Method and apparatus for changing a die ring from the die in an indirect extrusion press

In combination with an indirect extrusion press for producing an elongated article wherein said press employs a composite die-die ring assembly and wherein said die ring has a circular holding surface and said press further includes a container and at least one tension rod, said container being arranged coaxially with said die-die ring assembly, and said tension rod with respect to said axis being arranged radially about said axis outward of said container,

• a clamping means including:
• a die ring changing mechanism for removing and replacing a die ring to and from the die,
• a splined shaft arranged to extend parallel to said tension rod adjacent to the cooperative working positions of said die-die ring assembly and container,
• a support means for supporting said splined shaft in a manner to allow axial movement thereof,
• a first arm means extending radially from said shaft to said die axis when in one of its operational positions and having two open jaws constructed and arranged to encircle at least substantially the entire holding surface of a die ring, and power means for causing said jaws to engage and disengage a die ring for optionally gripping a die ring when the die is located in an exposed position relative to said container on said axis of the die,
• means for securing said first arm means to said shaft for rotational movement relative to said shaft and for axial movement with said shaft,
• the relationship of said first arm with respect to said shaft is such that said first arm moves transversely of said die-die ring assembly in an arc in which during such travel said first arm means always falls approximately within parallel planes tangential to diametric opposite points of said container,
• second arm means stationarily secured at one end to said shaft and extending in a direction away from said shaft and said first arm means,
• means connected to said shaft for moving said first arm means in opposite directions parallel to said axis to remove and replace a die ring to and from the die when said jaws are adjacent to said axis, and
• means mounted on said other end of said second arm means connected to said first arm means for moving said first arm means in said transverse path to and from said axis to remove and to return a die ring to and from said axis.