Abstract: A damper assembly for use with a non-rotating tool holder includes a hollow ram for supporting a non-rotating tool and a damper assembly mounted in the hollow ram for absorbing vibrations of the ram. The damper assembly includes a front plate and a rear plate, an upper tie rod and a lower tie rod extending between the front plate and the rear plate, and a damper mass mounted between the front plate and the rear plate. Ring dampers are mounted between the damper mass and the front and rear plates, and suspension springs are mounted between the upper tie rod and the lower tie rod. The suspension springs carry the weight of the damper mass so that the ring dampers do not have to carry the weight of the damper mass, and the damper mass is free to respond to vibrations in the ram.

Abstract: A damper assembly for use with a non-rotating tool holder includes a hollow ram for supporting a non-rotating tool and a damper assembly mounted in the hollow ram for absorbing vibrations of the ram. The damper assembly includes a front plate and a rear plate, an upper tie rod and a lower tie rod extending between the front plate and the rear plate, and a damper mass mounted between the front plate and the rear plate. Ring dampers are mounted between the damper mass and the front and rear plates, and suspension springs are mounted between the upper tie rod and the lower tie rod. The suspension springs carry the weight of the damper mass so that the ring dampers do not have to carry the weight of the damper mass, and the damper mass is free to respond to vibrations in the ram.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) provides the operator with the ability to automatically set the tolerance value of the part measurement based on preset conditions, and make an educated guess or estimate of the nominal part value during the measurement. This nominal estimation technique is based on the actual measurement value taken by the CMM, and the information supplied about the tolerance limits. This estimation technique of the present invention makes it much easier for the operator to measure the part and produce a report, since it significantly reduces the amount of operator keystroke information required to be manually input via the keyboard.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is disclosed having improved manufacturability and low cost while maintaining high performance standards. The CMM includes a polymer composite gantry-style base incorporating a three-point support configuration in the X, Y, and Z axes. The X-beam is hollow, has a horizontal cross-sectional orientation, uses a passive ventilation technique, and is attached to the bearing at one end by a compliant mount. The Z-axis probe shaft incorporates a combined counterbalance/drive assembly and a compliant secondary rail guide mechanism. The X-axis and Y-axis drive screws have angular alignment capability using a spherical washer configuration. This combination of features serves to minimize non-repeatable errors and enhance the manufacturability of the CMM, providing substantial improvements in CMM design and construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically assembling a plurality of identical first articles onto a second article. The second article is supported by a platform which is movable about three linear axes and three rotational axes by a six-axis positioning device. The first articles are held in a fixed position and the second article is positioned so as to insert the first articles into the second article as required. In the preferred embodiment, a torque converter turbine drum is supported by the platform to engage turbine blades which are supported in fixed position with respect thereto. The turbine drum is rotated with respect to the blades so as to permit the insertion of the blades into the drum by rotation and positioning of the drum in six axes.

Abstract: A CMM control system which presents a three-dimensional graphic representation to the operator showing the active probe tip recognized by the CMM software. The controller software determines whether a motorized probe head is present and the exact location the probe tip. By using three-dimensional vector graphic routines, the controller software presents a graphic display of the probe relative to the machine's coordinate system. This technique minimizes the occurrence of measurement errors which could be introduced by the unwary operator who inadvertently used CMM data taken with an unrecognized probe tip.

Abstract: A measurement system for precisely measuring the distance between two points is disclosed. The measurement system includes a laser interferometer assembly having a beam splitter and a first reflector disposed to reflect a laser beam along a linear path. The laser interferometer assembly cooperates with a deadpath elimination cell having a sealed hollow interior region. The hollow interior region is sealed by at least one window disposed at the end of the hollow interior region proximate the first reflector. A second reflector is disposed on the opposite side of the hollow interior region and is oriented to reflect the laser beam back along the linear path. Thus, the volume and quantity of gas within the hollow interior remains constant to increase the accuracy in measuring the distance between the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: A pair of sprockets for use in a double chain and sprocket coupling for transmission of torque between shafts which are in approximate axial alignment with each other, and the abutting ends of which are closely spaced. Each of the sprockets is formed as one piece, and then cut into halves but for a web which is broken to separate the halve. The broken web serves to properly align and space the halves when placed over the end of a shaft to be coupled, and clamped thereon.

Abstract: A machine alignment compensation actuator system is disclosed. The system is designed to selectively orient the tool head of a machine tool to maintain the tool along a desirable axis of alignment. The system includes a framework and a machine slide assembly configured to hold the tool. An actuator assembly having a plurality of actuators is disposed between the machine slide assembly and the framework. Each actuator is disposed at a unique location to permit selective reorientation of the machine slide assembly and tool with respect to the framework.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting from an operating position, inverting, and returning to the operating position a workpiece. The mechanism includes two drive devices, a linear drive which provides a continuous lifting force to a vertically movable member, and rotary drive which is energized to lift, invert, and lower a workpiece. The vertically movable member carries a rotational support member, which includes a rotatable shaft from which is supported the workpiece. The vertically movable member is raised, rotated and lowered by the rotary drive through a pair of levers, a first one of which is connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft and the second one of which is connected to be rotated by the rotary drive. Rotation of the second lever is imparted to the first lever through a cam and cam follower arrangement, the cam being provided on one of the levers and the cam follower on the other lever.

Abstract: A linear pallet stop smoothly decelerates a heavy pallet propelled by a conveyance system in a downstream direction and stops the pallet at a predetermined location. The linear pallet stop comprises a catch arm that is translatable and rotatable between three positions. At the first position, the catch arm first end is in the pallets path to be contacted by the pallet and translated in the downstream direction by the pallet momentum. The downstream translation is resisted by a fluid circuit acting through a cylinder and a slide that is in support contact with the catch arm. A stop surface on the catch arm strikes a fixed surface on the conveyance system at a second position of the catch arm. By retracting the slide with the fluid cylinder when the catch arm is in its second position, the catch arm rotates to a third position whereat its first end is out of the pallets path. The catch arm is guided for translation and location by cam followers that are captured within slots in housings.

Abstract: A space frame system for use with a machine, such as a machine tool, is disclosed. The system as used with a machine tool includes a base and a machine component, such as a workpiece support, mounted to the base. A first space frame is mounted solely to the workpiece support. A second and separate space frame is connected to the first space frame by a plurality of extensible legs. Another machine component, such as a tool holder, is rigidly mounted to the second space frame for cooperation with a workpiece mounted on the workpiece support. Thus, as the extensible legs are independently controlled, the tool holder is moved along a desired path with respect to the workpiece support to perform various cutting operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine tool isolation system is disclosed. The preferred system includes a pair of platforms connected by a plurality of legs. A tool is typically connected to one platform, and a workpiece to the other. The legs are able to move one platform with respect to the other which can create vibrations. A base, typically formed by a plurality of legs, is mounted to one of the platforms to support the two platforms and legs connected therebetween. A vibration isolator is disposed between the base legs and the floor or other support on which the entire system is mounted.