Abstract: A continuously running mechanical transfer press includes a workpiece transfer system in which electric motors are used to provide reciprocating movements in the clamp, lift and transfer axes. An independent backup tracking system including a fault detection sensing control is provided which utilizes independent measures of the position of the workpiece transfer system in all three axes along with an independent measure of the position of the press die in its cycle to monitor proper synchronization and operation of the workpiece transfer system. The fault detection system indicates a fault in the event the transfer system loses synchronization with the moving die, in the event two separate measures of die position are not in agreement, or in the event the transfer system fails to maintain parallelism of the two transfer rails included in the system. The press is stopped in response to detection of a fault to protect the press and the transfer system from damage.

Abstract: A press machine (10) having a slide (18) operable by a clutch controlled rotatable drive system (24, 26, 30, 34) is provided. The press (10) includes a sensor (42) interconnected into the drive system (34) for sensing the rotation of the drive system (34). A timer (64) is provided for generating an elapsed time signal representing the amount of time for the drive system (34) to rotate from a first angular position to a second angular position. Circuitry (64) is provided for comparing the elapsed time signal with a predetermined magnitude to thereby generate a signal representing the speed of the press (10). Circuitry (64) is further provided which is responsive to the speed signal for generating a control signal. The control signal is appolied to the clutch solenoid (40) for deactuating the clutch (24) to thereby enable stoppage of the press at a predetermined position at the top of the slide's (18) cycle.

Abstract: A forming machine (10) is provided for forming a finished part (12) from a flat blank (14). Draw stations (18-24) are provided to initially form the intermediate part. Each draw station includes a punch (44, 62, 66, 70) and a draw die (48, 64, 68, 72). Each punch defines a shoulder along its length to create a step (60) in the side walls (26) of the intermediate part. In the subsequent necking and final form stages (30, 32, 34) the punch employed also has a shoulder to permit variation of the force applied to the intermediate part between the step and bottom portion.

Abstract: High and low speed clutch assemblies are spaced apart along a rotatable shaft. Each of the clutch assemblies includes a plurality of annular friction plates which may be engaged by movement of annular pistons. A brake assembly is mounted between the clutch assemblies and includes friction surfaces carried about the rotatable shaft and annular brake plates mounted on opposite sides of the friction surfaces. A stationary housing is mounted about the brake assembly. Adjacent ones of the pistons and the brake plates are interconnected, such that the friction surfaces of the brake assembly are disengaged when either of the clutch assemblies are engaged by application of fluid pressure. The pistons and brake plates are spring-loaded such that when both of the clutch assemblies are disengaged, the brake plates move to engage the friction surfaces with the stationary housing to brake the shaft.