Abstract: A positioning system which mounts onto or in front of a hydraulic press brake or other machinery to reposition the operator controls of the machine laterally and/or longitudinally with respect to the machine. Embodiments are presented which move the foot-operated control pedals and the hand-operated tonnage controller of a hydraulic press brake. In various embodiments, the system is powered by a pneumatic cylinder, a pneumatic motor or an electric motor. Manually actuated switches allow the operator to move the control pedal and/or the tonnage controller to selected positions. A programmable control system and a remote control unit are provided for alternate modes of operation.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is mounted to the side of a bed of a power press machine on which an operator is positioned for ensuring safety of the operator of the power press machine. The safety apparatus includes a table, for supporting the front end portion of a workpiece, fitted so as to be movable toward and away from the bed at substantially the same height as a fixed mold set to the bed side and on the side of the bed where the operator is positioned. A pair of two-hand operation type switches are fitted to the front side portion of the table with a gap between them, and are operated by both hands of the operator. A deactivating switch is provided for deactivating the pair of two-hand operation type switches when a movable mold set to slide portion side of the power press machine approaches to within predetermined distance of the fixed mold set to the bed side to provide a safety state.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a fastener to a fabric includes a pair of levers disposed pivotably one on each side of a stationary die for interlocking a punch driver and an actuator therefor in such a manner that the former can be activated by the latter only after the levers have been lowered while supporting the fabric horizontally thereon.

Abstract: A safety control mechanism for a press brake assembly or the like, wherein an operator is required to continuously depress two hand control buttons to initiate movement of a ram from a top dead center position toward the workpiece. When the ram has come within a predetermined distance of a support die on which the workpiece is positioned, a foot pedal is actuable for controlling movement of the ram during actual contact with the workpiece and until the ram reaches top dead center. The operator is then free to grasp and position the workpiece during the actual work operation.

Abstract: A circuit interconnecting a source of electrical energy with a power operated machine. The circuit comprises an interlock device including a motion switch which is adapted to be removably attached to the machine operator's body. The motion switch is movable between a normally deactivated position to prevent the flow of electrical energy from the source to the machine and an activated position to permit the flow of electrical energy from the source to the machine for operating the machine. The motion switch is operable to be moved to the activated position in response to movement of the operator's body.

Abstract: To permit safe operation of clutch actuated moving ram machines, especially when the operator is to be permitted to "float" the ram, the operating linkage to the clutch is formed with a connection which requires input motion of the linkage in predetermined degree to actuate a safety mechanism. The purpose is to prevent ram operation until the operator is out of harm's way. The linkage is formed such that additional motion of the input elements to the clutch is ineffective to actuate the clutch until the safety apparatus is properly positioned whereupon such additional motion of the input member is made effective to actuate the clutch. An apparatus effective to perform according to that method comprises a piston and a cylinder capable of movement relative to one another and both capable of movement relative to a frame on which the clutch is mounted.

Abstract: Logic circuitry in combination with a limit switch on a press automatically controls the operation of the press during the press cycle without visual monitoring of the cycle by an operator.