in overlying relationship to said main frane, first power means for vertically reciprocating said first frame relative to said main frame, the extent of said vertical movement corresponding to the vertical movement required to lift a workpiece out of a die station;
• 3. A second subframe slidably mounted on said first subframe for horizontal reciprocating movement in a direction transferse to the progressive movement of the workpieces through the successive stations of said die, second power means for reciprocating said second subframe, said second power means including linkage means for accelerating and decelerating said second subframe so that said second subframe approaches each end of its stroke with essentially zero velocity;
• and
• 4. A third subframe slidably mounted on said second subframe for horizontal reciprocating movement in a direction parallel to the progressive movement of the workpieces through the successive stations of said die, a plurality of workpiece holders mounted on said third subframe and projecting toward said die, the stroke of said movement of said third subframe being equal to the spacing of the stations of said die, third power means for reciprocating said third subframe through said stroke, said third power means including linkage means for accelerating and decelerating said third subframe so that said third subframe approaches each end of its stroke with essentially zero velocity.