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 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 system and method for increasing the viable wear life of friction materials used on mechanical stamping hydraulic clutch/brake units by controlling the hydraulic clutch pressure to compensate for clutch wear.

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 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 invention is directed to a hand held device attachable to a mechanical press to measure press conditions. The device includes signal processing circuitry for processing a corresponding signal developed from an accelerometer. The signal processing circuitry has acceleration processing circuitry for calculating a press acceleration signal, a velocity processing circuitry for calculating a press velocity signal, and displacement processing circuitry for calculating a press displacement signal. Display circuitry is used for displaying at least one of said calculated signals. A multi-contact switch connect the acceleration, velocity, and displacement processing circuitry together permitting an operator to select one of the calculated signals for input to the display circuitry. A method of utilization of the device is also described.

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.