Abstract: A tool change mechanism in a machine tool includes a tool change arm arranged to attach a protection cover member to the forward end of a spindle head for protection of a ring secured to the forward end of a tool spindle in the spindle head and to remove the protection cover member for replacement with a tool holder of large diameter. The tool change arm is further arranged to insert the tool holder into the tool spindle and remove it from the tool spindle, the tool holder having a ring gear secured thereto for meshing engagement with the ring gear of the tool spindle and a protection cover part integrally formed therewith to be coupled with the forward end of the spindle head for protection of the ring gears meshed with each other when the tool holder has been inserted into the tool spindle. The tool change arm has a pair of tool grippers each having a first grip portion for engagement with the protection cover member and a second grip portion for engagement with the tool holder.

Abstract: A holder for an optical device such as a lens includes a frame and a plurality of arms pivotably attached to the frame. A resilient member urges the arms toward a closed position in which the arms meet at a common center within the frame. Linking members insure that the arms move simultaneously. The arms are moved away from the common point to accept and secure the optical device.

Abstract: A tool-and-tool holder assembly includes a tool having a tool shank; a tool holder having a receiving bore arranged for accommodating a stub of the tool shank; a clamping member disposed in the stub and being movable therein, generally perpendicularly to the shank; and two clamping screws supported in the tool holder and cooperating with the clamping member for axially tightening the shank against the tool holder. Each clamping screw has a first conical face and the clamping member has recesses each bounded by a second conical face. Upon tightening the clamping screws, the respective first and second conical faces are pressed against one another for generating an axial force component urging the shank into the receiving bore. At least one of the clamping screws has a third conical face, and the clamping member has a portion projecting over one of the recesses and having a fourth conical face.

Abstract: A tool for sampling building materials for the suspected presence of asbestos fibers. An annular (tubular) cutter element is rotated to remove a plug-like sample from a wall under study. A shroud-like canister surrounds the cutter element to trap any asbestos fiber particulates that might otherwise escape into the atmosphere. Closure caps can be applied to the canister, whereby the canister can be used to ship (transport) the sample to a laboratory for analysis.