Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced method and system for machining an array of components. A holding mechanism is provided for holding an array of components in a machining process. The holding mechanism comprises: a rigid base plate and at least one support for holding a raw material while machining, one end of each support being coupled to the rigid base plate. The holding mechanism is further provided with a secure plate movably coupled to the rigid base plate. The secure plate is provided with one or more holding parts such as double-sided tape or guiding pins for holding the raw material. The secure plate can be elevated to hold the raw material during a machining operation such as peripheral machining.

Abstract: An improved centrifugally-cast tube is provided, along with a related method and apparatus of making the tube. The tube includes a plurality of grooves and bosses that are mechanically machined into an interior surface of the tube, such as by a broaching process. The profile of grooves and bosses may be defined by a plurality of intersecting concave and convex radii. The tube is resistant to creep, carburization and metal dusting. The tube also has an enhanced heat transfer rate, and a desirable surface roughness. A method of making the tube is also provided. The method essentially consists of mechanically deforming the interior surface of the tube by passing a series of cutting inserts on support rings having incrementally-differing dimensions over the interior surface.

Abstract: A device for centering a work piece with respect to a centerline of a tool includes a radially-stationary component rigidly secured with respect to the tool such that the radially-stationary component and the tool are concentric. A biasing mechanism is biased away from the radially-stationary component to apply substantially equally-distributed radial force at a periphery of the work piece to thereby center the work piece with respect to the tool. A method of broaching a work piece having an inner and an outer diameter includes machining the outer diameter and then applying circumferentially-distributed radial force to the inner diameter or the outer diameter to thereby center the work piece with respect to a broach tool. After the applying step, the method includes broaching the inner diameter of the work piece using the broach tool.

Abstract: A segmented broach bar for machining axially separated coaxial bearing bores contained within a component for an internal combustion engine includes axially separated pilot segments and axially separated broaching segments, with at least one of the pilot segments being positioned between a pair of broaching segments. A broach bar has a lead end which first engages the bearing bores, with the broaching and pilot segments having diameters which are sized progressively greater as the distance from the lead end increases, with the broach and pilot segments being sized such that each broach segment produces a bore diameter accommodating the immediately following pilot segment.

Abstract: A portable device (10) for excising an axial slot (8) into the boundary surface (16) of an aperture (15). The device (10) includes a guide (11), a machining implement (12) and a power source (13). The guide (11) has proximal and distal ends (19 and 20) with an exterior configuration including at least a horn surface (26) and a transitional surface (30). A reaction flange (21) extends radially outwardly from the proximal end (19) of the guide (11). A slideway (35) extends longitudinally within the guide (11), and a tracking channel (36) extends radially outwardly from the slideway (35) to penetrate the guide (11) along the axial extent thereof.

Abstract: A broaching machine for pot-broaching teeth or ribs on the exterior of a workpiece in which the workpiece is not suitable for having sliding contact with axially extending guide surfaces in the broach to maintain the workpiece centralized therein. The machine comprises a toothed pusher on which a workpiece is centered, the teeth of the pusher registering with the teeth formed in the workpiece by broaching slots therein, at least some of the pusher teeth having end surfaces extending radially beyond the teeth formed by broaching on the workpiece, to maintain the crests of the teeth or ribs on the workpiece in clearance as the workpiece moves through the broach.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the in situ field conversion of the components of pivotal couplings, particularly as utilized for connecting hydraulic load sensing devices into deadline cable anchoring apparatus, and which have become stuck and inoperative due to corrosion, into a coupling having a substantially non-corrosive pivot pin and associated bearing surfaces.