Abstract: A double-blank detecting apparatus for a press machine that is provided with a die cushion apparatus and is configured to form blanks one by one automatically and repeatedly. The double-blank detecting apparatus includes: a position signal acquiring unit configured to acquire a slide position signal indicating a position of a slide of the press machine; a load signal acquiring unit configured to acquire a die cushion load signal indicating a die cushion load generated on a cushion pad of the die cushion apparatus; and a double-blank detector configured to detect a state in which a plurality of blanks are stacked as a double blank based on the slide position signal acquired by the position signal acquiring unit and the die cushion load signal acquired by the load signal acquiring unit.

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: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

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: The invention describes a manufacturing device (1) and a method for bending blanks (4) or workpieces (5), having a bending press (2) and having a manipulator (3), which can be displaced in a raceway parallel to a longitudinal extent of a table and bending beam (10, 14), for workpiece transfer between a feeding or removal apparatus for the blanks (4) or the workpieces (5) and a forming region between bending tools (21). The manipulator (3) has an articulated-arm arrangement (33) having preferably three arms (34, 35, 36) which can be pivoted via pivoting bearing arrangements (37) about pivot axes (39) which are oriented parallel to the raceway, and said manipulator has a rotary unit (41), having a rotational axis (42) which extends perpendicularly with respect to the pivot axes (39), at one distal end of the articulated-arm arrangement (33).

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: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling articles (4) through a multi-stage process, the apparatus comprising at least one rotatable process turret (2) having a number of pockets (3), wherein each pocket (3) is adapted to support an article (4). The pockets (3) are arranged in groups and each group of pockets (3A, 3B, 3C) has associated tooling (5A, 5B, 5C), which carries out one stage of the process. The articles (4) are initially fed into one group of pockets (3A) only. A re-phase means (6) is provided to transfer the article (4) from one group of pockets (3A, 3B) to another (3B, 3C).

Abstract: A crack test for a tubular structure includes a sensor ring disposed radially outward from a flare pin in a flaring press. The sensor ring is responsive to physical contact from a cracked flared end of a tube processed in the press.

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 progressive stamping die system and method of operation providing dimensionally accurate flat stamped parts. A biasing mechanism is provided in actual alignment with a coin punch member in order to accurately control the configuration and planar accuracy of the stamped parts being formed.

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: An automatic system of manufacturing ball studs for vehicles which establishes various processes inline to diagnose each process and perform production and inventory control.

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.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus comprises a high pressure accumulator for sucking pressure oil supplied to a relief chamber of a relief valve to make changeover for the relief valve from a valve-closed state to a valve-open state when a forming load is applied to the pressure oil charged in a pressure chamber and the hydraulic pressure of the pressure oil arrives at a relief preset pressure, and a low pressure accumulator for sucking the pressure oil charged in the pressure chamber via the relief valve which is in the valve-open state.

Abstract: A multi-stage robot has at least three sets of upper and lower dies are mounted on the upper movable plate and base plate; a work pick-and-place device is mounted on the lower movable plate provided to be reciprocated in the horizontal direction and reciprocated in the vertical direction so as to progressively transfer parts on the lower dies; at least three part pick-and-place devices are radially mounted on the base plate; each of the part pick-and-place devices is provided to be reciprocated in the horizontal direction and reciprocated in the vertical direction so as to feed parts one by one to a corresponding lower die.

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: A fin mill machine for forming electrically conductive strip stock into corrugated fin material includes a form roller for forming corrugations in the strip stock, which is at an electrical common. A detector detects when the strip stock wraps up around the form roller. The detector includes an electrical circuit having a source connected to a load by a probe. The probe is positioned adjacent the form roller to contact the strip stock when the strip stock wraps up around the form roller such that the electrical circuit has an effective load different than the load. A controller is operable with the detector to monitor the effective load of the electrical circuit. The controller disables the form roller when the effective load of the electrical circuit is indicative of the probe contacting the strip stock.

Abstract: A detector unit (30) for use in a wire handling machine (10) includes an encoder (38) for monitoring movement of the wire (26) along a wire feed path (28) and for detecting the presence of a splice (130) and the end of the wire (26) as it is being fed. The shaft (58) of the encoder is electrically interconnected to the frame (12) of the machine by means of a brush (66) and leaf spring (68) and includes an enlarged diameter (62) for engaging and being driven by the wire being fed. A presser member (84), which is electrically isolated from the frame (12), is arranged to urge the wire against the enlarged diameter (62) so that when a the wire is fed it causes the shaft (58) of the encoder to rotate proportionately. When the controller unit (126) detects wire movement that is substantially different from that expected, the machine is stopped and an appropriate message is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a press for trimming and forming lead frames of semiconductor packages which have been molded in order to form individual semiconductor chips. The press machine for forming semiconductor packages according to the present invention is able to perform punching operation at low noise and high speed by vertically moving the upper mold mounted on an movable plate through a crank mechanism which is operated by a servomotor and has a characteristic of performing accelerated and decelerated motion with rotation, and also able to drive a feeding device by using the power of the servomotor which drives the press device, without using other driving source. And when there is caused such a trouble that a lead frame gets off the correct position, punching operation is interrupted to prevent any damage on semiconductor packages and a mold by lifting the movable plate provided with an upper mold.

Abstract: A stamping and forming machine (10) is disclosed having a feed mechanism for incrementally feeding a strip of material (32) along a feed path and momentarily stopping the strip in proper position within tooling (20, 22) during the stamping and forming operation. The feed system includes a feed drum (36) and is arranged to move between a driving position where the feed drum (36) is in engagement with the strip of material (32) for effecting the movement thereof along the feed path and a remote position out of feeding engagement therewith. A misfeed detection and feed release mechanism is provided for moving the feed drum (36) from the driving position to the remote position upon detection of a misfeed where the strip of material (32) is displaced from the proper position. The feed drum (36) is spring loaded toward the remote position. A first sear (190) is in engagement with the feed drum so that it is held in the driving position against the urging of the spring (174).

Abstract: A safety device which prevents a gripping bar from being squeezed in a platen press that processes plate-like workpieces. This press comprises a fixed upper beam and a movable lower beam which is raised recurrently by a driving device. The safety device comprises a pick-up for emergency situations having the form of a cell for directly scanning the passage of the gripper bar, which cell is arranged at a point of the outlet of the gripper bar from the press. The cell will actuate a switch of an emergency braking device arranged in the drive of the lower beam. Preferably, the scanning cell is an inductive pick-up detecting the proximity of a metal mass.

Abstract: A press and assembly machine has a die set which has guide posts securely mounted on a base plate, and a cylinder plate securely mounted on top portions of the guide posts, and a movable plate slidably mounted on the guide posts. A cylinder is mounted on the cylinder plate. A piston rod of the cylinder is connected to the movable plate. A pick-and-place device is mounted on the base plate. The pick-and-place device comprises a pair of guide rails mounted on the base plate at opposite sides of the lower die, opposite sliding members slidably mounted on the guide rails, a connecting member connecting the sliding members, a reciprocating cylinder for reciprocating the connected sliding members, and a plurality of gripping actuators provided on the opposite sliding members. The gripping actuator has opposite gripping cylinders, opposite gripping fingers operated by a piston rod of the corresponding cylinder for gripping a work. A parts-feeder is provided for feeding works one by one to the pick-and-place device.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting fault conditions, such as missing or improper hardware, in the operation of a fastener press. It includes a workpiece die that is aligned with and cooperates with a punch assembly in the insertion of the fasteners into holes in the workpiece. The die has a linear displacement member mounted for reciprocal movement in response to the operation of the punch assembly. The position of the linear displacement member, which represents whether or not a fault condition exists, is detected and an alarm indication is generated when there is a fault.

Abstract: A multi-station machine for necking-in the open end of a metal container body includes a plurality of necking spindle assemblies mounted at circumferentially spaced locations on a tooling disc turret in coaxial alignment with corresponding base pad spindle assemblies mounted to a base pad turret. The turrets are co-rotatable with a main turret shaft. Cam controlled tooling activating assemblies are mounted on the tooling disc turret to control the necking-in movement of an eccentric roll and an external forming roll in each necking spindle in synchronism with the delivery of vacuum suction through the base pad spindles which clamps the container bottom walls to the respective base pads. A sequential latching arrangement associated with the tooling activating assemblies prevents tool-to-tool contact between the outer forming rolls with the eccentric rolls in the absence of container bodies on station.

Abstract: A forging method for making a forged product from an elongate steel bar material. The forging comprises a heating step in which the elongate bar material is heated, a cutting step in which the heated bar material is cut into billet materials each having a predetermined length, and a forging step in which the billet materials are successively forged. In this forging method, when an abnormality arises in the forging step, the cutting in the cutting step is interrupted and the bar material in the heating step is maintained in the heating step without being transferred toward the cutting step. Additionally, unless the abnormality is normalized within a predetermined limit time, the cutting in the cutting step is restarted and the billet materials formed after the restarting of the cutting are transferred to a storing apparatus which is outside of a normal forging line.

Abstract: An automatic stop apparatus for use in combination with a cold-pilger mill to reduce the amount of tube scrap generated during a cold-pilgering operation includes a first control scheme for stopping the advancement of the pilger mill feed carriage and the operation of the mill's upper and lower pilger dies when the feed carriage pushing a tube through the pilger dies is a predetermined distance from the axis extending between the centers of the pair of pilger dies. The predetermined distance is selected to provide that facing end portions of the pushed and pusher tubes are positioned between the pilger dies.

Abstract: A crimping machine is disclosed for making a crimp connection of an electrical connector with an electrical conductor. A fixed tool receives the connector with crimpable prongs in a position for receiving the electrical conductor therebetween. A movable tool crimps the prongs against the conductor by a reciprocating stroke and a strain gage senses the force transmitted between the tools. A control device responds to a predetermined value of force for terminating the crimping stroke and measuring means measures the length of the crimping stroke. Indicating means indicates when the length of the stroke of the movable tool deviates from a predetermined stroke length as an indication of a defective crimp connection.

Abstract: A cupfeeder for feeding cups from a supply chute to a feed location in operative alignment with a drawing and ironing machine is disclosed. The cupfeeding mechanism comprises a push rod mechanism mechanically driven in reciprocating strokes to advance a cup which has dropped from the lower end of the chute to the feed location along a transfer path defined by a positioning member. The push rod mechanism includes an inner push rod extending telescopically from an outer push rod driven by the reciprocating drive. The inner push rod is maintained by pressurized fluid in a fixed axial location, relative to the outer push rod, to project forwardly therefrom to a maximum extent to engage the cups in the cupfeeding process. In response to jamming of a cup within the drawing and ironing station, pressurized fluid is re-routed within the outer push rod to retract the inner push rod and prevent further transfer of cups along the transfer path.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in controlling the operation of a can end press of the type having a plurality of operating stations for performing different work operations on a can end passing through the press, each operating station including a fixed station portion and a reciprocally movable station portion which engages a can end mounted on the fixed station portion, comprising: strain gauge operatively associated with at least one of the operating stations for detecting the strain experienced in a portion of the station during press operation and for providing a strain gauge signal indicative thereof; data processing assembly for receiving and processing the signal of the strain gauge for detecting a signal condition conforming to predetermined criteria associated with an abnormal operating state of the press and for providing a control signal responsive to the detected abnormal operating state.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for inspecting a physical feature on a surface of a manufactured article. First, a sensor is provided adjacent to the article. Then, the surface of the article is sensed by the sensor while causing one of the sensor and the article to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the article, to thereby obtain a signal which has peaks corresponding to the physical feature on the surface of the article. Subsequently the signal is processed and the processed signal is analyzed based on the number of the peaks, to thereby obtain information as to the physical feature on the surface of the article. An inspection apparatus suitable for practicing the above-mentioned method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a wire handling machine, comprising a measuring unit for measuring an amount of wire consumption by the wire handling machine, and a control unit including memory for storing an expected amount of wire consumption for each of steps carried out by the wire handling machine, and a CPU having the functions of comparing an actual amount of wire consumption as detected by the measuring unit with a corresponding value stored in the memory, and producing an output indicative of a fault in the wire handling machine when any deviation exceeding a certain limit is detected between the actual amount of wire consumption and the corresponding value stored in the memory. Thus, the operating condition of the wire handling machine such as a motor armature coil winding machine can be accurately evaluated by the amount of wire consumption which can be easily measured with a simple device for measurement, for instance by using a rotary encoder coupled with a pulley around which the wire is passed.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in controlling the operation of a can end press of the type having a plurality of operating stations for performing different work operations on a can end passing through the press, each operating station including a fixed station portion and a reciprocally movable station portion which engages a can end mounted on the fixed station portion, comprising: strain gauge operatively associated with at least one of the operating stations for detecting the strain experienced in a portion of the station during press operation and for providing a strain gauge signal indicative thereof; data processing assembly for receiving and processing the signal of the strain gauge for detecting a signal condition conforming to predetermined criteria associated with an abnormal operating state of the press and for providing a control signal responsive to the detected abnormal operating state.

Abstract: A press regulating device for detecting can end tab related defects including a plunger assembly for engaging a can end to be tested; a plunger deflection monitoring device; and a data processing device which receives a signal from the plunger deflection monitoring device and a press timing device and which processes these signals to determine whether or not the tested can end is defective and which sends a control signal to the press to terminate press operation upon detection of a defective can end.

Abstract: A method of minimizing scrap loss in making a drawn container in a multi-die set cupping or end shell press which includes monitoring the sheet for defects before entering the press. The monitor is adapted to detect a defect, send a signal to a control when such defect is detected, and the control thereafter interrupts the operation of the punch of at least the die set in line with the defect when the portion of the sheet having the defect therein enters the die set and suspends such operation until the defect passes through the die set.

Abstract: A punch probing device including at least one punch and a cooperating punch feeler. The feeler is operable to detect both foreign matter on the punch and damage of said punch. The feeler is moved perpendicularly into and out of operative engagement with the punch by means of a linkage parallelogram. Controls for the punch and linkage are provided.

Abstract: A continuously running mechanical transfer press includes a workpiece transfer system in which electric motors are used to provide reciprocating movements in the clamp, lift and transfer axes. An independent backup tracking system including a fault detection sensing control is provided which utilizes independent measures of the position of the workpiece transfer system in all three axes along with an independent measure of the position of the press die in its cycle to monitor proper synchronization and operation of the workpiece transfer system. The fault detection system indicates a fault in the event the transfer system loses synchronization with the moving die, in the event two separate measures of die position are not in agreement, or in the event the transfer system fails to maintain parallelism of the two transfer rails included in the system. The press is stopped in response to detection of a fault to protect the press and the transfer system from damage.

Abstract: A conversion die for completing can ends having a double can end sensor which senses the presence of a double can and generates a control signal in response thereto which terminates operation of the conversion die.

Abstract: Blanks of noncircular, especially polygonal (e.g. heptagonal), outline are fed to a die-stamping press of an embossing plant such as a mint by means of a turntable with radially oriented transport plates projecting beyond its periphery at angularly equispaced locations. Each transport plate has an outwardly open recess with inner edges conforming to part of the blank outline and with two substantially parallel jaws spaced apart by the maximum width of the blanks, the depth of the recess being less than this maximum width to let an inserted blank protrude by one corner in an incorrect position and by two corners but to a lesser extent in a correct position.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for a drawing press which includes a detector arrangement for detecting at least one of a presence of a workpiece, a semi-finished workpiece, and a correct workpiece feed whereby the drawing press is immobilized or shut down in the event the detector arrangement detects a fault. The detector arrangement is adapted to detect contours of a workpiece which have been drawn by the drawing press and is disposed downstream of a drawing station of the drawing press.

Abstract: A can lid forming apparatus includes means for attaching a can opening key. A proximity field sensor is mounted in a doming die of the apparatus and generates a pulse logic signal as a can lid with a staked key is formed by the doming tool. A timing disc rotates in synchronism with each cycle of the tool and generates a pair of logic signals. A key monitor circuit is connected to respond to the signals to establish a latch, check latch and reset latch sequence for each cycle of the tooling. If the latch is not set, an appropriate output signal is generated indicating a key is missing from the lid. If the latch is not reset after being set, indicating a build-up of aluminum fines or the like on the probe, an appropriate signal is generated by a preconditioned probe monitoring curcuit.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the operation of a rod-working apparatus of the type including a rod-feeding unit which feeds towards a cyclically operating work tool a certain length of rod per work cycle of the tool. There are selected a minimum and a maximum distance through which a rod to be fed towards the work tool is to be permitted to advance per work cycle of the tool. A rod is fed towards and into the range of operation of the tool. The actual distance advanced by the rod during a work cycle of the tool is determined. It is also determined whether the actual distance of advancement falls within the range defined between the preselected minimum and maximum distances. When the actual distance falls outside such range, operation of the rod-feeding unit is terminated.

Abstract: An automatic punch press and monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a piezoelectric accelerometer mounted within the stationary die shoe of the punch press, and electronic circuitry including a variable gain amplifier, a detector, an integrator, and a comparator. The monitoring system is manually placed in a "LEARN" mode whereupon the signal produced by the accelerometer during normal operation of the punch press is amplified, detected, and integrated over the time period of one stroke to produce a test function. The gain of the amplifier is automatically adjusted during successive normal strokes of the punch press until the test function is equal to an arbitrary set point, thereby establishing a reference function. The monitoring system is then automatically placed in an "AUTO CONTROL" mode whereupon on each succeeding stroke, with the gain of the amplifier fixed, the test function produced is compared with the reference function.