Lathe Patents (Class 29/27R)
  • Patent number: 6134763
    Abstract: A combined machine tool for specific use in making a piston ring or the like from a workpiece is disclosed, in which on a common bed there are mounted: an outer and inner peripheral surface machining unit numerically controlled and having an outer peripheral surface machining section and an inner peripheral surface machining section which are operable together to simultaneously machine an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the workpiece, and a cut-split machining unit adapted to act on the workpiece machined over the outer and inner peripheral surfaces by the outer and inner peripheral surface machining unit, in a manner such as to machine, by cut-splitting, the so machined workpiece while it remains unaltered in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Shoji
  • Patent number: 6131259
    Abstract: A movable column is adjustable longitudinally and transversely in controlled fashion on a machine bed which defines a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. A tool spindle is adjustable in controlled fashion on the movable column along a spindle axis normal to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. A clamping axis is defined by a tool support which is rotationally adjustable in controlled fashion about this clamping axis and includes a clamping device through which a material rod can be pushed and in which it can be clamped. A front portion of the material rod, presenting the workpiece to be machined, is disposed within the working range of the tool spindle. A supply device is provided for pushing the material rod through the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Stama Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Stark, Pavel Blazek
  • Patent number: 6049965
    Abstract: A multi-head machine tool for machining a workpiece into an article has a head that holds a workpiece and that rotates the workpiece. A multi-head tool attachment is capable of machining a plurality of working sites on the workpiece during rotation of the workpiece simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Liberty Research Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Derrick Perkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6050162
    Abstract: A retrofit system for a multi-spindle machine which includes a brake clutch (72), a feed clutch (70), and a high speed clutch (68) which are incorporated into the drive train gear layout of the multi-spindle machine. All three clutches are controlled by an electrical control circuit which includes a timer (80). When the multi-spindle machine shifts from high speed to low speed the control system activates the brake clutch for a short time period set in the timer, which causes the drive train gears to quickly slow down, allowing synchronous meshing with the low speed drive train of the multi-spindle machine and enabling a reduction in machine cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Logan Clutch Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Kalinsky
  • Patent number: 6026549
    Abstract: A crankshaft phase indexing apparatus of this invention is provided with a pair of spindles arranged in alignment with a first axis. The Spindles are rotated respectively by a pair of spindle driving motors, which are controlled to rotate at the same speed. Chucks are mounted to the respective spindles. The chucks hold ends of a crankshaft in alignment with a second axis, which is displaced from and parallel to the first axis. A phase conversion shaft is rotatably arranged in at least one of the chucks in alignment with the second axis. The phase conversion shaft is connected to the crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft to permit phase indexing of crankpins of the crankshaft into axial alignment with the first axis. A phase indexing shaft, which is coupled to the phase conversion shaft, is located concentrically with the spindles and is rotated by a phase indexing motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Makino, Takashi Imai, Hiroyuki Uchida, Yukio Kokaji
  • Patent number: 5941291
    Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5884379
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing the cylindrical shells of drums, which comprises a cradle sized for reception in embracing relation with the shell, the shell having a longitudinal axis, the cradle having support structure to clamp a cylindrical surface of the shell and at lengthwise locations, for supporting the shell; structure operatively coupled to the cradle to effect displacement of the support structure to clamp the shell surface; structure for rotating the cradle about an axis corresponding to the drum shell axis, thereby to rotate the shell about the axis; and tooling facing the shell to engage and process the shell as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 5832590
    Abstract: A system for performing machining operations on different portions of workpieces comprising a plurality of workstations including a lathe disposed along a predetermined path, in the present instance, a circular path. A turntable supports a plurality of workpiece chucking devices equi-spaced circumferentially around the turntable. The turntable rotates relative to the workstations to position a workpiece chucking device at each workstation permitting different machining operations to be performed on workpieces simultaneously. The chucking devices are moveable on the turntable in a radial direction to present the workpieces to the various tools at the workstations. The workpiece chucking devices include spindle motors and means for synchronizing the speeds of the spindle motors of the chucking devices with the lathe motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Holger Wuerthner
  • Patent number: 5778504
    Abstract: An automatic lathe includes a pair of gang tool posts disposed on opposite sides of a headstock. The headstock has a main spindle and is movable axially of the main spindle, and the pair of gang tool posts are independently movable in respective two directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axial direction. Pitches between work tools on one of the gang tool posts differ from pitches between work tools on the other gang tool post such that when a free-end position of an arbitrary work tool of a first gang tool post is aligned with that of an arbitrary work tool of a second gang tool post, free-end positions of the other work tools of the first gang tool post mutually differ from those of the other work tools of the second gang tool post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Ozawa, Shozo Kasuya
  • Patent number: 5771950
    Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5765270
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of machining workpieces such as crankshafts, camshafts or similarly shaped members, having surfaces which are disposed both concentrically and also eccentrically relative to a workpiece axis and which are rotationally symmetrical or approximately rotationally symmetrical. The machining of the concentrically curved surfaces is effected by means of turning, rotational broaching and/or turning-rotational broaching and the machining of the eccentric workpiece surfaces is effected by means of end-milling wherein the axis of rotation of the milling cutter is transverse with respect to the spindle axis 3, and the workpiece is subjected to cutting finishing machining and the clamping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Boehringer Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Schrod, Wolf-Dietrich Voss, Rolf Santorius, Paul Dieter Schapf, Anton Horsky, Matthias Kohlhase
  • Patent number: 5765456
    Abstract: A CNC automatic lathe has at least one carriage system having an X, a Y, and a Z axis that carries a tool revolver designed as a so-called disk revolver for working with lathe tools and rotary machining tools. In order to reduce as much as possible the distance between a defined cutting plane for the turning process and the carriage system, the Y axis forms with the normal to the cutting plane a relatively small acute angle (beta), so that when the tool revolver is rotated in a controlled manner around its axis, a rotatively driven machining tool mounted on the revolver and located in its working position is swivelled with its axis of rotation through an acute angle out of the cutting plane in the direction of the carriage system. The machining area of the machining tool thus described a movement with a component that extends in the minus direction of the Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Walter Grossmann
  • Patent number: 5735028
    Abstract: A processing apparatus with a movable processing tool, which includes a position detecting sensor for detecting a rotary position of a to-be-processed object held by a holding member set to a rotary main shaft, a deflection detecting sensor for detecting an amount of rotational deflection of a processing reference surface of the object, a waveform shaping device for shaping an output signal from the deflection detecting sensor into a waveform approximate to a sine curve, an operational device for operating a positional correction amount for a processing tool at a processing point of the object on a basis of an output signal of the waveform shaping device synchronously with rotation of the rotary main shaft, an output device for outputting the positional correction amount for every rotary position and every processing point based on an output signal from the operational device, a fine adjustment mechanism for minutely driving the processing tool based on an output signal from the output device, and an NC table
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Furusawa, Yoshihiro Ikemoto, Tutomu Hamada, Hiroyuki Funasho
  • Patent number: 5644961
    Abstract: A machine tool is provided having a spindle mounted for movement in a direction parallel to the spindle axis, the Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to the spindle axis, the X direction. The machine tool includes a machine bed and has means mounted to the machine bed for supporting at least one tool. At least one spindle is rotatably supported on the machine bed and includes a chuck for supporting a workpiece. The machine tool includes means mounting the spindle to the machine bed for movement in the Z direction and for independent movement in the X direction. Accordingly, the workpiece supporting means may be moved proximate to the tool supporting means and the workpiece may be engaged by a tool. The machine tool may further include feeder means for feeding bar stock to the workpiece supporting means so that the bar stock may be engaged by a tool. The machine tool may also include workpiece transfer means for facilitating the transfer of workpieces to and from the workpiece supporting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Okuma America Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Nishio, Norio Tanaka, Takayasu Asano, Eddie M. Godwin
  • Patent number: 5515894
    Abstract: A multiuse craftsman table comprising a tool table and a plurality of specific tool accessories to perform a variety of operations on wood work pieces according to known machining operations. Each specific tool accessory can be assembled, one at a time, to the tool table to perform its respective operation on one of the work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Scott A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5500989
    Abstract: Applicants' invention is an enhanced chip guard assembly particularly adapted to be used in conjunction with a vehicular brake lathe having a tubular slide cross-feed with an integral dove tail mount for longitudinal feed. The enhanced chip guard assembly of the present invention includes a clip that fits within an opening in the cross feed assembly of the machine, a slide that fits over the clip, and a follower that fits about the neck of the drum feed guide arm and rides on the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Ford, Larry C. Tuck
  • Patent number: 5361470
    Abstract: A processing apparatus with a movable processing tool, includes a deflection detecting device, a rotating position detecting sensor, an arithmetic unit, an output circuit, a fine adjustment device, and an XY table. The detecting device detects a plurality of deflection amounts of a processing reference surface of a to-be-processed work held by a work holding member mounted to a main shaft of an NC processing apparatus. The sensor detects a rotating position of the work. The unit calculates a correcting amount of the tool at a processing point of the work from a measured value of the sensor and plural measured values of the deflection amounts of the detecting device. The circuit outputs the correcting amount synchronously with the rotating position and processing point of the work. The adjustment device has the tool fixed thereto for finely moving the tool in a processing direction based on an output from the circuit. The fine adjustment device is secured to the XY table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tutomu Hamada, Takafumi Asada, Yoshihiro Ikemoto, Toru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5349731
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Hardinge Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Sheehan, Jyoti Mukherjee, Raymond C. Cady, Gary L. Comstock, Daniel P. Soroka
  • Patent number: 5313694
    Abstract: Complex machining such as lathe machining and milling including non-circular machining is effected by a single machine tool effectively and highly accurately.The machine tool comprises a spindle stock having the C-axis control function, a carriage which can be moved and positioned in a direction of the axis of a main spindle, and two tool rests installed on the carriage. Lathe machining and milling are performed by the first tool rest, and non-circular machining is performed by the second tool rest. A tailstock can be also moved in the direction of the main spindle axis, and positioning of the movable members is controlled by an NC device. A force for supporting a workpiece is controlled by a chuck and a tailstock spindle in response to an M function command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Takisawa Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Yonemoto, Hidehiko Miyake, Kazumasa Enoki
  • Patent number: 5289622
    Abstract: An NC lathe includes a bed, a headstock mounted on the bed for rotating a work around C-axis, a tailstock slidably mounted on a first guide surface formed on the bed, and a carriage slidably mounted on a second guide surface formed on the bed in a direction of Z-axis parallel to the C-axis and juxtaposed with the first guide surface. The carriage has a saddle having a first slide surface for contacting the second guide surface of the bed and a second slide surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first slide surface. A slide base is slidably mounted on the second slide surface of the saddle for movement in a direction of Y-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis. A column extends from the slide base substantially perpendicular thereto and includes a column body which has a guide surface in a direction of X-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis and to the Y-axis. A cross slide is slidably mounted on the guide surface of the column body in the direction of the X-axis and includes a driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Dainichi Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seigo Minagawa
  • Patent number: 5287607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing a surface of a commutator of a motor, in which a distance between a surface to be finished and a reference position is measured in advance prior to the surface-finishing, and thereafter, turning, cutting or buffing is performed. The data of distance measuring is utilized for the surface-finishing later. Opposite ends of a shaft of the commutator are supported and the supported ends are rotated at uniform speeds. The commutator during the turning is variably controlled in accordance with a turning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Hongo
  • Patent number: 5254068
    Abstract: Each tool, each chuck jaw, and each hand are provided with a characteristic data storing element. Characteristic data concerning tools, chuck jaws and hands are stored in each characteristic data element. The characteristic data concerning each tool, each chuck jaw and each hand are read out of the characteristic data storing element. Tools to be installed on a tool rest and chuck jaws to be installed on a spindle chuck are discriminated according to kinds of machinings. A predetermined hand is selected from a stocker on the basis of the read out characteristic data so as to install on a carrier robot. A workpiece is picked out of a pallet so as to carry to a spindle chuck by a carrier robot. A predetermined tool is selected from the stocker on the basis of the read out characteristic data so as to carry to the tool rest by a carrier robot. A predetermined chuck jaw is selected from the stocker on the basis of the read out characteristic data so as to carry to the spindle chuck by a carrier robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Yamada, Sumiaki Inami, Shigemitsu Ito, Tomio Tajima
  • Patent number: 5214829
    Abstract: An NC lathe includes a bed, a headstock mounted on the bed for rotating a work around C-axis, a tailstock slidably mounted on a first guide surface formed on the bed, and a carriage slidably mounted on a second guide surface formed on the bed in a direction of Z-axis parallel to the C-axis and juxtaposed with the first guide surface. The carriage has a saddle having a first slide surface for contacting the second guide surface of the bed and a second slide surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first slide surface. A slide base is slidably mounted on the second slide surface of the saddle for movement in a direction of Y-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis. A column extends from the slide base substantially perpendicular thereto and includes a column body which has a guide surface in a direction of X-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis and to the Y-axis. A cross slide is slidably mounted on the guide surface of the column body in the direction of the X-axis and includes a driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Dainichi Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seigo Minagawa
  • Patent number: 5210917
    Abstract: A metal-working machine (10) comprises a first machining unit including a machining head (12) and means (11) in the form of a clamp for bringing, holding and axially displacing the material to be machine. The machining head (12) carries tools (13 and 14) which rotate and move relative to two axes X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 perpendicular to the axis (15) of the material. The machine also comprises a main turret (16) equipped with machining stations (17) and stations for receiving (18) the parts. In a first option, it comprises a second machining unit (2) carrying machining stations (23). In a second option, it comprises a third machining unit (24) carrying a machining station (26) equipped with a possibly rotating tool (25). In a third option, the machine is completed by an auxiliary turret (20) carrying a machining station (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Esco S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Piguet, Hubert Rossetti
  • Patent number: 5168609
    Abstract: A complex machine tool has a single frame having a chip collecting space at a center portion thereof, first and second spindle stocks on the frame, relatively free to move and drive in a Z axis direction and holding the chip collecting space therebetween, workpiece spindles on the spindle stocks free to rotate and drive and facing each other, and tool rests. The tool rests have turrets and can assume various kinds of movement. Complicated and varied types of machining can be performed combining the rotation control of the workpiece spindles and the spindle stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazik Corp.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Keikichi Sakata, Seigo Watanabe, Yukio Mitsukuchi
  • Patent number: 5159741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for machining by cutting with workholder and tool holder rotating in positive drive with respect to each other, the axis (z) of which toolholder extending askew to the workholder axis of rotation (x), is swingable and lockable about an axis (y) which intersects the axis of rotation (x) of the workpiece and the axis (z) of the toolholder at right angles, the toolholder being displaceable in the direction of the axis of rotation (x) of the workholder and the axis of swing (y) of the toolholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Wera-Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich A. Garschagen, Hans-Udo Heym
  • Patent number: 5157824
    Abstract: A complex machine tool has a single frame having a chip collecting space at a center portion thereof, first and second spindle stocks on the frame, relatively free to move and drive in a Z axis direction and holding the chip collecting space therebetween, workpiece spindles on the spindle stocks free to rotate and drive and facing each other, and tool rests. The tool rests have turrets and can assume various kinds of movement. Complicated and varied types of machining can be performed combining the rotation control of the workpiece spindles and the spindle stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Kojima Hiroshi, Keikichi Sakata, Seigo Watanabe, Yukio Mitsukuchi, Shuichi Hashimoto, Choji Kato, Mikiro Teshigawara, Ryoichi Furuhashi, Shoji Momoi, Toshihiko Inoue, Kazuki Uemura, Katsushi Oshima
  • Patent number: 5095598
    Abstract: A complex machine tool has a single frame having a chip, collecting space at a center portion thereof, first and second spindle stocks on the frame, relatively free to move and drive in a Z axis direction and holding the chip collecting space therebetween, workpiece spindles on the spindle stocks free to rotate and drive and facing each other, and tool rests. The tool rests have turrets and can assume various kinds of movement. Complicated and varied types of machining can be performed combining the rotation control of the workpiece spindles and the spindle stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Kojima Hiroshi, Keikichi Sakata, Seigo Watanabe, Yukio Mitsukuchi, Shuichi Hashimoto, Choji Kato, Mikiro Teshigawara, Ryoichi Furuhashi, Shoji Momoi, Toshihiko Inoue, Kazuki Uemura, Katsushi Oshima
  • Patent number: 5088361
    Abstract: A machine tool has first and second spindles provided so as to face each other. The first and the second spindles are synchronously rotated without stopping their rotation. A machined workpiece, after a first machining routine, in a state of rotation is directly delivered from the first spindle to the second spindle, and a second routine of machining is immediately performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Keikichi Sakata, Seigo Watanabe, Yukio Mitsukuchi
  • Patent number: 5077876
    Abstract: An improved spindle assembly for a single or a multiple spindle machine is disclosed. An outer tubular member is mounted for rotation by the spindle machine. An inner shaft is positioned within the tubular member and a collet is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. A workpiece can be removed from the unlocked collet by high pressure liquid from the inner shaft. In one embodiment the inner shaft is rotated independently from the tubular member and is also axially reciprocable. A tool mounted on the inner shaft provides for interior machining at the same time as an exterior operation is being performed. In another embodiment the collet remains axially stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Coldstream
    Inventor: James W. McConkey
  • Patent number: 5058261
    Abstract: This invention relates to a machine tool which can do multiple operations such as drilling and turning operations on a workpiece once the workpiece is attached onto the workhead, thereby obtaining time savings in loading the workpiece and maintaining quality in the operations. According to this invention, a workhead (4) has a spindle (16). The toolhead (5) has a spindle (42). A first indexing means (6) indexes the direction of the axis of the spindle (42). A second indexing means (8) indexes the spindle (16) in the first direction (A). A first stopping means (9) stops rotation of the spindle (16) when necessary. A second stopping means (11) stops rotation of the spindle (42) when necessary. A first driving means (7) and a second driving means j(10) rotate, respectively, the spindle (16) and the spindle (42). Driving systems (12, 13) are designed to move the workhead (4) and the toolhead (5) relative to each other in a three dimensional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5052089
    Abstract: The machine tool of the invention combines the following three features: the workpiece holder (22) rotates around an axis (C) which is referred to as horizontal turning axis and is parallel to one (X) of the three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z), the said axis (C) overlying a table (12) the flat upper-face of which is parallel to said turning axis (C) and comprises means for fastening one or more support and/or centering means (15, 24); the toolholder (38) comprises two clamping mandrels, one for a stationary tool and the other for a rotary tool; the workpiece holder is in relation with drive means (23, 25) which confer upon it one of the three kinematics of the following kinematic group: immobilization in a given angular position, a so-called slow speed of rotation for milling operations which are not parallel to the axis (C), and a so-called high speed for the turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Somab, S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Gadaud, Michel Gagnal
  • Patent number: 5023983
    Abstract: A device serves for producing mounting bores or valve bores in a wheel disk and/or a rim of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The bores are at least partly inclined relative to a center axis of the wheel. A fixture serves for mounting the wheel. A motor-operated tool is used for producing the bores.In order to achieve minimum machining times, means are provided for pivoting the said holding fixture, with the said wheel mounted therein, relative to a work table about an axis extending at a certain inclination relative to the center axis of the said wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Henning Winkler, Eugen Rutschle
  • Patent number: 5020201
    Abstract: This invention relates to a machine tool having a table for mounting a workpiece. The body of a machine tool is equipped with a table for mounting a workpiece. The table is further equipped with a rotary table. When performing turning operations of the workpiece, the workpiece is mounted on the rotary table. On the other hand, when performing other operations, except for the turning operation, the workpiece is mounted on the non-rotary table. In addition, if desired, the workpiece can be mounted on both the table and the rotary table for performing other operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Kitamura
  • Patent number: 4981056
    Abstract: The process for securing a machine tool bed to a base includes the steps of providing a base having a horizontally disposed first surface wherein a plurality of cooperating grooves are disposed. A selected quantity of hardenable grout material is deposited into the grooves. A bed has a second surface from which a plurality of tongues extend, and each tongue has side surfaces which are relatively rougher than the associated distal surface. The bed is horizontally positioned above the base so that each tongue is received in an associated groove and each distal surface is spaced from the associated underlying groove, thereby causing the grout material to rise by an amount insufficient to contact the second surface. The bed is maintained spaced above the base until the grout material has hardened and thereby binds each side surface but not the associated distal surface to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hardinge Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brown, deceased, Brian M. Eaton, Robert B. Carlyle
  • Patent number: 4949444
    Abstract: A complex machine tool has a single frame having a chip collecting space at a center portion thereof, first and second spindle stocks on the frame, relatively free to move and drive in a Z axis direction and holding the chip collecting space therebetween, workpiece spindles on the spindle stocks free to rotate and drive and facing each other, and tool rests. The tool rests have turrets and can assume various kinds of movement. Complicated and varied types of machining can be performed combining the rotation control of the workpiece spindles and the spindle stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Keikichi Sakata, Seigo Watanabe, Yukio Mitsukuchi, Shuichi Hashimoto, Choji Kato, Mikiro Teshigawara, Ryoichi Furuhashi, Shoji Momoi, Toshihiko Inoue, Kazuki Uemura, Katsushi Oshima
  • Patent number: 4867020
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing pistons (10) and the like from foundry-turned castings during one clamping operation to provide enhanced manufacturing productivity. Separate boring and turning modules (34, 24) of the apparatus are mounted on a primary base (18) and a grooving module (54) is mounted on a secondary base (72). The modules automatically groove the ring grooves (11), turn the complex shape of the skirt (15) and bore the wrist pin bore (13) through an ordered sequence of manufacturing steps. The piston stock is mounted for rotation on headstock and tailstock assemblies (82, 84). These assemblies are carried on the secondary base (72) which is slidably mounted on the primary base for movement into operative position with respect to the boring and turning modules according to the ordered sequence. The method and system improve piston quality while reducing manufacturing costs including saving factory floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: The Cross Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Compton, Bruce A. Brown, Donald S. Akhurst, Douglas R. Myers, Robert W. Smith, Robert W. DeBruyne
  • Patent number: 4785525
    Abstract: A machine tool comprising a table on which a spindle holding the workpiece moves in horizontal direction along the workpiece. A tool post is sidewardly movable toward the table. An arbor head is connected to the end of the post and is both axially and circumferentially movable. The arbor head includes a powered arbor for holding and possibly rotating a tool. The result is that the workpiece is movable in one direction and the arbor support is movable in two other orthogonal directions as well as being rotatable. Thereby, a variety of complex machining operations may be performed. A tool magazine and an automatic tool changer are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Tsugami Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishida, Masaki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 4771521
    Abstract: A dual position chuck and turning machine method allow automatic shifting of a workpiece from a first to a second turning axis by actuation of a draw bar through the spindle of the turning machine. A linkage in the chuck drives a movable jaw assembly having peripheral fixed keys thereon in an arcuate keyway responsive to the draw bar movement. The arcuate keyway allows moving the workpiece to second axes which are not merely rotations of the jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Smith, William H. Rupnik, Bryan L. Maxwell, Robert J. Kups
  • Patent number: 4739684
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing pistons (10) and the like from foundry-turned castings during one clamping operation provide enhanced manufacturing productivity. Separate boring and turning modules (34, 24) of the apparatus are mounted on a primary base (18) and a grooving module (54) is mounted on a secondary base (72). The modules automatically groove the ring grooves (11), turn the complex shape of the skirt (15) and bore the wrist pin bore (13) through an ordered sequence of manufacturing steps. The piston stock is mounted for rotation on headstock and tailstock assemblies (82, 84). These assemblies are carried on the secondary base (72) which is slidably mounted on the primary base for movement into operative position with respect to the boring and turning modules according to the ordered sequence. The method and system improve piston quality while reducing manufacturing costs including saving factory floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Cross Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Brown, Robert W. DeBruyne, Robert W. Smith, Donald S. Akhurst, Ronald E. Compton, Douglas R. Myers, David R. Syrowik
  • Patent number: 4715102
    Abstract: An improved machine tool (10) has a driven cutting tool (T) which is rotatable about an axis (C) extending perpendicular to the axis (B) of rotation of a turret (200) when a toolholder (300) is mounted on an end face (203) of the turret (FIG. 7). The cutting tool is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret when the toolholder (300) is mounted on a side face (204) of the turret (FIG. 10). A drive assembly (600) is operable to drive the cutting tool when it is mounted on either the end face (203) or the side face (204) of the turret. The drive assembly (600) extends through the turret and has output at a location disposed between the end and side faces (203, 204) of the turret. A pair of actuators are (400, 500) provided to operate the toolholder (300) to engage and release the cutting tool (T) when the toolholder is mounted on either the end face or side face of the turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: The Warner & Swasey Company
    Inventors: Heinz K. Wolf, Jyoti Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 4683787
    Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first or second axis, respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.2 always applies, wherein X is the distance of the second axis from the first axis, Y is the distance of the first axis from the plane defined by the second and third axes and A is the distance of the second axis from the vertical projection of the first axis onto this plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Index-Werke Komm.-Ges. Han & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link
  • Patent number: 4635340
    Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first or second axis, respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously, the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.2 always applies, wherein X is the distance of the second axis from the first axis, Y is the distance of the first axis from the plane defined by the second and third axes and A is the distance of the second axis from the vertical projection of the first axis onto this plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Index Werke Komm.-Ges. Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link
  • Patent number: 4625377
    Abstract: This invention relates to metal cutting and more particularly to method for manufacturing constant velocity universal joints. A construction is disclosed wherein spherical turning, milling and grinding of the races and grooves of the joint members of a universal joint are performed on common machines without removing the workpieces and the workpieces are held in common workheads. During the machining operations, relative movements between the tools and workpieces are referenced to common axes thereby duplicating the relative positions and movements between the workpieces during actual service. The inventive concept provides a means for achieving consistent product quality and is adaptable to the automated manufacturing of constant velocity universal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Keshav S. Kavthekar
  • Patent number: 4620359
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing rigid computer memory disc substrates is disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a circular base plate, the base plate being mounted horizontally for rotation about a vertical axis; a plurality of spindles rotatably mounted on motors mounted on the base plate, the spindles extending radially outwardly from the base plate, in equally spaced relationship therearound, the outwardly extending end of each spindle including a fastening means for mounting a rigid disc to be processed thereon; a plurality of work stations spaced around the circular base plate for performing work operations on the discs; and a motor for rotating the base plate so as to convey each of the discs consecutively to each of the work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Charlton Associates
    Inventors: Richard J. Charlton, Leland R. Krueger, Richard M. Noling, Jimmy G. Saunders, Richard J. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4597143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reprofiling the wheels of a railroad wheelset by circumferentially milling the wheelset while the wheels are driven and partly supported by drive rollers, the wheelset being partly supported at its bearing housing. Before profile milling, a reference surface is created by a turning operation as base for measuring the radial infeed of the profile milling cutter. The turning tool required is disposed on the profile milling cutter which is lockable secure against rotation. By coordinating the position of the milling devices with the position of the respective turning devices a positional relation is automatically established between the milling device and the axis of the wheelset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Wilhelm Hegenscheidt Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Theodor Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 4593444
    Abstract: This invention relates to metal cutting and more particularly to machines for manufacturing constant velocity universal joints. A construction is disclosed wherein spherical turning, milling and grinding of the races and grooves of the joint members of a universal joint are performed on common machines without removing the workpieces and the workpieces are held in common workheads. During the machining operations, relative movements between the tools and workpieces are referenced to common axes thereby duplicating the relative positions and movements between the workpieces during actual service. The inventive concept provides a means for achieving consistent product quality and is adaptable to the automated manufacturing of constant velocity universal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Keshav S. Kavthekar
  • Patent number: 4574439
    Abstract: A deep boring machine is described which has a spindle unit (2) with a horizontal spindle shaft (40) for receiving a boring tool (50). The spindle unit is horizontally displaceable on a machine bed (1) and is driven by a spindle drive mechanism (2). The boring head (6) is guided, upon initial boring of the workpiece (11), in a jig bushing (7) which is disposed in a jig bushing holder (13). The jig bushing holder (13) is displaceable on a guide (25, 26) in the direction of the spindle shaft (40). The guide (25, 26) is disposed above and offset parallel (h.sub.1, h.sub.2) from the spindle shaft (40) and extends at least partly beyond the machine bed (1). A workpiece clamping table (19) is disposed adjoining the machine bed (1) and is adjustable independently thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: TBT Tiefbohrtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Weiblen
  • Patent number: RE33732
    Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.second .[.axis.]. .Iadd.axes.Iaddend., respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously, the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link
  • Patent number: RE34155
    Abstract: .[.A method of.]. .Iadd.Apparatus for .Iaddend.machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.second .[.axis.]. .Iadd.axes.Iaddend., respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link