Abstract: The invention comprises a bridge frame for a transfer press. In one aspect of the invention, a bridge frame includes a first plurality of horizontal beams operable to receive a press bed, a second plurality of horizontal beams disposed outwardly from the press bed and operable to receive a crown capable of moving a slide vertically relative to the press bed and the crown, and a plurality of vertical support structures disposed between the first and second plurality of horizontal beams and supporting the second plurality of horizontal beams.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bridge press, a method of assembling a bridge press, and a method of forming a work piece using a bridge press. In one aspect of the invention, a bridge press includes a first plurality of horizontal beams, a plurality of vertical support structures disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams, and a second plurality of horizontal beams disposed outwardly from and supported by the plurality of vertical support structures. The invention further comprises a press bed disposed outwardly from the first plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the first plurality of horizontal beams, a crown disposed outwardly from the second plurality of horizontal beams and supported, at least in part, by the second plurality of horizontal beams, and a slide disposed between the press bed and the crown, the slide coupled to the crown and operable to move vertically relative to the bed.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A multistation transfer press (10) is provided. Cross bar assemblies (28) transfer work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14) in transfer press ten (10). Each cross bar assembly (28) moves work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14). Motions of cross bar assemblies (28) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (22) and (24) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (28) along transfer rails (22) and (24). Cross bar assemblies (28) are operable to dynamically orient work pieces (12) during transfer between adjacent press stations (14). Additionally, a portion of the motion of cross bar assemblies (28) occurs while upper dies (20) and lower dies (18) are separated by less than a maximum distance.

Abstract: A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34).

Abstract: A multistation transfer press (10) is provided. Cross bar assemblies (28) transfer work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14) in transfer press ten (10). Each cross bar assembly (28) moves work pieces (12) between adjacent press stations (14). Motions of cross bar assemblies (28) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (22) and (24) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (28) along transfer rails (22) and (24). Cross bar assemblies (28) are operable to dynamically orient work pieces (12) during transfer between adjacent press stations (14). Additionally, a portion of the motion of cross bar assemblies (28) occurs while upper dies (20) and lower dies (18) are separated by less than a maximum distance.

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.