Release mechanism for end forming machine

A tool holder assembly for use with a shuttle of an end forming machine and formed to receive an end forming tool in locking engagement therewith, the tool holder assembly including

• a tool holder having a first end adapted to be received within the shuttle and a second end having a tool-receiving bore adapted to receive the end forming tool therein, the tool holder further including a locking mechanism including an oblique bore of the tool holder in communication with the tool-receiving bore, a ball received within the oblique bore, and a spring received within the oblique bore to urge a portion of the ball into the tool-receiving bore, and
• a release mechanism coupled to the tool holder, the release mechanism including a handle coupled to the tool holder for back and forth sliding movement along an axis of the tool holder parallel to the tool-receiving bore and a release-pin coupled to the handle for back and forth movement therewith,
• wherein the tool holder further includes a release-pin slot in communication with the tool-receiving bore and the oblique bore,
• wherein the release-pin of the release mechanism is positioned in the release-pin bore, and
• wherein the release-pin is movable within the release-pin slot to engage the ball detent of the locking mechanism and move the ball of the locking mechanism to the unlocked position out of the tool-receiving bore.

A jaw holder assembly for use with an end forming machine and formed to receive an jaw in locking engagement therewith, the jaw holder assembly including

• a jaw holder being generally “C-shaped” and having a central, main body, a lower flange coupled to the main body, and an upper flange coupled to the main body and spaced apart from the lower flange to define a jaw-receiving space between the upper and lower flanges configured to receive a jaw therein, the jaw holder further including a locking mechanism including an oblique bore of the upper flange in communication with the jaw-receiving space, a ball received within the oblique bore, and a spring received within the oblique bore to urge a portion of the ball into the jaw-receiving space, and
• a release mechanism coupled to the upper flange of the jaw holder, the release mechanism including a handle coupled to the jaw holder for back and forth sliding movement relative thereto and a release-pin coupled to the handle for back and forth movement with the handle,
• wherein the jaw holder further includes a release-pin slot in communication with the jaw-receiving space and the oblique bore,
• wherein the release-pin of the release mechanism is positioned in the release-pin slot, and
• wherein the release-pin is movable within the release-pin slot to engage the ball detent of the locking mechanism and move the ball detent of the locking mechanism to the unlocked position out of the tool-receiving bore.