Abstract: A machine tool includes a clamping mechanism for clamping/unclamping rotation of a rotary table. A load is measured when an unclamping command is output and then the rotary table is rotated after a set time set in the timer passes, and the set time of the timer is changed in response to a magnitude of the measured load. In this way, it is possible to prevent the clamping mechanism from being damaged due to a subsequent command given before unclamping ends, and extend a life span of a component.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a workpiece supplying member, a positioning mechanism, a transportation robot, and an annular cutting blade. The workpiece supplying member includes a number of slots for receiving a number of plate-shaped workpieces therein. The positioning mechanism includes a number of side surfaces and a number of recesses. The transportation robot is configured for unloading a workpiece from the workpiece supplying member, transporting the workpiece from the workpiece supplying member to the positioning mechanism, and loading the workpiece on the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism is rotatable about the central axis such that one of the side faces can be selectively oriented to face the transportation robot so as to load the workpiece transported by the transportation robot in the corresponding recess. The cutting blade is configured for cutting a workpiece loaded on the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for automatically drilling work pieces, including drilling of rivet holes in standard and heavy-duty brake shoe linings for the truck, bus, overhead crane, wheel drum and heavy machinery industries. Apparatus and method are customizable to accommodate various sizes of work pieces, and programmable for drilling of multiple holes and handling of multiple work pieces, as required by manufacturers.

Abstract: A machining apparatus, in which a plurality of user set programs in relation to one axis is written and the amount of the infeed motion of the grinding wheel is increased to restrain the change of the load of the grinding wheel, improves a machining accuracy and achieve a longer life of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A method and system design and manufacture of the monogrammed faceted and stone adorned eyeglass lenses via a computer program allowing a design, intricate facet cuts and stone placement on a computer lens model. Software may utilize a touch probe or laser scanner to gather point data from a previously designed lens, converting the data to a computer model. The data is then used to send signals to an articulated robotic arm holding a lens shape. The robotic arm receives the commands from the computer, moving and rotating the lens shape against an abrasive wheel, rotating cutter blade or rotating drill thereby duplicating the facet cuts, slots notches or depressions or other designs contained in the computer lens model. Varying pressure is applied by the articulated arm and various degrees of abrasiveness of the abrasive wheel.

Abstract: A main shaft (6) movable in a direction of X-axis is provided at a position on one side of a foundation (1), and a lateral stand (12) is fixed on the top portion of the rotation support shaft (10). On the upper surface of the lateral stand (12), there is provided a work grip rotation feed mechanism portion (13) for rotating bar-like work (w) about a specific lateral axis (S) on the upper surface. The rotation support shaft (10) and the specific lateral axis (S) are horizontally separated by a required distance (L0). The rotational position of the rotation support shaft (10) is varied between the case where the bar-like work (w) is processed by the operation of the main shaft (6).

Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction, movement of the turn table in a Y-axis direction, and movement of a spindle in a Z-axis direction, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining center in the X-axis direction shorter.

Abstract: A numerical-control milling machine having a supporting frame; a worktable fitted to the supporting frame so as to oscillate about a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation, and in turn having two rotary platforms, each for accommodating a workpiece; and two independent work units, each of which is fitted movably to the supporting frame, alongside the worktable, is positioned facing a corresponding platform, and provides for machining the workpiece on the platform; the two work units selectively operating either asynchronously, to machine the workpieces fixed to the two platforms independently of each other, or synchronously to perform the same machining operations simultaneously on the workpieces fixed to the two platforms.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining rod-shaped workpieces comprises a traveling column, to which a tool spindle rotatable about a spindle axis is fastened. The tool spindle is capable of swiveling about a swivel axis. The swivel axis is arranged perpendicularly to both the spindle axis and a longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of utilization thereof is provided for machining pistons of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines. The piston is held in a work station by its interior cavity and the oil rings, oval side surface and hinge pin bore are machined on the piston without any refixturing of the piston required.

Abstract: A workpiece holding means for machine tools and more particularly for milling and/or drilling machines, comprising a pivoting bridge supported between two bearing walls. The bearing walls respectively laterally delimit a working area. At least one drive motor serves for pivoting the pivoting bridge, such motor being arranged outside the working area on at least one outer side of the bearing walls. The pivoting bridge is provided with a gear ring adjacent to one or both of the inner sides of the bearing walls, such gear ring being drivingly connected with the drive gear wheel driven by at least one drive motor. The bearing points or bearing pins of the pivoting bridge accordingly do not have to transmit any drive torque and are not subjected to any torque load so that more precise running and more precise positioning is possible.

Abstract: In a machine tool (2), in particular for cutting treatment of workpieces (9) comprising a machine frame, a workpiece table (15) borne on the machine frame and an approximately horizontally disposed processing unit (8) which is mounted to the machine frame, the processing unit (8) is mounted also to a support (6) of the machine frame overlapping the workpiece table (15). This upper mounting prevents displacement of the processing unit relative to the workpiece due to the forces acting thereon during processing, in particular in the Z-direction. These forces are accommodated by the machine frame which is self-contained through the support.

Abstract: A machining unit, typically for wood panels, features a work table afforded by a body of prismatic geometry having at least two faces and rotatable about an axis which is also its instantaneous center, in such a way as to establish at least two movable and tiltable work surfaces; the prismatic body is carried within a frame encompassing the tool and combining with the two faces to create respective independent work areas, one in which panels are fed to and from the unit, the other coinciding with a station at which machining takes place, and where the waste and chips generated by machining are cleared from the table and the work. The prismatic body also functions as the main barrier separating two work environments, the one an open external space occupied by the operator, the other an enclosure disallowing access to the operator while machining is in progress.

Abstract: A tombstone style machine tool fixture for machining valve castings having hexagonal flanges on each end and a bonnet intermediate the ends of the castings, the fixture including a column having a number of work stations mounted on the column, each work station including a main support plate, a number of hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted on said support plate, a clamp plate supported by said hydraulic cylinder assembly for movement between open and closed positions with respect to the main support plate, a locating plate removably mounted on said clamp plate and having a hexagonal notched block mounted on each end of the locating plate for engaging the flanges on the casting and an alignment block mounted on said locating plate intermediate said notched blocks to align the casting in the notched block and a clamp bar mounted on said column for seating the flanges in said notched blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling lock wire holes in lock wire nuts includes a variable speed drill press mounted on a work bench and having a vertically movable drill quill supporting a rotating drill spindle on one end of which is mounted a drill chuck for holding and driving a drill bit for drilling a hole in the lock wire nuts. An N/C microprocessor is coupled to the drill press for controlling the vertical motion of the drill quill in a peck drill cycle. A nut holder, including a collet chuck having three jaw inserts is mounted in a chuck indexer for positioning the chuck in any of three 120.degree. angularly spaced positions about a central longitudinal axis through the chuck. A drill guide in each of said jaw inserts guides the drill bit at an angle against said faces of said nuts to drill lock wire holes through the nut lobes.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for side-drilling of catheters. The method comprises storing side-drilling hole patterns, selecting a side-drilling hole pattern, positioning the catheter at successive locations defined by the pattern, and drilling holes at the locations. The device carries out the method to side-drill catheters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for machining multiple holes in a workpiece to a uniform depth and at a predetermined angle to the surface of the workpiece. The method is performed by a numerically controlled machine tool which orients the workpiece in space with respect to a reference coordinate system which establishes an expected position of the surface of the workpiece. The actual position of the surface of the workpiece is determined by sensing contact between the workpiece and the boring tool. Once the actual position of the workpiece surface has been sensed, the tool is advanced a predetermined distance to provide a uniform depth cut. The expected position, the actual position, and the deviation between the two are recorded to assure that the surface of the workpiece is accurately sensed during subsequent machining steps.

Abstract: A key manufacturing machine utilizing a drilling assembly adapted to perform a drilling operations including a rotating assembly having a number of attaching block assemblies circumferentially spaced at its top portion. Each of the attaching block assemblies has a setting wheel which includes an integral wheel part and a shaft part, and which is turnable to set a desired position. A number of set screws are each disposed within a corresponding threaded hole on the wheel part of the attaching block assembly to be adjustable to respective depths. A sensing device is utilized to sense the depth of each set screw for controlling the drilling depth during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the angular position of a workpiece and for positioning the same relative to at least one tool. The workpiece has at least one set of teeth. Pulses are derived from a rotating reference workpiece and from a reference shaft which has a known gear ratio with the reference workpiece, and consequently also turns. A first phase measurement is undertaken between the pulses, the result of which is stored as the reference value. The reference workpiece is replaced with a workpiece which is to be machined and which is provided with teeth. A second phase measurement between the pulses of the refernece shaft and of the reference workpiece are undertaken in a second measuring operation. The reference value of the first phase meaasurement is compared with the result of the second phase measurement. The workpiece is turned relative to the reference shaft in conformity with the difference between the two measured values.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a spindle stock that can be moved along several axes. A work table can be rotated alternately in opposite directions by an angle of, preferably, 180.degree. about an axis extending perpendicularly to the table surface in such a manner that the halves of the table surface form alternately, at any given time, a processing area located in the working area of the spindle stock and a mounting area located at a distance from the working area. At least one line leads from a stationary part of the machine tool to the work table for transmitting signals and/or supplying energy.In order to simplify the arrangement of the line, in particular if a plurality of such lines is provided, the line is connected above the said work table to a point on the said stationary part of the said machine tool and, hanging down loosely between the two parts, on the other hand to a connection box of the said work table.

Abstract: A Portable Machining Turntable (PMT) (1) used in combination with a milling, grinding or drilling machine (101) to allow both single and compound angles to be worked. The PMT (1) is comprised of an integral housing (2) enclosing an electric stepping motor (23) that through two pulleys (22), (24) and a timing belt (27) drives a worm drive assembly (17). The worm (21) drives a worm gear (43) that rotates a rotary head (36). The power to operate the motor (23) is supplied and controlled by a conventional numerical control system. However, the PMT (1) includes a mechanical override that allows the rotary head (36) to be manually rotated. To operate the PMT (1) it is mounted to a mill bed by standard clamp blocks inserted into hold-down slots (14) located on the lower walls of the housing (2). The work piece is then attached to the rotary head (36) and the head is rotated to the desired work angle.

Abstract: A machining center comprises a bed and an arch-shaped column having a pair of post portions spaced from each other in the transverse direction of the bed and a crossbeam portion connecting the post portions. A spindle head is supported on the crossbeam portion of the column to be movable both in the vertical direction and in the transverse direction of the bed and supports a spindle which is rotatable about a substantially vertical rotating shaft and on which a tool is demountably mounted. A base table is supported on the bed between the post portions of the column to be movable back and forth and a support supported on the base table by a supporting portion of the base table to be rotatable in an indexing manner about a rotating shaft inclined upward toward the front end thereof at 45.degree. to the rotating shaft of the spindle. A turn table is provided on the support to be rotatable in an indexing manner about a rotating shaft at 45.degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic machine tool for machining workpieces, including a number n of workpiece receivers that can be adjusted in angular and/or spatial position and including an equal number n of work stations, one of said work stations being an exchange station, said receivers or stations being disposed at mutual angular separations of 360.degree./n on a rotatable index table, said stations or said receivers being locally fixed thereon and said index table being advanceable in such a manner that each workpiece traverses all stations in the same sequence. By applying the invention reliable and precise machining, coupled with simple construction should be achieved. This is made possible by the fact that the drive of the index table is controllable so that a sequence of (n-1) rotary steps by 360.degree./n in one direction is followed by a rotary step of 360.degree. (n-1)/n in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A machine tool attachment which provides for material handling, positioning, and clamping during machining and also eliminates the need for custom tool fixtures is described. The machine tool attachment mechanically advances material to be machined through a tubular tail stock and into a head stock. Collets located in the tail stock and head stock automatically power clamp the material and a rotary indexer automatically rotates and indexes the material during the machining operation. Once machining is completed, the material between the head stock and tail stock is further clamped by the attachment and then cut by the machine tool. Remaining material can then be advanced by the attachment and the process repeated. The machine tool attachment interfaces with a numerically controlled machining center which transmits signals to control the functions of the attachment for proper coordination with the machine tool.

Abstract: A work holder for precision positioning and movement of a workpiece (20) relative to a machine tool comprises a base (100), a pair of spaced stocks (200, 300) mounted on the base, a spindle assemblies (210, 310) supported on each of the stocks for rotation about a common axis, a chuck (246, 346) supported on each of the spindle assembly (210, 310) for clamping the workpiece (20) therebetween, and adjustable mounting means (236-272, 336-372) on each of the spindle assemblies (210, 310) for permitting movement of each of the chucks (246, 346) transversely of the axis. A driveshaft (406) and gearing (402, 408) is provided for imparting rotation to one spindle assembly (210). A crank (422) is operatively connected to the driveshaft (406), and oscillating drive means (416) is providing for oscillating the crank (422) about the driveshaft (406) in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A mechine tool includes a movable work table assembled of a base part defining first clamping surface and of an exchangeable table part defining a second clamping surface levelled with the first one and being movable in guideways on the base part; a pallet changer having a rotary table provided with guideways aligned with the guideways on the work table unit supports pallets in the form of the exchangeable table part so that a workpiece can be clamped on one pallet while another workpiece on a second pallet is being operated in the machine.

Abstract: A machine tool has a pallet transfer system comprising a rotary deck having a pair of pallets oppositely disposed about a vertical rotary transfer axis, wherein at the transfer position, the pallets are further movable along a horizontal linear transfer axis toward and away from the pallet transfer system. A vertical guard plate is affixed to the rotatable section or deck of the transfer system, and the plane of the guard plate passes through the rotary transfer axis at an oblique angle to the linear transfer axis. The rotatable guard plate interacts with an elastomeric seal at the interface of a guard opening in a stationary guard assembly on a machine tool to substantially confine coolant overspray and the like within the machine guard enclosure. By passing obliquely across the linear transfer axes of the pair of parallel pallets, substantially full access of a stationary pallet lying outside the machine guard enclosure may be had.

Abstract: A metal-cutting machine includes a bed with slideways, a movable unit with a headstock and a drive for moving it in a horizontal plane over the bed slideways, a work table with stock guides for moving the pallets carrying the workpieces and provided with coupling members for gripping the pallets, at least one platform installed before the work table in the direction of movement of the workpieces and is provided with stock guides for the pallets. The platform and work table are arranged for movement relative to each other in a horizontal plane so that when the pallet moves to and from the working position the stock guides of the platform serve as a continuation of the stock guides of the work table. The machine also incorporates a device for gripping the pallet in order to move it over the stock guides of the platform and work table to and from the working position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing wicking in a formed candle body; the apparatus comprising a bore forming station, a clean out station, a feeding station, and conveying means for moving a candle body from one station to the next station in the process of inserting a wick therein. A novel candle product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A numerically controlled transfer machine comprises a rotary index table having thereon a plurality of jig tables for holding workpieces, and a plurality of working units are disposed in spaced relation around the index table so that rotary indexing of the index table successively positions the jig tables opposite different ones of the working units. Each working unit includes a positioning feed mechanism for controlling the feeding and return movements of the working unit to enable a working operation to be carried out on the workpieces. Each working unit has a position detector comprised of a microswitch mounted on a slide member slidably mounted on the working unit.

Abstract: A machine tool wherein an annular gear is rotatable in a horizontal plane to carry a plurality of pallets between adjacent peripherally arranged machine stations. The gear is lowered as each machine station is attained by the entry of gear support bearings into recesses in the underside of the gear. The pallets are supported on the gear for limited vertical and horizontal movement, and lowering of the gear positions the pallet on an abutment surface in alignment with the machining station. As the gear is further lowered, it is spaced from the pallet so as not to interfere with independent positioning of the pallet by any power actuated positioning means located at each machining station. Thus, the pallet can be adjusted independently of the gear when the gear is in its lowered position, yet is carried by the gear when the gear is in its elevated position.

Abstract: A machine tool wherein an annular gear is rotatable in a horizontal plane to carry a plurality of pallets between adjacent peripherally arranged machine stations. The gear is lowered as each machine station is attained by the entry of gear support bearings into recesses in the underside of the gear. The pallets are supported on the gear for limited vertical and horizontal movement, and lowering of the gear positions the pallet on an abutment surface in rough alignment with the machining station. As the gear is further lowered, it is spaced from the pallet so as not to interfere with independent positioning of the pallet by power actuated positioning means located at each machining station. Thus, the pallet can be adjusted independently of the gear when the gear is in its lowered position, yet is carried by the gear when the gear is in its elevated position.

Abstract: A work preparation and ruling machine is provided for the production of semi-cylindrical rotary dies. The machine comprises a longitudinal cylinder mounted for rotation in frame and being provided with a series of equally spaced longitudinal rows of holes which are radially formed therein. An end wheel, of the same diameter as a finished die, is coaxially secured to one end of the cylinder and includes a first positioning means whereby the cylinder can be rotated by a distance equal to the distance between each two longitudinal rows of holes. A guide bar mounted above and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder is provided with a pair of carriages, one carrying drilling and cutting means for drilling holes in the die and for squaring it up and the second carriage includes a pen holding fixture to keep the pen aligned with the axis of the cylinder and includes means for measuring the horizontal dimensions of the layout.

Abstract: A multiple spindle dividing head in which each spindle is driven in synchronism from a common drive shaft adapted to be driven from a single source of power which may be pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical, the spindles being moved automatically from an open to a closed work-piece engaging position by pneumatic or hydraulically actuated means which maintain the spindles in the closed position as they are rotated and yet permit the spindles to be readily opened in any rotative position to release the work-pieces engaged thereby.

Abstract: A machine tool has a worktable slidably mounted on a bed for movement along a horizontal X axis opposite a spindle which is journalled for rotation about a horizontal Z axis perpendicular to the X axis, the spindle being slidably mounted on the bed for movement along the Z axis toward and away from the worktable and for movement along a vertical Y axis perpendicular to both the X and Z axes. A workpiece storage support is rotatably mounted on a frame adjacent to the worktable on the side thereof opposite the spindle. The worktable and workpiece storage support have guideways thereon for slidably receiving a pallet carrying a workpiece, the guideways being positioned so that they can be aligned to permit a pallet to be slid from the workpiece storage support to the worktable and vice versa along the Z axis. A pallet transfer bar is provided which is dimensioned on one end to fit in the spindle and is dimensioned on the other end to engage a pallet.

Abstract: A plural slide machine is disclosed for machining a first and a second workpiece comprising a first and a second slide for respectively receiving the first and the second workpiece. The first and second slides are mounted on ways for movement in a substantially horizontal plane. A toolholder for holding a workpiece tool is mounted through a third and a fourth slide for enabling movement of the workpiece tool in a substantially vertical plane. Control means is connected to the slides for enabling machining of the first workpiece through movement of the first, third and fourth slide and for enabling machining of the second workpiece through movement of the second, third, and fourth slide. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: An indexing device for indexing a member, such as a table, into operative working positions in which the table carries follower elements, such as rollers, and cooperating therewith is a drive member mounted on a pair of parallel equal length arms which rotate in unison thereby causing the drive member to take an orbital path. The drive member is slotted and during travel along the orbital path picks up one of the followers on the table and therethrough causes the table to carry out an indexing movement. The indexing movement of the table is smooth and does not involve movement of the table at excessive speeds.

Abstract: Advancing mechanism for a series of fixtures having collets for workpieces are actuated by a fluid actuated double-acting cylinder to lock and unlock the collet. A driven rotatable table has a plurality of equally spaced fixtures mounted thereon which are advanced seriatim to a plurality of machining stations where work is performed thereon. Each advancement moves a fixture to the unloading and loading station where the collet is released, the finished workpiece removed and a workpiece to be machined placed within the collet. The double-acting cylinder was actuated by the fluid to release the collet and after a workpiece was placed therein a reversal of the fluid clamped the collet in secured position. The collet is locked and unlocked by the operation of a transverse pin in a sloping slot in a sleeve which is advanced over the collet to move the sections of the head into clamped position to hold the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic precision apparatus which includes an elongated rotatable central shaft concentric with and encased by a fixed outer cylinder. A rotary workpiece table is fixed to the central shaft adjacent one end of the central shaft, and a round tool holder table is fixed to the cylinder adjacent one end of the cylinder and disposed in spaced relationship with the rotary table and in parallel arrangement with the rotary table. A plurality of spaced tool holders are disposed around the round table, and a plurality of equally spaced workpiece holders are disposed on one surface of the rotary table facing the round table. Each tool holder is precisely aligned with a respective one of the workpiece holders and is alignable with every other one of the workpiece holders.

Abstract: A rotary turret numerically controlled punch press is provided with a discharge station at 90.degree. from a punching station. A part is clamped in the turret, separated from a larger workpiece and then rotated with the turret to the discharge station. A transfer arm is slaved to the NC punch press and engages the part at an exact attitude and position relative to a reference point on the part and transfers the part to a rotary chuck. The part is placed in the chuck at an exact attitude and with the reference point at the axis of rotation of the chuck.Four rotary chucks are provided on a rotary turret contouring apparatus. The turret is rotated 90.degree. to position the part at a cutting station.A band saw is provided with rotary guides for changing the angle of the saw. While the part is rotated and linearly translated toward and away from the saw by the contouring apparatus, the saw cuts a peripheral shape on the part with the blade changing its angular attitude where necessary.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a traversing work table that has a mounting plate supported for vertical reciprocation and rotary indexing movement. A pallet is supported on the mounting plate and releasably locked to it by a bayonet connection with a clamp ring which is selectively rotatable in the mounting plate; and the pallet also has an annular toothed coupling meshed with a segmented annular toothed coupling in the base. Rotary indexing is permitted by elevating the mounting plate only enough to unmesh the toothed coupling. Elevating the mounting plate to a higher level releases the clamp ring from the mounting plate, and at that level the operation of a pallet changer rotates the clamp ring to release the pallet for removal from the mounting plate. Further, a rotatable cover has flanges that are normally between the segments of the toothed coupling on the base, and the cover rotates simultaneously with the clamp ring so the flanges overlie the toothed coupling segments during pallet changing.

Abstract: This automatic machine is intended for machining workpieces in order to reduce their want-of-balance, notably in the case of small or medium series of rotary parts. This machine, adapted to balance dynamically these parts, comprises a measuring station and a plurality of machining stations disposed on a common circle, and a central rotary device having a vertical axis and disposed centrally of said stations for transferring simultaneously all the parts from one station to the next station in the same direction of rotation.