An over-load control for a bolster plate to be positioned on the ram portion of a press, wherein, the device includes a cavity pressureized by a controlled fluid pressure for supporting the bolster plate with means to relieve the pressure upon over-load, said pressurized system being self contained in the bolster plate.

An improved adapter cushion is used in a press with a die assembly having a plurality of projecting die pins. The adapter cushion includes a one-piece cylinder block in which a plurality of cylinder chambers are formed. Cylinder sleeves or liners are telescopically disposed in the cylinder chambers and are connected with the one-piece cylinder block by threaded connections. Replaceable tubular guide bushings are disposed in the end portions of the sleeves to guide relative movement between the die pins and the cylinder block. In order to provide a yieldable support for the die pins, pistons are urged toward axially outer ends of the sleeves under the influence of fluid pressure. During operation of a press, the die pins work against the fluid pressure acting on the pistons. In order to facilitate utilization of the adapter cushion with different types of dies, a cylinder sleeve can be readily removed and a cylinder plugged without disassembling the adapter cushion. Noise reducing resilient bumpers are advantageously mounted on the pistons.

Hydraulic overload protection device for a press comprises a housing receiving therein a piston defining with this housing a space communicating via a check valve with a supply source and via a relief valve with a drain. This space additionally communicates with the drain via a line including an adjustable relief valve and a device for disconnecting the said space from the drain, when the movable member of the press, carrying a die, has been driven through the maximum length of its stroke. The disclosed protection device offers fine adjustment of the pressing or stamping effort and prolongs the service life of dies.

A hydraulic pressure actuated fluid flow control circuit is connected to a press actuated overload cylinder and piston assembly. The fluid flow circuit including the cylinder and piston assembly are charged to a given pressure, and upon an overload on the press the cylinder and piston assembly operate to increase fluid pressure in the circuit. The circuit includes a high response fluid pressure actuated relief valve operable in response to such increase in system pressure to dump system fluid in a manner whereby the entire system pressure is released so as to accelerate opening of the relief valve and dumping of the system fluid.

A wedge system disclosed for adjustably positioned tools in a forging press or the like. The system includes a wedge positioned between two assemblies and provided with a locking taper. Hydraulic means permit a lubricant to be supplied under pressure to the surfaces of the wedge so that the wedge is released and can float laterally even when large loads are applied to the system as for example during a tooling jam. The system totally encloses the wedge chamber preventing scale or other contaminants from rusting, pitting, or scarring the wedge surface. Hydraulic means are provided to lock the wedge in an adjusted position and power means are provided to move the wedge for adjustment.