Abstract: A feedback control system for use in a press machine is adapted to monitor and adjust the clearance between the gib and slide. A connection bolt provides a connection between the gib and frame upright. A thermal applicator selectively heats and/or cools the connection bolt to induce a controlled deformation of the bolt, namely, an expansion and/or contraction, respectively. In one form, a heat-induced elongation of the bolt along its longitudinal dimension actuates a corresponding displacement of the gib towards the slide to regulate the spatial relationship therebetween. A sensor provides a measure of any possible clearance between the gib and slide. The clearance measurement is compared to allowable reference clearance data. A controller controls the heating and/or cooling action in accordance with the comparison results, thereby controllably moving the gib. The gib may be selectively displaced to optionally effectuate a partial or full close-out of the existing clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus which forms a controlled engageable low maintenance seal between the slide and the gib of a mechanical press and which prevents lubricant from exiting the area between the slide and the gib and entering the die space. The sealing arrangement is selectively actuatable depending upon an operational condition of the press.

Abstract: A control system enables a press operator to selectively position the slide at a specific resting location corresponding to an absolute dimension of the slide travel path, such as an angular measure relative to the top dead center position of the press machine crankshaft. A programmable limit switch module manages the operation of a brake-clutch combination by commanding a clutch control circuit to actuate disengagement of the clutch at the proper moment so that the slide will subsequently come to rest at the selected resting location. The module includes a programmable limit switch connected to a press speed resolver and a dedicated on-board processor configured to receive the speed data. The processor collects the speed data using a polling operation having very low scan time.

Abstract: A positive lock for infinite adjustable stroke alignment mechanism for a mechanical press with an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member with a second eccentric member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the second eccentric member. A positive lock alignment mechanism is included for aligning the press connection member with the eccentric bushing to prevent rotation therebetween and permitting rotation of the second eccentric member with the eccentric bushing for infinite stroke adjustment whereby rotation of the crankshaft, when the mechanism is activated causes a press stroke adjustment.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a flex disk brake secured to a brake device of a press clutch-brake combination. A plurality of axially flexible finger elements extends from a peripheral side of the flex disk in a bent or arcuate configuration. The finger elements extend at least in part in a circumferential direction of the flex disk generally opposite to a direction of rotation of the press crankshaft. Each finger element is secured at one end to the stationary press crown. During brake activation, the axial flexibility of each finger element accommodates axial displacement of the attached brake device as the brake device undergoes actuated movement into its braking position. The flex brake disk provides a torquing rigidity that renders it rotationally stationary.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a variable drive arrangement. The press includes a link drive which drives a crankshaft. The drive altering mechanism includes an adjustment device which changes the position of the link drive, thereby altering the drive mechanism of the mechanical press and the corresponding velocity curve of the press slide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the original warranty and extended warranty for a mechanical device. A value indicative of the severity of the use of a mechanical device is utilized to develop a value of original warranty and a value of extended warranty. Extended warranty information may additionally be used to offer an automatic buyback of the mechanical device.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the operation of a press machine over a series of press running cycles. A plurality of press operating events associated with the operation of the press machine are defined. Each press operating event has a modifiable control function associated therewith. An arrangement of accelerometers measures the press machine vibrational activity associated with each press operating event that occurs during the series of press running cycles. A processor processes the vibration measurements associated with the press operating events to identify the presence of a vibration trend therein meeting a defined trending criteria. A controller is responsive to trend identification signals generated by the processor for modifying the respective control function of each press operating event which is associated with identification of the vibration trend.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the viable wear life of friction materials used on mechanical stamping hydraulic clutch/brake units by controlling the hydraulic clutch pressure to compensate for clutch wear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the carry through state of a mechanical press is disclosed. Actual slide displacement curves under load conditions are continually generated for the press being monitored. Values of rebound height, rebound count, and rebound number for the press slide may then be determined and utilized as indicators of the carry through state of the press. Measured values of rebound height, rebound count, and rebound number can then be displayed and used as indicators that the energy of the slide should be increased to bring the press closer to a carry through state.

Abstract: A feedback control system for use in a press machine is adapted to monitor and adjust the clearance between the gib and slide. A pressurized chamber, such as a hydraulic piston-cylinder combination is disposed in actuating relationship to the gib. Selective pressurization of the piston-cylinder induces a controlled displacement of the gib towards or away from the slide, thereby regulating the spatial relationship therebetween. A sensor provides a measure of any possible clearance between the gib and slide. The clearance measurement is compared to allowable reference data. A controller controls the pressurization of the chamber in accordance with the comparison results, thereby controllably moving the gib. The gib may be selectively displaced to optionally effectuate a minimal clearance condition.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a flex disk brake secured to a brake device of a press clutch-brake combination. A plurality of axially flexible finger elements extends from a peripheral side of the flex disk in a bent or arcuate configuration. The finger elements extend at least in part in a circumferential direction of the flex disk generally opposite to a direction of rotation of the press crankshaft. Each finger element is secured at one end to the stationary press crown. During brake activation, the axial flexibility of each finger element accommodates axial displacement of the attached brake device as the brake device undergoes actuated movement into its braking position. The flex brake disk provides a torquing rigidity that renders it rotationally stationary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the tipping moment severity of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting die reliability. The method includes generating a unique tipping moment severity chart for the press application to be monitored and continually monitoring the tipping moment level during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the applied load which is communicated to a computational device for computing and plotting tipping moment severity on the tipping moment severity chart.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of a press machine employs a sensor to measure the peak acceleration levels of a slide assembly. The sensor measurement data represents peak load levels being developed within the press machine. A data means provides load level capacity data representing the maximum allowable compressive and tensile load levels for the press machine. The capacity data is provided in the form of plural press machine operating zones each representing a corresponding range of load values and having a respective rating factor which indicates the relationship of the particular operating zone to a respective one of the maximum allowable compressive/tensile load levels. A processor evaluates the peak load levels in relation to the operating zone data to determine which respective ones of the plural press machine operating zones encompass each respective one of the peak load levels.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of monitoring, analyzing and managing mechanical press usage. The method of this form of the current invention includes the steps of: monitoring vibration severity, including vibration severity zone; monitoring tipping moment severity; monitoring press repair information, including die repair information; monitoring press maintenance information, including die maintenance information; monitoring press applied load; and analyzing the effect of vibration severity, tipping moment severity, press repair, press maintenance and applied load to determine necessary press modifications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the force severity and impulse energy of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting operating reliability of a press during its production operation. The method includes continuous or intermittent, automatic or manual monitoring the load during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the load which is then communicated to a computational device which computes the impulse energy for one slide stroke of the mechanical press.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the operation of a press machine over a series of press running cycles. A plurality of press operating events associated with the operation of the press machine are defined. Each press operating event has a modifiable control function associated therewith. An arrangement of accelerometers measures the press machine vibrational activity associated with each press operating event that occurs during the series of press running cycles. A processor processes the vibration measurements associated with the press operating events to identify the presence of a vibration trend therein meeting a defined trending criteria. A controller is responsive to trend identification signals generated by the processor for modifying the respective control function of each press operating event which is associated with identification of the vibration trend.

Abstract: An infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press is achieved by use of a differential located on the press drive system. A differential movement mechanism is employed to rotate the differential relative to the drive system so that the output of the differential may be increased or decreased relative to the drive system.

Abstract: A detection system is installed into a press piston guiding area for detecting if the piston guiding system has lost its requisite clearance. The detector is installed in a typical press in such a way that when the negatively grounded press piston touches the detector, it discharges the electrical potential between the detector and the piston. Upon contact, a signaling device stops the press, and a fault is indicated. In an alternative embodiment, the detector senses an eddy current when in close proximity to the piston.

Abstract: An auxiliary control system is operatively associated with a press machine controller including a programmable logic controller having a main processor. The auxiliary control system includes a sensor assembly arranged to provide sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine. An auxiliary processor is arranged to monitor for the occurrence of press operating events as signified by the sensor information. The auxiliary processor provides a state signal to the press controller which is representative of the results of the monitoring activity to enable the PLC to control the press machine. Additionally, an improved press machine PLC includes an auxiliary sensor assembly for providing sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine.