Abstract: A method of notching lamina workpieces with a notching press system. The method includes moving a ram and an upper tooling section to an open position and inserting a lamina workpiece onto an indexing spindle, and then moving the ram and the upper tooling section to a closed position, producing a cut opening in the lamina workpiece between a punch and a first die opening. The press ram and the upper tooling section are then moved back to the open position and the index motor is rotated to position the cut opening of the workpiece over a second die opening. The torque applied to the index motor is then reduced, and the press ram and the upper tooling section are moved to an intermediate position so that the piloting device cooperates with the cut opening of the workpiece for angular positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of notching lamina workpieces with a notching press system. The method includes moving a ram and an upper tooling section to an open position and inserting a lamina workpiece onto an indexing spindle, and then moving the ram and the upper tooling section to a closed position, producing a cut opening in the lamina workpiece between a punch and a first die opening. The press ram and the upper tooling section are then moved back to the open position and the index motor is rotated to position the cut opening of the workpiece over a second die opening. The torque applied to the index motor is then reduced, and the press ram and the upper tooling section are moved to an intermediate position so that the piloting device cooperates with the cut opening of the workpiece for angular positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having a first eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, an upper tool section supported by the ram and a lower tool section fixedly attached to the press frame, a linkage type ram drive mechanism connected to the crankshaft and including at least one pivot support pin, and a ram adjustment mechanism including a pivot support member supporting the at least one pivot support pin. Wherein the at least one secondary ram drive link is pivotally connected at a first end to the at least one pivot support pin and at a second end to a first end of the at least one main ram drive link. The at least one main ram drive link is pivotally connected at a second end to the ram.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame having first and second portions, a crankshaft, a crankshaft, a ram, a ram drive mechanism supported by the first portion of the press frame at a primary force application location, a ram guide linearly guiding the ram, and supported by the second portion of the press frame at a ram guide location; and a working tool including an upper tool section and a lower tool section configured for the processing of a workpiece. The upper tool section is fixedly attached to the ram and the lower tool section is fixedly attached to the press frame at a lower tool location. The primary force application location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed. The ram guide location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for adjusting the stroke length of a reciprocating member such that the stroke length can be infinitely varied between a minimum and a maximum stroke length. A pair of crankshafts are each connected to an eccentric and configured to operate with a phase offset such that the stroke length can be varied by adjusting the phase offset.

Abstract: A roll type material feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding a workpiece such as a strip-like sheet material, to a stamping machine or similar machine. The apparatus includes a frame, a first driven feed roll, a second feed roll, a first drive motor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first driven feed roll, a first rotary position sensor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first drive motor, and a second drive motor.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having an eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, a linkage type ram drive mechanism operably connected between the ram and the crankshaft, a first motor, with a first rotary position feedback device, a second motor with a second rotary position feedback device. The eccentric portion of the crankshaft is located between first and second ends of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having an eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, a linkage type ram drive mechanism operably connected between the ram and the crankshaft, a first motor, with a first rotary position feedback device, a second motor with a second rotary position feedback device. The eccentric portion of the crankshaft is located between first and second ends of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having a first eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, an upper tool section supported by the ram and a lower tool section fixedly attached to the press frame, a linkage type ram drive mechanism connected to the crankshaft and including at least one pivot support pin, and a ram adjustment mechanism including a pivot support member supporting the at least one pivot support pin. Wherein the at least one secondary ram drive link is pivotally connected at a first end to the at least one pivot support pin and at a second end to a first end of the at least one main ram drive link. The at least one main ram drive link is pivotally connected at a second end to the ram.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame having first and second portions, a crankshaft, a crankshaft, a ram, a ram drive mechanism supported by the first portion of the press frame at a primary force application location, a ram guide linearly guiding the ram, and supported by the second portion of the press frame at a ram guide location; and a working tool including an upper tool section and a lower tool section configured for the processing of a workpiece. The upper tool section is fixedly attached to the ram and the lower tool section is fixedly attached to the press frame at a lower tool location. The primary force application location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed. The ram guide location has a first working position during the processing of the workpiece, and a second resting position when the workpiece is not being processed.

Abstract: A gripper type material feeding apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus includes a first release actuator for moving the second gripping member of the first gripper mechanism in a direction relative to the first gripping member of the first gripper mechanism.

Abstract: A roll type material feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding a workpiece such as a strip-like sheet material, to a stamping machine or similar machine. The apparatus includes a frame, a first driven feed roll, a second feed roll, a first drive motor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first driven feed roll, a first rotary position sensor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first drive motor, and a second drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of workpiece feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes first and second gripping members wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus further includes a gripper mechanism drive actuator which is angularly adjustable, reversible and rotary, a fixed length driving member connected to the gripper mechanism drive actuator for rotation therewith. The apparatus further includes a first gripper mechanism drive connecting link with a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the fixed length driving member and with a second end pivotally connected to the first gripper mechanism for moving the first gripper mechanism in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A gripper type material feeding apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of workpiece feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus includes a first release actuator for moving the second gripping member of the first gripper mechanism in a direction relative to the first gripping member of the first gripper mechanism. The apparatus includes a first release connecting link with a first end pivotally connected at a first pivot axis to the first release actuator and with a second end pivotally connected at a second pivot axis to the second gripping member of the first gripper mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of workpiece feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus further includes a gripper mechanism drive actuator which is angularly adjustable, reversible and rotary, a fixed length driving member connected to the gripper mechanism drive actuator for rotation therewith. The apparatus further includes a first gripper mechanism drive connecting link with a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the fixed length driving member and with a second end pivotally connected to the first gripper mechanism for moving the first gripper mechanism in the first direction of workpiece feeding and the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a die from damage due to material jams in material stamping equipment wherein feed material is stamped in a die and then advanced through the die by action of press feed rolls powered by a press feed roll drive motor. The position error of the press feed rolls or the torque of the press feed roll drive motor is monitored during the advance of the feed material through the die. The monitored position error of the press feed rolls or the monitored torque of the press feed roll drive motor is then compared to the expected position error of the press feed rolls or the expected torque of the press feed roll motor, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.

Abstract: A press feed capable of being driven in synchronization with a press. The press feed includes a sensor for sensing a selected phase of a press cycle of the press, structure for engaging stock material adapted to be fed by the press feed to the press, and an infinitely variable release device connected to the stock material engaging structure and communicating with the sensor. The infinitely variable release device operates to move the stock material engaging structure in a first direction relative to the stock material responsive to detection by the sensor at the onset of the selected press cycle phase, and to move the stock material engaging structure in a direction generally opposite the first direction responsive to detection by the sensor at the termination of the selected press cycle phase. The infinitely variable release device may be a servo controlled drive screw.

Abstract: A press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.