Abstract: The subject matter discloses a computerized system to assist teaching and learning a written music language the system comprising a processor configured to obtain a reference music data object, wherein the reference music data object comprises a sequence of note properties, said note properties comprise one or more note parameters; extract the note properties from the music data object; determine an associated note syllable based on the note properties; generate a visual music notation according to the note properties, and generate a synthesized solfege singing sound according to the determined note syllable and the note properties; a display unit configured to display the music notation; and, an audio generation unit configured to output the synthesized solfege singing sound to a user of the computerized system.

Abstract: The invention describes a safety system (22) for a production unit (1) for bending a sheet metal part (3), in particular for a bending press (2), with a stationary bench beam (13) and a bending tool (4, 5) for a displaceable press beam (13), and with a light beam transmitter and receiver system (23) monitoring an operating region to prevent trapping of a foreign body. The bending tool (5) disposed in the press beam (13) is provided in the form of a slat pack (34) comprising at least one reference slat (35) and at least one tool slat (33) which can be displaced relative to it, which are provided with recesses (60) traversing them in the direction of a thickness (32). When oriented in alignment, these form a beam passage (65) for a light beam (9), in particular a laser light beam, extending parallel with an end face (8) of the press beam (13). An embodiment of the bending tool is possible in the form of a skeleton tool.

Abstract: A method and an optoelectronic sensor are provided for ensuring the safety of a machine tool having a first tool part carrying out working movements in the direction of a second tool part. The sensor monitors a three-dimensional protected field between the tool parts of the machine tool. At the start of a working movement of a first tool part of the machine tool, the extent of the protected field in the direction of the working movement is smaller than the extent of the open gap between the tool parts. On a continued working movement, the extent of the protected field is continuously reduced and the protected field is held in the center of the open gap. Thereafter, on a further continued working movement, the extent of the protected field is maintained and the protected field is held in the center of the open gap. The sensor is finally deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tandem press shuttle area isolation gate system and its method of use. The system and method of the present invention allows workers to safely enter the shuttle areas between tandem presses concurrently with a die change, thereby facilitating a quicker changeover of a tandem press line and a reduction in downtime. The system and method of the present invention employs safety gates to isolate the work envelope of each press from the shuttle areas during a die change. In this manner, workers can safely operate in the shuttle areas without the risk of contacting moving dies or bolsters that are being transferred to or from the presses.

Abstract: A guard device for machines such as pressbrakes, guillotines, stamping machines and the like, in the case of which a first machine part performs working movements toward a second machine part. At least one photoelectric detector, more especially a laser photoelectric detector, has its light beam extending perpendicularly to the direction of working movement and is able to be so positioned between the two machine parts at one thereof that its light beam is at a safety distance from such machine part, such safety distance being able to be set by means of a guard device arranged adjustably on this one machine part, such guard device bearing the at least one photoelectric detector. A halting mechanism is adapted to arrest the working movement on interruption of the light beam and a switching off mechanism serves for switching off the halting mechanism directly prior to interruption of the light beam.

Abstract: A punch and press system includes a low voltage safety circuit and a high voltage control circuit. The high voltage control circuit is further divided into a high voltage low current region and a high voltage high current region. The high voltage low current region is isolated from both the low voltage safety circuit and the high voltage high current region of the control circuit. As the upper tool of the press strikes an object, the object's conductivity will govern whether the press will continue to act on the object. Thus, if the object is conductive, then the upper tool will continue to act on the object. If the object is not conductive, then the upper tool will raise to a neutral position.

Abstract: A press brake machine has a movable ram, a fixed bed, a drive for moving the ram toward and away from the bed, and a control system which controls movement of the ram. The control system includes an emitter which emits a beam of light and a detector assembly which detects an interruption of the light beam. The detector assembly includes two sensors and a beam splitter at which the light is directed. The sensors are connected in series such that if either or both of the sensors detect that the light beam is interrupted, a signal is sent to the drive to open the ram. The press is provided with a reset switch which is closed when the ram is moved to an open position. The reset switch is connected and operable such that the press brake cannot be reset if the light beam is interrupted.

Abstract: A safety device for a workshop machine contains a safety screen which is equipped with a powering device in order to lower the screen before the machine starts to operate. The powering device contains friction rolls on opposite sides of the screen and are coupled to a drive motor. The screen is equipped on both its top side and its bottom side with approach switching apparatus which, when moved, gives off an electric signal to a central processing unit. The central processing unit is capable of controlling the drive motor in accordance with the signals given off by the approach switching apparatus.

Abstract: A cycle of operation of an attaching apparatus begins with determining whether an operator's extremity is in an area in which it can be struck by a downwardly moving ram during attachment of two fasteners to each other and to a material therebetween. If it is determined that the operator's extremity is not in the area in which it can be struck by the downwardly moving ram, the remainder of the cycle of operation is completed. If it is determined that the operator's extremity is in the area in which it can be struck by the downwardly moving ram, the cycle of operation must begin again.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail-safe automatic sliding operation control apparatus for a press. The entrance and withdrawal behaviors of an operator's hand relative to danger zones (D, D.sub.N) on a bolster of the press are detected by an output generation configuration of two optical curtains. A signal for permitting a lowering operation of the slide is generated when the operator's hand is withdrawn from the danger zones (D, D.sub.N).

Abstract: A portable, hydraulically operated punch-die unit for fastening together sheet metal members without the use of separate fasteners. The unit is used in a hydraulic system utilizing a two-stage high pressure hydraulic pump having a retractor valve arrangement which allows the punch to be driven at high pressure and then retracted by generation of a vacuum. This eliminates the complexity of other ways of retracting the hydraulically driven punch, and the simplicity of the unit and the relatively few number of parts that comprise it, allow the unit to be made small and lightweight and thus easily handled.

Abstract: Presented is a hardware insertion press of the type for insertion of fasteners in sheet metal. The press incorporates both operator and tool protection systems that prevent the operator from being injured during use of the press, and which prevent the tool from being damaged by misalignment of a fastener in relation to the workpiece to which the fastener is intended to be fastened. For operator safety, the press is equipped so that the ram will retract if the tool encounters a part of the operator's body, such as a hand or finger. For tool protection the press incorporates mechanisms that define the press "window" so that a misaligned fastener encountered out of the range of the press window will cause the ram to be interrupted in its movement.

Abstract: A safety guard system provided for a machine having a ram which is movable toward and away from a work zone and an actuator which is operable for driving the ram through a ram stroke toward the work zone. The safety guard system includes a safety guard mounted for movement along a guard path between open and closed positions with respect to the work zone. The safety guard is releasably coupled to the ram for movement during the ram stroke from the open to the closed position before completion of the ram stroke, and the safety guard is arranged to decouple from the ram upon either one of reaching the closed position or earlier encountering an obstruction in the guard path. A guard sensor effects a first signal upon the safety guard reaching the closed position, and an object sensor effects a second signal upon decoupling of the safety guard from the ram.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is mounted to the side of a bed of a power press machine on which an operator is positioned for ensuring safety of the operator of the power press machine. The safety apparatus includes a table, for supporting the front end portion of a workpiece, fitted so as to be movable toward and away from the bed at substantially the same height as a fixed mold set to the bed side and on the side of the bed where the operator is positioned. A pair of two-hand operation type switches are fitted to the front side portion of the table with a gap between them, and are operated by both hands of the operator. A deactivating switch is provided for deactivating the pair of two-hand operation type switches when a movable mold set to slide portion side of the power press machine approaches to within predetermined distance of the fixed mold set to the bed side to provide a safety state.

Abstract: A shield for an engraving machine or the like is disclosed that prevents the machine operator from placing his or her fingers in the work area of the machine while the ram of the machine is traveling toward the work area. The shield includes a faceplate that is attached to a slide and slide holder configuration. The slide holder is attached to the machine, while the slide is adapted to travel with the slide holder. A plunger holder is affixed to the ram, while a plunger is spring loaded to travel within the plunger holder. As the ram travels upward away from the work area, a protrusion on the plunger interacts with the slide to force the slide and faceplate in an upward direction as well, thereby clearing the work area and allowing access thereto by the machine operator. The faceplate moves upward in unison with the ram until the plunger interfaces with the slide holder, at which time the plunger disengages from the slide.

Abstract: A programmable fastener press includes workpiece protection by utilizing punch position and punch contact sensors. The sensors signal a controller which classify portions of the punch's linear travel into multiple zones of operation. One zone is a stop window wherein any unwanted contact with the punch during its descent will cause the press to be halted and to remain stationary without being returned to home position. The press operator may, after correcting the fault condition, elect to instruct the press to proceed from the stoppage point downward continuing the normal operation of the press.

Abstract: A parking brake apparatus comprising a manipulation lever; an actautor; a balance lever connected at its one end through a first coupling member with the manipulation lever so that a manipulated force of the manipulation lever acts on the one end and at its outer end through a second coupling member with the actuator so that an operating force of the actuator acts on the other end, the balance lever having a portion on with a parking brake force acts; relative displacement detecting unit for detecting a relative displacement between the manipulation lever and the actuator; and control means unit for controlling the actuator so that the relative displacement detected by the relative displacement detecting unit is reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle creep control system which has: a speed transducer arrangement coupled to the vehicle's speedometer cable or the like, which provides an active output whenever the vehicle stops; an accelerator switch connected to the accelerator pedal, which has an active output whenever the driver's foot depresses the accelerator pedal; a latching circuit with a set input connected to the speed transducer arrangement and a clear input connected to the accelerator switch; a first delay circuit connected to the output of the latching circuit, such that when the latching circuit is set due to the vehicle slowing down to the given low speed value, a first set signal is connected to the delay circuit, which in turn produces a delayed output, after a given first delay time, so that the brakes are actuated and hold the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an antislipping device for cars in a stationary state, which is able to automatically hold the brakes of cars in a stationary state so as to prevent them from moving when stationed on inclined ground. The antislipping device for cars in a stationary state includes a tachometer for detecting the rotation of the car wheels and outputing signal which indicates if the car wheels are in a state of rotation or not; a hold device for preventing the brake pedal of the car from moving backward and holding on the brake pedal when the brake pedal is trodden down to stop the moving of the car; and a CPU electrically connected with the tachometer and the device, for receiving the output signal from the tachometer and conducting the hold device to release the brake pedal when the wheels of the car are kept still and the accelerator pedal of the car is trodden down to exceed a predetermined extent.

Abstract: The braking system comprising an input mechanism, such as a brake pedal or a brake lever, actuated by a vehicle operator during brake application. A sensor senses the pressure exerted on the brake pedal and delivers a first electrical signal in accordance with that pressure. The system also includes a source of brake fluid under a constant fluid pressure and pressure modulators in fluid communication with the source and the wheel cylinders. An electronic control unit responds to the first signal and delivers to the pressure modulators a second electrical signal proportional to the first signal to cause the pressure modulators to communicate to the wheel cylinders a fluid pressure proportional to the second signal to apply the brake with a braking force proportional to the applied pressure. The braking system also provides an anti-skid function, traction control function, and braking force proportioning function.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for detachable connection to a metal forming machine, such as a punch press or the like, including a pair of bracket members pivotally mounted for swingable movement about a vertical axis toward and away from one another with one of the bracket members mounting an electrical energy source and the other mounting a receiver member for generating a protective light-curtain therebetween. Pivot members are operatively associated with each of the bracket members for enabling the same to pivot about a vertical axis, and selectively adjustable locking members for locking either of the bracket members in fixed relation to one another.

Abstract: An improved machine with automatic finger safety guard includes a machine body having a finger-accessible work space and at least one movable machine component disposed in the work space. An electric motor is connected by leads to a power source and is also connected to the movable component for powering the component. An automatic finger safety guard is installed on the machine and preferably includes a hollow tube disposed around the work space and movable between an operative protective position and an inoperative retracted position. Switches are connected to the enclosure and to the electric motor leads for automatically interrupting the powering of said movable component upon movement of the enclosure from the fully protective position to the retracted position. The machine preferably includes a resistance welding machine having a pair of welding electrodes which approach each other in the work space, at least one of which electrodes is movable into and out of the work space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for an upper die arbor of a fastening machine having a driving sleeve, an upper mold mandrel, a copper sleeve, and a steel sleeve. The driving sleeve has a roller in each of four holes. A flange is formed on the circumference of upper mold mandrel. Due to the positions of the rollers with respect to the flange, and the difference between inside diameters of quadrangular slots formed in the copper sleeve and steel sleeve, when the upper mold mandrel moves downward and is blocked by an undesired object, the rollers pass over the flange and do not exert the normal forming force on the upper mold mandrel. Therefore, the upper mold mandrel does not exert the mechanical crushing force in order to prevent injury to the object.

Abstract: A safety device for use with machines in which the operator must use his hand or hands to position a work piece in the vicinity of a subsequently descending potentially dangerous element. The mechanism includes a downwardly movable probe which if intercepted by the operator's hand will prevent the machine element from operating. Removal of the hand to a safe position enables the probe to fall and the machine operation to proceed. The mechanisms are controlled by air actuated valves which automatically direct compressed air sequentially to the operative elements.

Abstract: A power press is comprised of a frame, a stationary bed, a ram reciprocally movable toward and away from the bed and a safety guard for preventing movement of the ram toward the ram when the tooling for the press must be repaired or changed. The guard includes a first chain attached to the frame of the press and a second chain attached to the ram and attachable to the first chain to restrict movement of the ram toward the bed. The chains are connectable together at a plurality of locations to enable the combined, attached length of the chains to be adjusted. The adjustability permits the guard to be easily used with a press having a range of shut heights. A normally open power circuit controls the reciprocal movement of the ram. A key for closing the circuit by engagement with a receptacle in the circuit is attached to the first chain. The key is engageable with the receptacle when the chains are unattached and is not engageable with the receptacle when the chains are attached.

Abstract: A control for a treadle activated machine tool having a driving power and a mechanical treadle linkage connecting the treadle to the driving power. The control comprises at least one sensor for sensing the presence of an operator's hand remote from a work area of the machine tool and an interrupt for selectively interrupting the treadle linkage in response to a signal indicating the absence of the operator's hand from the sensor.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission for a vehicle comprising at least a first friction engaging unit engaged for attaining a low forward speed and a second friction engaging unit engaged together with the first friction engaging unit for attaining a high forward speed, an apparatus for preventing creeping of the vehicle comprising an electronic control unit responsive to release of an accelerator pedal and the halted state of the vehicle and operative to control shift control means for engaging said friction engaging units and to control fluid pressure control means for reducing the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the second friction engaging unit to a level lower than that of hydraulic fluid supplied to the first friction engaging unit, the second friction engaging unit including a brake band for gripping a drum, one end of the brake band being urged into engagement with the drum by a hydraulic device and located with respect to the fixed other end in a direction that the drum tends to rotate when the high

Abstract: A barrier guard for a machine having a machine surface including a grille having a plurality of horizontal bars, a plurality of links having first ends pivotally mounting the grille and second ends pivotally mounted on the machine, brackets mounted on the machine, slots in the brackets, roller followers mounted on the grille and located in the slots for guiding movement of the grille in a predetermined path as it is caused to pivot relative to the links, a base bar on the grille for providing progressively greater clearances from the machine surface as the grille moves in a predetermined direction, and detents for retaining the grille in a plurality of adjusted positions.

Abstract: A barrier guard for a machine having a machine surface including spaced brackets mounted on the machine, spaced elongated links pivotally mounted on the spaced brackets, a grille mounted for sliding movement in first slots in the elongated links, second slots in the brackets, followers attached to the grille and located in the second slots to cause the grille to move rectilinearly in the first slots when the elongated links are caused to pivot, and a base bar on the grille for providing progressively greater clearances from the machine surface when the base bar moves in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A reciprocating sensing shield for use in connection with a power press such as a press break or bending machine is operatively mounted on the press ram for relative vertical movement and is controlled to be positioned to guard the "pinch point" of the dies and furthermore to stop downward movement of the ram should an operator's fingers or hands be in the proximity to the "pinch point" just prior to the movable die arriving thereat. The ram and shield descend as a unit until the ram reaches the "pinch point" at which time the shield is positioned to cover the break thereby to prevent an operator from inserting his hands or fingers into the break. As the ram reaches the "pinch point", the sensing shield immediately raises clear of the break. As the work piece is formed by continued descent of the ram, the ram reverses (rises) and the sensing shield is carried upwardly with it.

Abstract: A movable barrier apparatus for a power press and the like and having a fluid circuit for controlling operation of a machine tripping device responsive to a predetermined sequence of rotary cam mechanism movements for positively locking the barrier in an operative position precluding operator access to the machine work area, the rotary cam mechanism cooperating with the circuit to render machine tripping valve means of the fluid circuit inoperative when the barrier is in a position other than its operative position.

Abstract: A guard for protecting the hand or hands of an operator to limit the extension thereof and prevent entry into a hazardous or danger zone of a machine, such as a stamping press or the like, includes a shield in the form of a transparent or partially transparent rigid plate member which is fixed in spaced relation to the throat or nip point or hazardous region of the press. The plate has an aperture through which the operator may extend a portion of a protective glove in loading and unloading articles into and out of the hazardous region. The glove has a rigid, radially extending cuff or collar surrounding the glove at the wrist portion and having an outer dimension which exceeds that of the aperture formed in the plate. The position of the collar on the glove is related to the position of the plate and the maximum extension of the fingers such that when the glove is inserted through the opening, no part of the hand may enter a predetermined danger zone.

Abstract: A safety system for a power stroke machine including: a probe for sensing an obstruction in the work area; means for moving the probe between an extended position to sense obstructions in the work area and a retracted position; means for detecting the probe in the retracted position; means for detecting the probe in the extended position; start switch means for driving the means for moving, to selectively move the probe to the extended and retracted positions; a power output circuit, responsive to the start switch means and the means for detecting the probe in the extended position, for providing a power output to operate a power stroke machine when the start switch means is closed and the probe is in the extended position; a reset circuit for providing a set output in response to either the start switch means being closed or the probe being not retracted; a latching circuit responsive to the set output and the power output, for providing a latch output as long as the set output continues; and an output contr

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use on press machines of the type including a barrier guard. The apparatus isolates the kinetic energy source from the point of operation by removing a section of the ram whenever the barrier guard opens to provide access to the die area. The ram section is replaced when the barrier guard is closed. The removal and replacement of the removable ram section occurs concurrently with the opening and the closing of the barrier guard.

Abstract: A safety device comprising an obstacle-detecting sensor and a plate cam pivotally coaxially mounted on a forceful reciprocation machine which has a stationary block and a reciprocating member adapted for vertical reciprocation thereto, the plate cam and the sensor being turned coextensively over a first angular range until the sensor reaches the stationary block and thereafter the plate cam alone continuing to be turned over a second angular range, whereupon a deflection formed on the periphery of the plate cam is brought into engagement with a switch roller thereby activating the reciprocating member.

Abstract: In a mechanical press brake, a photoelectric sensor causes extension of an air cylinder in the linkage between the operating pedal and the clutch lever, thereby disabling the pedal whenever the operator's hand or arm is in dangerous proximity to the machine's ram. The piston of the air cylinder is connected to the pedal through a lost-motion, and the pedal is continuously urged toward its rest position by a spring. The lost-motion and spring prevent repeated extension and retraction of the cylinder from causing dangerous and annoying operation of the pedal during preparation for a forming operation.

Abstract: A point of operation safety device for hydraulic or pneumatic presses. The safety device includes a probe which descends by gravity toward the work area when the operator initiates the cycle. If during the descent of the probe no obstruction is encountered and the probe sufficiently enters the work area, a limit switch is automatically closed by the probe shaft to energize the control circuit of the press.Switch means are provided for retracting the ram of the press if the operator pushes up on the probe after the cycle has started. Relay means are provided to prevent the press from recycling at the end of one cycle, unless the operator again closes the circuit of the safety device. Further, a box construction is provided to jam the probe assembly to prevent initiation of the cycle when the cover to the box which houses the safety device is in the open position.

Abstract: Presented is a hardware punch and/or press apparatus adapted to assemble fastening devices to or punch holes in hardware for various purposes. The apparatus includes a stationary tool or anvil on which hardware on which an operation is to be performed is supported, and a hydraulically operated ram adapted to move against the work piece or hardware upon activation of an appropriate switch. In one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided to effect retraction of the hydraulically operated ram without the imposition of a destructive pressure if the operator's finger is contacted by the ram.

Abstract: A trouble detecting unit in an optical security device intentionally produces a state which is equivalent to a state in which the security system is out of order so as to check whether an emergency stop signal is produced or not and judges that the security system is in order if the emergency stop signal is produced and that the security system is out of order if the emergency stop signal is not produced. This checking is made while the security system need not be in operation. In a press, for example, the checking is made while the press is being lifted from a bottom dead center. A state which is equivalent to the one in which the security system is out of order is produced by intercepting, one by one, signals to light emitting elements or signals from light receiving elements.

Abstract: A hollow clearance indicator is mounted for reciprocable movement toward and away from a fixed machine work area. A movable work-forming element is received in an aperture of the clearance indicator to effect an operation on a workpiece in the machine work area upon actuating a drive output of the machine to drive the movable element into engagement with the workpiece. The clearance indicator is drivingly connected to a safety device which monitors the work area to ensure it is clear of any obstacles, particularly an operator's fingers. The safety device features a rotary cam control drivingly connected between the clearance indicator and a manually-controlled drive input for selectively controlling operation of the drive output in relation to clearance indicator movement.

Abstract: A safety device for a mechanical cam press having a ram attached to a vertically extending shaft arranged for reciprocating movement and utilizing a brake and clutch for controlling the reciprocating strokes of the cam, the shaft including a stepped edge engageable by a pair of retractable slides arrange for horizontally reciprocating movement to retain the shaft and therefore the ram in the top, dead center position against downward movement toward with switch means actuated by a tripping device responsive to an inadvertent downward movement of the shaft from the top, dead center position to thereby engage the brake and disengage the clutch for avoiding injury to the operator.

Abstract: A reciprocating preferably transparent break guard is disclosed for use in connection with a reciprocating machine, such as a bending machine. Adjustable switching means are operatively associated with the machine for controlling the actuation of a hydraulic piston connected to a frame for the guard. When the machine is in its upper position for receiving a workpiece, the switching means causes the piston to be actuated to maintain the guard in its upper position free from interference with the break. When the machine is actuated and starts its downward stroke, the switching means actuates a solenoid to release the piston causing the guard to drop smartly in front of the break thereby preventing the operator from accidentally inserting hands or fingers into the break of the machine. In its lowered position, the machine again actuates the switching means to operate the piston to raise the guard to its upper position.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting tools in a hydraulic press against overloading if a foreign object or body is present in a tool space of the hydraulic press. A displacement or travel switch monitors at least a portion of a path of movement of a press ram with a control member providing an output signal during a predetermined movement of the press ram. A control circuit evaluates a sequence of the output signals of the displacement or travel switch and the control member in such a manner that a fault signal is formed when the additional switching device provides an output signal prior to an output signal of the displacement or travel switch. The control member is arranged in a path of force of at least one component of the hydraulic press and is constructed as a signal transducer operating virtually stationarily as a function of pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting tools in a hydraulic press against overloading if an object is present in a tool space of the hydraulic press. A displacement switch monitors at least a portion of a path of movement of a press ram with an additional switching device providing an output signal during a predetermined movement of the press ram. A control circuit evaluates a sequence of the output signals of the displacement switch and additional switching device in such a manner that a fault signal is formed when the additional switching device provides an output signal prior to an output signal from the displacement switch. The additional switching device may be constructed as a switch element which provides an output signal in dependence upon a pressure or a speed of flow of a pressure medium in a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A safety device for a press and the like machinery includes a safety deflector surrounding a tool carriage reciprocable along a path with respect to a fixed frame. The safety device also includes a limit switch associated with a door that defines part of the safety deflector. First and second contactless switches are located adjacent a work supporting surface and respectively sense the position of opposite surfaces of the workpiece to insure that the workpiece is within limits of the work supporting surface and the safety deflector. The switches are in a circuit leading to a machine clutch for the tool carriage to prevent operation when the door is open or either surface of the workpiece is outside prescribed limits of the deflector and the support surface.

Abstract: A safety guard apparatus for a power press prevents the ram of the press from descending until the safety guard is in position to protect the operator. On presses which are equipped with part revolution clutches, the safety guard apparatus causes the ram to stop if the safety guard sensor is raised during operation. The safety guard is reciprocably mounted in a frame attached to the power press, and a sensing member is movably mounted on the safety guard. The bottom edge of the sensing member extends below the safety guard, and upward movement of the sensing member moves a switch-contacting rod out of engagement with a normally closed switch which is held open by the rod. The safety guard is raised and lowered by a power cylinder, and when the sensing member is raised and the normally closed switch closes, the power cylinder raises the safety guard.

Abstract: To permit safe operation of clutch actuated moving ram machines, especially when the operator is to be permitted to "float" the ram, the operating linkage to the clutch is formed with a connection which requires input motion of the linkage in predetermined degree to actuate a safety mechanism. The purpose is to prevent ram operation until the operator is out of harm's way. The linkage is formed such that additional motion of the input elements to the clutch is ineffective to actuate the clutch until the safety apparatus is properly positioned whereupon such additional motion of the input member is made effective to actuate the clutch. An apparatus effective to perform according to that method comprises a piston and a cylinder capable of movement relative to one another and both capable of movement relative to a frame on which the clutch is mounted.

Abstract: A safety gate, made of electrically conducting and non-conducting materials, is mounted to the ram, or similar instrument, of a power operated machine and is made to be free floating in at least one direction. The means of powering the machine may be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic; however, there must be an electrical source available. The gate contains a means of sensing the presence of the workpiece and foreign objects which is powered by the electrical source; this means is connected to the machine in such a manner that the machine will be caused to stop or reverse if a foreign object, such as a human extremity, is sensed. A stationary guard shields those danger areas on the machine not protected by the safety gate.

Abstract: In the operation of punching a performed stop blank onto a pair of coupled fastener stringers placed over a stationary die, a sensor is provided which moves up and down over the die to sense mechanically the presence of any foreign matter such as the operator's fingers between the punch and die. The punch is permitted to descend fully onto the stringers on the die only after the sensor has completed its downward stroke. In the apparatus of the invention the up-and-down motion of the punch is effected as by an air cylinder via a lever, and the sensor is coupled to another lever which is spring loaded to follow the motion of the punch lever, in such a manner that the sensor travels faster than the punch. Limit switches are employed to prevent the full descent of the punch where necessary.

Abstract: A stamping press system, the press having a ram, a driving means for the ram, and an electrically energizable ram control device for causing the driving means to drive the ram through a stamping cycle. The press is guarded by a barrier movable between an open position permitting operator access to the point of stamping operation and a closed position barring such access. A press trip control for the system has a pair of actuators, one for each hand of the operator. Upon their concurrent actuation, the actuators cause movement of the barrier to the closed position and energization of the ram control device initiating a stamping cycle. Provision is included for preventing such energization thereby preventing a stamping cycle if the barrier is not closed. Circuitry of the system prevents re-energization of the ram control device, thus preventing a further cycle until the operator has removed both hands from the actuators.