Abstract: A drive disk assembly for use in a press machine is segmented into a plurality of discrete drive disk segments each having a friction pad attached thereto. The segmented drive disk permits individual disk segments and friction pads to be removed after installation without disassembling the entire arrangement. The disk segments may grow thermally without causing the flex disk being utilized to shift axially or radially. A slot formed throughout the disk segment acts as an effective heat barrier to protect sensitive parts from undue thermal exposure.

Abstract: An inching drive system for a mechanical press including a hydraulic motor and gear mechanism, that engages the flywheel of the press. The hydraulic motor is mounted for rectilinear movement toward and away from the flywheel for selective engagement therewith and includes a gear that meshes with teeth on the periphery of the flywheel. A separate hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangement moves the inching drive system into and out of engagement with the flywheel.