Patent ID: 6095307
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B30B

Abstract:
A press apparatus, comprising:a ram movable between a upper position and a lower position;an upper die tooling movable with said ram;a lower die tooling engageable with said upper die tooling when said ram is in said lower position and spaced from said upper die tooling a predetermined distance when said ram is in said upper position, said lower die tooling having a first surface facing away from said upper die tooling and a second surface facing toward said upper die tooling;a back-up plate for supporting the lower die tooling, said back-up plate having a first surface to which the lower die tooling is affixed, said first surface defining an air plenum;means for introducing pressurized air into said air plenum;means for sensing a pressure of said pressurized air;means for monitoring said sensed pressure; and,means for controlling said press in response to said sensed pressure.