Patent ID: 7399175
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. In combination with a thermoforming press, a plug assist drive assembly for advancing and retracting tooling structure including a plurality of a plug assists mounted on a third platen, said plug assist drive mounted to a thermoforming press platen, and including a housing including a top and a bottom plate, a roller screw assembly including a screw shaft and a roller screw nut received on said screw shaft, said screw shaft mounted extending within said housing; a plug assist drive platen connected to said nut to be movable therewith within said housing upon rotation of said screw shaft; a plurality of guide-drive rods connected to said drive platen, each of said guide-drive rods having upper and lower ends protruding through respective bearings mounted to each of said housing top and bottom plates respectively said guide-drive rods drivingly connected to said third platen; and a servo motor having an output shaft drivingly connected to said screw shaft for rotating the same.