Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) of the type including a bridge (26) supported for horizontal movement on a base (20) that has a table portion (18). The bridge includes cross members (28, 32) that extend above and below the table (18). The bridge (26) supports a probe (12) for vertical movement on a carriage (24) which, in turn, is supported for horizontal movement transversely to the horizontal motion of the bridge (26). The bridge (26) is guided laterally during its movement on the base by means of a rail guide (44) mounted centrally beneath the table (18), and air bearings (48) acting on the guide rail (44). This establishes accurate control over the movement of the bridge (26) on the base (20). Both the table (18) and guide rail (44) are constructed of granite, while the bridge (26) is of aluminum. This arrangement minimizes the effects of thermal expansion between on the components and increases the measuring accuracy of the CMM.

Abstract: A linear position indicating system utilizing a fixed chain (20) which engages a pinion (32) connected to a mechanical input of an encoder (26) for providing position information. Encoder (26), supported on a relatively movable cross slide (14), provides an output signal indicative of the position of crosslide (14) relative to member (12) from which it is supported. Idlers (34, 36) are provided to guide the chain (20) around pinion (32) to ensure a large contact of approximately 180.degree.. Proximity switches (50, 52) are disposed for detecting when crosslide (14) is near its travel limits. The distance between switches (50, 52) is adjustable so they can be set at a precise separation. A counter (72) is provided for counting pulses as crosslide (14) moves between switches (50, 52). The output of counter (72) is used along with the know separation between switches (50 52) for calibrating the output of encoder (26).

Abstract: A turning machine (10) having a tool changer (70) capable of automatically changing O.D. and I.D. tools. A tool block system which supports the various tools is utilized. The tool changer (70) has a pair of fingers (74) disposed at the end of a cross arm (72). Fingers (74) are independently movable for engaging O.D. tooling blocks (32) and I.D. tooling blocks (33). Cross arm (72) is indexable to positions for installing the gripped tooling blocks (32,33) onto tool turret (16) or a tool storage magazine (60). A gauge mechanism (80) which pivots a touch probe (82) into the machine tool cutting plane is provided for accurately locating the position of various cutting tools. Offset of the tool cutting point from denominal position is compensated for software of the machine tool controller (22). Probe (82) can also be used in conjunction with another probe supported from turrets (16) for inprocess part gauging.

Abstract: A signal conditioning circuit (30) using an oscillator (32) which feeds a counter (34) whose output addresses a programmable memory (42). The output of the programmable memory (42) provides a selected processed signal which is used for excitation of a transducer (12). The processed signals can have various phase shifts, frequencies, or amplitudes. The transducer (12) has a mechanical input (14) and provides a modulated signal output which is a function of the mechanical input. The output of the transducer (12) is fed to a phase sensitive demodulator (36). Demodulator (36) provides an output signal in response to the signal from transducer (12) and an appropriate demodulator drive signal. The output signal from demodulator (36) is indicative of the mechanical input to transducer (12). Averaging means (40) is connected to the output of the demodulator (36) to provide a DC signal which is proportional to the mechanical input to transducer (12).

Abstract: A bridge type coordinate measuring machine characterized by a bridge (20) that has a closed loop configuration encircling the measuring machine base (10). The bridge (20) includes two uprights (21, 22), an upper member (23) connecting the uprights together and at least one lower member (24) connecting the uprights together below the upper surface (11) of the base (10). Bearings (41) for the bridge are offset inwardly from the vertical axes of the uprights of the bridge and a guideway (12, 13), along which the bearings travel, is located on each side of the base. The bearings (41) operate upwardly, downwardly and sidewardly against the surfaces of the guideways (12, 13) located on the sides of the base (10). This arrangement both stiffens and raises the resonant frequency of the bridge, thereby improving the measuring accuracy and repeatability of the coordinate measuring machines performance.

Abstract: An improved machine tool (10) utilizing force transmitting joints for securing a way block (32) to a one-piece cast bed (12). The way block (32) and one-piece bed (12) have interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) for transmitting the load between the two joined surfaces. A hardenable, castable filler (84, 86, 88) is provided between the interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) and between other selected portions (100, 104) of the way block (32) and cast bed (12) to provide for accurate positioning of the way block (32) with respect to the driven spindle assembly (18). Securing means such as bolts (76) or an adhesive is provided for holding the way block (32) in place. During operation, the shearing loads generated by the metal cutting process are directly transmitted from the way block (32) through filler (86) to the cast bed (12). This reduces the size and sophistication required of the securing means which holds down the way block (32).

Abstract: A grinding adaptive control system and method is described which automatically determines the feed rate to maintain constant wheel sharpness without wheel breakdown. Wheel sharpness at a given feed rate is sensed by the steady state horsepower or normal force, the adaptive control progressively adjusts feed rate in response to changes in wheel sharpness until a steady state feed rate range is reached. Wheel sharpness will then remain essentially constant.

Abstract: A spindle lock-up device for detachably locking a rotary spindle having a tool holder at its end to a non-rotatable support, such as the ram of a vertical boring machine, so that the spindle tool holder also may be used as a fixed tool holder for the ram, the device having a first spiroid gear member fixed to the ram, a second spiroid gear member surrounded by the first gear member and fixed to the spindle, and a third spiroid gear member surrounding said spindle and mounted for axial movement from a retracted to an extended position, the third gear member simultaneously engaging the first and second gear members when in the extended position to lock the spindle against rotation relative to the ram, the third gear member being moved to the extended position by a displaceable piston.

Abstract: A method of making measurements on a machine having a movable probe for measuring a part in which a present location of the probe is maintained and a past location (e.g., a part measurement) of the probe is also maintained (stored) and advantageously displayed. The measuring apparatus includes two sets of storage members, with the present position information of the probe stored in one set. The present probe position information is transferred to the other storage members in response to a control signal. The control signal, such as an electrical signal indicating contact with an object, causes measurements to be transferred from the one set of storage members to the second set of storage members and, advantageously, the transfer of further information to the second storage members may be locked out of a predetermined time or until an event occurs (such as a resetting signal).

Abstract: The present invention is an improved linear recirculating bearing assembly and method of making it. More particularly, the present invention is a linear roller bearing assembly in which the housing is manufactured of three primary parts, an upper bearing half, a race member and a lower bearing half. The race member includes one or more mounting pedestals having an upper surface finished to a high degree of flatness and parallelism with the lower surface of the race member. The upper bearing half and the lower bearing half include portions to define two recirculating bearing paths for recirculating bearing elements or rollers to recirculate about paths around the race member, with the upper and lower bearing halves being generally non-load bearings, so that they may be manufactured from low cost, low strength materials.

Abstract: An improved machine tool includes a one piece, as cast base having a spindle drive motor mounting section, a wayblock mounting section, a tailstock mounting section and a tank for receiving coolant. The wayblock mounting section includes a basin having a rim and a plurality of upwardly extending projections in a central portion of the basin. Downwardly extending projections on a substantially as cast wayblock extend into the basin. A body of cast in situ material is disposed in the space between as cast surface areas on the upwardly extending base projections and as cast surface areas on the downwardly extending wayblock projections to hold the wayblock against movement relative to the base. A one piece as cast headstock has downwardly extending projections which are received in recesses formed in the wayblock. A second cast in situ body of material is disposed between surfaces on the headstock and the wayblock to hold the headstock against movement relative to the wayblock.

Abstract: A punch press (20) having a worktable (40) for supporting a worksheet (21), a two axis positioning mechanism for positioning the worksheet under a punching head (34) and universal grippers (44, 46) supported on the worksheet positioning mechanism which can grip either the end or sides of a worksheet (21). The two axis positioning mechanism is formed from a carriage (42) which is movable along the worktable (40) and a cross slide (41) which is mounted from and movable across the carriage (42) to provide the two axis sheet positioning. The grippers (44, 46) are mounted from a T-slot (130) formed in the cross slide (41) and can be moved to different positions to accommodate various sheet sizes. Aligning pins (140, 142, 143, 144) which can be used for aligning worksheets are provided. Aligning pins (140, 142, 143, 144) during operation are retracted beneath the worktable (40).

Abstract: A sheet metal holder (20) utilizing a linear wedge action for use on a sheet metal working machine (10). A pair of holders (20) are movable on machine (10) to provide for two axes positioning of a worksheet. Workholder (20) is formed from a box shaped member (32) having a pivot arm (31) movable about a pivot connection (42) within box member (32) and extending therefrom. A fixed jaw (34) extends from box member (32). A movable clamping jaw (30) is formed at the free end of pivot arm (31). A linear actuator bar (26) engages pivot arm (31) and forces jaws (31, 34) to close on a worksheet. Linear actuator bar (26) and pivot arm (31) are constructed to make the workholder (20) self locking. An appropriate actuator is provided for positioning bar (26).

Abstract: An improved machine tool has a chuck assembly which is actuated by a piston and cylinder type motor assembly. When a workpiece is to be gripped by the chuck assembly, high pressure fluid is directed to one chamber of the piston and cylinder motor and is exhausted from the opposite chamber. When the chuck assembly has gripped a workpiece, relative movement between the piston and cylinder is interrupted and fluid is no longer discharged from the motor. A pressure responsive switch assembly detects the reduction in the rate of the flow of fluid from the motor to provide a signal to indicate that a workpiece has been firmly gripped by the chuck assembly. After an initial machining operation in which relatively high forces are applied to the workpiece, such as during a rough cutting operation, the chucking forces applied to the workpiece are reduced prior to initiation of a finish cutting operation.

Abstract: A machine tool (10) utilizing two speed hydraulic indexing with direction control valves (86,88) which are energized to stop. A turret (12) is rotated during indexing by a hydraulic motor (36). An open loop control system is utilized to locate the turret (12) position before clamping. A plurality of cams (40,42,44,46,48,50) which trigger associated proximity switches (41,43,45,47,49,51) are used to provide control information to the electric control circuit (17) for turret indexing. A final position cam (50) which rotates at a multiple of the turret (12) indexing speed is provided for final positioning of the turret (12) at a desired work station. The final position cam (50) is adjustable so that the tool turret (12) will be accurately stopped at a selected work station. The final position cam (50) also provides information which is utilized for switching from a high speed indexing mode to a low speed indexing mode when the selected work station is approached.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (10) having a vertically movable probe (41) supported from the bottom of a probe arm (42), the weight of which is offset by an improved pneumatic counterbalance (50). The pneumatic counterbalance is adapted to use a source of pressurized air acting upon a spherical piston (54) which is connected to probe arm (42). Spherical piston (54) fits with a close tolerance in cylinder (52). A rigid bracket (58) is connected to the top of probe arm (42). Piston rod (56) connects spherical piston (54) to a spherical bearing (53) in rigid bracket (58). A precision pressure regulator (70) having a relatively small capacity is provided to insure only a small change in the counterbalance force as the spherical piston (54) moves within cylinder (52). Regulator (70) is adjusted to provide make up air for the air which leaks past spherical piston (54).

Abstract: A punch press (20), for punching a workpiece, utilizing an elongated punch support which is formed from removable interconnected punch cartridges (92) and an elongated die support which is formed from removable interconnected die cartridges (94). A punch head (32) is supported from a frame (30) which spans the punching area. A two axis positioning system is provided for positioning the sheet metal workpiece within the punching area beneath the punch head. Punch head (32) through appropriate mechanical interposer (160) engages a punch which in conjunction with an associated die, positioned there beneath, forms a hole in the workpiece. The elongated punch sections (92) and die sections (94) can be moved out of the punch press frame, disengaged and removed or replaced. The first punch section (92) and first die section (94) engage driver sections (192, 194) which are disposed in the frame (30). The driver sections (192, 194) are then moved to bring the tool supporting sections (92, 94) into the press.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having a vertically movable probe shaft in which a vertical fine feed and lock mechanism for the probe shaft is provided by a first knob coupled to a magnet movable between two positions, one of said positions operatively coupling a second knob to the probe shaft for driving said probe shaft in a vertical direction, the other of said positions being ineffective for moving the fine feed mechanism. The fine feed is accomplished through the rotation of a second knob which is in frictional engagement through a driven quasi "V" shaped flanged wheel with the probe shaft to be moved vertically.