Abstract: An engraving and marking device, usable in machine tools and the like, includes a supporting member provided with a coupling which is engaged by a spindle of a machine tool and supports a toolbit by means of an elastic support. The device is adapted to engrave and mark a piece being machined in a fully automatic manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes selecting a first location on a first side of the building structure that will define a first opening of the through-hole; disposing a magnet at the first location; selecting a second location on a second side opposite the first side via a magnetic pointer magnetically pointing to the magnet; and drilling the through-hole from the second side through the building structure in a direction indicated by the magnetic pointer creating the through-hole defined by the first and second openings on the first and second sides, respectively.

Abstract: A tool operates with a guide system to identify the orientation of a tool on a work piece. In one implementation, the tool identifies its orientation with respect to a guide signal supplied by the guide system. In an alternate embodiment, the tool determines its absolute orientation, such as a (x, y) coordinate. The tool includes an action component adapted to alter the work piece, such as a cutting head in a router. A guide detector in the tool detects a position of a guide signal from the guide system. A location detector in the tool receives the position data and employs it to determine the tool's orientation. Based on the detected orientation, the tool decides whether any tool adjustments are necessary. Examples of tool adjustments include the following: adjusting the position of the action component, enabling or disabling the action component, and providing operating indicators to direct a tool operator's use of the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board is provided with at least one signal layer, at least one feedback layer, and at least one dielectric layer positioned between the signal layer and the feedback layer. The signal layer is connected to at least one plated hole. The feedback layer has a contact pad, which is positioned adjacent to the plated hole, but is electrically isolated from the plated hole. The contact pad is connected to a measurement unit. The dielectric layer is positioned between the signal layer and the contact pad of the feedback layer. A portion of the plated hole forms a stub portion, which extends a distance away from the signal layer and typically extends a distance away from the contact pad of the feedback layer. To remove the stub portion, a hole is bored or routed into the multilayer circuit board until electrical feedback is received by the measurement unit upon contact of a portion of the boring device with the contact pad.

Abstract: A laser-positioning device for a drilling machine includes a carrier base having two accommodating slots and mounted to the outer case of the drilling machine, and a pair of laser sources respectively mounted in the accommodating slots of the carrier base to respectively generate a light beam. The light beams from the laser sources intersect at an intersection point on the piece to be machined indicating the landing point of the drill tool.

Abstract: A method of controlling a relative movement of a cutting blade and a workpiece which are moved relative to each other by a movement device in an operation with a machine tool. The method includes a step of bringing the cutting blade and an object into contact with each other, by moving at least one of the cutting blade and the object toward each other by the movement device, and a step of controlling the relative movement on the basis of a relative position of the cutting blade and the object which is detected by the movement device upon the contact of the cutting blade and the object with each other.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser positioning system for an aperture-processing machine and is an accessory of an aperture-processing machine. The present invention is a type of laser positioning system for an aperture-processing machine that includes two laser transmission devices each of which emits a beam of light. The two light beams form an angular set up. A common line of intersection is formed at the point of intersection in space. After the two laser transmission devices have been fixed relative to the aperture-processing machine, the common line of intersection formed at the point of intersection of the two light beams mentioned above and the axial line of the main bearing cutter of the aperture-processing machine coincide exactly, thus forming the reference for positioning. In the application of the present invention, adjustment is easy, positioning is rapid and observation is direct with high accuracy and low cost.

Abstract: A power tool having a work surface and a spindle attached to the power tool and defining an axis of operation of the power tool. In one embodiment, the power tool may include a bracket above the work surface. The bracket may include first and second bracket receptacles and first second holders movably supported in the first and second bracket receptacles. A first laser generator may be mounted in the first holder at a first angle relative to an axis of the first holder, and it may adjustably project a first fan beam. A second laser generator may be mounted in the send holder at a second angle relative to an axis of the second holder, and it may adjustably project a second fan beam. The first and second fan beams may be adjusted to intersect along the axis of operation of the power tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A laser centering mechanism of a drilling machine includes a clamp ring fitted around a drill chunk of a drilling machine, upper and lower knobs, and two laser modules. The clamp ring has several spaced upwards-sticking flexible plates, and several downwards-sticking flexible plates. The knobs are fitted around an upper end, and a lower end of the clamp ring respectively. The knobs are securely screwed to each other so that inner annular portions thereof make corresponding flexible plates tightly and securely pressed against the drill chunk. The laser modules are fixed to an inner edge of the lower knob, and are equipped with such lenses that laser lights emitted therefrom form intersecting straight light lines on a plane under them, which will form a centering light point on a central axis of the lower knob in rotation of the present mechanism together with the drill chunk.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of controlling a relative movement of a cutting blade and a workpiece which are moved relative to each other by a movement device in an operation with a machine tool. The method includes a step of bringing the cutting blade and an object into contact with each other, by moving at least one of the cutting blade and the object toward each other by the movement device, and a step of controlling the relative movement on the basis of a relative position of the cutting blade and the object which is detected by the movement device upon the contact of the cutting blade and the object with each other.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a friction stir welding head having a probe and spindle rotatably mounted at a first end. A support supports the stir welding head between the first end and a second end for movement about a pitch axis. A pitch actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the stir welding head at a point longitudinally spaced from pitch axis to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A turntable supports the stir welding head for movement about a yaw axis. A yaw actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the turntable laterally spaced from the yaw axis, to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A controller maintains an angle of attack of the probe with respect to direction of travel of the probe along the work piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for tapping a hole in a pipeline adapted to be attached to a support assembly having sealed communication with the exterior of a pipeline and having a tapping machine body with a boring bar rotatably supported therein with a circular cutter at the lower end thereof, a feed screw rotatably supported by the tapping machine body for axially positioning the boring bar, a hydraulically powered boring bar drive assembly within the tapping machine body driving the boring bar, a hydraulically powered feed screw drive assembly within the tapping machine body driving the feed screw and an auxiliary drive shaft affixed to rotate the feed screw drive assembly extending exteriorly of the tapping machine body and adapted to receive supplementary mechanical rotary energy for rotation of the feed screw so the boring bar can be retracted if hydraulic power is lost. A pressure compensation system permits the apparatus to be operated in a subsea environment.

Abstract: For an orbit boring to be performed by a tool (10) in an orbital motion along an orbit (A), a permissible range of an acceleration (a) of the orbital motion is provided to meet a criterion of a machining precision of the orbit boring, and the acceleration (a) is controlled to be suppressed within the permissible range.

Abstract: A positioning aid (1) for a hand tool device (3) driving tool (2), in a working direction (A), with a distance measuring system (4) mounted thereon. The distance measuring system (4) has at least one distance measuring sensor (5) for measuring the distance from the distance measuring sensor (5) to an object (6), along a line of measurement (M, M′, M″), and a computing unit (7) for comparing the measured value with a pre-selected desired value (S) and for producing a signal dependent on the comparison, wherein the line of measurement (M, M′) is oriented at least partially perpendicular to the working direction (A).

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: An automated drill and rivet machine is provided for riveting a work piece. The machine is moveable with respect to the work piece, and sensors locate sequential rivet sites along the work piece. A control system directs the movement and operation of the machine at sequential rivet sites for drilling and mashing. A method for automatically fastening components is provided including the steps of indexing an automated drill and rivet machine at a first work site and placing the machine in a first mode in which the machine to repeatedly performs the steps of drilling, storing the work site location, sensing a next work site, and moving the machine to the next work site. The operator then inserts a fastener at the previous drilling work sites and places the machine in a second mode in which the machine repeatedly performs the steps of returning to a previous work site and mashing the rivets at the previous work site.

Abstract: A tool tip conductivity sensor and method for determining when a tool tip of a machine contacts a workpiece. The sensor has at least two external connectors, one to the workpiece and the other to the machine. When the tool tip grazes the workpiece surface an electrical circuit is completed. The signal from the contacts is supplied to a trigger circuit, which preferably compares the signal to a DC offset. The trigger signal from the trigger circuit is supplied to a notification circuit, which provides a signal indicating contact. Preferably, the notification circuit receives the trigger signal and provides a steady “On” condition for an LED or activates an audible device, such as a piezoelectric transducer. The notification circuit can also provide a reference for further machining to a controller of the machine using the sensor as a contact probe.

Abstract: An adaptive control system for adaptively controlling a turning operation performed at a work piece by a turning tool adjusts a controlled input operation parameter F to maintain an output operation parameter &Dgr;M substantially at a predetermined value &Dgr;Mo to compensate variation of the output operation paramemeter &Dgr;M caused by the variation of at least one operation condition B=B (t). The system comprises a sensor (8) of the output operation parameter &Dgr;M for providing a signal Uc proportional to a current value &Dgr;Mc and an adaptive controller (10) for determining a value Fc to which the input operation parameter F should be adjusted, as a function of kUc, where k is a signal transmission coefficient which comprises an invariant signal transmission coefficient component ko inversely proportional to &Dgr;Mo.

Abstract: An improved drilling machine and drilling method will allow rapid configuration and calibration. The drilling machine is small, mobile, and possesses extensive computing power to download positions of hole sites and to control the positioning of the end effector. The mini-driller conforms to various jig configurations regardless of the program model or position on the wing. In short, the controller for the mini-driller quickly orients the machine, downloads the hole sites appropriate to the model under construction and determines with accuracy the mini-driller's precise location in relation to the work piece. A graphic user interface allows the operator to read the projected position of the hole sites, as downloaded from the Numeric Control Server, off of the graphic user interface and to make ad hoc corrections to the projected hole sites.

Abstract: A motion deciding means is provided to decide a motion based on transmitted information which is transmitted from another robot apparatus, so that it is possible to realize a robot apparatus which operates in cooperation with other robot apparatuses regardless of operator's instructions. Thus, such robot apparatuses can constitute a group of robot apparatuses which autonomously move in cooperation.

Abstract: The present invention has a laser mounted on the casing of the drill such that the laser is in line with the bit and pointing in the reverse direction. This allows the laser to be used to align the drill bit with a mark or hole such that the drill bit is directly in line with the preexisting mark. A bubble level is included to ensure that the drill is held level or plumb when it needs to be level or plumb. A retrofit mount allows the present invention to be used with pre-existing hand held power drills. The mount can be designed to allow the laser to point backward or forward. The retrofit mount locks on to the machined race of a hand held power drill using a metal collar and bolts. An arm extends either back over the body of the drill in the reverse pointing application or up from the collar in the forward pointing application. A small laser is mounted to the arm such that the laser is aligned with the drill bit.

Abstract: Plural spaced actuators mounted along a first axis are used to control machine tool motion along a first axis. The plural actuators are used in synchronism to create linear motion of the machine tool and the tool tip mounted on the machine tool along the first axis. The plural actuators are used differentially to create angular motion of the tool tip about an axis which is orthogonal to the first axis in order to correct angular errors in the axis of the tool.

Abstract: The device includes an operating head movable by a control unit with respect to a board for machining; the operating head includes a board holder device and an electric motor for a tool spindle; the rotor of the motor rotates with respect to the stator on air-cushion supports, and the stator slides axially on a further air-cushion support and is insulated with respect to the operating head; a signal generator senses the capacitance between the rotor and the stator, and generates an electric signal upon the tool on the spindle contacting the upper surface of the board; and the signal is used to define a reference dimension relative to the upper surface, and to so condition the control unit as to feed the tool to a predetermined depth as of the upper surface.

Abstract: A remotely powered electronic part sensing system is integrated with a chuck of a rotatable device such as a lathe machine for sensing the position of a part after loading of the part onto the lathe. The sensing system includes a detecting sensor arrangement, a transmitter, and an output sensor/receiver. The detecting sensor and transmitter are electrically connected to each other and integrated into the chuck, while the output sensor/receiver is mounted to a support member of the lathe. The output sensor/receiver is directly wired to an electrical power source in a conventional manner, while electrical power for the transmitter and detecting sensor arrangement is generated remotely, i.e., wirelessly, through an inductive coupling arrangement between the transmitter and output sensor/receiver. The transmitter and all sensors are located under the chuck face plate to minimize potential system fail due to contact with coolant and machine chips.

Abstract: A vibration-absorbing end effector of an automated drill and countersink machine having a shock to mitigate communications of vibrations to the drill tool, while simultaneously dampening the vibrations at their source, in order to increase control of a drill tool during drilling and countersinking operations. The end effector comprises a measurement scale to ensure that the depths of holes to be drilled and countersunk can be checked and corrected in accordance with corresponding ideal depths stored in a memory of the computer already interfaced to the end effector. Furthermore, the pressure foot of the end effector is upwardly rotatable to access the drill tool to the chuck.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatic fastening machines wherein a multi-axes motion controller is utilized in place of the conventional PLC or CNC control to provide for virtually an immediate change in system response when the systems feedback devices indicate the need for variance. The major advantage of the process control approach of the present invention is that all system feedback information is controlled via a single on board processor thus eliminating any communication lag associated with multi controller applications. This also provides for an improvement in fastener installation cycle time. An additional advantage to the approach of the present invention is the elimination of many mechanical hard stops and their respective electrical position switch indicators, which in turn reduces the chance for machine breakdowns resulting in a greater increase in productivity.

Abstract: A tool with a fluid axis wherein the fluid axis is controlled based on reference information from other tool axes, such as positional information relating to other tool axes. The reference information may be directly measured or may be determined from a control program used to control the tool with respect to the other axis or axes. Feedback information from the fluid axis itself, such as fluid pressure of the fluid axis, may also employed as to help determine the reference signal for controlling the fluid axis.

Abstract: A hole forming apparatus comprises a workpiece transfer mechanism that transfers one unformed workpiece at a time into a workpiece gripper and drives completed workpieces out of the workpiece gripper and onto an exit path. A compound hydro-pneumatic cylinder moves the gripper and one workpiece at a time downward into contact with a rotating forming tool. The forming tool includes a tool adapter head that holds various forming implements such as cutting blades or drill bits. The head also accommodates broachers and reamers, in which case a precision logic control detects and rejects defective workpieces that have no holes to broach or ream. The apparatus may also include a positive stop that prevents workpieces from overshooting the end of a forming stroke.

Abstract: An intelligent fixture system has the ability to clamp and machine a family of nonidentical parts without requiring the use of separate dedicated fixtures for each part. A first part sensing system identifies a part to be machined and configures the clamps on a fixture in accordance with the size and shape of the part. A second part sensing system determines the exact location of the part after it has been clamped into the fixture and develops error signals representative of position and orientation of the actual position of the clamped part relative to the intended position and orientation of the clamped part. X, Y, and Z position errors signals and roll error signals of the clamped part are provided as offsets to the machine tools which will machine the part in order to compensate for the errors.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert is mounted on a flexure member that is mounted on the end of a boring bar. The construction of the flexure member is such that it is compliant along a radial axis perpendicular to the direction of tool advancement, but relatively stiff along a feed axis in the direction of tool feed, and along a cutting axis in the direction of tool rotation. Any displacement of the flexure member and cutting tool insert as a result of workpiece engagement or boring bar deflection is sensed by laser detectors. Signals from the laser detectors are coupled to a computer that rotates with the boring bar and are used to provide feedback signals to an actuator in contact with the flexure member. The actuator displaces the flexure member to correct the position of the tool insert.

Abstract: The device includes an operating head movable by a control unit with respect to a board for machining; the operating head includes a board holder device and an electric motor for a tool spindle; the rotor of the motor rotates with respect to the stator on air-cushion supports, and the stator slides axially on a further air-cushion support and is insulated with respect to the operating head; a signal generator senses the capacitance between the rotor and the stator, and generates an electric signal upon the tool on the spindle contacting the upper surface of the board; and the signal is used to define a reference dimension relative to the upper surface, and to so condition the control unit as to feed the tool to a predetermined depth as of the upper surface.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining panels, plates and discs, is fitted with a number of workpiece clamping devices (10) that move along a work bench (20) of the machine tool. The machine tool has sensors (8) designed to detect the position of the clamping devices (10), and a unit (2) built into the operating head (15) of the machine tool, which engages the clamping devices (10) to moves them to preset positions on the bench (20) by one or more relative movements between the head (15) and the bench (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for detecting and/or compensating for static jointing and wear errors in the fine drilling of workpieces by means of an adjusting tool (18) bearing an adjustable cutting insert (28) and capable of being clamped to a machine shaft (14). According to the invention, before a drilling or a series thereof is made, the diameter of the circle of travel of a radially outer cutting edge (44) of the cutting insert (28) is measured on the clamped adjusting tool with the machine shaft (14) rotating and evaluated within the adjusting tool (18) for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: An improved drilling device for drilling normal holes in a workpiece surface is carried and positioned by an automatic control arm. The improved drilling device includes a compliant drill head generally comprising a drill housing and a pressure foot. The pressure foot for contacting the workpiece surface is connected to the drill housing at a universally swiveling joint. The drill housing encloses a drill drive means that advances and rotates a drill tool about a drill axis. Both the pressure foot and the drill housing have axial chambers and holes for permitting the drill tool to advance to the workpiece surface. Linear gauges mounted to the drill housing probe the orientation of the pressure foot relative to the drill housing.

Abstract: A machine alignment compensation actuator system is disclosed. The system is designed to selectively orient the tool head of a machine tool to maintain the tool along a desirable axis of alignment. The system includes a framework and a machine slide assembly configured to hold the tool. An actuator assembly having a plurality of actuators is disposed between the machine slide assembly and the framework. Each actuator is disposed at a unique location to permit selective reorientation of the machine slide assembly and tool with respect to the framework.

Abstract: A laser-based multi-axis position measurement unit measures position deviations in 5 axes while traversing a 6th linear axis. The apparatus includes three components: 1) a laser-beam unit which emits two parallel laser beams; 2) a sensor unit including at least three laser-position sensors, one of them being transparent; and 3) a microprocessor or computer unit which converts X,Y laser position data from the three sensors to displacements in 5 axes: X (horizontal), Y (vertical), Pitch (angular motion about the X axis), Yaw (angular motion about the Y axis), and Roll (angular motion about the line of travel). Readout of the 6th axis, the line of travel, is provided by means of a separate linear transducer or laser-based ranging system. The device includes an arrangement of three digital sensors on two parallel laser beams to deduce position in 5 axes.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device measures the temperature of a main shaft as a numerical value based on the outputs from temperature sensors. A temperature recorder stores the value as time series data. When the heat-induced displacement of the main shaft is in a stationary state, a heat-induced displacement estimate computing unit estimates the displacement based on the instantaneous temperature measurement. When the displacement is in a transient state due to a change in the rotation speed of the main shaft, the computing unit estimates the heat-induced displacement of the main shaft by multiplying the elapsed time from the beginning of the transient state by the ratio of the heat-induced displacement time constant to the temperature time constant and estimating the heat-induced displacement based on the time series data of the time preceding the current time by the result of the multiplication.

Abstract: A thermal displacement correcting apparatus suitable for a machine tool (1) provided with a mechanism for feeding a main spindle (2) is disclosed.

Abstract: A generating head assembly for cutting or machining a surface on a workpiece and including a generating head mounted for relative rotation with the workpiece and with cutting or machining members having a radially advanced cutting or machining position for cutting or machining the surface of the workpiece and a radially retracted non-cutting on non-machining position; the generating head assembly includes an actuating structure for providing relative rotation between the generating head and the workpiece and a rotary motor mounted with the generating head; the rotary motor is selectively operable to rotate an actuating shaft relative to the generating head to actuate the cutting or machining members to their radially advanced and retracted positions without axial thrust loads being applied to the generating head.

Abstract: A machine tool including an elongate bed with front and rear ends and a longitudinal axis, a spindle with a work piece-engaging chuck at the rear end of the bed, a first motor driving the spindle, a carriage at the front end of the bed, a first drive means with a second motor to position and move the carriage longitudinally of the longitudinal axis, an elongate cross-slide carried by the carriage and carrying a tool holder, a second drive means with a third motor to position and move the cross-slide on a lateral axis, an encoder connected with and reading the rotative position of the spindle, an electric-powered computerized primary controller connected with the encoder and with the first, second and third motors and controlling the operation thereof in response to machining programs stored therein; a rotary cutting tool head including an elongate rotary cutting tool holder driven by a fourth motor is mounted on the cross-slide remote from the cutting tool holder; a second electric-powered computerized contro

Abstract: A line laser assisted alignment apparatus that uses two laser line generators to define a reference axis that is aligned to coincide with an axis of a drill bit or other rotational tool. The reference axis of the alignment apparatus is matched with a marked position on a lower surface of an object that is to be worked by the drill bit or other rotational tool.

Abstract: A process for adjusting an effective tool diameter D and an effective tilt angle .alpha. of a cutting tool to a stipulated tool diameter and a stipulated tilt angle, respectively. The cutting tool includes a cutting blade disposed on a shaft and defining a cutting point and a cutting edge tilted by the effective tilt angle with respect to a rotational axis of the shaft, and a guide element disposed on the shaft opposite the cutting blade and defining a guide point and a guide line, the cutting point and the guide point being disposed on a cutting plane of the cutting tool. The process includes the steps of utilizing a measurement arrangement including a camera and a measurement slide supporting the camera; moving the measurement arrangement for acquiring the guide point on the camera; and moving the measurement arrangement to the cutting point for acquiring the cutting point on the camera.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining panels, plates and discs, is fitted with a number of workpiece clamping devices (10) that move along a work bench (20) of the machine tool. The machine tool has sensors (8) designed to detect the position of the clamping devices (10), and a unit (2) built into the operating head (15) of the machine tool, which engages the clamping devices (10) to move them to preset positions on the bench (20) by one or more relative movements between the head (15) and the bench (20).

Abstract: A generating head assembly for cutting or machining a surface on a workpiece and including a generating head mounted for relative rotation with the workpiece and with cutting or machining members having a radially advanced cutting or machining position for cutting or machining the surface of the workpiece and a radially retracted non-cutting on non-machining position; the generating head assembly includes an actuating structure for providing relative rotation between the generating head and the workpiece and a rotary motor mounted with the generating head; the rotary motor is selectively operable to rotate an actuating shaft relative to the generating head to actuate the cutting or machining members to their radially advanced and retracted positions without axial thrust loads being applied to the generating head.

Abstract: A bowling ball drilling apparatus for drilling variable size holes includes a table having an upwardly opening ball supporting pocket. A boring apparatus is mounted below the table for reciprocation in a generally vertical direction in a path intersecting the pocket. A carriage moves the boring apparatus in the path. The boring apparatus has an output shaft rotatable about a vertical axis. An adjustable boring head is connected to the output shaft for rotation therewith, the boring head receiving a boring tool and being variable adjusted to offset the boring tool horizontally relative to the vertical axis so that the boring tool orbits about the vertical axis to produce a variable size hole in the bowling ball dependent on an amount of the offset.

Abstract: A machine for chamfering and otherwise finishing workpieces such as metal rods or tubes includes a base with a drive and spindle assembly, an assembly for securing a workpiece in position and an air-electric control system carried on the base. The drive and spindle assembly includes a housing carrying a rotatable spindle with a cutter, a quill surrounding said spindle and a cylinder with a piston connected to the quill for moving the spindle and quill axially. The drive structure includes an electric motor and a variable speed transmission. The control system includes a pedal for connecting high pressure air to operate the spindle. A vise and stop assembly secures a workpiece in position and includes an actuator connected to the control system and coordinated with the control system piston to secure the workpiece in position before cutting. Manual translation of the quill and spindle is also provided for through a gear and rack on the quill meshed to translate the quill while the piston is inoperative.