Abstract: This device for bending the tool holder of a folding press comprises structure for controlling the deformation of the wedge secured at either end, in the form of a hollow screw engaged in a socket rigid with the tool holder so that it can accomplish movements of translation within this socket, a member for fastening the screw to the wedge, a sprocket mounted coaxially to the screw on the screw-threaded shank thereof for causing the translation of the screw in the socket, and a single driving system for controlling the rotation of the set of sprockets acting at different thrust points disposed at spaced intervals along the wedge, this single wedge having a relatively great length and being therefore easily deformable under the control of the single control system.

Abstract: A platen press has upper and lower platens each provided with at least one rigidifying beam. A group of hydraulic cylinders spaced about over one of the platens serves to urge the two platens together in a pressing direction to compress a workpiece--plywood, fiber mat, chipboard, or the like--between the platens. During pressing the platens and their rigidifying beams bend somewhat. This bending is measured by an apparatus which comprises a flexible strand, holders at the ends of the one beam for gripping the ends of the strand and holding same straight and under tension, and sensors fixed on the one beam at a location between the ends of the one beam for measuring the displacement of the strand relative to the beam at the location during pressing. This sensor lies wholly out of physical contact with the strand.

Abstract: An overload safety device for a hydraulic press of the type in which a parallel linkage is mounted on the moveable beam to ensure normal accurate alignment if constituted by an operating rod mounted preferably on the transverse connecting rod of the parallel linkage in order to operate limit switches in accordance with longitudinal dimension changes due to compressive or tensile forces in this connecting rod arising from asymmetrical load. The operating rod can be arcuate and mounted at each end on the connecting rod or can be straight and mounted at one end only. Flexing of the arcuate rod or relative movement of the free end of the straight rod can be magnified by a mechanical linkage with an arm operating the limit switches.

Abstract: Hydraulic mechanism controlling approach and separation of relatively movable platens of a press is provided to maintain them in parallel relation. If one of two columns of the press advances relative to the other, the advanced column is slowed by restricting fluid flow return from its cylinder. Diagonally opposite cylinders in a four-column press are thus controlled.

Abstract: A computer-controlled hydraulic press brake includes an actuator and control system which automatically provides variable pre-programmable ram opening and closing strokes. A microprocessor within the control system responds to stroke parameters entered by the operator and an encoder-generated signal indicative of ram position to generate a velocity command signal defining a velocity profile for positioning the ram to the stroke limits. Closed-loop servo systems associated with each ram cylinder respond to the velocity command signal to cause movement of the ram in accordance with the velocity profile. A ram leveling circuit responsive to individual position sensors associated with respective sides of the ram compensates for ram tilt by simultaneously applying complimentary correction signals to the respective servo systems. A second velocity profile may be generated in response to stored parameters to position a back gauge concurrently with ram movement by means of a second motor drive servo system.

Abstract: A downstroke baler comprising a compaction chamber through which a platen is reciprocated vertically by spaced pressure actuated cylinders secured to opposite ends of the platen. The lower end of an actuating rod rests upon a support plate secured to the frame of the baler and a bracket secured to the frame of the baler is positioned adjacent the upper end of the actuating rod to restrain the actuating rod against vertical movement. A sleeve is secured to the platen and slides along the actuating rod such that the actuating rod is maintained perpendicular to the face of the platen. The upper end of the actuating rod is connected through an actuating link to valves secured to the frame of the baler. The valves control a hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinders which raise and lower the platen such that movement of the platen from a horizontal attitude causes the actuating rod to be moved from a vertical attitude thereby changing flow of fluid to the cylinders to return the platen to a horizontal attitude.