Abstract: An inspection board enables an inspector to accurately scan back and forth in both X and Y motions without having to take his eyes off an inspected workpiece or having to take his hands off the control handles for causing the scan. In some embodiments, an antistatic covering protects the workpiece against static charges which might otherwise build up as a result of a rubbing together of parts during the scanning motion. The inspection board has a particularly important utility when used to inspect printed circuit boards.

Abstract: The spindle can be rotated by way of a set wheel, and thus displaced within the spindle guide. At the end of this displacement, the spindle butts against one of the set screws of a turret stop provided on the rest plate. The spindle can be locked to the respective set screw by way of a swing extension. The spindle may be hollow to pass therethrough a tool and finely adjust the set screw already locked to the spindle.

Abstract: A plate positioning apparatus which determines the position of a plate workpiece for a processing machine by an aligning member which moves in the X-axis direction and an aligning member which moves in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis aligning member is provided with a movable retainer which retracts toward the Y-axis side when it comes in contact with the X-axis side aligning member and comprises a base part and an extension member which is remountable on the base part. The aligning member for the X-axis is provided on its upper surface with at least one aligning bar which contacts the plate workpiece. The aligning members for both directions of X and Y axes are adapted to be guided by the base frame and their moving strokes are controlled by position detecting switches provided in the base frame, the base frame being closed at its upper side by the cover plate. The respective slits along which the aligning members move are covered with respective movable dust-proof belts.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for positioning a large, flexible workpiece relative to a high speed reciprocating tool. The apparatus comprises a frame and associated workpiece supports which move in a first direction. A workpiece holding assembly mounted to the frame moves the workpiece over the workpiece supports in a second direction transverse to the first direction of movement. The supports engage channels of a tool bed associated with the operative tool and are preferably beveled so as to prevent interference with the moving workpiece.

Abstract: The work clamps of a punch press are mounted in laterally spaced relation on a carriage which may be shifted to cause the clamps to re-position a workpiece relative to the punch. To enable automatic adjustment of the lateral position of the clamps on the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be selectively and automatically locked to or released from the carriage. When released from the carriage, each clamp is adapted to be automatically held in a stationary position so that the carriage may be shifted relative to the clamp to permit re-positioning of the clamp along the carriage.

Abstract: A high-precision positioning table employs magnetic attraction to guide a table along at least one axis. Precision roller bearings between flat guide ways provide the support. A linear DC motor provides force for positioning along an axis without backlash. The linear motor also contributes attractive force aiding in the guidance or retention of the table. A vacuum lock secures the table in a selected position.

Abstract: A precision parallel translation system including a pair of tables or upper and lower tables movable parallel to and in directions perpendicular to each other, and a pair of drive means for rough movement each detachably connected to one of the tables to drive the respective table for movement a relatively long distance. Each table supports drive means for fine movement detachably connected to a base (which is the lower table in the case of the upper table) supporting the respective table. The table is moved a relatively long distance by the drive means for rough movement when rough movement is effected, to effect rough positioning of the table. Then the drive means for fine movement is secured to the base while detaching the drive means for rough movement from the table, to drive the table for fine movement to effect precision positioning of the table.

Abstract: An arrangement on a coordinate table of a processing machine for driving a carriage movable in an X-direction has a displacing device with a ball screw nut carried by a carriage and a ball screw cooperating with the ball screw nut and having two ends, two end supports each provided at the respective end of the ball screw and being stationary relative to the carriage, two additional supports provided for said ball screw and arranged on the carriage at opposite sides of the nut and movable relative to the carriage in direction of its movement, two stationary abutments each arranged at a respective one of the ends of the carriage and limiting a movement stroke of a respective one of the additional supports when the latter abut against the respective stationary abutment, two releasable abutment locks arranged so that each of the additional supports is arrested during abutment against a respective one of the stationary abutments and released during running against a respective one of the end supports because of th

Abstract: The trimming apparatus and fixture for holding a PC board prior to and during trimming of an upper surface of the PC board utilizes a trimming blade rotated by a variable speed motor. This apparatus includes X and Y motion mechanism moved by hand grips that are spaced apart and cooperate with push button switches providing a safety control circuit. The X and Y motion mechanism employs linear ball bushings mounted and movable on hardened steel shafts. Removable holding fixtures are employed to hold and retain the PC boards during trimming. One holding fixture is used for PC boards that are not warped and not likely to warp. This fixture holds the PC board on three sides and a quick acting cam clamp is actuated to retain and release a PC board. Another fixture is adapted to hold and retain a PC board that is warped or likely to warp. Vacuum is used with a plurality of standoffs to establish the desired holding plane of this PC board.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven X-Y stage for use primarily in optical pattern generators, especially those requiring a vacuum. A pair of hydraulic cylinders (10 and 20) provide the motion along the step and slew axes. The cylinders can be constructed so that either the rod (11 and 21) or the outer carriage (12 and 22) moves due to the oil pressure differential. Hydraulic bearings (36) between the rod and carriage prevent sliding friction while providing stiffness to linear motion in undesired directions. The rods have areas designed, in combination with the bearings, to prevent rotational motion. Hollow tubes and chambers (14, 15, 41-44, and 24) are provided for feeding oil to the cylinders, and flexible metal bellows (19, 34, and 35) surround the cylinders and keep the oil contained.

Abstract: A plate positioning apparatus for use with a punch machine having a number one workpiece stopper that moves left and right along the direction of the X axis and a number two workpiece stopper that moves to and fro along the direction of the Y axis perpendicular to the X axis, each workpiece stopper having its own motor. The number one workpiece stopper moving left and right relative to the punch along the direction of the X axis structured with a corner cutout on its inner leading edge so as to allow the punch to pass through. The number two workpiece stopper moves to and fro relative to the punch along the direction of the Y axis structured with a cutout section in the middle of its leading edge so as to allow the punch to pass through, the two cutout openings meeting at the forwardmost point of intersection to allow the punch to pass through.

Abstract: A machine tool provided with a movable table supported by a stationary table, the movable table being displaceable relative to the stationary table in all directions and being supported by the stationary table by pressurized fluid bearing. The movable table is positioned by at least three actuators pivotally connected at one end to the stationary table and at their other end to the movable table such that the lengths of the actuators, controlled by an appropriate numerical control system, result in a predetermined position of the movable table relative to a reference position.

Abstract: An elongate member capable of forming a part of a support structure for a coordinate machine tool comprises a first relatively rigid elongate part 11 for supporting the weight of a movable load, a second relatively resilient elongate part 12 for locating the movable load on the elongate member, and a plurality of spaced dowels 13 engaging said first and second parts 11, 12 for locating said second part 12 at a predetermined position spaced from the first part 11. The first part 11 is provided with counterbores each of which accommodate a shoulder on each dowel which shoulder accurately locates and spaces the second part 12 relative to the first part 11.

Abstract: To ensure that a body will be independent of gravitation for the performance of tests, an evacuable protection box is provided which encloses contact free the body from all sides.The protection box has contactless scanning units to monitor the position of the body in its inside. It is conducted along three axes by a guiding system firmly connected to the spacecraft.The movements along each of the three axes is accomplished by driving means controlled by the scanning units so that the protection box follows changed positions of the body relative to the spacecraft.

Abstract: Device for the alignment of a part 12 and of a substrate 10 designed to receive it. The device contains a plate 2, on the horizontal flat upper surface 3 of which an XY table 5 can slide, a blocking device 16 for temporarily interrupting any translation of the XY table 5, but leaving it free to rotate on a given vertical axis 4, a gripping device 11 and an optical viewing device 15. The blocking device 16 preferably consists of an electromagnet mounted for rotation in a bore of the plate 2.

Abstract: Air bearing pads for supporting a one-axis table in a granite bridge positioning apparatus on a thin film of air include machine-thinned sections for providing resilience to the pads in order to permit flexing sufficient to accommodate surface irregularities on the supporting surface. A single air pressure regulator provides a source of pressurized air to flow-control devices of a plurality of air bearing pads supporting a one-axis table. The individual flow-control devices adjust the flow of air to their respective air bearing pads to individually adjust the lift of the pads.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting notches in the outer surface of a cylindrical drum includes a machine frame, and a laser cutting set which provides a laser beam to cut the notches in the drum. The notches are provided to allow sheet steel strips to be later fitted on the drum, and thus form a cutting tool useful in the production of collapsible box blanks. The apparatus also includes a movable carriage for supporting the laser cutting set, and a mounting shaft is supported by the carriage for rotatably supporting the drum. A drive wheel, coaxially fitted to the mounting shaft, rotates the shaft, and the drive wheel has an engagement surface which corresponds to a cutting edge diameter later defined by the positions which the cutting edges of the steel strips assume beyond the outer circumferential surface of the drum.

Abstract: A machine tool construction, comprises, a support frame which has a bar portion extending in one direction, for example, a longitudinal direction, with a gear rack defined thereon, and with a carrier guide movable along said bar portion and having a drive motor for its movement with a pinion which is engaged on the rack to effect the motion. A work carrier is similarly mounted in the carrier guide for movement at right angles to the axis of the bar and it is driven by a separate drive motor driving through a pinion and a rack defined on the work carrier. At least one work holder is mounted for slidable movement along the work carrier and it may be locked to the work carrier against movement and transported by movement of the work carrier or it may be released from the work carrier. In addition, a locking device is provided for locking the work carrier in a fixed position and it may be carried either by the frame of the machine itself or by the carrier guide.

Abstract: An high precision positioning device, wherein a stage is supported for parallel movement relative to a guide member by an air bearing. If the position of the stage along a certain direction is not the desired position, the balance of the supply air pressure of a nozzle for supply air in said certain direction is changed to change the position of the stage to the desired position, thereby effecting high precision positioning of the order of micron.

Abstract: An align boring machine for boring bearing housings of an automotive engine block wherein a boring bar is rotatably suspended by and rotatably driven between two columns positioned upon machine ways, and the engine block is mounted for aligned movement along said ways.

Abstract: A precise feeding table apparatus which comprises an XY-table assembly including a Y-table and an X-table mounted thereon. Electric motors for supplying a driving force to feed the X- and Y-tables are set on a base of the table apparatus. A driving shaft of the electric motor for the Y-table takes the form of a ball screw to cause a guide carriage supported by the driving shaft to make a minute reciprocation. A moment derived from the reciprocation of the guide carraige is not directly transmitted to the Y-table. A connection rod moving jointly with the guide carriage is connected to an output shaft fitted to the Y-table by means of a coupling including a fluid bearing. The fluid bearing supports the connecting rod in contactless relationship, thereby preventing the vibrations and moments of the connecting rod from being transmitted to the output shaft.

Abstract: A fixture for holding V-type engine blocks during cylinder honing or other refinishing operations has a stationary stand assembly and a removable clamping assembly which can be applied to an engine block at a location remote from the stand assembly and presents a lifting eye so that the clamping assembly and engine block can be hoisted as a unit, transported and lowered into the stand assembly whereupon the clamping assembly can be selectively pivoted from side to side and locked to vertically present the selected bank of cylinders.

Abstract: A workholder stage that includes and X-Y movable work mounting plate, a stationary base plate, an intermediate coupling plate and two pairs of perpendicularly oriented leaf springs. One pair of leaf springs is connected to the base plate and to the intermediate coupling plate while the other pair is connected to the work mounting plate and to the intermediate coupling plate.

Abstract: An align boring machine for boring bearing housings of an automotive engine block wherein a boring bar is rotably suspended by and rotably driven between two columns positioned upon machine ways, and the engine block is mounted for aligned movement along said ways.

Abstract: A precision table for a machine tool or the like, which table mounts a workpiece and is adapted to be selectively moved or slid in two directions by a low viscosity bearing such as an externally pressurized air bearing. The bearing includes at least one guide of a substantially J-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a jet arrangement being provided within the guide for jetting a pressurized gas through at least one orifice toward at least one internal surface of the guide. The jet arrangement is disposed within the guide which is fixedly arranged on a flat surface of a bed so that the table is supported by an air film in a clearance between the jet arrangement and portions of the guide.

Abstract: A C-shaped channel mounted on the edge of a table or bench hingeably supports a circuit board clamping member capable of pivoting between a first inclined position in which the mounting side of the circuit board faces upwardly at an angle which enables the user readily to position electronic components in their proper location on the board and a second position in which the reverse or soldering, side of the circuit board faces upwardly in horizontal attitude thereby allowing the user quickly and accurately to solder, wire or otherwise connect the components.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining plate assembly for the controlled location of a spectacle frame comprises three superposed plates slidably mounted in relation to each other. The upper plate, or tray, includes fastening means for a spectacle frame, and is slidable in one direction over the middle plate, or bed plate. The bed plate is slidable in a direction at right angles to the first direction over the lower plate, or base. Locking means are provided for locking the plates in position. The assembly may be mounted on a pedestal provided with a reflective upper surface on which reference axes are marked which can be viewed through apertures provided in the plates.

Abstract: A supporting system for an x-y table comprising four pairs of superimposed and interconnected upper and lower bearings arranged in a pyramidal array. More particularly, the pairs of bearings are located at the corners of a rectangle with the uppermost bearings of the pairs perpendicular to the lowermost bearings thereof, and with the uppermost bearings of the pairs offset horizontally inwardly relative to the lowermost bearings of the pairs in both the x and y directions, thereby producing the pyramidal array mentioned. With such a bearing array, the weight of the table, and any load thereon, act to preload all of the bearings so that there is zero play in both the x and y directions. Also disclosed is a drive system for an x-y table comprising two-speed x drive means for driving the table in the x directin and two-speed y drive means for driving the table in the y direction, each drive means including selectively operable high and low speed drive members.

Abstract: A device for shifting a workpiece on a nibbling machine which includes a rotary eccentric shaft which is rotatable to move a nibbling punch into and out of association with a workpiece, comprises a workpiece holder which is driven by a first motor in one direction, and a second motor in a direction transverse to this direction. A switch control is connected to each motor and includes means for imparting a programmed control of the operation of the motors which is varied in accordance with a sensing of the thickness of the workpiece being operated upon so that the movement may be accomplished when the nibbling punch is not in contact with the workpiece. The apparatus includes a control switch in the form of a switch lug which is mounted for rotation with the eccentric shaft of the nibbling punch and which cooperates with a contactless switch member to cause a turning on and off thereof.

Abstract: A device for punching holes in program strips, which device includes a punch and die mechanism and a carriage for positioning a program strip. The carriage is mounted so as to be movable simultaneously in two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane, thereby permitting rapid and exact positioning of the strip relative to the punch and die. A first locking plate is fixed to the carriage and is provided with guide means which constrain the motion of the carriage in the direction of advancement of the program strip. A second locking plate is meshed with the first locking plate and controls the transverse position of the carriage. Both locking plates are provided with means for locking the carriage against further motion once the position of the carriage has been set.

Abstract: An align boring machine for boring .Iadd.a plurality of generally aligned .Iaddend.bearing .[.housings.]. .Iadd.units .Iaddend.of an automotive engine .[.block.]. wherein a boring bar is rotatably suspended by and rotatably driven between two columns positioned upon machine ways, and the engine .[.block.]. .Iadd.unit having the bearing units .Iaddend.is mounted for aligned movement along said ways.