Barry J Galiger

US Patent:

43477275, Sep 7, 1982

Filed:

Jul 28, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/172698

Inventors:

Barry J. Galiger - Overland Park KS

International Classification:

B21D 706

US Classification:

72389

Abstract:

Retrofit apparatus for a press brake to make it capable of programmed operation, has an inclined support mounted on the lower bed of the press brake upon which is slided a plurality of wedges beneath a transversely-restrained, vertically-mobile die holder. The wedges are coupled at their aft sides to a horizontal beam driven transversely and reciprocatingly by a linear actuator at its center to provide vertical motion to the die holder; the deflection of the center-driven beam provides a crown to the die holder corresponding to the inherent upward bow of the upper ram. The method of use comprises the steps of positioning the workpiece horizontally, and vertically lowering an upper ram from above the workpiece until a die mounted on its lower end contacts the upper side of the workpiece, clamping it in place. Then, a lower die holder cammed upwardly relative to the press bed, to make the desired bend in the workpiece.