Indexing Patents (Class 451/403)
  • Patent number: 10722994
    Abstract: The application relates to a method for the automatic determination of the geometrical dimensions of a tool having a machining region in worm thread form, in particular of a grinding worm, in a gear cutting machine, wherein at least one parameter of the tool is automatically detected and/or determined by means of at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-VERZAHNTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Stach, Andreas Buchenberg, Martin Schoellhorn, Uli Schollenburch
  • Patent number: 9623502
    Abstract: A gear machining device for machining a gear by using a machining tool which has a rotation axis inclined relative to a rotation axis of a workpiece and feeding the machining tool relatively in the rotation axis direction of the workpiece by rotating the machining tool in synchronization with a rotation of the workpiece. The gear machining device includes a tool state memorizing portion for memorizing a tool state including a position or a posture of the machining tool relative to the workpiece for machining a tooth bottom, first and second side surfaces of the gear and a machining control portion for controlling machining of the workpiece under each tool state of the machining tool memorized in the tool state memorizing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisashi Otani, Kichiji Takeshita, Hiroyuki Nakano, Lin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8968052
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in processing and/or grinding wafers or other work products. Some embodiments provide a grinding apparatus that comprise a base casting; a rotary indexer configured to rotate within the base casting; a work spindle secured with the rotary indexer; a work chuck coupled with the first work spindle, wherein the first work spindle is configured to rotate the first work chuck; a bridge casting secured relative to the base casting, wherein the bridge casting bridges across at least a portion of the rotary indexer and is supported structurally forming a closed stiffness loop; a grind spindle secured with the bridge casting; and a grind wheel cooperated with the grind spindle, wherein the bridge casting secures the grind spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Strasbaugh
    Inventors: Thomas A. Walsh, Michael R. Vogtmann
  • Patent number: 8668555
    Abstract: A tool-support apparatus for attachment to a grinding machine, in particular to a wet grinding machine, which has at least one grinding disc arranged on a rotatably drivable grinding-disc shaft and a machine frame or housing in which the grinding-disc shaft is supported. The tool-support apparatus has a tool-support, which can be secured on a machine frame or housing of the grinding machine, for the support during the grinding process of a tool that is to be ground, and an arresting apparatus for securing the tool support on the machine frame or housing. The tool-support can be secured on the machine frame or housing in such a way that it can be swivelled about the grinding-disc shaft or about a swivel axis parallel to the grinding-disc shaft and can be arrested by way of the arresting apparatus in a plurality of angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Scheppach Fabrikation von Holzbearbeitungs-Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Scherl
  • Patent number: 7346969
    Abstract: A machining method for manufacturing structures includes a preprocessing step (11), a clamping step (13), a machining step (15) and an extracting step (19), which are performed in that order. The preprocessing step is performed to get workpieces (20a, 20b, 20c and 20d) for forming a plurality of structures. In the clamping step, fixedly clamping a plurality of workpieces on a multiple workpiece mounting device (30) and rotatably installing the multiple workpiece mounting device on machining equipment (50). In the machining step, machining the workpieces by the machining equipment to get structured workpieces. In the extracting step, extracting a plurality of structures from the structured workpiece. The invention is also related to an above-described multiple workpiece mounting device comprising a plurality of platforms (38) and a rotation axis (L1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Tsan Huang, Hsiang-Tai Tan, Xiao-Jiang Jiang, Zeng Wu
  • Patent number: 7210990
    Abstract: In order to provide a treatment apparatus for treating workpieces or groups of workpieces that are conveyed from an inlet to an outlet of the treatment apparatus, wherein the treatment apparatus comprises a plurality of treatment levels and with said treatment apparatus the workpieces to be treated are passed from level to level in a safe and controlled manner, it is proposed that the treatment apparatus comprises a housing and receiving chambers, which rotate relative to the housing, for receiving the workpieces or groups of workpieces, wherein the receiving chambers are disposed in at least two different chamber levels and an outlet opening in the housing is associated with a first chamber level, through which the workpieces or groups of workpieces travel first, and an inlet opening is associated with a second chamber level, through which the workpieces or groups of workpieces travel after the first chamber level, and wherein the treatment apparatus comprises at least one transfer apparatus, which moves the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Buchmann, Andreas Metzger
  • Patent number: 7196009
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a lapping carrier is provided that includes the steps of defining at least one opening extending through a workpiece that is sized to receive a wafer, and cryogenically tempering the workpiece to produce a lapping carrier. By cryogenically tempering the workpiece, the conversion of the crystalline structure of the workpiece to a martensite crystalline structure is enhanced, thereby improving the hardness of the lapping carrier. A lapping carrier is also provided that has a crystalline structure, of which at least 70% is a martensite crystalline structure. An apparatus for lapping a wafer is further provided that includes a hardened lapping carrier and at least one lapping plate proximate the lapping carrier for lapping wafer(s) disposed within the at least one opening defined by the lapping carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Bex, David K. Chen
  • Patent number: 7169022
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a groove in the surface of a collector ring for use in an electrical device. The method and apparatus can be used to create a new groove in the surface of a collector ring having none, or can be used to enhance or re-form an existing groove in the surface of a collector ring. In some embodiments, the groove in the surface of the collector ring is created using a cutting tool that has a cutting action that functions independently from the motion of the collector ring. In other embodiments, a masking material is positioned over a portion of the surface of the collector ring to create a masked portion and an exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. A groove is then created in the exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. The masking material is then removed from the surface of the collector ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cutsforth Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 7153198
    Abstract: A fixture for slider lapping includes a holding portion for holding the object with its surface to be lapped toward the lapping surface of the lapping device; a main body for mounting the lapping fixture to the lapping device; a plurality of load-applied portions which are arranged along said longitudinal direction and independent from said main body, said load-applied portions receiving a load which presses the surface to be lapped to the lapping surface tightly from at least the lapping device; a plurality of connection members connecting said holding portion and said main body along said longitudinal direction at intervals; and a plurality of wrist portions connecting said connection members and said holding portion; wherein at least one wrist portion is disposed between said adjacent connection members; at least one wrist portion is disposed at each outer side of the connection members which are located at both ends of the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuji Fujii, Koji Hosaka, GuoWei Li, XiaoMing Hong, XiangBin Xiao
  • Patent number: 7140949
    Abstract: A cutting tool having a crystalline tip is pressed with a uniform pressure against the outboard surface of a vehicle wheel as the wheel is rotated. The smoothed wheel surface is then chrome plated to provide a cosmetic finish to the wheel face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey L. Gatton, Richard T. Guernsey
  • Patent number: 6974365
    Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces of wood or plastic material has at least one longitudinal profiling unit with at least one longitudinal profiling spindle. At least one advancing unit is provided for moving a workpiece past the at least one longitudinal profiling unit. The advancing unit has upper clamping jaws arranged above the workpiece and lower clamping jaws arranged below the workpiece such that at least some of the upper clamping jaws are staggered relative to the lower clamping jaws, when viewed in a plan view onto the advancing unit. A small free space is provided between the upper and lower clamping jaws, when viewed in a plan view. During transfer between the machining processes, the workpieces remain clamped at all times so that precise machining is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Michael Weinig Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Gurka
  • Patent number: 6942551
    Abstract: A method for forming a cutting edge along an edge portion of a blade stock, wherein the method includes moving the blade stock with respect to a first cutting element rotating about a first rotational axis, the first rotational axis forming one of an acute angle and a perpendicular angle with respect to the cutting edge, and contacting the edge portion and the first cutting element and forming a first cutting surface along the edge portion. The method may also include moving the blade stock with respect to a second cutting element rotating about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis forming one of an acute angle and a perpendicular angle with respect to the cutting edge, and contacting the edge portion and the second cutting element and forming a second cutting surface along the edge portion so that the second cutting surface intersects the first cutting surface to form the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: New Archery Products Corp.
    Inventors: Robert S. Mizek, Frank A. Harwath, Miroslav A. Simo
  • Patent number: 6939209
    Abstract: A reliable, inexpensive “back side” thinning process and apparatus therefor, capable of globally thinning an integrated circuit die to a target thickness of 10 microns, and maintaining a yield of at least 80%, for chip repair and/or failure analysis of the packaged die. The flip-chip packaged die is exposed at its backside and mounted on a lapping machine with the backside exposed. The thickness of the die is measured at at least five locations on the die. The lapping machine grinds the exposed surface of the die to a thickness somewhat greater than the target thickness. The exposed surface of the die is polished. The thickness of the die is again measured optically with high accuracy. Based on the thickness data collected, appropriate machine operating parameters for further grinding and polishing of the exposed surface are determined. Further grinding and polishing are performed. These steps are repeated until the target thickness is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Cheng Tsao, John Valliant
  • Patent number: 6907809
    Abstract: A saw blade positioning device has two drive mechanisms and two guidance devices, which are preferably oriented at right angles in respect to each other. If a first guidance device is oriented in the radial direction of the circular saw blade by the linear guides, and the other guidance device in the circumferential direction, a desired advancement curve of the engagement member, independently of the saw blade diameter, is achieved respectively by means of the same control, or respectively the same control pulses, and of the drive mechanisms, in every radial position of the first guidance device. A mechanically robust basic structure results in addition, which makes a precise positioning possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Walter AG
    Inventor: Harry Rein
  • Patent number: 6884154
    Abstract: In a process for polishing the chamfered peripheral part of a wafer using a polishing cloth while supplying a polishing slurry in order to improve productivity of the process by reducing a polishing time, at least two steps of polishing processes are performed in sequence. The process comprises a first polishing process to polish a particular part, e.g. the part corresponding to the {110} plane of a peripheral part of the wafer and a second polishing process in which the whole part of a peripheral part of the wafer is polished for finishing by means of varying a hardness of the polishing clothes and/or a particle size of abrasives in the slurry such as the hardness of the polishing cloth in the second polishing process being softer than that of in the first polishing process and a particle size of abrasives in the slurry in the second polishing process being finer than that of in the first polishing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Mizushima, Nakaji Miura, Yasuhiro Sekine, Makoto Suzuki, Kazuya Tomii
  • Patent number: 6786806
    Abstract: A mower blade sharpener apparatus has an automatic reciprocating holder means to sharpen lawn mower blades conveniently with any stationary circular flat-faced grindstone with its driving motor affixed to a common base. A housing frame having open opposing sides contains a blade holder with upper and lower securing clamps and a V-shaped cradle. The housing frame is attached by a screw to a carriage automatically moved back and forth a limited distance on a pair of parallel rods to sharpen the lawn mower blade. The housing frame and carriage are driven by a pneumatic system designed with a reciprocating movement of approximately 4 inches in a cycle duration of approximately a second. An on/off pneumatic valve switch automatically shuts off the pneumatic pressure when a semicylindrical shield which covers the blade portion not being sharpened is rotated back away from the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Harold D. Maus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6758721
    Abstract: An apparatus for lapping a workpiece including a plurality of magnetic heads supported by a tool is disclosed. The lapping apparatus comprises a rotary-lapping table having an abrasive surface, and a lapping device assembly provided so as to be movable with respect to the abrasive surface of the lapping table. The lapping device assembly includes a device provided at a lower portion of the lapping device assembly for supporting the tool and a device for respectively applying predetermined loads to a plurality of load applying portions of the tool. The load applying portions of the tool is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the tool. The load-applying device applies the loads from a plurality of different directions to at least one of the load applying portions of the tool so that the tool is deformed into a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shindo, Akio Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6699103
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for relief grinding a blade having a radially outer edge of an elongated length and first and second faces, with the first and second faces extending generally radially from a reel axis. The device includes a rotatable grinding shaft, a grinding wheel, a grinding wheel guide assembly, a guide finger, and a first non-sliding stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Foley-Belsaw Company
    Inventors: James H. Dieck, Gregory A. Veenendall
  • Patent number: 6629345
    Abstract: A chucking device, in particular for workpieces that are to be machined on more than one side, has a workpiece carrier with at least one turret, arranged to receive workpieces, that is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation on the workpiece carrier, A positive-engagement locking device is associated with the turret, on the workpiece carrier, by which locking device the turret can be locked positionally precisely in a predetermined rotary angle position relative to the workpiece carrier. The locking device has at least three locking parts disposed coaxially to one another, which on the plane faces facing one another each carry pairs of cooperating locking means that can be brought into and out of engagement with one another by means of an axial relative motion of the locking parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Albeck GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Albeck, Tobias Albeck
  • Patent number: 6585578
    Abstract: A grinding wheel machine bracket comprises a fixations eat having a long through hole to receive a screw for fastening the fixation seat with a grinding wheel machine. The fixation seat has a pivoting seat with an axial hole, and a pointer located at the top thereof. A bracket seat is provided with a loading surface, a threaded hole, and an arcuate shoulder plate located over the threaded hole. A threaded rod is engaged with the threaded hole of the fixation seat via the axial hole. The bracket seat is changed in angle in relation to the fixation seat so as to adjust the angle of the loading surface of the bracket seat in relation to the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel machine. The bracket seat is fixed by the threaded rod at an angle so set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Hua Lin
  • Publication number: 20030114080
    Abstract: A gas turbine component blank is shaped by clamping the gas turbine component blank into a fixture that accurately positions the gas turbine component blank in three dimensions. The positioning is accomplished against stops accurately machined into a base of the fixture, by first supporting the gas turbine component blank on one set of stops that prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the base, and then operating a movable clamp to force the gas turbine component blank against other sets of stops that limit the movement of the gas turbine component blank in directions lying in the base plane. The clamp has a compound movement that simultaneously forces the gas turbine component blank against stops that prevent movement in orthogonal directions lying in the base plane. The gas turbine component blank is thereafter shaped, preferably by grinding the sides of the root precursor of the gas turbine component blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Publication number: 20020069498
    Abstract: A chucking device, in particular for workpieces that are to be machined on more than one side, has a workpiece carrier with at least one turret, arranged to receive workpieces, that is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation on the workpiece carrier, A positive-engagement locking device is associated with the turret, on the workpiece carrier, by which locking device the turret can be locked positionally precisely in a predetermined rotary angle position relative to the workpiece carrier. The locking device has at least three locking parts disposed coaxially to one another, which on the plane faces facing one another each carry pairs of cooperating locking means that can be brought into and out of engagement with one another by means of an axial relative motion of the locking parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Beunhard Albeck, Tobies Albeck
  • Publication number: 20020052168
    Abstract: A fixture for selectively locating and retaining hydraulic gerotor rotors in position in respect to a grinding wheel, the fixture clamping the rotor between two oversized positioning rolls located in rotor lobe valleys on opposite sides of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: WHITE HYDRAULICS, INC.
    Inventor: Hollis Newcomb White
  • Patent number: 6375556
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a frame and a holder rotatably secured to the frame for releasably holding a first workpiece of the workpieces. A mechanism is provided for rotating the holder from a loading station to a grinding station and a grinder is movably secured to the frame and selectively positionable relative to the first workpiece when the first workpiece is located at the grinding station. A control is included for selectively positioning the grinding means relative to the first workpiece for grinding the first workpiece and a further holder is rigidly secured to and spaced relative to the holder. The arrangement is such that when the holder is rotated in a direction towards the grinding station, the further holder is rotated in a direction towards the loading station for loading a second workpiece of the workpieces at the loading station so that sequential grinding and loading of the workpieces is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz L. Wenger
  • Patent number: 6290581
    Abstract: A grinding system (10) for sharpening the blades in cutting reels of mowing units incorporates an articulated grinding head (90) mounted for movement on a carriage (92). A unique index/guide assembly (160) is mounted on the grinding head (90). The index/guide assembly (160) includes a fixed guide finger (178) and associated movable index finger (180) for automatic sequential grinding of the blades in the spin grind mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Foley-Belsaw Company
    Inventors: James H. Dieck, Roger Rosenquist
  • Patent number: 6206765
    Abstract: A dresser for a grinder having at least one rotatable platen and at least one grinding stone includes a frame and at least one abrasive block for contacting the grinding stone. The grinding stone is mounted to the platen which rotates about a vertical axis. The abrasive block extends across the grinding stone. The frame of the dresser is mounted proximate the platen and remains stationary while the grinding stone rotates. The abrasive block contacts the rotating grinding stone, thereby dressing the grinding stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Komag, Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Sanders, Michael E. Sanchez, Jolanda L. Like
  • Patent number: 6186867
    Abstract: A method for forming a precisely shaped part includes providing a blank having at least two spaced apart locators, providing a fixture having a U-shaped base with two spaced apart end walls, one supporting a clamping mechanism and the other supporting an abutment, securing the blank into the fixture such that the clamping mechanism mates with one of the locators and forces another of the locators into contact with the abutment, and subsequently machining the blank. The locators on the blank are shaped to mate with corresponding features on the fixture, such that the fixture uses the locators to secure the blank. The locators are disposed in a plane from which critical design features are referenced. Once the blank is clamped into the fixture details can be accurately machined into the blank forming a precisely shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6185802
    Abstract: An elongated and cross-section polygonal work piece carrier (1) has at least two clamping surfaces (2) extending parallel to its longitudinal axis (3). It is retained in bearing (5, 9) at least at one end, to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis over 360°. Each of the clamping surfaces (2) is supplied with at least two rotatable work piece holding tables (11) located in a row adjacent each other. The holding tables (11) are coupled by gears (25, 26, 33) with each other and with a common drive gear (35) in such a manner that all tables, in dependence on the rotation of the work piece carrier (1) about its longitudinal axis (3), will rotate over its respective rotation axis (12) about a predetermined angle, depending on the angle of rotation of the work piece carrier; an interrogation device is provided to interrogate whether all rotated tables are in predetermined, locked angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Albeck GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Gruber, Bernhard Albeck
  • Patent number: 6168499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a grinding apparatus for semiconductor wafers for preventing the silicon powder generated from the wafer grinding process and mixed with cooling water from contaminating height gauges of the grinding apparatus because the silicon powder is scattered toward them, and for preventing wear-down of the contact heads of the height gauges due to the abrasion with a wafer to be fixed on a spin-chuck and the spin-chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwon-yuong Jang
  • Patent number: 6139412
    Abstract: A fixture for manufacturing a precisely shaped part, such as a turbine blade, securely holds a blank for subsequent machining. A blank for use with the fixture generally comprises a tip, a root region longitudinally spaced from the tip, and a midspan region extending therebetween. The blank is further characterized by a sacrificial region extending substantially longitudinally from the root region, a stacking axis and a root centerline from which critical dimensions of the blade are referenced, and a plurality of locators. The first locator, a bore, being disposed at the tip on the stacking axis. The second locator, a notch, being disposed within the sacrificial region aligned with the stacking axis. The third locator, a notch, being disposed within the sacrificial region is characterized by a corner, which is parallel to the root centerline. The fixture includes a base having end walls being spaced apart to accommodate the blank therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6120358
    Abstract: An apparatus for automating the machining operations required to form a teardrop shaped recess in a cylindrical member, such as provided for punches. The apparatus includes a four station turntable assembly, the four stations include a loading/retrieving station and three work stations approximately spaced 90.degree. from adjacent stations. The three work stations each include a grinding tool movable in a horizontal and vertical direction to control the machining of the cylindrical member. The turntable rotates the workpiece from one station to another station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Lane Punch Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Porter
  • Patent number: 6070496
    Abstract: A chuck (25) for chucking a journal (271) of a crankshaft (27) is attached to the distal end of a main spindle (22) rotated by a drive motor. A phasing rotary shaft (53) is connected to the chuck (25) to rotate about an axis offset from the axis of the main spindle (22). The chuck (25) is provided with a coupling (63) that releasably connects the phasing rotary shaft (53) and the chuck (25). Further, a locking mechanism for locking the phasing rotary shaft (53) is provided. The coupling (63) has a pair of coupling plates (64 and 65) that can be moved closer to and farther from each other. Opposing faces of these coupling plates (64 and 65) have teeth (641 and 651), which are meshed when the coupling plates (64 and 65) are brought close to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Nippei Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uchida, Yukio Kokaji
  • Patent number: 6017263
    Abstract: A method for forming a precisely shaped part includes providing a blank having at least two spaced apart locators, providing a fixture having a U-shaped base with two spaced apart end walls, one supporting a clamping mechanism and the other supporting an abutment, securing the blank into the fixture such that the clamping mechanism mates with one of the locators and forces another of the locators into contact with the abutment, and subsequently machining the blank. The locators on the blank are shaped to mate with corresponding features on the fixture, such that the fixture uses the locators to secure the blank. The locators are disposed in a plane from which critical design features are referenced. Once the blank is clamped into the fixture details can be accurately machined into the blank forming a precisely shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6010394
    Abstract: A grinding system (10) for sharpening the blades in cutting reels of mowing units incorporates an articulated grinding head (90) mounted for movement on a carriage (92). A unique index/guide assembly (160) is mounted on the grinding head (90). The index/guide assembly (160) includes a fixed guide finger (178) and associated movable index finger (180) for automatic sequential grinding of the blades in the spin grind mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Foley-Belsaw Company
    Inventors: James H. Dieck, Roger K. Rosenquist
  • Patent number: 5906539
    Abstract: The present invention provides work stations 10 for servicing turret tooling. The work station 10 is portable and includes a rotatable, indexable platter 12 having multiple tool stations defined by cavities 18 within the platter 12. Each tool station 18 is adapted to receive a turret tool. A frame 14 supports the platter 12 and includes areas to store tools and parts used during servicing turret tools. Five unique grinding block fixtures 200, 300, 400, 500, 560 are also provided. The grinding blocks 200, 300, 400, 500, 560 hold the turret tools, punches and dies, in proper positions during grinding and sharpening of the tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Certified Tool & Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Tabel
  • Patent number: 5879224
    Abstract: A reel assembly grinder with automatic indexing and grinding control including a conventional reel assembly with a cylindrical configuration. The reel assembly has a central axial shaft with a plurality of twisted blades situated therearound in a generally parallel orientation with respect to the shaft. Further provided is a grinding wheel. A reel drive mechanism is adapted to be coupled to the shaft of the reel assembly so that the blades of the reel assembly rotate while abutting the grinding wheel to effect spin grinding. The reel drive mechanism is further adapted to abut a single blade against the grinding wheel with a constant torque to effect relief grinding. Finally, a guide assembly is situated adjacent the grinding wheel. The guide assembly has two adjustable reel blade stops situated on either side of the grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Pilger
  • Patent number: 5759085
    Abstract: A process is proposed for recognizing thermal overstressing of a workpiece during grinding (overheating) by way of a grinding arrangement with a grinding spindle and a driving machine, the speed of rotation of the grinding spindle is measured, the measured value is supplied to a data processing device, a measure of the kinetic energy of the grinding spindle is derived therefrom and this measure is compared with a reference value characteristic of overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Gugenheimer, Johannes Reilhofer, Werner Binsmaier
  • Patent number: 5759092
    Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening the teeth of a circular saw comprises a rocking arm with a pawl to engage and actuate the teeth of an indexing ratchet wheel which is mounted coaxially with the circular saw for synchronous clockwise indexing, and a grinding wheel capable of intermittently moving forward to contact and grind the saw teeth. A cam mechanism controls the rocking arm so that the land of each saw tooth first contacts the grinding wheel when the grinding wheel moves forward, prior to the contacting of the root and the cutting edge thereof with the grinding wheel when the grinding wheel is about to reach its frontmost position. The saw tooth starts to stop temporarily for a short time when the grinding wheel is about to contact the root and the cutting edge. The problems of damages caused by impacts and/or excessive contact pressure are therefore alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne Liu
  • Patent number: 5674110
    Abstract: The machine comprises at least one workpiece-bearing device is provided, upon which a tile or a stack thereof can be placed and blocked. The workpiece-bearing device is revolvable and can be positioned at any angle about a fixed axis. At least one drive head is fitted with at least one rotating grinding wheel, which operates on one side of the tile or on same sides of tiles forming the stack. The workpiece-bearing device and the drive head are constrained to a fixed frame in such a way that a plane of work motion of the at least one grinding wheel is disposed parallel to an axis of rotation of the workpiece-bearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Onix s.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Cuoghi
  • Patent number: 5661883
    Abstract: A machine tool comprises at least one revolvable spindle having an end for supporting a work piece, a first processing tool disposed opposite to the end of the spindle for processing the work piece, a second processing tool disposed parallel to the first processing tool, and a revolving unit for revolving the spindle about a central revolving axis to place the end of the spindle opposite to the second processing tool for processing the work piece. A chamber is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the work spindle. A pair of inlet and outlet connections are revolved integrally with the work spindle and are arranged on opposite sides of the central revolving axis. Connecting pipes connect the inlet and outlet connection on one side of the central revolving axis to the inlet and outlet connection at the opposite side of the central revolving axis through the chamber. A coolant supply pipe is provided for supplying a coolant to the chamber through the inlet and outlet connections and the connecting pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kajiura
  • Patent number: 5643065
    Abstract: An indexing and rotational feed control apparatus for a rotationally mounted spindle holding a work piece includes an indexing housing connected to the spindle and carrying an indexing finger is rotatably mounted relative to an indexing plate such that rotation of the indexing wheel provides sequential releasably fixed rotation of the spindle between angularly indexed positions. The indexing plate is connected to a shaft which in turn is connected to a rotary actuator such that rotation of the actuator permits precise rotation of the indexing wheel and indexing housing in either direction without disturbing the releasably fixed indexed position between the spindle and indexing wheel as set by the releasably fixed engagement between the indexing finger and the indexing wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Lowell E. Whitesel
  • Patent number: 5618228
    Abstract: A holding fixture for a wheel and tire assembly enabling a single person to perform an operation on the tire such as grooving or the like. The fixture comprises a first U-shaped bracket having a base for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface and legs extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface. A second similar U-shaped bracket has a vertical base and horizontal legs adjustably bolted to the legs of the first bracket. The vertical base of the second bracket supports a horizontally extending support tube. A rotatable tube segment has a wheel mounting plate for a wheel and tire assembly affixed to one of its ends and a slotted positioning ring affixed to its other end. The tube segment and its slotted ring and mounting plate are captively and rotatively mounted on the support tube so that a tire and wheel assembly affixed to the mounting plate is rotatable about the support tube. A lock assembly is affixed to the support tube and the base of the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Richard L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5549508
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sharpening blades of a lawn mower cutting cylinder are disclosed. In the apparatus, a cutting cylinder is mounted on a fixed bed whereupon it can be subjected to the sharpening action of a grinding wheel passing along the length of its blades. The apparatus comprises urging means for resiliently urging the cylinder to rotate during the pass of the grinding wheel and to urge the blade against a support member. Additionally, indexing means is provided operable to rotate the cylinder about its axis to bring successive blades into position for sharpening by the grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Supreme Mowing Limited
    Inventors: Leanne Searle, Richard Astbury, Philip Eaves
  • Patent number: 5525094
    Abstract: A method of resharpening the knives in a chipping machine while they are installed in the knives' rotor is disclosed. For this purpose all knives are moved forward one after another to their functional position by an amount that corresponds to the wear of the edges. As part of this, the radial grinding feed which is required in order to achieve the desired protrusion of the edges above the relevant area of the knives' rotor is pre-programmed based on the detected state of wear. A device to implement this method is also disclosed. The device comprises a rotational disk for the knife rotor placed on top of a machine frame and where an equipment table is provided that supports a cross-wise translatory moveable grinding unit, as well as a radially moveable adjustment device which has a sensor to determine the state of wear of the relevant area of the knife rotor 8 and a stop face to limit the knife feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Pallmann
  • Patent number: 5351578
    Abstract: A saw regrinding machine includes a circular saw blade mounted for rotation about an axis and having an indexing assembly. A side clamp secures the blade during a regrinding operation to prevent its movement and includes side clamping members having a clamping surface for frictionally engaging the surface of the saw blade that includes a surface portion formed of a resilient compressible material. During indexing the saw blade slides across the deformable resilient material but is not scratched or scuffed. The invention also provides a resilient compressible material as part of the surface of a slip clutch assembly in the form of O-rings surrounding magnetic members embedded in the surface of a flat plate. While magnetic attraction holds the saw blade in place against the plate, rotation is permitted where only the soft compressible O-rings are in contact with the surface of the saw blade. In this way rotation of the saw blade is accomplished without scratching or scarring its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: James Emter