Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading parts in a press wherein a conveyor transports the parts in a forward movement direction towards the press. An optical measuring device determines the real position of the parts on the conveyor. At least two transfer devices are configured to grab the parts off the conveyor and place them directly on a first surface of the press. A control unit is configured to receive the real position of the parts determined by the optical measuring device, and to compare the real position with a theoretical loading position of the parts on the first surface of the press. The control unit determines a deviation between the real and theoretical loading positions and uses the calculated deviation to command the transfer devices to correct the deviation and to place the parts on the first surface of the press in the theoretical position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and installation for cutting a sheet metal format with a predetermined contour from a sheet metal strip supplied in a forward movement direction. The sheet metal is cut by means of a cutting head. A distance is measured from a point of an edge of the sheet metal strip aligned with the cutting head in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction is measured with respect to a reference point and in perpendicular direction. A corrected cutting path is calculated from a predetermined cutting path depending on the measured distance, and the cutting head is caused to follow the corrected cutting path.

Abstract: A method that includes moving a sheet material between first and second groups of rolls following a winding path according to a setpoint speed, driving the first group of rolls by a first drive, driving the second group by a second drive independent of the first drive, measuring the speed of the first drive, measuring the speed of the second drive controlling the speed of the first drive by means of a first torque setpoint signal which is a function of a first error signal obtained from the difference between the setpoint speed and the speed of the first drive, and controlling the speed of the second drive by means of a second torque setpoint signal which is a function of a second error signal obtained from the difference between the setpoint speed and the speed of the second drive, and is also a function of an additional torque gain.

Abstract: According to some embodiments a conveying device for conveying goods includes at least one conveyor belt with an outer contact face against which the goods to be conveyed are held during conveyance. A main negative pressure holding area is provided adjacent to the conveyor belt, the main negative pressure holding area being configured to hold or release the goods to or from the conveyor belt by negative pressure. The conveyor belt includes at least one suction chamber on the outer contact face forming an additional negative pressure holding area, the suction chamber being in fluid communication with negative pressure holding means through at least one opening transversely going through the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Control method for a press installation and installation, where the installation includes a servo press, a conveyor device for conveying pieces from a position of origin to the servo press, and a controller. The controller controls the movements of the conveyor device and of the servo press by means of one and the same master signal, causing a synchronized actuation of both. In the method, the pieces are conveyed to the position of origin and during the travel thereof until reaching the position of origin, the passage of the pieces through a predetermined position of reference before the position of origin is detected, and depending on the detection, the master signal is adjusted for adapting the actuation speed of the servo press.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit that may be used in a cooling apparatus. According to one implementation the heat exchanger unit comprises a metal sheet, at least one metal exchange tube supported on said sheet, and fastening means for fastening the tube to the sheet, said unit being bent with respect to at least one bend line. The fastening means comprises a cover covering the entire or almost the entire length of the tube and the cover is fixed to the sheet by means of adhesive. The surface of the cover in contact with the tube has no adhesive, said surface having a coefficient of friction that allows sliding said tube under said cover when bending the unit with respect to said at least one bend line.

Abstract: A gripping device for a part stacking system that according to one embodiment includes a plurality of supporting arms and a plurality of gripping elements attached to the supporting arms, at least some of the gripping elements being movable with respect to the respective supporting arm. Each supporting arm comprises at least one guiderail and each movable gripping element comprises a carriage movable in the corresponding guiderail. The static friction force between each carriage and the respective guiderail is such that the movable gripping elements are kept immobile with respect to the supporting arms by the static friction force during the part stacking process, and the movable gripping elements are positioned with respect to the respective supporting arm overcoming the static friction force.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying good. According to one embodiment the conveyor includes a holding unit for holding or releasing the goods with respect to a conveyor belt. The holding unit includes vacuum holding means and magnetic holding means. The magnetic holding means includes at least one movable element that comprises at least one magnet or has a magnet attached thereto. The movable element is able to deactivate the magnetic holding means by distancing the magnet from the conveyor belt, and is also able to be arrange in a closed position in which the movable element blocks a vacuum conduit extending through the conveyor belt.