Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology relate to safety knobs. An example automatic locking knob assembly includes a knob, a base, an adapter, and a locking sub-assembly. The locking sub-assembly is configured to automatically lock the knob into place when a valve stem of a stove is in an off position. The locking sub-assembly also allows for controlled rotation of the valve stem of the stove by actuation of buttons associated with the knob.

Abstract: A die clamp assembly for a press machine having a first die includes a die clamp configured to couple the first die to the press machine and a position sensing apparatus coupled to the die clamp. The position sensing apparatus being configured to sense proximity of the die clamp assembly to a sensing face of the first die.

Abstract: Improved bales may be formed using methods that include baling equipment with multi-component bolster assemblies that may ease installation and removal, reduce wear and tear and maintenance, and/or improve efficiency by reducing material waste, imperfections, and/or contamination. The bolster assemblies may include a plurality of coupling portions that engage a hydraulic rod and may enable the bolster assembly to self-center within a press chamber during normal baling operations. The bolster assemblies also may include an island portion that may be attached to the coupling portions and to a bolster cap, and the latter may be attached using retainer bolts having substantially flat, non-circular heads. The bolts may reduce irregularities in the bale and/or prevent material seepage into the bolster assemblies. During maintenance, an operator may remove only the bolster cap island assembly for cleaning, substantially reducing the time and strength needed to clean and/or repair the baler and reduce downtime.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding articles includes a first mold carrier configured to angularly displace relative to a fixed structure from a first molding position to first accessing position and a second mold carrier traveling with the first mold carrier and configured to angularly displace relative to the first mold carrier from a second molding position to a second accessing position. The first mold carrier may be pivotably coupled to the fixed structure; the second mold carrier may be slidably and rotatably coupled to the first mold carrier. A third mold carrier may be provided, and the second mold carrier may be located between the first and third mold carriers. An articulation mechanism may be provided to control relative motion of the second mold carrier relative to the first mold carrier as the first mold carrier pivots relative to the fixed structure. A method for molding articles is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a tooling system for use in an associated press comprising a lower tool shoe, an upper tool shoe, a first set of tooling plates, and a second set of tooling plates. The lower tool shoe comprises an upwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The upper tool shoe comprises a downwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The first set of tooling plates comprises a first lower tooling plate and a first upper tooling plate. The second set of tooling plates comprises a second lower tooling plate and a second upper tooling plate.

Abstract: In the die cushion device, a shock absorber device relieves shock between a cushion pad and a support section. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and an elastic section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The elastic section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative displacement of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The controller section controls a servomotor so that a speed difference between the speed of the slide member and the speed of the support section is set to be a predetermined target speed difference value that changes over time.

Abstract: A die cushion pad 13 is divided into four small pads 15 and a large pad 16. With this arrangement, a load applied to an action point of each of the small pads 15 can be equalized by the large pad 16, and an overturning moment arising between the action point and a reaction force point that equates the center of the small pad 15 can be canceled, thereby preventing flexure of the small pad 15. Accordingly, since flexure of the cushion pin and the like can be prevented, there is no risk that the cushion pin is frictioned against the penetrating hole of a bolster, and the lifting operation can be smoothly performed, whereby a higher-accuracy pressing forming operation can be realized.

Abstract: A press with a cylinder for the movement of a pressure element is described. The cylinder is connected to a toggle lever, wherein the toggle lever is connected to a drive and wherein the drive moves the cylinder via the toggle lever.

Abstract: A pressing machine 1 includes: a bed 6 on which a die-cushion device 10 is provided; and a bolster 51 provided on the bed 6. The bed 6 has an inner space 61 in which a die-cushion pad 13 of the die-cushion device 10 is lifted up and down. A supporting portion 63 penetrating the die-cushion pad 13 in a lifting direction and supporting a lower surface of the bolster 51 via a carrier 52 is provided in the inner space 61. With this arrangement, since the bolster 51 is supported by the supporting portion 63, the bolster 51 can be prevented from being flexed during a press forming operation, whereby a highly accurate press forming operation can be realized. In addition, since the supporting portion 63 penetrates the die-cushion pad 13, unlike conventional arrangements, the die-cushion pad 13 does not need to be divided, whereby a complication of the arrangement can be avoided.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided, which is structured to be affixed to a shell press. The die assembly includes at least one die shoe having first and second opposing ends, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end. The divisions are structured to divide the at least one die shoe into a plurality of pieces to accommodate thermal expansion. Each of the divisions between the pieces of the at least one die shoe has a profile. Preferably, the profile is not straight. Each of the divisions of the at least one die shoe form a gap between the pieces of the die shoe, thereby spacing the pieces apart from one another. The pieces are independently coupled to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press. A shell press and a method for employing the die assembly in a shell press are also disclosed.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided, which is structured to be affixed to a shell press. The die assembly includes at least one die shoe having first and second opposing ends, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end. The divisions are structured to divide the at least one die shoe into a plurality of pieces to accommodate thermal expansion. Each of the divisions between the pieces of the at least one die shoe has a profile. Preferably, the profile is not straight. Each of the divisions of the at least one die shoe form a gap between the pieces of the die shoe, thereby spacing the pieces apart from one another. The pieces are independently coupled to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press. A shell press and a method for employing the die assembly in a shell press are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compactor for compacting material includes a trough adapted to hold the material for compaction. A feed channel is coupled to the trough. A shearing die assembly having a first aperture aligned with the feed channel is adapted to receive material and a second aperture is adapted to receive a ramming portion.

Abstract: A device for moving objects (4), such as die tools or molds, to and from the table (2) of a press (1) comprises a bar (24) being vertically movable, by means of inflating a bag (10), from a first position in which an upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located below the upper surface (16) of the table (2) to a second position in which the upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located above the upper surface (16) of the table (2). The bar (24) is adapted to slide horizontally in its longitudinal direction and is provided with gear teeth (28). A gear wheel (32), engaging the gear teeth (28) of the bar (24), is adapted to move the bar (24) in the horizontal direction along the slot (14) when the bar (24) is in its second position and thus to move an object (4) resting on the upper surface (26) of the bar (24).

Abstract: Guide posts that guide the elevating motion of a slide also serves as the guide means for the elevating motion of a bolster. A bolster elevation drive means consists of a hydraulic cylinder. The top of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the bottom of the bolster. For maintenance and inspection of the dies, the bolster is lowered to open a space between the upper die and the lower die. During operation of the press, the bolster is supported by hydraulic pressure trapped in the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable, compact hot press. The hot press includes a frame that has a press unit attached thereto. The press unit has a crown plate, a bolster plate, and a base plate. An upper press unit is attached to the crown plate and a lower press unit is attached to the bolster plate. The lower press unit is configured to contact the upper press unit when the press is in a closed position. The press further includes a control unit attached to the frame. The control unit is configured to manually or automatically control press operation. Additionally, the press includes a hydraulic unit that is attached to the frame and is configured to facilitate motion of the press operation.

Abstract: A punching-bending machine is disclosed for manufacturing different workpieces which is outfitted with at least one exchangeable machining module provided with punching-bending tools which can be driven mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically, wherein the machining module is received by a portal having at least one side wall and a transverse member which can be connected thereto, wherein bearing devices are provided for supporting the machining module

Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.

Abstract: A tool drive apparatus and method are provided which are particularly well suited for the processing of semiconductor chips on leadframe strips. The tool drive apparatus includes at least one press having a tool-receiving space, a top and bottom tool received in the tool-receiving space, and a drive unit coupled to the at least one press for asynchronous substantially vertical movement of the top tools in adjacent presses. The drive unit includes a rotatable main shaft carrying up to six cam discs each of which may be associated with a press. This arrangement permits the processing of more than one process area on a leadframe strip in the same press cycle in one tool at a time enabling the tools to be placed closer together to shorten the processing line. The tool drive apparatus may also include a latch assembly which, when activated, creates a larger tool-receiving space for repair and maintenance of the tool in one press without affecting other presses in the processing line.

Abstract: A vibration welding apparatus for welding synthetic resin parts together by vibrating one of the resin parts while the resin parts are in contact with each other. An upper jig for supporting one of the synthetic resin parts, a lower jig for supporting the other of the snythetic resin parts and a vibrating member to which the upper jig is attached are provided in the apparatus. The jigs are held together by bolts which can withstand the vibrating motions. Head portions of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes of the upper jig, notches of spacers are engaged with the shaft portions of the bolts between an attached portion of the upper jig and the head portions of the bolts, and the bolts are fastened to the vibrating member in the state where the notches are engaged with the shaft portions, so that the attached portion is fastened through the spacers by the head portions of the bolts and the vibrating member to thereby attach the upper jig to the vibrating member.

Abstract: A press mold for glass substrate includes an upper mold and a lower mold, and a pressure apparatus for applying pressure to the upper mold and the lower mold, for molding a plate-shaped glass substrate having a predetermined thickness between the upper mold and the lower mold. An engaging projected piece is projectingly provided on the side portion of the upper mold, an engaging projected piece supporting portion for supporting the engaging projected piece is provided on the side portion of the lower mold, and an end portion of the upper mold is formed so as to be released from the lower mold with the engaging projected piece as a rotating shaft. Variance in pressure on mold surfaces between the upper mold and lower mold is detected, and a buffer made of material having lower compressive yield strength than material constituting the lower mold is inserted between the lower mold and the pressure apparatus in a position corresponding to the mold surface portion at lower pressure.

Abstract: The die changing apparatus for a plate reduction press machine, comprises an upper die support holder 28a and a lower die support holder 28b that are arranged vertically on opposite sides of a transfer line, and support holder guide rails 31 installed on the upper die support holder and extending substantially horizontally in the lateral direction of the transfer line, and an upper die 29a and a lower die 29b are mounted on the upper and lower die support holders, respectively using the rollers onto the dies, fixing devices 30 that fix the upper and lower dies on the upper and lower die support holders, respectively, die fastening members 38 which are placed on each side of the upper and lower dies, opposite each other in such a manner that they can be fastened to both dies, and a die changing mechanism that can move one of the die fastening members in a direction perpendicular to the transfer line.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for supporting one or more dies used in a transfer press. In one aspect of the invention, the press die support structure comprises a gull wing shaped press bed comprising a top portion including two opposing wing portions, at least a part of each wing portion being supportable by one of a pair of approximately parallel horizontal beams, the top portion operable to support at least one press die, and a bottom portion having a center portion disposed between the wing portions.

Abstract: A preferred clamshell press (10) includes a changeover apparatus (12) for shifting the tool support chase (22) between an operating position and a shifted position in which the chase (22) is positioned for facilitating tool changing thereon while remaining coupled with the machine body (14). The changeover apparatus (12) includes a tracking assembly (26) having rollers (40) received in guide tracks (32) in the side edges of the chase (22) for guiding the chase (22) during shifting, and an actuator (28) using hydraulic cylinders (42, 44) to shift the chase (22). The apparatus (12) further includes registration slots (62, 66) and corresponding registration tabs (60, 64) for ensuring registration between the chase (22) and the machine body (14) in the operating position, and a locking mechanism (56) for locking the chase (22) in the operating position.

Abstract: In a die cutting press for elongated material, a registration system includes a die unit that is shiftable along the path of travel of the material, along a direction of travel transverse to the path of travel, and about a reference axis perpendicular to a plane containing the material. At least one camera is provided for receiving images from the desired locations that are occupied by indicia on the material when defined areas of the material are in a predetermined relationship relative to the die unit. Reference image data representative of the desired locations of the indicia relative to the die unit is produced so that a comparison can be made between the reference image data and the actual positions of the indicia.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of exchanging die sets in a press system. First, a state is established in which a die set having been used by the press system is held with a die holder means provided to a slide of the press system and is lifted up by the said slide. In this state, into an interior of the press system a carrier vehicle is transported having a first space in which a die set to be used next by the press system having been and a second space capable of accepting the said used die set, which is then dislodged from the said slide and is mounted on the carrier vehicle. Thereafter, the carrier vehicle is displaced to such a place that the said die set to be used next may be kept located below the said slide. Then, a state is established in which the said die set to be used next is held by the die holder means and is lifted up by the said slide. Thereafter, out of the interior of the press system, the said carrier vehicle is transported having the said used die set mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing the dies (10, 13) in thermoforming equipment provided with a base (2), a supporting structure (12) supported by the base (2), a supporting head (9) for a counter-die (10) carried by the supporting structure, a supporting table (12) for a die supported by the base (2) beneath the supporting head (9), actuation means for the head (9) and for the supporting table (12) to control a sequence of controlled insertion and withdrawal movements between the head (9) and the supporting table (12) to cause the die (13) to close against and open away from the counter-die (10), feed means for a sheet of thermoformable material for pressing designed to operate synchronously with the activating means and including a pair of longitudinal members (15) to advance the sheet in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which the die (13) opens and closes.

Abstract: A die changing system for a press includes a single push-pull drive system and a double push-pull drive system which move roller supported bolsters along a T-shape track system. Each bolster includes a stationary set of rollers to roll along one section of the T-shaped track system and a retractable set of rollers to roll along the other section of the T-shaped track system. The retractable rollers are moved utilizing a pressurized hydraulic fluid system. Each drive system includes a two speed oil-shear drive which operates at high speed to rapidly move the bolster to a near-final position and then switches to low speed to provide an accurate final positioning for the bolster and its associated die set.

Abstract: A device for exchanging cutting tools including a movable carriage having a base arranged beneath a floor of a platform surrounding the cutting section of the platen press with the base having a portion extending through a slot in the platform provided with a supporting axle, a supporting frame made of a basic plate and two vertical standards connected at the upper end to form an isosceles triangle is provided with a sliding bearing that is telescopically received on the supporting axle and the carriage includes an arrangement for shifting the supporting frame vertically relative to the base so as to enable lifting a cutting tool from the support arm of the press. The basic member of the supporting frame has spaces on each side of the frame for supporting two cutting tools so that two new tools can be placed on one side of the frame and two tools to be replaced can be carried on the other side of the frame during exchange of one pair of cutting tools for another.

Abstract: The invention is an improved membrane press, and method of elevating a workpiece above the supporting surface of a work base. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a foil-pressing frame positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying the laminating foil to the workpiece. The improvement in the membrane press includes a plurality of workpiece-lifting pedestals residing substantially beneath the supporting surface of the work base. A piston is located beneath each pedestal, and responds to the placement of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base. The piston imparts an upward force on certain ones of the pedestals residing adjacent to and beneath the workpiece to raise the pedestals and workpiece upwardly above the supporting surface of the work base. The raised pedestals permit the top surface, corners, and peripheral borders of the elevated workpiece to be laminated.

Abstract: A set of laterally extending rails which facilitate translation of a die into a die opening of a reciprocating cutoff press from a storage area and vice-a-versa. A first set of rails are secured to the longitudinally reciprocable press carriage; and, a second set of rails extend laterally therefrom to function as a storage platform. A rack and pinion system is used to accomplish translation of a die from a storage area into the press opening. In addition, a cylinder is extended so as to index a follower along a cam profile which elevates the follower to facilitate engagement with the die assembly to further translate the assembly into final position in the press opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the installation of a dieset in a vertically reciprocating press which includes cooperating horizontal reciprocation guides to facilitate horizontal reciprocation of a dieset with translation of a continuous workpiece passing therethrough. The apparatus comprises a loading platform which is disposed in a plane substantially parallel to that defined by the uppermost surface of the reciprocating press platform. The loading platform includes an elevatable portion located centrally therein which is capable of elevating the dieset so as to achieve a proper alignment of the horizontal reciprocating guides of the dieset with cooperating horizontal reciprocating guides of the reciprocating press. In addition, the elevating platform features guides which establish a lateral alignment of cooperating reciprocating guides. An air cylinder is used to define the alternate elevations of the elevating platform.

Abstract: A rear portion of a chain transmission member (21) is connected to a push/pull drive device (19) disposed in the rear portion of the metal mould replacing stand (3) while a front portion of the transmission member (21) is connected to the advancing/retreating member (22). A guide rail (23) for accommodating the transmission member (21) and the advancing/retreating member (22) is placed in the upper portion of the replacing stand (3) so as to extend in the fore and rear direction. A front portion of a hook (28) is supported vertically swingably by a front portion of the advancing/retreating member (22) through a pin (29) and a concave engaging portion (30) is formed in the rear swingable portion of the hook (28) so as to face upward. An engaged portion (34) is formed in the rear portion of the metal mould (7) so as to project downward and the engaging portion (30) is adapted to be engaged with the engaged portion (34) by means of a spring (36) from below.

Abstract: Apparatus for restraining and transporting dies in punch press operations is provided. A floatation platen for supporting a die on the platen's upper surface has a plurality of recessed gas exhaust ports on the platen's lower surface. A source of pressurized gas delivers gas to a platen manifold, for delivery to orifices located in the gas exhaust ports. The flow of gas is controlled by a first valve adjacent the gas source and a second valve adjacent the manifold, with the second valve being used to control the gas flow during movement of the die. In this fashion, a die may be moved on a cushion of air from one workstation to a selected second workstation. A moveable hydraulically operated restraining fixture is also provided, for clamping the die in position during the compacting phase, and for releasing the die after completion of the compacting phase by releasing the hydraulic pressure on the restraining fixture.

Abstract: Contactless coupling of magnetic fields of a movable proximity detector when positioned juxtaposed to a fixedly mounted proximity detector permits transfer of signals from a remote proximity detector indicative of sensing the presence of a workpiece positioned at a work station of an automatic metal forming machine.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a press tool interchanging apparatus for a press machine, comprising: a tool plate arranged in a press station and including a plurality of tool clamps hydraulically actuated for clamping a press tool; a bolster plate underlying the tool plate and having a plurality of rollers adapted to appear, when lifted, above the upper surface of the bolster plate for carrying the press tool; a plurality of lifters arranged in the bolster plate and hydraulically actuated for lifting the rollers; and a plurality of pressure fluid conduits arranged in the tool plate for feeding a fluid under pressure to the tool clamps and the lifters. Thus, the tool plate is arranged with the tool clamps and the fluid conduits, and the lifters having the vertically movable rollers are mounted in the bolster plate.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding a slide of a press machine is disclosed. The slide is connected to a crank shaft extending laterally through connecting rods. The press further includes a bolster supporting a bottom die and a top die attached to the slide. An upper guide arrangement is provided between the slide and columns extending upward from a press machine bed for maintaining the slide parallel to the bolster by guiding a vertical stroke of the slide via contact at laterally spaced positions on front and rear sides of the slide. A lower guide is provided for horizontally adjusting the horizontal position of at least one of a first vertical structure including the slide and the press machine bed or of a second vertical structure including the top die and the bottom die to accurately set the dies.

Abstract: A press having a U-shaped mold table and a removable mold block insertable therein. The mold block is wedged upward against limiting guide members of the mold table.

Abstract: Structure for and method of die transfer. The structure comprises low friction bearing structures set into elongated T-slot bars secured in parallel, transverse spaced apart relation on a bolster plate and a die transfer truck table top actuable in response to the table top being raised to the level of the top of the T-slot bars with the table adjacent the bolster plate to raise a die positional on either the truck or bolster plate and facilitate universal movement of the die in a plane parallel to the top of the bolster plate. V-block and pin structure for centering the die on the bolster plate and die clamping structure including a washer having one straight edge and which moves axially of a bolt with a nut are also part of the die transfer structure.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing compression moldings in which at least two compressing lines and two tool-changing carriages are provided. Each compressing line has a molding press located between loading and unloading mechanisms. The tool-changing carriages travel on a horizontal rail back and forth across the compressing lines. A platform travels up and down on each tool-changing carriage, and a shaft is provided upstream of each molding press on a tool-changing side for positioning and centering the platform.

Abstract: This device assists with the disengagement from and installation of a press brake die on a press brake. It includes a die receiving and holding device having a surface along which are located a number of spaced apart openings, each opening terminating at the surface of the press brake, adjacent to any press brake die which is in the press brake. Devices for engaging the bottom of a die are located within each opening, normally below the surface, but capable of movement out of the opening and above the surface. When the devices for engaging the die are moved out of their openings they engage the bottom of any die which is present, and move it away from the surace of the press brake. The system includes a mechanism for activating the movement of each die engaging device above the surface, and also for moving each die engaging device back below the surface of the press brake.

Abstract: A die structure for use in conjunction with a metal working press is provided without the usual large bottom plate member secured to the undersides of the spaced apart parallel members projecting downwardly from the underside of the shoe portion of the die. To permit the plateless die structure to be rollingly transported from place to place along a horizontal support surface, a plurality of specially designed lifter devices are secured to the die parallels and rotatably carry a plurality of roller members. The lifter devices are pneumatically operable and, when actuated, drive the roller members downwardly beyond the common plane in which the bottom sides of the parallels lie to thereby elevate the die structure above a horizontal support surface and rollingly support the die structure thereon. Upon deactivation thereof, the lifter devices permit the undersides of the die parallels to settle back down onto the support surface, thereby stationarily positioning the plateless die structure thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing dies on a moving bolster for a press including a control circuit in combination with a cam-actuated deceleration valve. A ramp is located at a predetermined location along a path for the moving bolster. Upon reaching the ramp location when the bolster is moving toward the press, the deceleration valve is actuated to inhibit and shut off a flow of air to air-operated motors on the bolster. Thereupon, the moves to a stop at a predetermined location relative to the press.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clamp assembly for use in combination with a vulcanization press for curing tires wherein the press includes a frame for supporting upper and lower platens carrying upper and lower cooperating mold halves. The platens are movable toward and away from each other such that the mold halves may be moved toward a closed mating position and an open tire receiving position. The clamp assemblies of the present invention hold the mold halves onto their respective platens and include an elongated clamp body which is mounted to the press frame adjacent to a platen and a sliding wedge member which is guided for movement toward and away from the platen along the clamp body. The mold halves are each provided with a wedge-shaped clamp ring and pneumatic cylinders are provided for moving the sliding wedge member forward to engage the clamp rings and thereby hold the mold halves in place on the platens.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic die changing system for a power press with at least one carrier for transporting dies to and from a selected location in the press. The carrier is supported on a set of wheels, which are driven by at least one AC induction motor. An adjustable frequency AC motor drive supplies an AC frequency and voltage to the AC induction motor to control the speed of the motor and therefore the speed of a horizontal movement of the carrier into or out of the press. The speed of the carrier may be rapidly increased by increasing the AC frequency supplied to the motor on the individual wheels. A proximity detector signals the motor drive to trip a dynamic braking resistor, which electronically changes the phase order of the motors to reverse the direction of motor rotation, to decelerate the carrier in order to locate the carrier in the proper position.

Abstract: A die location pin to be used with a die of the type having a pin recess and shaped to be mounted on an associated bolster having a complementary pin recess. The pin includes a central shaft which supports a slide member engaging upper and lower resilient members positioned in the die and bolster recesses, respectively. Upper and lower collar members are fixed relative to the die and bolster and engage the upper and lower resilient members on sides opposite of that engaged by the slide member. The die includes a shoulder which, when the die is placed upon the bolster, engages a shoulder of the slide member to urge the slide member downwardly such that the upper and lower resilient members are compressed against the upper and lower collar members, respectively, thereby forcing the resilient members to expand radially outwardly to eliminate clearance between the pin and pin recess in the die and bolster in order to provide a more precise pin location function.

Abstract: Apparatus (30,42) for a molding press (10) which permits rapid mold module (50,52) change-out has been disclosed. The apparatus includes a sliding frame plate (30) which carries the B-side master frame (48) and plate receiving members (42) for receiving the plates (30). One member (42-b) is mounted on the movable platen (38) and another member (42-a) is located to one side and in alignment with the other so that the frame plate (30) may be shifted in and out of the press (10).

Abstract: A platen press designed for cutting, creasing or embossing sheet-like materials includes a lower movable beam carrying the sheet, and an upper beam stationary beam or which a tool is fitted. To avoid bending of the tool which has a shape of a plate in an operating position at least one of a chamber of an inner volume of the upper beam is isolated from the atmosphere and is connected to a vacuum source and has a duct extending from the one chamber to a lower surface of the beam adjacent the back surface of the plate forming the tool so as to apply a suction between the tool and the lower surface to hold the tool against the lower surface.

Abstract: A clamping system for traversing and clamping molds in a molding machine, the clamping system including a toggle-type clamp arrangement defined by a plurality of pivotally connected links. A movable crosshead is connected with one end of the toggle and is carried on a crosshead guide, and a ball screw is rotatably secured to the movable crosshead to extend in the direction opposite from the molds and through a stationary platen. A ball nut rotatably carried by the stationary platen is in engagement with the ball screw and is drivingly connected with a first motor to axially move the ball screw to provide between the molds a clamping force sufficient to resist separation of the molds during high pressure injection of molding material. A second motor is drivingly coupled with the ball screw and is movable therewith in an axial direction. The second motor is adapted to rotate the ball screw for rapid traverse movement of the movable crosshead to rapidly bring the molds into and out of contact.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a die to a die holder for use as a molding die in an injection molding machine permits the die to be oriented on the die holder in a number of different angularly rotated positions. Clamping bolts secured to the die extend perpendicularly of a contacting plane between the die and die holder and project into corresponding holes in the die holder. Slides are provided in passageways in the die holder with the passageways extending parallel to the contacting plane. The slides are displaceable in the passageways into securing and clamping engagement with the clamping bolts. The slides are wedge-shaped and inter-engage corresponding wedge-shaped recesses in the outer surface of the clamping bolts. The slides can be displaced by actuating members. Hydraulic piston cylinder units can be used as the actuating members for holding the slides in the clamped position during operation.

Abstract: In a power press having a vertically moveable slide and upper and lower dies which may be transported to and from the power press by means of mobile bolsters, an automatic die change system utilizing microprocessor control. The microprocessor storing data regarding each die set and carrying out the die change operation based on that stored data. The microprocessor control permitting multiple steps in the die change procedure to be carried out simultaneously, thereby reducing the time necessary to effect a die change. The microprocessor control further reducing the time necessary to change a die set by adjusting the slide counterbalance pressure to a level within a predetermined range.