Abstract: A system is disclosed for neutralizing the punching reaction forces in an open frame punch press in which inclined primary links mounted on the upper and lower frame members are stressed by linkage actuators during punching so as to counteract the punching reaction force. In one embodiment, a charging cylinder mounted to be acted on by the punch ram actuator generates hydraulic pressure used to operate linkage actuators. In that embodiment, the primary links are combined with secondary links to form toggle linkages to enable mechanical force multiplication of the force applied by the linkage actuators. In another embodiment the primary links converge and are pivotally connected at their rear ends to each other and a single secondary link, with a single cylinder at the forward end of one of the primary links, placing the primary links in tension during punching operations to neutralize the punching reaction forces acting on the press frame.

Abstract: A slag chute system for a hot cutting discharge device, including upper and lower removable tubular liner sections aligned below the hot cutting discharge, the internal bores of which are chrome plated and polished to resist adhesion of spatter. A removable annular insert ring surrounds the jet and has a smaller diameter opening than the inside diameter of the upper chute liner section, which in turn is smaller than the internal diameter of the lower chute liner section to produce a stepped diameter chute.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for registering a sheet in punch press or other apparatus having a control system carrying out a programmed position of the sheet during punching operations, in which a movable locator plate is urged into an advanced position along an axis of movement so as to be displaced when the sheet is moved a fixed distance along one axis. A distance transducer generates a continuously varying electrical signal corresponding to the displacement of the locator plate from its advanced position, which signal is transmitted to the control system to modify the part program in accordance with the actual location of the sheet.

Abstract: A safety system for a machine tools having a powered feed table in which ultrasonic transmitters and receivers are arrayed on the leading, trailing and lateral sides of the table establishing moving protected zones so that if an operator enters the zones, the machine is shut down only if the table has moved close to the person in that zone. A failsafe feature causes shutdown in the event of failure of any of the safety system components.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for protecting a confinement chute from slag build-up caused by accumulation of spatter particles generated by cutting a workpiece by a hot discharge such as a plasma arc or laser, including a high velocity flow of gas such as air directed over the chute internal surface to deflect and cool the spatter particles. The surface is chrome plated to reduce the tendency for adhesion of the particles to the surface.

Abstract: A multitool punch holder is disclosed in which a tool carrier (22) holds a circumferential array of punches (76) in a corresponding series of bores. Each punch (76) is attached to a stem rod (50) having an upper end protruding above the tool carrier (22). The tool carrier (22) is rotated by an index drive (102, 104, 106, 108) so as to bring a selected one of the stem rods (50) beneath a ram drive features (100) protruding radially outward to lie above the stem rod ends (52). The tool carrier (22) is coupled to the ram (14) by a head member (20) which is telescopically received therein allowing the ram (14) to continue its descent after contact of the tool carrier (22) with the workpiece, the ram (14) having a feature (100) engaging a selected stem rod end (52) lying beneath the ram drive feature (100) to cause advance of the attached punch (76) against the resistance of an encircling stripper spring (62).

Abstract: A punch holder (10) including a punch holder member (20) with a stripper arrangement including a sleeve (36) axially movable with repsect to the holder member (20) each of the holder members (20) and sleeve (36) fit end to end within a bore (79) in an outer member (78), and stripper spring (38) interposed between the holder member (20) and sleeve (56) combined with a resilient cup piece (58) fit to the end of the sleeve (36) enclosing the lower end face (56) of the sleeve (36).

Abstract: A multitool punch holder (12) having a head member (26) coupled to a punch press ram (16) as the press upper turret plate (22) rotates to bring the punch holder (12) into alignment with the ram (16). The punch holder (12) includes a rotary tool carrier (56) carrying a series of punches (80), each able to be selectively rotated into alignment beneath a striker rod (100) slidably mounted in a non rotating body member (30). Stroking of the ram (16) causes an engagement feature (108) to engage the striker rod (100) when the head member (26) telescopes into the body member (30) after axial movement of the holder (12) is arrested by contact with the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is then driven to force the coupled individual punch (80) into the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is urged to a raised position by an encircling stripper spring (110).