Adjustable clamping device in a mechanical press

Abstract

An adjustable clamping mechanism includes a slider block annularly disposed about a rod device within a mechanical press. The mechanism utilizes a press or interference fit connection between the components. During operation, high-pressure oil is injected into the location between the slider block and rod, thereby relieving the press fit and making it possible to have relative movement therebetween. An actuator causes selective linear displacement of the slider block along the longitudinal axis of the stationary rod during the release condition. Once the slider block is repositioned, the high-pressure oil is removed, which reactivates the press fit connection and causes the slider block to once again lock up against the rod and prevent movement therebetween.

1 - 38 . (canceled)  
     
     
         39 . A method for use with a combination comprising a support member and a movable device arranged in releasable press fit connection with said support member, said method comprising the steps of: 
 releasing the press fit connection between said movable device and said support member; and    linearly moving the movable device relative to said support member, during release of the press fit connection.    
     
     
         40 . The method as recited in  claim 39 , wherein the releasing step further comprises the steps of: 
 pressurizing an interface defined between said support member and said movable device.    
     
     
         41 . The method as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the pressurizing step further comprises the steps of: 
 selectively applying a hydraulic pressure to the interface.    
     
     
         42 . The method as recited in  claim 41 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said support member and said movable device, following movement of the movable device.    
     
     
         43 . The method as recited in  claim 42 , wherein the restoring step further comprises the steps of: 
 selectively withdrawing hydraulic pressure from the interface.    
     
     
         44 . The method as recited in  claim 39 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said support member and said movable device, following movement of the movable device.    
     
     
         45 . The method as recited in  claim 44 , wherein the releasing step further comprises the steps of: 
 pressurizing an interface defined between said support member and said movable device.    
     
     
         46 . The method as recited in  claim 45 , wherein the restoring step further comprises the steps of: 
 reducing the pressurization of the interface.    
     
     
         47 . A method to control a machine combination, said machine combination comprising a support member and a movable device arranged in releasable press fit connection with said support member and defining an interface therewith, said method comprising the steps of: 
 pressurizing the interface to release the press fit connection between said movable device and said support member; and    linearly moving the movable device relative to said support member, during release of the press fit connection.    
     
     
         48 . The method as recited in  claim 47 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said support member and said movable device, following movement of the movable device.    
     
     
         49 . The method as recited in  claim 48 , wherein the restoring step further comprises the steps of: 
 reducing the pressurization of the interface.    
     
     
         50 . The method as recited in  claim 47 , wherein the pressurizing step further comprises the steps of: 
 selectively applying a hydraulic pressure to the interface.    
     
     
         51 . The method as recited in  claim 50 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said support member and said movable device, following movement of the movable device, by selectively withdrawing hydraulic pressure from the interface.    
     
     
         52 . A method for use with a combination comprising a first member and a second member arranged in releasable press fit connection with one another, said method comprising the steps of: 
 releasing the press fit connection between said first member and said second member; and    actuating relative linear movement between said first member and said second member, during release of the press fit connection.    
     
     
         53 . The method as recited in  claim 52 , wherein the releasing step further comprises the steps of: 
 pressurizing an interface defined between said first member and said second member.    
     
     
         54 . The method as recited in  claim 53 , wherein the pressurizing step further comprises the steps of: 
 selectively applying a hydraulic pressure to the interface.    
     
     
         55 . The method as recited in  claim 54 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said first member and said second member, following the relative movement therebetween.    
     
     
         56 . The method as recited in  claim 55 , wherein the restoring step further comprises the steps of: 
 selectively withdrawing hydraulic pressure from the interface.    
     
     
         57 . The method as recited in  claim 52 , further comprises the steps of: 
 restoring the releasable press fit connection between said first member and said second member, following the relative movement therebetween.    
     
     
         58 . The method as recited in  claim 57 , wherein the releasing step further comprises the steps of: 
 pressurizing an interface defined between said first member and said second member.    
     
     
         59 . The method as recited in  claim 58 , wherein the restoring step further comprises the steps of: 
 reducing the pressurization of the interface.