Abstract: The disclosure relates to a die transfer system for a press having a bolster for the support of a die. The system comprises a pair of elongated, parallel upwardly opening cavities having horizontally extending vertically movable rails therein. A plurality of rollers are supported by each rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. An air bag extends longitudinally of each of said cavities under said rails and is engageable with the bottom thereof. Inflation of the air bags effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster.

Abstract: A mechanism for the program-controllable exchange of injection molding dies in the die closing unit of an injection molding machine, comprising a translation table with two die emplacements which are alternatingly movable into transverse alignment with the die clamping space, for horizontal transfer of a die assembly. The transfer movement is produced by a compact roller chain drive with drive pins engaging recesses in a drive rack. The die assemblies have standardized back plates for positioning and guidance of the die assembly by means of aligned guide faces on the translation table and on a guide shelf of the die closing unit. Each die emplacement has a separate drive rack which entrains a die assembly. The drive racks are restrained against movement, when outside the transfer position.

Abstract: A bolster travels, with a first set of wheels propelled by a first pneumatic motor, along a first pair of rails into and out of a press and, with a second set of wheels propelled by a second pneumatic motor, along a second pair of rails laid at right angles with the first rail pair. The first set of wheels are mounted to the bolster body via hydraulic lift jacks for up-and-down movement into and out of engagement with the rails. The first and second pneumatic motors communicate with a source of air under pressure via first and second pilot-operated selector valves respectively. The lift jacks communicate with a hydraulic pump, driven from the pressurized air source, via a third pilot-operated selector valve. For pilot-operating the first, second and third selector valves there are provided manual control valves and sensors, the latter being actuated automatically to produce pneumatic signals representative of various working conditions of the bolster.

Abstract: An apparatus for manually shifting a transfer bar of a transfer press between a first or advanced position and a second or retreated position. The apparatus is mounted on a moving bolster and comprises a frame and a sliding member slidable between the first and second positions and carrying a transfer bar thereon. A lever is pivotally mounted at its base end to the frame and the leading end of the lever has a roller rotatably mounted thereto. The roller is adapted to move vertically guided by a guide member mounted to the under surface of the sliding member as the lever pivots on its base end. A spring is provided for helping the movements of the transfer bar between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A moving bolster arrangement for a transfer press having three uprights defining a first and a second press station therebetween. The arrangement includes first and second left side moving bolsters and first and second right side moving bolsters, each adapted to move into and out of first and second press stations. Each moving bolster has a motor mounted thereon for driving the same. Motors mounted on the first and second left side moving bolsters are connected to a single power source through electric cables while motors mounted on the first and second right side moving bolsters are connected to another single power source through electric cables.

Abstract: An automatic die changing system for a power press having carriers for transporting dies to and from a work station in the press and having a plurality of air lines and electrical lines in the press for supplying compressed air and electrical power to the dies on the carriers. All of the air and electrical lines terminate at the surface of the press, with a normally closed valve at the end of each of the air lines and electrical contact means at the end of each of the electrical lines. A plurality of connectors are mounted on each of the carriers to register with the valves and electrical contacts when the carrier is positioned at the work station, and responsive to the lowering of the carrier onto the press bed to automatically connect the air and electrical lines at the surface of the bed with corresponding air and electrical lines for operating control devices associated with the dies on the carrier.

Abstract: A device for securing dies on a die mount is disclosed, which includes a plurality of first and second clamps which are tiltably mounted on a die mount and a camshaft extends through openings in the clamps and serves to secure the dies.

Abstract: An auxiliary die conveyor includes a metal support jointed to a bolster and a die carrier including a pair of side plates, the carrier further including a hanging means in its upper tail section, the support metal including a depression adapted to interlock with the hanging means in such a manner as to allow the carrier to rotate in the depression while a lower part of the carrier comes into abutment with the support metal, thereby preventing the carrier from lowering below the level of the bolster.

Abstract: A die clamp arrangement for attaching a die member to a press slide includes an elongated attachment member rotatably and slidably attached near its upper end in guide slots of a support bracket attached to a vertical face of the press slide. In attachment position, the lower threaded end of the attachment member extends below the press slide. A pin on the attachment member rests on the press slide and a square shaped intermediate section of the attachment member is located in a like shaped slot in the press slide to thereby distribute to the press slide the compressive clamping and torque loads which result from a nut being threaded on the attachment member to secure the die member to the press slide. In a self-stored position, the elongated member is moved relative to the guide slots to engage the upper end thereof with the support bracket under the force of gravity and maintain the lower end of the attachment member free of the area below the press slide.

Abstract: A die lifter unit comprises a rolled metal section of inverted open-topped rectangular shape which is floatably supported on heavy duty springs in a groove extending along the top surface of the bolster, the section carrying a roller for supporting the die.

Abstract: The bolster of a pressing or punching machine is provided with a hydraulic die lifter unit having a hydraulic system in itself, the die lifter unit including rollers adapted to allow a die to transport smoothly thereon, and being floatably fitted in a groove on the top surface of the bolster.