Threaded die holder apparatus

Abstract

A threaded die holder apparatus includes an internally threaded die unit and a hollow die-support socket which receives the internally threaded die unit. The hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel. Die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket. Preferably, the hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels. The internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and the open slot channel is arrayed in the hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis. The transversely arrayed open slot channels permit application of a lubricant from outside the hollow die-support socket to inside the hollow die-support socket to allow lubrication of a thread-forming operation by the internally threaded die unit.

1 . A threaded die holder apparatus, comprising: 
 an internally threaded die unit,    a hollow die-support socket which receives said internally threaded die unit, wherein said hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel, and    die-to-socket attachment means connected between said internally threaded die unit and said hollow die-support socket,    wherein said internally threaded die unit and said hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and    wherein said open slot channel is arrayed in said hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to said central longitudinal axis.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said die-to-socket attachment means include: 
 set-screw-reception channels in said hollow die-support socket, and    set screws received in said set-screw-reception channels.    
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said hollow die-support socket includes: 
 a die-reception well portion for receiving said internally threaded die unit, and    an inside chamber portion adjacent to said die-reception well portion.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said hollow die-support socket includes a ratchet-reception portion which includes a plurality of inside planar surfaces.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said ratchet-reception portion includes a plurality of exterior planar surfaces.