Abstract: A machining center for machining a center groove on a pulley and a flange formed at opposite ends of a crankshaft of a vehicle includes a measurement unit configured to measure a moment of the crankshaft when the crankshaft is loaded and actuated, a control unit configured to calculate an imbalance amount of the crankshaft and to derive center drill coordinates for removing the imbalance amount, a compensation unit mounted in a base frame and configured to compensate a position of the crankshaft by rotating first and second rotating elements based on the center drill coordinates inputted from the control unit when the crankshaft is transported and clamped by a clamping system, and a machining unit configured to machine the center groove in the pulley and the flange of the crankshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle-guiding device (2) for a specified drilling resistance measurement unit, a drilling resistance measurement unit itself for investigating the nature of wood, and to a method for investigating the nature of wood. The needle-guiding device (2) for the drilling resistance measurement unit is designed to guide the drill needle (1) and to be operatively coupled to a drive of the drilling resistance measurement unit. The needle-guiding device (2) has a supporting device and a needle holder (4). The needle holder (4) has a drill chuck which is designed to receive the specified drill needle (1), and the supporting device extends in the longitudinal direction of the specified drill needle (1).

Abstract: A dynamic balancing test and correction apparatus capable of shortening the time required for correcting imbalance in a correction part and improving the entire workflow of the apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring machine feeds imbalance data of the workpiece to a solution processor. The associated memory defines a model data structure to store the imbalance data and also store data indicative of the geometry of the workpiece, where the model data structure stores workpiece geometry data representing the location of at least one workpiece modification site, referenced to at least one predetermined reference frame. The solution processor is programmed to execute a solver program that seeks at least one solution to reduce the imbalance, using the model data structure as solver constraints. The solution processor outputs at least one solution as imbalance reduction data representing the location of at least one workpiece modification site together with a datum indicative of a weight to be added to or removed from the workpiece at the modification site.

Abstract: An equipment for a machining lathe with digital control comprising a movable carriage, a tool support system with integrated drive which is mounted so as to pivot on this movable carriage so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis, as well as a device for actuating the tool support system with integrated drive with respect to the movable carriage. The tool support system with integrated drive comprises at least one mounting location to detachably receive a detachable accessory to support and drive a tool.

Abstract: System for ascertaining the number of revolutions of a rotationally mounted shaft, and method for ascertaining the number of revolutions of a rotationally mounted shaft, a permanent magnet being connected to the shaft in a torsionally fixed manner, the signal voltage generated by a microgenerator situated in an operative connection with the permanent magnet being supplied to an energy buffer, especially via a rectifier to a capacitor, a memory device for storing the number of revolutions being supplied from the energy buffer, the signal voltage of the microgenerator in particular being supplied to a counting logic device, which is supplied from the energy buffer and is connected to the memory device for reading out the respective old numerical value of the revolutions and for storing the respective newly ascertained numerical value of the revolutions.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for operating a machine tool having a selectively movable turret and a tool mounted to the turret. A cover is configured to be removably secured to the turret and sized so that the cover encloses the tool when the cover is secured to the turret. Turret control logic includes computer instructions stored in a computer memory and executable by a computer processor to limit movement of the turret when the cover is secured to the turret.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a drilling machine, configured to drill a hole in a work piece along a drilling axis, a deployment mechanism, attached to the drilling machine, a measuring probe, attached to the deployment mechanism, and a controller, coupled to the drilling machine, the measuring probe, and the deployment mechanism. The measuring probe is configured to produce a signal indicative of an actual geometric parameter of the hole when inserted therein. The deployment mechanism is configured to selectively align the measuring probe along the drilling axis. The controller is configured to cause insertion of the measuring probe into the hole, and to receive the signal from the measuring probe.

Abstract: A system for inspecting an aperture is disclosed. The aperture has an axis, a design geometric parameter, an actual geometric parameter, and a depth. The system includes a first measuring probe configured to produce a signal indicative of the actual geometric parameter of the aperture when inserted therein; a deployment mechanism supporting the first measuring probe and attachable to a robotic device, the deployment mechanism configured to selectively orient the first measuring probe along the axis of the aperture; and a controller, couplable to the robotic device, the first measuring probe, and the deployment mechanism. The controller is configured to cause insertion of the first measuring probe into the aperture substantially along the axis and to receive the signal from the probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a printed circuit board, comprising: drilling down in an initial position, and when contacting a live superficial conductive layer of a PCB, acquiring a first conductive position and acquiring a first height difference between the initial position and the first conductive position; drilling onward after the first drill bit of the driller drills through the superficial conductive layer and when contacting another conductive layer of the PCB, acquiring a second conductive position and acquiring a second height difference between the initial position and the second conductive position; calculating a difference between the second and the first height difference to obtain a third height difference; and performing back-drilling, according to the third height difference, in a position that needs back-drilling. The present invention acquires precise depth information through a test blind via and reduces Stub length of back-drilling.

Abstract: A machine for boring spaced, axially-aligned surfaces of a part includes a frame and a boring apparatus associated with the frame. The boring apparatus is configured to bore at least one surface of the part and includes a boring bar associated with a cutting tool configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the boring bar. The machine further includes a mounting fixture associated with the frame configured to mount the part in a fixed relationship with respect to the frame. The machine also includes an alignment assembly including at least one pair of plates. At least one of the plates of the pair of plates is configured to pivot such that the longitudinal axis of the boring bar is aligned with an axis defined by the axially-aligned surfaces of the part.

Abstract: A system comprises a drilling machine; a capacitive probe; and a probe deployment system, mounted to the drilling machine, for moving the capacitive probe inside a hole drilled by the machine to measure the drilled hole at different depths.

Abstract: A powered cutting tool for locating objects behind sheet material and subsequently cutting around the object. The tool incorporates at least one sensor having a transceiver emitting signal to detect at least one from the group of object density, conductivity, depth, and identification. The sensor is housed within a sensor unit that is affixed to the body of the cutting tool. The sensor unit can be integral with, or removable from, the cutting tool. A marking unit is used to mark the cutting area of the sheet material and is generally integral with, or located near, a sensor unit. Indicator members, such as lights, audio, and/or display screen, are used to provide information to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for drilling holes or cutting at specified locations on a beam or other material, even if the beam is offset from an ideal beam configuration. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to determine the correct locations of holes in the beam despite the beam's offset and drill holes in the beam according to this determination. The apparatus may be capable of drilling holes at specified locations on a web of an I-beam. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining the correct locations of the holes in the particular beam using the apparatus and drilling the holes in the correct locations in the beam according to that determination. Some embodiments include using one or more clamping mechanisms and one or more drilling members to determine the correct locations of the holes in the particular beam.

Abstract: A device comprising a swivel mount and its method of use are described. The device can be used in pairs with a variety of different power tools useful for working on metal or wood. The purpose of the tool is to insure a precise linear alignment between the measuring device and the moving part of the power tool that removes material from the wood or metal. The swivel mount includes a mounting block, a ball shank, and a swivel body mounted on the ball of the shank. The swivel mount attaches to one portion of the measuring device that is linearly adjustable with respect to the material removing part of the power tool. A second swivel mount attaches to a portion of the power tool that maintains a fixed distance with respect to the moving part of the power tool.

Abstract: A center hole boring device is configured to bore a center hole for working on each of two end surfaces of a material crankshaft. The center hole boring device includes a main clamper, a measurement chuck and a working section. The main clamper is configured to fixedly hold the material crankshaft. The measurement chuck is configured to hold two ends of the material crankshaft so that a shape of the material crankshaft is measured while keeping a posture of the material crankshaft held by the main clamper. The working section is configured to bore a center hole on each of the both end surfaces of the material crankshaft held by the main clamper.

Abstract: A method of controlling a drilling machine comprising the steps of: providing a drilling machine (13); equipping said machine (13) with a tool (15); providing a workpiece (19); associating said workpiece with a support (17a, 17b); applying a load (21) to said workpiece; working said workpiece by means of said tool, the method comprising a step of measuring load variations induced by the workpiece resistance to the working. The invention also concerns an apparatus for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: A tool having a base body which carries cutters for machining bores in a workpiece, the cutters being arranged coaxially with one another. The base body further has at least one lifting element, with which the base body can be moved from an eccentric position in relation to an axis of the workpiece bores into a central position, in which the axis of the tool coincides with the axis of the workpiece bores.

Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, a plurality of works are retained at distances from each other in a direction of an X-axis. A single spindle is disposed on a table movable in the direction of the X-axis, the spindle has an axis parallel to an axis of each of bores to be finished, and is capable of being advanced and retracted axially. A measuring device is provided that measures an inside diameter of each finished bore and which is advanced and retracted independently from the spindle in a direction along the axis of each finished bore. A combination tool is mounted at a tip end of the spindle and finishes an inner surface of any of the bores to be finished, even if the position of insertion of the combination tool into each of the bores is changed.

Abstract: A tool having a base body is proposed, on which at least one cutter holder, preferably a rocker-type cutter holder, is mounted such that it can be adjusted transversely with respect to the axis of the tool. The cutter holder carries a cutter and rests via a pressure piece on a control chamfer, which is provided on a control sleeve which is mounted in the base body such that it can be displaced axially in relation to the pressure force. The tool is defined in that the movement of the cutter holder (35) is controlled by at least one centrifugal force-actuated element (44, 66).

Abstract: In a drill resistance measuring apparatus including a drive unit and an attachment for determining the internal state of trees or wooden structures by determining the torque required to drive a drill into the wood, means for plotting and storing the torque depending on the penetration depth of the drill are included in the drive unit attachment, which includes a coupling portion for coupling to the drive unit and a transmission mechanism exchangeably supported in the attachment to permit an exchange of the transmission mechanism for a change of the transmission ratio for operating the drill at various speeds.

Abstract: A device for machining bores in a workpiece has a tool with a base member and cutting blades mounted on the base member for machining coaxial bores in the workpiece. At least one guide bearing for supporting the tool is provided. The at least one guide bearing has a guide bearing axis coaxial to the workpiece axis. The tool and the at least one guide bearing are shaped such that the tool is guided and centered in the machining position of the tool by the at least one guide bearing and is insertable and removable in a radial offset position from the bores and the at least one guide bearing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the drilling position of a multi-layer printed circuit board prior to drilling. Each board is x-rayed to determine location coordinates information of the inner layers of multi layer circuit board panels. An optimization process determines optimal locations for drilling. The board is then drilled according to the optimized coordinates. By minimizing misregistration between the drilled holes and inner layers of the multi layer semiconductor circuit board, the present invention reduces a significant cause of scrap to the circuit board industry as well as removing a major impediment to further increasing circuit density and wireability.

Abstract: In a method for machining a chamfer at a pipe end, clamped in a radial clamping device, to exact positional and dimensional tolerances as a function of a measured course of an inner and an outer diameter of the pipe, an actual position of the pipe end clamped in the radial clamping device is determined with a first sensing device. Based on the determined actual position, in a controlled manner a machining tool is quickly advanced to the pipe end. With a second sensing device at least one of the actual inner diameter of the pipe and the actual outer diameter of the pipe is determined, and optionally the course of one of the actual inner diameter and the actual outer diameter about the circumference of the pipe is also determined. The machining tool is adjusted based on one of the actual inner diameter, the actual outer diameter, the nominal inner diameter and the nominal outer diameter.

Abstract: A temperature gauge for drills of the type having a head to which a drill bur having a throughbore extending to its drill bur tip is removably mounted includes a temperature sensor receivable in the drill bur throughbore for sensing and measuring the temperature at the drill bur tip and a thermometer coupled to the temperature sensor for displaying the temperature at the drill bur tip. A method of measuring the temperature of the drill site is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing drill coordinates in a multi-layer printed circuit board, to correct for interlayer shift during lamination. A set of test patterns, in the form of a cross formed by two orthogonal conductor lines, are defined at each corner of each layer in the same nominal location. Under ideal conditions, the test patterns of the layers in each corner are lined up one above the other, without any offset. A counter sinking tool is used to cut a conical bore in the location of the test patterns, so that every test pattern cross is interrupted in four places, generating a four segment pattern in each layer. A high resolution camera is placed above the countersunk bore to form a single image of the exposed segment edges of all the test patterns exposed by the bore. The image is analyzed to determine the amount of shift of each layer. If all patterns are perfectly concentric, all crosses are perfectly aligned.

Abstract: A lathe capable of performing both usual machining and balance correction machining of a workpiece. In a combined machining lathe having a drilling and/or milling machine, vibration sensor(s) are attached to a headstock and/or a tailstock and a sensor for detecting a rotation angle of a main spindle is provided. After the usual machining, the workpiece is rotated at a predetermined rotating speed on the same lathe and an amount of imbalance and phase are calculated by a imbalance arithmetic unit. An NC machining program for balancing the workpiece is automatically produced by a balance correction machining program producer within a numerical controller and balance correction machining of the workpiece is carried out using a rotary tool such as a drill or the like.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a rotatable tool ring by movement of the carriage. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the carriage and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole. Self centering supports are provided to center the longitudinal axis of the pole on the rotational axis of the tool ring.

Abstract: A setup device for a milling machine includes a spindle having a rotatable element and a spindle mount for mounting the spindle with the axis of rotation of the rotatable element being at a known location relative to the machining process of the milling machine. A related method of positioning a milling machine relative to a part is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a shank 16 to a measuring probe 18 is disclosed, to enable the probe 18 to be incorporated on a machine tool for the purpose of tracing a contour of a model. The device includes first and second parts (20,22) connected to the shank and the probe respectively, retained together by a connecting bolt 50 which is spring-loaded by means of Belville washers 56. An arm 60 extends from the second part to engage the housing 14 of the spindle 10, and thereby prevent rotation of the spindle shaft 12. In the event of accidental spindle start-up the two parts 20,22 may rotate relative to each other (the shank rotating with the shaft 12); a thrust bearing 42 enabling sliding of the two parts.

Abstract: A machine for duplicating musical reeds comprises a force sensor supporting a drill bit, which acts both as a measuring contact, when stationary, or as a tool for removing material from the surface of a reed, when rotated. A flexural resistance map of a master reed, having desirable musical characteristics, is made initially, by moving the drill bit toward the reed surface a predetermined distance after initial contact is made, and storing the resultant reaction force in a computer. The master reed is then replaced with a new reed, at least as stiff as the master, and the process is repeated, comparing the readings with corresponding readings for the master. Where the reed is too stiff, material is removed from its surface by the drill bit; this is repeated over the entire reed surface, until the flexural resistance map of the new reed matches that of the master.

Abstract: A probe device (10) for a machine tool includes a part sensing device (28) attached to the end of a piston rod (26), movable along a cylinder (12) mounted on the machine tool spindle head (14). The rod (26) is attached to a piston (42) that is air actuated to extend or retract the rod (26) to respectively move the sensing device (28) to a part measurement position outside the cylinder (12), or to a protected position within the cylinder. When the device (28) is in its measurement position the spindle had (14) is selectively moved to bring device (28) into contact with a machined part to determine the accuracy of machining.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing method produces small orifices in a succession of work pieces according to a desired flow specification. After the work pieces are subjected to one or more preliminary processing steps, an apparatus, preferably an electro discharge machine, is used to produce a small orifice in each work piece. A gas, preferably nitrogen, is flowed through the orifice produced in a work piece, and the pressure drop of the gas flowing through the orifice is measured, preferably by a pressure gauge capable of providing both a visual display for a human operator and an electrical signal for a microprocessor. The pressure drop is compared to a correlation of pressure drop and the desired flow specification. The results of the comparison are used to determine whether an adjustment is needed to the apparatus and/or one of the preliminary processing steps.

Abstract: A tool set for gauging and repairing concentricity of a workpiece bore axial section with the pitch diameter of the internal threads in the bore includes a gauge sleeve, a gauge rod, a reamer, and a stop collar. For gauging concentricity of the internal threads with the axial section, the sleeve is first inserted within the bore and threaded into a concentric relationship with the bore internal threads, and, then, the rod is inserted through the sleeve. The rod has an inner end which can extend from the sleeve and within the bore axial section such that the rod inner end will extend through a predetermined distance if the axial section of the bore is concentric with the sleeve and thus with the pitch diameter of the internal threads within the bore.

Abstract: A machine tool has an array work stations which includes a plurality of machining stations. A plurality of hydraulic pallet assemblies are provided to hold workpieces to be machined. The hydraulic pallet assemblies are movable along a main track which extends through the work stations. Each of the hydraulic pallet assemblies includes hydraulic actuators which operate clamps to grip a workpiece. A test station is disposed to one side of a path of movement of the hydraulic pallet assemblies between the various work stations. A motor at the test station is operable to move a pallet assembly from the main track to a secondary track located at the test station. A connector assembly at the test station connects hydraulic fluid pressure with the hydraulic pallet assembly to operate the clamp assemblies under the same hydraulic pressure that they are actuated at a work station.

Abstract: In a method and machine for balancing centering a workpiece, such as a crankshaft, to be machined only at certain portions and in which the workpiece is transversely displaced with respect to an axis of rotation so as to minimize any unbalance and is subsequently cut to length, after which centering bores are formed in the opposite end faces of the workpiece to define the axis of rotation, the final balancing after the finishing machining of the workpiece is optimized by pre-balancing the workpiece in a manner which takes into account only the unbalance of those workpiece portions which will not be machined to determine the extent and direction of the transverse displacement.

Abstract: A spark plug grinding machine is equipped with force sensors to measure grinding forces and other forces attendant to a grinding operation. Ceramic spark plug insulators are carried by spindles on a Ferris wheel into a grinding station. A control wheel engages and spins each part as a grinding wheel grinds the surface of the insulator. A three axis transducer on one of the spindles measures force components along the axis of the spindle, parallel to a tangent of the grinding wheel and in a radial direction. A torque sensor on the control wheel measures the torque as the wheel rotates each insulator. Either or both of the sensors may be used. They are coupled through slip rings to a recorder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a workpiece in which material is removed by advancing a drill, mill or the like into contact with the workpiece and thereafter removing material therefrom. A force transducer is coupled to the workpiece or tool holder to produce an electrical signal in response to the force resulting from contact between the tool and the workpiece to reliably and accurately indicate contact for zero depth reference of the material removing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting the weight of workpiece by twice machining a weight-adjustment portion formed on the workpiece. In the present invention, the same cutting tool is used for machining the weight-adjustment portion and the feeding position for the second machining of the weight-adjustment portion is determined in response to the weight of the workpiece after the first machining. According to the present invention, even if the tips of the cutting tool should wear because of prolonged machining operations and, as a result, the amount of the first machining is insufficient, the said insufficiency is compensated for by the second machining.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic balancing of workpiece having diverse surface geometry is disclosed. The balancing machine of the present invention provides for computer numerical controls in the balancing and material removal operations. The processes provide for alternative methods of material removal and further provides for the balancing operation to be self-calibrating and self-programming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for first drilling a hole in a workpiece by utilizing a locating jig, and then inspecting the hole to insure it is drilled to the proper diameter. There is an inspection device having an inspection probe that is pivotally mounted about a universal mounting device so that the lower inspection end of the probe is able to deflect laterally to fit in the drilled hole so as to be centered therein. This arrangement compensates for any misalignment in the positioning of the inspection apparatus relative to the earlier alignment of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated factory system affords precision machining and inspection of aircraft turbine blades, as well as other metal parts having two generally opposite principal surfaces. It uses only two stages of chucking by the meltable matrix method. After embedding one of the surfaces in the first chuck, which positions the blank relative to a plane of reference, the other surface is machined and inspected according to programs relative to that plane. Without release from the first chuck, the part is transferred to a second chuck for embedding the machined principal surface relative to a second parallel plane of reference a precise distance from that of the first chuck. Machining and inspection is now completed relative to this second plane of reference. Improved matrix chucks are provided, as well as new chucking apparatus which establishes the planes of reference.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for balancing a rotary body is disclosed. The apparatus includes an unbalance detection unit which rotates the body in first and second spaced bearings, the location of the first and second bearings defining first and second bearing planes, respectively. The forces developed by rotation of the body are sensed at the first and second bearing planes and the forces about the first bearing plane are summed to determine the weight and angular location of a mass compensation which, if effected, would substantially statically balance the body. An iterative technique is utilized which determines the axial location of the mass to be removed or added which would reduce to a minimum the dynamic unbalance of the body. The body is then passed to an unbalance correction unit which removes or adds the mass at the determined angular and axial locations to minimize the static and dynamic unbalances.

Abstract: A turret lathe having a part gaging probe at one position on the turret. The lathe has a probe cover supported in a holder when the probe is in use. The numerically-controlled lathe mechanism enables the turret to carry the probe over the cover to apply or remove the cover during the cycle of operations.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensor probe is removably mounted on a conventional machine tool, for example, at a location whereat a tool would normally be mounted, for sensing the condition of a workpiece. Signals received by the sensor probe can be conveyed to a control location either by radio telemetry or across electrical and/or fiber optic lines operationally coupled to the sensor probe. Alternatively, robot based positioning of said probes is disclosed.

Abstract: A boring bar adjusting mechanism for automatically correcting an offsize boring cutter. The mechanism includes a measuring gauge and an adjustable boring bar, each mounted in separate tool holders and each stored in the tool storage magazine. The measuring gauge is transferred to the spindle by the machine tool transfer mechanism after a conventional boring operation is completed to measure the work-piece bore. If the bore is inaccurate, the measuring gauge is removed and the boring bar, is loaded into the spindle. The cutting element of the boring bar is adjusted automatically by an adjusting mechanism in response to the bore size measured by the measuring head so that it will machine an accurate bore.

Abstract: A tool holder having a shank receivable in a machine tool spindle, a tool mounting shell securedly connected to the shank and adjustably movably carrying a cutting tool in a radial direction thereof, and a pair of contact detection members respectively protruded from the outer surface of the mounting shell in opposite directions. The tool holder, when used while received in the machine tool spindle, operates not only to make a bore in a workpiece, but also to be a measuring probe in measuring the diameter of the bore so that a machine tool using the tool holder is able to successively perform boring and measuring operations of the bore. Further, the tool holder incorporates a tool position adjusting mechanism therein.

Abstract: A gang tool assembly for drilling a precise pattern of holes in a workpeice or otherwise cutting surfaces and the like on such workpiece and including a mounting panel of rigid sheet material having a pattern of holes formed therein to receive supports for powered tool heads to detachably support the same to form a gang pattern of either drills or cutters for simultaneously drilling a pattern of holes in a workpiece or forming a contoured surface thereon.