Abstract: An improved tool changing machining center adapted for boring, drilling, milling, tapping and tool changing operations under numerical control. The machining center, which may be built in both vertical and horizontal spindle configurations, has an automatic tool changer including a tool storage matrix, a swing spindle transfer device mounted on the matrix, and a two-handed transfer arm mounted on the headstock. It operates with current commercial tapered shank toolholders and utilizes the existing power drawbolt engagement structure of the toolholders to secure them during tool change.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system is disclosed. The system includes a generally centralized pallet handling stand, and a number of pallet-accepting stations. These stations can be associated with machine tools such as vertical turret lathes or horizontal boring machines or other machine tools. The station can also be a relatively simple pallet storage station. Alternatively, the station can comprise a cart upon which a pallet can be deposited for movement to other parts of the factory. The pallet transfer station includes a foundation, and a base rotatable upon the foundation. A ram is translatably slidable on the rotatable base. A latch is reciprocable upon the ram. To transfer a pallet from one station to another, the base is angularly indexed into general alignment with the first work station. A shot pin device effects final, precise alignment of the ram with the work station. The ram is then radially advanced into engagement with the work station.

Abstract: A contouring and threading attachment for use with numerically controlled multi-function machine tools having automatic tool changing capability. The attachment has a spindle-actuated body adapted to detachably engage an adapter collar rigidly fixed to the outer end of the spindle sleeve. The body may be installed and removed by the automatic exchange arm mechanism of the machine tool and be stored in the tool magazine when not in use. A cutting tool on the outboard end of the attachment is movably radially of the spindle axis. The radial movements of the cutting tool are executed automatically through corresponding axial movements of the spindle under the numerical control of the machine tool.

Abstract: A clocked digital Boolean processor which responds to operation code signals and to successive single bit input (operand) signals to drive a single bit accumulator to output the successive answers of chained Boolean operations. The hardware elements are configured such that no feedback of the accumulator output (the previous answer) is required because the logic circuits determine the setting or resetting of the accumulator regardless of what the previous answer was--and yet such that the new answer represents the result of a LOAD, AND, OR or EX-OR operation performed as if the input operand and the previous answer were taken as two operands.

Abstract: A power drawfinger system for selectively locking and releasing a toolholder or arbor in the socket of a power driven machine tool spindle. The system includes a collet device actuated by a power drawbolt using hydraulic means for expanding said device and a resilient member for contracting same to disengage or engage the toolholder. The collet device and drawbar mechanisms are constructed to be fail safe in event of breakage of the collet or loss of power.

Abstract: Improvements in numerical control systems associated with turning machines and by which a special mode of machining is carried out from those blocks of a part program having a special mode code associated therewith. A lead segment is automatically formed in the workpiece by the special block data from which signals are produced to represent (i) the angular starting location of the lead segment on the workpiece, (ii) the desired lead, and (iii) the ending location of the segment. A lead segment of desired lead and extent may thus be located angularly on a workpiece. A plurality of lead segments, contiguous or separated by zero-lead portions of a composite groove, may be formed circumferentially around the workpiece within an angular span of less than 360 degrees and with its groove portions accurately located in an angular sense.

Abstract: An improved superfinishing stone for micro-finish machining of workpieces and a method of making same. The stone comprises a body of readily machinable metal with a cutting face in the form of an abrasive liner adhesively bonded to a contour face complementary to the contour of the workpiece. Coolant passages within the body of the stone extend through the abrasive liner and adhesive substrate and flush coolant directly between the cutting face and the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for transmitting binary instruction or data words to or from a computer by control from a home base remote from the computer site, and characterized by the entry of signals into the computer or the extraction of signals from the computer performed by apparatus which directly connects to the computer console manual switches and indicator lights. A single telephone line forming two simultaneously active channels transmitting time-spaced pulses in opposite directions, by modems known in the art, is used as the communication link. A special purpose microcomputer directly connected to the main computer console acts figuratively to actuate the console push buttom switches in response to pulse train signals received from home base and representing single bits or multibit words. It returns to the home base a rapidly iterated and updated pulse train representative of the status of all console lights.

Abstract: A digital computer of relatively simple and efficient structural organization which is capable not only of conventional arithmetic operations according to a program but also of (i) performing chained Boolean logic processing on any selected bit of any of various selected words held in memory, (ii) using the logic processing result by storing it at any selected bit location in any of various selected words held in memory, and/or (iii) causing different, predetermined instructions within a program to have their execution dependent upon the results of previously performed single bit logic processing. The logic processing is carried out in response to specially coded instruction words which may be randomly interspersed between conventional arithmetic instruction steps within an overall program.

Abstract: An improved machining center including an automatic tool changer adapted for boring, drilling, milling, tapping and tool changing operations under numerical control. The machine, which may be built in both horizontal spindle and vertical spindle configurations, includes a tool storage matrix and tool transport shuttle compactly arranged on the upstanding column and a two-handed transfer arm on the headstock. The toolholders are carried in tool cups having mechanical latches. The matrix and the shuttle are also provided with mechanical latches for the tool cups actuated as an incident to transfer of tools between the matrix, shuttle, and arm or vice versa. The machine is adapted to operate with toolholders interchangable with those for a current commercial vertical spindle machining center.

Abstract: An electric torquing device comprises a d-c. motor for producing an output torque that varies in proportion to variations in the armature current, a power source for supplying d-c. current to the armature to produce an output torque, and regulating means for maintaining the d-c. current at a relatively low level during the run-on stage of a torquing operation. Sensing means responsive to a preselected parameter of the torquing operation, such as the velocity of the motor output, produces a control signal when the tightening stage of the torquing operation begins. Control means responsive to the control signal from the sensing means adjusts the regulation of the d-c. current to maintain the current supply to the armature at a relatively high level during the tightening stage of the torquing operation.

Abstract: A high speed continuous assembly machine adapted to handle and assemble a variety of regular parts such as tubes, discs, rods and cylinders at rates varying from 120 to 1200 assemblies per minute. The machine utilizes a work transport conveyor of the endless band, straight line type moving in a vertical plane, and one or more satellite stations spaced longitudinally along the transport conveyor. Each satellite station carries both parts and tooling in timed relation to the main conveyor.

Abstract: A harness for an electromagnetic transducer such as an INDUCTOSYN-type slider includes four separate series of thin flat U-shaped connectors stacked on top of each other for connecting the ends of the U-shaped conductors on the slider to each other in the desired pattern. Each separate series of connectors are separated from each other by a thin film of insulating material, with the ends of each connector projecting beyond one edge of the insulating film to form tabs which are aligned with the ends of preselected U-shaped conductors for connection thereto. The end tabs of the connectors may be joined to the conductors by a single soldering operation, and the entire harness assembly may be prefabricated by laminating the four series of connectors to each other. The connectors are formed by printed circuit techniques.

Abstract: An automatic tool changer for horizontal spindle multi-function machining centers constructed as a self-contained unit adapted for installation as original equipment or as an accessory. The tool changer has a large capacity magazine and is supported on an independent base so as to avoid the transfer of substantial external loads to the machine elemenets. Tools are transferred between the magazine and spindle by means of a shuttle which carries a two handed transfer arm. Interference with the normal machining motions of the machine is also avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulically sealed, variable stiffness servostatic bearing system for use in machine tools and between any other loaded surfaces. Bearing pads operate between two relatively movable surfaces. A pilot valve senses changes in the bearing surface spacing and communicates by pressure variations with a diaphragm controlled restrictor valve. The diaphragm controlled restrictor valve apportions proper amounts of hydraulic fluid at proper pressure to the bearing pads. The combination results in a bearing system the stiffness of which is adjustable from positive to infinite to negative by the source hydraulic pressure to the diaphragm restrictor valve. A lift bladder and a modular bearing pad assembly to facilitate easy and quick installation and removal of bearing pads are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus by which a member is moved automatically to any one of a plurality of predetermined positions each of which is precisely established by guiding lock-up means such as a shot pin, and characterized in that inaccuracy of a feedback signal representing actual position of the member is determined prior to each movement toward a different position to create a correction signal used during subsequent repositioning so that the lock-up means will engage when such different position is reached.

Abstract: A numerical control contouring system in which successive path segments are executed according to successive blocks of command signals making up a path program, the system being interruptable at any time by a feedhold signal to stop the controlled movable member at a random point on the path. The system is characterized by the improvement of preventing the system from resuming normal operation unless and until the member is returned to the path stopping point after it has been, for any reason, displaced therefrom under manual control or the like. In one embodiment, the axis component displacements of the member from the stopping point are represented by signals created and displayed, and the operator's restart pushbutton switch is rendered ineffective until the displayed displacement signals are reduced to zero.

Abstract: A block type cutting tool with insert blades of the throw away type, the block having pockets for mounting the inserts and clamps movable into the pockets for locking the inserts in place. Each insert includes a groove formed centrally thereof and running generally parallel to one of the locating surfaces of the pocket for engaging a tip portion of the associated clamp. The groove is wider than the tip so that locking of the clamp first causes the tip to wedge the insert into the pocket, following which the tip engages the lip of the groove to firmly draw the wedged insert against a locating surface. This arrangement more positively holds the insert against displacement when the tool is withdrawn, provides a perceptible stop indicating the clamp is fully locked, and, in cases where radial insert adjustment is provided, helps to guide the insert to prevent cocking.

Abstract: A machine tool having automatic tool changing apparatus including a tool storage magazine formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced socket recesses each having a generally U-shaped tool support shoe that is adapted to be broken away from the magazine to prevent damage to the tool changing apparatus in the event of unintended overtravel of the tool transfer mechanism at the magazine during a tool change operation. Limit switch means are provided for interrupting the feed drive of the machine in the event of such unintended overtravel of the tool transfer mechanism.

Abstract: An improved final servo control for numerical control systems of the type which perform linear and/or circular interpolation by iterative updating of commanded position signals. The improvements are embodied in means to sense when the servo loop has had an offset error introduced by drift or aging of the final amplifier or similar components, together with means for progressively and automatically removing such error; and by means to avoid attempts at extreme acceleration or deceleration beyond the ability of the servo power element (motor) to accomplish, --by creating from an iteratively updated primary position command signal, whose rate of change may suddenly alter by a wide margin, a secondary position command signal which varies ultimately by the same amount but at a lesser rate of change.