An actuator assembly for a redraw sleeve that operates independently of the ram drive mechanism is provided. The actuator assembly utilizes an eccentric journal coupled to a drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is structured to provide its output shaft with a variable rotation speed so as to accommodate the need for the redraw sleeve to be in selected locations at specific times. Further, the redraw sleeve includes a collapsing redraw cylinder to allow the redraw sleeve to dwell in a forward position.

An actuator assembly for a redraw sleeve that operates independently of the ram drive mechanism is provided. The actuator assembly utilizes an eccentric journal coupled to a drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is structured to provide its output shaft with a variable rotation speed so as to accommodate the need for the redraw sleeve to be in selected locations at specific times. Further, the redraw sleeve includes a collapsing redraw cylinder to allow the redraw sleeve to dwell in a forward position.

A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.

A connection rod coupling assembly includes a settable shape mounting second component having a lateral, primary axis and a bearing assembly including a bearing assembly body. The bearing assembly body includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis. The bearing assembly body is coupled to the settable shape mounting second component in a non-aligned configuration. That is, the bearing assembly body center axis is offset from the settable shape mounting second component primary axis. Thus, the position of the bearing assembly body center axis is adjustable by repositioning the settable shape mounting second component relative to a settable shape mounting first component on a swing lever. The adjustment of the bearing assembly body, in turn, adjusts the range of the ram assembly and the ram assembly body.

A swing lever assembly includes a unitary body. By providing a unitary body for the swing lever assembly the number of elements is substantially reduced which solves the problems stated above. In an exemplary embodiment, the swing lever assembly includes a limited number of components. Further, the swing lever assembly includes a limited number of installation components.

A body-maker includes a totaling crankshaft including an offset crank, the adjustable eccentric assembly including an eccentric shell assembly. The eccentric shell assembly is operatively coupled to the crankshaft crank. A primary connection rod is operatively coupled to the eccentric shell assembly. A ram assembly is operatively coupled to the primary connection rod. The ram assembly includes an elongated ram. In this configuration, the ram reciprocates over a stroke that is a function of the orientation of the eccentric shell assembly. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly is structured to adjust the range of the ram body stroke through a die pack without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

A body-maker includes a totaling crankshaft including an offset crank, the adjustable eccentric assembly including an eccentric shell assembly. The eccentric shell assembly is operatively coupled to the crankshaft crank. A primary connection rod is operatively coupled to the eccentric shell assembly. A ram assembly is operatively coupled to the primary connection rod. The ram assembly includes an elongated ram. In this configuration, the ram reciprocates over a stroke that is a function of the orientation of the eccentric shell assembly. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly is structured to adjust the range of the ram body stroke through a die pack without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

A press with a press drive for moving a plunger in stroke direction (H). The press drive comprises two electric drive motors which are controllable independently of each other. The two drive motors are connected to the plunger via a drive unit. A control arrangement is provided for controlling the two drive motors. The control arrangement includes a characteristic plunger curve (K) which determines the plunger positions and/or the plunger movement and/or the plunger force dependent on time or dependent on a so-called virtual press angle. In addition, the control arrangement includes an additional condition which is independent of the characteristic plunger curve (K). Via the additional condition the operation of the press drive, for example, in an optimum operating range and/or a low-wear lubrication state of the support bearings of the drive unit can be ensured.

A press with a press drive for moving a plunger in stroke direction (H). The press drive comprises two electric drive motors which are controllable independently of each other. The two drive motors are connected to the plunger via a drive unit. A control arrangement is provided for controlling the two drive motors. The control arrangement includes a characteristic plunger curve (K) which determines the plunger positions and/or the plunger movement and/or the plunger force dependent on time or dependent on a so-called virtual press angle. In addition, the control arrangement includes an additional condition which is independent of the characteristic plunger curve (K). Via the additional condition the operation of the press drive, for example, in an optimum operating range and/or a low-wear lubrication state of the support bearings of the drive unit can be ensured.

A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having a first eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, an upper tool section supported by the ram and a lower tool section fixedly attached to the press frame, a linkage type ram drive mechanism connected to the crankshaft and including at least one pivot support pin, and a ram adjustment mechanism including a pivot support member supporting the at least one pivot support pin. Wherein the at least one secondary ram drive link is pivotally connected at a first end to the at least one pivot support pin and at a second end to a first end of the at least one main ram drive link. The at least one main ram drive link is pivotally connected at a second end to the ram. The at least one ram drive connecting link is rotatably supported by the at least one first eccentric portion of the crankshaft at a first end and pivotally connected at a second end to the at least one main ram drive link at a point between the first and second ends of the at least one main ram drive link.