Including Machine Tool Or Component Patents (Class 483/16)
  • Patent number: 11155030
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for a printing system includes a fluid outlet defining an upper fluid flow path. The fluid outlet includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a lateral surface, and an electronic device. The upper and lower portions of the fluid outlet each surround the upper fluid flow path. The lateral surface is between the upper and lower portions. The electronic device is disposed upon the lateral surface and includes a substrate, an information storage device, and a plurality of electrical contact pads. The information storage device stores information pertaining to the fluid delivery apparatus. The plurality of electrical contact pads are disposed upon the substrate and face downwardly to receive upwardly extending pressure contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keaton Jonathan Daniel Snyder, Richard I. Lane
  • Patent number: 11097390
    Abstract: A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe decoupling operation by only providing pneumatic fluid to a decouple port of a pneumatic coupling mechanism in the case that the tool changer is seated on, and properly aligned with, a tool stand. Pneumatic fluid to decouple the pneumatic coupling mechanism is routed from an air source to the tool stand. A pass-through in the tool stand returns the pneumatic fluid to a pneumatic path in the tool changer leading to a decouple port of the pneumatic coupling mechanism. Hence, the tool changer must be seated on the tool stand for the decouple port to receive pneumatic fluid to operate. Furthermore, a safety coupling is interposed on the pneumatic path between the tool stand and the decouple port. The safety coupling requires the tool changer to be seated on, and properly aligned with, the tool stand to effect the flow of pneumatic fluid—otherwise, the pneumatic fluid is bled to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Berrocal, Mack Earl Manning, John M. Winterroth
  • Patent number: 9796039
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for replacing used electrode tips of a TIG welder. The apparatus has a main housing structure with a socket adapter assembly that is operatively supported by the main housing structure. The socket adapter assembly is used to both remove and re-attach the gas shield and the electrode nut of the TIG welder. A vacuum tip suction device that is operatively supported by the main housing structure is used to both remove and install electrode tips for the TIG welder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Changer & Dresser Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Eric Jones, Daniell Blake Oscar Newton
  • Publication number: 20150141225
    Abstract: The present invention provides various aspects of support for a processing tool in a fabrication facility capable of routine placement and replacement of processing tools and component assemblies of the tools. Support aspects include a support structure for component assemblies and a quick disconnect flange which facilitates connecting and disconnect of electrical, liquid and gas utilities to a tool component placed in the processing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Publication number: 20150080197
    Abstract: A feeding device includes a sliding member, a main shaft, a tool holding assembly, a locking assembly, and a locking assembly. The sliding member is slidably couplable to a moving member. The main shaft is rotatably coupled with the sliding member. The tool holding assembly includes a connecting member detachably connectable to the main shaft and configured for holding one of a plurality of tool heads, the connecting member defining two clamping grooves. The locking assembly is positioned on the sliding member having a driving member attached to the sliding member, and a pair of claws attached to the driving member. The disclosure also supplies a machine tool using the feeding device, and a method for manching using the machine tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: MING-LU YANG, TIAN-EN ZHANG, JIAN-SHI JIA, YANG-MAO PENG, WEI-CHUAN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8970156
    Abstract: A path display apparatus includes a first position command acquiring unit that acquires first position command for motors, a first position feedback acquiring unit that acquires first position feedback of each of the motors, a correction data acquiring unit that acquires correction data generated for each of the motors, a second position command calculating unit that subtracts the correction data from the first position command to calculate a second position command, a second position feedback calculating unit that subtracts the correction data from the first position feedback to calculate second position feedback, a command path display unit that displays a command path of the tip point of the tool, based on the second position command; and a feedback path display unit that displays a feedback path of the tip point of the tool, based on the second position feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Tezuka, Hajime Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8950065
    Abstract: A combination component handling and connecting device connectable to a multi-axis robot for use in moving and connecting components and subassemblies includes a housing and an actuator fixedly connected to the housing. The actuator includes an actuating link movable from a first position to a second position. Connected to the actuating link is an end effector for concurrent movement with the actuating link. The component handling and connecting device includes a clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is connected to the actuating link for selectively moving the second jaw toward the first jaw operative to engage a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Publication number: 20150038306
    Abstract: An apparatus for interchanging welding tips of a spot welding gun. The apparatus replaces a welding tip installed in a robot arm and includes welding tip removal componentry combined with the robot arm, welding tip mounting means combined with one side of the welding tip removal componentry, and a welding tip supply spaced apart from the welding gun at a specific distance and configured to supply a welding tip to the welding tip mounting componentry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Seung-Hae Lee, Du-Hyeon Song, Joo-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8926484
    Abstract: A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the head tool changer comprising a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head, a grip unit configured to engage with tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit, and a master unit operably mounted to a gantry and configured to engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Comb, Joseph E. Labossiere, Michael D. Bosveld, David G. Bocek, Max Peters
  • Patent number: 8900106
    Abstract: A subsea tool changer comprises a housing; a rotatable carousel rotatably mounted within the housing and adapted to receive a plurality of selectively removable tools; a tool changer that can select a predetermined one of the plurality of tools from the carousel; and a power drive adapted to provide a predetermined function to a tool selected by the tool changer, the power drive further comprising a first power drive interface. In typical use, a selectively removable tool is placed onto the rotatable carousel which is rotated so that a desired selectively removable tool is positioned adjacent to a tool driver which is then mated with the desired selectively removable tool. The tool changer and mated selected removable tool are moved outward toward an outer boundary of the housing and the tool changer extended at least partially outside the housing outward towards a predetermined tool working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. McCoy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8881380
    Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hatase Takayuki
  • Publication number: 20140296047
    Abstract: A system is provided for changing and inserting tools into or presenting tools at a machine tool. The system includes at least n rotatable tool magazines for receiving a plurality of tools, where n?2, which are arranged in tandem in the direction of a rotational axis. At least one of the n tool magazines can be driven independently of the other tool magazines to perform a rotational movement about the rotational axis. The system further includes a manipulator for removing the tools from the magazine. The tools are held in tool mounts along the circumference of the n tool magazines such that the longitudinal axes of the tools in each case of one of the n tool magazines are located in one plane and project from the circumference of the tool magazine, and the tools can be moved along the circumference of the respective tool magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: DECKEL MAHO PFRONTEN GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Jung
  • Publication number: 20140286734
    Abstract: A working system including: a working machine having a door operated so as to be closed at a time of working and be opened at a time of non-working; an automatic changer provided so as to enter and exit from an inside of the working machine through the door to change a worked object and/or a tool; and an actuator operating the door. The actuator is a servo motor dedicated to operating the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru Oda
  • Patent number: 8818549
    Abstract: A controller including a detecting member detecting a machining position where a pivoting axis is reversed in machining by the machine tool based on the control data, an allowable position error setting member setting an allowable position error between a commanded machining position and an actual machining position, an allowable acceleration deciding member deciding the allowable acceleration about the pivoting axis based on a distance from the machining position of the reversed axis to a center of the pivoting axis and based on the allowable position error being set, and a controlling member controlling a velocity about the driving axis based on the allowable acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Yamada, Atsushi Saito
  • Patent number: 8769786
    Abstract: A combination trimming/flame treatment end effector adapted for mounting to the end of a robotic arm. A trimming blade extends from a main body portion of the end effector for performing a trimming operation. The trimming blade may be mounted in an exchangeable cartridge to facilitate blade changing. Also extending from the main body portion is a flame treatment element for performing a flame treatment operation. The flame treatment element generally comprises a torch or burner. Because both the trimming blade and the flame treatment element are part of the same end effector, the robot simply manipulates the end effector such that the desired one of the trimming blade or the flame treatment element is properly positioned for use. As such, a tooling change can be avoided. While not restricted thereto, it is contemplated that an end effector of the present invention may be used to process vehicle bumper fascias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Alexander, Lonnie Thompson, Rob Howells, Erik Aisel, Darin Wells, Gary Flavell, Chris Easton, Diana Bush
  • Publication number: 20140171280
    Abstract: A tool magazine of a machine includes a receiving assembly, a tool bracket, a driving member, and a linking assembly. The receiving assembly defines an opening and includes a mounting gate sealing the opening. The tool bracket is slidably received in the receiving assembly. The driving member is connected to the tool bracket and moves the tool bracket out of the opening. The linking assembly includes a linking member and a first pushing rod. The linking member is fixed to the mounting gate and defines a first pushing groove in its periphery. The first pushing rod slides along the direction of the first pushing groove, causing the mounting gate to rotate open and close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: MING-LU YANG, TIAN-EN ZHANG, WEI-CHUAN ZHANG, JIAN-SHI JIA, YANG-MAO PENG, JIAN QU, FENG-HUA CHEN, ZHEN-GUANG XU, JING-SHUANG SUI, DA-QING ZHUANG, JIE LI, YI LIU, JIAN-MIN YU
  • Patent number: 8747288
    Abstract: A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Strotzer, Michael E. Coyle
  • Publication number: 20140121084
    Abstract: A tool magazine for tools of a machine tool for processing workpieces includes a first magazine unit that is close to a processing station of the machine tool and a second magazine unit that is remote from the processing station of the machine tool. The second magazine unit includes a permanent tool carrier and a temporary tool carrier. The permanent tool carrier is permanently accessible to a tool handling device. The temporary tool carrier is temporarily accessible to the tool handling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Klinkhammer, Stefan Kerscher
  • Publication number: 20140038799
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing plate-like workpieces, in particular metal sheets, has a machine frame with a lower frame arm, an upper frame arm and a frame compartment or throat defined between the upper and lower arms. A first tool magazine, close to the station, has storage places for processing tools is arranged at least partially within the frame compartment. The processing tools, such as punch/die sets, can be interchanged at a processing station of the machine tool. By means of a tool transfer device, processing tools can be transferred between the first tool and a second tool magazine, remote from the station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Klinkhammer, Stefan Kerscher
  • Publication number: 20130337985
    Abstract: A motor-powered machine tool includes a drum-like tool-changing magazine having tool chambers. The magazine is arranged inside a housing, and when the tool is in a change position, one of the tool chambers of the tool-changing magazine is aligned with a tubular tool holder. The tool further includes a sliding element configured to slide a tool from the tool-changing magazine into the tool holder and from the tool holder back into the tool-changing magazine. The sliding element is movable in a longitudinal direction of the tool holder. In at least one embodiment, the sliding element is coupled with a gearbox system which includes at least one toothed gear. The rotational motion of the toothed gear is translated into linear movement of the sliding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Attila Nagy
  • Patent number: 8574140
    Abstract: A mechanical device is used to change a laser nozzle of a nozzle mount of a laser processing machine. The mechanical device includes a nozzle magazine with at least one nozzle holder for storing a laser nozzle at a nozzle storage location, and a dirt collector. The nozzle holder is movable by means of a positioning device provided for that purpose or alternatively the dirt collector is movable by means of a positioning device provided for that purpose into a stand-by position defined on the mechanical device. The nozzle holder and the dirt collector can also be transferred to a position remote from the stand-by position with the respective positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen AG
    Inventors: Werner Erlenmaier, Frank Schmauder, Armin Felber, Reto Gedeon
  • Publication number: 20130244847
    Abstract: The invention relates to tool tongs for the releasable holding of a tool, for example in a machine tool. The invention is characterized in that the tool tongs are formed by a tongs basic element and a tongs clamping element interacting and connected with the tongs basic element, wherein in the tool holding position the tongs basic element and the tongs clamping element hold the tool clampingly at its gripping elements, wherein the tongs basic element and/or the tongs clamping element is/are formed of flat material or plate-like material, such as, for example, steel sheet or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: h. c. Burkhart Grob
  • Publication number: 20130244846
    Abstract: A clamping device (1) for a machine tool (2) for machining at least one dental workpiece (3), wherein the clamping device (1) has at least one workpiece carrier (4) for accommodating the dental workpiece (3) during machining, wherein at least one tool holder (5) for holding at least one, preferably a plurality of cutting tools (6) for machining the dental workpiece (3) is arranged, preferably fixedly, on the workpiece carrier (4), and the workpiece carrier (4) and the tool holder (5) are fastened or fastenable together as one component on a carrier of the clamping device (1) in an exchangeable manner by a fastening device (7) that is non-destructively releasable, preferably without a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ARMANN GIRRBACH AG
    Inventor: Timo Koch
  • Patent number: 8535208
    Abstract: Tool rack for tools of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the guiding and retaining surfaces of the tool rack are arranged on two planes offset vertically so as to cause the tool to tilt when it is unhooked. The inventive arrangement allows the mechanical efforts during uncoupling to be reduced appreciably. This reduction is due to the tool tilting and to the residual magnetic force being divided between three retaining point, with a positive effect on the coupling precision and on the tool positioning in the tool rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventors: Pascal Jordil, Benjamin Vullioud
  • Patent number: 8529419
    Abstract: A machine tool includes: a main spindle adapted to be rotatable with a workpiece chucked thereby; a tool spindle capable of moving in directions of three axes perpendicular to each other and capable of pivoting about one of the axes, the axis being perpendicular to the main spindle; an automatic tool changer adapted to detachably attach a first tool and a chucking unit to the tool spindle, the first tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the main spindle, the chucking unit being used for chucking the workpiece; and a tool post having a second tool mounted thereon, the second tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the chucking unit attached to the tool spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawasumi, Satoru Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8511127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing rolls, in particular, working rolls (7, 8) and/or intermediate rolls in a roll stand, such as a roughing down stand or finishing stand for rolling thick sheet iron. Said rolls comprise back up roller sets (5, 6) and working roller sets (7, 8). One individual locomotive mechanism (9) is used for changing the working rolls (7, 8) and/or for changing the back up rolls (5, 6) and/or for inserting or withdrawing a roll changing seat (11) by supporting the rolls on each other and subsequently withdrawing in the axial direction of the rolls on the operational side of the roll stand, from a roll hall (1) in a roll workshop (2) and back and for installing novel roll sets. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Blecher
  • Patent number: 8454486
    Abstract: Tool-changing system, storage device for this purpose and method for coupling a tool to a robot arm. The invention relates to a tool-changing system for an industrial robot, with a robot-side coupling device (100) provided in a robot arm, with at least one tool (70a, 70b) couplable to the robot-side coupling device (100) and having a tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b), and with a storage device (10) for receiving the at least one tool (76a, 76b) in the non-coupled state. The invention relates, furthermore, to a storage device suitable for this purpose and to a coupling method which can be carried out by means of the tool-changing system. According to the invention, the storage device comprises a base (12), securing means (32a, 32b) for securing the robot-side coupling device (100) and feeding means (50a, 50b) which are designed for generating a relative movement of the robot-side coupling device (100) and of the tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b) with respect to one another in a coupling direction (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: IPR—Intelligente Peripherien fuer Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Philippi, Stefan Meier, Stefan Stroehlein
  • Publication number: 20130137559
    Abstract: A hand power tool has a tool receiver which is configured to receive a tool and which has an inner receiver. The tool receiver is provided on an associated tool housing, in which there is disposed a drum-type tool change magazine having at least one tool chamber for storing the tool. The tool chamber is configured to be aligned so as to be flush with the inner receiver to enable the tool to slide from the tool chamber into the inner receiver or from the inner receiver into the tool chamber. A braking device is configured to brake the tool as the tool slides from the tool chamber into the inner receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Patent number: 8439811
    Abstract: A mechanical device is used for mounting and/or dismounting a laser nozzle on and/or from a nozzle mount of a laser processing machine for processing workpieces, especially metal sheets. The mechanical device includes a nozzle magazine having a nozzle holder support on which a nozzle holder for a laser nozzle is supported. In addition, the mechanical device has a support positioning drive by means of which the nozzle holder support is positionable together with the nozzle holder in a support positioning direction. A lifting device of the mechanical device serves to position the nozzle holder, when positioned in the support positioning direction in a lifting stand-by position, relative to the nozzle holder support in a positioning lifting direction extending perpendicular to the support positioning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen AG
    Inventors: Werner Erlenmaier, Frank Schmauder, Armin Felber, Reto Gedeon
  • Publication number: 20130112668
    Abstract: A nozzle holder for a nozzle changer that is configured for at least one of mounting nozzles to and demounting nozzles from a processing head of a laser processing machine includes a nozzle storage chamber that widens along a nozzle removal direction to a nozzle removal opening. The nozzle storage chamber includes at least two nozzle storage seats that are offset in steps from each other and that store respective nozzles. A nozzle changer includes such several nozzle holders, and a laser processing machine includes such a nozzle changer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TRUMPF MASCHINEN AG
    Inventor: TRUMPF Maschinen AG
  • Publication number: 20130103193
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventor: MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOCIATES INC.
  • Patent number: 8376921
    Abstract: A machine tool comprising a tool spindle and a workpiece clamping mechanism moveable relative to one another on a linear X-axis in a controlled manner, wherein the tool spindle can be moved in a controlled manner in relation to a machine frame on Y and Z-axes which are perpendicular to the X-axis and to each other and can be pivoted in a controlled manner around a C-axis parallel to the Z-axis, and wherein a workpiece gripper, which can be moved in common with the tool spindle, is assigned to the tool spindle, and that the tool spindle can travel with the workpiece gripper to a magazine wheel on the Y, Z and C-axes and can be aligned with recesses on the magazine wheel, movement on the X, Y, Z and C-axes effecting transfer of a workpiece between the workpiece gripper and the workpiece clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Wember
  • Publication number: 20130040792
    Abstract: Equipment for the exchange of replaceable components in machine tools, specifically replaceable components of different categories, necessary for different machining operations, such as heads or tool holders and tools, including a unified static storage, in which the components are located, and a single piece of manipulator equipment provided with at least one manipulator for the components, automated and controlled by a control system, for the movement, exchange and positioning of the replaceable components of both types between the shaft of the machine tool and the storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GMTK Multi-Process Machining, S.A.
    Inventors: Jon Arana Gárate, Patxi Eceiza Agote
  • Publication number: 20130035221
    Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products includes a cutting blade which moves in a cutting plane to cut off slices from at least one product supplied to the cutting plane and includes a blade changing device which is designed to replace the cutting blade automatically with a replacement cutting blade on the presence of a change criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Patent number: 8366593
    Abstract: A laser processing machine for processing workpieces, in particular, metal sheets, has a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member for a laser nozzle and a workpiece support for workpieces that are intended to be processed and/or for processed workpieces. The workpiece support forms a workpiece support plane. A nozzle changing device is arranged at the lower side of the workpiece support plane remote from the laser processing head. In order to change a nozzle, a laser nozzle can be transferred between a nozzle magazine of the nozzle changing device and the nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head and can be assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Schmauder
  • Patent number: 8366592
    Abstract: An automated tool includes a quick change spindle assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, the quick change spindle includes an attachment assembly for interchangeable fastener drivers. A further aspect of the present invention employs release member to actuate a drive member in the spindle assembly causing a retainer to uncouple a fastener driver with the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hathaway, Michael A. Hageman, James W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 8360944
    Abstract: A mechanical device is used to change a laser nozzle on a nozzle receiving member of a laser processing machine for processing workpieces. The mechanical device has a nozzle magazine having a nozzle holder carrier, and at least one nozzle holder for a laser nozzle being provided on the nozzle holder carrier. The mechanical device also includes a positioning drive and a change drive, both drives having a common drive motor. Between the drive motor on the one hand and the nozzle holder carrier and the nozzle holder on the other hand, there is provided a coupling that can be switched by means of a switching device between a supply state, in which a drive connection exists between the drive motor and the nozzle holder carrier, and a change state, in which a drive connection exists between the drive motor and the nozzle holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen AG
    Inventors: Werner Erlenmaier, Frank Schmauder, Armin Felber, Reto Gedeon
  • Publication number: 20120289388
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work station for a packaging machine, comprising an upper tool and a lower tool arranged below the upper tool. These tools are configured for acting on a packaging web. A lifting unit is able to move the upper tool and/or the lower tool such that, at a specific position, the two tools abut on one another or are only spaced apart at a small distance. According to the present invention, the two tools are adapted to be coupled to one another by a releasable coupling at this position so that they can be removed from the work station in common. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for removing a lower tool from a work station, e.g. for the purpose of tool exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar EHRMANN, Helmut SPARAKOWSKI
  • Patent number: 8296923
    Abstract: A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ray Wampler, Muhammad Zia Ullah
  • Publication number: 20120252646
    Abstract: A manual robotic tool changer provides a compact, lightweight means to manually selectively couple a robotic tool, such as a surgical tool, to a robot arm. The tool changer includes numerous safety features to prevent inadvertent decoupling of the robotic tool. These include a dual-button handle locking mechanism operative to lock the tool changer closed in the fully coupled position, and requiring simultaneous actuation of both of two latch buttons to unlock; a one-way clutch mechanism that prevents rotation of the coupling mechanism towards the decoupled position, unless the handle is actuated to unlock the tool changer; and a spring biasing the tool changer to an at least partially coupled state when no force is applied to the handle, thus requiring a positive force against the spring, moving the handle to a fully open position, to insert or remove a robotic tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Norton
  • Publication number: 20120214654
    Abstract: A tool changing device for a cutting head of a machine for cutting flat glass sheets, comprising, so that they can slide in a parallel arrangement with elements for sliding on a bridge that supports a cutting head, a carriage for supporting the cutting head, with a motor for translational motion on the bridge, a tool supporting slider, which is normally coupled, by way of reversible fixing elements, to the head supporting carriage during the work of the cutting head and which can be uncoupled, for tool changing operations, in order to allow the movement of the carriage with respect to the slider, which is stationary, to select a tool to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Silvano Sgarabottolo
  • Patent number: 8187157
    Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Rolf Metzner, Christoph Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8182404
    Abstract: The invention provides for the replacement of the cutting plate (15) and the press die (16) to be carried out automatically, specifically with the aid of a positioning device for positioning the stack of printed sheets (11) to be trimmed under the press die (16). In this way, the automatic conversion of the automatic three-knife trimmer for a format change is possible without a significant change to the automatic three-knife trimmer. Only the control system of the positioning device has to be changed and expanded. The positioning device (21) automatically ensures that the new press die (16) and the new cutting plate (15) are positioned exactly. In particular, the positioning of the die plate (19) under the format plate (18) can be carried out automatically by means of the positioning device with the required high accuracy, to be specific with higher accuracy than would be possible manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Wohlenberg Buchbindesysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Hansmann, Andreas Lange, Bernd Lustermann
  • Patent number: 8177696
    Abstract: A method is provided for milling a thermal barrier coated metal part. This method includes selectively removing a portion of a ceramic coating using a mechanical cutting tool, thereby forming a counterbore, and machining the metal part through the counterbore. A drilling head for drilling thermal barrier coated metal parts is also provided. The drilling head comprises a mechanical cutting tool, which is operable to mill through ceramic, and an electrode for electrical discharge machining. The electrode may be used to mill the metal part, and may be interchangeable with the mechanical cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Metem Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Janssen, John Malek
  • Patent number: 8132306
    Abstract: A device for machining components, in particular of a vehicle body has a transport and positioning unit for the component and several machining stations, which are arranged around said unit and to which the component held by a component holder of the transport and positioning unit can be fed in a position ready for machining. To transport the component from one machining station to the other machining stations while taking up the smallest possible surface area, the transport and positioning unit includes a rotor and a pivoting arm that is mounted eccentrically on said rotor, driven in opposition to the latter and supports the component holder. The drives of the rotor and the pivoting arm are synchronized in such a way that the component holder is displaced along a closed curved path comprising spaces between the neighboring apexes of said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Kipping, Thomas Klemm
  • Patent number: 8127415
    Abstract: A device for machining components, in particular of a vehicle body has a transport and positioning unit for the component and several machining stations, which are arranged around said unit and to which the component held by a component holder of the transport and positioning unit can be fed in a position ready for machining. To transport the component from one machining station to the other machining stations while taking up the smallest possible surface area, the transport and positioning unit includes a rotor and a pivoting arm that is mounted eccentrically on said rotor, driven in opposition to the latter and supports the component holder. The drives of the rotor and the pivoting arm are synchronized in such a way that the component holder is displaced along a closed curved path comprising spaces between the neighboring apexes of said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Kipping, Thomas Klemm
  • Patent number: 8114001
    Abstract: A workpiece processing plant comprises several machine tools which are arranged in opposite rows. The rows define a free space between each other. A loading and unloading device is provided which comprises a girder above the machine tools and above the free space. Rails are provided on the upper side of the girder. A loading and unloading unit configured as a multiple-axis robot is displaceable along the rails, the loading and unloading unit comprising several arms which are articulated to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: MAG IAS, LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang Horn, Moshe Israel Meidar, Thomas Bayha, Ralf Haug
  • Patent number: 8092357
    Abstract: A spindle gripping device and method for use in a CNC machine for re-orienting a workpiece. The gripping device includes an attachment portion, a translational driver, and a gripping portion. The attachment portion mechanically attaches the gripping device to a spindle of the CNC machine, and allows a transfer of the rotation of the spindle to the gripping device. The translational driver translates the input rotational force into a linear movement. The gripping portion uses the linear movement to open and close claws of the gripping device. A controller monitors and controls the operation of the CNC machine, so as to control an exchange of the working tool with the gripping device, and to control actuation and subsequent movement of the gripping device to reposition the workpiece into a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Damon Buus
  • Patent number: 8056200
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus (2) for components (3), which has at least one movable loading station (20) designed as a tool magazine (13) and having reception points (39) with different tools (4, 5, 6, 7) for different component types A-I. The loading station (20) is connected to one or more machining stations (20, 22?) at which at least one machining device (23) and at least one handling device (24) for handling and releasing the components (3) from the tool (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are arranged. The selected Figure is FIG. 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: KUKA Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Hesse, Thomas Kollmar, Bruno Emerich, Roland Heck, Paul Geistdörfer, Ella Geistdöerfer, legal representative, Thomas Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20110107573
    Abstract: A machine tool having a turning function and a milling function includes a spindle, a spindle housing supporting the spindle in a rotatable manner, a main clamp provided at the spindle, an auxiliary clamp provided at the spindle housing, and a double arm with a first gripper and a second gripper. The auxiliary clamp clamps a tool holder together with the main clamp during fixing a fixed tool. The double arm exchanges a tool holder grasped at the first gripper for another tool holder grasped at the second gripper by rotating and sliding movements. The auxiliary clamp is arranged at a position not interfering with the double arm that moves during exchanging tool holders. By such a configuration, a machine tool achieving a clamping force sufficient to withstand the load during a turning process, and that allows tool exchange in a short period of time, and a tool holder employed in such a machine tool, can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya FUJIOKA, Yohei Shinkai, Katsuhito Miyahara, Kaoru Yasumatsuya