Abstract: In a cutting machine having an octahedral framework, a cutting tool is carried by a servostrut support having a platform mounted on extendable and retractable struts. In order to reduce deflections and to limit transfer of bending moments, from the servostrut support to the other connected support sections of the framework, the six struts are mounted at pivot mounts such as ball joints in a triangular support. Three of the pivotal mounts are positioned in a first triangle and in corners of the triangle support, and the other three struts are positioned in a second larger triangle in the triangular support. The nominal axis of rotation of spindle drive for the cutting tool may be either about nominal horizontal axis, a nominal vertical axis or a nominal 45.degree. axis. Several frameworks may be arranged to define a hollow tunnel with platforms projecting their cutting tools from opposite sides of the transfer tunnel.

Abstract: A machine element support comprised of a plurality of axially extensible and contractible servostruts which are individually adjustable and collectively controllable. The struts comprise an outer tubular member and a slidably, interfitted, elongated, inner member. The powered servostruts are movably connected to an machine element such as a spindle head by one of the members on one end and to a rigid machine tool frame by the other of the members on the other end. Linear position sensors mounted on the servostruts serve to precisely measure strut extension and retraction for feedback control purposes. A preferred servostrut configuration is a hexapodal array, in which two servostruts are mounted side by side in each of the three well-known orthogonal axes of machine tool practice, providing six-axis movement and positioning of the tool head or workstation relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: High speed cutting with machine tools is achieved with readily available bearings of a small diameter by mounting and presetting the cutting tool directly in a spindle of a spindle unit without employing a tool holder. Preferably, the spindle unit is small like a tool holder and can be easily changed with conventional kinds of tool changing apparatus. The elimination of the tool holder allows the conventional bearings to be kept small so that they may be operated at high speeds, e.g., 20,000 to 40,000 rpm, without excessive heat that would damage the bearings.

Abstract: A machine tool frame is disclosed which is comprised of twelve struts connected together at their ends in six nodes to define the eight triangular panels of an octahedron. Forces generated by the operation of the machine tool are received by the frame at its nodes, being the nodes of opposed parallel triangular panels, upper and lower, in the specific examples illustrated. The octahedral frame displays superior rigidity due to its inherently closed kinematic loop, and to the virtual absence of bending stress in its constituent members accomplished by nodal loading. Movable machine elements are mounted upon six extensible and retractable servo-struts emanating in pairs from the nodes of a given triangular panel of the octahedral frame while opposing fixed elements located within the octahedral frame are supported tripodally from the frame nodes associated with a single triangular panel of the frame.

Abstract: An involute external tooth profile is cut into the periphery of a gear blank by positioning a rotating milling cutter with its cutting path perpendicular to the plane of action of the desired base surface of revolution within the gear blank so as to penetrate the plane of action from the side thereof opposite to the base surface and with a predetermined line of intersection which generates the involute profile as the base surface rolls upon the plane of action. The rolling action causes the generating line to traverse the blank between its addendum surface and a depth sufficient to provide the desired length of active profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape-laying mechanism and method for constructing sheet layments of composite resin-embedded filamentous material in incremental tape form. A pair of tape-laying heads are mounted side by side for simultaneous operation with their tapes spaced apart an integer multiple of the tape-width. Controlled movement of a tape-laying subcarriage of each mechanism draws tape from a supply before implanting it progressively on the laying surface by return movement of the subcarriage. Tape is laid without movement of the mechanism as a whole other than for lateral indexing, and the mechanism allows lateral indexing while the tape is being drawn out to length above the laying surface before it is implanted.

Abstract: A panel is secured to the roof of a building in spaced relation with the roof so that a flow space for air is defined between the panel and the roof. The upper surface of the panel is defined by a series of channels whose side walls are formed with a concave-convex shape to cause solar radiation to reflect back and forth between opposing side walls a substantial number of times and thereby cause more energy to be absorbed by the panel for the purpose of heating the air in the flow space.

Abstract: A back-washable filtering element, especially for use with pumps, and more particularly for use with pumps that handle liquids with solid material entrained therein, consists of a helical coil spring disposed in a flow path for the liquid to be filtered. A movable element in the flow path is mechanically connected to the spring and compresses it axially under the effect of the back washing liquid to automatically reduce the flow capacity. The resultant "shrugging" of the spring also permits it to clear itself of filtered material to facilitate the back-washing.