Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for moving tools between a storage structure and a machine tool. The apparatus includes a framework on which is mounted a linkage assembly comprising a plurality of individual links pivotably interconnected. A tool holder is attached to one link and is configured to select tools from the storage structure and move them into proximity with the machine tool. The apparatus also removes the tool from the machine tool and returns it to the storage structure. The linkage assembly provides for efficient movement of the tool holder along a complex curvilinear path by pivoting a single link or element of the linkage assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for angularly orienting a machine tool spindle (24) to a keylock position includes a resolver (39) which is directly mounted on a shaft (13) of a spindle drive motor (12), the spindle (24) rotating synchronously with the shaft (13) through a shiftable gear train. Resolver (39) is connected to update a register (45) so that the count shown by the register indicates the angular position of shaft (13) with respect to the spindle head (11) as the shaft rotates. During synchronous rotation, a target (33) revolving with the spindle causes a proximity sensor (32) on the spindle head (11) to generate a pulse when the spindle (24) is in a known orientation relative to the spindle head (11). When a pulse occurs a data processing unit (46) of a numerical control circuit (42) compares the actual count in register (45) with a number of possible count values contained in a data storage table (44).