With Means To Protect Operative Or Machine (e.g., Guard, Safety Device, Etc.) Patents (Class 409/134)
  • Patent number: 6578460
    Abstract: A blade guard and lifter therefor surround the saw blade, interlocking when raised by a workpiece as a result of relative movement caused by a secondary linkage. Two pair of primary linkages pivotally connect the blade guard to the splitter. The dual secondary linkage pivotally attaches the parallel plates of the lifter to one of the two pivot points of the primary linkages. Any lifting force is resisted by the rigidity of the primary link that does not share a pivot point with the secondary linkage. A dust collector can be provided to the table saw to minimize respiratory hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Sartori
  • Patent number: 6568885
    Abstract: A machining cell capable of providing tool movement along at least one axis is provided with at least one, but preferably a pair of articulated debris shields mounted to a tool carriage that translates along an axis of motion. Each articulated debris shield occludes space vacated by the tool carriage as it translates along the axis of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the machining cell provides tool movements along x-, y-, and z-axes and has a stationary housing that supports a z-axis carrier frame slidably mounted thereto for translation along the z-axis. An x-axis carriage is slidably mounted to the z-axis carrier frame for translation along the x-axis. A y-axis spindle frame is slidably mounted to the x-axis carrier frame for vertical translation along the y-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Machine Company
    Inventor: Lanny Green
  • Publication number: 20030095843
    Abstract: A machining machine-tool having a fixed frame with a closed structure. The machining zone is delimited by the fixed frame internal surfaces and includes a machining head supporting the driving unit of a machine-tool. The machine-tool fixed frame has a C-shaped profile, and ends of branches of the C are linked to the machine-tool machining head. The ergonomic arrangement of the machine-tool functional parts is also considered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: fioroni
    Inventor: CLAUDE FIORONI
  • Patent number: 6551038
    Abstract: A machine tool and a cover device for the machine tool capable of preventing work cutting chips and coolant from falling on the rear part of a spindle head (8) and the operating positions of a first saddle (4) and a second saddle (6) without expanding the lateral width of the machine tool, wherein a column (2) is fixedly installed on a bed (1), the first saddle (4) is guided on the front surface of the column (2) movably in vertical direction (f1), the second saddle (6) is guided on the front surface of the first saddle (4) movably in lateral direction (f2), and the spindle device (8) is guided on the second saddle (6) movably in longitudinal direction (f3) and, in addition, a first cover plate (31) is fixed to the second saddle (6), a side cover plate (33) is installed continuously with each of the right and left side edges of the cover plate (31) bendably in longitudinal direction (f3), a second cover plate (39) is fixed integrally with the first saddle (4), and a third cover plate (41) is installed fixedly
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Yoshihide Seo
  • Publication number: 20030072629
    Abstract: A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Hillman Group
    Inventor: Michael A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6547497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device in the chip-removing machining of a work-piece by means of a rotatable tool with a shaft arranged in a headstock. The tool is displaceable in an axial direction both towards and away from the work-piece, and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the arbor. Arranged around a machining point is an enclosure. The enclosure has a first opening that is designed to press against the work-piece around the point to be or being machined. A second opening in the enclosure is made in a wall substantially perpendicular to the shaft. This opening is designed, during machining, to press against a plane plate arranged behind the tool and around the headstock, substantially perpendicular to the arbor, so that during machining there is a substantially enclosed space in the area around the tool and the machining point. The device includes a line for delivering cutting fluid to the machining point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Klas-Arne Löf, Mats Andersson
  • Patent number: 6547498
    Abstract: A machine tool comprises a bed 1 having longitudinal guiding tracks 7, 7 on upper faces of right and left side parts 4, 4 respectively, a cutting unit 2 hung and supported by the guiding tracks 7, 7, moving in a longitudinal direction, and having a cutting part at its front, and a work fixing table 3 integrally attached on the bed 1, cover faces provided between the cutting unit 2 and the work fixing table 3 to surround an upper face as well as right and left side faces of the cutting part 2, and a cover device 14 forming a working space with only the bottom open relative to the cover faces, the work fixing table 3 and the cutting unit 2, wherein right and left side faces “d”, “d” of the cover faces hang below the guiding tracks 7, 7 inside the right and left side parts 4, 4 of the bed 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Horkos Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6540457
    Abstract: A multi-section cover device is used to conceal a slide way for a work piece support of a machining apparatus, and includes a fixed shield member connected to the work piece support, a first movable shield member pivotally coupled to the first shield member, and a second movable shield member pivotally coupled to the first movable shield member. The first movable shield member has a roller unit for rolling contact with the slide way. A pair of link arms are pivotally connected to the second movable shield member, and have shield supporting edges for supporting a top wall of the second movable shield member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Yih Chuan Machinery Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-San Lai
  • Patent number: 6532643
    Abstract: A table tool includes one or more tool members disposed in a table, and a shield movably secured on the table. The shield may be moved toward and away from the tool members together with the work pieces for shielding the tool members and for dust collecting purposes, and for preventing the tool members from hurting the workers and the other people. One or more guide members are slidably secured on the table. A housing is secured on the guide members. The shield is pivotally secured to the housing for rotating toward and away from the tool members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Tian Wang Wang
  • Patent number: 6524037
    Abstract: A protection device (D) for the driving mechanism of a mobile element (O) against the cuttings of a machine tool includes a driving section (P1) and a machining zone (P2) separated by a protection wall. The protection wall is constituted by a plate (100) having a free translational motion on a disk (200) rotating freely with respect to the wall. A first displacement window (210) in the disk (200), and a second displacement window (310) in the wall are provided wherein both displacement windows (210 and 310) are arranged with respect to each other in such a way that the translational displacement of the plate (100) and the rotation of the disk (200) occlude the opening of both displacement windows (210 and 310).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Renault Automation Comau
    Inventor: Daniel Cahuzac
  • Publication number: 20030026671
    Abstract: A machining cell capable of providing tool movement along at least one axis is provided with at least one, but preferably a pair of articulated debris shields mounted to a tool carriage that translates along an axis of motion. Each articulated debris shield occludes space vacated by the tool carriage as it translates along the axis of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the machining cell provides tool movements along x-, y-, and z-axes and has a stationary housing that supports a z-axis carrier frame slidably mounted thereto for translation along the z-axis. An x-axis carriage is slidably mounted to the z-axis carrier frame for translation along the x-axis. A y-axis spindle frame is slidably mounted to the x-axis carrier frame for vertical translation along the y-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ann Arbor Machine Company.
    Inventor: Lanny Green
  • Patent number: 6514016
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John A. Williams, Will W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20030014857
    Abstract: A table tool includes one or more tool members disposed in a table, and a shield movably secured on the table. The shield may be moved toward and away from the tool members together with the work pieces for shielding the tool members and for dust collecting purposes, and for preventing the tool members from. hurting the workers and the other people. One or more guide members are slidably secured on the table. A housing is secured on the guide members. The shield is pivotally secured to the housing for rotating toward and away from the tool members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Tian Wang Wang
  • Patent number: 6488451
    Abstract: A drive shaft locking mechanism including a locking structure in the form of a gear which is secured to an input shaft of a rotary tool, a retractable interlocking mechanism which selectively couples to the locking structure, and a directional control mechanism coupled to the interlocking mechanism, controlling its movement. The locking structure comprises at least one engageable surface and a means for securing the locking structure to the input shaft. The interlocking mechanism includes a locking element slidably disposed within a tubular channel and selectively extensible therefrom at the urging of the directional control mechanism, to engage the locking structure along an engageable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6488062
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective hood for a wood-milling machine to cover a milling spindle which projects vertically out of a horizontal machine table. The protective hood is formed of two side walls connected to one another by a cover and a rear wall, and a front, vertically adjustable protective shield. The protective hood has a connection stub for an extraction device and can be attached adjustably to the machine table. A holding member for the removable attachment of a stop plate is releasably attached to each of the two side walls of the protective hood. In this way, the protective hood is permanently available as a basic element, so that when changing from curved milling to milling against a stop, it is easy to fit the stop plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Georg Aigner
  • Publication number: 20020172570
    Abstract: The ultra high speed movement telescopic cover which comprises multiple pieces of partial covers using metallic film of high tensile strength multiple layer texture stainless steel which comprises 17% Cr˜2% Ni content but with mixed quality of mild ferritic phase, hard maltensitic phase and fine mixed texture and are stacked so as to be able to slide each other, fitted with metallic film blade made of 0.01˜0.3 mm thickness and of carbon content 0.03˜0.1%, Chromium content 10˜20% steel or stainless steel onto one or whole sliding portions of the said telescopic cover, fitted with one or multiple pieces of pantograph onto each partial cover and the end of said telescopic cover thus constructed is fixed to the moving device of main spindle head etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: TOKYO SEIMITSU HATSUJO., LTD
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Tsurumaki
  • Patent number: 6481472
    Abstract: A guard for use with a woodworking machine having a worktable and a cutting tool for performing operations on a workpiece is disclosed. A guard in accordance with the present invention comprises a guard member having a body portion, a workpiece engaging portion, and a machine engaging portion. The workpiece engaging portion of the guard member includes a workpiece engaging surface. The workpiece engaging surface is preferably configured such that the body portion of the guard member is deflected when the workpiece is urged against the workpiece engaging surface in a direction substantially parallel to a working surface of the worktable for engagement with the cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lonnie Bird
  • Patent number: 6481313
    Abstract: A protective cover for a zone of a machine tool, within whose area a working part of the machine moves along an operating path. The cover comprises a plurality of cover elements consisting of a fixed cover element which can be attached to the machine, a mobile element connected to the working part and a plurality of mobile cover elements positioned between the fixed cover element and the mobile cover element. The cover elements are arranged in order of decreasing size and lie around the working part, connected to one another by a first support and guide rod and a second support and guide rod, at a given distance from one another. Between the cover elements and the rods there is a plurality of sliders designed to guide the mobile cover elements in a direction parallel to and in a direction at right angles to the rods, during movement of the working part, keeping the working zone covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.r.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabellini
  • Patent number: 6469409
    Abstract: A brake apparatus for a moving apparatus driven by a linear motor, to support a headstock. The brake apparatus includes an air cylinder disposed parallel with a travelling direction, a compressor to supply fluid under pressure to the air cylinder, a 2-port solenoid valve disposed on a fluid path connecting from the compressor to the air cylinder, and a controlling device that outputs a signal to open the 2-port solenoid valve during normal operation of the linear motor and controls the 2-port solenoid valve to close when the power supply to the linear motor is interrupted or the linear motor is stopped in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Takada
  • Patent number: 6457918
    Abstract: A machining cell capable of providing tool movement along at least one axis is provided with at least one, but preferably a pair of articulated debris shields mounted to a tool carriage that translates along an axis of motion. Each articulated debris shield occludes space vacated by the tool carriage as it translates along the axis of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the machining cell provides tool movements along x-, y-, and z-axes and has a stationary housing that supports a z-axis carrier frame slidably mounted thereto for translation along the z-axis. An x-axis carriage is slidably mounted to the z-axis carrier frame for translation along the x-axis. A y-axis spindle frame is slidably mounted to the x-axis carrier frame for vertical translation along the y-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Machine Company
    Inventor: Lanny Green
  • Patent number: 6450741
    Abstract: A fixture for use with a rotary cutting tool for deburring, chamferring or beveling a work piece utilized with a drill comprises a member having opposite sides with a recess defined a first of the sides by two surfaces at right angles to each other to define guide surfaces for a work piece. The opposite side resides in a plane essentially perpendicular to a plane bisecting the angle between the surfaces. A semi-cylindrical recess is defined in the member in the opposite side intermediate the ends thereof about an axis which is essentially perpendicular to a plane bisecting the angle between the surfaces. The passage extends through a portion of the surfaces and defines an opening in the surfaces whereby a rectangular cross section work piece contacting the guide surfaces will extend through the opening into the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Victor Cannelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6446397
    Abstract: A dog-bone shaped bumper for a telescoping way cover extends on both sides of the rear flange of the cover and defines spaces which close upon flexing of forked ends of the bumper between the rear flange and the next adjacent cover section to reduce the impact between sections when expanding and retracting the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: A & A Mfg. Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. O'Connor, Chad M. Kernats
  • Patent number: 6422290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device for telescopic guards of the type having a plurality of tubular covering elements that slide inside each other in a defined direction, and that have a front edge and a rear edge with a first stop portion and a second stop portion, respectively. The damping device is equipped with at least one shock absorber located and acting between the rear edge and at least one of the stop portions, the shock absorber comprising a portion for connecting it to the rear edge or to the first stop portion, and at least one flexible arm attached at one end to the connecting portion. The free end of at least one of the arms is attached to a damper made of a resilient material and being larger in cross section than the arm, the arm and the related damper being designed to absorb the shocks that occur between two adjacent tubular elements when the telescopic guard is being extended or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabellini
  • Patent number: 6413025
    Abstract: Supply unit for a tool spindle wholly or partially equipped with a moveable pulling rod (3) axially displaceable in the spindle axle (1) for firmly attaching the tool with a fluid supply system for displacing the pulling rod (3), with a fluid supply system for cooling a rotor (22) of a driving source supported on the spindle axle for driving the spindle axle, a fluid supply system for cooling the tool, and a gas supply system for blocking fluid leakage in gaps between parts that move in relation to one another. The supply unit includes, for one or more of the said systems, at least one sensor that senses if a malfunction exists in the fluid and/or gas supply system, and, for one or more of the said systems, an accumulator (704, 164, 243) that from indicated malfunction signals obtained from one or more sensors feeds into the system or systems complementary and replacement fluid respectively gas to the tool spindle at the same time as the sensor or sensors deactivate the driving source of the spindle axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Lind Finance & Development AB
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Patent number: 6406228
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a working table slidably supported on an upper portion of a base, and a protective cover rotatably secured to one or both of the ends of the working table with a pivot shaft. The protective cover is dependent downwardly when the protective cover is disengaged from the end portion of the base, and may be rotated to move upward. of the upper portion of the base when the working table is moved inward of the upper portion of the base. The cover may thus be used to suitably cover and shield the space formed between the working table and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Xiao
  • Patent number: 6402442
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a spring of a clamp unit for fixing a tool to a spindle for systematic replacement of the spring. The machine tool comprises a clamp unit (47) for fixing a tool in a taper hole provided in a spindle, and a controlling section (63) for controlling the operation of the clamp unit. The clamp unit (47) includes a holder for holding a holder portion of the tool, a driving rod coupled to the holder, a driver for moving the driving rod along an axis thereof, and a spring for biasing the driving rod in one direction along the axis thereof. The machine tool further comprises a service life end detecting section (11) for counting the number of times of actuation of the clamp unit (47) and, when the count of the number reaches a predetermined reference actuation number, judging that the service life of the spring ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Mori Seiki Co., LTD, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Akamatsu, Makoto Fujishima
  • Patent number: 6401324
    Abstract: The combination of at least a first base, a first machine tool assembly placed in an operative position on the at least first base, and a second machine tool assembly placed in an operative position on the at least first base above the first machine tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Toshiharu Tom Miyano
  • Patent number: 6394940
    Abstract: A chip suction type machine tool continuously removing chips produced during work machining by air suction, comprising a tool attaching part (200) in which a vent hole (s1) is formed and a spindle head (100) having an air suction hole (s2) communicating with the vent hole (s1) wherein, with the tool attaching part (200) installed on the spindle head (100), a telescoping cylinder means (201) which is formed in an inclined surfaces crossing at an angle (&thgr;) of approximately 60° or below, and facing closely, the direction of the spindle, allows at least one of the downstream end part of the vent hole and the upstream end part of the air suction hole to be deformably telescoped and, in free state, is held in a retracted state so that these downstream and upstream end parts are departed from each other by elastic member (205) which is provided between the downstream end part of the vent hole (s1) and the upstream end part of the air suction hole (s2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Yoshinori Seo
  • Patent number: 6394719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective cover for at least one working part of a machine tool or similar machine, the machine part moving in a linear direction and the cover being designed to follow its movements so as to keep the corresponding zone inside the machine protected. The cover comprises a set of overlapping covering elements in the form of a first covering element that can be connected to the machine at the zone to be protected and a plurality of covering elements that move relative to each other and relative to the first covering element in the same linear direction as the working part of the machine moves. Each covering element has an opening through which a portion of the working machine part or its support can protrude outwards, the opening in the first covering element forming an area to be covered by the remaining covering elements, and the movable covering elements decreasing in size going from the inside to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabellini
  • Patent number: 6390741
    Abstract: A safety guard assembly is adapted to be conveniently moved into position between a work area and an operator station. The safety guard is characterized by a unitary transparent polymer having a planar portion and ribs that impart to the planar portion rigidity against longitudinal bending and transverse flexing. Brackets are attached to opposite sides of the guard and an associated handle and one end of an associated universal support arm are connected to each bracket. The opposite end of each universal support arm is mounted remote from the work area. The handles and universal support arms enable the guard to be quickly and conveniently moved by an operator between positions adjacent to and remote from the work area. When moved between the work area and operator station, the guard restricts, from passage to the work station, chips, broken tools, coolant, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ben E. Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20020054800
    Abstract: A PCB separator includes a machining device for machining work pieces, and a charge couple device attached to the machining device and the tool member for taking pictures of the work piece. A monitor is coupled to the charge couple device for showing the pictures of the work piece. An index generator is coupled to the monitor for generating and sending a cross-shaped index to the monitor, and includes an adjusting knob for adjusting the sizes of the index relative to the work piece, for allowing the work piece to be precisely machined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Tzong Her Hwu, Kun Chuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20020054801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device in the chip-removing machining of a work-piece by means of a rotatable tool with a shaft arranged in a headstock. The tool is displaceable in an axial direction both towards and away from the work-piece, and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the arbor. Arranged around a machining point is an enclosure. The enclosure has a first opening that is designed to press tightly against the work-piece around the point to be or being machined. A second opening in the enclosure is made in a wall substantially perpendicular to the shaft. This opening is designed, during machining, to press tightly against a plane plate arranged behind the tool and around the headstock, substantially perpendicular to the arbor, so that during machining there is a substantially enclosed space in the area around the tool and the machining point. The device includes means of delivering cutting fluid to the machining point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Klas-Arne Lof, Mats Andersson
  • Publication number: 20020051687
    Abstract: A machine tool is provided which is constructed so that a table pivot mechanism and cables such as a power supply line connected to the pivot mechanism are protected from chips and a coolant. The machine tool comprises: a column movable along the X-axis on a bed (11); a main spindle (12) supported by the column via a spindle head and vertically movable along the Y-axis; and a rotatable table (13) which is movable back and forth with respect to the main spindle (12) along the Z-axis on the bed (11). The table (13) is pivotally supported by a table frame which is movable along the Z-axis along slideways provided on the bed (11). A pivot mechanism such as including a servo motor and a reduction gear mechanism for pivoting the table (13) is provided on an outer side of the table frame. The bed (11) has a center trough in which a chip conveyer (18) is provided. The slideways and the table pivot mechanism are completely separated from a machining space by movable covers (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Harami, Michio Watanabe, Toshihide Kamei
  • Patent number: 6364582
    Abstract: A machine tool with a working area cover provided with at least one door for allowing access to the working area of the machine tool. For providing an enhanced and simplified access to the working area without interfering protrusions or edges the door is a round door turnable about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Deckel Maho GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Hoppe, Reinhold Seitz, Horst Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6360798
    Abstract: Router tables, generally used for woodworking, have fences used to guide workpieces during cutting. The router table has a table top which has a top work surface and a router bit hole through the table top. A plurality of support legs are provided below the table top. A safety shield is positioned above the router bit hole. The workpiece fence has left and right fences which operate independently of each other. The left and right fences slide on the top work surface in a front to rear direction and a side to side direction. A feather flap extends from the workpiece fence and holds the workpiece down against the table top during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Edmund Apolinski
  • Publication number: 20020034426
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a vertical machining center (1) which has working regions (&agr;, &bgr;) separable by a partition plate (P), and comprises a spindle head (15) adapted to move within one of the working regions (&agr;, &bgr;) separated by the partition plate (P) in a first machining mode and to move across the working regions (&agr;, &bgr;) not separate by the partition plate (P) in a second machining mode, and a stopper (20) which prevents the spindle head (15) from moving from the one working region into the other working region in the first machining mode and permits the spindle head (15) to move between the working regions (&agr;, &bgr;) in the second machining mode. The stopper (20) includes a movable stopper member (21) attached to a saddle (13) and stationary stopper members (26, 27) attached to a bed (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Matsui
  • Publication number: 20020028118
    Abstract: A method for lengthening the machining travel of a machine-tool operating at a very high speed, including a tool-carrying ram mobile on three axes. The method combines with the machining movements of the tool-carrying ram along one or several axes, one or several rectilinear movements of the part to be machined by parametering and digitising the relative travels and speeds of the part to be machined with respect to the tool-carrying ram. The invention also concerns the device for implementing this method and the machine-tool using such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: laur
    Inventors: RAYMOND LAUR, ANDRE AZEMA
  • Patent number: 6350087
    Abstract: A collet assembly for a tool comprising a collet nut rotatably connectable to the tool; a collet operatively connectable to the collet nut; and a collet wrench movably connected with the tool and engageable with the collet nut for tightening and loosening the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Berry, Michael E. Bitzel, Allen K. Brelsford, John L. McKibben
  • Patent number: 6341929
    Abstract: In a cover apparatus of a machine tool, a slide cover and turning covers are connected to a motor via an up-down movement mechanism and a cam drive portion. During operation of the motor, the slide cover and the turning covers are raised from a lowermost position to an uppermost position, and are held at the uppermost position, and then are lowered from the uppermost position to the lowermost position. The turning covers are connected to the motor also via a pivoting mechanism and an intermittent drive unit. During operation of the motor, the turning covers are turned while being held at the uppermost position. The apparatus thus prevents deviations of the up-down movement timing of the slide cover 47 and the up-down movement timing of the turning covers, thereby improving reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuoka, Masahiko Inukai
  • Patent number: 6341928
    Abstract: In a pallet changer apparatus, a pallet changing arm is connected to a motor via a raising/lowering mechanism and an intermittent drive unit. During operation of the motor, the pallet changing arm is raised from a lowermost position to an uppermost position, and is held at the uppermost position, and then is lowered from the uppermost position to the lowermost position. The pallet changing arm is also connected to the motor via a turning mechanism and a second cam drive portion. During operation of the motor, the pallet changing arm is turned while being held at the uppermost position. The pallet changing arm is moved up and down and turned by using the single motor provided above a table. The table below the pallet changing arm is reduced in size so as to allow an operator to perform operations without being impeded by the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuoka, Masahiko Inukai
  • Publication number: 20020009343
    Abstract: Pair of columns 3 and 4 are provided on a bed so as to be movable in a approach and separate direction to each other. On inside surfaces facing with the columns 3 and 4 to each other, there are respectively arranged tool spindles 32 and 32′ which are movably guided in one of first and second directions mutually perpendicular to a first direction that is a moving direction of the columns 3 and 4. Each of the tool spindles 32 and 32′ performs machining operations with respect to a common worktable by independently moving in the three directions mutually perpendicular to each other. Upper-lower covers 50 are intentionally arranged in a front of each of the columns 3 and 4 by upper and lower winders 52 and 53 so as to cover the front of each of the columns 3 and 4. Further, a cover apparatus 60 is intentionally arranged between the columns 3 and 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: SHINJI UETAKE, MICHIHIRO SUZUKI, KOICHI SAKAI, SHUUITSU ISOGAI, MASANAO KATO
  • Patent number: 6327761
    Abstract: A machining apparatus has a frame, a conveyor on the frame extending in a workpiece travel direction and adapted to support a flat workpiece, a tool mount displaceable on the frame transversely of the direction, a material-removing tool on the mount for machining the workpiece with generation of particles, and a drive roller engageable with an upper surface of the workpiece upstream of the tool for advancing the workpiece in the direction past the tools. A shield is provided above the conveyor extending transverse to the direction upstream of the tools and downstream of the drive roller. At least one actuator serves for pressing the shield against the workpiece between the tools and the drive roller during machining of the workpiece. Nozzles immediately adjacent the shield are connected to a supply of compressed gas for directing a gas current at the workpiece and blowing particles thereon downstream in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Peddinghaus Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Magnuson
  • Publication number: 20010048858
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a spring of a clamp unit for fixing a tool to a spindle for systematic replacement of the spring. The machine tool comprises a clamp unit (47) for fixing a tool in a taper hole provided in a spindle, and a controlling section (63) for controlling the operation of the clamp unit. The clamp unit (47) includes a holder for holding a holder portion of the tool, a driving rod coupled to the holder, a driver for moving the driving rod along an axis thereof, and a spring for biasing the driving rod in one direction along the axis thereof. The machine tool further comprises a service life end detecting section (11) for counting the number of times of actuation of the clamp unit (47) and, when the count of the number reaches a predetermined reference actuation number, judging that the service life of the spring ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Akamatsu, Makoto Fujishima
  • Publication number: 20010041651
    Abstract: A machine having a vertical main spindle include a bed having a bottom portion and a pair of walls arranged uprightly from both ends of the bottom portion, the sidewalls having horizontal upper mounting surfaces thereon. A first slider is slidably horizontally mounted on the upper mounting surfaces for movement along a first axis. A second slider is slidably horizontally mounted on the first slider and guided by a pair of guide rails arranged on the first slider for movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A jig apparatus is mounted on the bed for clamping a workpiece at a position lower than the first slider. A spindle head that vertically supports a main spindle is mounted on the second slider so that the main spindle is moved along the third axis perpendicular to the fist and second axes between the guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadayuki Abe, Tetsuro Yamakage, Shinji Uetake, Yasuhiro Okada, Yoshihiro Arai, Tomokazu Takayama, Hiroshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6296599
    Abstract: A machining tool for dry processing includes an encapsulated workspace having arranged therein a workpiece support which is displaceable on a machine bed. The guide members of the workpiece carrier are arranged externally of the workspace, so that chip removal is not impeded by the workpiece support guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Staiger
  • Patent number: 6264590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for holding a tool for chuck mounting heads used in machining where chips are removed from the worked part and waste material consequently produced. The unit comprises: a tool holder spindle designed to be attached to the chuck of the head; and an extraction device associated to the spindle and comprising an annular manifold comprising a first pipe which extends from a first end giving onto an area close to the tool and ends at a second end equipped with a first union designed to be quickly connected with the inside of a second union which matches the first and which is located at a connection unit associated to the chuck mounting head; said first and second unions forming a detachable coupling designed to connect the extraction device, through a second pipe, to a pump that creates a flow of fluid at a defined pressure along the first pipe so as to remove the waste material produced by machining from the area close to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6260439
    Abstract: A protective cover for a zone of a machine tool, in which a machining part moves along an operating path, preferably extending on a single plane, in said zone; the cover comprises a plurality of cover elements consisting of a fixed cover element which can be fixed to the machine, a mobile element connected to the machining part and a plurality of mobile cover elements positioned between the fixed cover element and the mobile cover element which is connected to the machining part; the cover elements are closed in a pack, each with a window, and are arranged according to decreasing size and lie around the machining part, connected to one another by a first and a second support rod, at a given distance from one another and with respective mobile cursors on the rods so as to guide the mobile cover elements in a direction parallel with and a direction at right angles to the rods, during movement of the machining part, keeping the machining zone covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.r.L.
    Inventors: Giorgio Tabellini, Walter Goldin
  • Patent number: 6260438
    Abstract: A protective cover for a zone of a machine with moving parts, in which the machine comprises a mobile machining part which moves along an operating path, preferably extending in a single plane. The protective cover comprises a first set of cover elements, which are connected to the machining part in such a way that they can move, extending away from one another so as to cover the zone and overlapping one another along a trajectory of the machining part, and a second set of cover elements, which are connected to machining part in such a way that they can move, extending away from one another so as to cover the zone and overlapping one another along a trajectory of the machining part which is different to the trajectory of the cover elements of the first set, in such a way that when the machining part moves along its operating path it draws the first and second cover means along the respective trajectory, ensuring that the zone to be covered remains covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: P.E.I. Protezioni Elaborazioni Industriali S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabellini
  • Patent number: 6257811
    Abstract: A machine tool has a vertical-axis tool spindle that receives a tool, and a workpiece table on whose upper side is arranged a fixture for clamping in a workpiece. The tool spindle and workpiece table are displaceable relative to one another in a working region in which the workpiece is arranged. The working region extends at least partially, in a direction transverse to the spindle axis, outside the workpiece table; the fixture projects in that direction beyond the table, holds the workpiece there, and is open at the bottom so that chips that are produced can freely fall downward in the direction of the spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Schweizer, Hans-Henning Winkler
  • Patent number: 6247880
    Abstract: An apparatus for guarding an operator from hazards produced at the point of operation of a machine tool. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket for attaching the fixture to the dovetail of the ram of a milling machine (e.g., a Bridgeport vertical milling machine), the mounting bracket having a first end and a second end; a swing arm attached to one of the ends; and a guard attached to the swing arm. In some embodiments, a second swing arm attached to the other of the ends supports a second guard or a tube that carries oil to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory Barcome