With Position Indicator Or Limit Means Patents (Class 409/214)
  • Patent number: 8517645
    Abstract: An attachment to a milling machine having a rotary drive, particularly useful for cutting sharp interior corners in a workpiece, comprising a rotary shaft couplable to the rotary drive of the milling machine so as to be rotatable about the shaft's longitudinal axis. The attachment further comprises a conical cutter member having a rotary axis, an apex located on the axis, and at least one external conical surface portion having a leading end at the apex and a trailing end spaced apart from the rotary axis and from the apex along the rotary axis. The conical cutter member has a cutting edge constituting a part of the conical surface portion and extending between the leading and trailing ends thereof. The rotary axis of the conical cutter member is oriented transversely though not perpendicularly to the shaft longitudinal axis. The conical cutter member being coupled to the rotary shaft so as to be rotated about the rotary axis by the shaft, upon the shaft's rotation about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: G.R.G Patents Lrd.
    Inventors: Gershon Harif, Josef Gurievich
  • Patent number: 8142118
    Abstract: The invention refers to a working machine with a machining tool which can be set in a spindle head of a working spindle. A monitoring unit is provided which monitors the shape of the spindle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Knut Martens
  • Patent number: 8109304
    Abstract: A nimble and free moving guide and support apparatus for hand-held cutting devices. The device utilizes vertical support members to maintain contact with a work surface, while a base plate maintains contact with the material to be cut. Above said base plate is mounted a cutting device, such as a router, where the cutting members of said cutting device pass through an opening in said base plate. The nimbleness and free movement of this apparatus are provided by a movement mechanism, such as a ball bearing housed at the end of the vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Alves
  • Patent number: 7988390
    Abstract: A precision machine includes a base having an outer wall, a cutting tool for machining a workpiece mounted on the base, a fixing member detachably located on the outer wall, a first connecting member having a first end and a second end and an imaging system. The first connecting member is capable of maintaining a shape after adjustment thereto by application of an external force, and the first end of the first connecting member is fixed to the fixing member. The imaging system is attached to the second end of the first connecting member such that a position of the imaging system relative to the tool can be adjusted by changing shape of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Tsan Shen
  • Patent number: 7931054
    Abstract: A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit, which is releasably connected to the base unit. The motor unit defines a motor axis is configured for insertion into the base unit substantially in the direction of the motor axis. A depth adjustment latch is provided on the base unit. A release latch is provided on the base unit. The release latch is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release latch is configured to provide a positive stop for the motor unit when the release latch is in the first position, such that the motor unit is blocked from release from the base unit while allowing the motor unit to move along the motor axis. The motor unit is free to release from the base unit when the release latch is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: David Pozgay, Erick Higashi
  • Patent number: 7819611
    Abstract: A rotary cutting tool is provided for cutting an opening in a sheet of material (e.g., drywall) around a pre-installed item (e.g., an electrical box). The cutting tool may include a shaft, at least one cutter, a guide tip and a shoulder formed by a lower edge of the cutter adjacent the guide tip. The shoulder may have a width that corresponds to the width of a wall of the pre-installed item. The width of the shoulder may be equal to the width of the wall, or it may be slightly greater than the width of the wall. The guide tip may include a bearing to prevent marring of the wall of the item when the guide tip is rotating and in contact with the wall. An adjustable collar and corresponding bearing may also be disposed around the shaft for controlling a preferred cutting depth of the cutter. The cutting tool may be engaged with any suitable rotary tool, including one having an adjustable table for controlling a preferred cutting depth of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Lonnie Cox
  • Publication number: 20100111599
    Abstract: In order to produce a connecting means for connecting a first component and a second component and especially for connecting furniture parts or machine parts which will enable two components consisting of a multiplicity of materials to be securely connected to one another without giving rise to the danger of damaging the two components during the assembly process, wherein the device comprises a first connecting element that it arranged on the first component in the connected state of the components and a second connecting element that is arranged on the second component in the connected state of the components, it is proposed that at least one of the connecting elements should comprise a non self-cutting holding projection which has a curved support surface that is in the form of an arc of a circle in longitudinal section, wherein the holding projection can be inserted into a groove which is provided in one of the components and has a curved undercut surface that is in the form of an arc of a circle in longit
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Franz Baur, Franz Haser, Wilfried Schneider, Patrick Jeker
  • Publication number: 20100111630
    Abstract: Provided is a tool which is capable of precisely measuring a distance from a reference point such as a mechanical origin to a cutting edge, even where the cutting edge is small in diameter, thereby allowing the cutting edge to be precisely moved to a machining origin which is a machining start position. Targets (12), (13) are provided at a site displaced from a cutting edge (11) which is a machining site to a thicker base side, on the tool designated by numeral (1), for applying machining to a work piece (W). These targets are formed in an irregular shape for acting measuring mediums (Zy), (Zx) such as a probe or an electrode for contact-type measurement, light for optical measurement, or a sonic wave for displacement-type measurement, and further, light required for optical magnification-type stereoscopic vision or optical imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Kou Yamagishi
  • Publication number: 20100043618
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a cutting tool system. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a carriage that is movable along an axis, a cutting tool, and a depth controller. The cutting tool may be capable of being removably attached to the carriage. The depth controller may be capable of controlling a cutting depth of the cutting tool with respect to a surface of a workpiece closest to a part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Michael D. Katzenberger, Ike C. Schevers, Anthony P. Slade, Steve L. Arana
  • Patent number: 7657984
    Abstract: A robot positioned welding tip dresser assembly includes a pivot arm pivotally mountable on a welding gun apparatus. The pivot arm is pivotal about a pivot point. A welding tip dresser is mounted on a distal end of the pivot arm. A first retaining tab extends from the pivot arm. The first retaining tab includes an opening extending therethrough. At least one positioning mechanism is disposed relative to the pivot point and is cooperable with the first retaining tab to retain the pivot arm in one of a home position and a working position. The first retaining tab is engagable by end-of-arm tooling of a robot. The end-of-arm tooling is operable to release the positioning mechanism, and movement of the robot moves the pivot arm between the home and working positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hopkins, Melissa Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20080101881
    Abstract: An ultra-precision machine tool capable of accurately detecting a machining start position, in which movable axes are supported by fluid bearings. A workpiece is mounted on a rotary table of a B axis, and the rotary table is mounted on an X axis that is a linear motion axis. A tool is mounted on a Y axis. The Y axis is mounted on a Z axis. The X axis is moved reciprocally each time the Z axis is moved a predetermined amount, a machining surface of the workpiece is scanned, and it is determined whether or not position deviation of the X, Y and B axes reaches or exceeds a reference value. The Y axis is driven and the tool is moved toward the workpiece a predetermined amount, and the above-described scan is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Yonpyo Hon, Kenzo Ebihara, Tomohiko Kawai
  • Patent number: 7331740
    Abstract: An apparatus having a mounting body, a support having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support being pivotally secured to the mounting body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal primary pivot axis. A rail grooming head mounted to the second end of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: David S. Fenton
  • Patent number: 7155826
    Abstract: A motor spindle includes a spindle shaft for receiving a tool. The spindle shaft is accommodated in the housing of the motor spindle in a fixed bearing and a loose bearing. The received tool enters into contact with the machined workpiece in a tool interface when the spindle shaft is driven and the tool interface is displaced in an axial direction of the spindle shaft when a workpiece is machined. A displacement sensor is provided on the spindle bearing in order to determine the axial displacement of the tool interface. There is also a motor spindle including a spindle shaft for receiving a tool. The spindle shaft is accommodated in the housing of the motor spindle in a fixed bearing and in a loose bearing with an axially displaceable bearing bushing. The tool enters into contact with the machined workpiece at the tool interface when the spindle shaft is driven, and an adjusting element which is used to adjust the axial displacement of the bearing bushing of the motor spindle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Paul Müller GmbH & Co. KG Unternehmensbeteiligungen
    Inventor: Heinz Wehrfritz
  • Patent number: 7114894
    Abstract: A key cutting machine for cutting a notch pattern on a key blank is disclosed. The key cutting machine comprises a pair of cutting heads and a clamp mechanism. Each cutting head includes a cutting wheel having an edge and an alignment structure mounted behind the cutting wheel. Each alignment structure has a key guide portion aligned tangent to the edge of a corresponding cutting wheel to engage and position a key blank laterally. The clamp mechanism is positioned between the cutting heads and is configured to hold the key blank stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Warren W. Stansberry
  • Patent number: 6872036
    Abstract: A hand tool apparatus uses a cutting tool with a first width and a tool axis to machine a hole in an object. The hole has a second width at least as large as the first width of the cutting tool. The tool axis passes through a predetermined point on a surface of the object. The apparatus includes an actuating assembly including a housing. The housing contains an axial feed mechanism configured for moving the cutting tool in an axial direction, a spindle motor configured for rotating the cutting tool about the tool axis, and a radial offset mechanism. The radial offset mechanism is configured for moving the axial feed mechanism in a radial direction such that the tool axis is offset from a principal axis. A motor is configured for rotating said axial feed mechanism and the cutting tool about the principal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Novator AB
    Inventor: Dag G. Linderholm
  • Patent number: 6832878
    Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Elrod, Elizabeth Domokos-Elrod
  • Patent number: 6832879
    Abstract: A machine tool (1) for the at least partial machining, contour-dependent cutting or milling of a component from a plate-shaped workpiece (2), for example a wood plate, is provided, and includes a suction device used as a clamping device for engaging on the back side or lower side of the workpiece (2). A second clamping device including at least one hold-down device (6) that is used to apply pressure to the side of the workpiece (2) facing away from the suction device (3) and (4) is provided. The hold-down device (6) has on its contact region that applies pressure to the workpiece (2) at least one or two spaced-apart pressure rollers (7), and is displaceable under pressure relative to the workpiece (2) transversely to the axis of the pressure roller(s) (7). The displacement is synchronous with a tool (8) used for the machining of workpiece (2), which tool can preferably be situated between the two spaced-apart pressure rollers (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Wassmer Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Wassmer
  • Patent number: 6733216
    Abstract: A hand-held milling machine (1) has a cutting tool (9, 10) which protrudes from a machine support (3) on the side facing the workpiece. A screw-type clamping mechanism allows the cutting tool (9, 10) and the machine support (3) to be positionally adjusted relative to each other by the relative rotational movement of clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides around a drive axis (13) in the direction of the projection of the cutting tool (9, 10) relative to the machine support (3). The clamping sections (6, 18) are positioned opposite each other in the radial direction of the drive axis (13). A tensioning device (35) allows the two clamping sections (6, 18) on both sides to be secured against relative rotational movement around the drive axis (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Trumpf Grusch AG
    Inventor: Claus Böhringer
  • Patent number: 6666242
    Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base, screw rods mounted rotatably on and extending from the base, a cutter carriage mounted movably on the screw rods, and a detecting unit including a light transmitter and a light receiver that cooperates with the light transmitter to define a gap therebetween and that generates an electrical signal upon receiving light from the light transmitter. An optical encoder wheel is fixed to one of the screw rods, and is formed with a plurality of angularly spaced apart holes. The optical encoder wheel extends into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Juei-Seng Liao
  • Patent number: 6612790
    Abstract: The present invention is a retrofit apparatus for attachment to vertical milling machines. The invention generally comprises a main scale, a digital indicator, a mounting cover having a centrally located aperture for receiving the indicator and allowing vertical movement thereof, a plurality of hat clips and screws to attach the scale and indicator to the mounting cover, a rear mounting plate, a quill stop bar, a quill mount, and a rod. In operation, as the quill device of a milling machine is moved, the indicator slides up and down within the aperture and the indicator effectively and precisely measures the vertical displacement thereof. In an alterative embodiment of the invention, the retrofit apparatus comprises an aperture in the mounting cover wherein the aperture is substantially the same size as the indicator, and in operation only the scale moves while the indicator measures the vertical displacement of the quill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Story, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6558091
    Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Smith, Lawrence M. Cotton, Kevin Alfred
  • Patent number: 6510879
    Abstract: A device of depth index of a planing machine includes a bottom base, an upper base, an index device and a sensor device. The upper base is fitted with an index device at a preset position in the front. A push rod is pushed up to activate the index device to show a planing depth. The sensor device includes a sensing strip pivotally connected to a preset position under the upper base. As soon as contacting with a wood material moving on the bottom base, the sensing strip will rotate for a preset angle and prop up the push rod to let it activate the index device to show a numerical value of planing depth. As the sensing strip is elongate, a wood material moving on the bottom base can immediately sensed by it, no matter what size or where or how it is placed, obtaining effect of wholly sensing the wood material being planed and ensuring measuring precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bor Yann Chuang
  • Patent number: 6488453
    Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Elrod, Elizabeth Domokos-Elrod
  • Patent number: 6357975
    Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Elrod, Elizabeth Domokos-Elrod
  • Patent number: 6308754
    Abstract: A thickness-indicating device for a wood-planing machine includes a mounting member, a pointer, a vertical pushing rod, a resilient member, and a scale member. The mounting member is adapted to be disposed fixedly on the cutter seat. The pointer has a connecting end that is mounted pivotally on the mounting member, an indicator end that is rotatable about the connecting end, and an abutment portion that is located between the connecting end and the indicator end. The pushing rod is disposed vertically and movably on the mounting member, and has an upper end which abuts against the abutment portion of the pointer, and a lower end which is adapted to abut against a top surface of a workpiece that is held on the machine. The resilient member is adapted to bias a lower end of the pushing rod to abut against the workpiece. The scale member is disposed fixedly on the mounting member near the indicator end of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: P&F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chiu-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6262839
    Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Wixey, Robert P. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6095728
    Abstract: Translation means is provided for translating positional movement of the cutting tool [56] of a cutting machine [10] to a digital readout assembly [60] provided for monitoring the relative positions of the workpiece support means [14] and the cutting tool support [55] in a direction parallel to the positional movement. The translation means comprises a reader mounting [31] for mounting the position reader [15] of a digital readout assembly supported by a carrier assembly [16] which carries the reader [15] whereby it may move with the carrier assembly [16] or relative thereto in a direction parallel to the positional movement. Drive means such as a precision push-pull cable drive [20] is provided for translating the positional movement of the cutting tool [56] to movement of the reader mounting [31] relative to the carrier assembly [16].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Frederick Victor Steven Howie
  • Patent number: 6042311
    Abstract: A chamfering apparatus for chamfering a work has an adapter which surrounds a tool support, has one end fixed to a casing and the other end projecting from the casing, and is arranged coaxially with the axis of a rotating shaft. This chamfering apparatus includes an eccentric ring rotatably mounted around the adapter, a lock plate rotatably mounted around the eccentric ring, a work guide attached to the lock plate and having a predetermined guide direction to guide a tool support along the work, and keeping means for keeping the angle between the guide direction of the work guide and the output shaft of a motor at a predetermined value when the lock plate and the work guide are translated with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft by rotating the eccentric ring with respect to the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Yokoyama, Munenori Yamaguchi, Yasuo Kazama
  • Patent number: 5947664
    Abstract: A stop device that can be readily interconnected with a variety of commercially available vertical milling machines to precisely control the vertical travel of the quill mechanism of the milling machine. The bolt-on stop device of the invention includes three vertically adjustable stop mechanisms, each of which includes adjustable slide elements that can be horizontally extended or retracted relative to the quill mehanism of the milling machine. When extended the slide element moves directly into the path of vertical travel of a follower member, or depth indicator, provided on the quill mechanism of the machine. When retracted, the slide will clear the follower member of the quill mechanism so as to enable its engagement with the next adjacent stop or slide element of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Gil Espinosa
  • Patent number: 5941663
    Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Elrod, Elizabeth Domokos-Elrod
  • Patent number: 5855234
    Abstract: A router table assembly includes a removable throat plate having a frame with a generally-planar upper surface, and an opening formed in the frame's upper surface. A disc, supported within the opening for rotation about a first axis, includes a through-hole which is sized to permit extension therethrough of a routing bit along a second axis parallel to the first axis. A graduated scale on the frame adjacent to the disc cooperates with a reference mark on the disk to provide an indication of the displacement of the bit's second axis relative to a reference edge on the working surface. A clamp secures the disc against rotation after the disc has been rotated within the frame to position the bit's second axis a desired distance from the reference edge. A fence is secured in one of a plurality of parallel-spaced positions relative to the reference edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ryobi North America Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Everts, Kenneth M. Brazell
  • Patent number: 5795113
    Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Wixey, Robert P. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5779408
    Abstract: A quill stop for a milling machine, drill press, or other like machine. The quill stop includes means for automatic control of coolant flow. The quill stop includes a passage through which high pressure air flows. A valve in the passage controls the air flow. The valve is activated by contact of the quill stop with a dog stop on the machine. The quill stop may also include a self contained mist unit activated by the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph J. Amodeo
  • Patent number: 5662441
    Abstract: A small scale milling machine including a machine base having an upright rotary wheel, a rotary column sleeve fixedly secured to the rotary wheel, a retractable support fixedly secured to the inside of the rotary column sleeve to hold a vertical mounting frame outside the rotary column sleeve, a machine head suspended from the bottom end of the vertical mounting frame and connected to the rotary column sleeve by a dovetail joint and moved vertically along a longitudinal rack on the rotary column sleeve, the rotary column sleeve having a longitudinal track at one lateral side, two stop blocks adjustably fixed to the longitudinal track at different elevations to limit the vertical moving distance of the machine head, and a scale at the front side along the longitudinal track for measuring the vertical moving distance of the machine head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ching Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 5613813
    Abstract: The height adjustment ring assembly is provided for adjusting height of a router motor housing relative to a router body, the router being movable between upright and inverted positions. The housing includes external threads formed thereon. The height adjustment ring assembly comprises a support member secured to the router base, the support having a radially extending flange portion. An annular adjustment ring includes an internal thread for cooperation with the external threads. Means for entrapping the flange portion with respect to the adjustment ring is provided, thereby limiting relative axial movement while allowing free relative rotation of the adjustment ring with respect to the support member for adjustment of the router motor housing regardless of router position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ryobi North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Winchester, Ronald C. McCurry
  • Patent number: 4952159
    Abstract: A machine for chamfering the corner of an object comprising a rotating cutter arranged in a machine body and having cutting blades around the outer circumference of that portion of the rotating cutter which is projected from and tilted relative to an underside, a slide guide for slidably supporting the underside of the machine body and having guide planes perpendicular to each other and slidable along the corner of the object and also having a space formed between the planes and into which at least a part of the cutting blades of the rotating cutter is projected, a fixing means for connecting the machine body and the slide guide releasably from each other to adjust the cutting blades projected into the space between the guide planes of slide guide, and a stud means having a first end fixed to one of the machine body and slide guide at a position remote from the rotating cutter and serving to make the machine body and the slide guide swingable to each other when the fixing means is under release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Fukuda, Yasuo Kazama
  • Patent number: 4881857
    Abstract: A machine for chamfering the corner of an object comprising a rotating cutter arranged in a body, a slide guide pivoted slidably relative to the underside of the body and having guide planes perpendicular to each other and slidable along the corner of the object and also having a space which is formed between the guide planes and into which at least a part of cutting blades of the rotating cutter is projected, a stopper screw for connecting the slide guide and the body slidable to each other and serving to keep the cutting blades projected into the space by a predetermined distance, and a means for adjusting the cutting blades projected into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Tanaka, Kenji Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4836725
    Abstract: Lathes usually have only two axes of movement for the tool, namely the directions of the displacement of the saddle and cross rest. Since power-driven tools are increasingly being used, especially in NC lathes, in which radial and axial slotting is performed on the workpiece with end mills, for example, there is a need, for example, to vary the width of the slot by slightly shifting the tool in a third direction perpendicular to the first two directions of movement. Precisely in the case of slotting, no continuous adjustment is necessary, as it would be very costly to achieve mechanically. Instead it is sufficient to be able to reach two or three fixedly specified, changeable positions. This can be achieved by an arcuate movement of the tool which will also contain components of the desired third direction of movement, and this can be achieved mechanically either by rotating a part of the tool head or by an eccentrically configured tool socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Boehringer Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Horsky, Siegfried Kuhn, Wolf-Dietrich Voss
  • Patent number: 4770573
    Abstract: A cutting depth adjustment mechanism for a router having a nut engaged on a guide bolt for adjusting the depth of cut. Cutting depth can be coursely adjusted without rotation of the guide bolt relative to the adjusting nut. This can be accomplished by either disengaging the adjusting nut from the guide bolt or by releasing the adjusting nut from the main body member and sliding the nut along a longitudinally formed slot in the main body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventor: Juzaburo Monobe
  • Patent number: 4676127
    Abstract: The invention has as an object to provide a reliable, failure-free tool holding apparatus which allows digitization of a tool holding apparatus having a tool moving function, is free from various problems encountered upon digitization, and does not cause an erroneous operation upon scattering and attachment of chips or cutting oil. In order to achieve this object, a scale member and a moving amount detecting means are arranged to oppose each other. The scale member is arranged at the side of a slide movable in a predetermined direction, and is moved following the movement of the slide. The moving amount detecting means is arranged at the side of the main body and supplies a predetermined number of oscillation pulses to a display in accordance with the moving amount of the scale member. The scale member is enclosed with stretchable members such as bellows members, and is moved in the enclosed, sealed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Kuroda Precision Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4626151
    Abstract: A gauge is mountable upon the tailstock of a horizontal milling machine with one end of a pivotal angle arm engageable with a cutting tool and the other end thereof cooperating with calibrations on the base of the gauge to indicate alignment or misalignment of a cutter plane and a work plane so that proper alignment thereof may be effected by use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Robert F. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 4445811
    Abstract: A tool or machine in which the relative position of two components is adjustable has setting means operable in a first mode to set the two components approximately to a desired setting and in a second mode to adjust the approximate setting accurately to a required setting. A tool for routing has a base plate and a depth stop comprising a post extending upwardly from the base plate, a first collar movable along the post, a screw thread on the outer surface of the first collar, and a second collar whose bore is screw-threaded screwed over the first collar. The post includes a surface in the form of a toothed rack, the first collar has a bore one portion of whose surface is formed to engage one or more teeth on the rack to lock the first collar in a selected one of a number of predetermined positions along the post and a spring resiliently biases the first collar into engagement with the toothed rack. A scale operating with a fiducial mark is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 4425061
    Abstract: A tool setting device for a machine tool (10) having a numerical control (22) includes a gage unit (24) with a frame (26) adapted to be secured upon a slide (20) of the machine tool. A photodetector, which includes a source (96) and a receiver (98), is mounted upon the frame for generating a first signal indicating the arrival of the tip of a tool (18). A slide (64) mounted upon the frame carries an engagement head (38) adapted to be contacted and displaced by the tool tip. An LVDT (60) is mounted upon the frame in proximity to the engagement head for sensing its axial displacements. A control meter relay (86,88) is operatively connected to the LVDT and generates a second signal after initial displacement of the engagement head and a third signal after displacement of the engagement head to a reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Colt Industries Operating Corp
    Inventors: George F. Kindl, Orean E. Michaud
  • Patent number: 4306472
    Abstract: A machine tool, particularly a lathe, milling machine or boring machine, having a machine bed on which a slide and/or tailstock is displaceably guided by means of at least one prism-shaped guideway. The guideway is formed by a guide bar which, as seen in cross-section has guide surfaces lying in pairs parallel to and opposite each other and which guide bar on a part of two adjacent of the guide surfaces is fastened in a prismatic recess in a machine bed. The slide or tailstock is displaceably supported on the guide bar via prismatic travel surfaces by means of the two other guide surfaces. A guide gib which is removably fastened to the slide or tailstock acts on the free part of the two adjacent guide surfaces serving for the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Eberhard B. Kotte
  • Patent number: 4272215
    Abstract: A surface of a wedge acts as a stop to limit travel of a spindle on an automatic riveting machine. A drive mechanism moves the wedge back and forth to vary the heighth of the wedge, and the same mechanism simultaneously moves a rod back and forth to act on a transducer, and transmit an electrical signal to give a digital readout of the change in heighth of the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Davert, Wilbur L. Gants
  • Patent number: 4194543
    Abstract: A grooving indexer is provided for use with routing apparatus to improve the capability of the apparatus for rapidly routing straight parallel grooves in cabinet doors and similar panels. The routing apparatus is of the type in which a router is mounted on the end of a bar for extension over a panel to be routed and in which the router can be moved in any direction across the panel by reason of the bar being mounted on a carrier for longitudinal movement in one dimension of the panel, and the carrier being mounted for movement parallel to the other dimension of the panel. The grooving indexer comprises a series of stops adjustable longitudinally of the bar and a pivotal lever on the carriage biased into engagement with the stops to prevent longitudinal movement of the bar unless the lever is tripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Cotton