Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indexing tool turret assembly and method for operating the same. The indexing tool turret assembly includes a tool turret assembly rotatably supported on the machine tool, an indexing assembly for selectively rotating the tool turret assembly to a desired location. The indexing assembly includes a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the tool turret assembly during operation of either a stationary tool assembly or live tool assembly located on the tool turret assembly. A cushioning bearing assembly is provided for selectively separating the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism during an indexing operation. The cushioning bearing assembly provides a slight lift to separate the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism to reduce friction and other potential damages forces between these components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indexing tool turret assembly and method for operating the same. The indexing tool turret assembly includes a tool turret assembly rotatably supported on the machine tool, an indexing assembly for selectively rotating the tool turret assembly to a desired location. The indexing assembly includes a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the tool turret assembly during operation of either a stationary tool assembly or live tool assembly located on the tool turret assembly. A cushioning bearing assembly is provided for selectively separating the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism during an indexing operation. The cushioning bearing assembly provides a slight lift to separate the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism to reduce friction and other potential damages forces between these components.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a frame; a work holder operably associated with the frame; at least one carriage disposed on the frame and movable along an axis; at least one tool disposed on the carriage for operating on a work piece disposed in the work holder; at least one nozzle assembly disposed on the carriage for directing at least one fluid stream to the work piece and the tool; a screw-nut drive operably associated with the carriage, the drive including a lead screw; a device for stretching the lead screw for compensating for thermal growth of the screw during operation; and a resilient strip operably disposed between the frame and the carriage for absorbing impact forces.

Abstract: In summary, therefore, this invention is directed to a thermal growth detector and compensator for detecting and compensating for relative movement between a work holder of a machine tool and a tool holder, that includes an elongated rod made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially zero that is attached at one end thereof to a part of a machine tool, and is attached at another end thereof to a part of a work holder on the machine tool.

Abstract: A collet closer comprises a housing including a piston and a cylinder for collet opening and closing. A tubular member supported is in said housing and has an extension projecting from the housing. The tubular support member is secured to the piston and movable therewith. The tubular member is adapted to telescopically receive and support a draw tube. The tubular support member is secured to the draw tube at the extension.

Abstract: A coolant supply system for a machine tool comprises a coolant source; a nozzle for directing coolant to inside of a workpiece from the coolant source; another nozzle for directing coolant to outside of the workpiece from the coolant source; and a valve for automatically selectively directing coolant only to the inside of the workpiece, thereby increasing coolant flow to the inside of the workpiece when needed.

Abstract: A chip flushing apparatus for connection to a machine tool for flushing chips of debris from cutting operations performed by the machine tool. The flushing apparatus includes a header bar having outlet means for dispensing fluid to a chip receiving area of the machine tool for transporting the chips to a recovery box. A fluid flow deflector is positioned near the outlets of the header to deflect the fluid streams into a laminar flow across the fluid receiving area. A removable tank is mounted below the receiving area to receive the flushing fluid. The tank is wheeled for convenient transport.