Abstract: A hydrodynamic oil film system is disclosed for developing a lubricant film between a flywheel and an associated stationary bearing during press machine operation. Hydrostatic bearing pads formed in the inner bearing surface of the stationary bearing are used to receive pressurized fluid. A hydrodynamic effect is produced during rotation of the flywheel enabling fluid transmitted into the hydrostatic bearing pads to be provided within the clearance between the flywheel and the stationary bearing. In another aspect, an oil film is produced between the keyed sections of the stationary bearing and an adjacent bearing support block to which the stationary bearing is interengaged for anti-rotational purposes, thereby preventing pounding out of the material from the key surfaces.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding and controlling the clearance of slides of single or multiple slide mechanical presses. A novel gib mount assembly with at least one substantially flat bearing surface is utilized adjacent a portion of a slide to control clearance and undesired movement of the slide while sealing press lubrication oil from the area of the press where products are produced. Between the bearing surface of the gib mount and slide is created a squeeze seal oil film region to assist in controlling the clearance therebetween. One or more vacuum pressure regions are created about the boundaries of the oil film region to suction and capture any oil escaping from the oil film region thereby preventing oil contact with the stamped parts or products.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system supplies fluid to a rotatable crankshaft integrated within a mechanical press and develops damped clearance spaces at the bearing surfaces of the fluid coupling device. In one arrangement, a rotary union is adapted for driving rotation by the crankshaft and provides a fluid pathway disposed in flow communication with a fluid access channel formed in the crankshaft. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present within a clearance space defined between the rotary union and a stationary housing disposed thereabout. In another arrangement, a stationary fluid transfer device is adapted for non-rotation and disposed within a crankshaft cavity to define a clearance space therebetween. A fluid pathway formed therein communicates fluid to the crankshaft access channel. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present in the clearance space. There are no sliding face seals in either of the arrangements.

Abstract: An adjustment stroke connection for a mechanical press with an eccentric bushing is disposed within a press connection member with a second eccentric member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the second eccentric member. A mechanism is included for connecting the eccentric bushing with the press connection member to prevent rotation therebetween and permitting rotation of the second eccentric member with the eccentric bushing whereby rotation of the crankshaft, when the mechanism is activated, causes a press stroke adjustment.

Abstract: The invention includes a press having two slides disposed in opposed relationship to each other with a single crankshaft connected to each slide whereby rotation of the crankshaft causes each slide to move toward and away from the other slide. A drive mechanism is utilized to rotate the crankshaft. The drive mechanism is located under the two slides to provide protection against oil leaks. Dynamic balancers are utilized to substantially balance press inertia forces during operation, to where over 90 percent of vertical press inertia forces are balanced. By balancing such press inertial, the press may be stopped within one crankshaft revolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a scrap rubber tire carcass having a circumferential crown and a pair of sidewalls extending generally radially inwardly from and generally perpendicular to the crown, each of the sidewalls having an inner circumferential edge. Included are tire holding apparatus for holding the tire carcass while cutter blades cut the held tire carcass through from the inner circumferential edge to the crown substantially along a single radius at one place. Pinch rollers advance the cut tire carcass longitudinally in a direction generally tangent to the circumference of the drown while a spreading channel receives the cut end and on a continuous basis flattens the sidewalls such that the sidewalls and crown lie substantially in a common plane. The flattened carcass is advanced by additional pinch rollers into a granulator which chops the received tire carcass to particles.