Abstract: A horizontally reciprocal ram is movably supported on a can bodymaker for forward and rearward movement of a ram forward end through a die assembly by stationary, spaced, hydrostatic oil bearing sleeves located rearwardly of the die assembly thereby isolating at least a major portion of the ram for support and alignment for remainder of the bodymaker. Drive mechanism supplying horizontal ram drive to a ram rearward end may include a movable hydrostatic oil bearing slide connected to the ram through various optional forms of drive connection means supplying varying degrees of relative flexibility between the ram and slide to thereby determine the degree of ram isolation by the bearing sleeves with an optimum of substantially full ram isolation. Included in certain of the drive connection means providing greater flexibility for greater ram isolation are variously located hydrostatic oil bearing pad assemblies.

Abstract: Pressurized operating fluid, such as oil for hydrostatic fluid bearings, is directed into a chamber against a plunger urging the plunger into a first position. A monitoring pressure force slightly less than the force of the operating fluid when the operating fluid is at a minimum working pressure is exerted against the plunger tending to move the plunger from this first to a second position. Thus, when the pressure of the operating fluid drops below the minimum working pressure, the plunger is moved to its second position and such movement is sensed, thereby sensing the malfunction.