Abstract: A centering system comprising a conveyor for receiving a plurality of blanks outputted from a furnace and displacing the blanks along a first horizontal axis and shifting units for each individual blank including two or more adjustable lifting bars, the shifting units configured to move along a second horizontal axis, and the adjustable lifting bars being configured to lift the blanks along a vertical axis, wherein each of the shifting units is independently movable along the second axis, and a plurality of centering pins for centering the blanks, such that the blanks can be centered by moving the individual blanks along the second axis against the centering pins. Also disclosed are conveyor systems and methods for centering and conveying blanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system, in particular for mechanically coupling a positioning mechanism to a gripper rail, comprising a coupling device (1), in particular on a positioning mechanism, a counter coupling device (2), in particular on a gripper rail, wherein the coupling device (1) and the counter coupling device (2) can be selectively coupled together or uncoupled, and a locking device (8-33), which locks the coupling device (1) to the counter coupling device (2) in a locking state and unlocks the coupling device (1) and the counter coupling device (2) in an unlocking state. According to the invention, the locking device (8-33) unlocks and locks solely on the basis of the motion of the coupling device (1) and of the counter coupling device (2) without an external drive.

Abstract: A device (1) for the stepwise advancing of workpieces, in which a first swing arm (7) and a second swing arm (11) of a drive unit (8, 9) are respectively designed at each gripping rail (2, 3) of two gripping rails (2, 3), which are arranged in parallel to each other, for detecting and transporting the workpieces in a first end region (4) and a second end region (5), which include a gripping region (6) between them. The first swing arm and the second swing arm engage with the respective gripping rail (2, 3) at a distance from one another and movably retain them along a direction of extension of the gripping rail (2, 3).

Abstract: A work-piece transfer apparatus, comprising at least one work-piece engagement structure; at least one first robot arm pivotally connected to the work-piece engagement structure; a first motor coupled to the first robot arm and being adapted for translating the first robot arm fore and aft in a generally horizontal direction; a second motor; at least one second robot arm being in operating driving relationship with the second motor and operatively coupled with the work-piece engagement structure for raising and lowering the work-piece engagement structure; and a support structure for supporting the apparatus or portions thereof; wherein the first motor and second motor are operated synchronously to raise, lower, and/or translate the work-piece engagement structure in a fore and aft direction by way of one or both of the first robot arm and second robot arm.

Abstract: One embodiment of this workpiece handling system has conveyor belts and a load lock. A first swap robot holds and transports workpieces between a build station and the load lock. A gantry robot transports the workpieces between each of the conveyor belts and the first swap robot. In one instance, processed workpieces are transported from the first swap robot to a first conveyor belt and unprocessed workpieces are transported from a second conveyor belt to the first swap robot using the gantry robot. A second swap robot also may be used with the first swap robot to load and unload workpieces from the load lock.

Abstract: A servo press line operation method operates a servo press line in which a servo press and a servo transfer device are disposed in a workpiece transfer direction. The servo press line operation method includes causing a transfer controller to receive a master signal that causes the servo transfer device to make a motion in synchronization with the servo press, the transfer controller controlling a motor of the servo transfer device using a motor instruction, causing the transfer controller to determine whether or not an abnormality in the master signal has occurred, and causing the transfer controller to generate the motor instruction based on a stop signal that stops the motor of the servo transfer device, instead of the master signal, when the transfer controller has determined that an abnormality in the master signal has occurred.

Abstract: A device can process commands from a remote device that manages the local device over a content centric network. During operation, the device can receive an Interest for managing a device resource, such that the Interest's name includes a name or a name prefix associated with the device resource, and includes a command for managing the resource. If the device determines that the name prefix corresponds to the local device, the device analyzes the Interest's command to determine a device resource and performs the resource-managing operation on the device resource. If the name prefix does not correspond to the local device, the device performs a longest-prefix-matching lookup using the Interest's name prefix to determine a destination for the Interest. If the Interest's destination corresponds to a component of the local device, the device forwards the Interest to the component or a local agent for the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor including a frame having a supporting grille mounted therein, and a clamping mechanism which can move longitudinally with respect to the supporting grille and which includes longitudinal clamps where the clamps have a pair of delivery clamps; the push device is a push carriage connected to the actuation means by means of a linear push system including at least one linear push element having a driving element connected to the actuation means and arranged in an area upstream of the inlet area of the mold conveyor and a longitudinal push bar extending linearly below the supporting grille; and the push carriage is guided horizontally to perform a horizontal forward and backward movement.

Abstract: A tilting device for cropping a sheet of laminated glass, comprising two side-by-side rows of suckers, each supported by a bar of a frame which is pivoted, on the opposite side with respect to the suckers, to a supporting structure, the bars both resting on the same elements for the alternating lifting and lowering of the bars, which are adapted to produce the simultaneous alternating tilting of both of the frames and of the corresponding rows of suckers.

Abstract: A split idle station assembly for a transfer press assembly includes a track assembly, a first base assembly slidably connected to the track assembly and a second base assembly slidably connected to the track assembly. The first and second base assemblies have a support configuration with the first base assembly adjacent the second base assembly forming a work piece support assembly for supporting a work piece thereon between work stations of the transfer press assembly. The first and second base assemblies have a split configuration where the first base assembly is moved apart from the second base assembly along the track assembly.

Abstract: A connecting device connecting a remaining bar and a movable bar of a transfer bar includes a remaining-side clamp and a movable-side clamp. The clamps respectively have a male fitted portion and a female fitted portion that are fitted to one another around a connecting direction, defining a first connector. A male engagement portion and a female engagement portion are provided inside the clamps, defining a second connector. The female engagement portion of the second connector includes a sphere in a form of a movable member moving in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. A movement of the sphere effects an engagement and disengagement of the female engagement portion from the male engagement portion.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer apparatus includes: a feed driving mechanism that drives a transfer bar in a workpiece transfer direction; and a lift/clamp driving mechanism that drives the transfer bar in a lift direction and a clamp direction. The lift/clamp driving mechanism includes: a support of the transfer bar; first and second carriers movable in the clamp direction; first and second carrier driving mechanisms that drive the first and second carriers; a parallel link that rotatably connects the first carrier with the support; and a driving link that rotatably connects a first link of the parallel link and the second carrier. A first guide that guides the first carrier and a second guide that guides the second carrier are parallel to each other and are shifted from each other in the workpiece transfer direction.

Abstract: A slip conveyor (50) delivers product to a further conveyor (50) that in turn delivers product to weighing machines (53) that would be typically associated with a packaging machine. The slip conveyor (50) includes a delivery portion (57) provided with a plurality of separated fingers (59). Slots (58) between the fingers (59) extend longitudinally in the direction (52). Smaller product, such as smaller potato crisps, are located adjacent longitudinally extending edges (63) of the conveyor (10), the smaller product passes through the gaps (26a) that provides for delivery of product to the associated conveyor (62).

Abstract: In a transfer system, transport beams are displaced in three types of motions, i.e. toward each other, along a longitudinal extension thereof for advancement, and up and down. Two of these types of motions are triggered by a double-function motor. Such a double-function motor includes a shaft, which simultaneously rotates and displaces back and forth in linear fashion along the longitudinal extension thereof.

Abstract: A conveying device includes a housing, a linear driving mechanism, a first sliding assembly, a second sliding assembly, and a carrying mechanism. The linear driving mechanism is assembled within the housing. The first sliding assembly is slidably assembled together with the second sliding assembly within the housing, and both sliding assemblies are driven by the linear driving mechanism to slide horizontally. The carrying mechanism is slidably sandwiched between the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly. The first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly are driven by the linear driving mechanism to slide within the housing along either a same direction or along opposite directions. The carrying mechanism may slide linearly together with the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly, or slide upwards and downwards perpendicular to the linear sliding direction of the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly.

Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mechanical converter in a movement device generally for transferring parts with respect to a die converts slave motion in a first direction into basic motions of a drive motion in a second direction different from the first direction, and a pitch motion in a third direction different from the first and second directions, which may be such that it is not converted through a plate or rotating cam. Additional motion(s) of an elevation motion in a fourth direction different from the second and third directions but including a vector component along or opposite to the first direction and/or further motion(s) radial to one or more of the first, second, third or fourth directions may be provided from the mechanical converter, another mechanical converter and/or from another source. Also, assisting motion(s), which can assist the die in performing an operation on a work piece, i.e., part, can be provided, for example, by drawing a motion from the pitch, drive and/or elevation motion(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out.

Abstract: A shuttle machine for transporting work pieces for a sealing press or other machine tool is disclosed. It has two conveyers for transporting work pieces. The two conveyers are supported by a frame to move back and forth in opposite directions. When the two conveyers are in a first position, a second section of the first conveyer and a first section of the second conveyer are located near the tool, while the first second of the first conveyer and the second section of the section conveyer are accessible to first and second operators, respectively. Both operators can unload and reload work pieces simultaneously while the tool operates on the already loaded work pieces. When the conveyers are moved to a second position, the sections previously operated on are accessible for unloading and reloading, and the sections just loaded are operated on. A related operating method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heavy duty slide for use in a manufacturing environment. The heavy duty slide includes a base and a rail support secured to the base. The heavy duty slide also has an inverted rail arranged on a bottom surface of the rail support. A removable bearing system is arranged on the inverted rail and a carriage plate is secured to the removable bearing system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.

Abstract: A device (1) for the stepped displacement of workpieces inside a press (2) or similar processing equipment is provided. The device includes at least one or two gripper rails (4) that can be displaced back and forth in the direction of a longitudinal extent thereof and in the feed direction, the rails being displaced transversely in relation to one another in order to engage workpieces. To execute a gripping movement, the gripper rail (4) includes levers (5) that run at an angle and in opposite directions to one another, whereby the ends of the levers that face away from the gripper rail can be displaced towards or away from one another. Pivoting arms (11), which together with the levers (5) form scissors or half scissors type drives, are hinged on the levers (5) to guide the resultant transverse movement.

Abstract: The device comprises a delivery device (4-9) that delivers the additional part (2) into a delivery position (10) that is spaced apart from the book block spine (11a). The transfer device (13) comprises at least two holding elements (14a, b) that move in a reciprocating fashion and the cycles of which are phase-shifted relative to one another, wherein said holding elements move in different tracks (15a, b) that are offset relative to one another between the delivery position (10) and the book block spine (11a) and apply the delivered additional part (2) onto the book block spine (11a) after it was provided with glue. The holding elements (14a, b) carry out a reciprocating turning movement about a common axis (16), wherein the turning radius of at least one holding element is increased or decreased in the instant in which both holding elements (14a, b) pass one another.

Abstract: A mechanical skillet lift and conveyor system including a workstation having a lift element securely positioned at a first location and a skillet including a lift device and a vertically translatable table drivenly coupled to the device, wherein the skillet device is configured to automatically cause a predetermined change in table elevation, when the skillet is translated through the workstation such that the device engages the element.

Abstract: A panel transportation device of the present invention has a panel grasp portion for grasping a panel, a link mechanism for moving the panel grasp portion in a panel transportation direction, and a slide mechanism for operating the link mechanism so as to move the panel grasp portion in the panel transportation direction and moving the entire link mechanism. The slide mechanism is constituted of a first slide mechanism with a first slide block and a second slide mechanism with a second slide block. The link mechanism is constructed such that the first slide block and the second slide block are connected to the panel grasp portion and the panel grasp portion is moved in the panel transportation direction by individually and linearly driving the first slide block and the second slide block.

Abstract: A book block transport system with a plurality of book block clamps (1) each having a supporting frame (2) that is supported in guides and carries an inner clamping jaw (3) and a pivot frame (4) that is suspended on a shaft (6) of the supporting frame (2) extending parallel thereto for accommodating an outer clamping jaw (5). The pivoting movement for opening and closing the outer clamping jaw (5) is controlled by a cam track, with a spring element (13) that generates the clamping force between the inner and outer clamping jaws (3 and 5). A book stop catch (30, 40) is carried on the book block clamp (1) for aligning the book block supplied by an infeed device. In order to reliably and flawlessly transfer and align the book blocks supplied by an infeed device, the book stop catch (30, 40) is arranged on the book block clamp (1) such that it can be moved relative to the inner clamping jaw (3).

Abstract: A transporting apparatus, in particular a 3-way transfer means, for transfer presses, in the case of which, for horizontal movement, linear drives are attached and actuated such that, along with a compact construction, the linear drives allow the gripper rails to be changed straightforwardly during tool-changing operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant, the apparatus including a treatment receptacle having a treatment Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant which includes a treatment receptacle having a treatment chamber therein and a base upon which material within the treatment chamber is disposed. The receptacle is arranged so that when in use there is a space below the base. The apparatus further includes a harvester operable to extract material from the treatment chamber through the base and a collecting assembly including a flexible belt operatively connected to a rotatable drum so that it can be wound onto or drawn from the rotatable member. The belt is arranged so that it can adopt a collecting position when at least partially unwound from the rotatable member wherein it is positioned below the treatment chamber and harvester so that harvested material can be collected upon it and is operable so that when wound onto the rotatable member material thereon can be transferred to a discharge zone.

Abstract: A transfer feeder 41 for a transfer press 1 comprises a pair of bars 14 provided on a moving bolster 30 in parallel with a work transfer direction, a feed carrier 52 held by the bars 14 and movable in the work transfer direction, a clamp carrier 62 held by the feed carrier 52 and movable in the direction of clamp, and a lift carrier 72 supported by the clamp carrier 62 and movable in the direction of lift. Since a large drive mechanism is unnecessary, simplification of the construction can be enhanced. Further, since the whole of a transfer feeder 41 is provided on a moving bolster 30, the moving bolster 30 in its entirety can be carried out of the transfer press 1, thus facilitating die exchanging operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work transfer device for transferring a work between adjoining pressing machines including a work holder (30) for holding a work W, a carrier (23) provided between the adjoining pressing machines (10) and capable of being linearly moved in a direction orthogonal to a work transfer direction with a driving mechanism, and a swinging body (71) with a swinging center shaft thereof provided on this carrier (23) and capable of being driven for swinging by a swinging mechanism (84) along the work transfer direction, and the work holder (30) is provided in the swinging body (71). Because of this configuration, it is not necessary to secure a trajectory for swiveling like in a robot arm type of transfer device, not to extend a lift beam up to a position close to a slide like in the feeder type of transfer device, so that it is not necessary to widen a clearance between uprights (12) and a tandem press (1) can be size-reduced as a whole.

Abstract: A transferring device includes at least one gripper rail, which can be brought into engagement with at least one workpiece and which can be driven in a lifting direction, a closing direction and an advancing direction. The transferring device also includes at least one lifting drive and/or at least one closing drive, at least one advancing drive, and an arm that is connected to the advancing drive in a manner that enables it to pivot about a pin while moving, to a large extent, parallel to the advancing direction. The transferring device is characterized in that the gripper rail is directly engaged with the arm in the advancing direction and can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the advancing direction.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for transferring a work within a press or between presses is provided which includes at least a pair of lift beams and carriers movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beams. A pair of guides are provided on the carriers, and a pair of sub-carriers are movable along the guides in a carrier moving direction by a linear motor which moves the pair of sub-carriers in the carrier moving direction. A cross bar is laterally spanned between the sub-carriers and is provided with a work holding unit which is capable of holding the work.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for transferring a work within a press or between presses is provided which includes at least one lift beam which is provided in parallel with a work transfer direction and which is movable up and down, and which is provided substantially centrally in a work transfer path and outside of a press working area. A carrier is provided at the lift beam and is movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beam. A guide is provided on the carrier, and a sub-carrier is movable along the guide in a carrier moving direction by a linear motor which moves the sub-carrier in the carrier moving direction. A work holding unit which is capable of holding the work is provided at the sub-carrier.

Abstract: A transfer press provided with a transfer device, having transfer units provided with cross members (37) for which the length is shorter than the width of a tool. The transfer units (29 to 32) are arranged completely between the processing stations or stages, are mounted on the crown or head piece, and are not provided with elements extending beside the tools or between supports of adjacent processing or press stations. Thus, the full width spanned by the press supports can be used for the tools. In addition, tools can be used which are provided with guides, effective between the upper tool and the lower tool, particularly in the side region. The work pieces are handled solely by means of the openings, freed by the tools and pointing counter to the transporting device, wherein no element of the transfer device extends past the side limits of the tool.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus for a transfer press or a press, with which an optimal die can be designed for each process, is provided. For this purpose, the work transfer apparatus for a transfer press includes at least a pair of lift beams (13), carriers (15) movable along a longitudinal direction of the lift beam, paired sub-carriers (50) movable in a carrier moving direction, power transmission means (51, 54) for transmitting carrier driving force to the sub-carriers, and a cross bar (17) which is laterally spanned between the sub-carriers and provided with work holding means (18) capable of holding a work.

Abstract: A roller-guided feeding device includes guiding rollers, an arm which is movable relative to the guiding rollers between initial and working position that are remote from and closer to the guiding rollers, respectively, and which has a feed-in roller, a pneumatic cylinder, and a piston rod connected to a piston in the cylinder. The piston rod is moved as a result of a difference in pressures in the cylinder so as to turn the arm. A servo valve member is disposed to control air flow into the cylinder so as to hold the feed-in roller at the working position and the initial position in response to a work signal from a sensor member and a start signal from a manually-operated actuator, respectively. In response to a pausing signal from the sensor member, the feed-in roller is held at a pausing position to serve as another initial position in a subsequent cutting operation.

Abstract: There is provided a workpiece carrier apparatus for transfer press machine in which carrier motion for each press station can be individually set. A guide beam can be raised and lowered by a lifting device so that all levels can be adjusted to match the dies. A guide rail is attached to the guide beam, and carriers are fitted so as to be movable in the feed direction of a press line along the guide rail. A most upstream side carrier on the press line is moved in the feed direction by a first carrier mechanism, and the remaining carriers are connected together by connecting rods so as to be movable in the feed direction as one unit by a second carrier mechanism. Each of the carriers have a servo motor and the amount of raising and lowering of the cross bars can be individually set.

Abstract: A small-sized feeding unit for a transfer press is provided. To this end, the feeding unit comprises: a feed box body one end of which is attached to side faces of uprights; feed driving means having servo motors disposed within the feed box body and pinions rotatively driven by the servo motors; feed racks movable in a feeding direction and meshing with the pinions respectively; feed carriers integrally attached to the feed racks respectively; and feed bars coupled to the feed carriers respectively so as to be movable at least either in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the feeding direction or in a vertical direction, wherein when the feed carriers are positioned at a stroke end on a press body side, the feed carriers are located in the vicinity of the feed driving means with respect to the feeding direction.

Abstract: To accommodate a press tooling carrier without interference, a control arm straight guide having at least one drive, e.g., having motor angular gears (worm gears), cardan shaft or the like is provided. A control arm straight guide permits a very shallow position of the joints in the completely assembled state. A hydraulic cylinder may be used to support startup of the motor, i.e., to move the control arm straight guide out of its bottom dead center position.

Abstract: A mounting and method for a multistation stamping press part transfer system in which transfer drive modules are mounted to pivotal supports so that rail-gripper assemblies connected to pairs of modules can be oriented to transfer blanks/parts through the press in either of two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A mounting plate (16) pivotally supports a finger (14) for pivotal movement about a pivot axis A as a shear pin (34) breaks between a post (30) and the finger (14) in response to a predetermined force urging the finger (14) to pivot about the pivot axis A. A first fastener (24) is disposed under an opening (46) in the finger (14) for removing the mounting plate (16) and the finger (14) together as a unit from the transfer bar (12) while remaining connected by a bolt (36) at the pivot axis A.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a transfer rail that is used to support a plurality of grippers for engaging and moving workpieces between a series of spaced apart work stations in a linear transfer press. The transfer rail forms part of a press transfer system of the type having a drive mechanism to impart three dimensional movement to the transfer rail. The tilt mechanism comprises at least one connector and at least one actuator. The connector secures the transfer rail to the drive mechanism and permits three dimensional movement of the transfer rail. The connector also permits the transfer rail to be rotated, relative to the drive mechanism, about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device having a gripper, preferably a gripper rail (13), for gripping and lifting at least one workpiece, a lift drive (26) for lifting the gripper, a close drive (20) for moving the gripper (12) sideways and a control element. The invention is characterized in that both drives (20, 26) are fixedly mounted and are constantly and exclusively meshing with the elements (16, 14) to be moved in an articulated manner. In a method for controlling a transfer device, at least one of the two drives is path controlled during the movement caused by the other drive in such a way that the element moved by one drive remains stationary in the direction of movement of said drive relative to the surroundings.

Abstract: A plate-form member conveying apparatus that includes an upper claw and a lower claw for clamping a plate-form member in between from above and below and conveying the plate-form member, in which each of the upper claw and the lower claw is formed by a clamping plate made of an elastic material and brought into contact with an upper or lower surface of the plate-form member, and a claw holding plate and a claw counter plate that sandwich the clamping plate; and the clamping plate and claw holding plate are detachably fastened by bolts to the claw counter plate.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (12, 112) moves workpieces through a press (10) and includes a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about the pulleys (42) and a clamp (46) connecting the belt (43) to a trolley (34, 134) for horizontally moving a pair of trolleys (34, 134) and the arms (24, 124) supported thereby. The clamp (46) is clamped to one reach of the endless belt (43) for moving back and forth along the between the pulleys (42). A biasing device (56) urges a male cam member (52) into driving engagement with a female cam member (54) to connect the belt (43) and the arms (24, 124) and allows the cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of the driving engagement to allow the belt (43) to move without moving the arms (24, 124) in response to the predetermined force resisting movement of the arms (24, 124).

Abstract: A system for the transport of workpieces in a forming press, particularly a multistation press, has at least one cross traverse for holding the workpieces, which on at least one of its ends is connected with a lifting and lowering device and can be oriented in a space by the lifting and lowering device. At least one overload protection device is arranged between the cross traverse and the at least one lifting and lowering device for cutting the connection between the cross traverse and the at least one lifting and lowering device.

Abstract: A device for conveying flat objects in series and edge-on, in which the flat objects (12) are moved in a conveying direction (D), while at the same time being separated each from the next by a spacing which is normally constant, has a synchronization system (2) capable of compensating for any variations in spacing between two consecutive objects. The system includes two parallel rows (3, 4) of driven wheels (3A-4C) made of elastically deformable elastomer and between which each object is gripped and moved in the conveying direction. Each wheel has a rotation spindle (6), the position of which is fixed, and the wheels are rotated by a motorization system which is controlled to accelerate and/or retard the movement of each object between the two rows of wheels on the basis of a detection whether the front edge of the object has been early or late in passing a determined position upstream of the two rows of wheels compared with a time reference indicating the spacing between objects.

Abstract: Short lift beam is employed for each transfer area, the lift beam is driven by a compact servomotor for transferring the workpieces, and the carrier is driven by the linear motor being integral therewith. Therefore, consumption of electric power can be reduced significantly, thereby promoting energy saving. The control may be performed depending on the die employed in each workstation by controlling the motion of the lift beam or the carrier at each transfer area arbitrarily by the controller. Consequently, drive with interference between the workpieces and the dies eliminated can be realized irrespective of the size or other element of the dies, thereby increasing design freedom of the die.