Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are implemented for machining a longitudinally extending slot in a bore of a component. The component is gripped in a gripping device of a workholding device. A cutting operation is performed in order to cut the slot in the bore by a cutting tool. The cutting operation forms burred slot edges. The edges are further machined by inserting a deburring device into the bore. Relative angular reciprocation for a limited angle is imparted between the deburring device and the component.

Abstract: A machine for machining slots within a bore of a sleeve includes a work holding device, and at least one cutting tool mounted on a cutting spindle. An axis of the cutting spindle is offset from and at substantially right angles to the axis of the sleeve. A device supports the cutting spindle for angular reciprocation to effect cutting strokes of the cutting tool relative to the surface of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention is a one piece sleeve for a rotary valve, the sleeve comprising an array of communication slots formed in the bore of the sleeve, characterized in that at least a portion of the floor of one of said slots is convex. Figure depicts sleeve (1b) with arcuate slot (21b) which has a convex floor and is open ended at both axial extremities of surface (17b) of bore (16b) of sleeve (1b). This slot may preferably be used as a return slot on the sleeve.

Abstract: The method comprises of gripping the component in a gripper of a work holding device mounted to a work holding spindle indexable about a first axis. Then cutting each slot of the array of slots in the bore by a series of cutting strokes of a cutting tool, with the tool mounted to a cutting spindle rotatable about a second axis substantially at right angles to and offset from the first axis. The cutting of each slot followed by indexation of the work holding spindle. During the cutting of at least one of the slots, relative movement between the component and second axis takes place due to movement of the component along the first axis or movement of the second axis in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis or both. The series of cutting strokes comprises two or more successions of progressively deeper cuts and the relative movement occurs between consecutive successions.

Abstract: A method and device for machining an angularly disposed array of parallel longitudinally extending slots in a bore of a component, the method comprising the steps of: gripping said component (1) in a gripping means of a workholding device (2) mounted to a workholding spindle (3) indexable about a first axis; cutting said array of slots in said bore by a series of progressively deeper cutting strokes of a cutting tool (5), said tool mounted to a cutting spindle (7) rotatable about a second axis (8) substantially at right angles to and offset from said first axis; and the cutting of each slot followed by indexation of said workholding spindle (3); and during the cutting of at least one of said slots, relative movement between the component (1) and second axis (8) takes place due to movement of the component (1) along the first axis or movement of the second axis in a direction substantially parallel to said first axis or both.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of longitudinally extending slots in the bore of a component (1). One example of such a component is the sleeve element of an automotive power steering rotary valve. More particularly the invention is directed towards a method of minimising burring of the slot edges of the sleeve component. The method comprises the steps of gripping the component (1) in a gripping mechanism (2) of a workholding device, performing a first cutting operation (5) in which the slot is cut in the bore by a series of progressively deeper cutting stroke of a cutting tool (5), further machining (30) the bore of the component, the machining of the bore being carried out while the component remains gripped in the gripping mechanism, characterized in that while the component remains gripped in the gripping mechanism the slot undergoes a second cutting operation (5) similar to the first operation.

Abstract: A die for forming the toothed end of a steering rack bar from a cylindrical blank includes first and second die blocks relatively movable to converge on the blank. The die blocks incorporate opposed generally semicircular recesses to accommodate the blank. One recess incorporates the obverse form of the teeth. The recesses define a main cavity between them, as the die blocks converge to their final closed position. Subsidiary recesses are provided in one or both die blocks at the joint line therebetween, defining chambers at the final closed position. The chambers incorporates stop elements located laterally remote from the main cavity. The stop elements include longitudinally extending abutments on the first die block which overlap respective juxtaposed abutments on the second die block as the final closed position is approached. The stop elements restrict further flow of blank material away from the main cavity, while preventing blank material from flowing between the overlapped juxtaposed abutments.

Abstract: A low noise rotary valve for a hydraulic power steering gear offering flexibility in the design of the boost characteristic has inlet ports to receive hydraulic fluid from a pump, return ports to return hydraulic fluid to the pump, and cylinder ports to communicate the hydraulic fluid to left and right-hand cylinder chambers of the hydraulic power steering gear. The valve has an input-shaft with a plurality of axially extending grooves separated by lands. A sleeve that has in its bore an array of axially extending slots that circumferentially align with the lands on the input-shaft is journalled on the input-shaft. A torsion bar residing in a bore of the input-shaft compliantly connects the input-shaft to a driven member. The interfaces between the co-acting input-shaft grooves and sleeve slots define axially extending orifices which open and close when relative rotation occurs between the input shaft and the sleeve.