Spindle Or Chuck With Respect To Workpiece Or Workpiece Support Patents (Class 33/642)
  • Patent number: 11940270
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine for measuring coordinates or properties of a workpiece includes an extended stylus. The extended stylus includes an extension element and a connection element. The extension element includes a carrier portion mounted at the connection element so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The extension element includes, on a side remote from the connection element, a shaft portion that is aligned so as to deviate from the axis of rotation. The coordinate measuring machine includes a measurement head to which the extended stylus is attached. The measurement head is configured to measure deflections of the stylus resulting from contacts of the extended stylus to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Ruck, David Höcherl
  • Patent number: 11525660
    Abstract: When an index table is installed on a rotary table in a surface shape measuring device, deterioration in measurement accuracy can be suppressed. The surface shape measuring device includes: a rotary table which is configured to place a workpiece thereon and to be freely rotatable around a rotation center axis; and a detector configured to detect a displacement of a probe brought into contact with the workpiece. The rotary table has a centering mechanism configured to align a center axis of the workpiece and the rotation center axis. An index table freely detachably mounted on the rotary table is provided, the index table configured so as to be able to perform indexing along a first axis and a second axis which are perpendicular to the rotation center axis. Eccentric load cancelling means configured to cancel an eccentric load caused by the indexing of the index table is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO SEIMITSU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michihiro Sekimoto
  • Patent number: 11498178
    Abstract: A universal tram is provided for aligning machine tools. The universal tram includes a slide rail, featuring a rail along its length, to which a clamping coupler attaches. In turn, the clamping coupler attaches to the indicator holder. The indicator holder is configured to hold an indicator. The slide rail is configured for direct attachment to horizontal and vertical milling machines, for example. Optionally, the universal tram also includes a machine adapter and adapter plate. The machine adapter serves as a base block for positioning a measurement or tramming device on a machine tool to which the slide rail does not directly attach—a horizontal or vertical lathe, for example. The adapter plate allows for the height of the machine adapter to be adjusted by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the adapter plate. Further, a method of using the universal tram is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Doug Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11465249
    Abstract: A self-centering device for a liner press-fit wheel may improve center alignment when liners are pressed in bolt holes of the wheel, may reduce rejects generated when bolt hole materials are pressed out by alignment failures, and may improve a press-fit yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Xiao Liu, Xiaopeng Chen, Xingming Zhang, Zuo Xu, Hanqi Wu
  • Patent number: 11415403
    Abstract: An apparatus (100), including: a base reference contact (102) configured to correspond with a first point on a workpiece; a dimension contact (120) configured to move relative to the base reference contact along a dimension axis (124) and to correspond with a second point on a workpiece; and a pointer (162) operatively associated with the dimension contact such that movement of the dimension contact moves the pointer along the dimension axis an amount (X % D) that is proportional to and less than an amount (D) the dimension contact moves along the dimension axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Henry Wang
  • Patent number: 10488171
    Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a first probe head part with an interface, for coupling the probe head to the coordinate measuring machine. A second probe head part is coupled to the first probe head part and is rotatable relative to the first probe head part about a first axis. A third probe head part is coupled to the second probe head part and is pivotable relative to the second probe head part about a second axis. The first and second axes lie askew in relation to each other. A first actuator pivots the third probe head part about the second axis via a push rod coupled to the third probe head part at a lateral distance from the second axis. The first actuator moves the push rod in a longitudinal direction to pivot the third probe head part relative to the second probe head part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Otto Ruck, Peter Mueller
  • Patent number: 10150167
    Abstract: A device for assisting an operator of a boring instrument having a penetrating element for penetration a work surface that includes a retention member adapted to be connected to a rotating element of the boring instrument and adapted to receive a laser and a plurality of mirrors including a beam splitting alignment mirrors that directs a laser beam in a direction parallel with a penetrating element and perpendicular to a work surface, and a depth indication mirror that reflects a light beam at an angle of less than 90 degrees from said retaining member to a location on said work surface wherein the location of the beams from the alignment beams is maintained at a fixed radial position when the retention member perpendicularly moves towards a work surface and wherein the beam is rotated defines a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: John Cerwin
  • Patent number: 9366521
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for measuring the erosion depth of a sputtering target, the apparatus for measuring the erosion depth of a sputtering target comprises a guiding rail, a positioning component and an erosion depth measuring device, the erosion depth measuring device is provided at the guiding rail in a relatively movable manner, the positioning component is disposed at the two sides of the guiding rail so as to support the guiding rail. According to the present invention, the erosion depth data can be known timely, and the utilization ratio of the sputtering target can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventors: Pinzheng Fu, Chao-Mu Chen
  • Patent number: 9272340
    Abstract: A blowout preventer milling assembly for milling a gasket surface in a blowout preventer. The blowout preventer assembly can have legs, a support frame mounted to the legs, and a pair of support frame rails mounted to the support frame located on opposite sides of the gasket surface. The blowout preventer milling assembly can have a support frame actuator to move a bridge frame on support frame rails. The bridge frame can have bridge rails and a bridge frame actuator for moving a spindle holder on the bridge rails. A pneumatic spindle for calibrating and cutting the gasket surface is provided. A portable controller communicates through a network with the support frame actuator, the bridge frame actuator, a power supply, and a client device to control the movement of the pneumatic spindle to mill the gasket surface of the blowout preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MERIDIAN EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffery A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8499469
    Abstract: An edge finder includes a housing having a power source included therein. The edge finder includes a probe extending outward from a bottom portion of the housing, the probe including a tip portion located at a distal end, a centrally-disposed spherical portion, and a columnar portion located at a proximal end. The edge finder includes a notification element disposed within the housing, the notification element including the ability to be engaged via the power source, such as for example a light source. The edge finder includes a contact element within the housing such that when lateral pressure is applied to the conical portion, the probe rotates about the spherical portion and columnar portion causes the contact element to engage the power source for activating the notification element. Thus, the edge finder is able to determine X, Y, and Z axes of an item using the notification element for guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Vladimir Vukicevic
  • Patent number: 8261457
    Abstract: A CNC lathe jaw alignment system in which the position of the work holding edge of a chuck jaw is accurately located with respect to a work holding tool block mounted on a CNC lathe turret. A laser alignment tool is provided which includes a housing containing a light emitting laser module powered by a battery and an on/off switch. This laser module is used to project a laser beam onto the mounting face of a CNC lathe chuck to form a red target dot at the diameter of the workpiece. The laser alignment tool allows the lathe operator to visually see the workpiece diameter on the chuck as a red target dot generated by the laser module. This red target dot allows the operator to substantially expedite the process of accurately attaching jaws to a CNC lathe chuck in preparation for machining processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley Dean Peters
  • Patent number: 8132335
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the accuracy of a circular path of a work spindle or a machine table, in particular an NC-controlled machine tool, includes a clamping element coaxial with the work spindle, a first rotary bearing disposed on the clamping element and coaxial with the rotation axis of the work spindle, a measurement arm with a first pivot bearing having a first pivot axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the clamping element, a length measurement system disposed in measurement arm with a glass rod with a marking and a reading device, an adjusting device receiving the measurement arm and having a second pivot bearing with a pivot axis aligned parallel to the first pivot axis, a second rotary bearing having a second rotation axis aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the work spindle, and a stator supporting the second rotary bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dreier Lasermesstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Dreier
  • Patent number: 8083444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to machine a curved surface such as an inner or outer peripheral surface of a pipe. The pipe is held stationary during machining and a rotatable spindle of a machine head moves along multiple orthogonal axes to align the rotational axis of the spindle with the longitudinal pipe axis. Preferably, the pipe axis is located by using a touch probe to engage the curved surface at multiple spots and the calculating the location of the pipe axis. The cutting tool, which is preferably a cutting tool insert, is rotated by the spindle to machine the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Mazak Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Edward Schawe
  • Publication number: 20110131826
    Abstract: A system and method for quick and accurate tramming are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus comprising a plurality of indicators spaced apart in a plane perpendicular to a body shank and connected thereto, the body shank configured to be received into the spindle. The system also includes a calibration device configured to temporarily remain fixed in place on the mill table to provide a single point of calibration for each indicator received in the apparatus. The method includes calibrating the indicators one at a time by positioning an indicator shank tip atop the calibration device and adjusting the indicator to read a calibration value common to all the indicators. The spindle is moved toward the mill table until at least one indicator tip touches the mill table and the mill head is adjusted until all indicator tips touch the mill table and all indicators read the same value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Sean Edward Gordon
  • Publication number: 20110083337
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking the accuracy of a circular path of a work spindle or a machine table, in particular an NC-controlled machine tool, includes a clamping element coaxial with the work spindle, a first rotary bearing disposed on the clamping element and coaxial with the rotation axis of the work spindle, a measurement arm with a first pivot bearing having a first pivot axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the clamping element, a length measurement system disposed in measurement arm with a glass rod with a marking and a reading device, an adjusting device receiving the measurement arm and having a second pivot bearing with a pivot axis aligned parallel to the first pivot axis, a second rotary bearing having a second rotation axis aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the work spindle, and a stator supporting the second rotary bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Dreier Lasermesstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: HORST DREIER
  • Patent number: 7758288
    Abstract: There are provided an expanded hole drilling device, a component for the expanded hole drilling device, and an expanded hole drilling method, capable of expanding the diameter of a previously bored hole to a large diameter without causing decentering. The expanded hole drilling device 10 includes a drill holder 22 that is attached to a drill grasping part 18 in place of a drill 16 and grasps the drill 16, and a centering attachment 24 having a conical tip end part, which is attached to the drill holder 22. The expanded hole drilling method includes a step of arranging a bored workpiece displaceably on a table 14, a step of performing centering by inserting the tip end part of the centering attachment 24 into a bored hole, a step of fixing the centered workpiece on the table 14, and a step of drilling the workpiece to expand the hole by using the drill 16 after the centering attachment 24 has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Shigetoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7712227
    Abstract: An actuation device driven by the adjusting motion of a first carriage is provided and, because of the adjusting motion of the first carriage from the first position into the second position, the adjusting motion of a second carriage can be driven from the measurement point to the rest position, and because of the adjusting motion of the first carriage from the second position into the first position, the adjusting motion of the second carriage can be driven from the rest position to the measurement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Gleason Works
    Inventor: Uwe Gampe
  • Patent number: 7588400
    Abstract: A router depth adjustment device includes a shaft with a first and a second end, a handle disposed on the first end of the shaft, for rotating the shaft, and a mechanical connection disposed on the second end. The mechanical connection is configured to couple with a corresponding mechanical connection on a depth adjustment shaft of a router. A depth adjustment indexing system includes an adjustment knob slidably mounted on the shaft and an indexer pivotally mounted to the adjustment knob. The adjustment knob and the indexer are capable of pivoting independently and pivoting simultaneously. The adjustment knob is configured such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7464478
    Abstract: A precise center and edge finder in which the position of the center or edge of a workpiece or an aperture thereon is directly located with respect to a work tool. In one embodiment, the finder has a shank for attachment to a chuck. In another embodiment, the shank has a chamber for receiving a nozzle or other projecting work component. A laser diode directs a beam of light toward the workpiece. The beam of light projects a fine dot in direct alignment with the centerline of the work tool to the center or edge of the workpiece. A dot adjusting unit can be used to adjust the intensity and size of the dot. Alternatively, the finder projects a ring-shaped light to directly align an aperture on the workpiece with the work tool or a cross-hair shaped light to align the workpiece with an x-y axis of the work tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Merle Skip Adrian
  • Patent number: 7444757
    Abstract: Disclosed is an alignment tool. A body of the alignment tool fits into a turret block, while a head holds a machine-tool. During the alignment process, the head and body are allowed to move relative to one another in two dimensions perpendicular to an axis of rotation of a spindle. To align the alignment tool, a workpiece is inserted into the spindle. As the workpiece spins, a machine-tool cuts a taper in it. An “empty” alignment tool is brought to bear against the tapered workpiece. The axis of the head of the empty alignment tool, and thus the axis of any machine-tool held by the head, is aligned with the axis of the tapered workpiece and, thus, with the axis of the spindle. Once the machine-tool is aligned with the spindle, the head and body are tightly fastened together to preserve the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: T.R. Machine, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Olsen, Aaron Michael Sargent
  • Patent number: 7367756
    Abstract: In adjusting phase for work (W), the operation of mounting/dismounting a reference tool on a spindle (6) is dispensed with and so is a storage space for the reference tool, and besides, it is arranged that the thrust on the work (W) does not directly act on the spindle (6) at the time of this phase adjustment. In a machine tool in which a spindle housing (7) supporting the specifically directed spindle (6) for rotation alone is supported for parallel motion in orthogonal three-axis directions (XYZ) by a numerical control mechanism (4), in determining the phase for the work (W) is feed-rotated around a specific axis (S), it is arranged that with a reference block (9) fixed to the spindle housing (7), the work (W) is feed-rotated around the specific axis (S) to abut the phase reference section (W1) of the work against the reference block (9), so as to find the amount of feed-rotation of the work at the time of this abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Horkos Corp
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makayama
  • Patent number: 7296955
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for examining the precision of motion of a working spindle of an NC-controlled machine tool along a circular path for producing circular cylindrical surfaces on workpieces, comprising a first device part which can be coaxially mounted to the working spindle, a second device part which can be positioned on a machine table, which receives a workpiece to be processed, coaxially to the axis of a circular cylindrical surface to be produced on the workpiece, an electronic measuring value sensor which extends radially with respect to the axes of working spindle and circular cylindrical surface and is hinged to both device parts, and a shaft encoder which is rotatably disposed in the second device part coaxial relative to the axis of the circular cylindrical surface to be produced to determine the angular position of the measuring value sensor, wherein the measuring value sensor is held on one of the two device parts such that it can be adjusted and fixed transversely to the axes of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dreier Lasermesstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Dreier
  • Patent number: 7252466
    Abstract: A CNC machining center has a table-mounted referencing device having two pedestals, each separately engageable by a tool in a Z-axis drive tool holder to establish a zero reference for vertical machining operations on a work-piece mounted on the table. The first of the pedestals has a relatively soft top so that rapid Z-axis advance of the tool onto the pedestal will not damage the tool tip. A spring load on the pedestal also accommodates limited downward movement from a rest position for the pedestal to operate a Z-axis drive stop switch to further avoid tool damage and to save in the computer controller memory, the height of the tool tip from the table. The second pedestal is provided with a hard top so that when the tool tip is touched on it and moves the hard pedestal to operate the switch 34, the Z-axis drive recorder records in controller memory a number that is precisely related to the height of the tool tip from the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald V. Roch
  • Patent number: 7188431
    Abstract: For determining a depth of drilling in objects a path over which a resistance is measured which is produced by an object to be processed counteracts a processing tool during its advance movement, and the measured path is used for determination of a depth of drilling in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: CLAAS Fertigungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Herrmann, Oswin Moessner
  • Patent number: 7168180
    Abstract: An optical aligning apparatus includes: a pendulum disk having a laser illuminator mounted in a lower portion of the pendulum disk, a multiple-pole magnet annularly formed on a collar concentrically secured on a shaft of a rotary machine, an electromagnetic coil device secured in the pendulum disk and rotatably disposed around the multiple-pole magnet formed on the collar; whereby upon rotation of the rotary machine to simultaneously rotate the magnet on the collar secured on the shaft relative to the electromagnetic coil device on the pendulum disk which is gravitationally pendent and stationary, the electromagnetic coil will be electromagnetically induced to produce electricity to power the laser illuminator for projecting a laser optical line to an object for alignment or marking in order to be processed by the rotary machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Chyi-Yiing Wu, Ming-Chun Hu
  • Patent number: 7140118
    Abstract: A precise center and edge finder in which the position of the center or edge of a workpiece is directly located with respect to a work tool, such as a milling machine having a spindle driven chuck. The finder has a housing with a shank at one end for attachment to the chuck and a discharge aperture at the other end for discharging a beam of light toward the center or edge of the workpiece. Disposed within the housing is a source of light, preferably a laser diode module, and batteries to power the light source. The beam of light from the finder projects downward in alignment with the centerline of the spindle to the previously marked center or along the edge of the workpiece. The finder eliminates the need for calculations to find the true edge and the risk of contact damage to the workpiece or precision tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Merle Skip Adrian
  • Patent number: 7069666
    Abstract: The Invention is an apparatus for squaring a spindle of a machine tool with a work holding surface. A shank is adapted to be connected to the spindle. The shank has a shank axis and is attached to a body. The body has a lower side from which depends a reference point. The reference point defines a measurement plane perpendicular to the shank axis. A first gauge having a spaced-apart relation to the reference point has a range of measurement that intersects the measurement plane. The range of measurement falls on a measurement axis parallel to the shank axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph R. Navarro, Mariam M. Navarro
  • Patent number: 6966122
    Abstract: A gauge for measuring the extent of alteration in the level of carriage on which a power tool such as a router or saw is mounted. The carriage is mounted beneath a working surface on which a piece of work is placed. The cutting implement of the power tool such as a bit or blade projects through an opening in the working surface and terminates above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered and the gauge records any movement of the carriage. A clutch allows the gauge to be manually adjusted without affecting the level of the carriage. A hollow chamber is mounted beneath the working surface and through which the cutting implement extends. Air within the chamber is evacuated in order to create a vacuum for withdrawing debris resulting from the cutting of the work piece from the area where cutting takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6944965
    Abstract: An indicator holder for holding and positioning an indicator, such as a dovetail dial test indicator. The indicator holder includes a mounting assembly for attaching the holder to a machining apparatus. The mounting assembly includes one or more connecting members and an eccentric offset member. The central axis of the offset member is offset a distance from the central axis of the connecting member, with the two axes being parallel. The indicator holder includes an upper arm that receives the offset member of the mounting assembly such that the upper arm can rotate about its axis to enable alignment or zeroing of an indicator mounted within the holder. The indicator holder has a slide plate pivotally connected to the upper arm and a lower arm pivotally attached to the slide plate, with the lower arm including a guide way receiving and retaining the mounting element of the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Abe Watamura
  • Patent number: 6901680
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for spacing and aligning flutes to be routed in a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a flute-spacing jig with spaced alignment holes, a workpiece aligner, and a fence guide. Additionally, the system can include a T-square with adjustable stop-blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel R. Locaputo
  • Patent number: 6839978
    Abstract: A precise adjustment indicator holder in which a position indicator is carried with respect to a work tool and a work piece. The indicator holder connects to the quill of the work tool, such as a machine tool, or other supporting device and is comprised of a pair of arms which are pivotally connected to one another and movable in planes parallel to and relative to one another. The arms are provided with abutments to limit the degree of movement such that precise final adjustment of the positioning of the work tool can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Allen
  • Patent number: 6832440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring and setting perpendicularity between the tool holding spindle and work surface of a machine tool. The device is a fixture comprised either in one piece or multiple assembled components of the following: a shaft or shank used to mount the device into the spindle of the machine, and a body having a reference plane perpendicular to the shaft to provide reference readings with platform or nesting features for secure mounting of two precision gauges arranged along one axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph R. Navarro, Sr., Mariam M. Navarro
  • Publication number: 20040187335
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for spacing and aligning flutes to be routed in a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a flute-spacing jig with spaced alignment holes, a workpiece aligner, and a fence guide. Additionally, the system can include a T-square with adjustable stop-blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel R. Locaputo
  • Patent number: 6739066
    Abstract: The level-adjusting apparatus adjusts the level of a tool such as a router having a bit for cutting a piece of work on a working surface. The apparatus has a carriage on which the router is mounted. The carriage is located beneath the working surface and its bit projects above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered by means of a handle above the working surface. The handle is removable so that once the router is in position the handle may be removed so that it does not interfere with the routing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Jessem Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6688016
    Abstract: An angular position adjusting device including a first member which holds an object having an axis of rotation, a second member which holds the first member rotatably about the axis of the object, and a rotating mechanism interposed between the first and second members and operable to rotate the first member relative to the second member about the axis of the object, and wherein one of the first and second members has an guiding surface formed to extend along an arc of a circle having a center at the axis of the object, the arc having a center angle smaller than 180°, and the other of the first and second members has a guided surface for sliding contact with the arcuate guiding surface, when the first member is rotated by the rotating mechanism relative to the second member, to adjust the angular position of the object about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Suhara, Akiyoshi Tanaka, Takayuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6550154
    Abstract: The level-adjusting apparatus adjusts the level of a tool such as a router having a bit for cutting a piece of work on a working surface. The apparatus has a carriage on which the router is mounted. The carriage is located beneath the working surface and its bit projects above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered by means of a handle above the working surface. The handle is removable so that once the router is in position the handle may be removed so that it does not interfere with the routing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Jessem Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Darrin Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 6536129
    Abstract: A device for centering tools, such as saw blades, rotary cutters and the like which are circular and which have bores of different sizes, on processing machines such that they can be positioned about their center axes. The device includes a mount adapted to be attached to such a machine, and a slide coupled to the mount and adapted to move relative to the mount. A first bearing is coupled to the mount, and a second and third bearing are coupled to the slide and mounted for movement on the slide selectively toward or away from the first bearing. The first, second and third bearings are configured to engage the bore of the blade such that the bore is centered on the machine and the blade is rotatable about its center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: North American Products Corp.
    Inventors: John M. Segal, Russell E. Neukam
  • Patent number: 6510879
    Abstract: A device of depth index of a planing machine includes a bottom base, an upper base, an index device and a sensor device. The upper base is fitted with an index device at a preset position in the front. A push rod is pushed up to activate the index device to show a planing depth. The sensor device includes a sensing strip pivotally connected to a preset position under the upper base. As soon as contacting with a wood material moving on the bottom base, the sensing strip will rotate for a preset angle and prop up the push rod to let it activate the index device to show a numerical value of planing depth. As the sensing strip is elongate, a wood material moving on the bottom base can immediately sensed by it, no matter what size or where or how it is placed, obtaining effect of wholly sensing the wood material being planed and ensuring measuring precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bor Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 6401348
    Abstract: A rotational acquisition tool has a rotatable mounting body including a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A sleeve has a first end fixedly mounted in the body and a second end extending from the first side. A dynamic cylinder is mounted on the sleeve and includes a radial face slidably abutting the second end of the sleeve. A resilient member is retained in the sleeve and is engaged with the dynamic cylinder for exerting a tensile force on the dynamic cylinder sufficient to maintain relative positioning of the radial face on the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Francis Cavanaugh, Bobby Joe Luce
  • Patent number: 6308755
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base, a cutter carriage, a rotary cutter adapted to shave a workpiece, a height adjusting unit, and a shaving thickness indicator including a seat having a bottom opening, a supporting member mounted on the seat and having an aperture aligned with the bottom opening, an actuating member seated on a periphery of the aperture, a pointer, and a cam member connected to the pointer and mounted rotatably on the seat, and having a bottom lobe abutting against the actuating member. The actuating member is lifted by the workpiece during operation to actuate the cam member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6298573
    Abstract: A device for centering tools, such as saw blades, rotary cutters and the like which are circular and which have bores of different sizes, on processing machines such that they can be positioned about their center axes. The device includes a mounting plate adapted to be attached to such a machine, a first and second bearings on the plate, and a third bearing mounted for movement on the plate selectively toward or away from the first and second bearings. The first, second and third bearings being engagable with the bore of the blade such that the bore is centered on the machine and the blade is rotatable about its center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: North American Products Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Segal, Russell E. Neukam
  • Patent number: 6298567
    Abstract: The milling machine tool holder or chuck is used to support a spindle on a chuck axis through which a crossbar is transversely and slideably mounted. First and second ends of the crossbar adjustably support a mirror and a dial indicator, respectively, so a machine operator can see a dial face of the dial indicator that is not visible and facing away from the operator. The crossbar has a bend which enables the dial indicator to be articulated to conveniently measure features near the chuck axis without interference between the spindle and the dial indicator. The dial indicator is securely mounted to a clamp adapter which is mounted to the second end. A wedge-shaped slot in the adapter is configured to receive and secure one of a plurality of sizes of dial indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Marcel W. Coderre
  • Patent number: 6283180
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base having posts and a seat mounted on the posts, a cutter carriage mounted on the posts, a rotary cutter mounted on the cutter carriage, a height adjusting unit for adjusting the height of the cutter carriage, and a height indicator including a lever having one end mounted on the seat and the other end projecting upwardly from the seat, a roller guide unit including a roller guide pivoted on the lever, and a flexible string passing through the roller guide. The string is secured to the cutter carriage at one end. The height indicator further includes an urging member interconnecting the work table and the other end of the string. The string has a reference segment that extends between the ends of the lever and that is exposed from the lever so that the moving distance of the reference segment can be measured with reference to the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6283181
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base having posts, a pair of seats mounted on the posts, and a hollow supporting rod interconnecting the seats and formed with a slot. The wood planing machine further includes a cutter carriage mounted on the posts, a rotary cutter mounted on the cutter carriage, a height adjusting unit for adjusting the height of the cutter carriage, and a height indicator including a measuring scale, a slide member mounted in the supporting rod and slidable along the slot, a pointer connected to the slide member and extending to the measuring scale, a flexible string connected to the slide member and the cutter carriage, and an urging member for urging the string so as to permit the pointer to be movable along with the cutter carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6279628
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes left and right pairs of posts fixed uprightly at left and right mounting sides of a machine base. A cutter carriage is disposed above the machine base, and has opposite end portions mounted respectively, vertically and movably on the posts. A cutter unit is disposed on the carriage. A carriage locking mechanism locks the cutter carriage at a selected height relative to the machine base. A thickness adjustment device is mounted on the cutter carriage for adjusting thickness to be removed from a workpiece by the cutter unit, and includes a pointer-retaining case that is fixed on the cutter carriage, and that is formed with a vertical row of positioning groove units, a vertical measuring disposed on the pointer-retaining case, and a vertical stop shaft. The shaft extends rotatably and is mounted vertically and movably on the pointer-retaining case, and has a lower contact end abutting against the machine base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chiu-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6095728
    Abstract: Translation means is provided for translating positional movement of the cutting tool [56] of a cutting machine [10] to a digital readout assembly [60] provided for monitoring the relative positions of the workpiece support means [14] and the cutting tool support [55] in a direction parallel to the positional movement. The translation means comprises a reader mounting [31] for mounting the position reader [15] of a digital readout assembly supported by a carrier assembly [16] which carries the reader [15] whereby it may move with the carrier assembly [16] or relative thereto in a direction parallel to the positional movement. Drive means such as a precision push-pull cable drive [20] is provided for translating the positional movement of the cutting tool [56] to movement of the reader mounting [31] relative to the carrier assembly [16].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Frederick Victor Steven Howie
  • Patent number: 6082016
    Abstract: A cutting edge measuring device is disclosed, which is simple and small-sized in its construction. The cutting edge measuring device comprises: an arm 13 provided on a headstock 7 and movable between the retracting position A at which the arm does not interrupt a workpiece chucked in a main spindle and the working tool T and the measuring position at which measurement of the cutting edge is carried out; sensors 14a provided on the arm 13 and detecting the cutting edge position at an offset position from the axis of the main spindle with contacting or non-contacting fashion so as to transmit detecting signals; and positioning means 15, 27b, 28b for positioning and retaining the arm 13 at the measuring position B. By this arrangement, the cutting edge measuring device ensures measurement of the cutting edge while a workpiece is chucked in the main spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Otani, Akira Kosho
  • Patent number: 5918652
    Abstract: A mechanism that attaches to a plunge router, particularly when the router is used in a router table, to conveniently and accurately move the router body relative to the router base in order to adjust the position of a router bit in the router relative to the router table. Substantial excursions are made by moving a handle up or down using a handle or a foot pedal, and small excursions are made using a micro-adjust mechanism that has a detent set screw and cooperating structure to facilitate adjustment of the micro-adjust mechanism by very small predetermined increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Edwin C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5895184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus which is used to position work pieces in a work piece securing mechanism during a computer controlled machining operation. The apparatus includes an arm which is slidably mounted on a graduated shaft so that the position of the arm from a zero reference point can be determined. The apparatus may also include a second graduated shaft slidably mounted in the arm so that the position of a work piece inside a work piece securing mechanism can be determined in relation to a zero reference point. The apparatus of this invention can repeatedly position work pieces within about 0.0005 inch (0.0013 cm) of a desired position, or better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Multifold International Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome L. Walters, John O. Greene
  • Patent number: 5791843
    Abstract: A device for controlling the accuracy of the orbit along which a work spindle of an NC machine is moved during the manufacture of high-precision circular bores, inner and outer surfaces as well as radii essentially consists of a control unit (1), a clamping element (3) as well as an intermediate piece (2). The clamping element is connected to the work spindle of the machine tool and the control unit is placed on the work table of the machine tool, at the location at which the workpiece is held during the machining. The intermediate piece (2) is formed by a transducer (24) or comprises a transducer. If deviations from the nominal radius occur, the transducer transmits a signal to an amplifier, said signal being amplified and subsequently displayed and/or recorded. A shaft encoder (61) allows the precise determination and, if so required, registration of the respective measuring position. A special routing of the measuring cable and an internal transmission by means of a slip ring (66) and sensors (67), e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Dreier Lasermesstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Horst E. Dreier