Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for diagnosing the mechanical condition of a machine. The method of the invention includes the following steps: sensing reference vibrational characteristics of a machine in the time domain; creating a reference signature from the reference vibrational characteristics; saving the reference signature; sensing test vibrational characteristics of the same machine in the time domain; creating a test signature from the test vibrational characteristics; automatically computing a measured distance between at least one point of the reference signature and at least one corresponding point on the test signature; automatically comparing the measured distance against a threshold value to determine if the machine is operating normally or abnormally; and providing a signal when the comparison indicates abnormal operation. An apparatus is also disclosed for implementing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A deflection compensation structure for a press brake having a frame, a bed on the frame, a ram on the frame, and an elongated die on the bed, the press brake deflection compensation structure including a housing for attachment to the bed of the press brake, the housing including an elongated bottom plate, a lower elongated wedge member mounted on the elongated plate, an upper elongated wedge member mounted on the lower wedge member, the upper and lower wedge members having mating inclined surfaces, the lower wedge member having a wide edge and a narrow edge, an elongated slot running lengthwise of the wide edge, a plurality of spaced slots extending inwardly from the wide edge and intersecting the elongated slot, an elongated rod in the elongated slot, a first rigid attachment between the elongated rod at one end of the lower wedge member, and a second movable attachment connected to the other end of the elongated rod for effectively lengthening and shortening the elongated rod to thereby cause the lower wed