Abstract: An intensifier is operable to supply force and includes a housing defining a cavity. A ram is slidably positioned within the cavity and partially extends from the housing. The intensifier also includes a force transfer rod and a plurality of power pistons. The ram is moveable between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinal axis. The force transfer rod is selectively moveable between a retracted position where the force transfer rod is not axially aligned with the ram and an advanced position where the force transfer rod is axially aligned with the ram. The plurality of power pistons are axially aligned with each other and the ram. The power pistons are selectively operable to provide an output force to the ram when the force transfer rod is in the advanced position.

Abstract: A sheet fastening apparatus and method are provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a die assembly for forming a joint between sheets of material is disclosed wherein the die assembly includes an anvil, at least one die blade disposed adjacent to and overlapping a punch-side of the anvil, a flexible retainer, and a shield that coaxially and radially surrounds a portion of the anvil and/or die blade.

Abstract: A press for translating a tool includes a first member, a second member and a plurality of retention members. The first member is drivingly coupled to an actuator. The first member is axially moveable between first and second positions in response to movement of the actuator. The first member includes a first end surface having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart detents. The second member is threadably engaged with the first member. The first and second members define an assembly having a length. The retention members are positioned between the first and second members. Each retention member is biasedly engaged with one of the detents to provide resistance to relative rotation between the first and second members. The resistance to relative rotation may be overcome to adjust the length of the assembly.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for generating a relatively large force includes a plurality of pistons driven in advancing and retracting directions. The pressure intensifier includes a body having a cavity used as an internal fluid reservoir. Furthermore, a damping mechanism limits the relative acceleration between pressure intensifier components during operation.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for generating a relatively large force includes a plurality of pistons driven in advancing and retracting directions. The pressure intensifier includes a rod selectively drivable into a cavity to amplify the force acting on one of the pistons. A valve limits fluid flow to control the rate of movement of one of the pistons.

Abstract: A flexible retainer for retaining die blades in a tool assembly. The retainer comprises inner and outer walls with the inner wall being generally concentric with and radially spaced inward from the outer wall. The inner wall defines a central opening in the retainer which is configured and adapted to extend radially around the die blades so that the retainer retains the die blades in the die assembly while allowing radial movement of the die blades. The retainer may have at least one channel that extends axially between the inner and outer walls.