Abstract: The invention relates to a microtome, in particular a rotary microtome (1), comprising a micrometer mechanism (3) having a drive (2) for producing a relative movement between an object holder (4) and a blade and a positioning device acting on the micrometer mechanism (3) to influence the relative movement, the positioning device comprising an advancing device (6) and a trimming device (7) interacting with the advancing device (6), said microtome being designed and modified with regard to a simple and reliable adjustment of the trimming device (7) as well as activation/deactivation of a retraction by structurally simple means in such a way that the positioning device has a combined actuating device (8) for both an adjustment of the trimming device (7) and also an activation/deactivation of a retraction which can be carried out by means of the advancing device (6).

Abstract: A method for operating an electromechanical or electrohydraulic working device or rescue device is performed by an operator person and can be used autonomously. The working/rescue device includes a cutting tool having two cutting tool halves movable toward and away from one another and define a virtual cutting plane by their movement. The working/rescues device includes a housing, an electric motor; a pump or mechanical transmission, each driven by the electric motor for actuating the tool insert. An exchangeable rechargeable electrical energy source is in/on a device side of the working/rescue device and includes a housing. During operation of the working/rescue device, orientation of the working/rescue device is sensed and the relationship between the angular position of the working/rescue device cutting plane and the force applied by the cutting tool to the object to be cut is established and the working/rescue device is controlled in dependence on the relationship.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastening member and an operating member movably sheathed on the fastening member. The fastening member includes a threaded part and a mating part connected to the threaded part. The operating member includes a snap-fitting part corresponding to the mating part.

Abstract: An adjustable punch body assembly and method of adjusting a punch body assembly that includes a punch body that has a driver engagement end and an opposite cutting end, and a longitudinal inner bore the extends between the driver engagement and cutting ends. The driver engagement end includes a first adjustable engagement. A driver is configured to adjustably couple to the punch body. The driver includes a base that has a second adjustable engagement corresponding to the first adjustable engagement of the punch body to establish an axial position of the driver with respect to the punch body on a longitudinal axis thereof. A stem extends from the base for mating with a punch head. A locking mechanism is provided at the driver engagement end of the punch body for locking the axial position of the driver.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: A tool retention device of a machine tool includes a tool receiving member, at least one tool abutment, an axial tensioning device, and a radial clamping device. The tool receiving member serves to at least partially receive a processing tool. At least one axial tensioning element of the axial tensioning device pulls the processing tool against an associated tool abutment along a direction of a tensioning axis. While the radial clamping device is decoupled therefrom, the radial clamping device clamps the processing tool by at least one radial clamping element in a direction perpendicular to the tensioning axis of the axial tensioning device. A machine tool may also be provided with the tool retention device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (10) including a sample holder (12) a cutting unit (16), and a drive unit (22) capable of producing a relative movement between the sample holder (12) and the cutting unit (16) for cutting the sample. In addition, the microtome (10) has a handwheel (32) and an encoder (38). A control unit (40) controls the drive unit (22) as a function of the rotational movement of the handwheel (32) detected by the encoder (38) and in such a way that, in a first operating mode, the relative movement produced between the sample holder (12) and the cutting element (16) by the drive unit (22) when the handwheel (32) is rotated through a full revolution has a maximum first stroke length and that, in a second operating mode, the relative movement has a preset second stroke length shorter than the maximum first stroke length.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology is used for specimens (6) of different sizes. To maintain optimized cutting conditions, an adaptation to different specimen sizes is required without incurring disadvantages in terms of operation. An adjustment possibility is provided for the length of the vertical cutting movement (10). However, the moment that is generated by the vertical carriage (7) and that acts on the drive shaft (12) then changes. To maintain balanced moments of the drive movement, the counterweight has to be accordingly adapted by an adjustment weight (31). For this purpose, means are provided which, in an ergonomic and effective manner, permit the adjustment of the cutting stroke and also the necessary adaptation of the counterweights in one operation step.

Abstract: A punching assembly includes a die base, a sleeve, an adjusting screw, a pull portion, a latching block, an elastic element, a fixing ring and a stop member. A top of the die base is received in the sleeve. The adjusting screw includes a contact end, a mounted end inserting into the sleeve and connecting to the top of the die base, and a latching portion located between the contact end and the mounted end. The pull portion is disposed around the sleeve. The latching block engages the latching portion. The elastic element is disposed around the adjusting screw, supporting the latching block. The fixing ring surrounding the adjusting screw is fixed on the sleeve. The stop member, contiguous with the fixing ring, prevents axial movement of the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A stamping tool has a stamping punch for forming at least one punched hole in a workpiece. The stamping punch is guided in a guide housing along a stamping displacement movement. The stamping punch has a stamping element and a head element, which is connected with the stamping element by means of a screw connection. A length of the stamping punch between a head front face and a stamping surface, which closes off the stamping element at the front, can be set by means of the screw-in depth of the screw connection. An unlocking body, which is freely accessible from outside of the guide housing can be displaced between a locked position, in which the screw connection is blocked, and a screwing position, in which the screw connection is released. The result is a stamping tool with a simplified length adjustment.

Abstract: A punch canister includes a punch head with an axial shaft that has a screw thread which is adapted to be connected during use to the screw threads of a punch element that is slideably associated within a stripper bushing. A punch recess adjustment member is rotatably and slideably associated with the punch head. The adjustment member is adapted to the slideably but non-rotatably rotatably connected during operation to the punch element. A resilient retraction member, e.g., a spring, is located between the punch head and the adjustment member for biasing the adjustment member axially downward on the punch head.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven punch press is described. The punch press has an engine plate and a die set and a ram between the engine plate and die set. The engine plate has an assembly fixed thereto having a solenoid with windings that create a magnetic field when a current is applied. The engine plate has a feedback means positioned on the engine plate to provide real-time data on the position and velocity of the ram with respect to said engine plate.

Abstract: The three-side trimmer comprises an alignment station (F) for receiving booklet bundle (32) and aligning the booklets, and a cutting station (D) for cutting the top, bottom and fore edges of the bundle, and a chuck mechanism (40) which holds the bundle and conveys it to the cutting station. The cutting station has a cutting table (23), a top edge cutting knife (43), a bottom edge cutting knife (44), a fore edge cutting knife 42, and a pressing plate 48 movable between a waiting position and a working position. An encoder reads the data about the rotational position of the servomotor (38) in the chuck mechanism while it holds the booklet bundle. The control portion (25) measures the height of the bundle and controls a driving mechanism of the pressing plate such that the pressing plate moves up and down between waiting and working positions.

Abstract: A machine for the multi-stroke, continuous slotting of plate-shaped workpieces and especially sheet metal plates is described. A slotting tool (16) and the workpiece are movable in a forward direction relative to each other in a gate-cutting function and in at least one subsequent slot cutting stroke. This is followed by a return movement in the opposite direction (32) over a return length (A) that corresponds at a maximum to the length of the previously laterally cut slot. This is followed by a cross-cutting stroke in which the strip of material (31) that was laterally cut in the gate-cutting function and the minimum of one subsequent slotting stroke is severed at a distance from the point of its connection to the remaining workpiece. The slotting tool (16) is driven by a cam drive with a drive control, a return-drive system with a return-drive control and a forward-feed drive system with a feed-drive control.

Abstract: A press punching apparatus makes many holes at the same time and changes an arrangement of the holes without changing a punch block and a die block. A punching mold is provided with a plurality of punches having different lengths. A travel distance of the mold is adjusted so that a first part of the punches penetrates a work piece to be punched in a first stroke. Then, the travel distance of the mold is changed so that the work piece is punched by a second part of the punches other than the first part of the punches in a second stroke.

Abstract: A method and machine for the multi-stroke, continuous slotting of plate-shaped workpieces and especially sheet metal plates are described. As part of a method for the continuous multi-stroke slotting of plate-shaped workpieces, a slotting tool (16) and the workpiece are moved in an advance direction relative to each other in a gate-cutting function and is at least one subsequent slot cutting stroke. This is followed by a return movement in the opposite direction (32) over a return length (A) that corresponds at a maximum to the length of the previously laterally cut slot. This is followed by a cross-cutting stroke in which the strip of material (31) that was laterally cut in the gate-cutting function and the minimum of one subsequent slotting stroke is severed at a distance from the point of its connection to the remaining workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a press machine eliminates the free clearances present between the threaded portions of a screw and adjustment nut assembled in a shutheight adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic assembly directs a pressurized fluid against an outer periphery of the adjustment nut to effectively compress the adjustment nut and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the screw. Alternatively, the hydraulic assembly may be arranged to hydraulically pressurize an interior space of the screw to effectively expand the screw and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: There will be provided a punching unit capable of reliably drawing a punch out of the workpiece, improving the productivity and without deteriorating the boring precision even for a workpiece which easily spreads, and preventing leavings rising. A stripper plates which has been positioned close to the workpiece in accordance with the thickness thereof does not press the workpiece, but draws the punch during rising out of the workpiece to transmit the striking driving force of the electric motor to the movable die holding the punch. In an air path portion arranged within the machine frame, there is provided means for opening or closing through an electric signal and the air path between the air ejecting unit and the means is made shorter, whereby the response to air ejection is improved, the pressure loss during air flow is reduced to a minimum, and jet air is accurately applied to punching chips (leavings) which adhere to the punch at the bottom dead center for peeling off the punch.

Abstract: The present invention eases possible rubbing between an upper cutting edge and a work cutting surface of a work cutting apparatus during the elevation of the upper cutting edge to prevent the upper cutting edge from being worn in order to increase its lifetime. In a device for cutting a work by elevating and lowering a movable upper cutting edge 12 relative to a fixed lower cutting edge 13, an upper-cutting-edge, tight-contact avoidance device 10 is provided for widening the clearance between the upper cutting edge 12 and a work cutting surface. The device 10 is comprised of a clearance adjustment mechanism 22 for adjusting the clearance between the upper cutting edge 12 and the lower cutting edge 13, and control device 35 for regulating operation of the clearance adjustment mechanism 22.

Abstract: A scotch yoke mechanism for converting rotational movement into reciprocating linear movement and having an adjustable stroke length. The scotch yoke mechanism includes a stroke length toggle eccentrically connected to a cam such that the stroke length toggle may assume one of first and second positions. The first position defines a first stroke length which is shorter than a second stroke length defined by said second position. Rotational movement of the cam causes the stroke length toggle to assume the first position when the cam is rotated in a first direction to assume the second position when the cam is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly configured within a press machine enables adjustments to be made to the shutheight parameter through changes in the positioning of the bed in accordance with hydraulic pressure variations in the piston-cylinder assembly. The cylinder device, which is arranged to be reversibly movable with respect to the piston device under the influence of the pressure variations, is coupled to the bed such that movements of the cylinder device induce a corresponding displacement of the bed, thereby changing the shutheight. The piston device is characterized by a property of tensile elasticity in at least one dimension thereof substantially coincident with the shutheight dimension. Accordingly, in one operating mode, there may be effectuated a reversible displacement of the cylinder device beyond its established range-of-motion by changing the hydraulic pressurization of the piston-cylinder assembly in a manner sufficient to induce an elastic tensile effect in the piston device.

Abstract: A connecting rod unit is eccentrically supported on the drive shaft. The connecting rod unit is pivotally mounted via link members to double arm levers. Each double arm lever is pivotally mounted to a single arm lever. Furthermore, each single arm lever is coupled at its end remote from the double arm levers to a device for the adjusting of the height position of the ram. Each single arm lever supports a pressing column. These pressing columns are pivotally mounted to the ram. Accordingly, the structural members which transmit the driving force from the connecting rod unit to the pressing columns can be designed extremely stiff and with a minimal springiness. Also, all structural members located between the connecting rod unit and the ram, inclusive the ram, are designed in such a manner that no additional balancing forces for the vertical mass force balancing are needed.

Abstract: Adjustable apparatus (20, 20a) is provided, preferably in the form of an impact micrometer, which includes first and second interfitted bodies (22, 24, 22a, 24a) cooperatively defining therebetween an enclosed, constant volume internal fluid chamber (58, 58a). An adjuster (26,26a) is also provided which is connected to one of the first and second bodies (22, 24, 22a, 24a) and has an element (68, 68a) movable within the chamber (58, 58a). Preferably, the adjuster (26, 26a) is threadably coupled with the first body (22, 22a) through fine micrometer threading (36, 62, 36a, 62a). In use, the apparatus (20,20a be adjusted through rotation of the adjuster (26,26a) causing corresponding movement of the element (68, 68a) within the chamber (58, 58a); this in turn results in displacement of the fluid (59, 59a) to change the shape but not the volume of the chamber (58, 58a) and consequent movement of the first body (22, 22a) because of the incompressible nature of the fluid (59, 59a).

Abstract: A device that is able to reduce the variation in the clearance between the upper and lower blades and of which the clearance adjustment operation is simple. The work cutting apparatus has a freely rotating ram mounted with an upper blade. An axial direction pressure application means that prevents any play in the axial direction at the bearing being the rotating pivot of this ram by the application of pressure is arranged. The axial direction pressure application means applies pressure in the axial direction to the inner wheel of the bearing via the spacer by a cylinder attached to the rotating support shaft and pressurizes the bearing. The pair of upper and lower blades each form an approximate L-shape and the rotating support shaft is positioned such that it is at an angle within the horizontal plane with respect to each side of the upper and lower blades.

Abstract: A method for compensating for the variation in shut height of a press during stamping and forming as it is starting and stopping comprising user input of the minimum press speed at which feeding of feed material to the press should commence, monitoring of the actual press speed, and feeding of the feed material only when a minimum press speed representing a desired press shut height has been achieved. A method for inputting a desired shut height range, monitoring actual shut height and feeding feed material only when the actual shut height is within the desired shut height range is also disclosed.

Abstract: A punch unit includes a punch driver having a punch connected to it. A guide bushing receives the punch for guiding its axial displacement. A compression spring urges the punch driver rearwardly, away from the guide bushing. An intermediate member located between the guide bushing and the compression spring includes a collar, a holding member positioned concentrically inside the collar and releasable retaining means. The collar is rotatable relative to the holding member such that rotation in a first direction moves the retaining means into a locked position in which the guide bushing is prevented from moving longitudinally out of said holding member and rotation of the collar in a second direction opposite to the first direction moves the retaining means into an unlocked position in which the guide bushing is removable from the holding member.

Abstract: When power failures or breakdowns occur, an apparatus that is able to hold the upper blade in the raised position without using the drive source and increase the safety and facilitate maintenance and inspection.The work cutting apparatus that cuts by a pair of upper and lower blades is provided with a freely rotating ram mounted with an upper blade, a ram drive device that rotates the ram and an exertion devices that applies a force in the upwards rotation direction to the ram. The rotation center shaft of the ram is positioned at a angle within the horizontal plane with respect to the sides of the pair of upper and lower blades. The exertion devices is positioned such that the horizontal component of that applied force is at right angles to the rotation center shaft. Furthermore, the exertion devices comprises a plurality of coil springs and positions these plural coil springs parallel such that the ends are each aligned with each other along one side of the upper and lower blades.

Abstract: A link mechanism for driving a slide in a machine press has a pivot pin with an adjustable position for varying the die height and the stroke length of the slide. A first link of the link mechanism is connected to a sliding member which is restricted to vertical movement in a groove. Another end of the first link is pivotally connected to a second link and a third link. Another end of the second link is pivotally connected to the pivot pin. Another end of the third link is connected to a plunger which is connected to the slide. The plunger is movably held in the machine press and restricted to vertical movement. The up and down motion of the sliding member is translated through the first link, second link, and third link into the up and down movement of the plunger and the slide.

Abstract: A punch unit allows an adjustable length adjustment of the punch by disengaging projection-seat means which connect the housing and the guide bushing and then rotating the guide bushing relative to the housing. Additionally, the housing has mutually engaging housing top and bottom parts that have engaging fingers and corresponding grooves that cooperate during punching. The connection between the housing and guide bushing includes a C-ring, attached to the housing, having protrusions which are biased to engage a groove located on the guide bushing.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a very precise shutheight control system is disclosed. The press includes a bed connected to a frame with a slide connected with the frame for reciprocating motion opposing the bed. The slide and bed together define a shutheight of the press. A drive mechanism is attached to the frame for driving the reciprocating slide, the drive mechanism includes a drive piston and a tie rod. The shutheight control system includes a chamber located between the drive piston and tie rod with a pressurizing mechanism in communication with the chamber for selectively pressurizing the chamber with a predetermined pressure. The pressurizing mechanism causes the tie rod to one of expand and contract to thereby control press shutheight.

Abstract: A control apparatus which increases a hit rate, stabilizes a punch process, and makes use of a small motor. Such control apparatus is applicable to a punch drive apparatus that drives a punch tool by a servomotor via a ram and a toggle system. Such a structural arrangement includes a memory that memorizes a ram speed curve line from when the servomotor starts rotating to when the ram achieves a fixed speed; another memory that memorizes a surface height position of a sheet metal; and calculating device that calculates the lowest height of the ram at the aforementioned fixed speed when the punch tool reaches the surface of the sheet metal, and then sets a raised stand-by position of the ram. Such raised stand-by position is set in a ram shaft control device having the servo-controller.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a very precise shutheight control system. The press includes a bed connected to a frame with a slide connected with the frame for reciprocating motion opposing the bed. The slide and bed together define a shutheight of the press. A drive mechanism is attached to the frame for driving the reciprocating slide, the drive mechanism includes a drive piston and a tie rod. The shutheight control system includes a chamber located between the drive piston and tie rod with a pressurizing mechanism in communication with the chamber for selectively pressurizing the chamber with a predetermined pressure. The pressurizing mechanism causes the tie rod to one of expand and contract to thereby control press shutheight.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment assembly of a mechanical press including an adjustment nut rotatably connected to an adjustment screw. Hydrostatic bearing pads are provided below the adjustment nut to reduce frictional forces associated with nut rotation and to provide a squeeze film thickness to withstand large press loadings. A hydraulic chamber supplied with pressurized fluid is positioned above the adjustment nut and produces a preload force on the hydrostatic bearing pads. Hydrostatic bearing pads are also arranged radially outward of the adjustment nut to radially center the nut during operation. A hydraulic chamber between the adjustment nut and screw may be furnished to resist bolster rebound during press operations.

Abstract: A unique system and process for controlling the stroke positions of tools on a multi-station metal working machine are disclosed. The system and process are suitable for use with a metal working machine which carries the tools on an arm pivoted by an actuator. In the preferred embodiment, the control system includes a control circuit which continuously senses the position of the arm by use of a pulse generator rotary encoder. The control system stores settable initial and final stroke positions for each of the tools. The actuator is controlled to move the arm and the tools carried thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly and accurately correcting the bottom dead center position of the slide of a mechanical press during the operation of the press. The apparatus includes a hollow cylindrical member, disposed between a slide and a die-height adjusting screw mechanism, that can be expanded or contracted along its axis. Also provided are a bottom dead center position setter, a bottom dead center position detector for detecting a bottom dead center position of the slide, and a force applying unit which supplies a contraction force to the hollow cylindrical member. A correction control unit controls the force applying unit to expand or contract the hollow cylindrical member in order to correct the slide bottom dead center position, so that a detected bottom dead center position coincides with the set bottom dead center position.

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 method for controlling punch strokes of a punch press machine includes the step of performing a first punching operation with a punching tool wherein a sheet of material is in a first preselected position. A second punching operation is then initiated with the punching tool at a variable hover height before the sheet of material reaches a second preselected position. The variable hover height of the punching tool is determined by the distance between the first and second punching operations. If the sheet reaches a predetermined in-position zone before the punching tool reaches maximum hover height, the ram changes direction moving downward. The punch reaches the material just prior to the work piece coming to a stop thereupon performing the next punching operation.

Abstract: A method of side-cutting by a turret punch press for improving working efficiency to a large extent. The method comprises a step in which a selected one (5.sub.1) of a plurality of punch chips (5.sub.1 to 5.sub.4) arranged so as to be selectively hit in a punch assembly (1) provided on the upper turret (2) is used for side-cutting a workpiece (6) and the other step in which one end of a part to be cut into a punching piece with the side cutting is cut off by another punch chip (5.sub.2).

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 machine and method for adjustment of the tooling of a forming machine while continuously operating such machine. The adjusting device being located in a movable or stationary machine part, such as the upper tool part. A measuring device for measuring the cutting and forming result, the measuring signals of which are used to set an actuator which actuates the adjusting device is included. The adjusting device can be actuated by a servo-motor fixed with respect to a stationary machine part. The output shaft of the servo-motor can be coupled with the adjusting device via a transmission arranged on the movable machine part, the driving-sided part of the transmission being arranged on the output shaft of the servo-motor to be slidably displaceable in the direction of movement of the movable machine part and rotatable with the motor output shaft.

Abstract: A crankshaft mechanism for use with a press having a slide member, which includes an eccentric crankshaft. In one form of the mechanism, the crankshaft has a cylindrical eccentric portion. An eccentric sheave is rotatably mounted on the circumference of the eccentric portion so that its center is displaced radially from the center of the eccentric portion. A connecting member is rotatably mounted on the circumference of the sheave. The eccentric portion, sheave, and connecting member have pin-receiving bores whose axes intersect the crankshaft axis. The bores in the crankshaft and connecting rod are both aligned with the sheave bores when the crankshaft and the sheave are in predetermined angular positions. Lock pins in the eccentric portion bore are selectively engageable with the sheave bores to fix the sheave to the eccentric portion. Lock pins in the connecting rod bore are selectively engageable with the sheave bores to fix the sheave to the connecting member.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a press including a male threaded member threadedly engaged to a female threaded member with a clearance space therebetween is flooded with a liquid to reduce undamped free movement between the threaded members. Liquid injected in the clearance space causes a squeeze-film to be created, capable of supporting high impulse working loads. Seals define the clearance space to assure that the entire clearance space is filled with liquid. In one embodiment, the shutheight adjustment mechanism is included in the press slide.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-driven punch press having adjustable anti-skid supports for the ball bearings and ball cages of the ball-bearing bushings which carry the movable tool for preventing downward skidding of these balls and their cages when the moving tool punches down against the work material. Adjustable resilient cushioning arrests tool travel for minimizing "tool whip" and tool wear at the end of the work stroke.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for progressively fracturing a workpiece from a material sheet in a press in which a ram is progressively advanced through the thickness of the material sheet in discrete steps, each of the discrete steps including an advance of the ram into the material sheet a predetermined distance less than the total thickness of the sheet, a stopping of the advance of the ram, a relief of the pressure built up in the press due to the pressurized advance of the ram and a subsequent advance of the ram through the material sheet. A distance measuring transducer generates an output indicative of the position of the piston of the cylinder and the ram during movement of the ram. A controller, in response to a stored control program and the output of the distance measuring transducer, controls the operation of fluid valves to supply pressurized fluid to the cylinder to reciprocate the ram.

Abstract: A press machine comprising: a slider which reciprocates between its top dead point position and bottom dead point position; a stationary bolster; a position adjusting mechanism for adjusting an up-and-down relative position between the slider and the bolster; a bottom dead point position detecting mechanism for detecting a position of the slider held in the bottom dead point position; a moving body on which the bottom dead point position detecting mechanism is supported and which is movable in the directions in which the slider reciprocates; and a follow-up mechanism connected to the position adjusting mechanism so that the moving body can follow up a position adjustment movement of the slider, the bottom dead point position detecting mechanism being moved so that it can follow up the position adjustment movement of the slider.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-driven punch press has an electromagnetic drive thrust motor comprising a fan-cooled solenoid winding and movable armature mounted in elevated location for isolating the magnetic circuit from the tooling to avoid tool magnetization and isolating winding heat from tooling for stabilizing tool dimensions. Stroke length, "open" height and "shut" height are conveniently adjustable; and tool performance is optimized by adjusting armature-thrust versus travel. Four-way access to tooling enables convenient material feeding and handling, including multi-direction or multi-layer feed. Scrap pieces are freely downwardly ejected. Multiple electromagnetic drives are mountable side-by-side at the same elevation, or they are stackable at multiple levels for increased power or for tailoring force-versus-distance relative to materials being worked. Materials-handling and/or tool-handling robots or pneumatic actuators can be installed on an elevated platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable stroke punch press which has a crankshaft with an integral eccentric portion around which is disposed an eccentric sleeve, a connection arm, an L-shaped piston-like sleeve, a locking plate, and a clamping plate. During press operation, the eccentric sleeve is locked to the crankshaft through the locking plate and the clamping plate. Stroke length is adjusted by changing the eccentricity of the integral crankshaft eccentric portion relative to the eccentric sleeve. The eccentric sleeve is unlocked from the crankshaft and locked to the connection arm during stroke adjustment allowing the crankshaft to rotate relative thereto by utilizing the inching mode of the press.

Abstract: The limiting of the movement of the stroke of the ram is made by at least one fixed abutment. At least one fixed abutment includes a feeler, which determines the elastic deformation of the respective abutment which is generated by the striking force of the ram. The outgoing signals of the respective sensor are led to a control unit for the adjusting of the height position of the ram. This adjusting of the height position of the ram proceeds via an adjusting motor followed by a gear train. By means of the fixed abutments the position of the lower dead point of the ram relative to the punching tool lower part may be adjusted in accordance with the prevailing conditions. Conclusively, it is also possible to exactly set the depth of immersion of the punching tool upper part with its dies in the punching tool lower part, which thus can amount also to 0 or even less.

Abstract: A stamping tool for use in an auto-indexable tool station having a number of character inserts that can be rotatably moved below a striker area so that a thin metal plate or sheet of metal may be marked. The stamping tool allows for automatic adjustment of tool length for any variation in material thickness. A pneumatic cylinder actuates a mechanism that engages the key way in the head nut. The tool length is changed by the rotary motion of the auto-indexable tool station. The character housing is rotated by the indexable tool station through the punch key which moves the selected character insert to the striker area within the tool. The striker area causes the character insert which is spring biased to protrude lower than the character inserts that are not in the striker area. When the stamping tool is struck by the ram, only the character insert in the striker area will contact the material to be marked.

Abstract: To eliminate defects such as burr, rollover, sags, scar, etc. from cut-off surfaces of a workpiece in a turret punch press, for instance, a novel height-different punch formed with a lower front edge, an upper rear edge, and an intermediate edge extending between the two edges is used for the punch press. While feeding the workpiece on a horizontal plane in a predetermined direction, the punch is struck by a striker at a first stroke so that the lower front edge thereof cuts off the workpiece partially in cooperation with a die; at the succeeding strokes so that the intermediate edge thereof cuts off the workpiece mincingly and curls refuse within a recess of the die; and at the last stroke so that the upper rear edge thereof cuts curled refuse away from the workpiece to complete a multistroke punching operation.