Abstract: Described is an apparatus for filling single-serve biodegradable coffee pods. The apparatus includes a base for supporting a rotatable platform comprising multiple pod holders, a filler mounted on the base and adjacent to the rotatable platform comprising a container filled with ground coffee and multiple augers capable of filling the coffee pods with ground coffee, a sealer mounted on the base comprising a heat sealable film winder, and a controller directing rotation of the rotatable platform, filling of the ground coffee from the filler, and sealing and trimming of the sealed film tops of the single-serve, biodegradable coffee pods.

Abstract: In a method for designing a sheet-metal-forming process in which a sheet-metal part is formed, a visual representation of the sheet-metal part is computed and displayed. Visual labels are displayed, each label being visually linked to the representation of a feature of the part. The labels indicate one or more processing units of the sheet-metal-forming process that are assigned to the features. The labels can also indicate process operations to which these processing units are assigned.

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: Provided are an extrusion press and control method for an extrusion press, provided with a means which can prevent phenomena in which a billet is blown out during an extrusion process as well as prevent billet blowout with a simple and inexpensive constitution. The extrusion press drives a main cylinder device (12) to extrude, by means of a stem (24), a billet (20) filled into a container (18) from a die (16) and form a product (20A). A gap measurement means (60) that measures a gap, during the extrusion process, arising at the container seal surface formed by pressing the die side end surface of the container (18) against the container side end surface of the die (16) is provided on an end platen (10) on the outer edge part of the container side end surface of the die (16). When the gap arising during the extrusion process is measured and the measured value is within a predetermined range of allowable values, a set value for the extrusion rate is lowered and a warning is issued.

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 production device (1) and to a method of operating said device, comprising a bending press (2) for producing workpieces shaped by bending between bending tools (13) of a stationary bench beam (8) and a press beam (9) that is adjustable in relation thereto. The production device (1) further comprises a tool magazine (4) and a handling device (3) with a gripping device (17) for the bending tools (13) and a stop device (23) which has at least one adjustable stop finger (28), and also a control and monitoring device (24). The stop device (23) is connected to a comparator circuit of the control and monitoring device (24) and has a measuring sensor system and at least one measuring means for determining reference position data of the bending tool (13).

Abstract: A chuck mechanism that grips a workpiece is configured to be able to twist and rotate the gripped workpiece around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A control unit is provided with a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit drives an articulated robot to which a bending mechanism for bending the workpiece is attached, and twists the workpiece clamped by the bending mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a preset twisting angle range. When the angle of twisting by the first control unit exceeds the twisting angle range, the second control unit controls the chuck mechanism to twist the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a turned blank at a workstation in a progressive forging machine comprising simultaneously monitoring both the force on a tool in the workstation and the crank angle of the machine, determining a reference crank angle when the tool is subjected to a force at the workstation about to deliver a blow and a blank in the workstation is properly angularly aligned, operating the machine to forge blanks in a normal manner when a force on the tool at the workstation occurs substantially at the reference crank angle, and interrupting said normal manner when the force on the tool at the workstation occurs before said reference crankshaft angle to enable the blank being formed at the workstation to be separated from remaining blanks being forged in the machine.

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 hydraulic tool including a frame having a hydraulic fluid conduit system; a hydraulic pump coupled to the conduit system; and a tactile feedback system. The tactile feedback system is coupled to the conduit system and is adapted to signal a user of an occurrence of a predetermined event.

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 invention relates to a method for securing a machine tool comprising a first tool part that carries out work movements in the direction of a second tool part in order thereby to carry out a machining process on a workpiece, wherein an optoelectronic sensor monitors a three-dimensional protected field between the tool parts in that light is transmitted along an open gap formed between the tool parts by means of a transmitter device and is detected by means of a receiver device which includes a matrix of light-sensitive elements, wherein the first tool part is stopped if individual light-sensitive elements or specific groups of the light-sensitive elements do not receive any light. In the method in accordance with the invention, relative positions between individual workpiece areas or measured values related to individual workpiece areas are determined from the signals delivered by the light-sensitive elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (45), in particular a beam-emitting and beam-receiving device, for a manufacturing machine (1), e.g. an edging press, with at least one retaining mechanism (51) for the safety device (45) designed as an adjusting mechanism (52) on a press beam (15,16) fitted with bending tools (36, 37) in a tool mounting device (35). By means of the retaining mechanism (51) designed as an adjusting mechanism (52) the beam emitter (47) and/or beam receiver (48) can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the standing surface (9) between at least one working position (55) and a park position (54), whereby in the park position (54) automatic locking takes place.

Abstract: In a clip apparatus (1) with a drive (2, 3) and a control (4), on the holder (6, 7, 17) of one of the clip closing work tools a force measuring device (9) is provided. Based on the measured force and through the control the drive is influenced and in the case of excessively high force values, the clip apparatus is stopped to avoid damage.

Abstract: A pressing tool (13) includes a fluid pump (4), a cylinder element (5) arranged connecting with this and a piston which can be slid forward in the cylinder element (5) by pressure fluid of the fluid pump (4) and reset by a return spring (20a). A piston rod (6) is passed out to the cylinder element (5) as an activation part. The pressing tool (13) is moreover outfitted with a position measuring device (12, 12a; 112, 212, 212a) which measures without contact which makes the piston position continuously detectable over a positioning range free of disturbance and with a presence sensor (52). The presence sensor (52) verifies the presence of a jointing clamp (51) and issues an indicator signal in the event that a jointing clamp (51) is missing or improperly fastened and shuts the pressing tool (13) off following a delay period to the extent that no orderly inserted jointing clamp (51) is yet available.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production unit (1), in particular a bending press, and a method of operating the latter in order to shape workpieces of sheet metal between two press beams (15, 16) equipped with bending tools (36, 37) and displaceable relative to one another by means of a drive system (27), and having a control unit (47). The control unit (47) incorporates a detection system and has at least one detection means which is connected so as to communicate with the detection system in order to transmit data and/or signals.

Abstract: A press forming machines includes displacement measuring means for measuring a displacement between a slide plate and a reference plate. Control means measures a positional displacement of each of the driving sources by using the displacement measuring means in each of a plurality of operating steps during the molding operation, detects a desired displacement position of the entire slide plate, extracts control data including a correction amount to maintain the entire slide plate at the desired displacement position, the correction amount corresponding to a change in load on each of the driving sources, stores the control data in the memory, supplies the control data to the driving sources, and separately drives the driving sources. Since an actual molding operation can be performed using control data generated in a trial molding operation, the cycle time of the actual molding can be shortened.

Abstract: A pressing tool (13) includes a fluid pump (4), a cylinder element (5) arranged connecting with this and a piston which can be slid forward in the cylinder element (5) by pressure fluid of the fluid pump (4) and reset by a return spring (20a). A piston rod (6) is passed out to the cylinder element (5) as an activation part. The pressing tool (13) is moreover outfitted with a position measuring device (12, 12a; 112, 212, 212a) which measures without contact which makes the piston position continuously detectable over a positioning range free of disturbance and with a presence sensor (52). The presence sensor (52) verifies the presence of a jointing clamp (51) and issues an indicator signal in the event that a jointing clamp (51) is missing or improperly fastened and shuts the pressing tool (13) off following a delay period to the extent that no orderly inserted jointing clamp (51) is yet available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for a machine such as a press brake. The machine has a first and a second machine part which perform a working movement towards each other. The first machine part has a leading edge in the direction of movement, and the leading edge defines a plane of movement. The safety apparatus has a plurality of first light barriers which run with the first machine part during the working movement, with the light beams of the first light barriers extending parallel to the plane of movement and being distributed in the region of the plane of movement in such a way that they run in advance of the leading edge with an increasing distance as viewed in the direction of the working movement. Furthermore, there is a control unit which stops the working movement in response to the first light barriers. There is also a configuration device, by means of which selected ones from the first light barriers can be deactivated at least for the duration of the working movement.

Abstract: A crimp state estimation apparatus includes: an information input section for inputting information on an crimp contact terminal, an electric wire, an anvil, and the crimper and an input compression ratio of a core wire of the electric wire; and an estimation unit for calculating a total length of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp in a cross section orthogonal to the core wire based on the information and the input compression ratio and estimating a cross-sectional shape of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp based on the total length.

Abstract: A press forming machine having a slide plate which reciprocates by driving sources between a lower support stand and an upper support plate and has a forming space between the lower support stand and the slide plate. In the press forming machine, a reference plate for a displacement reference for the slide plate is supported on the lower support stand. The driving sources are engaged with the slide plate by the drive shafts of the driving sources to drive and press the slide plate. The drive shaft is provided with a through hole axially extending in a shaft center thereof, and displacement measuring devices each for each of the drive shafts measures the displacement of the slide plate portion corresponding to the through hole with respect to the reference plate, through the through hole. As a result, the displacements at the pressurized points on the slide plate can be measured.

Abstract: An instrument system for a press machine environment includes a monitoring apparatus to determine the flywheel speed, slide speed, and slide displacement relative to, for example, Top Dead Center. These measurements are used to determine the energy consumed by the slide as a function of slide displacement as its travels during its work stroke. A piston-cylinder combination is disposed at a die location to emulate a die set and to facilitate a determination of the load developed by the slide as it actuates movement of the piston. A computation of the work produced by the slide during piston movement can be determined on the basis of measurements of piston displacement and slide-induced pressure applied to the piston. A display plots various graphs to depict slide energy, slide work, and flywheel speed as a function of slide displacement.

Abstract: A guard device for machines such as bending presses, cutting machines, stamping machines or the like, has a first machine part which performs operative movements toward a second machine part. A laser photoelectric detector arrangement is attached to the first machine part and possesses at least one photoelectric detector, whose light beam shines in an adjustable secure distance from this machine part. On interruption of the light beam the operative motion is arrested. An abutment arrangement on the second machine part prevents interruption of the light beam. The photoelectric detector arrangement is either so laterally offset that an interruption of the light beam by the first machine part is excluded during further movement or the photoelectric detector arrangement is arranged on the first machine part in the working path thereof. A switch, able to be worked on reaching the abutting position, deactivates photoelectric detector.

Abstract: A method and a sensor for the securing of a hazardous zone of a moving tool having a point of attack is disclosed. A monitored zone with a boundary surface is monitored whose cross-section extends along an arc of a circle or beyond it, wherein the center of the arc of a circle is arranged spaced apart from the point of attack of the tool in the direction of movement of the tool, and wherein the arc of a circle has a radius which is at least so large that the boundary surface of the monitored region extends—at least on the operator side—up to the point of attack of the tool or radially beyond the boundary surface.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to configure an electrically driven press tool in as compact, reliable and cost-effective a manner as possible. To achieve this, the invention provides a press tool, in which a crimping tool (43) is retained in a recess (3) by a bolt (5). An electromotor (10) drives a spindle (14), which interacts with the crimping tool (4), by means of a reducing gear (11). C The spindle (14) is connected to a shaft (13) by means of a pressure flange (17). The bearing pressure, which acts on the spindle (143), is brought to bear on a pressure ring (27) by means of a pressure flange (17) and a pressure bearing (18), said ring acting directly or indirectly on a force or pressure sensor (25). When a predetermined set value of the crimping force has been reached, the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-accuracy pressure device for working that has a large pressing force and requires small driving energy.

Abstract: To provide a controller of an automation device in a forging press capable of preventing the occurrence of a phenomenon in which raw materials are progressively transported in a partially lacked state and enhancing forging accuracy productivity, an inlet side transportation device includes a raw material detector for detecting whether a raw material to be supplied to a transfer feeder has been supplied or not and a controller for controlling the feed operation of the transfer feeder.