Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold protection apparatus for use in an opening/closing apparatus, the movable platen being formed to be movable in a direction towards or away from a fixed platen having a fixed mold and being fixedly provided with a movable mold, the mold protection apparatus comprises a deriving means, a calculating means, and a comparing means. The deriving means configured to obtain an actual operation drive force output from the motor. The calculating means configured to calculate a theoretical operation drive force of the motor. The comparing means configured to compare a difference between the actual operation drive force derived by the deriving means and the theoretical operation drive force calculated by the calculating means with a threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing thermoplastic corrugated pipes may include an extrusion device with an extruder and an extrusion die device and a corrugator device with traveling mold jaws. The extrusion device and the corrugator device are positionally movable in relation to one another, for example for adjustment. The extrusion device is positionally movable in relation to the corrugator device in a horizontal plane, while the corrugator device is movable exclusively in height here.

Abstract: A vertical injection molding machine designed to move up/down a large weight by a toggle link mechanism so as to perform mold opening/closing. In a foreign matter detection region where a mold opening/closing servo-motor is subjected to speed feedback control during a mold closing process, a measured torque value of the mold opening/closing servo-motor is compared with a standard torque characteristic curve with no foreign matter between dies. Between a start position of the foreign matter detection region and a position of the foreign matter detection region in which a torque value is zero in the standard torque characteristic curve, it is concluded that there is a foreign matter between the dies when the measured torque is lower than the standard torque characteristic curve by a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: The value of a monitor item is detected in a monitor region predetermined in relation to a mold closing operation during the course of a mold clamping step. Emergency processing is performed when the detected value exceeds a threshold value. There are preset an anomalous-state mold opening velocity higher than a normal-state mold opening velocity on the basis of which mold opening control is performed in a normal state, and an anomalous-state-velocity end position at which mold opening control based on the anomalous-state mold opening velocity is ended. Mold opening control based on the anomalous-state mold opening velocity is performed in a portion of the monitor region ranging from a point corresponding to time when the detection value has exceeded the threshold value, to a point corresponding to the anomalous-state-velocity end position.

Abstract: An extrusion system controller monitors the movement of an extrudate using a motion detector. Upon detection that the extrudate is no longer moving along its path of movement at the appropriate speed, the controller causes power interruption to the extrusion system by a controlled power switching device. A dimensional anomaly detected by a gauge can cause the controller to effect power interruption as well, when the anomaly lies outside a range of correctable dimensions or when the anomaly does not respond to corrective action by the controller. In the event that a cutter is used on the extrusion line, a detector that may be a photodetector senses that the extrudate is being severed regularly. In the absence of regular severance of the extrudate, the controller effects a power interruption. By use of these techniques, the extrusion line can run entirely unattended.

Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an electric driving machine, a dynamic brake apparatus which is provided for the electric driving machine and consumes regenerative electric power of the electric driving machine as a load, and a controller configured to output a driving output signal to the dynamic brake apparatus so as to control that the dynamic brake apparatus consumes the regenerative electric power of the electric driving machine, wherein the controller estimates the load to the dynamic brake apparatus based on the driving output signal output to the dynamic brake apparatus and determines whether or not the dynamic brake apparatus is in an overload state based on the estimated load.

Abstract: A middle liner of a slide guide device for a machine press has a spherical shaped side which fits into a sliding gib attached to a slide. The middle liner slides along a fixed gib at first and second linear surfaces that are at an angle with each other. The combination of self-alignment and smooth movement of the slide is achieved in the presence of an eccentric load acting on the slide. A machine press equipped with such a slide guide device has excellent eccentric load resistance and high working precision. In a further embodiment, a press machine is further equipped with a knockout device having knockout block moving between a pair of guide rails. A plurality of middle liners, each having at least one spherical surface, are positioned between the knockout block and the guide rails. The resulting knockout device provides a stable knockout load with low noise and low energy consumption.

Abstract: A mold protection device for an injection molding machine capable of automatically setting a reference value for detecting an abnormal load exerted on a mold in a mold closing process. A load exerted on a servomotor for driving a mold clamping mechanism is estimated by a disturbance estimating observer provided in a control system of the servomotor. The estimated disturbance torque is sampled at every predetermined period in a mold protection region and cyclically stored in a table TA as data DA (0, 0) to (i, j) in mold closing processes of the number (i+1). A predetermined amount is added to an average value of data DA (0, n) to (i, n) to define an upper limit DC(n) for the disturbance torque and stored in the table TC. If the estimated disturbance torque at each sampling period exceeds the upper limit DC(n) of in the mold protection region in a present mold closing process, an alarm is issued to indicate abnormal load.

Abstract: A failsafe device, or pressure relief mechanism, for a shooting pot actuator in an injection molding machine. The shooting pot actuator has a multiple pusher rods mounted on one, or more, plates. Moving the plate holding the pusher rods depresses the shooting pot injection pistons and injects molten material into a number of mold cavities. To avoid damage to the machine from the pusher rods if an injection piston seizes, a failsafe device is used to mount the pusher rods to the plates. A shearing member is interposed, or sandwiched, between first and second apertures. Typically, the shearing member is a plate that, in normal operating conditions, blocks rearward movement of the pusher rod. However, when a predetermined shear force is applied to the shear plate, the shearing member shears and the pusher rod retracts within the channel, thereby alleviating the pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plastic articles utilizing a plurality of tools, each of which is moved by cams and includes a nitrogen cylinder wherein provision is made for catastrophic overload prevention. For catastrophic overload prevention, one of the cams is supplied by a top plate and held in normal fixed position by a plurality of nitrogen cylinders. Abnormal movement of the top plate is detected and the machine is stopped. For predictive overload protection, a load cell is positioned at the off load position of one of the cams and any excessive load provides a signal for an alarm, interrupting the feeding of plastic charges and stopping the machine.

Abstract: In a system for the production of solvent-spun cellulose tow, trash and other undesirable material is detected by a device which projects a light beam across the tow and a receiver for the beam which initiates a signal if the beam is obscured beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A leak detector for a plastics injection molding machine comprises a small diameter conduit (20) located adjacent to a potential leak site on or associated with the machine, through which a regulated supply of air is emitted. When the conduit outlet (26) is blocked with leaked molten plastics, a sensor (45) in the conduit instantly detects a change in air flow or back pressure and triggers an alarm (65), and optionally cuts off the machine automatically to avoid damage to machine components and with the object of reducing machine down time. Changes in incoming primary air supply pressure may be detected to provide a fail-safe system. Alternatively, air pressure in the conduit (20) may be below zero, i.e. a vacuum, so that air is sucked into the conduit at its outlet (26). Several potential leak sites may be monitored simulatneously from a single sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A press for making pressed board has a plurality of longitudinally spaced rigid frames, a lower press plate extending longitudinally through and secured to the frames, and a normally planar upper press plate extending longitudinally above the lower plate through the frames and defining with the lower press plate a longitudinally throughgoing press gap. A plurality of vertically effective double-acting hydraulic cylinders carried on the frames above the upper plate each have a back compartment and a front compartment, are connected to the upper plate, and support the upper plate on the frames. Respective upper and lower endless belts have respective lower and upper stretches extending through the gap immediately below and above the respective upper and lower plates and respective upper and lower rollers advance the stretches longitudinally through the frames. Sensors connected to the lower plate produce an output corresponding to the size of the gap.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides a method of operating a compression plastic molding apparatus which entails substantially continuously monitoring the position of an upper compression cam of the apparatus, against which a rotatably movable mold assembly reacts during operation of the apparatus. By monitoring the position of the compression cam, the system is able to detect excessive loading of the apparatus, such as attendant to depositing of excessive plastic material in the mold assembly. A force determining device, illustrated in the form of a fluid pressure (pneumatic) cylinder, is operatively connected with the compression cam, with the system operating to release pressure in the cylinder in the event that the compression cam is moved in a manner which indicates excessive loading of the plastic mold assembly.

Abstract: A movable table 1 which rests on a mechanism with two upper parts 3 and two lower parts 4, situated on a fixed counter table 2 under which there is an electromagnet 6, which attracts a counter-weight 5 joined by way of bars 7 to a central ball-and-socket joint of an articulated safety mechanism in such a way that when the electromagnet 6 is disconnected the counter-weight 5 falls, the mechanism folds and the table 1 descends. Under the table 1 and the counter-weight 5, there exist some cylinders and stops 3, 11 which damp and limit the table's descent. The safety mechanism is housed in slots situated under the table 1 and on top of the counter table 2 and its central ball-and-socket joint is formed by the insertion of the lower shaft of the upper part of the mechanism in an upper half tube of the lower piece of the same mechanism.

Abstract: A dough-stretching roller apparatus is provided to produce a continuous web of dough in a process to manufacture confectionery and bread. The apparatus includes a pair of upper rollers and a pair of lower rollers, a sensor that measures the width of the dough that contacts the lower rollers, and a controller that controls a motor driving the upper rollers in response to a signal from the sensor. The controller increases the rotational speed of the upper rollers when the sensors detect that the width of dough is less than a preset width while the controller decreases the rotational speed of the upper rollers when the sensors detect that the width of the dough is greater than the preset width. Thus, even if the quantity of dough supplied from a hopper is unstable, the stable production of a stretched web of dough having a constant volume over its length can be continued.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is provided in a form, fill and seal operation to detect the position of sealing jaws with respect to one another during the sealing process.

Abstract: A loading elevator for a multi-platen press is provided with a pusher which simultaneously transfers a number of transport plates loaded with stampings to the press. After press operations are completed, the plates are unloaded by an extractor to an unloading elevator. The pushing and the unloading of the plates are automatic, with sensors provided to halt the loading and unloading in the event of excessive resistance to the movement of any one of the plates. A plurality of sensors are provided in the pusher and in the extractor, one sensor there for each of the plates. Each sensor is connected to halt the operation on recognition by the sensor that an express resistance exists and if desired to provide a signal that the halting has taken place.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding plastic materials, particularly plastic explosives or propellants, has a casing, at least one pressing member moving therein, e.g. a rotating extruder screw and a shaping retainer plate terminating the casing at the outlet side, which is fixed to the casing and can be raised therefrom if an excessive overpressure occurs. So as to ensure rapid raising and a rapid release of the overpressure when a safety hazard occurs, the retainer plate is fixed to the casing by a mechanical or a gas pressure spring, whose spring tension is adjustable. It is also possible to provide a hydraulic pressure directed in opposition to the spring and by which the retainer plate can be raised in random manner from the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy molder/extruder which is used for cold molding and/or cold extruding of clay dough with the use of toy molds and toy dies. This toy has a main housing with a base, an upright middle section and a top. A pinion gear is rotatably located at the top of the housing and a crank wheel and handle is connected to the pinion gear to enable the user to rotate the pinion gear. A ram piston with a rack gear is attached to the main housing with the ram piston being connected to the top of the housing in a vertically movable fashion, so as to engage the rack gear and the pinion gear with on another. The toy also has a compression chamber with an open top which is connected to the housing and located below the ram piston. It has a cross-sectional dimension adequate to allow ram insertion of the ram piston and has a tapered bottom with an outlet orifice substantially smaller than the compression chamber's open top.

Abstract: A method for removing resin clogging a nozzle in a motor-driven injection molding machine, which is capable of removing resin clogged in the nozzle without an excessive load being continuously applied to a servomotor for driving a screw.When the nozzle is clogged with resin, pulse distribution to a servo-circuit is started to move the screw to a foremost position thereof (S1). If a feed stop state, wherein the pulse distribution is stopped by an increase of the deviation of an actual movement amount from a command movement amount for the servomotor above a predetermined value, is not ended before passage of a time set by a timer started at the time the feed stop state occurs (S3-S6), the forward movement of the screw is stopped by an alarm process (S7).

Abstract: An apparatus for laying a mat of fibrous material which includes an upwardly inclined belt onto which the fibrous material is fed, one or more combing roller located above the belt, a stripping roller at the upper end of the belt for removing the material from the belt and passing it into a mechanism for laying the material into a mat. The angle of inclination of the incline belt and the position of the first combing roller as such that the material can build up to reach a critical angle of repose and then slide back down. A second combing roller located upstream of the first combing roller serves to comb the material to a constant depth, and the speed of the incline belt is adjustable to determine the amount of material leaving the incline belt and thus regulate the thickness of the formed mat.

Abstract: Insole feeding apparatus for a molding press having an insole receiving cavity to receive insoles from a support structure that carries dual trays which hold insole supplies alternately positionable to allow insoles to be picked out of a tray and placed in the mold cavity. The mold press is provided with an insole kicker plate subject to positional adjustment in the cavity in accordance with an operator teach device capable of locating the kicker plate in the mold cavity for producing molded insoles having desired style and size characteristics. The apparatus is made to follow a desired method in which kicker plate adjustments can be stored in a computer memory for rendering the molding press capable of accommodating various insole and size production runs.

Abstract: In operation of a screw extruder, particularly a pin extruder, processing a rubber or a plastic mixture, troubling disturbances and on occasion heavy damage occur when foreign bodies are introduced into the extruder with the material to be processed causing damage to the extruder structure. In order to avoid this damage one possibility is to shut off the extruder at a sufficiently early time and of course immediately when an appropriate dangerous condition is detected. Therefore the drive torque which is taken by the extruder screw shaft is compared with the mass pressure in the mixture to be processed. As soon as this compared value no longer follows the functional dependence of the normal operating parameters such as the rotation speed of the extruder shaft, viscosity of the mixture, temperature lowering of the tempering medium, the volume increase of the mixture drawn in the extruder inlet or the like, the extruder is automatically shut off since a disturbance by foreign bodies is assumed.

Abstract: In a die-casting or injection molding machine transducers are provided for generating a signal corresponding to the injection pressure as well as a signal in accordance with the velocity of the ram device, i.e. the injection screw or the injection piston of the machine. The output signals of these transducers are supplied to a calculating stage for calculating the actual injection power. The resulting signal at the output of the calculating stage is fed to an evaluation device, preferably comprising an indicating device, but also a control circuit, if desired.

Abstract: A discharge nozzle connected to the outlet of an extruder is built wedge-shaped in vertical longitudinal section and comprises a lower housing part and an upper housing part. The upper housing part is adapted to be swung open by being pivoted around a pivot axis, thus causing the nozzle to open. This opening of the nozzle occurs under the influence of a control and actuating member, as soon as a predetermined value of twisting moment, pressure or temperature is exceeded. The nozzle discharge opening has shutting locking bolts associated with it, adapted to shut off the discharge channels of the discharge opening of the nozzle. The discharge nozzle may be used to advantage for the continuous processing of electrode material.

Abstract: The continuous production of electrode material consisting of pitch, coke dust and coke particles of variable sizes comprising the steps of mixing and kneading the components in a horizontally arranged mixing and kneading device. An extruder is provided at the output end of the mixing and kneading device and connected with the same by way of a vertically arranged chute. The rotation of the extruder is controlled by a sensoring device provided in the vertically arranged chute. A lateral ejector orifice provided in the chute is shut off by means of an ejector flap subject to the influence of a control device; this in turn also exerts its influence on the extruder drive. The forming operation is completely separated from the mixing and kneading process, so that no mutual influencing can take place.

Abstract: A spraying system includes a screw conveyor to transmit material to be sprayed from a storage container to a spray nozzle. A predetermined torque is maintained on the screw to thereby maintain a predetermined pressure on the material within the conveyor, so that an instantaneous flow of material at a predetermined pressure can be obtained when the nozzle is opened. The pressure is preferably maintained by means of a hydraulic motor designed to stall at a predetermined torque. A heating jacket for housing heated oil surrounds the screw conveyor and provides heat necessary to maintain the material therein at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A press control system for presses fitted with floating platens or tools employs hydraulic cylinders and a spring loaded accumulator to bias the floating element against position change on press closure. The hydraulic pressure in the bias system is compared with floating element position to detect abnormal pressure-position relationships.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a first member in a first position relative to a second member comprises a linkage system connecting the first and second members and drive means for articulating the linkage system for moving the first member relative to the second member. A fluid link is provided for locking the first member in position relative to the second member wherein the fluid link is actuated upon sensing the first member approaching the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine comprising a sweetened paste kneading device that supplies an extrusion group constituted by two telescopically coupled, vertical tubular blocks, namely a first fixed tubular block and a second movable tubular block closed at the bottom by an extrusion plate which, with the said tubular blocks, defines a variable volume chamber; and a conveyor that supplies baking tins in succession to the overhead said extrusion group.When the variable volume chamber is full of paste, "piped" or "poured in" biscuits are created with, in the first instance, the volume of the said chamber maintained constant and, in the latter, firstly a decrease and then a volumetric increase. When the paste is "piped", the separation from the said extrusion plate of the ropes of extruded paste is achieved with the use of cutting means, while for "poured in" paste, it occurs through breakage caused by the decompression of the paste in the said chamber.

Abstract: A drive-reversing safety mechanism for the motor-driven safety gate of an injection molding machine, featuring a channel-shaped contact bar which is pivotably attached to the outer vertical corner on the leading edge of the safety gate and biased forwardly, so as to pivot rearwardly, when encountering an obstacle while closing. A minimal initial displacement of the contact bar produces the depression of a transversely oriented plunger of a reversing switch with the aid of a flexible, bell-crank-type actuating lever in the shape of an open triangle. A curved end flange of the contact bar drives the actuating lever with a trigger edge, overriding the initial switching displacement, while holding the switch plunger in a depressed position.

Abstract: Sensor arranged to detect the proper placement and quantity of one or more inserts in the cavity of an injection molding machine. The sensor is preferably formed of a spring-biased plunger through one of the cavity shells. A photodetector monitors the movement of the plunger as the cavity-forming shells are closed and activates an alarm signal if the plunger movement is excessive before detection of proper mold closure.

Abstract: A hydraulic roll protection system in which positioning of an adjustable roll relative to a fixed roll is caused by adjusting screws acting on movable journal boxes through a pressurized piston cylinder device. A relief valve between a hand pump and the cylinder acts to relieve excessive pressures. A switch valve connects the hand pump alternately to advance the roll journal to normal gap positions and to retract the roll from the fixed roll.

Abstract: An inlet gas pressure passageway is associated with the movable mold section of a molding press and terminates at and therefore in the plane of the surface of said movable mold section which confronts the surface of the fixed mold section of the press. An outlet gas pressure passageway is associated with the fixed mold section and terminates at and therefore in the plane of the surface of said fixed mold section in alignment with the inlet passageway opening. Air or other gas under a predetermined superatmospheric is applied to the inlet passageway for delivery to the outlet passageway, and the latter is connected to a pressure switch operable at said predetermined gas pressure to effect application of high hydraulic closing pressure to the movable mold section.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the retention of non-ejected parts in the cavity of a plastic molding machine and inhibiting the operation of the molding machine in response thereto. The apparatus employs a set of photocells coupled via associated fiber optic cables to a comparator. The retention of a molded part subsequent to the completion of a molding cycle is indicated by the interruption of a light beam generated by at least one of the photocells. The optical signal is processed by the comparator and associated circuitry so as to activate a mold inhibiting relay.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a restrictor bar in a die construction of the type in which such restrictor bar is movable into and out of the internal flow path of the die so as to regulate extrusion of material therefrom. The restrictor bar movement is in axial direction and is accomplished by means of axially restrained, rotatable spools connected to threaded ends of studs in turn extending through the die body and fixedly attached to the restrictor bar. Each of the spools includes a breakable segment to cause the spools to break prior to possible stud overstressing. The spools or portions thereof may be easily replaced at a position located outside of the die and accordingly eliminates die down time.

Abstract: In venting means for a screw extruder, particularly for thermo-plastics material, which venting means comprises a substantially vertical venting shaft communicating with the bore of a cylinder of the extruder and coupled to a low pressure source by a pipe, a pivotable flap which is moved from its normal position shown, when acted upon by plastics melt being extruded and rising in the shaft due to malfunction of the extruder, to cover the end of the pipe and prevent the melt passing into the pipe.

Abstract: A plasticizing screw of an injection-molding machine, axially movable in an extruder barrel, is driven by a tubular input shaft via a splined quill partly retractable into the shaft with which the quill is coupled through an internally and externally splined bushing. Another such bushing is removably seated, for possible replacement by a similar bushing of different inner diameter, in an internally splined cup-shaped head of the quill and engages the splined rear end of the screw. The quill head rests via a thrust bearing against the front end of a nonrotatable tubular piston coaxially surrounding the quill and entering by its rear end an annular cylinder which is hydraulically connected with a pressure accumulator including a gas cushion. The accumulator creates a back pressure by which molding material, plasticized by the screw during the preceding phase in which the screw was repressed into a rear position, is introduced via a check valve into a shooting pot alongside the extruder barrel.

Abstract: Device for the longitudinal drawing of thermoplastic preforms possessing a closed base and an open neck during the blow moulding of these preforms comprising a rod introduced in the preforms through their open neck and arranged so as to exert a controlled axial thrust on the base of the preforms in which the drawing rod is provided with slots and is actuated by a driving sleeve in which it can slide and with which it is rendered integral by means of retractable wedges housed in the slots and held in place by means of calibrated springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a reciprocating liquid injection unit wherein charges of an injection liquid, such as molten metal, are injected one-by-one to a point of consumption, such as an injection molding die, by an injection plunger reciprocating in a sleeve and driven by a double acting hydraulic cylinder and fluctuations in the oil pressure on the return side of the hydraulic cylinder are monitored to detect abnormal increases in such pressure which indicate the occurrence of dragging between the injection sleeve and the plunger head.

Abstract: An extrusion press particularly for forming animal feed pellets is provided with means for detecting slip between the roll and the die and the operating conditions, e.g. feed of material to the nip, are varied when the slip exceeds a predetermined value or the rate of change of slip exceeds or corresponds to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing contaminant material or hung-up work pieces on mandrels, such as the core rods of injection blow molding machines, consists of a sensing member adapted to be moved through a programmed path corresponding to the bottom contour edge of the mandrel and to give an output responsive signal when any material or work piece remains on the mandrel and interrupts the programmed movement of the sensing member. Generally, one or more horizontally extending mandrels are checked by a sensing member linked through a connecting member with a cam following a cam track corresponding in shape and located below the bottom contour edge of the mandrel to be checked. In the preferred form of the invention, an injection blow molding machine includes an automatic stripper and checker, in which stripping fingers associated with the connecting member precede the sensing member and thus strip a preformed work piece off the mandrel simultaneously with the checker sensing member movement along the mandrel length.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling and granulating strands of thermoplastic material. The apparatus has a chute located below nozzles for producing the strands, a cooling water inlet for supplying cooling water to the chute, a safety gate forming the lower end of the chute and positioned to receive the strands from the chute and pivotable away from the strands, a pair of draw-in feed advance rollers arranged downstream of the pivotal gate and a cutting roller arranged downstream of the draw-in rollers. A sensor is actuable by the pivotal movement of the safety gate to stop the draw-in rollers and the cutting roller in response to tilting of the gate.

Abstract: A housing has a threaded bore opening to an inlet and an outlet. The outlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the bore axis while the inlet axis is off-center from the bore axis. A plug in the housing bore comprises three cylindrical portions which are threaded in the housing bore and which are joined together but spaced apart by perforate cylindrical support tubes of lesser diameter than the threaded portions. A screen mesh extends about each support tube. Bores extend radially through two of the threaded cylindrical portions and only one at a time is alignable with the housing outlet, depending upon the threaded position of the plug in the housing bore. Accordingly, molten plastic material enters into the bore from the off-center housing inlet which urges the plastic material around the exterior of the screen to limit clogging and to extend screening life.

Abstract: This invention is an improved apparatus for detecting residue that is left on a core rod of injection blow molding apparatus after blown articles have been stripped from the core rods at a pick-off station, and before the core rods are delivered to an injection station. The detecting apparatus moves in a straight line across a row of core rods extending from the face of an indexing head and while the core rods are stationary.

Abstract: An injection molding machine providing a stationary and a movable mold plate, each supporting one mold half, a drive means for the movable mold plate to close the mold and a rear end piece constituting a thrust from the drive means at the closing of the mold. Damage to the sealing surfaces of the mold due to objects stuck between the mold halves is eliminated by preventing a closing pressure from being applied to the mold if an object is located between the sealing surfaces all with a high degree of sensitivity without jeopardizing the rigidity or operational reliability of the machine.

Abstract: A rapid load relief device to prevent fast build-up of pressure in a continuous press of the type having two rotatively driven endless conveyor belts forming opposed, substantially linear spans defining a press zone with press platens applying pressure through the travelling spans to work carried therebetween and in which a plurality of hydraulic cylinders or spindles are inserted between the press platens and rigid supports with pressure supplied to the cylinders through a pressure-controlling valve which is sensitive to the movement of the pressure platen to regulate the pressure in the cylinders maintaining a constant platen spacing in which means are provided which, upon sensing an excess pressure, immediately separate the press platens.

Abstract: A safety device for avoiding excess pressure in a continuous press of the type having two rotatively driven endless conveyor belts forming opposed, substantially linear spans defining a press zone with press platens applying pressure through the travelling spans to work carried therebetween and in which a plurality of hydraulic cylinders or spindles are inserted between the press platens and rigid supports with pressure supplied to the cylinders through a pressure-controlling valve which is sensitive to the movement of the pressure platen to regulate the pressure in the cylinders maintaining a constant platen spacing in which the pressure-controlling valve is coupled to the press platen through a piston and cylinder arrangement having a pressure therein maintained so as to not exceed a pre-determined value whereby pressure in the hydraulic cylinders exceeding that pressure will cause the piston to yield and relieve the pressure.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking a first member in a first position relative to a second member comprises a linkage system connecting the first and second members and drive means for articulating the linkage system for moving the first member relative to the second member. A fluid link is provided for locking the first member in position relative to the second member wherein the fluid link is actuated upon sensing the first member approaching the first position.