Abstract: An apparatus for forming selected machining functions relative to a workpiece comprising a machine carriage having one or more machining spindles and a work table assembly having a pair of work tables, a shuttle assembly selectively moveable along the table movement axis and a connect/disconnect mechanism associated with each of the work tables for selectively aligning and connecting and disconnecting the work tables relative to the shuttle. The present invention also relates to a work table assembly for use with a machining apparatus.

Abstract: Spaced cutting tools, each having a plurality of linear axes and a rotational axis, are supported with a conveyor carrying successive parts past the tools. The tools include positioning motors and are positioned by a computer driven system including a controller and a tool program for positioning the tools to sequentially cut each part. Separate computer boards each include a memory unit and a CPU for coupling to individual positioning motors for each tool. The controller downloads the program for particular axes to the board for the tools. A positioning sensor is coupled to each tool axes and connected to the computer input for monitoring each tool position. All tools are simultaneously positioned using an initial fast constant speed feed followed by a varying slow speed, with a closed loop control, within a fixed time period.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatically operable manufacturing and machining plant. It comprises a plurality of machining cells, a management system for the workpieces including storage appliances for storing the workpieces, transporting appliances for transporting the workpieces and handling appliances for manipulating the workpieces, and a data handling and exchange system for controlling the operations of the manufacturing and machining plant. The data handling and exchange system comprises a first external data handling and exchange network with a central data processing unit for the exchange of operation control data between the central data processing unit and the machining cells and for the exchange of transporting control data between the central processing unit and the transporting appliances. Further, there is provided a second internal data handling and exchange network for the exchange of data between the storage appliances, the transporting appliances and the handling appliances.

Abstract: A pallet exchange apparatus has a bed and an arm assembly supported on the bed to be rotatable between a workpiece loading-and-unloading station and workpiece machining station. A pair of cylindrical holes are formed at both ends of the arm assembly for receiving the pallets. The apparatus is further provided with driving means for rotating the arm assembly, a turntable rotatably mounted on the bed at a position corresponding to the workpiece machining station, first engagement portions formed at the ends of the arm assembly, second engagement portions formed on the pallets so as to be engaged with the first engagement portions for preventing the rotation of the pallets, and a moving device disposed on the turntable for moving the pallet located at the workpiece machining station in the vertical direction. When the pallet is lowered by the moving device, the pallet is separated from the turntable and the second engagement portion of the pallet is engaged with the first engagement portion.

Abstract: A boring apparatus provided with feed and discharge roller conveyors for drilling holes in heavy steel structural shapes can be constructed so that at least one boring unit is transformable into a milling unit, the computer being programmed with a milling program. The mechanism for advancing the workpiece used for boring is thus used also for displacing the workpiece during milling so that milling tables upon which the workpiece must be clamped and the like need not be provided. The system also avoids the need to move the massive workpieces between boring/milling units.

Abstract: A versatile production system produces different kinds of products in small quantities.The system includes production lines for assembling parts into different kinds of products, testing the assembled products, and conveying the products that have passed the tests to a collective packing terminal.Each production line has a pallet feeder for feeding pallets one by one to the start of the production line.Each production line has a bypass structure. The bypass structure includes a first switcher, a main line, a bypass line, and a second switcher.The first switcher determines whether or not a product conveyed on a pallet must be repaired or tested, and according to the determination, switches the pallet and product from the production line to one of the main and bypass lines.The main line receives pallets and products switched thereto by the first switcher and conveys same.

Abstract: A pallet system for changing pallets at a work station which has a carousel mounted on a base and has a trolley laterally moveable which supports a turntable that is rotatably moveable. Pallets which hold workpieces are mounted to rails on the turntable. Locking devices for the trolley, the turntable and the pallets are provided. Pivoted rails allow the pallets to be moved between the carousel and the work station.

Abstract: A device for rapidly feeding piece-supporting pallets to a machine includes a motorized belt whose upper run is fixed to a pallet gripping device which is slidably mounted on a guide rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of building a machine system having a plurality of cutting machines involves a taking of the final print tolerance and budgeting and using the tolerances for fixtures and machines in a manner to determine stiffness requirements and tolerances for such as tool cut depth, tracking of feed slide and perpendicularity of the spindle face. To gauge very fine tolerances, special reference datum surfaces are provided on the fixtures and machines to provide a "granite" plane from which very precise measurements may be made to set up initially the machine with the assigned tolerances. Indicators can be mounted on the spindle to sweep the targets on the fixture to level the spindle face to very fine tolerances. An indicator traveling with cutting head along a feed slide may sweep targets on the fixture and a tracking means may be adjusted to a precise tracking tolerance.

Abstract: A machining system that has (i) plural machining cells spaced along a path, each having a single-point-tool and a rapid-positioning assembly for positioning the tool for multiple insertions into a workpiece as well as rapid tool exchange at speed rates that approach or exceed one G; (ii) table means for presenting a table surface in a selected plane for each cell; (iii) workpiece means for each table surface having keying surfaces for lockingly mating with a reference point of such table surface; (iv) transfer means for rapidly replacing a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece on a table surface, the just-machined workpiece being transferred to the next table surface while the substituted workpiece is undergoing machining; and (v) programmed electrical control means for activating the positioning assemblies and transfer means.

Abstract: A process and device for interpositioning the tools of a body assembly machine which includes departing from all the intermediate mechanisms for putting these tools in place, from the function of their geometric referencing, so as to impart to the tools themselves the ability to be interpositioned after temporary isolation of a part of them from their positioning mechanism. According to the process, these tools are made to have a lateral orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning mechanism for positioning, on a processing apparatus, a device mounted on a pallet transported by a conveyor to the processing apparatus. The positioning mechanism is provided with an information communication arrangement capable of storing adjustment data of the device by preceding processing apparatus. The data stored in the information communication arrangement is used in processing the device by the processing apparatus to enable the processing apparatus to process the device using the least number of necessary processing steps.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system which includes a stack yard, a machine tool and a stacker crane. In the stack yard, a pallet group, formed by stacking a number of pellets, is stored. The pallet group is transferred to a machine tool cell by the stacker crane. Each pallet has a memory, and data of the pallet itself and the member loaded on the pallet are memorized by the pallet. There are various kinds of members such as work-piece, tool and chuck jaw. These members are stored on exclusive pallets made for each kind of the member. Of the members, each tool and chuck jaw has its own memory and memorizes its own data. The data of all the memory can be read and written; therefore, the position of the pallet, tool and chuck jaw can be controlled at all times.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for rolling hot wide strips from continuously cast thin slabs in successive steps of operation of a rolling line which includes a continuous finishing train. One or more casting lines and individual thin slabs are severed from the cast strand. The thin slabs are homogenized and adjusted to rolling temperature in an equalizing furnace and the thin slabs are transferred from the equalizing furnace to the rolling line. Roller-type turning furnaces provided in each of the casting lines and in the rolling line are use by turning the roller-type turning furnaces toward each other into positions which are inclined relative to the casting and rolling lines in the manner of switches for alternatingly conveying thin slabs from one of the casting lines through the roller-type turning furnaces into the rolling line.

Abstract: A magazine rack and adjustment/transport system therefore includes a conveyer line for introducing magazine racks into a production process. As a new magazine rack is introduced to the line, a positional adjustment means is active to position the magazine rack on the conveyer. In addition, the alignment of the magazine rack on the conveyer may be adjusted and a present accommodating width or the magazine rack may be detected and compared with an accommodating width required by a process being carried out on the conveyer. If the detected accommodating width of the magazine rack is other than the required accommodating width, the rack may automatically be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism prior to being added to the conveyer or at a predetermined position on the conveyer.

Abstract: A machining system is provided which includes a selected number of machining centers for selectively cutting or machining metallic parts, the system further including a rack structure for providing inventory storage for parts which are to be machined by the centers. There is further provided a part transport device for moving a given one of the parts in a first part flow loop when the given part is in a condition which enables the part to be readily moved around a plant or other manufacturing establishment or to be shipped in commerce. The part transport device also moves the given part through a second part flow loop when the part is in a condition which enables the part to be machined by one of the machining centers.

Abstract: A forging method for making a forged product from an elongate steel bar material. The forging comprises a heating step in which the elongate bar material is heated, a cutting step in which the heated bar material is cut into billet materials each having a predetermined length, and a forging step in which the billet materials are successively forged. In this forging method, when an abnormality arises in the forging step, the cutting in the cutting step is interrupted and the bar material in the heating step is maintained in the heating step without being transferred toward the cutting step. Additionally, unless the abnormality is normalized within a predetermined limit time, the cutting in the cutting step is restarted and the billet materials formed after the restarting of the cutting are transferred to a storing apparatus which is outside of a normal forging line.

Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus having two identical assembling jigs. One assembling jig is attached to a robot arm and the assembling jig is then moved by operation of a robot from a setting site to an assembling site for assembling a plurality of parts set thereon at the setting site to an article place at the assembling site. Simultaneously, the plurality of parts are set on the other assembling jig. The two units are alternately attached to the robot arm at the setting site. Two receiving tables, each of which is for mounting thereon each of the assembling jigs, are provided alongside of each other at the setting site. A transfer device is provided to transfer each assembling jig from one receiving table to the other receiving table. The assembling jig attached to the robot arm is detached from the robot arm and placed on the one receiving table and the other assembling jig mounted on the other receiving table is then attached to the robot arm.

Abstract: A rotary deck for interchanging a pair of pallets in a machining center is partially enclosed within a guard housing surrounding the machining zone. The deck sweeps a predetermined diameter with the pallets. An operator access door is mounted to cover an opening in the housing, adjacent the machining zone. The door slides into the sweep diameter when opened and the deck is stationary; an interlock prevents deck rotation when the door is opened.

Abstract: An indexing system for the rotary work changer of a machining center for supporting and interchanging work-holder pallets between the machining zone and the load/unload zone of the machining center.

Abstract: When machining of a workpiece mounted on a first pallet by a machine tool is ended, power of a driving motor is transmitted through a cylindrical cam and a cam follower to a clamp member to unclamp a first pallet clamped on a table of the machine tool by the clamp member. Then, the power is transmitted to a swing arm to unload the first pallet from the table to a stand-by position and a second pallet, mounting thereon a workpiece to be machined, is loaded from the stand-by position to the table by the swing arm. The second pallet is the clamped on the table by the clamp member and the pallet exchange operation is complete.

Abstract: A plate making apparatus is provided with a processing section conveying an elongated, rectangular printing plate, on which an image has been exposed, along a longitudinal direction of the printing plate and effecting processing of the printing plate, and is provided with a punching section provided downstream of the processing section and conveying the printing plate, which has been processed, along a transverse direction of the printing plate and forming punch holes in both longitudinal direction end portions of the printing plate. A plate bending section is provided downstream of the punching section, conveys the printing plate, in which punch holes have been formed, along the transverse direction of the printing plate and effects bending of both longitudinal direction end portions of the printing plate.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a vacuum process apparatus for an article which is processed or treated, resp. at two stations, whereby each station has a charging and/or removing opening for the article. A transporting device is supported for rotation and includes a supporting portion which is successively moved onto the openings of the stations. The process plant is designed in such a manner that the surface normals determined by the surfaces of the openings and the space axis defined by the axis of rotation of the transport device do not run parallel and rather enclose together an angle of 90.degree. or 45.degree.. By such an arrangement it is possible to design extremely compact vacuum vapor deposition apparatuses having a plurality of individual stations, whereby additionally short transporting distances are obtainable and the volumes to be conditioned can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a fixture primarily for use with a machining center. The fixture has a plurality of face plates mounted on an interior casing and moveable jaws exposed on the face plates. Parts to be machined can be placed between the jaws and gripped by the jaws for easy and quick setup of various machining operations. Assemblies for actuating the jaws are described.

Abstract: A multipurpose cutting metal-working machine for the processes of deep hold making, boring, milling, drilling and cutting. The machine includes a tool drive unit which has a first horizontally vertically adjustable tool socket above a second horizontally adjustable tool socket at right angles for holding and driving different cutting metal-working tools, a track around the machine base thereof, a plurality of work tables movably supported on the track to carry metal workpieces into operative positions for processing by the cutting metal-working tool held in the first or second tool socket, a tool holder and a plurality of tool supports longitudinally aligned with the second tool socket for holding a long cutting metal-working tool in making deep holes on metal workpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembling and machining apparatus which allows flexibly for changes in the machining/assembling setup following a modification in the production line configuration, thereby reducing the down time that occurs between such changes. Workpieces and/or part feeding pallets circulate along a loop-like transfer path composed of a first and a second transfer path and of two return units. A transfer unit takes the necessary workpiece or pallet from the circulation on the transfer path into a working area of one assembling/machining unit for work. With the current work completed, the workpiece or pallet is returned to the transfer path for subsequent work. The process is suitably performed by each assembling/machining unit. The workpiece or pallet on which all work is completed is detected by detecting means, either for transfer to the transfer path of the next adjacent assembling and machining apparatus or for ejection out of the current apparatus.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing wire harness assemblies is provided. Each wire harness includes a shielded cable having a plurality of insulated conductors therein, with each conductor being terminated at its respective opposed ends and with the terminated ends being mounted in connector housings. The system includes a plurality of pallets that are movable along a conveyor to work stations at which various assembly steps are carried out. A first station is provided for mounting the cables to the pallet, such that the wires at the opposed ends are mounted in fixtures. A second station may selectively deposit drop wires into fixtures on the pallets. A third station trims and strips the ends of the wires and aligns the drop wires with the cable wires. A fourth station sequentially crimps terminals to the ends of the wires, with the pallet being indexable between successive crimps.

Abstract: A plurality of pallets for exchanging and fixing workpieces are placed on a plurality of respective tables supported vertically with spacing between one another, and the tables are rotated to transfer a required pallet to the predetermined exchange position to perform an exchange operation of the pallet by a pallet exchange device.

Abstract: A printed circuit board processing apparatus includes: a plurality of printed circuit board processing machines (A) arranged side by side, in each of which a printed circuit board (W) placed on a table (4) and a tool held by a single spindle (13) are caused to make a relative movement in the X-, Y- and Z-directions of the machine to process the printed circuit board (W); tipping devices (B) respectively mounted on the tables (4) in such a manner as to be swingable and adapted to perform the delivery of printed circuit boards (W); conveying devices (C) arranged along the beds (1) of the printed circuit board processing machines (A) and each equipped with a feeding path (C1) and a discharging path (C2) which are adapted to convey printed circuit boards (W) in an inclined posture; loading/unloading devices (D) arranged at a delivery position on the printed-circuit-board-processing-machine side of the feeding and discharging paths of the conveying devices (C) and adapted to effect the delivery of printed circuit

Abstract: The invention relates to a production installation (1) for assembling and/or processing components (3) made up of a plurality of piece parts (4). In this installation, the piece parts (4) and/or the components (3) are disposed and/or assembled and/or processed on pallet trays (6). The pallet trays (6) are interchangeably disposed on the running mechanisms (2). The running mechanisms (2) are guided along the conveyor track of a conveying device. The conveyor track has parallel conveying paths (19) which are disposed in sections parallel to a main conveying at (18) and are connected by transverse conveying paths (21) to the main conveying path (18). A subsidiary conveying path (20) is associated with the parallel conveying path (19), directly adjacent and extending parallel to it. This subsidiary conveying path is preferably connected by transfer stations to the transverse conveying or parallel conveying path (21 or 19) and/or to the main conveying path(18).

Abstract: In a composite-machining machine tool for carrying out a turning operation and a machining center operation, a B-axis shaft 13, having a tool spindle head 14 mounted on its front end, is rotatably supported by a Y-axis slide 10, and the B-axis shaft 13 can be indexingly rotated by a B-axis servomotor 22. Clamp pistons 26 are provided in opposed relation to a flange portion 25 of a front end portion 13A of the B-axis shaft, and the clamp pistons 26 are pressed against the flange portion 25 to thereby fix the B-axis shaft at an arbitrary rotational angle position. By doing so, a hobbing tool 29 can be fixed in such a manner that the axis of this hobbing tool can be precisely indexed at a desired angular position with respect to a workpiece W, thereby enabling a hobbing operation.

Abstract: A method and multiple station flexible boring machine for transferring and locating a pallet carrying a workpiece to be machined. The machine has at least two machining stations and a part loading and unloading station adjacent a transfer table carried by a base for carrying, generally locating and transferring a pallet and a workpiece to each station. The pallet has a curvic coupling locator ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and generally radially extending teeth for complementary mating engagement with a locator ring on an independent base of each station to accurately radially, axially and circumferentially locate the pallet on the station base. At the load station, the locator ring on the pallet is received in complementary mating engagement with the locator ring on the load base accurately locating the pallet with respect to the base and a workpiece is loaded, accurately located with respect to the load base and clamped to the pallet.

Abstract: A machining system comprising a plurality of different kinds of single purpose machining units arranged at plural machining stations located along a transfer path, and a transfer apparatus for transferring plural kinds of workpieces along the transfer path so as to position each of the workpieces at plural machining stations successively for machinings by the plural single purpose machining units. The machining system is provided with a return conveyor or a transfer vehicle for transferring the workpieces along a return path from the end of the transfer path to a workpiece unloading station, and a numerically controlled general purpose machine tool arranged adjacent to the return path. The general purpose machine carries out special machinings which cannot be carried out by the single purpose machining units for machining some workpieces which require such special machinings.

Abstract: A quick change mounting system for machine tools provides tool-carrying fixtures having a system-standard dimensional referencing system and fluidically controlled tooling to effect the desired machining operations. The tool-carrying fixtures are mounted to and dismounted from a system-standard tooling plate that carries fluidic supply conduits and mutually operative connectors that effect connection and disconnection of the fluidic system in response to the mounting or dismounting of the tool-carrying fixtures on its mounting plate. A change from one tool-carrying fixture to another can be accomplished by dismounting the former tool-carrying fixture from its mounting plate and mounting a replacement tool-carrying fixture.

Abstract: An automatic pallet switching mechanism comprising a pallet support for accommodating a work pallet in a fixed position, a pallet changer for elevating and rotating the work pallet, and pallet fixing structure having clamping apparatus. For fixing the work pallet at a precise position the fixing structure comprises two clamping slides biased against one another and provided with keys for locking engagement in lateral keyways formed on a locking bolt. At least one of the clamping slides is formed with a lateral recess for engagement therein of a control element. Inside the pallet support there is mounted at least one shaft carrying the control element at one end thereof and having its other end adapted to be coupled with the pallet changer via an operating member.

Abstract: A pallet changer includes at least one pallet (4, 14) for holding a workpiece (5, 15); a first guide (41) for guiding the pallet (4, 14); a first support (2) for supporting the first guide (41); a second guide (51) for guiding the pallet (4, 14); a second support (30) for supporting the second guide (51); a first linear motor (40) associated with the first guide (41); a second linear motor (50) associated with the second guide (51). The pallet (4, 14) is made of conductive material so as to serve as a secondary conductor for the first linear motor (40) and the second linear motor (50) for performing changing of the pallet (4, 14) between the first linear motor (40) and the second linear motor (50) along a desired direction (Y).

Abstract: A centering and clamping device for clamping a support (4) to a base (1) has contact surfaces (29 and 8) which come into contact with each other and have installed therein device parts (5 and 2), with passive (6) and active (3) coupling elements. The device parts have centering elements (31 and 33) which work in conjunction, one of which (31) is designed to yield elastically in the direction of clamping. The active coupling element (3) contained in the base part (2) of the device can be moved between its retracted position within the contact surface (8) of the base (1) and an operating position where it projects above this contact surface. The elastic centering element (31) is a circular collar having a base area, reduced in cross-section, and an S-shape (36) by narrow radial circular grooves (34, 35).

Abstract: An attitude reversing method for reversing up and down an attitude of an assembly consisting of a plurality of objects in the course of an assembling operation includes a setting step for setting first and second mounting surfaces of a jig for reversing operation, having at least the first and second mounting surfaces to a mounting position and a reversed position, respectively, a mounting step for mounting the assembly on the first mounting surface set at the mounting position, a superposing step for superposing the second mounting surface on the first mounting surface, and a reversing step for reversing the jig for reversing operation while maintaining the state in which the assembly is mounted on the first mounting surface and for setting the second mounting surface at the reversed position in a state in which the assembly is placed on the second mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shuttle assembly for supporting at least one pallet and adapted to cooperate with a moveable working table. The shuttle assembly includes a frame and a structure on the frame for providing at least one loading and unloading platform having an open end adapted to allow transfer of at least one pallet between the loading and unloading platform and the moveable working table. The shuttle assembly also includes a clamp assembly located opposite the open end for engaging and disengaging at least one pallet.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises: (a) a tool (22); (b) a body (2); (c) a tool supporting means (10) for supporting the tool (22) provided relative to the body (2); (d) a means (4) for supporting a pallet (P) for setting a work (W), the support means (36, 35) being provided relative to the body (2); (e) a first moving means (31, 32, 32a, 33, 34, 37, 39) for moving the means (4) about a center axis (U2) along a first direction (B1, B2); and (f) a second moving means (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) for moving the tool supporting means (10) so as to cause relative motion between the tool supporting means (10) and the means (4) for performing machining operation of the work (W).

Abstract: An indexing machine includes a continuous chain having a run extending between a pair of movable sprocket gears. Work carriers are provided at spaced intervals along the chain and a plurality of fixed work stations are located at equal intervals along the chain run. The machine includes a drive for continuously moving the chain and a cam rotated by movement of the chain for moving the sprocket gears back and forth and alternately accelerating movement of the chain in the run and dwelling the chain in the run with work carriers located adjacent work stations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet changing mechanism for a machine tool wherein when pallets loaded with works through an attachment are successively changed, an input and output cable or the like for connecting a control device of a machine tool and an attachment is automatically re-connected to an attachment next to be carried in from an attachment carried out of a machining table of the machine tool. The connector device comprises a movable portion provided on the machining table of the machine tool and a fixed portion provided on the pallet. Mounting and dismounting of the input and output cable or the like every time a pallet is changed is carried out simply and positively. A shield member is disposed on the connector device to thereby completely separate and shield a plurality of connector blocks from each other, and positive operation, detection and the like for the attachment are carried out.

Abstract: Palletized, unassembled workpieces are transported by a carousel to successive work stations at which pallets are deposited on work tables. The tables and each of the pallets are provided with registering mechanism so that the workpieces are identically located in each station. Robotic welding or other tasks requiring a high degree of repetitive accuracy can be performed at each station to fabricate the workpieces into finished or semi-finished end products. Both the depositing of pallets on and lifting them from the work tables can be accomplished at a creep speed.

Abstract: The present invention is a fixture primarily for use with a machining center. The fixture has a plurality of face plates mounted on an interior casing and moveable jaws exposed on the face plates. Parts to be machined can be placed between the jaws and gripped by the jaws for easy and quick setup of various machining operations. Assemblies for actuating the jaws are described.

Abstract: A manual pallet changer for performing a loading operation and an unloading operation for a pallet between a table of a machine tool and a pallet magazine comprising a clamp for clamping the pallet to the table of the machine tool. The pallet magazine connected to the machine tool by an opening and closing joint, the pallet magazine as a whole being rotatable about a supporting point of the opening and closing joint; and the pallet magazine having first guide rails arranged alone a longitudinal direction of the pallet magazine in two rows; second guide rails arranged along a direction different from the longitudinal direction in two rows; movable guide rails arranged along the longitudinal direction in two rows, the movable guide rails being movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a lift for moving up and down the movable guide rails.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a table (24) movable in a first direction and a second direction for supporting a work holder (H), a work storage magazine (3) for storing a plurality of work holders (H), and a work changer for transferring work holders (H) between the work storage magazine (3) and the table (24). The axis of the work holder (H) supported in the table (24) is directed in a horizontal direction. Each axis of the work holders (H) stored in the work magazine (3) is directed in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A pallet exchanger includes a machine tool table movable along a first axis and a second axis, a mounting arrangement for mounting a plurality of pallets each of which has a workpiece, a support for supporting the mounting arrangement, and a motive device for moving the mounting arrangement relative to the machine tool table along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes. The mounting arrangement includes a guide arranged along the first axis, first and second mounting parts, and an intermediate part between the first and second mounting parts. The motive device includes a drive device mounted on the support and an operating device driven by the drive device which moves the mounting arrangement on the support relative to the machine tool table.

Abstract: A table for securing a pallet supporting a workpiece to a machine tool, the table having a spindle movable in a vertical direction. When the spindle ascends, the clamp arms move outward thereby to enable the clamp pawl to clamp the pallet at a clamping position, and when the spindle descends, the clamp arms are withdrawn to release the pallet from clamp.

Abstract: The module is remarkable in that it comprises a body (1) obtained by hollow extrusion with internal sides (1.3) and 1.4) and a rectilinear and horizontal bottom face provided with profiled fixing notches the bottom base (1.5) making up a supporting surface corresponding to the maxiumum width of the guide body, the length of the bottom base of the latter having a longitudinal opening enabling the positioning of a connecting strip and above, a longitudinal guided profile taking a guide rail (11) associated to the said strip, the said guide rail taking one or more transfer slides supporting a profiled saddle (3-17), and wherein the top edges (1.8) of the said body have a horizontal wing defining a top longitudinal slot enabling the said saddle (3-17) to be moved and sealing means to be positioned, and wherein the top part of the said saddle (3-17) has a narrow section (3.8) and (17.

Abstract: A work holding apparatus is a work holder for holding a work in a predetermined position in relation to a basic member. A base column is rotatably supported astride on two sets of base plates. Holding fixtures are removably mounted on each side of the base column, such that different types of works can be supported and clamped by the holding fixtures. An indexing-rotation driving device rotates the base column such that it may be applicable to various types of works, thereby facilitating the holding of many types of works and the replacement of supporters and clamps. Furthermore, the base plate for supporting the base column is divided into two sets to reduce the weight of the base plate moving parts, and a base plate synchronizing means is provided to insure synchronized operation of the two base plates.