Abstract: In a machine of the type in which cutting tools are arranged on successive links of an endless chain, each tool being in offset rotation to the preceding tool, at right angles to the direction of travel, means are provided for periodically shifting the workhead and work spindle parallel with the plane in which the tools travel when cutting. The means for shifting are operatively independent of the means for driving the chain and the work spindle in generation, and are operated when the tools and workpieces are disengaged, and normally after a predetermined number of stacks of workpieces has been cut, in order to equalize wear on the blades carried by the chain.

Abstract: A mechanism for loading and unloading workpieces includes a transfer arm for aligning a number of workpieces into a stack which can then be moved to a loading arm for placement of the stack of workpieces on an arbor of a gear manufacturing machine.

Abstract: Controllable tooling is mounted in a carrier with parallel spring elements positioned at right angles to an intended path of adjustment for the tooling so that precisely controlled adjustments can be applied to the tooling while it is performing a cutting operation on a workpiece.

Abstract: A gear manufacturing machine which includes an endless chain for carrying a series of stock removing tools is provided with a versatile drive train system which can be adjusted for different methods of gear manufacture. The drive train system includes coupling components which can be engaged and disengaged for connecting or disconnecting certain portions of the drive train from parts of the machine. With this arrangement, a single machine can be utilized for carrying out roll generating or hobbing operations with one or more workpieces.

Abstract: A gear cutting machine is provided with an endless chain for carrying a plurality of tools into contact with one or more workpieces to thereby form gear tooth configurations on the workpieces. The endless chain is pressed into firm contact with a first series of rollers in the zone in which its tools make contact with a workpiece to thereby prevent unwanted deflections of the endless chain and its tools relative to the workpiece. A second series of rollers prevents side-to-side deflections of the endless chain in the work zone.

Abstract: An endless chain for carrying stock removal tools is provided with two sets of rollers for supporting and guiding the chain around a chain housing. One set of rollers functions to guide the chain through the work zone portion of its travel while the second set of rollers functions to guide the chain through non-work zone portions of its travel.

Abstract: An arbor is provided with a series of expandable collets for clamping a series of workpieces or other elements. The collets are designed with a variable force requirement for effecting expansion, and this assures sequential clamping of a series of workpieces or elements.

Abstract: A gear cutting machine is provided with an endless chain for carrying a plurality of tools into contact with one or more workpieces to thereby form gear tooth configurations on the workpieces. The endless chain is provided with tightening means for stiffening articulated links of the chain as it passs through a zone in which its tools make contact with a workpiece, thereby providing a rigid series of links in the work zone.

Abstract: A clamping means is provided between a movable housing and a fixed structure of an endless chain machine for reducing deflections between cutting tools carried by the movable housing and a workpiece carried by a separate housing of the machine.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for roll forming tooth profiles on workpieces is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the root angle of a workpiece. The adjusting means is designed to withstand the large forces generated with equipment of this type and can be used in combination with a separate means for pivotally moving a die and a workpiece relative to one another for bringing the die and the workpiece into and out of meshing engagement.