Abstract: A tool-changing system for a press utilizes a rotary turret on which different tools are rigidly fixed. The turret includes a circular table base which is rotatably mounted on top of the press anvil. As the turret is turned, a different tool is moved into the work zone in vertical alignment with the upper tool on the press ram. The turret table can either be manually or motor driven in either direction between indexed operative positions. The indexing system which senses the position of the turret and indexes the turret to its next operating position uses only two simple sensors which are located beneath the turret table. Each sensor reads a different circular track on the underside of the turret table.

Abstract: A light-controlled safety switch for an automated press includes an optical transmitter and receiver affixed to the press frame just above the press ram that redirects the light beam from vertical to horizontal. A light beam is directed downward from the transmitter to a 45-degree reflective surface on the ram. A cross-hole, perpendicular to the centerline of the ram, and a second 45-degree opposite-facing reflector opposite to the first reflective surface returns the light beam to the receiver. Thus, an optical path is achieved from the transmitter to the first reflector, through the ram, to the second reflector and then back up to the receiver. The opposing 45-degree reflectors are preferably provided by a 45-degree dished collar with a light-reflective interfacing surface fitted about the ram.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a moveable frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located along side the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.