Abstract: A die cushion device includes four hydraulic cylinders that support a cushion pad, a die cushion load controller that controls each of the hydraulic cylinders and generates a die cushion load on the cushion pad, and a die cushion position controller that controls each of the hydraulic cylinders to control a position of the cushion pad. In a case where only a left part is produced with a left die by a press machine, the die cushion load controller performs die cushion load control on two hydraulic cylinders on the left side, and the die cushion position controller performs die cushion position control on two hydraulic cylinders on the right side.

Abstract: The double blank detecting device for a press machine uses a press machine with a die cushion device attached thereto, and automatically and repeatedly forms blank materials one by one. The double blank detecting device includes: a position signal acquiring unit that acquires a die cushion position signal indicating a position of a cushion pad of the die cushion device; a load signal acquiring unit that acquires a die cushion load signal indicating a die cushion load generated in the cushion pad of the die cushion device; and a double blank detecting unit that detects, as a double blank, a state where a plurality of the blank materials are overlapped, based on the die cushion position signal and the die cushion load signal that are acquired.

Abstract: A method for producing a complex sheet metal part includes clamping a border region of the metal sheet between a die ring of an upper tool part of a pressing tool and a downholder of a lower tool part of the pressing tool; moving the upper tool part further downwards thereby pulling the metal sheet over extended punch inserts of a punch of the lower tool part, thereby generating local material reserves of the metal sheet; moving the upper tool part further downwards while actively retracting the punch inserts, thereby releasing the local material reserves; and forming the metal sheet between the die and the punch using only the local material reserves.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic power tool. The method includes performing an operation with the hydraulic power tool, detecting, with a sensor, an operational parameter during the operation of the hydraulic power tool, and storing a plurality of data points based on the operational parameter and a corresponding sampling time for each of the plurality of data points. The method also includes sending, via a transceiver on the hydraulic power tool, the plurality of data points and corresponding sampling times to an external device, displaying, on a display screen of the external device, an expected data point, and displaying, on the display screen of the external device, an actual data curve based on the plurality of data points and corresponding sampling times. The actual data curve is overlaid on the expected data point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electric press and a method for calibrating the electric press, which can implement a rapid calibration operation. An electric press (10) includes a ram location information storage unit (63) and a load control unit (64). The ram location information storage unit (63) stores ram location information, corresponding to actual load values and representing locations to which a ram is moved, in advance. The load control unit (64) applies an actual load, corresponding to at least one location which belongs to the locations represented by the ram location information and to which the ram is moved, to a compression target by moving the ram to the location. Accordingly, the load value output by the detection unit is calibrated based on the actual load value applied to the compression target.

Abstract: A numerical controller controls a machine tool that measures a coordinate value of an object to be measured based on a position of a movable axis controlled by a manual operation. The numerical controller stores a plurality of pieces of history information formed by associating the coordinate value of the movable axis and an elapsed time from a reference time point when the coordinate value is acquired, analyzes timing when position adjustments of the movable axis are completed based on the stored history information, and sets the coordinate value of the movable axis at the analyzed timing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.

Abstract: The method for initially setting a position of an origin of an actuator includes a first step of setting a distal end posture being a posture of a distal end side link hub relative to a proximal end side link hub of a link actuator to a specified posture; a second step of applying a preload, which is a force that causes the distal end posture to be changed, to the link actuator having the distal end posture being the specified posture; and a third step of storing an amount of operation of each actuator in a state where the preload is applied to the link actuator, wherein the stored amount of operation is set as the position of the origin of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force sensor correcting method which is simple and capable of performing correction, with the force sensor remaining mounted at the end of an arm without an exchange of an end effector. In the present invention, a force sensor 1 of one robot 101 has already been corrected, and a force sensor 2 of the other robot 102 is an object to be corrected. First, hands 3a, 3b of a pair of robots 101, 102 are made to abut on each other (abutting step). A detected signal of the corrected force sensor 1 of the one robot 101, generated by execution of the abutting step, is converted into a measured value indicating a force or a moment (measurement step). Based on the measured value obtained in the measurement step, a value indicating a force or a moment acting on the hand 3b of the other robot 102 due to a reaction generated by the abutting step is obtained (calculation step).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sheet metal blank, in particular a tailored blank, in which at least two metal sheets are connected to one another at their respective connecting edges, the two metal sheets displaying differing thickness is provided herein and allows in a simple manner an application-specific configuration of the region of transition from one metal sheet thickness to another metal sheet thickness. The method includes a step in which, prior to the connecting of the two metal sheets, at least the region of the connecting edge of the thicker of the two metal sheets is pressed to a predefinable thickness in a forming tool in such a way that the connecting edges of the metal sheets display substantially the same thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to hand pliers (1) which are in particular embodied as crimping pliers. According to the invention, the hand pliers (1) comprise a counting device (16) which counts the number passed working strokes (17). The counting device (16) is built with a sensor which senses the distance or displacement of two components moved relatively to each other over the working stroke (17), in particular the distance or displacement of hand levers (2, 3). If the count number registered by the counting device (16) exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to produce a display at a displaying device of the hand pliers (1) which indicates that an exchange of drive elements or an exchange of dies or a certification of the hand pliers is required.

Abstract: A forging machine is described having at least one clamping head (6) for a work-piece (5) and having a rotational drive, which is controllable in dependence on the engagement of the forging tools (3), for the clamping head (6). To provide advantageous drive conditions, it is proposed that the rotational drive comprise at least one hydraulic motor (11), which is connected to a pump circuit (12), and which is connected to a hydraulic circuit (17), which is connected in parallel to the pump circuit (12), for the periodic supply and discharge of a predefined quantity of hydraulic medium in dependence on the stroke frequency and/or the stroke location of the forging tools (3).

Abstract: A servo press system in which a servo transfer device implements a transfer operation by utilizing first transfer operation instruction information that is generated depending on a mechanical motion state of a press element of a servo press or second transfer operation instruction information that is generated independently of the mechanical motion state of the press element during a press operation using a pendulum motion.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the die pack during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: The amount of elongation of a workpiece during forging can be determined by image processing to calculate the total amount of horizontal movement of marked patterns such as forging scale on the ends of the workpiece which move away from a forging bite during the forging blow. Images of marked patterns before and after a forging blow on both sides of the bite of a forging die are compared to determine the movement of the marked patterns and thus the movement of the ends of the workpiece. A method and system of determining the elongation and vertical displacement of a workpiece during forging is disclosed.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the die pack during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the die pack during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: According to the die cushion apparatus of a press machine and the die cushion controlling method of the present invention, in holding the cushion pad on standby at a desired standby position, it is possible to hold the cushion pad on standby in parallel with the lower faces of the dies mounted to the slide, and if the lower faces of the dies are inclined, it is possible to hold the cushion pad on standby in the state of being inclined. Through this configuration, it is possible to easily allow the material to come into contact with the lower faces of the dies from the beginning of the die cushion force control (beginning of the collision), and also possible to smoothen the die cushion action in the plane, thereby enhancing the formability.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the die pack during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating deviations in a deforming operation between two beams of a press, comprising of arranging one or more compensating element at a suitably chosen location in the press, detecting the deviations and moving the compensating element(s) relative to the beams by (electro) mechanical means during the deforming operation such that the detected deviations are compensated. The compensating elements can be moved here to an over-compensating position prior to the deforming operation and pressed out of their over-compensating position during the operation by the load on the beam, wherein each compensating element exerts an adjustable resistance force on surrounding parts of the press. It is conversely possible for the compensating elements each to be pressed stepwise to a position compensating the detected deviations during the deforming operation. It is possible to use (piezoelectric) actuators to exert the resistance force and/or to move the compensating elements.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of a crimped connection between a conductor and a contact includes operating a crimping device to exert a crimping force on the conductor and the contact. From the crimping force curve that occurs during the crimping, a normalized force-distance crimping force curve is derived and a compression area is determined which lies under a reference crimping force curve. The crimping force curve and the reference crimping force curve are subdivided into several zones, the subdivision taking place under consideration of the size of the compression area. A further area that lies under the crimping force curve is determined and used to infer the quality of the crimped connection. A device for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A plate workpiece processing tool including a workpiece support defining a support plane for supporting a workpiece, a tool punch, a tool die, and a control unit configured to control movements of the tool punch and the tool die along a stroke axis. The tool punch and the tool die are displaceable, along the stroke axis, to a processing position above the support plane of the workpiece support such that the tool punch and the tool die are capable of processing a region of a workpiece having a formed shape that extends upwardly from the workpiece support.

Abstract: The invention describes a switching device which can be variably positioned (45), in particular a foot switch (47), which is connected, preferably wirelessly, to a control device (46) optionally co-operating with a production unit (1), in particular a press brake (2), for transmitting signals and/or data. A positioning system (50) is provided as a means of changing the position when necessary, which comprises at least a detection unit (51) and a drive system (52) in the form of a bogie provided with a drive mechanism and at least one drive member.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the dieback during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: A device and method for roller swaging a tube and a fitting using a tapered mandrel acting on forming rollers and having a rack body that supports lead screws that are rotated by a rack motor where the lead screws are used to move the rack drive head and the axial position of the mandrel. The mandrel is supported by a roller bearing having roller elements that are parallel to the rotational axis of the mandrel. A position sensor is attached between the rack body and the rack drive head to indirectly measure the position of the mandrel and/or a position sensor can be used to directly measure the position of the mandrel. The drive motor drives a primary drive shaft through a torque sensor to a secondary drive shaft to a roller swaging assembly and to the mandrel. The swage rollers in the roller swaging assembly are forced outward by the tapered mandrel to swage the tube and fitting.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining and calibrating a K-factor for material and to methods and systems for calibrating forming devices, forming device controls, and/or forming device components. The disclosed systems and methods can dynamically provide exact and calibrated values for the parameters needed to produce correct and accurate flat patterns based on any type of material or any tooling combination. As such, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to achieve a first run perfect or near-perfect part capability that does not currently exist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of interchangeable crimp units for a crimping machine. According to the invention each crimp unit comprises an integrated sensor for measuring a crimping force or a crimping displacement during the crimping process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the wear of manual pliers. The principles focus on manual pliers, in which press elements can be pressed onto a workpiece and the degree of pressing that can be achieved by actuating the manual pliers can be adjusted with a presetting device. A reference position of the presetting device is measured prior to a first use of the manual pliers, this measurement involving actuating the manual pliers. By an adjustment of the presetting device, the press elements are brought into a position with a reference degree of pressing. Next, after use, the wear position of the presetting device is measured in the same manner, to bring the press elements into a position with the degree of pressing. A message is output when the degree of the wear position deviates from the degree of the reference position by more than the degree of wear permissible.

Abstract: In a method and a control device for adjusting a state of a rolling stock, particularly a near-net strip, defined at least by an out-of-parallel condition and/or a curvature of the rolling stock, the rolling stock is transitioned from an initial into an intermediate state by a roll stand and by impressing a stress onto the rolling stock by an additional processing device, and the rolling stock is transitioned from the intermediate into a final state by at least one processing aggregate. By determining whether rolling stock should be fed into the at least one processing aggregate, the intermediate state requiring a non-zero out-of-parallel condition and/or curvature in order to achieve a predetermined final state, and the roll stand and/or the processing device are controlled and/or regulated as a function thereof to adjust the required intermediate state, the shape reliability of an ultimately parallel, non-curved rolling stock can be increased.

Abstract: The drawing press according to the invention includes a support structure for supporting a metal sheet holder which is part of a tool and supported on the press frame via the support structure. The metal sheet holder is assigned a plunger with a die tool, whereas the plunger is moved by means of a plunger drive which includes a blocking position. The blocking position is obtained, for example, by a drive which, in the locking position does not transmit any movement of the drive output to the driving servomotor. This can be achieved, for example, by an eccentric drive in the stretched position thereof. For performing the actual drawing stroke, the stamping tool is vertically movably supported. A carriage is raised or lowered by the press table by means of a table drive. As table drive, preferably a servomotor with a non-linear drive, such as an eccentric drive is used.

Abstract: A device for reducing the press angle control error caused by press load variation, where the device includes: a reference value output unit that outputs a press angle reference value, a press angle detection unit, a speed command unit, and a driving unit. The press angle detection unit detects a press angle of the corresponding press machine and outputs a press angle detection value. The speed command unit outputs a command speed value of a motor of the corresponding press machine based on the press angle reference value and the press angle detection value. The driving unit controls the motor speed of the corresponding press machine based on the command speed value. The device further includes a correction unit that corrects the press angle reference value or the command speed value so the difference between the press angle reference value and the press angle is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A press machine includes a cushion shaft, a press shaft, a motor, and a motor control device. The cushion shaft is connected to a lower die. The press shaft is connected to an upper die and configured to press a workpiece between the upper die and the lower die in cooperation with the cushion shaft. The motor is configured to drive the upper die. The motor control device is configured to control the motor and includes a disturbance observer and an intrusion detector. The disturbance observer is configured to calculate an estimated disturbance value with respect to the motor based on a torque command and a motor velocity of the motor. The intrusion detector is configured to detect, based on the estimated disturbance value, a state of a foreign object between the press shaft and the cushion shaft.

Abstract: A servo-press machine determining whether or not a drive power supply voltage between a positive power supply path and a negative power supply path that connect a power supply device and a motor rotation control section is lower than an induced voltage of a servomotor, and correcting speed-related data based on slide motion information when the servo-press machine has determined that the drive power supply voltage is lower than the induced voltage.

Abstract: In a can forming machine a system that determines the position of a reciprocating ram and allows for the domer to be repositioned automatically is provided. The system includes a punch position sensor assembly, a control system, and a domer positioning assembly. The punch position sensor assembly is positioned about the ram, preferably at the domer side of the last die. At this location, the punch position sensor assembly can determine the position of the ram as it enters the dieback during the return stroke. The control system receives data from the punch position sensor assembly and, if the ram is not substantially, concentrically aligned with the die pack on the return stroke, sends a signal to the domer positioning assembly to reposition the domer. This process may be repeated until the ram travels along a path substantially aligned with the die pack on the return stroke.

Abstract: An extrusion press includes a container mover that moves a container at an end platen and molding a product by extruding a billet loaded in the container from a die by a stem driven by a main cylinder device, wherein the extrusion press includes a deflection amount detector that detects a deflection amount of the die; a deflection amount of the die during extrusion is detected; a deviation between the detected deflection amount and a reference deflection amount of the die set in advance is mathematically processed; and the extrusion press includes a controller that sends an output to the container mover to reduce a container sealing force when the deviation is minus, or increase the container sealing force when the deviation is plus so that a container sealing force corresponding to the reference deflection amount acts on an end surface of the die.

Abstract: Referring to a punch device in accordance with the invention, the punch stamp (10) is driven by a hydraulic actuating drive (6), in which case, in connection with an advance device (4) driven by a servo motor and travel-measuring systems on the ram axis and on the partial-apparatus axis (advance axis), the ram movement is freely programmable relative to the advance movement of the partial apparatus.

Abstract: A riveting unit is assembled with an electric rivet gun, including a transmission unit, a clamping jaw having a locating portion driven by the transmission unit to be moveable between a first position and a second position, a first sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, and a second sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position. When the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, a blind rivet can be installed in the clamping jaw, and when the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position, the blind rivet can be ejected, and meanwhile the second sensor can allow the transmission unit to stop the movement of the clamping jaw, thereby preventing the clamping jaw from moving backwards excessively.

Abstract: A control system for use with a machine having a moving tool arranged to move through a known path of movement. The control system includes a means for detecting the location of objects in or adjacent the path of the tool (12) and a processing and control means arranged to determine the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and a leading edge (22) of the tool (12). The control system includes at least one mode of operation in which the processing and control means controls movement of the tool (12) such that the distance between the objects in or adjacent the path of the tool and the leading edge (22) of the tool (12) is maintained within minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and a system for manufacturing a lead or lead alloy plate lattice for a lead-acid battery, comprising continuous extrusion of a melt of lead or lead alloy under temperatures lower by 10-100° C. than the melting point of lead, or the lead alloy, the extrudate being subsequently subjected to a flattening process under a temperature lower by more than at least 230° C. than the melting point of lead or the lead alloy, with a total draft rate less than 10%, and thereafter the extrudate may be processed so as to manufacture a plate lattice.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A press machine includes: an electric motor for raising and lowering a slide by rotating a crank shaft; a motion datum receiving module through which, by an input operation, an operator inputs a motion datum including, as input items, height positions at which the slide starts and ends an oscillation process, a speed at which the slide carries out the oscillation process, an angle at which the crank shaft is rotated in a direction during a drive-in operation, and an angle at which the crank shaft is rotated in the other direction during a return operation; a motion pattern generator for generating a motion pattern of the slide on the basis of the motion datum inputted through the motion datum receiving module; and a motor controlling module for controlling the electric motor on the basis of the motion pattern generated by the generator.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting section for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between a target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an escape-position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal for commanding the die-cushion pad to escape from a bottom dead center position based on a press signal outputted when a slide ha

Abstract: A steel pipe drawing apparatus, which can manufacture a drawn steel pipe which is a long object with high accuracy and at high speed as well as improves dimensional accuracy of respective thick-wall portions and cutting positions of the drawn steel pipe, is realized. When a stepped drawn steel pipe is manufactured by moving a die and a plug relatively in the same direction as a steel pipe drawing direction and in an opposite direction thereto, a first hydraulic cylinder moves the die relatively in a direction corresponding to the steel pipe drawing direction, and a second hydraulic cylinder moves the plug relatively in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the die. At this time, a position detecting sensor detects a stroke position of the second hydraulic cylinder, and a computer receives positional information detected by the position detecting sensor and controls a moving velocity of the second hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A fastener placing tool (11) for placing fasteners of the breakstem blind rivet type incorporates a force/stroke monitoring device (22) which comprises an assembly body (24) detachably mounted on the tool between the latter and the anvil (18), a load-cell sensor (33) carried by the assembly body (24) for sensing the force applied by the hydraulic piston (16) to the jaw assembly 17 with respect to the anvil (18), and a non-contact stroke-sensor (35) carried by the assembly body (24) for sensing the position of the jaw assembly (17) relative to the anvil (18). The stroke-sensor (35) operates without physical contact with the jaw assembly (17) or any part of the tool moving therewith. To this end the jaw assembly (17) is connected to the hydraulic piston (16) by means of an adaptor tube (23) which has a conical tapering outer surface.

Abstract: A disclosed device and method are useful for monitoring a tube bending process. An example sensor detects a force associated with moving a mandrel in tubing during at least a portion of a tube bending process. The detected force is used to determine a quality of the tube bending process. For example, a detected pulling force provides an indication of whether a bent portion of a tube is within an acceptable range of a desired configuration. The detected pulling force is also useful to provide an indication of whether a condition of a mandrel or a machine used during the process is as expected.

Abstract: The electric press is provided with a main CPU 1 and a sub CPU 3, the main CPU 1 being responsive to a signal from a servo driver 10 to give an detecting signal to a relay 2 when a ram 51 is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to an area sensor 30 and the sub CPU 3 being responsive to a signal from an encoder 9 to give a detecting signal to a relay 4 when the ram is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to the area sensor 30. The main CPU 1 and sub CPU 3 watch each other, that is, the main CPU 1 checks the output of a relay 4 and turns the relay 2 off when the mute signal is not produced from the relay 4. The conditions of sub CPU and main CPU are compared with each other. In case the two conditions are in accord with each other, it is decided that the relay 4 is out of order. The sub CPU 3 makes the same check operation in connection with the relay 2.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied outside. The control apparatus includes a force commanding section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force detecting section for detecting a force produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force controlling section for executing a force control on the servo-motor, based on a force command value commanded by the force commanding section and a force detected value detected by the force detecting section; and an abnormality preventing section for preventing, in association with a control state of the servo-motor, the die cushion mechanism from producing an abnormal force.

Abstract: A wire processing unit has a crimp head moved in a “z” direction by an eccentric drive and a crimping tool arranged on the crimp head moves with it. The crimp head also moves a pin connected to a lowering unit that has a C-shaped bracket on which the gripper unit is arranged. When a crimping punch moves, the gripper unit is moved with it, and the wire-end held by a gripper pair is inserted into an upwardly-open conductor crimp and an insulation crimp respectively. A cutting head of a cutting unit cuts off the leading wire-end, removes the insulation, and separates contacts with defective crimp fastening from the wire-end.

Abstract: A trolley (30) for use with a frame-straightening bench (10) and allowing for moving a vehicle into the bench (10) for initial repair; moving the vehicle out of the bench (10) and into holding area to allow for curing or other time-consuming repair processes or operations, thereby making the bench (10) available for other uses; and moving the vehicle back into the bench (10) for additional repair or final confirmation of a previous repair. A repair jig (140) is coupleable with the trolley (30) for facilitating the alignment and otherwise proper positioning of a portion of the vehicle being repaired. The trolley (30) can also be used with a lift (2072) to separate the vehicle's body from its frame (2010).