Abstract: A die changing system for a press includes a single push-pull drive system and a double push-pull drive system which move roller supported bolsters along a T-shape track system. Each bolster includes a stationary set of rollers to roll along one section of the T-shaped track system and a retractable set of rollers to roll along the other section of the T-shaped track system. The retractable rollers are moved utilizing a pressurized hydraulic fluid system. Each drive system includes a two speed oil-shear drive which operates at high speed to rapidly move the bolster to a near-final position and then switches to low speed to provide an accurate final positioning for the bolster and its associated die set.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a mechanical press including a piston member restrained from moving vertically by a sealed liquid-filled chamber of relatively short height. The chamber acts as a stiff liquid-spring that limits deflection and movement of the piston member and ultimately the slide or bolster. Seals define the chamber to assure that the chamber is filled with liquid. The liquid-filled chamber damps free movement between parts thereby helping to resist changes in shutheight. Liquid also is injected between the piston member and both the adjustment nut and the housing. This liquid reduces torque requirements for shutheight adjustment.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a mechanical press including a piston member restrained from moving vertically by a sealed liquid-filled chamber of relatively short height. The chamber acts as a stiff liquid-spring that limits deflection and movement of the piston member and ultimately the slide or bolster. Seals define the chamber to assure that the chamber is filled with liquid. The liquid-filled chamber damps free movement between parts thereby helping to resist changes in shutheight. Liquid also is injected between the piston member and both the adjustment nut and the housing. This liquid reduces torque requirements for shutheight adjustment.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism for a mechanical press including an adjustment screw rotatable to vary shutheight. A pressurized chamber is formed between the adjustment screw and the housing of the adjustment mechanism. Fluid is injected into the chamber to create an oil squeeze-film capable of supporting high impulse working loads and also preload the adjustment screw in the direction of press closure. A rebound damping mechanism is included having a two part takeup nut assembly. Upon actuation of the takeup nut assembly, the two part takeup nut assembly separates to bear on opposite facing thread surfaces of the adjustment screw thereby reducing clearance space and possible changes in shutheight.

Abstract: Contactless coupling of magnetic fields of a movable proximity detector when positioned juxtaposed to a fixedly mounted proximity detector permits transfer of signals from a remote proximity detector indicative of sensing the presence of a workpiece positioned at a work station of an automatic metal forming machine.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a press tool interchanging apparatus for a press machine, comprising: a tool plate arranged in a press station and including a plurality of tool clamps hydraulically actuated for clamping a press tool; a bolster plate underlying the tool plate and having a plurality of rollers adapted to appear, when lifted, above the upper surface of the bolster plate for carrying the press tool; a plurality of lifters arranged in the bolster plate and hydraulically actuated for lifting the rollers; and a plurality of pressure fluid conduits arranged in the tool plate for feeding a fluid under pressure to the tool clamps and the lifters. Thus, the tool plate is arranged with the tool clamps and the fluid conduits, and the lifters having the vertically movable rollers are mounted in the bolster plate.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding a slide of a press machine is disclosed. The slide is connected to a crank shaft extending laterally through connecting rods. The press further includes a bolster supporting a bottom die and a top die attached to the slide. An upper guide arrangement is provided between the slide and columns extending upward from a press machine bed for maintaining the slide parallel to the bolster by guiding a vertical stroke of the slide via contact at laterally spaced positions on front and rear sides of the slide. A lower guide is provided for horizontally adjusting the horizontal position of at least one of a first vertical structure including the slide and the press machine bed or of a second vertical structure including the top die and the bottom die to accurately set the dies.

Abstract: This device assists with the disengagement from and installation of a press brake die on a press brake. It includes a die receiving and holding device having a surface along which are located a number of spaced apart openings, each opening terminating at the surface of the press brake, adjacent to any press brake die which is in the press brake. Devices for engaging the bottom of a die are located within each opening, normally below the surface, but capable of movement out of the opening and above the surface. When the devices for engaging the die are moved out of their openings they engage the bottom of any die which is present, and move it away from the surace of the press brake. The system includes a mechanism for activating the movement of each die engaging device above the surface, and also for moving each die engaging device back below the surface of the press brake.

Abstract: A die structure for use in conjunction with a metal working press is provided without the usual large bottom plate member secured to the undersides of the spaced apart parallel members projecting downwardly from the underside of the shoe portion of the die. To permit the plateless die structure to be rollingly transported from place to place along a horizontal support surface, a plurality of specially designed lifter devices are secured to the die parallels and rotatably carry a plurality of roller members. The lifter devices are pneumatically operable and, when actuated, drive the roller members downwardly beyond the common plane in which the bottom sides of the parallels lie to thereby elevate the die structure above a horizontal support surface and rollingly support the die structure thereon. Upon deactivation thereof, the lifter devices permit the undersides of the die parallels to settle back down onto the support surface, thereby stationarily positioning the plateless die structure thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing dies on a moving bolster for a press including a control circuit in combination with a cam-actuated deceleration valve. A ramp is located at a predetermined location along a path for the moving bolster. Upon reaching the ramp location when the bolster is moving toward the press, the deceleration valve is actuated to inhibit and shut off a flow of air to air-operated motors on the bolster. Thereupon, the moves to a stop at a predetermined location relative to the press.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic die changing system for a power press with at least one carrier for transporting dies to and from a selected location in the press. The carrier is supported on a set of wheels, which are driven by at least one AC induction motor. An adjustable frequency AC motor drive supplies an AC frequency and voltage to the AC induction motor to control the speed of the motor and therefore the speed of a horizontal movement of the carrier into or out of the press. The speed of the carrier may be rapidly increased by increasing the AC frequency supplied to the motor on the individual wheels. A proximity detector signals the motor drive to trip a dynamic braking resistor, which electronically changes the phase order of the motors to reverse the direction of motor rotation, to decelerate the carrier in order to locate the carrier in the proper position.

Abstract: In a stamping press, a support assembly for a die set including a cylindrical roller mounted on spring means of sufficient strength so that the cylindrical roller normally supports a die set slightly above a press's bolster surface for easy movement thereover but yieldable in response to strong mounting forces generated between the die and the press to permit engagement of the die against the bolster surface.

Abstract: A die cart adapted to be used for the removal and installation of a cut-off die set from the carriage of a cut-off press. Whereby a slide member operating on a set of guide rails mounted to an independent frame and driven by a drive screw assembly is coupled to the die set. The drive screw assembly is then rotated to pull the die set off the carriage of the cut-off press onto the die cart and the die cart is then removed. Further, the guide rails are pivotal about a point on the frame to enable the die cart to install and remove cut-off die sets secured from the inclined carriage of a cut-off press.

Abstract: In a stamping operation using several presses, a new group of dies must be substituted for an old group of dies in a rapid manner for efficient use of the press line. A method for rapid exchange of dies includes: loading and unloading a die sets on to and off of transporter carts in a remote area from the presses to permit press operation during this time; moving the carts and new die sets into positions adjacent the presses; simultaneously moving an old die set out of a press and onto the cart and moving a new die set off of the cart and into another adjacent press.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system for changing die sets in stamping presses including movable die set support carts which are positioned in a remote pre-staging or loading (and unloading) area when the presses are being used for stamping and which are positioned adjacent the presses to load a new die set into the press from one cart and to simultaneously unload an old die set from the press to another cart during a die set changing procedure.

Abstract: A method of bending rule to be used to cut a slot as part of a box makers form comprising locating the rule tangentially of a pair of rollers and driving a former between the rollers so that the rule pivots around the rollers as it is bent.

Abstract: A presswork machine having location pins protruding from the upper of the bolster, of which the top ends are engageable with location holes provided on the bottom of the press die, thereby enabling easy and exact positioning of the press die to the bolster, and having a fixing device provided on the presswork machine side to fix the press die to the bolster, thereby simplifying the structure of the bolster and reducing the equipment cost.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of bending a workpiece to a predetermined bending angle, in which, in a first step, the workpiece is bent to a somewhat greater bending angle and then released. Thereafter, the amount of resilient back motion occurring after the first bending operation is measured. The adjustable die bottom is readjusted such that a bending angle would result in the next bending operation which corresponds to the desired final bending angle minus the amount of resilient back motion. After the second bending operation, the workpiece is released and the legs thereof will resiliently move back to enclose the final predetermined bending angle.

Abstract: A method of bending sheet metal pieces by means of a bending apparatus having a bending bar and a bottom die with adjustable die bottom. In a first step, the practical bending behavior of a sample sheet metal piece having a certain thickness and a certain material quality is determined and stored as a reference curve trace. In a second step, when bending further sheet metal pieces with the same thickness and having equal material quality, the effective bending behavior of each sheet metal piece is determined and compared with the stored reference curve trace. Then, the position of the adjustable die bottom is corrected on the basis of the calculated difference.

Abstract: Underdrive power presses are provided with arrangements where the slide mechanism is removable transversely through spaced apart hollow side uprights of the press frame. Pull rods extending from the press drive mechanism are located within the hollow uprights. Movable crossheads are slidably mounted with respect to the uprights above the slide and provide means in a dual action press for independently coupling an inner slide and outer slide within the opening between uprights. Since the slide connections are disposed beneath the movable crossheads and dimensioned narrower than the upright opening, the slide mechanism can be uncoupled and transversely moved outside of the press frame through an upright opening.

Abstract: A quick change apparatus for a trim die assembly is provided to reduce die set-up and change-over time. The trim die assembly is provided with lift hooks for the forks of a forklift truck to carry it between storage and the press and to eliminate potentially damaging contact between the keyways in the bottom of the die and the forks. Locating pins and stops are provided between the press and die assembly to permit quick and positive positioning of the die assembly above the press bed. The connecting post between the part locator member of the trim die and the press has been modified to eliminate its projection beneath the die assembly and therefore eliminate damage to the post during set-up, movement and/or storage. The modified post is also adapted to assist in the positioning of the die assembly on the press bed.

Abstract: A press, in particular a high-speed punch press (1), has a substructure (7) which is elastically mounted by means of springs (14). This makes it possible for the press (1) to assume various heights depending on the applied weight (for example that of the tool). In order to ensure cooperation with a handling device (31) of as simple a design as possible, a locking means (42) is provided, by means of which the substructure (7) can be fixed at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A press machine includes at least one mobile bolster movable with respect to the press machine, a plurality of die assemblies mounted on the mobile bolster and arranged in a row, a plurality of handling bars disposed in retracted positions between the die assemblies and movable, when one pressing cycle is completed, for gripping and transferring a plurality of workpieces successively through the die assemblies, and a plurality of handling bar gripping devices disposed in the retracted positions closely to the opposite sides of the side assemblies.

Abstract: There is disclosed a die repositioning mechanism useful for repositioning dies on the bed of a power operated press. It is particularly useful in preventing unwanted rotation of elongated non-symmetrical dies as they are lifted from the press bed. The mechanism includes a torque limiter carried at each end of the elongated die and a C-hook for connecting the die to the press ram in order to lift the die with the upstroke with the ram of the press. Adjustment of the torque limiter to retard or prevent rotation of the elongated die as it is lifted permits a single person to safely reposition the desired working face of the die on the press bed.

Abstract: A lower tool support for a stamping machine or the like having a lower frame and a tool saddle with a saddle plate, movably disposed on the saddle surface of the lower frame, with adjusting devices for the adjustment of the tool saddle in relation to the lower frame in the plane of the saddle surface and an arresting device for fixing the tool saddle on the lower frame being provided, the saddle plate of the tool saddle having at least one lower flange and the arresting device having at least one fastening flange formfittingly overlapping the lower flange, the fastening flange in the plane of the saddle surface having an exactly determined relative position in respect to the lower frame, thus securing the saddle plate against vertical lifting from the saddle surface.

Abstract: An die transfer and quick change system comprising at least four T-lift units installed in T-slots formed in the surface of the machine bolster. The T-lift units are installed in the bolsters so that there are at least two systems for positioning the die parallel to the machine or press and at least two systems for positioning the die perpendicular to the machine or press. A control mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the air bag in each of the T-lift units. The control mechanism provides for two separate T-lift systems which are inflated or deflated independently of each other. A pre-staging table is provided adjacent the machine or press bolster for pre-staging a plurality of dies thereon and for transporting selected dies to and from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an end of a suture to an axially extending bore formed in a proximal end of a surgical needle. At least one of a pair of staking dies is movable toward and away from the other. A proximal end face of the surgical needle is engageable with a stopper surface of a guide unit to axially position the surgical needle. The guide unit has a guide passage extending substantially perpendicularly to the stopper surface, for guiding the end of the suture. An outlet of the guide passage opens to the stopper surface in confronting relation to a space between the staking dies. The guide passage has a tapered portion decreasing in cross-sectional area toward the outlet. The proximal end of the surgical needle is positioned by a positioning mechanism perpendicularly to the axis of the surgical needle so that the bore in the surgical needle is brought substantially into alignment with the outlet of the guide passage.

Abstract: A tool changer for rotatable tool assemblies in punching machines has coaxial, upper and lower synchronously rotatable tool housings (1,2). These are parted along a plane through the rotational axis to form a stationary rotatable guide part (11,11') and a guide part (12,12') radially movable relative said axis. The respective parts (11,12 and 11',12') can be latched to each other for receiving and guiding coacting tool assemblies. Transfer means (20,21) transfer tool assemblies between a turret magazine (30,31) and the tool housings. The transfer means are coupled to the movable guide parts (12,12') of the housings. The coupling permits the housings to be rotated after the movable guide part with the aid of its transfer means has moved a tool to a working position in the tool housing and the guide parts of the housing are mutually latched.

Abstract: A bending press includes a work support table comprised of a pair of support elements, at least one of which is mounted on the frame for movement generally vertically relative to the work support plane. Workpiece positioning elements are located on opposite sides of the work station defined by the upper and lower dies and are movable horizontally of the work support plane defined by the work support table. A drive motor effects horizontal movement of at least one of the workpiece positioning elements relative to the other positioning elements so as to move the workpiece on the work support table and effect its precise positioning in desired positions relative to the work station. The machine includes a computer control for operating the various drive motors and may include a rotatable work support table for effecting rotation of the workpiece to reorient it relative to the work station.

Abstract: A highly compact, bench mounted, fast cycle, high tonnage and soft punch type of hydraulic press designed to form thin metal blanks into a wide variety of artifacts such as jewelry. The under surface of the piston incorporates a counterbore containing a resilient urethane forming pad which, under very great pressure applied by the piston, imparts very fine detail, laterally as well as vertically, to the blank being formed into or over the die as the counterbore tightly envelopes the die. A rapid manually operated die shuttling device which provides for one die to be un-loaded and loaded as the blank of the other die is being pressed, and a rapid manually operated hydraulic valve actuating device, in combination with the piston's very short pressing stroke, effect a fast and safe operating cycle.

Abstract: A compensating bolster and die holder combination for use with the bed of a press brake to provide vertical adjustment and compensating camber to the die holder supported thereby. The die holder is vertically moveable in an open channel of an underlying elongated bolster fitted to the bed of the press; with plural wedge members, moveable transversely of the die holder, serving to adjustably position and support the latter. Each wedge member has joined thereto an indicator pin extending through one side of the bolster which operates to visually indicate the adjusted position of its wedge member; while the several indicator pins cooperate to show the relative adjusted positions of the several wedge members and the consequential adjusted elevation of the die and die holder.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for staking a proximal end of an operating needle, with one end of a suture being inserted into a bore in the proximal end of the needle, to attach the suture to the needle. A staking unit has a pair of staking disc at least one of which is movable relative to the other. The dies are respecitvely provided therein with recesses between which the proximal end of the needle is staked. The staking unit is mounted on a table so as to be demountable therefrom. An electric power supply unit is provided which is separate from the staking unit, but is connected thereto through a plug and a socket. A foot switch is connected to the power supply unit for controlling the operation of the staking unit. A plurality of the staking units are prepared which include their respective pairs of staking dies different in dimension of the recesses from each other. One of the staking units is selected, which includes its corresponding pair of staking dies adapted to a needle to be staked.

Abstract: A table shift apparatus for large hydraulic presses employs two sets of cylinders for moving the working table of the press back and forth along a given path. To prevent ram buckling as would occur if rams or pistons were operated in compression, a first group of cylinders operated in tension only is provided for pulling the table in one direction while a second group of cylinders disposed at the other end of the path and also operated in tension is used for pulling the table back. While one group of cylinders is pulling the table the other group may assist the pulling operation by pushing the table as long as the applied hydraulic pressure is controlled to prevent buckling of its rams under all circumstances.

Abstract: A die transfer system comprises a pair of elongated, horizontally extending vertically movable rails having a plurality of rollers thereon. A pair of elastomeric elements have a vertical dimension and elastic coefficient such that the rolls on said rails are elevated above an upper surface of said bolster to a die transfer condition. Biasing of said die toward said bolster effects deflection of said elastomeric elements. Release of said biasing means permits elevation of said rails, rollers and die to said die transfer condition due to elastic memory of said elements.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved die transfer system for a press having bolster with conventional inverted T-slots therein. The system comprises a pair of elongated, parallel vertically movable rails. A plurality of rollers are supported by each rail so as to be movable vertically therewith. An air bag extends longitudinally of each of said T-slots under said rails and is engageable with the bottom thereof. Inflation of the air bags effects elevation of the rails and rollers into engagement with the bottom of the die and elevation of the die relative to the press bolster. The rails have laterally extending flanges that are engageable with complementary shoulders of the T-slots to limit upward movement of the rails and preclude bowing of the rails.

Abstract: A die lifter rail adapted to be inserted into the open end of a conventional inverted T-slot in the bolster plate of a press has a narrow support bar dimensioned to extend lengthwise within the narrower stem portion of the T-slot and a plurality of sets of vertically stacked Belleville springs spaced lengthwise of the support bar and resiliently supporting it for vertical movement. The Belleville springs have a diameter substantially greater than the width of the support bar and corresponding generally to the width of the wider base portion of the t-slot. Studs extending vertically upwardly through the Belleville springs have a sliding fit with bores in the support bar to guide its vertical movement. A plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers are journalled in the support bar and project above the upper face thereof to support a die for sliding movement on the press bolster plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising first and second fixtures mounted in laterally spaced relation for movement toward and away from each other. The first fixture has a mechanism providing a die-supporting surface and is in the form of a cradle rockable between a loading position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal and a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the second fixture. The second fixture has a die-supporting surface and also is in the form of a cradle rockable between a transfer position in which its die-supporting surface is generally upright and faces the first fixture and a position in which its die-supporting surface is generally horizontal. Clamps are provided to clamp the lower die of a die set to the die-supporting surface of the first fixture and for clamping the upper die to the die-supporting surface of the second fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the upper and lower dies of a die set comprising a gantry having a fixture mounted on a main frame for up and down movement, and a sub-frame mounted on the fixture for 180.degree. of rotation. Clamping units are mounted on the sub-frame for clamping the upper die to the sub-frame when the fixture is in a lower position at a work-transfer station. The die set is transported on a cart to the work-transfer station where the upper die is clamped to the sub-frame. The fixture is raised to elevate the upper die to an upper position. The cart is moved away from the work-transfer station carrying only the lower die with it. The upper die is inverted, lowered onto a second cart and it, too, is then moved away from the work-transfer station. Both dies now face upwardly for convenient inspection, cleaning and/or repair. The transporter cart table on which the die set is supported can be rotated to any desired angle such as 90.degree.

Abstract: A bending tool for a bending press comprising an upper die member detachably secured to a vertically reciprocable ram for bending a flat metal workpiece to a predetermined depth in a lower female bending die. The bottom surface of the female bending die cavity is formed by a plurality of flat headed pins in side by side slots or bores. The heads of the pins form the bottom flat surface of a longitudinal groove which forms the bottom die cavity surface. The vertical adjustment of the pins is provided by the interfitting combination of a left side wedge assembly, a middle wedge assembly and a right side wedge assembly. The interfitting prevents displacement of any one of the supporting assemblies for the pins to assure improved bending precision.

Abstract: A die pulling apparatus comprising a pair of die puller box assemblies, means for lifting the die puller box assemblies from a lower position to a raised position in which the top surfaces of the die puller box assemblies are flush with the die supporting surface of a stationary die supporting member, such as a bolster, and means for moving the die horizontally from the die puller box assemblies to the stationary member or vice versa when the die puller box assemblies are in their raised position.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven die carrier for a power press, the carrier comprising a bolster for carrying a die; a set of wheels supporting the bolster for horizontal rolling movement to position the die horizontally; a separate hydraulic drive motor for each of the wheels; a plurality of hydraulic lift cylinders for moving the bolster vertically relative to the wheels; and a hydraulic control system for operating the hydraulic drive motors and lift cylinders for horizontal rolling and vertical movement of the die carrier, the control system including a supply pump having two separate outputs for providing separate sources of pressurized hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic drive motors and for the lift cylinders; a reservoir of hydraulic fluid connected to the pump; valve means for connecting and disconnecting the separate sources of hydraulic fluid and the respective drive motors and lift cylinders; and means for locking the lift cylinders in their raised positions while the cylinders are disconnected from the suppl

Abstract: A deflection compensating assembly for deflection sensitive fabricating machine tools such as a press brake. In a press brake, for example, the deflection compensating assembly is mounted between the bed and the lower die or between the ram and the upper die. When mounted on the bed, the deflection compensating assembly, under load, will cause the lower die to become substantially parallel to the upper die. The deflection compensating assembly, under load, will cause the upper die to become substantially parallel to the lower die, when affixed to the ram. The deflection compensating assembly, is preferably a self-contained unit attachable to and detachable from the bed or ram and comprises a variable rate spring, the deflection of which, when under uniformly distributed full length load, is such that, when added to the combined bed and ram deflections, it yields a total deflection which is constant along the length of the bed and ram and will compensate for the bed and ram deflections.

Abstract: A die cart comprising a carriage adapted to be moved along track means toward and away from a press; a turntable mounted for rotary movement on the carriage and having a first load surface at one end thereof and a second load surface of the opposite end thereof; and a transfer device mounted on the turntable for fore and aft movement over the first and second load surfaces and having coupling means for engaging a die to push or pull a die positioned on either load surface onto or off of the bed of the press. The cart includes a first hydraulic motor carried by the carriage for moving the carriage along the track means; a second hydraulic motor carried by the turntable for rotating the turntable on the carriage; and a third hydraulic motor carried by the turntable for moving the transfer device fore and aft over the first and second load surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming and welding blanks in a material able to become superplastic, of the type comprising cooperating dies between which such blanks are placed, which dies are respectively mounted on a lower frame and on an upper frame of the device.The device according to the invention is remarkable in that the lower frame is constituted of a base and of a vertically movable part carrying a die, in that an inflatable bladder is interposed between the base and the movable part of the lower frame, in that a mechanical a lock is provided for connecting together the the base and the upper frame, when the latter is in low position, and in that, in the low and locked position of the upper frame with respect to the base of the lower frame, cooperation of the dies is achieved by controlling the bladder.

Abstract: The assembly is used to guide a movably mounted stamper member in a hot forming machine wherein the guide surfaces located between the stamper member and the machine frame are disposed in an X-arrangement with respect to each other. The inclined angle of each of the guide surfaces is directed approximately to a common central point. Adjustable ledges or strips are fitted to the guide surfaces for setting the clearance between the stamper member and the machine frame. Stamper side carrier rails and support side carrier rails carry the guide surfaces and are directly formed as a part of the stamper member and the frame or frame stanchions. The adjusting strips used for setting the clearance and the securing means for these strips, run approximately parallel to the guide surface. Thus, the stamper member is directly supported on the surfaces of the machine frame.

Abstract: A press brake has a press cradle, which has an upper die and which is provided across two frames, and a ram, which has a lower die, and which moves up and down to perform a bending operation on metal sheets. The upper ends of the beams attached by pins at the lower ends to the ram are coupled by pins to ends of rotary links which are connected by pins to the press cradle. The rotary links are rotated in a fixed path by hydraulic cylinders rotatably provided on both frames to raise and lower the ram via the beams.

Abstract: A deflection compensation structure for a press brake having a frame, a bed on the frame, a ram on the frame, and an elongated die on the bed, the press brake deflection compensation structure including a housing for attachment to the bed of the press brake, the housing including an elongated bottom plate, a lower elongated wedge member mounted on the elongated plate, an upper elongated wedge member mounted on the lower wedge member, the upper and lower wedge members having mating inclined surfaces, the lower wedge member having a wide edge and a narrow edge, an elongated slot running lengthwise of the wide edge, a plurality of spaced slots extending inwardly from the wide edge and intersecting the elongated slot, an elongated rod in the elongated slot, a first rigid attachment between the elongated rod at one end of the lower wedge member, and a second movable attachment connected to the other end of the elongated rod for effectively lengthening and shortening the elongated rod to thereby cause the lower wed

Abstract: A device for bending metal stock which utilizes a conventional die blade in conjunction with a die block formed from two bent metal plates. The plates have lower vertical portions which are parallel and space-apart to form a slot into which the die blade is inserted to bend the metal stock. The upper portions of the plates are bent outwardly to a horizontal coplanar position, forming a platform upon which the stock rests before bending.

Abstract: For the exchange of tools in a press, the tools, including their associated gripper rail sections, are moved out of the press on a sliding table having a gripper rail support. To ensure that the gripper rails do not block access to the tool, the gripper rail support is adjustable in height. This permits lowering of the gripper rails sections to the extent that access to the tool is unimpeded.

Abstract: In a die interchanging operation for a press which includes steps of used-die-demounting, bolster driving and new-die-mounting, an automatic die-interchanging control system comprises a judging circuit for outputting a signal if no unfinished steps exist before the last finished step among those which have finished their operations and a control unit for resuming the operation from a step immediately subsequent to the last finished step in response to the output from the judging circuit, whereby the die interchanging operation can be started from any step of the operation.The automatic die-interchanging control system further comprises a lamp lighting control circuit together with indication lamps, which enables to inform an operator of the current situation of the die interchanging operation.