Abstract: A generating head assembly for cutting or machining a surface on a workpiece and including a generating head mounted for relative rotation with the workpiece and with cutting or machining members having a radially advanced cutting or machining position for cutting or machining the surface of the workpiece and a radially retracted non-cutting on non-machining position; the generating head assembly includes an actuating structure for providing relative rotation between the generating head and the workpiece and a rotary motor mounted with the generating head; the rotary motor is selectively operable to rotate an actuating shaft relative to the generating head to actuate the cutting or machining members to their radially advanced and retracted positions without axial thrust loads being applied to the generating head.

Abstract: A generating head assembly for cutting or machining a surface on a workpiece and including a generating head mounted for relative rotation with the workpiece and with cutting or machining members having a radially advanced cutting or machining position for cutting or machining the surface of the workpiece and a radially retracted non-cutting on non-machining position; the generating head assembly includes an actuating structure for providing relative rotation between the generating head and the workpiece and a rotary motor mounted with the generating head; the rotary motor is selectively operable to rotate an actuating shaft relative to the generating head to actuate the cutting or machining members to their radially advanced and retracted positions without axial thrust loads being applied to the generating head.

Abstract: An index table structure and method of indexing where the index table structure includes a table top which is angularly rotatable and has a plurality of cam members around the periphery thereof with each including radially outwardly opening cam recess having a bust locating surface for defining a precisely located indexed position of the table top, a dual motor brake structure for driving the table top between angularly separated indexed positions, a shot pin positioned adjacent the periphery of the table top and having a second locating surface adapted to mate with the first locating surface of the cam recess to locate the indexed table top in a precisely indexed position, a fluid cushion structure for providing a fluid cushion for the table top during rotation; in indexing the table top it is rotated in one direction whereby the shot pin is cam actuated into one of the cam recesses to approximately locate the table top in an indexed position and subsequently the table top is rotated in the opposite directio