Abstract: An adjustment stroke connection for a mechanical press includes an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member and an eccentric crankshaft member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the eccentric member. A mechanism is provided for connecting the eccentric bushing with the press connection member in a manner that prevents rotation therebetween and concurrently permits rotation of the eccentric member relative to the eccentric bushing. When the mechanism is activated, driving rotation of the crankshaft produces a press stroke adjustment. A torque actuator delivers equal driving torque to plural eccentric crankshaft members to enable minimization of relative bushing angle slip. Suitable control of the bushing angle and slide position crank angle during bushing expansion and contraction also minimizes relative bushing angle slip.

Abstract: An adjustment stroke connection for a mechanical press includes an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member and an eccentric crankshaft member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the eccentric member. A mechanism is provided for connecting the eccentric bushing with the press connection member in a manner that prevents rotation therebetween and concurrently permits rotation of the eccentric member relative to the eccentric bushing. When the mechanism is activated, driving rotation of the crankshaft produces a press stroke adjustment. A torque actuator delivers equal driving torque to plural eccentric crankshaft members to enable minimization of relative bushing angle slip. Suitable control of the bushing angle and slide position crank angle during bushing expansion and contraction also minimizes relative bushing angle slip.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system supplies two or more fluids to a rotatable shaft integrated within a device such as a mechanical press and develops damped clearance spaces at the bearing surfaces of the fluid coupling device. In one arrangement, a rotary union is adapted for driving rotation by the shaft and provides two fluid pathways disposed in flow communication with a fluid access channel formed in the shaft. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present within a clearance space defined between the rotary union and a stationary housing disposed thereabout. In another arrangement, a stationary fluid transfer device is adapted for non-rotation and disposed within a crankshaft cavity to define a clearance space there between. A fluid pathway formed therein communicates fluid to the crankshaft access channel. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present in the clearance space. There are no sliding face seals in the arrangements.

Abstract: An infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press is achieved by use of a differential located on the press drive system. Differential movement means are employed to rotate the differential relative to the drive system so that the output of the differential may be increased or decreased relative to the drive system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the stroke length of a slide in a press. A sleeve works as a fluid bearing in relation to a shaft. Upon applying pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve creates an interference fit with the shaft. Once the interference fit exists, the position of the shaft can be adjusted to change the stroke length of the slide in the press.

Abstract: A feedback control system for use in a press machine is adapted to monitor and adjust the clearance between the gib and slide. A connection bolt provides a connection between the gib and frame upright. A thermal applicator selectively heats and/or cools the connection bolt to induce a controlled deformation of the bolt, namely, an expansion and/or contraction, respectively. In one form, a heat-induced elongation of the bolt along its longitudinal dimension actuates a corresponding displacement of the gib towards the slide to regulate the spatial relationship therebetween. A sensor provides a measure of any possible clearance between the gib and slide. The clearance measurement is compared to allowable reference clearance data. A controller controls the heating and/or cooling action in accordance with the comparison results, thereby controllably moving the gib. The gib may be selectively displaced to optionally effectuate a partial or full close-out of the existing clearance.

Abstract: A positive lock for infinite adjustable stroke alignment mechanism for a mechanical press with an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member with a second eccentric member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the second eccentric member. A positive lock alignment mechanism is included for aligning the press connection member with the eccentric bushing to prevent rotation therebetween and permitting rotation of the second eccentric member with the eccentric bushing for infinite stroke adjustment whereby rotation of the crankshaft, when the mechanism is activated causes a press stroke adjustment.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a flex disk brake secured to a brake device of a press clutch-brake combination. A plurality of axially flexible finger elements extends from a peripheral side of the flex disk in a bent or arcuate configuration. The finger elements extend at least in part in a circumferential direction of the flex disk generally opposite to a direction of rotation of the press crankshaft. Each finger element is secured at one end to the stationary press crown. During brake activation, the axial flexibility of each finger element accommodates axial displacement of the attached brake device as the brake device undergoes actuated movement into its braking position. The flex brake disk provides a torquing rigidity that renders it rotationally stationary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the stroke length of a slide in a press. A sleeve works as a fluid bearing in relation to a shaft. Upon applying pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve creates an interference fit with the shaft. Once the interference fit exists, the position of the shaft can be adjusted to change the stroke length of the slide in the press.

Abstract: A positive lock for infinite adjustable stroke alignment mechanism for a mechanical press with an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member with a second eccentric member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the second eccentric member. A positive lock alignment mechanism is included for aligning the press connection member with the eccentric bushing to prevent rotation therebetween and permitting rotation of the second eccentric member with the eccentric bushing for infinite stroke adjustment whereby rotation of the crankshaft, when the mechanism is activated causes a press stroke adjustment.

Abstract: An adjustment stroke connection for a mechanical press includes an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member and an eccentric crankshaft member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the eccentric member. A mechanism is provided for connecting the eccentric bushing with the press connection member in a manner that prevents rotation therebetween and concurrently permits rotation of the eccentric member relative to the eccentric bushing. When the mechanism is activated, driving rotation of the crankshaft produces a press stroke adjustment. A torque actuator delivers equal driving torque to plural eccentric crankshaft members to enable minimization of relative bushing angle slip. Suitable control of the bushing angle and slide position crank angle during bushing expansion and contraction also minimizes relative bushing angle slip.

Abstract: A feedback control system for use in a press machine is adapted to monitor and adjust the clearance between the gib and slide. A connection bolt provides a connection between the gib and frame upright. A thermal applicator selectively heats and/or cools the connection bolt to induce a controlled deformation of the bolt, namely, an expansion and/or contraction, respectively. In one form, a heat-induced elongation of the bolt along its longitudinal dimension actuates a corresponding displacement of the gib towards the slide to regulate the spatial relationship therebetween. A sensor provides a measure of any possible clearance between the gib and slide. The clearance measurement is compared to allowable reference clearance data. A controller controls the heating and/or cooling action in accordance with the comparison results, thereby controllably moving the gib. The gib may be selectively displaced to optionally effectuate a partial or full close-out of the existing clearance.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a flex disk brake secured to a brake device of a press clutch-brake combination. A plurality of axially flexible finger elements extends from a peripheral side of the flex disk in a bent or arcuate configuration. The finger elements extend at least in part in a circumferential direction of the flex disk generally opposite to a direction of rotation of the press crankshaft. Each finger element is secured at one end to the stationary press crown. During brake activation, the axial flexibility of each finger element accommodates axial displacement of the attached brake device as the brake device undergoes actuated movement into its braking position. The flex brake disk provides a torquing rigidity that renders it rotationally stationary.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system supplies two or more fluids to a rotatable shaft integrated within a device such as a mechanical press and develops damped clearance spaces at the bearing surfaces of the fluid coupling device. In one arrangement, a rotary union is adapted for driving rotation by the shaft and provides two fluid pathways disposed in flow communication with a fluid access channel formed in the shaft. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present within a clearance space defined between the rotary union and a stationary housing disposed thereabout. In another arrangement, a stationary fluid transfer device is adapted for non-rotation and disposed within a crankshaft cavity to define a clearance space there between. A fluid pathway formed therein communicates fluid to the crankshaft access channel. Bearing support is provided by an oil film present in the clearance space. There are no sliding face seals in the arrangements.

Abstract: An infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press is achieved by use of a differential located on the press drive system. A differential movement mechanism is employed to rotate the differential relative to the drive system so that the output of the differential may be increased or decreased relative to the drive system.

Abstract: An infinite variable slide motion for a mechanical power press is achieved by use of a differential located on the press drive system. Differential movement means are employed to rotate the differential relative to the drive system so that the output of the differential may be increased or decreased relative to the drive system.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a press deflection controller. The press includes press members which have work surfaces, such as a slide and a bed. The press deflection controller includes a tie rod which is encased in a tube. The tie rod is connected to the press member and is maintained in tension while the tube is maintained in compression. Adjusting the tension in the tie rod during press operation works to adjust deflection in the press member.

Abstract: A coupling device joins and axially aligns segments of a driveshaft or other shaft to form one, continuous length, shaft for use in a machine press.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a wet or oil shear clutch/brake drive unit is provided including elimination of undamped clearances. Lubrication oil utilized in the press flywheel bearing is ported and communicated into the clutch brake unit for use therein, eliminating the use of two separate lubrication or oil transport systems. A hydrostatic oil bearing on the brake/clutch actuator member (actuation plate) eliminates the use or need of an anti-friction bearing between the actuator member and the brake and clutch members.

Abstract: The invention includes a tool for adjusting the timing of eccentrics on a crankshaft connected by an infinitely variable, pressure actuated connection. In cases where there is more than a single adjustable eccentric on the crankshaft, it is preferable that all of the eccentrics display the same timing characteristics relative to the crankshaft. If one eccentric has a location or timing different than that of the other eccentrics, the tool and method is used to adjust such eccentric to place it back into its preferred location and timing relative the crankshaft and other eccentrics.