Guard Patents (Class 483/3)
  • Patent number: 11772216
    Abstract: A machine tool equipped with a robot includes a stocker which has one or more effector holder units for holding an end effector to be mounted on the robot, in which the stocker can be stored within a casing of the machine tool. At least a part of the stocker is configured to be bilaterally advanceable into a machining chamber of the machine tool and an external region located outside the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OKUMA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Iguchi
  • Patent number: 11717925
    Abstract: A machine tool equipped with a robot includes a stocker which has one or more effector holder units for holding an end effector to be mounted on the robot, in which the stocker can be stored within a casing of the machine tool. At least a part of the stocker is configured to be bilaterally advanceable into a machining chamber of the machine tool and an external region located outside the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: OKUMA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Iguchi
  • Patent number: 11090732
    Abstract: Rotating tool holder mountable on a revolving multi-station tool holder turret of a numerically controlled lathe or turning/milling center, the tool holder including a support body that is removably fixable to the turret and including a shaft that is rotatable around a rotation axis and releasably connectable to a drive of said turret, the tool holder further including a motorized drive arrangement that rotates a main body with respect to the support body around a rotation axis autonomously and independently of the rotation of the shaft, in order to position a seat of a cutting/drilling tool, provided on the main body, in a preset angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: M.T. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gianluca Marchetti, Paolo Leonardi
  • Patent number: 11090776
    Abstract: An automatic tool changer includes a cover that partitions a machining area and a non-machining area, and an opening/closing member that opens/closes an opening of the cover by turning in synchronization with rotation of a tool changer magazine. The opening/closing member includes a plate section partitions the machining area and the non-machining area at a position of the opening of the cover. In a case where the tool changer magazine performs tool replacement with respect to a tool storage magazine, the plate section closes the opening of the cover by taking a horizontal posture. In a case where the tool changer magazine performs tool replacement with respect to a main spindle, the plate section opens the opening of the cover by changing its posture from the horizontal posture to an inclined posture or a vertical posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: HORKOS CORP
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kiso, Kunihiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10434612
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a bed, a column, a rotary main spindle, a tool magazine, a tool changer, and a controller. The tool changer includes a body provided on the bed so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the column, a changing arm rotatably provided on the body, and a door provided on the body to open or close an opening formed in the body, and configured to partition an area on the column side from an area on the tool magazine side by closing the opening. The controller is configured to move the body in parallel with at least one of an operation of opening the door and an operation of closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Toyama, Yoshio Ootsuka, Yuki Konno
  • Patent number: 9993902
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a door used for opening and closing an opening of a frame and a tool exchanger arm used for exchanging a tool between a tool magazine and a main shaft. The machine tool further includes an interlocking mechanism provided between the door and the tool exchanger arm. The interlocking mechanism works in an interlocking relationship with tool exchanging operation by the tool exchanger arm to open and close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: KOMATSU NTC LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Kanda
  • Patent number: 9561570
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a spindle device; a shutter which is disposed between a tool magazine disposed over a machining chamber and the machining chamber, and is capable of opening and closing; a tool exchange device; and a tool breakage detecting device to detect whether a tool indexed to a tool detecting position of the tool magazine has breakage or not, and performs a return step of returning a first tool to the tool magazine with use of the tool exchange device; an attachment step of attaching a second tool to the spindle device; and a breakage detecting step of rotatively moving the first tool returned to the tool magazine to the tool detecting position and detecting breakage of the first tool with use of the tool breakage detecting device, after the shutter is closed. This constitution can prevent erroneous detection and improve the operational efficiency of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU NTC LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Kanehira, Nobuhito Oki, Yasuo Hasegawa, Hisaki Itabashi
  • Patent number: 9472678
    Abstract: To provide a transistor with stable electrical characteristics, a transistor with a low off-state current, a transistor with a high on-state current, a semiconductor device including the transistor, or a durable semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor using silicon, an aluminum oxide film over the first transistor, and a second transistor using an oxide semiconductor over the aluminum oxide film. The oxide semiconductor has a lower hydrogen concentration than silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Tetsuhiro Tanaka, Hideomi Suzawa, Yasumasa Yamane, Yuhei Sato, Sachiaki Tezuka
  • Patent number: 9343581
    Abstract: To provide a transistor with stable electrical characteristics, a transistor with a low off-state current, a transistor with a high on-state current, a semiconductor device including the transistor, or a durable semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor using silicon, an aluminum oxide film over the first transistor, and a second transistor using an oxide semiconductor over the aluminum oxide film. The oxide semiconductor has a lower hydrogen concentration than silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Tetsuhiro Tanaka, Hideomi Suzawa, Yasumasa Yamane, Yuhei Sato, Sachiaki Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20150087487
    Abstract: A tool changer is equipped with a turret having plural grips for use to grip tools as well as with a front cover and rear cover adapted to cover a front face and rear face of the turret. Furthermore, a protrusion is installed on the rear cover in a neighborhood of a gap between the front cover and the rear cover, being configured to block intrusion of chips or cutting fluid into the gap between the front cover and the rear cover from a top face of the rear cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Masahiro MUROTA
  • Patent number: 8974358
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shenq Fang Yuan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Hsiu Shih
  • Patent number: 8936541
    Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a chain-type bit-storing apparatus which includes a frame, two sprockets, a chain and a pivoting unit. The frame includes a cutout. The sprockets are placed in the frame. The chain is driven by the sprockets. The chain includes links each including a socket for containing a bit, two plates for supporting the socket, first and second blocks placed between the plates, first and second bearing units for rotationally supporting the first and second blocks on the plates, and a connecting unit for pivotally connecting the first block thereof to the second block of an adjacent link. The pivoting unit is used to pivot the socket of a selected one of the links to move an open end of the socket out of the frame through the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chen Sound Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Sun
  • 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: 8814769
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Fujioka, Yohei Shinkai, Katsuhito Miyahara, Kaoru Yasumatsuya
  • Patent number: 8767441
    Abstract: Method for a memory including a first, second, third and fourth cells include applying a read, program, or erase voltage, the first and second cells coupled to a first top interconnect, the third and fourth cells coupled to a second top interconnect, the first and third cells coupled to a first bottom interconnect, the second and fourth cells are to a second bottom interconnect, each cell includes a switching material overlying a non-linear element (NLE), the resistive switching material is associated with a first conductive threshold voltage, the NLE is associated with a lower, second conductive threshold voltage, comprising applying the read voltage between the first top and the first bottom electrode to switch the NLE of the first cell to conductive, while the NLEs of the second, third, and the fourth cells remain non-conductive, and detecting a read current across the first cell in response to the read voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Lu, Sung Hyun Jo, Hagop Nazarian
  • Patent number: 8740522
    Abstract: A shaping machine system including a shaping device and a computer is provided. The shaping device includes at least one jig mount body configured for mounting a jig; a shaping tool support body configured for supporting a shaping tool; a first drive device configured for rotating the shaping tool; and a second drive device configured for driving the shaping tool support body or the at least one jig mount body or changing a posture of the shaping tool relative to the workpiece. The computer is configured for controlling the first and second drive devices according to predetermined shaping data. The computer includes a jig position measuring unit configured for measuring a position of the jig; a position error detecting unit configured for detecting a position error of the jig, and a shaping data correcting unit configured for correcting the predetermined shaping data according to a jig position error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Roland DG Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Suyama, Ryo Sato, Yoshimitsu Asahina, Makoto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8721512
    Abstract: A tool magazine device includes a magazine body adapted to be disposed on a machine body of a machine tool to confront a working space, a plurality of insertion openings formed in a right side wall of the magazine body and each extending towards a left side wall of the magazine body to form a storage chamber, a plurality of gripping members fitted in the insertion openings for grippingly engage cutting tools, an inlet disposed in the magazine body for introducing therein a flow of pressurized air, and an air duct unit disposed on the left side wall and coupled to communicate the inlet with the storage chambers so as to permit the pressurized air to flow out of the insertion openings to thereby clean swarf from the cutting tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Arix CNC Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 8672820
    Abstract: A tool stocker includes main stockers for holding a plurality of tools detachably mounted on a main spindle for machining a workpiece, an auxiliary stocker for holding and transferring tools to and from the main stockers, and a tool transfer mechanism for transferring tools between the main stockers and the auxiliary stocker. The auxiliary stocker includes a plurality of tool pods for removably supporting the tools therein, a rail in sliding engagement with outer surfaces of the tool pods, a chain for moving the tool pods in sliding engagement with the rail, and a motor for actuating the chain. The rail has a recess defined therein in alignment with the tool transfer mechanism, such that the tools transferred by the tool transfer mechanism pass through the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoki Uchikawa, Shoji Shibata, Takeshi Shibata, Shugo Arakawa, Masakazu Kubo, Tatsuhiko Tanaka, Kenichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8632447
    Abstract: A chain-type magazine includes a box, a chain-type conveyor and a spinning unit. The box includes a port defined therein. The chain-type conveyor includes links connected to one another so that each of the links can be pivoted relative to the other links about two axes in parallel to each other. A tool can be inserted in a holder inserted in each of the links. The spinning unit includes a mounting assembly, an elevating assembly, a rotary claw assembly and a connecting rod. The mounting assembly is connected to the box. The elevating assembly is movably connected to the mounting assembly. The rotary claw assembly is rotationally connected to the mounting assembly for catching a selected one of the links. The connecting rod connects the elevating assembly to the rotary claw assembly. The driving element drives the elevating assembly to spin the rotary claw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Chen Sound Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Sun
  • Patent number: 8574139
    Abstract: A machine tool having an automatic tool changer (ATC). The machine tool includes a gantry, a spindle extending from the gantry, a configurable work area, and an ATC adjacent to a front wall of the machine tool. The ATC includes a rotary tool magazine and a plurality of receptacles oriented radially around the rotary tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of cutting tools having cutting edges. The cutting edges of the cutting tools point radially inwardly around the rotary tool magazine, and the cutting tools are removed directly from the automatic tool changer by the spindle and brought to a part to be machined. A tool sensor may be located between the ATC and the spindle to take measurements of the cutting tool. The ATC includes at least one receptacle configured to hold a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Microlution, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Honegger, Andrew Phillip, Deepkishore Mukhopadhyay, Abhinandan Tulsian, Elizabeth Creighton
  • Patent number: 8562497
    Abstract: A machine tool including a base frame, a workpiece table, a machining unit, and a connection portion is disclosed. The base frame has a machining area. The base frame includes two left and right side frames and a connection frame connecting the two side frames. The workpiece table is arranged on the base frame in the machining area. The machining unit is arranged on an upper portion of the base frame and includes a spindle device. A connection portion connects the machining unit and the base frame in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu NTC Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Tanizaki, Akira Takase, Yukio Kawasaki, Shiro Murai, Kinya Nakamura, Fumihiro Kamikonya, Yasuo Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8355812
    Abstract: A shaping machine system is presented. The shaping machine system includes a shaping device including at least one jig mount body for mounting a jig for supporting a workpiece, a shaping tool support body for supporting a shaping tool for shaping the workpiece, a first drive device for rotating the shaping tool, and a second drive device for driving at least one of the shaping tool support body, the jig mount body, or to change a posture of the shaping tool relative to the workpiece. The shaping machine system also includes a computer including an input unit for receiving a jig selection, a shaping tool selection, a shape data reading unit for reading shape data representing a shape of the workpiece after shaping, a shaping data producing unit for producing shaping data for controlling the first and the second drive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Roland DG Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Suyama, Ryo Sato, Yoshimitsu Asahina, Makoto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8308621
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism comprising a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a workpiece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on the driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including a driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shenq Fang Yuan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Hsiu Shih
  • Patent number: 8241191
    Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the efficiency of tool management by improving the arrangement of a tool magazine in a composite working lathe. The composite working lathe 1 includes a spindle stock and a tool spindle disposed on a bed 20, and a cover 2 covering the surrounding area thereof. A door 4 allowing access to a machining portion is provided on a front side F of the machine, and the machining portion can be visually observed through a window 5. A tool magazine unit 100 is disposed in front of the spindle stock of the machine. A door 120 and a window 130 are provided on the cover of the tool magazine unit 100, allowing operators to observe the tool stored in the magazine through windows 122 and 130. The present composite working lathe enables to improve the efficiency of tool management, such as the confirmation of the tool used in the subsequent step or the removal of chips on the used tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Naokazu Okabe, Kenji Arisue, Yasuhiro Goshima, Minoru Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8114000
    Abstract: A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Hiroto Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8043200
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for replacing a process instrument in a processing apparatus, in which a target object is loaded by transfer mechanism into a processing unit and is subjected to a process by use of the process instrument. The method includes confirming that a process on the target object is finished in a processing unit designated as a process instrument replacement target, and providing information that a process instrument replacing operation is permitted to start. The method further includes, when a shutter of the processing unit designated as the process instrument replacement target is closed to perform a process instrument replacing operation and an operation prohibition state is thereby applied to the transfer mechanism, canceling the operation prohibition state to allow the transfer mechanism to perform a load/unload operation relative to a processing unit not designated as a process instrument replacement target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Naoyuki Tajiri, Akifumi Suzuki, Daisuke Honma
  • Patent number: 7954403
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for automatically carrying in and out a workpiece cooperating with a tool spindle stock of a composite working lathe. The composite working lathe comprises a main spindle 10, a workpiece handling device 20 and a tool spindle stock 30 that rotates around a B axis. A workpiece carry-in/out device 100 comprises a frame 120 including a material carry-in hand 130 and a finished product tray 140, and a cylinder 110 for moving the frame back and forth. A door 60 of a cover 50 is opened to carry in a material B1 and carry out a finished product P1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Ko Hioki, Yasuhiro Goshima, Masahiro Sugiura, Toru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7815558
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for replacing a process instrument in a processing apparatus, in which a target object is loaded by a transfer mechanism into a processing unit and is subjected to a process by use of the process instrument. The method includes confirming that a process on the target object is finished in a processing unit designated as a process instrument replacement target, and providing information that a process instrument replacing operation is permitted to start. The method further includes, when a shutter of the processing unit designated as the process instrument replacement target is closed to perform a process instrument replacing operation and an operation prohibition state is thereby applied to the transfer mechanism, canceling the operation prohibition state to allow the transfer mechanism to perform a load/unload operation relative to a processing unit not designated as a process instrument replacement target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Naoyuki Tajiri, Akifumi Suzuki, Daisuke Honma
  • Publication number: 20100084385
    Abstract: Moving enclosures for laser equipment are provided. A machine tool installation is disclosed including (a) a laser cutting head configured to be movable in three dimensions; (b) a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece in operative relationship with the laser cutting head (c) a skirt configured to surround the laser cutting head on three sides and intercept light that passes from the head and is reflected off of the workpiece or workpiece support; and (d) a protective cover positioned to intercept light that is reflected off of the workpiece or workpiece support and is not intercepted by the skirt. The skirt and protective cover are configured to move laterally with the laser cutting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: TRUMPF, INC.
    Inventors: Leonid Zeygerman, Christian Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20100035738
    Abstract: A machine tool shield having a base frame comprising a pair of lengthwise base frame members and a pair of widthwise base frame members. The lengthwise and widthwise base frame members are arranged in the shape of a square or rectangle having four corners. The base frame is positioned upon a waterproof membrane. The machine tool shield further comprises a plurality of corner clip members. Each corner clip member is mounted to one of the lengthwise base frame members and one of the widthwise base frame members wherein the one of the lengthwise base frame members and the one of the widthwise base frame members abut each other to form one of the corners. Each corner clip member has a vertically oriented bore therein. The machine tool shield includes a shroud support frame comprising a plurality of vertically oriented members. Each of the vertically oriented members has an end portion that is disposed in a corresponding one of the vertically oriented bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Donald W. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090280971
    Abstract: An arrangement for covering a machine having a machine frame, includes a covering device adapted to be attached to the machine frame above the machine. The covering device has opposite sides corresponding to opposite sides of the machine frame. Hinges are respectively connected at the opposite sides of the covering device about which the covering device can be selectively swiveled to an open or a closed position relative to the machine. Each one of the respectively arranged hinges at opposite sides of the covering device is selectively coupled to the machine frame and has a parallel-extending swiveling axis. Respectively the non-selected hinge that does not form the swiveling axis for opening the covering device is arranged to be detachable from the machine frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Simon KUNZ
  • Patent number: 7569006
    Abstract: A tool pots mounting structure for a tool magazine, wherein the tool pots inside can be engaged into the engaging notches of the first and second mounting discs directly without using without any bolts, pivots or pivotal structures, and without using tools, such as power screwdriver, to assemble the tool pots. Hence, not only is the assembly process simplified, the assembly cost is reduced, but also the follow-up maintenance work is also reduced. A tool change device is disposed at one side of a tool change port of the tool magazine, by using a pressure cylinder to drive a drive member to move, and further driving a pivotal member to clamp the desired tool pot, the tool pot can be pivoted to disengage from the first and second mounting discs. By such arrangements, the tool change operation can be carried out by only a single tool change device. Hence, not only is the cost considerably reduced, but also the assembly process is also much simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Gifu Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Liu
  • Patent number: 7547270
    Abstract: An operator station is positioned on the outside of a machine tool on the same side of the machine as the tool magazine and the automatic tool changer, to improve the ergonomics of the machine by keeping the tool loading access as close as possible to the operator. This location also allows easy visual access to the tools in the magazine and in the ready position in the tool changer. An angled “tunnel” window passing across the front of the tool magazine and the Y-axis column allows direct visual observation of the working zone of the machine tool from the operator station. A door on the side of the machine allows access from the operator station to a utilities panel located just inside of the door permitting ready operator access to switches, valves, fill points, filters and gages that are located on the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Cincinnati Machine, LLC
    Inventors: Peter L. Mischler, Randal S. VonMoll
  • Patent number: 7462144
    Abstract: A tool magazine is located adjacent to the work space of a machine tool. The tool magazine has a magazine wheel (34) that is rotatable in a controlled manner about a vertical axis and exhibits tool holders (50) on its periphery, in which tools can be held with the tool axis directed radially with respect to the magazine wheel (34) and can be removed with their shafts directed toward the inside of the magazine wheel (34). The horizontally aligned tool spindle is displaceable along the horizontal Y-axis and along the vertical Z-axis and can be lowered into the magazine wheel (34) from above, in order to directly remove the tools from the inside of the magazine wheel (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Publication number: 20080274865
    Abstract: A machining or processing plant (1) is provided including one or several machining stations (2) that are surrounded by a protective partition (13) and are supplied with components (4, 5) from at least one external supply (6) by a feeding mechanism (8). The feeding mechanism (8) is provided with one or several distribution vehicles (9) which can be moved between the supply (6) and the processing stations (2). The distribution vehicles (9) are equipped with a multi-shaft manipulator (10) and a device (36) for surmounting the protective partitions (13). The distribution vehicles (9) are also equipped with one or several receptacles (30) for component supports (24, 25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Sturm
  • Patent number: 7374526
    Abstract: A tool changing apparatus automatically changes tools mounted on the spindle of a transfer machine module. The apparatus includes a tool gripper magazine that releasably holds at least two tools. A guillotine supports the tool gripper magazine for motion between a raised stand-by position clear of the spindle and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle so that the tools in the magazine can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle. A carriage movably supports the guillotine on a support frame for motion between a forward position adjacent the transfer line and the spindle and a rearward position displaced from the transfer line. When the carriage is in the rearward position, the guillotine can be lowered to a position where it is easily accessible to an operator so that the tools in the magazine can be replenished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Roy L. Wolschlager, Ali M. Saeedy, Hussein M. Kalaoui, Philip S. Szuba, Keller J. McGaffey, Floyd P. Crelley
  • Patent number: 7357769
    Abstract: Machine tool simplifying maintenance, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling high precision machining. The machine tool is equipped with: a bed furnished with a rectangular base, right and left sidewalls provided standing either side of the base, and a rear sidewall provided standing along the back of the base; a table disposed in the space surrounded by the three sidewalls; a first saddle shaped in the form of a rectangular frame shape, provided free to shift back and forth supported on the tops of the left and right sidewalls; a second saddle penetrated by a perpendicular through-hole and arranged free to shift sideways inside the first saddle frame; and a spindle head arranged free to shift perpendicularly inside the through-hole in the second saddle; and a main spindle arranged over the table and supported by the spindle head free to rotate centered on its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Takayama, Michio Watanabe, Nobuyuki Kimura, Kazuyuki Hiramoto, Takayuki Akai
  • Patent number: 7344113
    Abstract: A tool holder includes a base body having a through hole and a tubular clamp rotatable between first and second positions. The tubular clamp has a plurality of axially extending split parts which extend through the through hole and which define a clamping hole to clamp a cutter. The split parts are resilient to move inward or outward. A plurality of push elements are formed on the base body to push the split parts inward when the tubular clamp is in the first position. The split parts are released when moving from the push elements in the second position of the tubular clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gau Woei Super Hard Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7267642
    Abstract: An automatic tool changing device (30) has a tool storage device (31) with a plurality of tools stored therein, a tool chucking unit (41) and a tool unchucking unit (51) both capable of advancing/retreating between the tool storage device (31) and a tool changing position (P2), and a tool delivery mechanism (61). The tool chucking unit (41) is provided with a tool fastening mechanism (42) for fastening the tool chucking mechanism (24), and the tool unchucking unit (51) is provided with a tool loosening mechanism (52) for loosening the tool chucking mechanism (24). The tool delivery mechanism (61) delivers the tool positioned at a tool delivery position from the tool storage device into the tool fastening mechanism of the tool chucking unit so that the tool is held by the tool fastening mechanism, and delivers the tool retrieved by the tool unchucking unit from the tool unchucking unit to the tool storage device so that the tool is stored by the tool storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Arai, Takeshi Momochi, Yukio Teshima, Hidemi Yoshino, Norio Yamanishi
  • Patent number: 7232406
    Abstract: To provide a tool changer of a machine tool capable of preventing chips from scattering to the outside of the machine from an opening of a cover to adhere to a sliding portion or a gripper portion during tool change. A tool magazine 42 holding a large number of tools is disposed on a machine outer side of a cover 62 disposed to surround a machining area of a third spindle 6. The cover 62 has a tool through hole 62c from which a tool held by a tool holding part 6c of the third spindle 6 is protruded to the machine outer side of the cover 62. Tool change is performed while the tool is protruded to the machine outer side from the tool through hole 62c and the tool through hole 62c is closed by the tool holding part 6c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Komizo
  • Patent number: 7229395
    Abstract: A cover structure of a machine tool with a simple structure which improves work efficiency by minimizing an opening portion. An opening portion is defined in a reverse concave shape at one lateral side of a cover. The opening portion includes two tool passing portions and a turning permission portion connecting the tool passing portions. A tool T which is held by an exchange arm passes through each tool passing portion. On the other hand, a rotation base portion of the exchange arm passes through the turning permission portion. While each tool passing portion is closed by a door, the turning permission portion is closed by a closing cover including a turning cover and a slide cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7226403
    Abstract: A machine tool (1, 1?), in particular a drilling and milling machine, comprising a housing (20) having a machine bed (2), together with side walls (3, 4) and doors (5, 6, 7), comprising a fixed, pivotable or rotatable work table (8, 9), and comprising a slide (10), transportable in the y direction, for the reception of a spindle head (11), transportable in the x-z direction, for the reception of tools (12), wherein the front door (5), for the enlargement of the working and loading area (21) in the upward direction, is of transomless configuration, the roof region (13) of the machine (1, 1?) has an automatically operable cover (16), the rear region (22) of the machine (1, 1?) has an integrable automatic pallet changer (14), and the machine (1, 1?) is assigned an automatic tool changer (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Mikron Agie Charmilles Ali
    Inventors: Jan Konvicka, Markus Reimann
  • Patent number: 7223221
    Abstract: A machine tool capable of reducing the lateral width of the upper part thereof by reducing the lateral width of a bed (1) while machining through the same lateral moving distance of a spindle (10) as before, comprising longitudinal guide rails (2) installed on the bed (1), a slide (3) installed through the guide rails (2) movably in a longitudinal direction, a column (6) movable in vertical direction, wherein first cover plates (25) are fixed at the right and left sides of a vertical moving route for the spindle (10), side cover plates (26) are installed continuously with the outer end edges of the first cover plates (25) so as to be turnable rearward, a second cover plate (32) is installed at the front sides of the first cover plates (25) and the side cover plates (26) integrally with the slide (3) so as to cover the front side of the moving range of the column (6), and a shielded machining space (SK) is formed at the front of the second cover plate (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Yoshinori Seo
  • Patent number: 7192225
    Abstract: Machine tool having a bed, a table arranged on the bed, a first saddle provided free to travel back and forth, a second saddle supported on the first saddle and provided free to travel side to side, a spindle head provided free to travel perpendicularly on the second saddle, a main spindle situated above the table and by the spindle head supported free to rotate on its center axis, a front cover provided on the front side of the bed and furnished with doors that open and close sideways, and top covers configured with one end sideways shiftably connected to the front side of the first saddle, and with another end connected extensibly/retractably to the top of the front-cover doors, therein being configured for permitting back-and-forth-directed movement of the first saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mori Seki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Takayama, Hikaru Ishigaki, Takayuki Akai, Nobuyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 7182720
    Abstract: A machine tool has a support table provided on an upper surface of a bed to support a work, a Z-axis saddle, a machining unit mounted on the Z-axis saddle and provided with a machining head, a compartment cover arranged on the bed to compartment a region and a machine region, an opening window provided on the compartment cover to permit the machining head to go in and out therethrough, and a seal member in the form of a closed ring to be mounted on an inner peripheral edge of the opening window of the compartment cover, wherein an entire periphery of an outer peripheral surface of the machining head is brought into sliding contact with an inner peripheral edge of the seal member in a state, in which the machining head is moved into the machining region from a tool exchange position within the machine region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nippei Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Shiraishi, Tsutomu Sugihara, Mitsuru Nukui
  • Patent number: 7108647
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool changer of a machine tool capable of suppressing cost increase and preventing size increase of the machine when a tool magazine is mounted. In a tool changer of a machine tool provided with a pallet change mechanism 10 in which a machining-side pallet 11 disposed on a machining area A side and a standby-side pallet 12 disposed on a standby area B side are turned around a turn shaft 14 by a turning member 13 to be automatically changed, a tool magazine 28 holding a plurality of tools T1 to T4 is disposed between the machining-side pallet 11 and the standby-side pallet 12 in the turning member 13 and the tool magazine 28 is turned by the turning member 13 so that the tools T1 to T4 face a spindle 5 disposed on the machining area A side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Nakazawa, Nobuhiro Kaneda, Ryosuke Yasumura
  • Patent number: 7063654
    Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction and movement of a spindle on a Y-Z plane, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining centre in the X-axis direction shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Toshiyuki Andou, Mitsuhiro Yamada, Kazutaka Murai, Yuichiro Yoshimura, Jiro Nishida, Atsushi Kohama, Shigeto Noma, Michio Norimatsu, Seiichi Kodama, Haruhiko Koike
  • Patent number: 7063653
    Abstract: A horizontal machining center 1 has a table 20 on a bed 10. An X-axis slidable surface is provided on the bed 10, and a column 30 is driven by a servo motor 32. A spindle stock 40 is supported on the column 30 and is driven along a Y axis extending in a vertical direction. An automatic tool change unit 100 replaces a tool on a spindle 44 on the spindle stock 40 with a tool in a tool magazine. An X-axis cover 200 provided between the table 20 and the column 30 has a plate-like fixed cover 205 and a pair of slidable covers 210. The fixed cover 205 is disposed with one edge thereof passing through an opening 150 formed in the middle of the tool magazine 110. Structured in this way, the horizontal machining center can have a reduced size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Horibe, Tatehito Buma
  • Patent number: 6949057
    Abstract: A multi-function end effector includes a plurality of tool change mechanisms in a housing in which a spindle is also mounted for translation along an axis of the spindle. Each tool change mechanism has a gripper that releasably grips a tool holder in which a tool is mounted. The gripper of each tool change mechanism is movable between a stowed position to a tool-change position in which the gripper is coaxially aligned with the axis of the spindle for placing a tool holder held in the gripper in a position to be received by the spindle and for positioning the gripper to receive a tool holder from the spindle. The tools mounted in the tool holders include a drill bit, a countersink tool, and a fastener insertion tool. The end effector also includes a fastener feed system, a hammer device, and a sealant applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Curtis Everson, Michael K Jones, Scott Lee Rule, Maher A. Matteeka, Arnold J. Fabris, William M. Brunner, Jr., Benny Granot, Omer Einav, Everett E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6786856
    Abstract: A cam-type automatic tool-exchanging apparatus comprises: a housing; an input rotary shaft within the housing; a rotational-motion converting cam within the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a rotational motion; a lifting/lowering-motion producing cam provided the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a lifting/lowering motion; a tool-exchanging arm provided outside the housing and driven by the rotational motion and the lifting/lowering motion outputted for performing a tool-exchanging operation; a shutter provided outside the housing and to be opened/closed in accordance with the tool-exchanging operation; an opening/closing-motion producing cam within the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a shutter-opening/closing pivotal motion for opening/closing the shutter; and a shutter-driving rotary shaft within the housing and outputting the shutter-opening/closing pivotal motion of the opening/closing-m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Hideaki Hattori, Kiyoshi Nishida, Kazuya Horibe, Satoshi Okada