Abstract: A changing device for rotary indexing tables has a stand component (12) used as a base component. Through the stand component (12) a shaft (18) passes defining the axis of rotation of tables (2) rotatable by an electric motor which having an interface (20) for coupling concerned tables (2). Tables 2 can be fixed in predeterminable rotational positions relative to a table unit (8) by a clamping device (60). At least two table units (8), differing from each other at least with respect to their clamping devices (60), together with their assigned table (2) as exchange components can be fixed in an interchangeable manner on the base component for their operation.

Abstract: A pottery holding device and method for securely holding a workpiece during rotation and working of the workpiece on a wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The pottery holding device includes a wheelhead member and at least three holding members. The wheelhead member configured for attachment to the wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The at least three holding members and wheelhead member configured to allow selective locking of the at least three holding members in positions about the periphery of a workpiece. The device adapted to securely hold circular, non-circular symmetric and irregular, asymmetric or organic shaped workpieces. The device further adapted to securely hold workpieces in positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is aligned with the axis of rotation of the device, and positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is spaced from the axis of rotation of the device.

Abstract: A jig device holding a work piece is used with a milling machine that cuts from the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects. The jig device is inserted repeatedly into the machine in the same predetermined location, even upon inverting the jig device. This maintains the spatial relationship between the jig device and milling so, at start up, they are always in the same exact spatial relationship. The milling machine partially cuts through a first side of the work piece to form in the work piece a cavity having a surface part corresponding to at least a portion of the prosthesis being made. The jig device is then removed from the machine, inverted and reinserted into the machine at the same predetermined location. A support material is placed in the cavity prior to reinserting the jig device. Upon reinserting the jig device, the machine precisely cuts through an opposed side of the work piece to form within the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects.

Abstract: High precision machining is enabled by eliminating the need for a conventional swiveling table, and by enhancing rigidity for supporting a work by relatively reducing the distance from the top surface of a stationary body section (1) to the position for machining a work by means of a tool on a rotary spindle (17). A pair of guide tracks (28a, 28b) respectively passing two positions separated in the X axis direction of the stationary body section (1) and in the Z axis direction intersecting the X axis direction perpendicularly are allowed to guide feed tables (30a, 30b) to be movable independently.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a block of soft material has a machine frame, a table adapted to support the soft-material block adjacent the machine frame, a center support shiftable transversely on the machine frame relative to the table, and a cutting tool carried on and transversely shiftable with the center support and engageable with the block on the table for longitudinally cutting the block. A hold-down device has a hold-down frame vertically displaceable on the machine frame above the table and a plurality of longitudinally shiftable hold-down plates longitudinally shiftable on the hold-down frame and separated by longitudinally extending gaps at least one which is transversely wider than the center support. The center support projects vertically through the one gap.

Abstract: A method for operating a transverse machining roller of a transverse machining device, which is driven by means of a drive unit and is for the rotary machining of a product web that is transportable in a transport direction, in order to produce machined sections of product web of different formats, having the following steps: selection of a desired format for the sections of product web, preparation of a number of motion rules for controlling a rotary movement of the transverse machining roller in a control unit, for the desired format, production or calculation of a movement of the transverse machining roller on the basis of motion rules prepared in the control unit and/or at least one parameter of the drive unit and/or at least one instruction of a user.

Abstract: Depaneling systems are disclosed for liberating circuit boards from panels. A depaneling system of the invention includes a cutting apparatus adapted to cut circuit boards from a panel, and a fixture pallet adapted to support a panel of circuit boards for cutting by the cutting apparatus. The fixture pallet is also adapted to tilt toward an operator to allow the operator to register a panel on the fixture pallet.

Abstract: A vertical machining center with a tool slide, which can be moved in a controlled manner, and a workpiece feed on one side of a machining area is designed for automatically changing the workpiece holders with workpieces. To this end, the workpiece feed is designed for holding available and accepting workpiece holders with workpieces and is mounted so as to be in alignment with a CNC rotary table on that side of the vertical machining center, on which the respective workpiece holder is held by the CNC rotary table.

Abstract: A workpiece engraving machine provides for a way to clamp, align and identify a workpiece for engraving. An engravable band with a permanently embedded flexible engravable tag and a method of engraving the tag in the engraving machine. In a first aspect, a workpiece clamping table comprising a support surface, a clamp, one or more workpiece alignment devices, a positional sensor and a processor. The processor determines the workpiece type, keeps the automatic inventory and may indicate when workpieces need to be ordered. In a second aspect, a workpiece engraving machine may also have workpiece inventory doors which comprise containers with workpiece holders. The containers are attached to the engraving machine by rotators.

Abstract: A workpiece engraving machine provides for a way to clamp, align and identify a workpiece for engraving. An engravable band with a permanently embedded flexible engravable tag and a method of engraving the tag in the engraving machine. In a first aspect, a workpiece clamping table comprising a support surface, a clamp, one or more workpiece alignment devices, a positional sensor and a processor. The processor determines the workpiece type, keeps the automatic inventory and may indicate when workpieces need to be ordered. In a second aspect, a workpiece engraving machine may also have workpiece inventory doors which comprise containers with workpiece holders. The containers are attached to the engraving machine by rotators.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining large-area workpieces. A column can be moved along one coordinate axis over a long bed. A machining unit, movable at the movable column along at least two other coordinate axes, has a pivotable working spindle. At least one approximately plate-like work carrier can be pivoted from a horizontal set-up position into a vertical machining position. A tripod configuration of the machining unit has a central support pipe and three telescopic legs spaced about 120° with respect to one another. The movable column has, in a central recess, a universal bearing supporting the central support pipe. In each of two lower and one upper recesses a universal bearing for the telescopic legs is provided. A retainer supporting the pivotable working spindle is positioned next to the work area on one end of the central support pipe and is rotatable about an axis of the central support pipe.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a lower housing part, an upper housing part having a lower side, and a plurality of support posts fixed to the upper and lower parts and holding the upper part fixedly at a spacing above the lower part. A tool holder displaceable parallel to a horizontal tool axis on the lower side of the upper housing part carries a chuck rotatable about the tool axis and can hold a machining tool. A supply station on the lower part offset horizontally perpendicular to the tool axis from the tool holder is can hold a plurality of the workpieces. A cross slide connected between the upper housing part and a workpiece chuck displaces the workpiece chuck in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the tool axis and in a vertical direction to displace a workpiece between the station and a position aligned on the tool axis with the tool chuck.

Abstract: A portal milling machine has an elongated machine bed (10), the longitudinal direction of which defines an X-direction (2) (machine longitudinal direction). Furthermore, the portal milling machine is provided with a portal (20) which is arranged at right angles to the X-direction and has an elongated plan form, the longitudinal direction of which defines a Y-direction (4) (portal longitudinal direction). A milling unit (50) is arranged on the portal (20) so as to be movable in a translatory manner in a first direction and a second direction transversely to the X-direction (2), and a linear guide (14, 16) which leads through the portal in the X-direction (2) and is intended for a slide (30) carrying a work mounting device (32) and movable in the X-direction (2) is attached to the machine bed (10). In plan form, a part of the machine bed (10) projects beyond the portal (20) in the X-direction (2) at least on one side.

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

Abstract: This invention refers to a woodworking machine equipped with fastening devices capable of allowing the processing of items of complex shape and variable size, characterized in that it provides a multiple number of devices which are mobile and capable of being positioned on a working plane independently from each other, where each of said devices simultaneously constitutes both a striking element for positioning the item and a blocking element for the same.

Abstract: A machine tool of small scale, light weight, and low cost, yet accomplishing a high degree of precision in machining. A spindle (2) is encased in a body frame (1) and disposed preferably in such a manner that the spindle (2) is movable along an axial center thereof or Z-axis direction by means of a Z-axis moving means (4). Either Y-axis table (5) or an X-axis table (6), at least being capable of moving along X-axis or Y-axis direction, or both is provided at one end of the spindle (2) on one side of the body frame (1) and arranged to be vertical with respect to the axial center of the spindle (2).

Abstract: A machining center has machine tools which each have a working space for machining workpieces 21, a clamping station 18 in which workpieces 21 to be machined are clamped into workpiece holders 19, and a loading device which transports the workpiece holders 19 between the clamping station 18 and the working space of at least one machine tool. A multiple coupling 70 for transferring fluidic energy, which is selectably docked in the clamping station 18, is provided on the workpiece holder 19 (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A system having improved cycle time for removing PC boards from a connected panel. In accordance with the present invention, a pair of walking clamps are used to receive a panel from a subsequent processing system, and a movable receiving nest is used to provide the PC boards to a subsequent processing station. The processes of receiving a panel, depaneling the PC board, and delivering the PC boards do not use common components and are able to operate independently and concurrently to reduce idle time in the system and improve the cycle time. The present invention also provides a secondary vacuums which removes debris from the PC boards as the PC boards are being transporting to a subsequent processing system to improve the removal of debris.

Abstract: A rotary device for changing parts to be machined by a machine-tool. The device includes a supporting table which has at least two pallet supports arranged at regular angular intervals for receiving each a part-carrying pallet, and is rotationally mounted between the machining station of the machine-tool and the post for supplying part-carrying pallets arranged opposite said machining station. The supporting table is pivotally mounted about its central axis and tiltingly between a horizontal position and an inclined position relative to the horizontal plane. The invention is useful for changing parts for a machine-tool.

Abstract: Described is a draw-in nipple for fastening a palette on a machine tool, with the draw-in nipple for fastening of the palette being received by a rapid-action clamping system, with the draw-in nipple being attached afflicted with clearance on the palette and through application of a tension force in its longitudinal direction away from the palette being lockable free of clearance. The draw-in nipple is herein preferably received in a resilient element which upon exertion of a tension force becomes deformed and locked through the draw-in nipple.

Abstract: In a vertical machine tool has a main spindle head (13); a main spindle (15) rotatably supported by the main spindle head vertically; and a worktable (7, 9) movable horizontally, a frontmost stroke end position of the worktable (7, 9) relative to the main spindle head (13) is determined in such a way that a rearmost edge portion (7a) of the worktable (7, 9) is dislocated a predetermined set-up stoke Sa away from a central position (C) of the main spindle (15). Therefore, when work is mounted by use of a crane or hoist, it is possible to prevent the hook of the crane from interfering with the main spindle head, thus improving the set-up workability. Further, it is preferable to form a plurality of grooves (25) extending in front and rear direction of the machine tool on an upper surface of the worktable also to improve the set-up workability, without forming a plurality of grooves in the right and left direction of the machine tool.

Abstract: A milling machine having a horizontal slide and a vertical slide. The horizontal slide is mounted for movement between a loading station and a milling area. The vertical slide is mounted on the horizontal slide for vertical movement. A chuck is mounted on the vertical slide and has jaws for gripping a workpiece at the loading station. Milling tools in the milling area mill a workpiece held by the chuck when the horizontal slide is moved to the milling area. The milling tools include a face mill, a semi-finish end mill and a finish end mill which are arranged in a straight line along the path of movement of the chuck when the horizontal slide is moved from the loading station to the milling area. All of the milling tools are mounted in a receptacle which is capable of positioning the milling tools offset from the center line of the workpiece.

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

Abstract: Individual printed circuit boards are routed from a panel comprised of an array of printed circuit boards. The individual printed circuit boards are moved as a group, after being routed from the panel, to a registration nest for holding the individual printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards rest in the registration nest until a subsequent processing station is ready to receive a printed circuit board. At the appropriate time, each printed circuit board is moved one at a time to a subsequent processing station. A second group of printed circuit boards is routed from a second panel while the first group of printed circuit boards rests in the registration nest and is moved one at a time to the subsequent processing station. A sensor reads features on the panel or on individual printed circuit boards and the routing program is modified or stopped in response to certain panel features.

Abstract: The machine for the machining of sheet-like articles (12) has a toolholder (90) fitted with a milling cutter (92). Said toolholder can be positioned in the direction of the arrow (x). The clamping device (10) capable of being moved in and counter to the direction of the arrow (y) has clamps (20, 22, 24), of which the first clamp (20) and second clamp (22) are provided with a centering pin (41, 41'). The article (12) to be machined has centering holes which are arranged at the corner points of a right-angled isosceles triangle, the lateral side length of which corresponds to the spacing of the centering pins (41, 41'). The article (12) to be machined can thereby be inserted into the clamping device (10) in two positions rotated through 90.degree. relative to one another. In order, after machining in one direction, to rotate the article (12) through 90.degree.

Abstract: A machine tool module has a platen supported on a track above a metal-removing tool. A workpiece is placed on the platen at a loading station at one end of the track. A drive is provided to move the platen from the loading station to the metal-removing station where the tool removes material from the workpiece and then to an unloading station at the opposite end of the track. After the workpiece is unloaded, the platen is moved back to the loading station. A workpiece loading elevator is provided at the loading station and a workpiece unloading elevator is provided at the unloading station. Two such machine tool modules may be placed end-to-end so that a workpiece on the platen of one module may be transferred to the platen on the other module for machining by both modules in sequence.

Abstract: A method and machine for repairing overhead cam engine cylinder heads and the like. The method includes the steps of removing the caps from the bases of the bearing towers or housings, removing material from the legs of the caps to reduce their height, replacing the caps on the bases, and boring the resulting bearings to produce bearings of the proper diameter. The machine includes a device for machining a bearing cap and a device for boring the bearings. The device for boring the bearings has a boring bar that is supported only at opposite ends of the cylinder head. The bar does not sag or chatter because it is made of an extremely hard and dense material such as a dense tungsten alloy or a ceramic-coated metal.

Abstract: A machining center for the machining of workpieces (26). It comprises at least one work unit (22) with a rotary tool (24) for machining a workpiece (26) arranged in a machining zone (28). The workpiece (26) is secured to a workpiece carrier (15), which for this purpose possesses a holding device (25). The workpiece carrier (15) may be moved into a workpiece change station (25), wherein workpiece change may take place. During workpiece change the workpieces (26) are picked up and put down from above by the holding device (25). During machining the workpiece (26) is hangingly held on the workpiece carrier (15). The machining center ensures high productivity and minimum complexity for operation.

Abstract: A crankshaft is mounted in a fixture which rotates the crankshaft about its longitudinal axis and which tilts the crankshaft about a horizontal axis to allow machining of holes such as oil holes at various rotational positions and at various tilt angles to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, a cutting tool moves along a horizontal plunging axis Z to machine the depth of the hole and moves along a horizontal X axis to machine holes on or offset from the longitudinal axis. The cutting tool may also be shifted vertically along a Y-axis. Preferably, a pair of crankshafts are mounted side-by-side in the fixture to machine two crankshafts simultaneously. The fixture is mounted for tilting by trunnions. The pair of crankshafts are spun about the longitudinal axes by a motor carried on the tiltable fixture. An automatic tool changer and loading apparatus store cutting tools and associated guide bushings for the cutting tools.

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

Abstract: A multi-axis machining apparatus including structure for positioning a workpiece in a precise and repeatable manner in relation to a tool bit. The multi-axis machining apparatus includes a first table forming a horizontally disposed upper surface and having an opening for mounting a first tool in an inverted position therein and for projecting a first bit upward through the opening and above said upper surface. The horizontal upper surface has first and second axes intersecting each other in perpendicular relationship and the opening is centered on a vertical third axis, intersecting said first and second axes in perpendicular relationship therewith. A fence structure may be attached to the carriage assembly for guiding movements of a workpiece along the upper surface of the first table. A second table assembly is attachable to the underside of the first table. A carriage assembly may be operatively engaged with the first table for moving the carriage assembly in a direction parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A machining system that has (i) plural machining cells spaced along a path, each having a single-point-tool and a rapid-positioning assembly for positioning the tool for multiple insertions into a workpiece as well as rapid tool exchange at speed rates that approach or exceed one G; (ii) table means for presenting a table surface in a selected plane for each cell; (iii) workpiece means for each table surface having keying surfaces for lockingly mating with a reference point of such table surface; (iv) transfer means for rapidly replacing a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece on a table surface, the just-machined workpiece being transferred to the next table surface while the substituted workpiece is undergoing machining; and (v) programmed electrical control means for activating the positioning assemblies and transfer means.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting peripheral teeth in a pattern wheel blank for use as a pattern wheel on a textile knitting machine includes a base on which a driven cutting blade is affixed and on which a carriage is reciprocable toward and away from the cutting blade. The pattern wheel blank is mounted on the carriage for movement therewith into and out of cutting engagement with the blade and is incrementally indexable for cutting engagement therewith at plural locations about the pattern wheel blank periphery. Electrical control circuitry enables the extent of each reciprocal movement of the carriage to be selectively varied to either permit or prevent cutting engagement between the pattern wheel blank and the cutting blade at each peripheral location on the pattern wheel blank.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the inside of a metallurgical vessel including an inclined foundation and ways on the inclined foundation to support the carriage of a mobile cleaning device. The mobile cleaning device has a carriage which moves along the ways on said inclined foundation. The mobile cleaning device has a pivotally mounted boom with a rotary shaft having a cutting head mounted on its end and bits on the cutting head. A support stand is located adjacent the upper end of the inclined foundation for holding a metallurgical vessel in a stationary position during cleaning.

Abstract: Routing a circuit board from the bottom side allows board removal from areas not generally accessible from the top side, such as board areas which are overhung by top side, such as board areas which are overhung by electrical connector "headers", as well as variable potentiometer and capacitor controls which may not be easily accessible from the top side. One embodiment combines such routing with shearing to merge their respective advantages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing of steel billets or the like to remove surface defects. A material-removing device such as a grinding wheel is automatically controlled to initiate removal of material at points where defects have been detected and to continue removal of material as long as cracks or other defects continue to be detected. In certain disclosed embodiments, an inspection is performed using magnetic particle or other inspection equipment, the initial removal of material being controlled therefrom. Thereafter, material-removal is controlled from signals produced by a probe which is carried in the removal device or adjacent thereto. In other disclosed embodiments, a thin layer of material is removed to permit detection of defects by a probe, the material-removal being both initiated and continued under control of probe signals.

Abstract: A milling assembly 10 for machining an I-beam 12 including tube flange portions 14, 16 and a web portion 18 therebetween including a pair of oppositely disposed and spaced milling heads 134 for milling the two flanged portions 14, 16 of the I-beam 12 and a support table for supporting the I-beam 12 thereon for reciprocating movement relative to the milling heads 134 to bring the ends of the I-beam 12 in contact with the milling heads 134. Alignment buttons 49, 76, 108, 124 are mounted on the support table for aligning the I-beam 12 upon the support table 128 in a predetermined position and three clamping stations 24, 26 and 28 are mounted on the support table 128 for fixedly clamping the I-beam 12 along the length of the support table 128.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an indexing attachment for a numerically controlled milling machine, comprising an indexing spindle rotatably supported in the casing for receiving a workpiece chuck, a bottom plate for fixing the casing on a worktable, and clamping means for fixing the indexing spindle in the various indexing positions. The indexing attachment is to be of simple and inexpensive structure and intended to permit--without any drive means of its own--programme-controlled indexing operations and thus milling steps along five axes. To this end the indexing spindle (10) of the indexing attachment (8) is adapted to be coupled with a driver (4) mounted on a part (2) of the milling machine and to be driven by programme-controlled motions of the milling machine.

Abstract: A machine tool apparatus having a bifurcated column structure comprising spaced apart columns which enclose and slidably secure the mounting end of an arm, the opposite end of which receives a rotating spindle adapted to engage and rotate a variety of machining tools. The bifurcated column structure has three primary ways having their guiding surfaces arranged generally in one plane, and the third having its guiding surface in a plane orthogonally related to the plane of the first ways. The column structure also includes three secondary ways positioned in opposed relation to the respective primary ways. Antifriction bearings are connected to the mounting end of the arm in opposed relation to the three primary and three secondary ways and serve to guide the arm for vertical movement within the column structure.

Abstract: A fixture capable of accurately manipulating a workpiece through a circular arc is provided. Various concepts useful in the formation of a cylindrical surface on the workpiece are developed. One fixture described includes a pair of opposing spherical surfaces which are restricted in degree of movement by a key extending from one surface into a slot in the opposing surface.

Abstract: A crankshaft is mounted in a fixture which rotates the crankshaft about its longitudinal axis and which tilts the cranksahft about a horizontal axis to allow matching of holes such as oil holes at various rotational positions and at various tilt angles to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, a cutting tool moves along a horizontal plunging axis Z to machine the depth of the hole and moves along a horizontal X axis to machine holes on or offset from the longitudinal axis. The cutting tool may also be shifted vertically along a Y-axis. Preferably, a pair of crankshafts are mounted side-by-side in the fixture to machine two crankshafts simultaneously. The fixture is mounted for tilting by trunnions. The pair of crankshafts are spun about the longitudinal axes by a motor carried on the tiltable fixture. An automatic tool changer and loading apparatus store cutting tools and associated guide bushings for the cutting tools.