Abstract: In a transfer feed press having a vertically movable slide, one or two longitudinally movable multi-segment transfer feed rails for moving workpieces through the press, a bolster movable transversely in and out of the press and vertically within the press, and vertically movable rail support stands on the bolster, a die-changing control system comprising the combination of at least two controllable motor-actuated means for connecting and disconnecting the transfer feed rail segments; means for generating electrical signals representing the press slide position, the rail position along the longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes, the bolster position along the transverse and vertical axes, and the position of the rail support stands on the bolster; and control means for actuating the controllable motor-actuated means for connecting and disconnecting the transfer feed rail segments in response to the electrical signals when the press slide is in a raised position high enough to permit safe removal of the bol

Abstract: A transfer feed press for performing a series of press operations on a workpiece at a series of work stations where a plurality of finger units spaced along the work stations for gripping the workpieces move the same between successive work stations in the press. Servo motors, in association with the appropriate gearing, transfer the finger units along the X, Y, Z axes for positioning the workpieces at successive work stations. Separate servo motors are adapted to rotate a workpiece gripped by the finger units 180.degree., for performing press operations on both sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A hydraulic overload control system for a mechanical power press having a flywheel driven eccentric shaft and one or more pitmen drivingly coupled to the eccentric shaft. The press has a slide drivingly coupled to the pitmen by corresponding hydraulic piston and cylinder connections.

Abstract: A clutch and brake system for starting and stopping a power press uses hydraulically actuated brake and clutch mechanisms. To start the press, the brake is hydraulically released while the clutch is hydraulically engaged at a predetermined intermediate torque level which is less than the full clutch torque level. The clutch is maintained at that intermediate torque level until the present drive shaft has attained its substantially full speed, and is then increased to the full clutch torque level. To stop the press, the clutch is hydraulically disengaged while the brake is hydraulically engaged at a predetermined intermediate torque level which is less than the full brake torque level. The brake is maintained at this intermediate torque level until the press drive shaft has substantially stopped, at which time the brake torque is increased to the full brake torque level.

Abstract: An automatic die changing system for a power press having carriers for transporting dies to and from a work station in the press and having a plurality of air lines and electrical lines in the press for supplying compressed air and electrical power to the dies on the carriers. All of the air and electrical lines terminate at the surface of the press, with a normally closed valve at the end of each of the air lines and electrical contact means at the end of each of the electrical lines. A plurality of connectors are mounted on each of the carriers to register with the valves and electrical contacts when the carrier is positioned at the work station, and responsive to the lowering of the carrier onto the press bed to automatically connect the air and electrical lines at the surface of the bed with corresponding air and electrical lines for operating control devices associated with the dies on the carrier.

Abstract: A control system for a press line containing a plurality of presses for performing successive operations on the same workpiece has a plurality of computer control units, each of which controls the movement of one of the presses and the workpiece transfer mechanisms associated therewith via repetitive automation cycles which correspond to and control repetitive press cycles. One of the computer control units selected as a reference unit, and all the computer control units, including the reference unit, produce a synchronizing signal at a common predetermined point in the automation cycles thereof. The synchronizing signal from the reference unit is compared with the synchronizing signal from each of the other units to determine whether the other units are lagging or leading the reference unit. The cycle times of the leading and lagging units are then adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A control system for a press having a synchronized feed mechanism includes a first drive motor for the press, a second drive motor for the feed mechanism, means responsive to the positions of the press and the feed mechanism for producing an output signal representing any change in the positional relationship between the press and the feed mechanism, control means responsive to the output signal for controlling the speed of the drive motor for the feed mechanism, and means for adjusting the control means to simulate a change in the press position and thereby effect a movement of the feed mechanism. An interlock is responsive to adjustments of the control means for enabling the startup of the press only when the control means is in a preselected position representing a desired positional relationship between the press and the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A power press arrangement including one or more workpiece handling mechanisms such as loaders, unloaders, turnover devices, conveyors, etc. The various workpiece handling mechanisms are controlled in synchronism with the press or presses through numerical control systems which are coordinated with press slide positions. For each axis of controlled movement, a discrete number of desired position locations are loaded into an associated press control memory, and the data is processed into a derived motion table for each axis and followed to effect axis motion in coordination with press slide position. During operation of the press, the associated control system continuously derives motion control parameters for the controlled axes based upon the tabular values. The actual position of each controlled mechanism is also monitored and compared with the desired position at repetitive time increments to detect any position errors.

Abstract: A dual motor drive for the turntable of a numerically controlled machine tool in which separate forward and reverse drive motors geared to the turntable are used for eliminating the effect of backlash. Circuitry, including amplifiers, is interposed between a source of numerical control signal and the motors for energizing the motors alternatively in the numerically controlled mode depending upon the polarity of the control signal and at a speed which depends upon the magnitude of such signal. For operation in the lathe mode, sources of auxiliary control signal of first and second polarity are provided.

Abstract: A power metal-forming press of the underdrive type having a pair of laterally spaced rocker shafts journaled in the base. A set of vertical pull rods are connected to arms at the ends of the shafts for reciprocating the press slide. Driving subassemblies are provided at the near side and far side of the press each including a main drive gear carrying an eccentric. A pitman pivotally engaging the eccentric has a short arm which is coupled via a connecting link to a rocker arm on one of the shafts. The pitman also has a long arm extending generally in the opposite direction, the end of the long arm being guided with respect to the frame along a generally longitudinal path. The long arm is so angled with respect to the connecting link under conditions of bottoming of the slide that upon rotation of the main drive gear the short arm traces a generally elliptical path having a major axis which bears an acute angle to the bottoming orientation of the connecting link.

Abstract: A counterbalance cylinder pressure control for a mechanical press which has a slide, a die punch mounted on the slide and a die shoe. A coded plug is attached to the die shoe and means are provided for reading the code on the plug which indicates the weight of the die punch associated with that die shoe. A voltage signal produced from the decoding of the plug is used in a servo system to control the air pressure in the counterbalance cylinders. When a new die set is placed in the mechanical press, the coded plug attached to the die shoe is read and the servo system operates to reset the counterbalance cylinder pressure to the correct value.

Abstract: A supporting assembly providing lateral support for the nib of a punch in a power press having a stripper plate to prevent breaking of the punch when punching thick workpieces. The bushing which conducts the nib of the punch through the stripper plate has a coaxial annular recess in its underside. An annular insert of resilient polymeric material, preferably polyurethane plastic, completely fills the recess and presents an inwardly-directed collar surface substantially aligned with the opening in the bushing. The insert is dimensioned to project downwardly a short distance beyond the punch bushing to provide an exposed striking surface for engaging the workpiece as the ram descends. The reaction force of the springs on the stripper plate is sufficient to volumetrically deform the insert causing the inwardly directed collar surface to crowd against the nib of the punch, thereby providing enhanced lateral support for the punch as the punch penetrates the workpiece.

Abstract: A routing machine for routing a non-linear groove in a flat extensive workpiece having a pattern in the form of a curved rib temporarily secured to the underside thereof. A reference roller in alignment with the routing tool engages a reference surface on the pattern while a cooperating roller is biased against the opposite surface, the rollers being driven so that the pattern is advanced to move the workpiece relative to the tool. The cooperating roller is mounted upon a table which is freely rotatable about the axis of the reference roller so that when the rollers encounter a portion of the pattern which changes direction, the cooperating roller is free to change its orientation with respect to the reference roller thereby enabling the workpiece to retain its initial orientation regardless of changes in direction taken by the pattern.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring a large generally flat workpiece into and out of a power press, or between adjacent power presses, including a pair of spaced stands having respective gear boxes swingably mounted thereon with reversible drive means for oscillating the gear boxes in unison through 180.degree. from a first horizontal position downwardly and then upwardly to a second horizontal position with subsequent return along the same path to the first position. The gear boxes carry coaxial stubshafts with arms of equal length mounted thereon and with grippers at the ends of the arms for gripping the lateral edges of the workpiece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for numerical control to produce contouring by simultaneous coordinated motions along two or more axes, characterized by the creation of desired velocity signals supplied as the primary inputs to velocity servos coupled to drive a member relatively along the respective axes. Although capable of practice by and susceptible of embodiment in other apparatus, a digital computer is physically organized and conditioned by a master program, and associated with an adjustable interrupt clock which measures off successive time periods .DELTA.T, so as to supply a changeable velocity command number signal to each servo proportional to the distance per .DELTA.T through which motion along the associated axis is to occur. This velocity command number is algebraically added to a theoretical position number to signal dynamically during each period .DELTA.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for numerical control to produce contouring by simultaneous coordinated motions along two or more axes, characterized by the creation of desired velocity signals supplied as the primary inputs to velocity servos coupled to drive a member relatively along the respective axes. A digital computer associated with an adjustable interrupt clock which measures off successive time periods .DELTA.T, supplies a changeable velocity command number signal to each servo proportional to the distance per .DELTA.T through which motion along the associated axis is to occur. This velocity command number is algebraically added to a theoretical position number to signal dynamically during each period .DELTA.T the axis position at which the member should reside; and the latter number is used with a dynamically signaled actual position number to re-compute and signal during each period the position error.