Abstract: A press control system monitors and is responsive to the loads associated with individual die stations in a progressive die. The system detects chipped, dull, or excessively loaded portions of the progressive die and provides automatic quality monitoring of the parts produced by the press. The system provides a display of press load as a function of time scaled by the speed of the press. The press load as a function of time is automatically analyzed to determine and display the number of die stations and the peak loads associated with each die station in the progressive die. The peak loads are compared to limit values that depend in part on the past history of the press in order to monitor the condition of the progressive die and if necessary to shut down the press. The number and quality of parts produced by the press are also determined from the peak loads. Gradual wear of the die is monitored to determined when sharpening is required.

Abstract: Applicants disclose a load monitoring system for monitoring cyclical loads on the pitman of a production press during operation. The system includes a transducer attached to the pitman of the press to produce an electrical load signal that is proportional to the forces on the pitman. The electrical load signal is connected to an overload/underload detector circuit and to a timing signal generating circuit. In response to the load signal from the transducer, the timing signal generating circuit produces timing signals, including a check pulse, in timed relationship to the cyclical stroke of the pitman.The timing signals are used to control the operation of the overload/underload detector circuit and other aspects of the press production.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for monitoring loads that are cyclicaly applied to a force carrying member is disclosed. The load monitoring system comprises a transducer for sensing the loads exerted and a differential load monitoring circuit which receives the transducer signals, generates a normal load reference signal relating to previous load signals received and compares the normal load reference signal to the present load signal to determine when the present load exceeds the previous load by a predetermined amount for successive cycles of operation. The differential load monitoring circuit also includes an inhibit circuit which, during initial start-up of the cyclical load serves to inhibit the operation of the differential load monitoring circuit until such time as the normal load reference signals can be established.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for indicating and controlling loads cyclically applied to force carrying members, such as the members of production presses. The system includes a high load limit circuit adapted to energize an overload detector when the loading on the member exceeds a predetermined maximum value and a low load limit circuit adapted to activate an underload detector when the loading on the member fails to reach a predetermined minimum value during a loading cycle. The low load limit circuit includes a control rectifier that is rendered conductive for a predetermined short pulse during each loading cycle in which the minimum load is exceeded and solid state logic means responsive to the failure of the rectifier to trigger during a loading cycle for activating the underload detector.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for indicating and controlling loads intermittently applied to force carrying members, such as pitmans, columns, tie rods, and toggle mechanisms of production presses. The system includes a monitor that has a main circuit board and a plurality of removable and replaceable electronic modules, each module having a base with rows of closely spaced depending pins that are insertable into connectors in the main circuit board to positively secure the module in place and electrically couple its components to the circuit board. The illustrated monitor includes a signal conditioning module which may be calibrated for the press on which the monitor is to be used, after which time it may be used in replacement or modified monitors without the necessity for their recalibration.