Preco Industries, Inc.

Robert G Weidhaas, Sr

Robert G Weidhaas, Jr

Matthew S Amburg

A preferred clamshell press (10) includes a changeover apparatus (12) for shifting the tool support chase (22) between an operating position and a shifted position in which the chase (22) is positioned for facilitating tool changing thereon while remaining coupled with the machine body (14). The changeover apparatus (12) includes a tracking assembly (26) having rollers (40) received in guide tracks (32) in the side edges of the chase (22) for guiding the chase (22) during shifting, and an actuator (28) using hydraulic cylinders (42, 44) to shift the chase (22). The apparatus (12) further includes registration slots (62, 66) and corresponding registration tabs (60, 64) for ensuring registration between the chase (22) and the machine body (14) in the operating position, and a locking mechanism (56) for locking the chase (22) in the operating position.

Growing community of inventors

Overland Park, KS, United States of America

Robert G Weidhaas, Sr