Patents by Inventor Thomas Spiesshofer

Thomas Spiesshofer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11826813
    Abstract: Proposed is a transfer system for presses, having at least two fastening units arranged opposite one another, wherein each of the fastening units in each case has a first fastening region. The transfer system further has a press transfer unit, consisting of two movement arms arranged opposite one another, as well as a crossbar connected thereto for receiving and for transporting, i.e. including setting down, a workpiece. Each of the movement arms has a first drive unit connected to the first fastening region, a first lever arm, a second drive unit, and a second lever arm. The first lever arm is connected at a first end thereof or between the first and a second end to the first drive unit, and at the second end thereof to the second drive unit. The second lever arm is rotatably connected at a first end thereof to the second drive unit, and is movably connected with a second end thereof to the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: AIDA EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Christian Müller, Elmar Weber, Anett Pfohl
  • Publication number: 20230294157
    Abstract: Proposed is a transfer system for presses, having at least two fastening units arranged opposite one another, wherein each of the fastening units in each case has a first fastening region. The transfer system further has a press transfer unit, consisting of two movement arms arranged opposite one another, as well as a crossbar connected thereto for receiving and for transporting, i.e. including setting down, a workpiece. Each of the movement arms has a first drive unit connected to the first fastening region, a first lever arm, a second drive unit, and a second lever arm. The first lever arm is connected at a first end thereof or between the first and a second end to the first drive unit, and at the second end thereof to the second drive unit. The second lever arm is rotatably connected at a first end thereof to the second drive unit, and is movably connected with a second end thereof to the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: THOMAS SPIESSHOFER, CHRISTIAN MÜLLER, ELMAR WEBER, ANETT PFOHL
  • Publication number: 20220194041
    Abstract: A system of a separable frame for presses and press frames (1), the respective press frame (1) comprising uprights (2) and a head piece as an upper cross connection (3) and a press table as a lower cross connection (4), which as structural units form a closed frame that absorbs static and dynamic forces for any required functions of a press such as the drive of a ram used for forming with tools. The uprights (2) are attachable laterally or longitudinally to the cross connections (3, 4) by non-positive or non-positive and positive joining geometries (5) and releasable connector (5.1). The proposed press frames (1) have a reduced vertical deflection (v2) compared to press frames joined by tie rod bracing (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas SPIESSHOFER, Anett PFOHL, Anton LENDLER, Elmar WEBER
  • Publication number: 20210402459
    Abstract: Production system for machining workpieces including a transfer comprising receiving and passing on the workpieces for machining from process Station to process Station in a chamber, such as a pressing unit. In the production system, logistical and technological processes are improved by implementing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The UAV is used for process Support monitoring the production process of one of the workpieces or the transfer of the workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas SPIESSHOFER, Anton LENDLER, Christian MUELLER, Anett PFOHL
  • Patent number: 10464275
    Abstract: A method of using data on the force flow in a press for the operation of a plunger, wherein the loads of the parts involved in the force flow can differ as a result of eccentrically operating forces, in such a way that the data about the respectively acting forces that, in accordance with Hooke's law, cause an extension or compression of a movement of the parts involved in the force flow, is measured and evaluated in relation to a drive device and a position of the plunger, whereupon a skewed position of the plunger is permitted or a skewed position of the plunger is counteracted or a skewed position of the plunger is set during operation of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Patent number: 10058964
    Abstract: A transport device for transporting a work piece along consecutively arranged processing stations of a production installation or a forming press. The transport device includes a first handling installation which transports the work piece which is assigned to the transport device and/or to a transport device which comprises a first transport rail which is longitudinally vertically and/or transversely displaceable. The first handling installation is arranged at the first transport rail or at one of the processing stations and/or at the production installation or at the forming press. A drive is assigned to the transport device. The drive drives the first transport rail and/or the at least one handling installation. The first handling installation is one-dimensionally or multi-dimensionally displaceable so that a multi-axis transport of the work piece is flexibly realized by the first handling installation alone or through an interaction of the first handling installation with the transport rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Ulrich Amann, Ralf Heudorfer
  • Patent number: 10000032
    Abstract: A method and a press are proposed for an energy-efficient drive of a press (1) with a bottom drive, in which a drive device (2) disposed in a bottom section (3), a plunger (1.1) executing a stroke (H) and receiving an upper tool part (1.2) with at least one acting tie rod (2.1.2) of a drive train (2.1) are provided and the upper tool part (2.1) corresponding to a bottom tool part (3.2) disposed in the bottom section (3) machines or forms a work piece (5). The drive device (2) is operated by at least one motor (2.1.1) and by way of a control and regulation device (4) connecting the motor (2.1.1) and the drive train (2.1). Each drive train (2.1) can be operated by its own motor (2.1.1). When using a drawing device with a holder (3.3.1), it is operated in the change and during at least a partial path of the respective stroke (H) by the drive train (2.1) while observing a shaft-type free space (3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Gebhard Engler, Markus Mueller
  • Patent number: 9950487
    Abstract: A method for operating a machine tool/work machine includes providing a machine tool/work tool including a stroke element, a connection arrangement including a traction/pressure element and at least one traction/pressure point, a detachable connection including a connection element, a compensation element or a unit which generate a pre-stress, a (cutting) impact dampening, and compensates for a weight of the stroke element in the connection arrangement. The drive device acts on a work piece to be machined via the connection arrangement with the traction/pressure element and the at least one traction/pressure point via the stroke element. A force is produced via the compensation element or a unit corresponding to a weight of the traction/pressure element, the force being initiated independently from a drive force for the stroke element, to generate a pre-stress, a (cutting) impact dampening and a compensation of the weight of the stroke element in the connection arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Publication number: 20170182611
    Abstract: A transport device for transporting a work piece along consecutively arranged processing stations of a production installation or a forming press. The transport device includes a first handling installation which transports the work piece which is assigned to the transport device and/or to a transport device which comprises a first transport rail which is longitudinally vertically and/or transversely displaceable. The first handling installation is arranged at the first transport rail or at one of the processing stations and/or at the production installation or at the forming press. A drive is assigned to the transport device. The drive drives the first transport rail and/or the at least one handling installation. The first handling installation is one-dimensionally or multi-dimensionally displaceable so that a multi-axis transport of the work piece is flexibly realized by the first handling installation alone or through an interaction of the first handling installation with the transport rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: THOMAS SPIESSHOFER, ULRICH AMANN, RALF HEUDORFER
  • Patent number: 9458873
    Abstract: A connection arrangement of a force- and movement-transmitting drive unit includes a press comprising at least a drive unit, a slide and a part with a thread. The drive unit is mounted at a pull or push point of the slide. A first connecting element comprises a nut mounted movably in the slide. The first connecting element and the part form a releasable connection. The part is releasably connected to an additional connecting part with a thread. The drive unit is connected to the slide via the releasable connection. The first connecting element is mounted movably in the slide. When the drive unit is in a released state or in a removed state, the additional connecting part can be separated from the part to at least partially remain in the first connecting element or in the releasable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Patent number: 9302441
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a press which includes providing a press with at least one plunger which executed a stroke, an upper tool part, a sub-structure. A control and regulation device receives a value(s) on an operating condition from a system of the press. The value(s) are provided from the system of the press to the control and regulation device during a processing of a work piece. The value(s) provided are processed to the control and regulation device according to a function F ? ( x ) = L x · F 2 under the condition that L > x > L 2 so as to permanently operate a movement of the plunger via a drive device and the press in a controlled manner or in a regulated manner according to a system of forces required for a work piece with a respective force which is actively influenced or is actively modified in a position and a dimension/amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Christian Kapler, Gebhard Engler
  • Publication number: 20150047517
    Abstract: A method of using data on the force flow in a press for the operation of a plunger, wherein the loads of the parts involved in the force flow can differ as a result of eccentrically operating forces, in such a way that the data about the respectively acting forces that, in accordance with Hooke's law, cause an extension or compression of a movement of the parts involved in the force flow, is measured and evaluated in relation to a drive device and a position of the plunger, whereupon a skewed position of the plunger is permitted or a skewed position of the plunger is counteracted or a skewed position of the plunger is set during operation of the press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Schuler Pressen GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Publication number: 20140137755
    Abstract: A method and a press are proposed for an energy-efficient drive of a press (1) with a bottom drive, in which a drive device (2) disposed in a bottom section (3), a plunger (1.1) executing a stroke (H) and receiving an upper tool part (1.2) with at least one acting tie rod (2.1.2) of a drive train (2.1) are provided and the upper tool part (2.1) corresponding to a bottom tool part (3.2) disposed in the bottom section (3) machines or forms a work piece (5). The drive device (2) is operated by at least one motor (2.1.1) and by way of a control and regulation device (4) connecting the motor (2.1.1) and the drive train (2.1). Each drive train (2.1) can be operated by its own motor (2.1.1). When using a drawing device with a holder (3.3.1), it is operated in the change and during at least a partial path of the respective stroke (H) by the drive train (2.1) while observing a shaft-type free space (3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Gebhard Engler, Markus Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140083312
    Abstract: A method for operating a machine tool/work machine includes providing a machine tool/work tool comprising a stroke element, a connection arrangement comprising a traction/pressure element and at least one traction/pressure point, a detachable connection comprising a connection element, a compensation element or a unit which generate a pre-stress, a (cutting) impact dampening, and compensates for a weight of the stroke element in the connection arrangement. The drive device acts on a work piece to be machined via the connection arrangement with the traction/pressure element and the at least one traction/pressure point via the stroke element. A force is produced via the compensation element or a unit corresponding to a weight of the traction/pressure element, the force being initiated independently from a drive force for the stroke element, to generate a pre-stress, a (cutting) impact dampening and a compensation of the weight of the stroke element in the connection arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Publication number: 20140083313
    Abstract: A method for operating a machine tool includes determining and providing/storing energy for machining a work piece as available energy by considering a first value of the energy to be applied of at least one element of the machine tool to store energy. Available energy provided in a section or in a partial section of a motion sequence of a stroke element determined for machining the work piece is gathered. Part of the available energy of the energy to be applied for machining the work piece from an energy potential provided/stored in the machine tool is used. A second value for an effective required energy is formed via at least one energy-storing element. A control/regulation of different energy transfers or contents of individual drive components is influenced in an accelerating or decelerating manner during a sequence of the stroke element or during a path of a stroke to compensate for asymmetric loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: DIETMAR SCHOELLHAMMER, Thomas Spiesshofer, Anton Lendler
  • Patent number: 8631742
    Abstract: In a working method using a device for operating presses including a ram and a die, such as forming presses or cutting presses, for example multiple-die presses for large workpieces, transfer presses, multi-ram transfer presses, such forming presses or cutting presses also being arranged in press lines, smaller ram strokes result in optimized freedom of motion of the press, in place of the existing large freedom of motion, the acceleration and speed of the ram are at most maintained, or reduced, while parts output is increased, and smaller paths are made possible due to dynamic ram stroke and transfer movements. To this end, the work process of the ram stroke of presses is controlled according to a curve that follows the function f(x)=a(0)/2+a(1)*cos(1*x) +...+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller Weingarten AG
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Publication number: 20130243519
    Abstract: A connection arrangement of a force- and movement-transmitting drive unit includes a press comprising at least a drive unit, a slide and a part with a thread. The drive unit is mounted at a pull or push point of the slide. A first connecting element comprises a nut mounted movably in the slide. The first connecting element and the part form a releasable connection. The part is releasably connected to an additional connecting part with a thread. The drive unit is connected to the slide via the releasable connection. The first connecting element is mounted movably in the slide. When the drive unit is in a released state or in a removed state, the additional connecting part can be separated from the part to at least partially remain in the first connecting element or in the releasable connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas SPIESSHOFER
  • Publication number: 20130151002
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a press which includes providing a press with at least one plunger which executed a stroke, an upper tool part, a sub-structure. A control and regulation device receives a value(s) on an operating condition from a system of the press. The value(s) are provided from the system of the press to the control and regulation device during a processing of a work piece. The value(s) provided are processed to the control and regulation device according to a function F ? ( x ) = L x · F 2 under the condition that L > x > L 2 so as to permanently operate a movement of the plunger via a drive device and the press in a controlled manner or in a regulated manner according to a system of forces required for a work piece with a respective force which is actively influenced or is actively modified in a position and a dimension/amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SCHULER PRESSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Spiesshofer, Christian Kapler, Gebhard Engler
  • Publication number: 20120210887
    Abstract: In a working method using a device for operating presses comprising a ram and a die, such as forming presses or cutting presses, for example multiple-die presses for large workpieces, transfer presses, multi-ram transfer presses, such forming presses or cutting presses also being arranged in press lines, smaller ram strokes result in optimized freedom of motion of the press, in place of the existing large freedom of motion, the acceleration and speed of the ram are at most maintained, or reduced, while parts output is increased, and smaller paths are made possible due to dynamic ram stroke and transfer movements. To this end, the work process of the ram stroke of presses is controlled according to a curve that follows the function f(x)=a(0)/2+a(1)*cos(1*x)+ . . . +.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Muller Weingarten AG
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Patent number: 6024312
    Abstract: A rotor shear for comminuting particularly bulky waste materials is formed by two cutting rotors (2) combing each other, disposed parallel to each other, supported in a housing (1), and each driven in an opposite direction. Each cutting rotor (2) comprises spacer rings (4) and rotor disks (5) furnished with cutting teeth (6). A face of a front flank (61) of at least one cutting tooth (6) is furnished with geometrically staggered and/or angled partial faces (65). The spacer rings (4) and the rotor disks (5) are disposed on shafts (3). Wear disks (7) are coordinated to outer rotor disks (5) with corresponding circumferences and are connected to the shaft (3). The cutting teeth (6) operate against the circumference of the spacer rings (4) disposed between the rotor disks (5). At least one support device/stripper device (8) is coordinated with at least one shaft (3), where support parts (81) and stripper parts (82) of the support device/stripper device (8) are functionally separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Svedala Lindemann GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer