Abstract: A double blank detector apparatus and method of operation determines the condition of when one blank, no blanks or more than two blanks are about to be fed into a press. An indicator bar advances relative to the number of blank sheets of material being detected and interrupts an infra-red light beam when only blank of material has been detected. Under this preferred condition, a signal is produced which allows a press located adjacent to the double blank detector to continue its stamping operation. Alternatively, if either a no blank or a double blank condition is sensed, then the indicator bar advances accordingly, thus not interrupting the infra-red light beam. During this condition, a signal is produced indicative of the situation thus notifying the operator that there is a problem and stopping the press from cycling.

Abstract: For the purpose of making it possible to estimate the spring back angle and/or final driving position of the driving die with good accuracy even if there are some variations from lot to lot in the material characteristics values, and thereby achieve bending with extremely high angle accuracy, the actual bending angle is directed at no less than two provisional driving positions of the driving die during the bending of a workpiece. Based on the relationship of the amount of change in the driving amount to the amount of change in the actual bending angle relating to those provisional driving positions, a determination is made of the relationship of the spring back angle to the target bending angle of the workpiece for the respective working conditions of the bending concerned which are stored in advance. From this relationship, a determination is made for the final driving position of the driving die, and the driving die is driven to that determined final driving position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling mill stand including an automatic strip steering and control system, comprising at least two rolls arranged alongside each other and permitting strip to pass between them from an entry side to an exit side, and comprising roll actuating means for adjusting the position of the rolls, wherein the system comprises at least one camera means for viewing the strip on the entry side of the mill and measuring the axial alignment thereof to produce a camera measurement signal which is used as an input signal to control the roll actuating means which acts on the roll to adjust the roll gap and/or tilt angle of the roll. First and second camera means are provided for viewing the strip on the exit and entry sides of the mill. A pair of actuating means are provided one arranged on each side of the rolls. The actuating means may be hydraulic roll gap cylinders.

Abstract: A plate scanner-bending device having a plate bed for receiving a printing plate and a plate driver for moving the printing plate along the plate bed is disclosed. At least one scan sensor is located above the plate bed for scanning an image on the printing plate for density, along with at least one register sensor for sensing a register mark on the printing plate. The plate bed has at least one anvil at one end for a bending mechanism for bending the plate.

Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are disclosed for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.

Abstract: A side panel assembly is disclosed which is of simple construction and provides easy access to the assembly contents for servicing or the like. The side panel assembly includes a front wall (14), a back wall (12) and a side wall (16) which is bent to match the shape of the front (14) and/or back (12) wall. The front wall (14) is connected to the side wall (16) by inserting a fastener (30) through the front wall (14) and a pull-out tab (26) extending from the side wall (16). A method and apparatus for use in constructing the side panel (16) are also provided. The method and apparatus allow for automation of the lay-out, cutting to length, flanging and notching of the side panel (16).

Abstract: A manually operated conduit bender head for bending electrical conduit, tubing, and the like has a sighting point defined on a lateral side of the handle socket which projects from the handle socket in a plane perpendicular to the handle and bead projections spaced along the length of the side of the shoe to provide reliable sighting of the bend angle imparted by the tool to the conduit or tubing.

Abstract: A tube bender angle indicator is attached to the handle of a manual tube bender and has a frame to which angle indicia are applied which define an apex through which a pointer is pivotally connected to the frame. A bubble level vial is secured to the pointer so as to indicate that the bend angle has been achieved which the pointer is pointing at when the bubble is in its horizontal reference position.

Abstract: A method for flattening a partially depressed metal body of an automobile is disclosed. The method rapidly and nearly completely flattens, using a simple instrument, the depressed body such that the existing paint of the body does not peel irrespective of the flattening work. A fluorescent lamp is placed such that the lamp is horizontal placed relative to a depressed metal plate of the body and opposed to a flattening worker. A flattening instrument is placed under the depressed metal plate such that the tip of the instrument is precisely placed under the center of a depressed part of the metal plate. The handle of the instrument is repeatedly, rapidly, slightly and elastically pushed down until the depressed part is repeatedly levered up and completely flattened by repeated leverage of the instrument about a point of action.

Abstract: A metal sheet bending machine for bending a metal sheet inserted between an upper bender and lower bender to a desired angle. While the metal sheet is being bent to the desired angle, a linear image of projected measuring light, which rotates with a change in the bending angle of the metal sheet, is formed by a measuring light source on an outer face of the bent metal sheet and sequentially photographed and stored. Based on the stored images, the bending angle of the metal sheet is calculated. Based on the result of the calculation, the positions of tile upper and/or lower benders are controlled whereby the metal sheet can be bent to the desired angle.

Abstract: A forging system comprises a furnace with heating elements to heat a billet which is pressed against a die at a controlled rate and pressure. A signal processor controls the temperature, pressure and rate as a function of parameters entered on a keyboard the signal processor displays those parameters along with real time values of temperature pressure and distance for the billet in a graphical interface that includes a model of the billet and furnace with elements that change size during the forging processor. Forging pressure is displayed, in this interface, on an incremented bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending a lithographic plate having an image thereon, comprising an inspection system for (a) inspecting a plate held on a table at an inspection station, (b) determining the extent to which the plate needs to be adjusted relative to a predetermined reference position, and (c) generating a signal indicative of any such adjustment. A first positioning mechanism responsive to the signal automatically moves the table to position a plate on the table for a bending operation.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes a pair of relatively movable jaws (22) carrying a mating pair of crimping dies (25). Stop surfaces (30) on respective ones of the jaws are in abutting relationship when the dies are fully closed. A flat film sensor (40) on one of the stop surfaces is coupled in an electrical circuit so as to produce an electrical signal when the stop surfaces come together and a force is imposed on the sensor. The electrical signal may be used to illuminate a visual display, generate an audio tone, or trigger an actuator which causes the jaws to retract to an open position.

Abstract: A bending angle detector for use in a bending machine, capable of detecting a bending angle of a workpiece with high accuracy even if workpieces of different materials are bent by the bending machine.

Abstract: Stamping dies and method for stamping parts using multiple stamping stations with different bottom markers in successive dies that mark the part being produced at selected stations with different markings related to one another, which cumulatively provide an observable completed set of marks on a part such as one finally stamped to readily show whether or not the stamping has been properly executed and to identify any stamping station or stations that is not stamping to specification.

Abstract: For adjusting of three caliber opening rollers or guiding rolls, a light source is arranged on the one side of the roller or guiding roll, a device is located at another side of the roller or the guiding roll and receives a shadow image of a caliber contour and has a turnable, displaceable and arrestable bar template. The bar template has at least one polygon which corresponds to the number of rollers or guiding rolls of a caliber and sides which are offset from one another with the same angular position as rotary axes of the rollers or guiding rolls, and center points of inscribed circles of several such polygons are located on one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for the automated bending of continuous reels of metal strips, particularly for the bending of sharpened metal strip into steel rule dies. A sequence of steps is provided to perform a number of bends in the strip, at various positions on the strip, and of various magnitudes, in order to approximate the shape desired. Data containing the shape to be produced is introduced into a programmable computation and control system, which also contains data regarding the physical characteristics of the metal strip. An optical detection system is used to detect the shape produced at every step, and an electrical signal is fed back from the detection system into the computation and control system to compensate for any errors, particularly those errors caused by springback of the metal strip.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for punching and bending a lithographic plate to match a particular press so that when the plate is subsequently mounted on that particular press, it is oriented to print a properly positioned image on a print surface.

Abstract: A semi-continuous "push-pull" pickle line for removing oxides from hot-rolled steel strip. In addition to other value added features, a treatment portion of the pickle line includes: (1) a two-high temper mill operable to break scale on the strip as well as elongate, shape correct and controllably reduce the gauge of the strip; (2) a pickling zone including at least one V-shaped, shallow-path pickling tank within which a plurality of sparging ports dispense substantially laminar flows of acid solution toward the bottom surface of the strip as it passes through the pickling tank; and (3) a displaceable inspection table desirably cooperating with lights and mirrors to permit simultaneous inspection of the top and bottom surfaces of the steel after pickling.

Abstract: Twin metal billets are fed to dual circumferential grooves formed in a rotating wheel. The billets are advanced first to a wedge-shaped gap which deforms the billets and are then advanced to a die. The die has a die opening with a circumferentially discontinuous, annular cross-section. The metal from each billet merges in the die opening and exits therefrom in the form of a slit tube. The tube is then opened and flattened to form a flat strip by advancing the slit tube over a forming member having a progressively increasing width. As the tube is advanced over the forming member, an alignment system maintaining the tube in a centered position. The alignment system includes a light source disposed within the tube and two arrays of photo-transistors arranged to receive light from the light source, the amount of light sensed by each array being a function of the position of the slit in the tube relative to a desired position.

Abstract: A gap measurement device includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller and the second roller define a gap which varies due to thermal expansion and contraction of the rollers. A first optical probe measures a first distance to the first roller and generates a first-distance signal indicative of the first distance. A second optical probe measures a second distance to the second roller and generates a second-distance signal indicative of the second distance. An electronics module generates a gap-width signal indicative of the gap based on the first-distance signal and the second-distance signal. The invention can also measure roller velocity, roller runout, roller registration, and the thickness of liquid on a roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in bending sheet stock to form a selected design is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a controller including a programmable system for calculating the positions and shapes of bends for bending the stock to the selected design and a sequence for making the bends, and a printer for printing instructions regarding the positions, shapes and sequence of the bends. The printer can print instructions directly on the stock or on a label for attachment to the stock. The instructions can be utilized by an operator or machine in bending the sheet stock. The invention improves the efficiency and accuracy of the process for bending sheet stock.

Abstract: Method to carry out bends of a bundle (13) of bars having a diameter up to 32 mm.

Abstract: A metal sheet bending machine for bending a metal sheet inserted between an upper bender and lower bender to a desired angle. While the metal sheet is being bent to the desired angle, a linear image of projected measuring light, which rotates with a change in time bending angle of the metal sheet, is formed by a measuring light source on an outer face of the bent metal sheet and sequentially photographed and stored. Based on the stored images, the bending angle of the metal sheet is calculated. Based on the result of the calculation, the positions of the upper and/or lower benders are controlled whereby the metal sheet can be bent to the desired angle.

Abstract: For adjusting of three caliber opening rollers or guiding rolls, a light source is arranged on the one side of the roller or guiding roll, a device is located at another side of the roller or the guiding roll and receives a shadow image of a caliber contour and has a turnable, displaceable and arrestable bar template. The bar template has at least one polygon which corresponds to the number of rollers or guiding rolls of a caliber and sides which are offset from one another with the same angular position as rotary axes of the rollers or guiding rolls, and center points of inscribed circles of several such polygons are located on one another.

Abstract: Device (10) to control the temperature of extruded metallic sections during the step of extrusion from an extrusion press, the device being suitable for connection to, and for governing, a system that controls and regulates the extrusion speed, and being positioned in the vicinity of the outlet of the extruded product from the extrusion die and comprising a carriage (13) able to move circumferentially at least partly about the extruded product (12) on a plane substantially normal to the axis of the extruded product and bearing an optical-fiber (17) monitor (15) connected to a remotely located pyrometer (18).

Abstract: An exterior lead forming device for semiconductor devices includes a pair of roller holders rotatably attached to a punch plate. When the punch plate is lowered, the leads of a semiconductor device fixedly held on a bending die by a pressing plate are bent along the sides of the bending die. The paths of the bending rollers are monitored by a camera and path errors, calculated by a comparator, are fed back to a motor control circuit to adjust the positions of bending roller guide plates and thereby correct the path errors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately slitting a rod into two equal sections in which the rod is longitudinally advanced to a slitter and is laterally shifted by an in-line guide adjustment system or 1GA so that the slit sections will be equal. The rod sections are measured by the 1GA after slitting to evaluate any difference in size therebetween while the sections are advancing, and the 1GA transversely shifts the rod before it enters the slitter to eliminate any size differential between the slit sections.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling in a controlled manner a rolled wire from rolling temperatures. The arrangement includes a cooling unit arranged following a finishing stand, a coiling unit for the wire and a cooling and conveying system for the spread-out wire coils. A pivotable and/or displaceable coil placement unit is arranged between the coiling unit and the cooling and conveying system.

Abstract: A conduit level for use in bending electrical conduit includes a generally F-shape rigid frame having a base member and a pair of legs and a clamping screw protruding through one of the legs for connecting the frame to an open end of a conduit. A bubble level is housed within a bottom end portion of the base member so that, when the apparatus is connected to the conduit, the bubble level is laterally spaced apart from the open end of the conduit to bring it into view of an operator from an operator's position alongside the conduit for leveling the conduit. A housing is integrally formed in the bottom end portion to substantially surround the bubble level to protect it from impact. The housing includes windows on four sides to allow viewing the bubble level from the operator's position after a bend is formed in the conduit.

Abstract: A method for creating a registered pattern on a metal coil includes providing a pattern applicator roll and a drive motor for rotating the roll, moving the coil into contact with the applicator roll to permit it to create a pattern sequentially on the moving strip from the coil, measuring the pattern length and comparing the same with the desired pattern length, and adjusting the speed of rotation of the pattern applicator roll if the measured pattern length departs from the desired pattern length by a predetermined amount. Preferably, coil line speed is also monitored. A microprocessor may be used to effect the comparison between the desired pattern length and the actual pattern length. Apparatus for creating a registered pattern on a metal coil includes a pattern applicator roll which has the strip from the coil moved into contacting relationship therewith, an appropriate drive motor to drive the roll, and apparatus for monitoring coil line speed, pattern length and motor speed.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for measuring and controlling the strain rate of a blank during forming. A light source directs light against the blank and a video camera is positioned and focused to view the light reflected from the blank while it is being formed. A video monitor and an image processor receive the signal from the camera. This signal is used to determine the strain rate based upon the dimensional change in reference marks on the blank. The image processor provides an output signal which can be used to control the strain rate in accordance with a predetermined strain rate profile for the particular part being formed.

Abstract: In a method for the bending of workpieces by swivel bending jaws, the bent-off part is to assume a predetermined bending angle with respect to the workpiece, for this purpose, in a first bending operation, at least one corresponding leg is to be bent off from the workpiece by means of the swivel bending jaws. Then, the swivel bending jaws are released from the leg and a springback of the leg or the actual bending angle is determined by direct measurements and compared with a set bending angle. Subsequently, an agreement is established between set bending angle and actual bending angle by a renewed bending operation, by a bending-over.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending an elongate workpiece to a desired configuration includes a memory for storing information representative of the desired configuration and information representative of bending operations to be performed by a bending machine. A position sensor is used to scan a workpiece that has been bent using the bending machine, and thereby generate information representative of the actual configuration of the workpiece. The information representative of the actual configuration of the workpiece is compared with the information representative of the desired configuration and, in the event that there is a difference between the actual configuration and the desired configuration, and the difference is beyond a predetermined tolerance, the information representative of bending operations is modified in a manner such as to reduce the difference.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for forming a helical barbed tape. The process first involves supplying rolled steel which is passed to an apparatus for blanking barbs and cutting the steel into strips. The strips are mounted on individual cassettes. The tape subsequently is fed from a cassette to a barb sensor and barb setter. The barb setter moves with the tape to effect the required offset in response to the sensed presence of a barb cluster. The tape then advances to a roll former which exerts a controlled differential pressure on opposed sides of the tape to create a uniform circular coil. The tape will have an unequal thickness across its width with the differential thickness being substantially uniform along the length of the tape.

Abstract: A retractable instrumentation platform for supporting instrumentation adjacent a roll of a rolling mill. This platform is accurately positioned within a rolling mill at a preselected elevation and it is retractable away from the monitored roll, when desired, for maintenance or other purposes. The re-positioning of this platform within the rolling mill after being retracted is accurately controlled such that it is returned back to its original reference elevation without the need to re-calibrate the supported instrumentation.

Abstract: The method of controlling a velocity dependent factor of strip material being processed in a mill includes the steps of simultaneously determining the apparent velocity of material prior to, between and subsequent to spaced apart work rolls. Input slip is determined by comparing the apparent input velocity with the apparent work roll velocity, and output slip is determined by comparing the apparent output velocity with the apparent work roll velocity. A velocity dependent factor is calculated in response to a comparison of input slip and output slip. The calculated factor is compared with a previously calculated factor and a derived factor is calculated when the calculated factor exceeds the previously calculated factor by more than the selected amount and an adaptive factor used to calculate the derived factor is calculated when the calculated factor does not exceed the previously calculated factor by the selected amount.

Abstract: Two rolls are supported laterally in bearings in two pairs of side-by-side members with the members being supported by a frame. Adjustment of synchronization and registration is accomplished by adjusting the relative positions of the side-by-side members in or against the rolling direction. The relative positions of the rolls can be adjusted by use of notches engraved in the ends of the rolls; and can be continuously monitored with the aid of a stroboscope light. Magnetic signal devices and other sensors are also suitable for monitoring. Continuous adjustment of roll position is accomplished through low-pitch screws or through hydraulic or electric positioning motors.

Abstract: A multi-pass rolling method and a multi-pass rolling-mill stand best adapted to carry out said multi-pass rolling method. In a rolling-mill stand having three or more work rolls arranged one above the other, a workpiece is simultaneously rolled at two or more points by at least one of the work rolls.

Abstract: In the method and the apparatus for measuring and controlling the roll gap in a roll stand the roll gap is illuminated by a light source transversely of the roll axis or also parallel to the roll axis. A camera, in particular a CCD line camera, is aligned with its optical system with the roll gap and the illuminated part of the gap is broken down in this camera in the direction of the height or thickness of the gap into image points which generate on illumination an electrical charge, the image points being consecutively periodically interrogated for bright-dark information by drive electronics and the sum of the bright or dark light points serving as information on the magnitude of the roll gap and for controlling the roll gap setting.

Abstract: A multi-pass rolling method which permits a multi-pass rolling-mill stand to perform multi-path rolling and still stabilize the rolling operation by preventing lateral deviation movement of a metal workpiece being rolled. The rolling-mill stand has three or more work rolls arranged one above the other and the workpiece is simultaneously rolled at two or more points by at least one of the work rolls. Directly or indirectly roll gaps are detected on the work and drive sides of at least one pass by sensors. A difference signal from the output signals of the sensors is obtained thereby determining a roll gap difference. Control devices are provided which are responsive to the difference signal for independently changing the roll gaps on the work and drive sides.

Abstract: A method for registering in an offset printing press comprises: mounting a printing plate on a shiftable table of a plate bending machine; detecting datum fine lines on said plate, by means of optical sensors; shifting the shiftable table so that said datum fine lines are placed at specific positions; inscribing, by means of a register mark inscribing device, register marks for carrying out automatic registering while, at the same time, bending the lateral edges of the printing plate; thereafter mounting the printing plate on a corresponding plate cylinder of a printing press; and carrying out automatic registering. The above plate bending machine comprises plate bending mechanisms, a shiftable table for holding the printing plate, optical detection sensors disposed above the shiftable table and operating to detect datum lines on the plate and thereby to generate signals for the movement of the table and register mark inscribing devices for automatic registering on a plate cylinder of the printing press.

Abstract: To achieve a greater accuracy, an optoelectronic measuring method and an apparatus for measuring with optoelectronic instruments provides that one or two light rays of one or two light transmitters, such as lasers, are directed at an acute angle onto a surface to be shaped and that the distance covered from the starting position to the end position in the shaping operations is measured by means of a photodetector, e.g., a diode camera, which is set up perpendicular to the light spot or spots.

Abstract: A system for sensing tensile stress in a metal sheet being stretch formed between gripping jaws in a stretch press. Reaction force of the stressed sheet causes elastic deformation of each jaw, and this deformation is detected by movement of a light beam emitted from a source secured to the jaw. A photosensor output signal related to light-beam movement is correlated with a second signal representing sheet strain or elongation to detect when the sheet has been tensioned to the yield point.

Abstract: A flat blank of a metal which becomes superplastic at elevated temperatures is transformed into a part of the desired configuration in an apparatus that is utilized in connection with a hydraulic press, the apparatus having a lower section that is mounted on the press bed and an upper section that moves with the press ram. The lower section includes a forming tool having a contoured surface, the configuration of which corresponds to that which is to be imparted to the blank, and a cooling passage that surrounds the tool. The blank is positioned over the tool and cooling passage of the lower section. The upper section includes a chamber enclosed by walls and a bulkhead, another cooling passage at the lower end of the chamber walls, an infrared emitter within the chamber, and infrared optical sensors that are located outside of the chamber but view the blank through tubes that extend through the bulkhead and the emitter.

Abstract: A plurality of gimbal mounted wheels are located to protrude slightly above an alignment table to support a work piece. A pair of electro-optical scanners are located above the table to locate a marked bend line on the work piece with respect to a die in an adjacent press brake. The scanner signals for wheel alignment and to drive units located in each half of the alignment table to selectively drive the wheels and move the work piece bend line into position in the press brake. An alternate drive actuates the wheels when the wheels are aligned for maximum rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering two concentric cylinders having different diameters is the subject of the present invention. A linear reference line is projected from an illuminating source along the length of the inner cylinder. At the other end of the cylinder is a photo receiver operable to provide a displacement reading related to the amount of light striking the receiver. As the inner cylinder is rotated about its center point, the amount of light striking the photo receiver varies based on the amount of arcuate displacement present at each point of the cylinder. The photo receiver then converts the incoming light into a displacement reading related to the arcuate diplacement of the inner cylinder. The readings thus obtained are correlated with the points on the inner cylinder where they occurred to indicate the point and amount of maximum arcuate displacement. Thereafter, the outer cylinder is arcuately displaced a corresponding amount so that it will conform to the inner cylinder exactly.

Abstract: Computerized electro-optical system gages two orthogonal dimensions of a moving hot bar and plots cold bar profile. Dual back-lighted electronic camera heads mounted 90.degree. apart on a scanner generate separate bar shadow pulses representing othogonal bar dimensions. Each camera source of bar pulses is processed in individual camera electronics where it is presumed the bar pulse has been corrected for optical and electronic system sources of error. If each bar pulse is not corrected, it is assumed that both a bar size pulse and bar position-in-field-of-view pulse are generated by each camera electronics and fed to a digital computer. The computer is programmed to correct for optical and electronic errors, bar temperature and composition and other errors. Two corrected bar size signals, together with a scanner position signal and a bar aim size signal, are used to plot cold bar profile deviation from aim size. CRT and printing terminals readout and printout bar profile data and interact with the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of helicoidal springs in which there is associated with the mandrel for rolling of the spring a rotating cylinder carrying a helicoidal trace corresponding to the helix of the spring to be manufactured. A moving carriage which moves the mandrel longitudinally supports a scanner of the photoelectric cell type directed toward the rotating cylinder which controls the displacement of the movable carriage. Control devices supply a memory with the comparative values which provide for the future automatic control of the machine. The invention therefore relates to automatic machines to form helicoidal springs.

Abstract: Computerized electro-optical system gages dimension of a moving hot bar. Back-lighted electronic camera head generates high-speed bar shadow pulses which represent the bar dimensions. Bar pulses are processed by way of camera electronics and a digital computer. CRT and printing terminals, interacting with the computer, indicate and/or record a field-of-view correction map and a cold-size bar diameter measurement.Camera head electronics includes camera AGC, a digital type one-axis bidirectional linear sweep, bar pulse edge-detection with an autocorrelator to remove noise and enhance the bar pulse, and a digital accumulator of digital bar size signals and digital bar position-in-field-of-view signals. The digital computer assimilates bar size and bar position signals along with bar temperature, aim size, and other data signals.