PLATEN PRESS

摘要

A platen press in which maintenance is facilitated. The press includes a fixed upper bolster and a lower moveable lower bolster that moves towards the fixed upper bolster by a fluid pressure operated bolster actuator. A bolster support system including at least two bolster support assemblies is used to support the lower bolster at a predetermined raised position independent of the bolster actuator. Each bolster support assembly includes a support post having a lower end pivotally supported by a cradle assembly. A fluid pressure operated actuator is used to move the post between retracted and maintenance positions. Sensors are used to determine when the post is in the maintenance position and when a post is supporting the lower bolster. The assemblies are arranged in pairs in either side of a bolster guide member. The support posts of a pair are interconnected or coupled by a lock out bar which inhibits movement of the support post to the maintenance position when the lock out bar is in a post engaging position.