With Means To Control Temperature Or Lubricate Patents (Class 409/135)
  • Patent number: 7244083
    Abstract: A cutting head assembly for use in cutting plate glass has a simplified drive train, all positioned about the vertical rotational centerline. The drive train includes a hollow bore drive motor having a drive adaptor directly engaged with a spline shaft that extends through the hollow bore. The lower end of the spline shaft is directly engaged with a cutting tool holder for retaining a cutting tool. The drive motor imparts rotational movement to the cutting tool through the spline shaft and the cylinder imparts vertical movement to the cutting tool by vertical movement of the spline shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Glassline Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 7241090
    Abstract: An open-topped collection trough for arrangement under a machine tool to collect downwardly flowing coolant emitted from coolant spray nozzles of the machine tool which direct coolant jets onto cutting tools and adjacent surfaces, in which the collection trough is provided with a height adjusting mechanism and a seal system made of foam seal material between the top edge at the side of the trough and the undersurfaces of a machine tool to seal the gap between the trough and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Luc Reynders
  • Patent number: 7185503
    Abstract: In a conditioning system for a manufacturing machine, in particular a machine tool, a machine tool framework is arranged inside a sealed casing. Ducts are arranged at machine tool regions to be thermally conditioned. The ducts comprise air flow outlets and are coupled to a conditioned air delivery manifold supplied by a conditioning device. Solenoid valves are provided at the outlets to control air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Parpas, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vladi Parpajola
  • Patent number: 7168901
    Abstract: A device 1 and a method for trimming samples 38 are disclosed. The device 1 encompasses a knife holder 9 and a sample holder 7, the knife holder 9 carrying at least one trimming knife 36. A first motor 60 and a second motor 61 are provided, which move the knife holder 9 in an X-Y plane. Also provided is a control unit 15 that controls the motion of the knife holder 9. The first and the second motor 60, 61 are each equipped with a measurement means 62, 63 that measures the position of the knife holder 9 in the X direction (X) and Y direction (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Ranner
  • Patent number: 7155825
    Abstract: A method for withdrawing liquid from the liquid bearings of a spindle (1) carried in liquid bearings (3, 5) distinguished in that with the help of pressurized gas, the liquid, together with the gas, is forced to exit the spindle during the operation of the spindle via at least one first channel (12), and that when the spindle is shut down, is forced to exit via at least one second channel (13) with a smaller flow-through cross-section than the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Lind Finance & Development AB
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Patent number: 7134818
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of toolings for high-accuracy finishing through-holes and non-through-holes, such as for example for calibration, lapping operations. More precisely the invention refers to a tool-holding system for high-accuracy calibration of the type comprising a driving shaft (2) and a driven shaft (3) mutually connected by two cardan joints (5) and that provides an external cylindrical body (6) supported through bearings (8) by said driving shaft (2). The cylindrical body or liner (6) is closed on its bottom side by a driving bush oscillating in a plane perpendicular to the driven shaft rotation axis; said oscillations being compensated by elastic means. Axial compensation means for driven shaft movements are also provided. The liner (6) forms a chamber (7) that is kept full of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sumen Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Franco Mazza′
  • Patent number: 7128505
    Abstract: A stationary machine tool column supports a spindle head to be movable in an axial direction of the spindle. A table on which a workpiece is mounted is moved in directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the spindle. A cutting liquid feed device is fixed to the column through a support member and includes a cutting liquid nozzle and a shower nozzle. The cutting liquid nozzle is adapted to discharge cutting liquid toward a tool mounted to the spindle. The shower nozzle is adapted todischarge cutting liquid as a curtain of fluid to surround a cutting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Sato, Akihiko Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7114895
    Abstract: A spindle motor as a heating element and a spindle head having a spindle that is driven by the spindle motor are coupled to each other by a cooling flange. The cooling flange is provided with a cooling passage, the cross-sectional area of which gradually increases with distance from its gas inlet toward its gas outlet. When a high-pressure gas is injected into the cooling passage through the gas inlet, it is adiabatically expanded and cooled by the cooling passage having the gradually increasing cross-sectional area. Thus, the cooling flange restrains heat generated from the spindle motor from being transmitted to the spindle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Kunio Kojima, Keiko Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7112019
    Abstract: A spindle (1) in which the moving part (2) fixed to the tool-holding collet (3) is supported by one or more aerostatic bushes (4) on cushions of air generated by a jet of compressed air that circulates continuously along the air gaps (5) between the aerostatic bushes (4) and the moving part (2) and passes out of the spindle (1) through the co-axial aperture (6) formed in a flange (7) through which the tool-holding collet (3) projects from the spindle (1). Directing elements (8) are attached to the outside of the flange (7) to collect the air passing out of the abovementioned aperture (6) and cause it to adopt an outward direction of motion (E) that is tangential to or incident on the terminal part (3t) of the tool-holding collet (3) and roughly parallel to the axis of the spindle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ballado Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Beat Ammann
  • Patent number: 7073244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for machining a flexible foam. The flexible foam is treated to temporarily harden the foam. The hardened foam is machined. The foam is then returned to its original flexible state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Olari, Donald L. Allen
  • Patent number: 7070371
    Abstract: A chamfering air tool includes a driving shaft in a casing rotated by air pressure, a rotary shaft perpendicularly combined to the driving shaft for rotation, and a cutter fixed to the rotary shaft. Air holes are formed through the rotary shaft in a longitudinal direction. An air discharge groove is formed in the cutter, and a hole communicated with the air hole is formed in a fixing bolt head. An air path is formed in the fixing bolt head to keep a predetermined gap from the cutter. A guide ring having a diameter approximate to a lower end of the cutter is rotatably mounted to the fixing bolt head. Thus, air is blown to the air hole of the rotary shaft, the air hole formed in the fixing bolt head, the air path formed between the cutter and the guide ring, and the air discharge groove of the cutter, thereby eliminating cut chips and cooling the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Cheol-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 7048481
    Abstract: A spindle device of a machine tool, which can prevent the liquefaction of atomized cutting fluid in atomized cutting fluid passage downstream of a straightening unit 14, enhance a responsiveness to an ejecting start or stop instruction, and prevent a waste of cutting fluid. The spindle device for a machine tool has atomized cutting liquid passage (e1, e2) each having a single-shape passage section and formed inside the device ranging from the spindle 1 to the tip end of a cutting tool 13 mounted thereto in one piece, and is operated so as to eject atomized cutting tool 13 via the atomized cutting fluid passages (e1, e2), wherein a straightening unit 14 formed with a plurality of small-diameter passages h are provided in the middle of the cutting liquid passages (e1, e2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama
  • Patent number: 7033308
    Abstract: An automatic tool changing device capable of cleaning a contact surface of a spindle, which is to be in contact with a tool holder, with a simple structure. The device includes a turret having a plurality of grippers on its outer circumference and holding the tool holder by means of the grippers. At the time of tool change, the grippers grip and pull out the tool holder fixed to the spindle. Rotation of the spindle causes the turret to rotate through a spindle gear, a turret gear, and a decelerating device, to thereby select a tool. At this moment, a coolant is spouted from a nozzle portion of a manifold toward a spindle taper hole in which the tool holder is interfitted and washes the taper hole. Due to the rotation of the spindle, the coolant is spouted onto the whole circumference of the taper hole, and the surface to be in contact with the tool holder is surely washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fanuc LTD
    Inventors: Akihiko Fujimoto, Naoki Sato, Norio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6923603
    Abstract: A machine tool 1 comprises a spindle head 11 for supporting a spindle 9 to which a tool 7 is fitted, a column 5 for supporting the spindle head 11 and a table 13 for mounting a workpiece 15, and machines the workpiece 15 by relatively moving the tool and the workpiece. A cavity 5a is defined in the column so that a liquid can be circulated. A liquid pump 19 is provided for circulating the liquid into the cavity 5a. A circulating pump controller 27 is provided for controlling the circulation of the liquid by activating and deactivating the liquid pump 19. By circulating the liquid into the cavity 5a of the column 5, the temperature of each part of the column 5 is evenly maintained to prevent the thermal deformation of the column 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., LTD
    Inventor: Ai Muto
  • Patent number: 6913390
    Abstract: A shaft 17 defines a front end portion 17a having a larger diameter and an opposite tail end portion 17b having a smaller diameter, the shaft 17 being rotatably supported by the housing 13 through a radial bearing 19 and a pair of angular ball bearings 21 at the front side large diameter portion 17a and the small diameter portion 17b, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Company, LTD
    Inventors: Shinichi Inoue, Hideshi Sato, Kazumasa Kono
  • Patent number: 6866451
    Abstract: A device for detecting thermally caused linear expansions of a machine element, wherein the device includes a temperature sensor placed along an expansion direction. The temperature sensor includes a first metallic conductor having an electrical resistance that is proportional to an average temperature of an area to be monitored and a plurality of trimmer tracks in the form of further metallic conductors placed next to the first metallic conductor. The temperature sensor further includes electrical connections selectively interconnecting the plurality of trimmer tracks with the first metallic conductor and wherein the plurality of the trimmer tracks have an effective electrical resistance that is proportional to the average temperature of the area to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Braasch, Josef Müller, Martin Seichter
  • Publication number: 20040234351
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of toolings for high-accuracy finishing through-holes and non-through-holes, such as for example for calibration, lapping operations. More precisely the invention refers to a tool-holding system for high-accuracy calibration of the type comprising a driving shaft (2) and a driven shaft (3) mutually connected by two cardan joints (5) and that provides an external cylindrical body (6) supported through bearings (8) by said driving shaft (2). The cylindrical body or liner (6) is closed on its bottom side by a driving bush oscillating in a plane perpendicular to the driven shaft rotation axis; said oscillations being compensated by elastic means. Axial compensation means for driven shaft movements are also provided. The liner (6) forms a chamber (7) that is kept full of oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Franco Mazza'
  • Patent number: 6773212
    Abstract: A cutting-oil coater that prevents oil spray from liquefying during conveying and improves the efficiency of work such as oil-refilling by forming a spray feed portion and an oil storage portion separately from each other and making it possible to adjust the arrangement position. A cutting-oil coater includes a spray feed portion, an oil storage portion, an oil feed means for feeding oil to the oil spray feed portion, and a spray conveying passage for conveying the oil spray inside the spray feed portion to the outside of the spray feed portion, wherein the spray feed portion and the oil storage portion are formed separately from each other and can be arranged in different positions respectively, and the arrangement can be adjusted. Thus, the spray feed portion is arranged in the vicinity of the cutting position of a machining tool and the fluid feed unit 11 is arranged at a place where a worker can carry out a work such as oil-refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Koeki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Inoue
  • Patent number: 6772042
    Abstract: A programmable coolant nozzle system includes a coolant fluid nozzle fixed to a manifold so that the centerline of the nozzle and the centerline of the manifold block are perpendicular. This feature allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from the nozzle at great pressure and/or volume with an actuator that does not have to withstand severe tortional force. The invention includes a method which allows coolant fluid to be rotatably directed from a nozzle assembly and to be commensurate with any change in position of the working tool of a machine tool center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dimensional Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Warren, Stephen R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 6749378
    Abstract: A semi-contact guide apparatus includes a bed as a first member, a column as a second member, a plural number of oil-hold portions and an oil-supply device. The column is movably guided on the bed. A sliding surface is formed on the column. The plural number of oil-hold portions is formed on the sliding surface. Dimensions of the oil-hold portions are defined according to load distribution of the weight of the column. The oil-supply device supplies lubricant oil to the oil-hold portions. The amount of lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion is defined according to each of dimensions of the oil-hold portions. Since the dimensions such as areas of the oil-hold portions and the amount of the lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion are defined as above, inclination of the column on the bed is prevented, and the column can be smoothly moved on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Saito, Tetsuo Teramura, Toshiharu Takashima, Michihiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6729813
    Abstract: A spindlehead for tools is insertable into a tool disk with holders provided for such spindleheads. A spindle holds the shank of the tool in its chuck at its front end section, and is rotatably mounted by a spindle bearing in a spindlehead housing. A coolant feed extends at least in part in the spindlehead housing to convey coolant to the tool via at least one coolant channel and an internal coolant feed line in the spindle. A sealing device with a throttling point is separated form parts of a drainage channel. The sealing device has at least one sealing ring enclosing the spindle. The sealing ring is longitudinally movable in the spindlehead housing coaxially with the spindle axis. After longitudinal movement into a sealing position, the sealing ring separates the internal coolant feed line from the associated parts of the drainage channel up to a specifiable leakage amount. The accuracy of machining with the tool may be increased and the installation space available can be better used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sauter Feinmechanik GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Sahm, Rolf Wezel
  • Patent number: 6726415
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for a tool or a workpiece tensioning jack in a machine tool spindle. The actuating device includes a pressure piston which is arranged inside a housing for actuating the tool or workpiece tensioning jack. In order to provide a compact, space-saving actuating device enabling leakage fluid to be drained off in a simple manner, several interspaced continuous bores are arranged concentrically around a center axis in a side wall of the housing. Pressure plungers which are axially displaceable with the aid of the pressure piston are disposed therein and the housing contains at least one leakage channel with a section extending between the pressure plungers in a radially outer direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ott-Jakob GmbH & Co. Spanntechnik KG
    Inventors: Ludwig Jakob, Josef Greif
  • Patent number: 6715971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing a coolant stream onto a cutting tool is made up of a nozzle pivotally mounted on a machine tool, the nozzle being automatically adjusted in response to movement of the machine tool via a retractable plunger or other linear drive member so as to cause the coolant stream to intersect the interface between a workpiece and each cutting tool that is brought into cutting position on the machine tool; and the nozzle is pivotal between a reference position and a different intermediate position corresponding to the length or diameter of the cutting tool which is advanced into cutting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Gary L. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6692202
    Abstract: A spindle protective structure in a spindle-through coolant feeder capable of preventing coolant form invading a spindle and a spindle motor for an excessive overflow of coolant. Coolant is supplied into a through hole formed axially in the spindle or a shaft connected to the spindle through a stationary member and a rotary member of a rotary joint supported by a housing. A seal member having elasticity is provided on a circumferential surface of the spindle or the shaft. Coolant which leaks through the seal member is splashed by a fringer provided in the housing. When a large amount of coolant is overflowed in the housing, a pressure of the coolant in a first chamber of the housing increases to press a lip of the seal member towards the circumferential surface of the spindle or the shaft to prevent leakage of coolant into a second chamber of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fanuc Limited
    Inventors: Yukio Katsuzawa, Yasuyuki Nakazawa, Tomohiro Seki
  • Patent number: 6675549
    Abstract: A processing machine installation is provided with a processing machine having a tool for machining a workpiece, heat-generating potions and non-heat-generating portions, a first cover for defining a air conditioned processing machine room around the processing machine, an air injector including a plurality of air outlet, provided in the first cover, for directing air to the respective portions of the processing machine, the air outlet being distributed depending on the amount of heat generated in the respective portions of the processing machine so that the air flow through the air outlet portions are adjusted to substantially level the temperature of the respective portions of the processing machine an air conditioner for controlling the temperature rate of the air supplied to the air injector he basis of the air temperature in the air conditioned processing machine room. The air temperature in the air conditioned processing machine room is controlled to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kaneda, Toshiyuki Kusakari
  • Patent number: 6672809
    Abstract: The holder body of a tool holder includes one or more first fluid passages and one or more second fluid passages, wherein the first and second fluid passages are communicated to each other inside the holder body and open to the outer surface of the holder body. A cooling fluid is supplied from a fluid passage formed in a fluid guide of the cooling apparatus to either the first fluid passage or the second fluid passage, flows through a communicating portion of the first and second fluid passages into the other of the first and second fluid passages, and runs out into the other fluid passage of the fluid guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Manyo Tool Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chikara Senzaki
  • Patent number: 6666630
    Abstract: The invention concerns a 3D milling machine and a 3D milling process. The milling machine comprises a milling unit (2) with a motor driven work spindle (4) for receiving a milling tool, a work table for clamping work pieces, guide and drive device for producing relative movement of the milling unit and the work table in at least three spatial directions, and a laser device (12) for emitting a laser beam. A laser assisted milling of free-form surfaces is made possible in that the milling unit is a spherical cutter (6), further, that a mounting device (30, 32) and a driving device (36, 38) are provided for producing a precise movement of the laser emitter (12) about a point on the beam axis, such that the laser beam (14) circles about a central axis, which intersects the axis of the work spindle (4) at an acute angle, as well as a mounting device and a driving device for at least one of pivoting and rotating of the work table (18) about at least one axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Jens Boehm, Ralf Herold
  • Patent number: 6655245
    Abstract: A method of optimizing the functioning of a machining center for machining, at least one piece, by removal of material by means of at least one cutting tool. The machining center includes a certain number of different components including at least a structure, such as a frame, and at least one motor elements for producing actions of driving and displacement of at least the cutting tool and the piece. Further, the method includes an installation for lubricating and cooling the tool and the piece by means of a fluid, (i.e., lubricant) by determining at least one temperature value for the lubricant, at least empirically, referred to as the reference value, at which the machining center functions in a stable way, (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Tornos SA
    Inventor: Patrick Schuettel
  • Publication number: 20030185641
    Abstract: The machine tool includes a column that can be moved back and forth. The column supports a spindle which is adapted to hold a tool for machining a workpiece at an end thereof. A worktable located in front of the column which is adapted to hold the workpiece. A back cover is located behind the column to prevent swarf of the workpiece from being scattered into a space behind the column. The back cover is arranged to move back and forth integrally with the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Osamu Tanigawa
  • Patent number: 6604269
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a machine tool for processing workpieces with tools, wherein the machine tool has a spindle housing that contains a spindle shaft and accommodates at least one tool as well as a drive device that causes a rotational movement of the spindle shaft. The machine tool is characterized by the fact that the drive device (3) contains a hydraulically operated displacement machine or swash plate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: Vickers Systems, Witzig & Frank Turmatic GmbH
    Inventors: Arnold Jennemann, Klaus Bergmann, Berthold Bauer
  • Patent number: 6599066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating shaft apparatus for rotationally driving a spindle or a feed screw shaft and a machine tool including the rotating shaft apparatus, and is directed to enhance durability of a rotating shaft apparatus if the rotating shaft such as a spindle or a feed shaft rotates at a high speed. In order to solve the problem, according to the invention, a rotating shaft is rotationally supported by a bearing to a housing, the bearing being previously applied to or filled with a lubricant. A lubricant impregnated member, which is impregnated with a lubricant to be supplied to the bearing, is provided in the rotating shaft. The lubricant is separated and discharged from the lubricant impregnated member by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Koike, Shinichi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030103825
    Abstract: A machine tool 1 comprises a spindle head 11 for supporting a spindle 9 to which a tool 7 is fitted, a column 5 for supporting the spindle head 11 and a table 13 for mounting a workpiece 15, and machines the workpiece 15 by relatively moving the tool and the workpiece. A cavity 5a is defined in the column so that a liquid can be circulated. A liquid pump 19 is provided for circulating the liquid into the cavity 5a. A circulating pump controller 27 is provided for controlling the circulation of the liquid by activating and deactivating the liquid pump 19. By circulating the liquid into the cavity 5a of the column 5, the temperature of each part of the column 5 is evenly maintained to prevent the thermal deformation of the column 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Ai Muto
  • Patent number: 6508614
    Abstract: A spindle device equipped with a combined externally pressurized gas-magnetic bearing assembly, and a machining apparatus utilizing the spindle device. The spindle device is capable of accomplishing a high speed rotation with high rotational precision and includes a main shaft (4) rotatably supported by the combined bearing assembly (6 to 9), an electric current detecting device (15 to 18) disposed in a spindle controller (3) for detecting a current supplied to electromagnets of the combined bearing assembly (6 to 9). Also provided is a machining status determining device (19) for determining the machining status in reference to the current detected by the current detecting device (15 to 18). The machining status may be an indication of the extent to which a machining tool is impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Nobuyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6497538
    Abstract: Arrangement for delivering coolant fluid to the rotating part (1,3) of a tool spindle intended to support a tool at one end. It is distinguished in that the end of the rotating part (1,3) that is opposite the tool is accommodated in a unit (4) that is stationary in relation to the rotating part (1,3), that the rotating part has an axial bore (6) of the rotating part (1,3), that a gap sealing separates the rotating part (1,3) from the stationary unit (4) adjacent to the inlet thereby forming a dynamic bearing during the rotation of the rotating part due to leakage of the coolant fluid through the gap sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Lind Finance & Development AB
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Publication number: 20020176757
    Abstract: A semi-contact guide apparatus includes a bed as a first member, a column as a second member, a plural number of oil-hold portions and an oil-supply device. The column is movably guided on the bed. A sliding surface is formed on the column. The plural number of oil-hold portions is formed on the sliding surface. Dimensions of the oil-hold portions are defined according to load distribution of the weight of the column. The oil-supply device supplies lubricant oil to the oil-hold portions. The amount of lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion is defined according to each of dimensions of the oil-hold portions. Since the dimensions such as areas of the oil-hold portions and the amount of the lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion are defined as above, inclination of the column on the bed is prevented, and the column can be smoothly moved on the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Saito, Tetsuo Teramura, Toshiharu Takashima, Michihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020159852
    Abstract: A spindle protective structure in a spindle-through coolant feeder capable of preventing coolant form invading a spindle and a spindle motor if an excessive overflow of coolant happened. Coolant is supplied into a through hole formed axially in the spindle or a shaft connected to the spindle through a stationary member and a rotary member of a rotary joint supported by a housing. A seal member having elasticity is provided on a circumferential surface of the spindle or the shaft. Coolant leaked through the seal member is splashed by a flinger provided in the housing. When a large amount of coolant is overflowed in the housing, a pressure of the coolant in a first chamber of the housing increases to press a lip of the seal member towards the circumferential surface of the spindle or the shaft to prevent leakage of coolant into a second chamber of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Yukio Katsuzawa, Yasuyuki Nakazawa, Tomohiro Seki
  • Patent number: 6471451
    Abstract: In a machine tool controlled by using a numerical control device, a correction amount is determined for thermal displacement due to heat generation and heat conduction in a spindle motor and a feed shaft motor, in addition to thermal displacement due to heat generated by rotation of a spindle and a feed shaft. A tool position is corrected based on the correction amount. An entire stroke of the feed shaft is divided into a finite number of sections, and for each section, a correction amount for thermal displacement due to axial movement of the feed shaft is determined. The tool position is corrected based on the determined correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Kojima, Susumu Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6443675
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, such as a spiral cutting tool, with improved operator control and visibility. The power tool includes a motor contained in a motor housing. The motor may be a variable speed motor controlled by a speed control user interface mounted on the housing. Each time a speed control button is actuated, the motor speed is changed. A display provides the operator of the tool with an indication of the motor speed selected. A detachable handle is provided with a moveable mechanism for easily, quickly, and securely attaching the handle to the housing and removing the handle therefrom with one hand. The detachable handle may include one or more storage compartments formed therein. The detachable handle includes a trigger switch mounted therein for operating the cutting tool motor. The trigger switch is mounted in the detachable handle in a position such that the switch is operated by the little finger and ring finger of an operator's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Roto Zip Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Kopras, Jason R. Kopras, Scott Adler, Douglas Seals, Ryan Rindy, Larry Gunseor, Daniel Bullis
  • Publication number: 20020085892
    Abstract: A less expensive cooler for a machine tool comprising cooling mist generator for generating a cooling mist, and a supply unit for supplying the cooling mist to a heat generating component of the machine tool which is liable to be heated due to frictional heat, so as to thereby cool the heat generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Mitsugu Hara
  • Patent number: 6413026
    Abstract: Tool spindle with a moveable pulling rod (3) axially displaceable in the spindle axle (1) for firmly attaching a tool at the axle of the spindle. The end (10) of the pulling rod (3) that is opposite to the tool extends into a unit (4) that accommodates the end of the pulling rod and that is stationary in relation to the rotation of the pulling rod, that the pulling rod (3) is provided with a piston (11) accommodated in a cylinder chamber (13) arranged in the spindle axle (1) and having at least a first (12b) and a second (12a) axial bore of which the first bore (12b) opens in the cylinder chamber (13) on one side of the piston (11) and the second bore (12a) opens in the cylinder chamber (13) on the other side of the piston (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Lind Finance & Development AB
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • 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: 6398468
    Abstract: A quill spindle includes a quill assembly within which a spindle assembly is rotationally mounted. The quill assembly includes a coolant flow path, and the spindle assembly includes a plurality of coolant flow paths. The quill assembly flow path and one of the plurality of spindle assembly flow paths provide cooling to bearings that allow the rotation of the spindle assembly within the quill assembly. Another of the plurality of coolant flow paths within the spindle assembly provides cooling flow to a cutting tool installed on an end of the quill spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Bayer Machine Tech LLC
    Inventors: Jack L. Bayer, Scott L. Bayer, John D. Philippi
  • Patent number: 6264409
    Abstract: A tool holder clamp device for spindle, which is for clamping in a screw-fastening manner a shank portion of a tool holder to be incorporated to a spindle (1) in a removably fittable manner relative to a taper hole (9) formed at a distal end portion of the spindle (1), includes a clamp bolt member (23) rotatably and axially movably provided in a central through-hole (19) of the spindle (1) communicating with the taper hole (9), the clamp bolt member (23) having a threaded part (25) to be screwed in a threaded hole axially formed in the shank portion of the tool holder, the clamp bolt member (23) being adapted to fix the tool holder by fastening the shank portion by means of the threaded part (25), and a drive shaft body (29) rotatably and axially movably provided in the central through-hole (19) of the spindle (1), the drive shaft body (29) being adapted by axial movement thereof to engage with the clamp bolt member (23) for drive connection therewith to drive the clamp bolt member (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Date, Yoshiaki Kai, Katsuhito Endo
  • Patent number: 6234730
    Abstract: A thermal change computation apparatus is used with a machine tool that includes a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece and a driving mechanism for changing a relative position between the machining mechanism and the workpiece. The apparatus comprises a driving state detecting unit for detecting a driving state of a machine tool to be used; a holding time computing unit for computing a holding time where a thermal change substantially remains; a change amount computing unit for computing a thermal change amount of the machine tool based on the driving state detected at every designated operation; and a change amount adding unit for computing a present thermal change amount of the machine tool by adding an influence of a thermal change amount computed previously to a thermal change amount computed newly when the previously computed thermal change amount is available and the holding time inherent in the machine tool does not elapse since the change amount computing unit computes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6210085
    Abstract: A machine tool has a machine part (25) which undergoes temperature-dependent changes in length, and is equipped, where it comes into contact with coolant (23), with a thermal insulation layer (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 6192572
    Abstract: A high speed machining machine-tool including a mechanical module having a machining station and a driving station and an equipment module with “n” number different parts located up line. The module bases are connected to a common supporting frame, with the mechanical module being fixedly connected thereto. The equipment module is connected to the machine so as to slide on its longitudinal axis. The different mobile parts of the machine-tool adopt two positions: a first, so-called “folded” position, in which the equipment module and all its parts engage each other and the mechanical module; a second, so-called “extended” position, in which the whole equipment module or a subset of its component parts have slid on the supporting frame towards the rear so as to form a transversal handling passage running through and through the machine. The invention is useful for high speed machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Renault Automation
    Inventor: André Azema
  • Patent number: 6164881
    Abstract: In order to process a solid processed object with a simple construction, and to process a solid and flat work while effectively collecting particulate scraps, in a machine tool for processing work in which a working table on which the work is mounted and a spindle in which a cutter is installed move relatively to each other, a bellow which telescopes freely is provided, one open end of which connects to the spindle head so as to surround the spindle, and the other open end of which connects to a working table in such a manner as to surround the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Toko, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Shono
  • Patent number: 6161993
    Abstract: A cutting machine assembly is disclosed having a motor assembly with a motor housing, a motor shaft and spaced bearings which rotatably mount the motor shaft to the housing at opposite ends of electrical motor windings. A cutting tool is detachably secured to a forward end of the motor shaft. A casing is disposed around the motor and this casing has a first axial end secured to the motor housing adjacent the forward end of the shaft such that the casing forms an annular chamber between the casing and the motor housing. At least one and preferably several openings are formed in the first axial end of the casing adjacent the cutting tool and these openings are open to the annular chamber formed between the casing and the motor housing. An air vacuum is fluidly connected to the opposite axial end of the annular chamber so that, upon actuation, the air vacuum inducts air through the casing openings and through the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Jonathon Campian
  • Patent number: 6146066
    Abstract: A dust collecting router for collecting dust and debris while using a router. The dust collecting router includes a housing with a passage therethrough with a pair of ends each having an opening into the passage. A motor is mounted in the housing and has a rotating shaft outwardly extending therefrom towards a first end of the housing. A cutting bit is coupled to a free end of the rotating shaft and outwardly extending through the opening of the first end of the housing. An impeller comprising a plurality of fan blades outwardly radiating from the rotating shaft of the motor. A collecting container is in communication with the opening of the second end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Edwin C. Yelton
  • Patent number: 6122808
    Abstract: An oil conduit mechanism for spindle head of five-axis machine tool integrates cutting liquid conduit, lubricating oil conduit and braking oil conduit within the spindle head. Those conduits comprises ducts to guide cutting liquid, braking oil and lubricating oil to the processing location for cooling and lubrication. The oil conduit mechanism further comprises a lubricating oil recycling conduit to recycle the lubricating oil for repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Konrad Joseph Popp