With Means To Permit Tool Positioning Patents (Class 72/446)
  • Patent number: 11034116
    Abstract: A servo press machine includes an eccentric shaft, a connecting rod, a slide, an eccentric shaft-side sliding surface, a connecting rod-side sliding surface, an oil supply port, and a supply mechanism. The oil supply port opens on the eccentric shaft-side sliding surface or the connecting rod-side sliding surface, and supplies a lubricant between the eccentric shaft-side sliding surface and the connecting rod-side sliding surface. The supply mechanism supplies the lubricant to the oil supply port. The eccentric shaft-side sliding surface is formed on the eccentric shaft that is rotationally driven by a servomotor. The oil supply port is formed on the connecting rod-side sliding surface of the connecting rod that moves upward and downward due to the rotational driving of the eccentric shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: AIDA ENGINEERING, LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 9943902
    Abstract: A forging die apparatus includes: an upper mold holder installed to be movable in a vertical direction, an upper mold detachably installed in the upper mold holder, a lower mold holder installed to be movable in the vertical direction, a lower mold detachably installed in the lower mold holder, and a stopper unit detachably installed in one of the upper mold holder and the lower mold holder to selectively restrain the vertical movement of the one of the upper mold holder and the lower mold holder in which the stopper unit is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Dae Hyun, Jae Hyung Kwon
  • Patent number: 9003643
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems for providing stator bar shape tooling. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a system for shaping an element is provided. The system includes tooling that having at least one constraining surface that is fabricated at least in part by selective laser sintering, where the at least one constraining surface includes at least one curved element section to facilitate bending of at least a portion of an element around the at least one curved element section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Caleb James Munholand, Mark Stephen Clough, Mark Kent Shoemaker, David John Wardell
  • Patent number: 8984922
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for positioning a tool (21) in a profile rolling machine, comprising a base (10) and at least one spindle (30) extending in a first bore (17) of the base as abutment for the tool (21). A retraction rod (25) serves as connection between the base and the tool (21). A tractive force for the retraction rod (25) is generated by an actuator (50) and the tool is pulled by the retraction rod (25) against a tool stop (23). The first bore (17) is locally expanded to form a cylinder chamber (12). A piston (40) is mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the chamber (12). A pressure medium (M) is introduced via a pressure connection (46) into the base (10) into the cylinder chamber (12) between the base and the piston (40) for applying a force (F1) on the piston (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: E.W.Menn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eberhard Roth, Ernst Walter Menn
  • Patent number: 8881571
    Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon A. Straka
  • Patent number: 8869578
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company
    Inventors: Karl Scott Fleischer, Tracy Jay Fowler
  • Patent number: 8813536
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, removing a dent from a dented surface. The technology includes an automated hammering device positioned on a first side of the dent, and a dolly positioned on a second side of the dent. The automated hammering device repeatedly strikes the dent, thereby restoring proper curvature to the dented surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sears Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8813537
    Abstract: A vehicle body repair device repairs buckled or dented sheet metal to a desired condition. The device includes a housing and a first head coupled to the housing. The first head has an outer surface facing away from the housing. A second head is coupled to a handle. The second head has an outer surface facing away from the handle. A reciprocating unit is coupled to and positioned in the housing wherein the reciprocating unit urges the first head into repetitive contact with a sheet of material adjacent to the first head when the reciprocating unit is activated. Thus, the sheet of material is urged to conform to a shape defined by the outer surface of the first head and the outer surface of the second head when the sheet of material is positioned between the first head and the second head while the reciprocating unit is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Perfecto D. Diego
  • Patent number: 8776572
    Abstract: A necking machine (1) having a plurality of processing stations on a rotating tool carrier (7). The motion of the tool carrier (7) with respect to the work pieces is carried out by a crankshaft (25). This is carried out by a non-constant gear. The gear includes two non-round gearwheels (21, 23) that improve a rotational-speed profile of the crankshaft (25) and thus a velocity profile, in particular, in an area of the dead center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mall + Herlan Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Manfred Weis
  • Patent number: 8770002
    Abstract: An inventive linear-spring forming apparatus has: a rotatable table (10) surrounding a quill (6) for guiding a linear material; a multiplicity of slide units (15) radially arranged on, and in the circumferential direction of, the rotatable table (10) at substantially equal angular intervals, each of the slide units (15) being slidable in the radial directions of the rotatable table; and a multiplicity of slide plates (33) arranged outside, and in the circumferential direction of, the rotatable table (10) at equal angular intervals, and aligned with the respective slide units (15) in radial directions such that each slide plate (33) can be driven by a servo-motor (M3) in the radially inward and outward directions, in such a way that a selected one of the slide plates (33) advances one of the associated slide unit (15) towards the axis of the quill at a right angle thereto until the tool mounted on the slide unit abuts against the linear material (41) fed from the leading end of the quill (6) to form a linear s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Orii & Mec Corporation
    Inventor: Takehito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8739595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a punching press with a clamping plate (27) and with a press ram (1) which lies opposite the upper side of the clamping plate (27) and operates towards the clamping plate (27) and is moveable up and down via four tension columns (2) by means of a crank drive arranged below the belt movement plane (X) of the punching press. The press ram (1) is guided exclusively via the tension columns (2) which, in turn, are guided in inclination-tolerant guides (3) in the belt movement plane (X) in such a manner that the press ram (1) and the tension columns (2) can be positioned obliquely as a consequence of differing longitudinal expansion of the tension columns (2) under an eccentric load by the tension columns (2) being inclined about axes of inclination running in the region of the belt movement plane (X) of the punching press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bruderer AG
    Inventors: Josef Thomas Hafner, Ugo De Santis
  • Patent number: 8713980
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Scott Fleischer, Tracy Jay Fowler
  • Patent number: 8661870
    Abstract: Provided is a tooling system for use in an associated press comprising a lower tool shoe, an upper tool shoe, a first set of tooling plates, and a second set of tooling plates. The lower tool shoe comprises an upwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The upper tool shoe comprises a downwardly facing surface, part of a shoe locator set defining an axis of elongation, a first locator element defining an axis of elongation, and an offset second locator element defining an axis of elongation. The first set of tooling plates comprises a first lower tooling plate and a first upper tooling plate. The second set of tooling plates comprises a second lower tooling plate and a second upper tooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spartanburg Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Corbett Ade
  • Patent number: 8616038
    Abstract: A two-piece guide pin for metal forming dies includes a guide pin body formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having a cylindrical shape and a hard and smooth finished exterior surface with an outside diameter selected for close reception and reciprocal motion in an associated die bore. An alignment member is formed on a first end of the guide pin body. A guide pin head is formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having an outside diameter that is substantially greater than that of the guide pin body, and is rigidly connected with the second end of the guide pin body in a generally concentric relationship to define an enlarged head that positively limits travel between an associated die shoe and die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Publication number: 20130310236
    Abstract: A press machine die unit replacing device for replacing die units in a press machine may include a die unit storage device controllably rotatably disposed on a position adjacent to a press machine and having various types of replacement die units that are placed thereon, and a transferring mechanism that is capable of transferring the die units between the die unit storage device and the press machine. The die units selected by controllable rotation of the die unit storage device are capable of being carried in or discharged from the press machine via the transferring mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: TEKUNOHAMA CO., LTD, KOJIMA PRESS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Kojima, Masanori Ogawa, Masaaki Ando, Akira Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 8573014
    Abstract: A quill supporting member supporting a quill may include a movable body, e.g. Z-axis movable body that moves in a Z-axis direction of an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system representing a shaft core of the quill as an Z-axis. A tool holder supporting member supporting a tool holder for holding a tool may include the other movable bodies, e.g. an X-axis movable body that moves in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis movable body that moves in a Y-axis direction. Therefore, the quill is shortened in the Z-axis direction, and a contact area is reduced between a guide path of the quill and a wire rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Shinko Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhide Tsuritani
  • Patent number: 8561452
    Abstract: A forging apparatus is described, comprising forging tools (5) which are arranged in a centrically symmetrical way about a forging axis (2) and whose tool holders (4) radially guided in a frame (3) are connected with lifting drives (7), which each comprise one respective connecting rod (8) that is pivotably supported via abutments (9) on a housing (1) on the one hand and on the tool holder (4) on the other hand, and comprising a common drive for the lifting drives (7) which comprises a torsional vibration drive (11) for at least one actuator (12) for the one of the two abutments (9, 10) of the connecting rods (8), which actuator is rotatably held about the forging axis (2). In order to ensure advantageous constructional conditions, it is proposed that the frame (3) forms the actuator (12) of the common drive for the lifting drives (7), and that the torsional vibration drive (11) is provided between the housing (1) and the frame (3) which is rotatably held about the forging axis (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GFM-GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Seeber
  • Patent number: 8522591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing/transporting a fire roll set (7, 8) and a second roll set (22) on a transversal displacement platform (23) in the region of a roll stand (4) in a roll hall, in or counter to the direction of rolling. During the changing/transporting of the first and the second roll set (7, 8, 22) by the transversal displacement platform (23), a roll changing hole (10) is completely transversed/covered. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Blecher
  • Patent number: 8490274
    Abstract: A positioning-jig 1 used to mount a face plate 15 on the female-die 21, and the positioning-jig 1 comprises a female-part 2 which has a concave part and is attached into the positioning-holes 24 at the male-die 22 detachably, a male-part 6 which comprises an axial part inserted detachably into the concave part of the female-part and a dish-shaped head part connected to the axial part, and further provides a positioning method comprising the following steps; set the positioning-jigs 1 on each positioning-holes 24 and set the marking-members 12 on each positioning-jigs 1; and test run the stamping machine to attaches the male-die 22 and the female-die 21, and adhered the marking-members 12 on the female-die 21; and adhered the face plate 15 on the female-die 21 for the marking-members 12 inside each through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Make A Box Co., Ltd., Katayama Steel Rule Die Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Asai
  • Patent number: 8485013
    Abstract: A set of tooling for making pointed headed bolts of a given diameter in numerous lengths with roll thread ready threaded to the head and partially threaded shanks in a four forming station forming machine, the tools being configured to work on wire stock as received at the first station of a diameter larger than or substantially the same as the roll diameter and not greater than the nominal diameter of the bolt, including at least two sequential head forming tools for mounting on the slide, an extrusion pointing tool for mounting on the die breast, a roll diameter extrusion tool for mounting on the die breast and a head support tool mountable in a station on the slide at multiple axial positions corresponding to standard lengths of the bolts being made, the head support tool being arranged to work at either the extrusion pointing station or the roll diameter extrusion station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: National Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Todd Hossler, Stanley J. Wasserman
  • Patent number: 8453483
    Abstract: A magnetic pulse forming device for a roll forming system includes forward and rearward guide rolling means, a guiding means including guiding rails disposed on the base between the forward and rearward guide rolling means and guide frames movably disposed on the guiding rails, a magnetic forming means including an upper plate connecting the guide frames corresponding to an upper surface of the forming beam, a coil housing assembled to the upper plate and a coil disposed within the coil housing and electrically connected to a pulse generator to generate a magnetic pulse by input current, a movement detector, a synchronizing motor connected to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw and a screw housing engaged with the lead screw and moving the guide frames with the forming beam in the process direction by rotation of the lead screw, and a forming mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sungwoo Hitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Hoi Koo, Su Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 8408039
    Abstract: Method of forming depressions (e.g. dimples) in a sheet material to form a textured surface thereon involves pressing one or more tool tips into a metallic or non-metallic sheet material while the sheet material is supported by a support layer that is relatively softer (e.g. having a lower Young's modulus) than the sheet material so as to allow plastic deformation and reduce pile-up of raised displaced material of the sheet material at the edges of the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Jian Cao, Anthony Swanson, Tiffany Davis
  • Publication number: 20130061648
    Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: WILSON TOOL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Gordon A. Straka
  • Publication number: 20130047694
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, removing a dent from a dented surface. The technology includes an automated hammering device positioned on a first side of the dent, and a dolly positioned on a second side of the dent. The automated hammering device repeatedly strikes the dent, thereby restoring proper curvature to the dented surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SEARS BRANDS, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8342000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kuboe
  • Patent number: 8341990
    Abstract: A method for processing a plate workpiece supported on a workpiece support. The method includes moving a tool die and a tool punch along a stroke axis and toward a processing position above a support plane of the workpiece support. The processing position corresponds to a region of the plate workpiece having a formed shape, which extends upwardly from the support plane of the workpiece support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Buettner
  • Patent number: 8302443
    Abstract: A spring manufacturing apparatus includes a supporting body which moves in X, Y, and Z-axes directions of a XYZ orthogonal coordinate system representing a moving direction of a wire rod fed from a wire rod feeding unit as a Z-axis. The supporting body is formed with an opening in which the quill is arranged. The supporting body further includes a tool holder for holding a processing tool for processing the wire rod to a spring. The supporting body arranged at the vicinity of the quill is moved to accurately adjust the relative position of the quill and the processing tool, thereby manufacturing a desired spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Shinko Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhide Tsuritani, Norihiro Uchida
  • Patent number: 8302450
    Abstract: Any of various features of a workpiece are forged by a common set of tools. The feature is incrementally forged as the tool set is moved to successive forging locations on the surface of the workpiece. One of the tools is used to plasticize and extrude a portion of the workpiece while one or more of the other tools are used to form dams that contain and shape the extruded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin T. Slattery, Christopher S. Huskamp, James B. Castle
  • Patent number: 8281638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Christian Metzger
  • Publication number: 20120192615
    Abstract: Mechanical presses adapted for forming processes. In one implementation the mechanical press includes two dies adapted for forming a piece, a motor, a crankshaft attached to the motor, a crank-connecting rod mechanism that attaches one of the dies to the crankshaft, and at least one lubricating bearing fixed to the crank-connecting rod mechanism. In one implementation the lubricating bearing comprises on an inner surface, a first area adapted for lubricating the crankshaft in a hydrostatic and a second area arranged substantially opposite to the first area adapted for lubricating the lubricating bearing in a hydrodynamic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: FAGOR, S. COOP.
    Inventors: Iñaki Martinez Ortiz del Rio, Mikel Bikandi Bikandi
  • Patent number: 8201432
    Abstract: A plate workpiece processing machine includes a workpiece support, a tool punch holder, a tool die holder, a tool drive, multiple tool punches, and multiple tool dies. Various tool punches and tool dies have tool heads of differing heights. The tool punch holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool punch secured to the tool punch holder and/or the tool die holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool die secured to the tool die holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Bytow
  • Patent number: 8201435
    Abstract: Machines and tools that can be used to process (e.g., to cut and/or form) plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets. In some aspects, a plate workpiece processing tool includes a first tool portion, which is drivingly connectable to a stroke drive, and a second tool portion. The tool has at least one processing device on the first tool portion and at least two counter-devices on the second tool portion. By using an activating device provided on the second tool portion, different device pairings can be activated for workpiece processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Erlenmaier
  • Patent number: 8166874
    Abstract: A system monitors vibration activity in a press machine environment and generates a signal indicative of vibration level severity. An accelerometer can provide measured peak acceleration data that serves as an indication of vibration level. The vibration measurement, is compared to a reference vibration level that corresponds to a run condition of desired operating parameters. A controller controls the press machine shutheight in accordance with the differential expressed in the comparison result. The consequent shutheight adjustment effects a change in the vibration activity that acts as a correction to the deviation in vibration behavior expressed by the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Patent number: 8141407
    Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Lee, John H. Morehead, Richard L. Timp
  • Publication number: 20110277531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge-bending press (10) which comprises an upper platen (12), a lower platen (14) and operating actuators (16). The operating actuators (16) are designed to cause a relative movement of the upper platen (12) and lower platen (14) towards and/or away from each other. The press (10) also comprises an upper die-holder assembly (22) which is connected to the upper platen (12) and a lower die-holder assembly (24) which is connected to the lower platen (14). Each die-holder assembly comprises a right-hand die-holder (222, 242) and a left-hand die-holder (224, 241); thus there is an upper right-hand die-holder (222), an upper left-hand die-holder (224), a lower right-hand die-holder (242) and a lower left-hand die-holder (244). The press (10) also comprises adjustment actuators (18) designed to cause a relative movement of the right-hand die-holders (222, 242) and left-hand die-holders (224, 244) towards and/or away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Antonino Rossi, Paolo Marin
  • Patent number: 8049457
    Abstract: A press machine controller (10) for controlling a press machine (30) having a servo motor (41) to drive a slide (38) via a reduction mechanism (37) changed in reduction ratio in accordance with the position of the slide (38) is disclosed. The device includes a command generator (20) for generating at least one of a position command, a speed command and a torque command for the servo motor (41); a vibration command generator (13) for generating a vibration command based on a parameter preset for the press machine controller (10); a slide position detector (12) for detecting the position of the slide (38); and a vibration command adding portion (21, 22, 23) for adding the vibration command to any one of the position command, the speed command and the torque command for the servo motor (41) in the case where the slide position is in a predetermined range. The press machine, even if stopped with the slide at the bottom dead center, can be restarted with a small torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Tadashi Okita, Hiroyuki Kawamura, Kouki Kameta
  • Patent number: 8042374
    Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Lee, John H. Morehead, Gordon A. Straka, Richard L. Timp
  • Patent number: 8024955
    Abstract: A die change method includes providing a press apparatus having a base and a ram, and a first die set including an upper die member and a lower die member. The lower die member is supported on the base and the upper die member is mounted on the ram. The ram is lowered into a closed, home position to mate the upper and lower die members and to perform an operation on a workpiece disposed between the die members. The ram is released from the upper die member. The ram is raised a minimum distance to provide minimal clearance for removing the upper and lower die members from the press. The mated upper and lower die members are moved out of the press with the workpiece held between the upper and lower die members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Toeniskoetter
  • Patent number: 8001824
    Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a work using a punch mounted onto an upper table and a die mounted onto a lower table by operation of a ram consisting of the upper table or the lower table includes: a machining information determining means for determining bending sequences, tools, tool layouts, and work positions, based on product information; a tool management database for accumulating numbers of uses of each tool that actually bent the work along with operation of the ram, based on the determined work positions, tools and tool layouts; a number of uses of tool detecting means for detecting number of uses of each mounted tool, referring to the tool management database; and a displaying means for displaying number of uses of relevant predetermined tool, when the detected number of uses of each tool becomes equal or approximate to a durable number of uses, or when a display command signal from a worker side is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichio Akami, Taketoshi Umemoto, Fujihiko Futami, Masaaki Sato
  • Patent number: 8001823
    Abstract: The invention involves a multi-drive tool for use on a fabricating press having a table with multiple stations. Each station can include a mount opening passing through the table. The multi-drive tool can have a bridge member relating to at least two drive members such that a ram stroke of the press simultaneously moves the drive members or components thereof in a direction toward the workpiece. The invention also involves a die shoe adapted for use on a press. A die-mounting recess configured to receive a die is formed in the top of the die shoe. The invention also provides a fabricating press in combination with a multi-drive tool, as well as methods of fabricating a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon A. Straka, Jon M. Shimota, Brian J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7980112
    Abstract: A die having various features such as spring pockets and mounting provisions for a lifter bar that can be utilized to make a variety of dies. The dies may include pockets or other mounting features that provide for mounting replaceable plates that can be machined for mounting of die forming and cutting steels and other die components. The die shoe may include an array of pockets or blind holes for mounting nitrogen springs or the like for operation of forming steels and the like. One or more openings may be drilled in the replaceable plates above the pockets selected to receive nitrogen springs, with the remaining unused pockets being covered by the replaceable plate. The replaceable plate and pre-formed spring pockets thereby permit the die to be readily adapted for a particular die. The replaceable plates may be removed, and a replacement plate may be installed as needed for a new die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Tooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Publication number: 20110154999
    Abstract: A system monitors vibration activity in a press machine environment and generates a signal indicative of vibration level severity. An accelerometer can provide measured peak acceleration data that serves as an indication of vibration level. The vibration measurement, is compared to a reference vibration level that corresponds to a run condition of desired operating parameters. A controller controls the press machine shutheight in accordance with the differential expressed in the comparison result. The consequent shutheight adjustment effects a change in the vibration activity that acts as a correction to the deviation in vibration behavior expressed by the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Patent number: 7913533
    Abstract: A cartridge for a machine tool is provided. The cartridge has a main body, two punch-retention arms, and two die-retention arms. Preferably, the cartridge also has a stripper locator base. In some embodiments, the cartridge is provided with an electronic information storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Lee, Richard L. Timp
  • Patent number: 7901341
    Abstract: In a bending apparatus which moves one of upper and lower tables (9, 10), and performs bending on a workpiece (W) by tools (P, D) attached to the upper and lower tables (9, 10), a tool group including a plurality of split tools is transferred to the upper and lower table (9, 10), a plurality of process stations are formed by splitting the transferred tool into a plurality of tool groups based on automatically or manually determined tool-layout information, and then bending is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Amada Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Masayuki Shimizu, Hidekatsu Ikeda, Takanori Okubo, Akio Kammuri, Hisashi Uto
  • Patent number: 7832331
    Abstract: A slide position sensor includes: a link supporting member projecting from the slide toward the upright, a dual axis link member whose first end is rotatably supported and hung by the link supporting member, a plate rotatably supported and hung by a second end of the dual axis link member, a rack that is provided to the plate and extends in the hanging direction, a pinion that meshes with the rack and an encoder system that senses the rotation of the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuhiro Hirotani, Kiyokazu Baba, Eiji Douba
  • Patent number: 7823430
    Abstract: A quick plastic forming (QPF) tool is provided in which a thermal gap is created that reduces or eliminates some of the conductive heat loss paths when the QPF tool is in an open position during part removal or sheet loading. By reducing conductive heat loss, a more precise temperature control for the QPF tool from manufacturing cycle to manufacturing cycle may be realized. The QPF tool may also have a thermal gap when the tool is placed in a semi-open position during idle times. The QPF tool may also include components for creating the thermal gap when the QPF tool is moved to the open position and control the lateral movement of the part forming section of the QPF tool as the part is moved between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hammar, Richard M. Kleber, Gary A. Kruger
  • Patent number: 7818985
    Abstract: A bending apparatus is provided with a ram start-up device so as to be movable in a lateral direction. A controller moves the ram start-up device to a point in front of positioning points of abutments corresponding to points of selected edges of a workpiece. The bending apparatus includes a foreign object detector that detects the entry of a foreign object into a region of movement of the ram start-up device. A controller prevents the ram start-up device from moving when the entry of the foreign object is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Amada Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekatsu Ikeda, Takanori Okubo, Kazuhiro Kanno, Hisashi Uto
  • Patent number: 7810368
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-mode hammering machine that operates in a rigid mode, a flexible power hammer mode and a machine press mode to contour, shape and form sheet metal products. In all three modes, a ram is linearly stroked toward and away from a fixed die by a common ram drive assembly that includes a lever drive assembly and a reciprocating lever. The lever drive assembly moves in a rigid non-flexing manner. The reciprocating lever includes a rigid mode and a flexible mode. A conversion pin is used to engage one and simultaneously disengage the other. The lever drive assembly includes a control link that interfaces with a stroke adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism is located at the fulcrum of the reciprocating lever. Both stroke length and gap are adjusted independently during the operation while the ram is cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rusch
  • Patent number: 7793530
    Abstract: The invention involves a forming tool for a machine tool. The forming tool can be used, for example, to create various large forms in sheet metal or other workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon A. Straka
  • Patent number: 7784318
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: National Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Krintzline, Laurence W. Kelbley, Thomas E. Hay