Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

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 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.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.

Abstract: A self-centering element for clamping workpieces via deflecting pins, which act between a drive element and self-centering slides. Deflecting pins, which are provided with grooves in which carrier prisms are arranged, are introduced in pairs into recesses in a housing in a plane located in parallel to the mounting surface of the element. The carrier prisms have wedge surfaces, which are slidingly guided in the grooves of the deflecting pins. The deflecting pins are controlled by pistons, which are arranged in the same plane but at right angles to the deflecting pins. The forces are transmitted beginning from the piston via the deflecting pins to the carrier prisms and then to the self-centering slides, which are connected to the carrier prisms and which move the clamping jaws.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a pair of framed eyeglasses relative to an electronic scanner whereby the scanner then generated digital data defining the geometry of the frame. This data is entered into a computer to cause it to control a milling machine which shapes a blank to form a filter lens for an accessory that clips onto the frame and has a matching geometry.

Abstract: An arrangement for clamping raw materials in a machine tool for machining elongated workpieces is provided. The arrangement comprises a supporting plate with at least one thoroughgoing opening and at least one clamping device arranged in front of one of the openings. The clamping device has a pair of clamping rings that drive pairs of jaws. When a pair of clamping devices are utilized, the first clamping device may be used primarily for the clamping of profiles, while the second clamping device is designated for round bodies.

Abstract: An improved clamp for key duplicating machines, comprising a pair of jaws able to approach each other and define at least one seat for clamping a key, and a gauge associable with said seat to define a correct position of said key, wherein with said gauge there is slidingly associated a counteracting element which interferes with said seat when said gauge is in its operating condition and forms a support for a tip of said key housed in said seat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are performed, including the manner by which a tooth is prepared and fit with a dental prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge. Further, the present invention is directed to reducing the skill-dependent tasks associated with tooth restoration, including root canals, while at the same time, improving the precision with which these procedures are performed and by aesthetics of the prosthetic. By improving the accuracy of restoration procedures, any need to repeat these procedures for a given patient can be eliminated and patient comfort can be improved. In addition, by improving the precision with which a prosthetic is prepared for attachment to the prepared tooth of a patient, and/or fit to patient, durability and longevity of the prosthetic are improved.

Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of workpieces in an unmanned manner, including the steps of holding, with a jig, a first one of the workpieces, attaching the jig holding the first workpiece, to a workpiece holding device of at least one machining device, so that the first workpiece is machined by the machining device, detaching, after the machining of the first workpiece, the jig holding the first workpiece, from the workpiece holding device, removing the first workpiece from the jig, and holding, with the jig, a second one of the workpieces, and repeating the attaching step, the detaching step, and removing step.

Abstract: A machine tool for at least triaxially machining work pieces (15) comprises a work spindle (10) and a working area (14) before the work spindle (10). A z skid (23), which is displaceable in the direction of the spindle (10), is disposed above the working area (14), with a work holding fixture (29) being joined to, and suspended downwards from, the z skid (23).

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).

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames are moved and pad frames are fixed on long support members, or rule stopper frames are fixed and pad frames are moved on long support members, and the long support members are moved according to the length and width of a process board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: A self-centering element for clamping workpieces via deflecting pins, which act between a drive element and self-centering slides. Deflecting pins, which are provided with grooves in which carrier prisms are arranged, are introduced in pairs into recesses in a housing in a plane located in parallel to the mounting surface of the element. The carrier prisms have wedge surfaces, which are slidingly guided in the grooves of the deflecting pins. The deflecting pins are controlled by pistons, which are arranged in the same plane but at right angles to the deflecting pins. The forces are transmitted beginning from the piston via the deflecting pins to the carrier prisms and then to the self-centering slides, which are connected to the carrier prisms and which move the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.

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: An improved clamp for key duplicating machines, comprising a pair of jaws able to approach each other and define at least one seat for clamping a key, and a gauge associable with said seat to define a correct position of said key, wherein with said gauge there is slidingly associated a counteracting element which interferes with said seat when said gauge is in its operating condition and forms a support for a tip of said key housed in said seat.

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 system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machining center comprising a pallet changing station in combination with a machining station. The pallet changing station includes a rotating column assembly supporting a platform on which multiple fixtures are supported and moved. A portion of the column assembly defines part of a hydraulic conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid from a fluid source to the fixture for use in clamping parts to the fixture. The integration of a portion of the hydraulic conduit with the rotating column reduces the tendency for the hydraulic conduit to become twisted during rotation of the column or for the various threaded connections of the hydraulic conduit from loosening.

Abstract: A method and system for machining a cylinder head include loading a cylinder head into a first five axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. A first fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a top surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a horizontal position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the horizontal position. A second fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a vertical position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the vertical position. The cylinder head is then moved into a second five axis CNC machine. A fixture of the second CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head. The second CNC machine then machines the cylinder head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a notching machine for forming a radial notch into a workpiece, such as the side or end of a tube, pipe or rod. The notching machine includes a workpiece positioning assembly, a hub and spindle assembly, an offset mechanism, a hub drive mechanism and a spindle drive mechanism. The workpiece positioning assembly includes a cross slide table and a vice for gripping and positioning the workpiece into a desired position. The hub and spindle assembly includes a hub that is rotatably mounted on a hub rotation assembly. The hub rotation assembly rotates about a central axis of rotation. The hub carries a spindle and its tool. The hub, spindle and tool share a common axis. This common axis is the axis of rotation of the spindle and tool. The hub, spindle and tool can be aligned in an in-line or offset manner with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A system that allows support of a work piece from the body of a vise, the vise being attached to the bed of a mill. The system an extender block that attaches to one of the jaws of the vise; and an angular surface plate attached to the extender block. The angular surface plate provides a surface that extends along a plane that extends next to and below the bed of the mill.

Abstract: A material support tool used for routers for allowing pieces of wood to be cut accurately and safely. The material support tool used for routers includes a base member having a hole centrally disposed therethrough and being adapted to receive a router bit therethrough; and also includes a first material support assembly being mounted upon a top of the base member; and further includes a second material support assembly also being mounted upon the top of the base member and being spaced from the first material support assembly, and in combination with the first material support assembly being adapted to support a piece of wood therebetween.

Abstract: A robots (210A, 210B), which is fixed onto a base (20, 20B) having a rectangular shape, has a mechanical hand (211A, 211B). A plurality of robot tools, each of which is freely attached to the tip of the mechanical hand (211A, 211B) for pinching a part, and a plurality of trays (6) each containing assembling jigs to be used for assembling parts, are brought in a movable range (RA, RB) of the robot, and the assembling tools are set at a predetermined position within the movable range (RA, RB). Then, an assembling job for the parts is carried out by using the assembling tools thus set. With this arrangement, the exchanging processes of the assembling tools can be carried out without depending on the human hands, even when the type of the assembly product is changed. Consequently, it becomes possible to efficiently carry out the manufacturing process of a small number of many types of products.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier in a machining station includes at least one positioning device. The workpiece carrier is movable on a rail system and one or more machining stations are arranged along the rail system for machining a workpiece arranged on the workpiece carrier. The at least one positioning device is arranged in an area of the machining station and has fixtures for positioning and high-precision retention of the workpiece carrier with respect to a stationary reference surface. The positioning device further includes fixtures for decoupling the workpiece carrier from the rail system, and a deceleration and acceleration device for the workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A clamp for securing an oversized work-piece to a milling machine table using the T-slot on the front surface of a Bridgeport-type milling machine table. The clamp, when attached to the T-slot, extends beyond the table and over it where it can be tightened down on a work-piece to hold it to the top surface of the table. The clamp includes a heel block and a clamp block held in spaced relation by a separation bolt and a tightening bolt. To mill an oversized work-piece, the clamp is inserted into the T-slot and then the separation distance of the clamp block to the heel block is adjusted by rotating the clamp block around the separation bolt until the separation distance is slightly wider than the thickness of the work-piece. The tightening bolt is then used to tighten the clamp onto the work-piece. The nose end of the heel block can be shaped to match the profile of the T-slot or can be modified to allow the nose to be rotated into the slot by rounding its corners.

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames and pad frames are moved on long support members, such that a rectangular process board or a process board having a curved edge are positioned and held by suction on suction pads on the long support members.

Abstract: A machine tool has a workpiece table for fixing workpieces to be machined and a tool spindle for receiving in a fixture the tools used for machining the workpieces. The machine tool works with an overhead tool pointing upwards in the operating condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machining center comprising a pallet changing station in combination with a machining station. The pallet changing station includes a rotating column assembly supporting a platform on which multiple fixtures are supported and moved. A portion of the column assembly defines part of a hydraulic conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid from a fluid source to the fixture for use in clamping parts to the fixture. The integration of a portion of the hydraulic conduit with the rotating column reduces the tendency for the hydraulic conduit to become twisted during rotation of the column or for the various threaded connections of the hydraulic conduit from loosening.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacture and assembly as well as a capless quick-grip cylinder manufactured by this method with a feed nipple for clamping a carrier plate, also called a pallet, which on a machine tool serves to fix work pieces.

Abstract: Described is a coupling, provided at the spindle head of a machine tool, for clamping an especially plate-shaped work-holding fixture, for example a pallet, in a specified, repeatable and precise position relative to a spatial reference system, wherein the spindle head exhibits a collet, which can be moved axially and radially with respect to its face. To increase the accuracy when machining a workpiece, there is a plate, which is to be connected to the face and is provided with spatial references on the front side, and which has a central passage opening to receive a tension rod, connected to the backside of the work-holding fixture, and a bolt, whose front end can be coupled with the tension rod and whose rear end can be connected to the collet.

Abstract: A system for constructing devices for chucking workpieces in defined and reproducible positions on machine tools and measuring machines includes a mounting pipe which has grid points formed at regular coordinate distances and is provided in the longitudinal direction of the pipe with chamfers uniformly distributed over the circumference, wherein the grid points are formed on the chamfers in the form of concave spherical recesses, and wherein the center points of the spherical recesses are located on lines which extend parallel to the chamfers outside of the pipe body and which describe the ideal pipe shape.

Abstract: An engraving system for positioning a workpiece to be engraved. The workpiece is held in a workpiece carrier having a positioning structure that engages a complementary positioning structure on an engraving table. The workpiece is centered in the workpiece carrier so that when the workpiece carrier is in position on the engraving table, the center of the workpiece is known to the engraving system. This engraving system allows for an unskilled operator to engrave workpieces of different configurations in a reliable manner.

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: A hybrid tool serves as a form on which constituent materials are applied for bonding or curing into a part in a desired configuration. It also serves as a holder for the bonded or cured materials in the originally applied position during subsequent machining. The hybrid tool is made by fabricating a face sheet of composite material having a facing surface configured to the reverse of a desired shape of one surface of a part to be made on the tool. The actual part will be laid up on the facing surface, cured while on the tool, and even trimmed before release. Base structure of the tool holds the facing surface of the face sheet in the desired shape, and includes ground-engaging pads that define an “A” datum plane. The tool aligns a reference plane of the face sheet parallel to the datum plane. A substantially continuous groove in the face sheet, used for trimming the part, opens in the facing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a selected number of workpieces at a machining center, each workpiece support having a sleeve within which is reciprocably accommodated a workpiece bearing member cooperable with the sleeve to clamp and unclamp a workpiece in a selected position for machining. The workpiece may be clamped axially or transversely of the sleeve and, when clamped transversely, in a position selectively normal or inclined to the axis of reciprocation.

Abstract: An assembly positionable on the spindle of a machine tool for securing a workholding apparatus in position on the machine tool. The assembly comprises first and second end portions and an inner piston axially movable within an inner chamber formed by the first and second end portions when assembled together. The piston, first end portion and second end all comprise central openings which permit the draw bar of a workholding apparatus to pass therethrough and into engagement with a draw rod of a machine tool. The piston includes springs, to urge it in a retracting direction, and spaced apart lugs to engage similar lugs on the workholding apparatus for securing the workholding apparatus to the assembly and thus to the spindle. Retraction of the draw rod results in the springs urging the piston, and hence the lugs of the workholding apparatus, in the retracting direction to secure the workholding apparatus to the assembly.

Abstract: A device for establishing a seal between a pair of articles, has a first resilient member arranged to be positioned between the articles, so that the first resilient member and the articles collectively form a first chamber. A vacuum supply is provided for supplying a vacuum to the first chamber. A pressure supply is also provided for applying a pressure to the first resilient member to force the first resilient member against both of the articles.

Abstract: A machine tool generally consisting of a base member; a table mounted on the base member having a workpiece support surface, a plenum and at least one port in the support surface of the table communicating with the plenum; means communicable with the plenum for producing a vacuum therein; a check valve including a body disposable on the table in blocking relation with the port, having a passageway therethrough intercommunicating the plenum and the exterior of the table when the valve body is disposed in blocking relation with the port, and a valve element disposed in the body passageway of the valve body displaceable between a first position under a first condition blocking the body passageway and a second position under a second condition unblocking the body passageway; and a tool operatively engageable with a workpiece positioned on the table overlying the check valve when the valve element of the check valve is in the second position under the second condition.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasable attachment of workpieces to be machined on a processing machine with a pallet, on which the workpieces are releasably attached and can be releasably linked via this pallet with the processing machine, whereby the lock between the pallet and the processing machine is accomplished with at least one insertion pin attached to the pallet, which pin engages respectively in a seat of a quick-action clamping cylinder, whereby the seating opening (11) for the insertion pin (5) provided on the quick-action clamping cylinder (1) is provided with an outlet (28).

Abstract: An engraving apparatus for engraving a workpiece selected by a user. The workpieces are contained in storage columns and biased into a shuttle by a spring system mounted externally to each storage column. The shuttle is moved by the engraver between loading, engraving, and dispensing positions. The workpieces are clamped during the engraving process by a piston and cam arrangement, which provides the desired clamping force yet can be disengaged to facilitate movement of the shuttle by the engraver.

Abstract: A cooled magnetic chuck or cooled magnetic adapter for use with a magnetic chuck. Coolant passages are formed in a magnetic chuck, or in a cooled magnetic adapter for transmitting the magnetic forces of a magnetic chuck to a work piece, such that the heat generated in the workpiece by engagement with a material removing tool may be conducted away from the workpiece. The coolant passages are arranged such that a coolant fluid engages the magnetic materials of the magnetic chuck or adapter, portions of which magnetic material also engage the workpiece.

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: The present invention is directed to an adapter arm for coupling a fabrication tool or workpiece to the work table of a machine tool, the adapter arm comprising an elongated shaft having first and second ends, the first end being adapted to be removably connected to the work table, and a clamping device attached to the second end for releasably securing the tool or workpiece to the shaft, whereby movement of the work table is translated to the tool or workpiece through the shaft.

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: A tombstone fixture for supporting workpieces has a stiffened tooling column.

Abstract: A clamping device for milling working of engine is provided which makes stability of working operation by stably fixing without trembling upon milling working of casted engine and improves a working preciseness and prevents deformation of members by dispersing excessive clamping force.

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.