Vamco Machine & Tool, Inc.

Vamco International, Inc.

Daniel G Lukas

Vaughn H Martin

Joseph P Gentile

Bryan P Gentile

Matthew C Crowell

Scott D Welsh

Vaughn Martin

This invention includes a method of determining the correct timing of a material release mechanism () of a material feed mechanism () and includes the steps of: cycling a press mechanism () through a working portion of a tooling mechanism (); monitoring the press mechanism () position; determining, by a location device (), the desired timing for the material release mechanism () to release contact with material (); and correlating the desired material release mechanism () timing to the press mechanism () position. The present invention also is a stamping system () for working the material (). This stamping system () includes a press mechanism () having a tooling mechanism () configured to punch holes () in the material (). The stamping system () also includes a material feed mechanism () to feed material () to the press mechanism (), and this material feed mechanism () includes a material release mechanism (). Finally, the stamping system () includes a location device () to monitor the press mechanism () position and determine desired material release mechanism () timing.

Method and apparatus for determining and setting material release mechanism timing for a material feed mechanism

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.

Method for compensating for variation in shut height during starting and

A method and apparatus for protecting a die from damage due to material jams in material stamping equipment wherein feed material is stamped in a die and then advanced through the die by action of press feed rolls powered by a press feed roll drive motor. The position error of the press feed rolls or the torque of the press feed roll drive motor is monitored during the advance of the feed material through the die. The monitored position error of the press feed rolls or the monitored torque of the press feed roll drive motor is then compared to the expected position error of the press feed rolls or the expected torque of the press feed roll motor, respectively. The feed material is moved backwards to a previous position from which the feed material advanced, typically the position at which the feed material was last stamped, if the monitored position error of the press feed rolls or the monitored torque of the press feed roll drive motor deviates by more than a tolerance value from the expected position error of the press feed rolls or the expected torque of the press feed roll motor, respectively. Operation of the material stamping equipment may stopped after the feed material is moved back if desired.

Method and apparatus for die jam protection/anticipation and correction

The present invention provides for a press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.

Electronically controlled high speed press feed capable of being driven

Electronically controlled high speed press feed

A press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Daniel G Lukas