Abstract: A method for adjusting an inlet guide of a peeling machine controls a peeling material using the inlet guide in relation to a peeling head carrying peeling tools in such a way that the volume per unit length of the peeling material, which volume is to be machined by the peeling machine, is minimized while producing a bright steel having excellent surface quality. Furthermore, a peeling machine provides appropriate measuring equipment in order to be able to carry out the method described above.

Abstract: The present invention disclose a tool-holder (10) comprising a first part (10a) and a second part (10b), wherein a wedge shaped locking mechanism is arranged partly on a first surface of the first part (10a) operable to be joined with further parts of the wedge shaped locking mechanism arranged on a second surface of the second part (10b).

Abstract: A fixture for automatically replacing a defective/burnback contact tip coupled to a torch arm of a robotic welder wherein the robotic welder is configured to feed a welding wire to the contact tip. The robotic welder includes a nozzle coupled to the torch arm which is disposed at the contact tip. The fixture includes a first station configured to remove the nozzle from the torch arm and to hold the nozzle for reattachment to the torch arm. A second station is configured to remove the contact tip from the torch arm. A third station includes a plurality of holding units each being configured to hold an unused contact tip, wherein the third station is configured to move one of the plurality of holding units to a predetermined location to locate the unused contact tip for attachment to the torch arm.

Abstract: A welding tip replacement apparatus is used for a welding torch that includes a tubular tip connection body, a tubular retaining member fitted over the tip connection body, and a tubular welding tip fitted within the tip connection body, the welding torch being configured such that displacing the retaining member toward the proximal end of the tip connection body along the axis of the tip connection body causes the welding tip axially fastened to the tip connection body to be released. The apparatus includes a first grasping mechanism grasping the retaining member, a second grasping mechanism grasping the welding tip protruding from the retaining member in a direction away from the distal end of the tip connection body, a first driving mechanism driving the first grasping mechanism axially, and a second driving mechanism driving the second grasping mechanism axially.

Abstract: A cutter-changing device includes a cutter-magazine carrying cutters, a rotary telescopic cylinder, and a clamping sub-assembly. The clamping sub-assembly includes a cutter-changing arm, and a pair of clamping assemblies. The rotary telescopic cylinder drives the cutter-changing arm to rotate, extend and retract. Each clamping assembly includes a mounting member, an elastic member, a piston, and at least one resisting member. The mounting member is mounted on the cutter-changing arm, and defines at least one mounting hole through the sidewall thereof. The elastic member and the piston are sleeved with the mounting member, and the two opposite ends of the elastic member press against the piston and the mounting member. The resisting member is mounted between the elastic member and the mounting member, and capable of being resisted by the piston to be partially exposed from the mounting hole.

Abstract: A system comprises a machining device which comprises at least one chuck and at least one jaw detachably connected to said chuck, as well as a jaw exchanging device cooperating with said machining device. The chuck is provided with at least one locking element which can be moved in a locking direction and in an opposite direction, from a jaw releasing position to a jaw locking position, and vice versa, by means of the jaw exchanging device. The jaw exchanging device is provided with moving means for moving the jaw with respect to the chuck in said releasing position. The chuck is provided with a rotatable operating pin extending transversely to the locking direction, by means of which the locking element can be moved from the releasing position to the locking position and vice versa. The jaw exchanging device is provided with a connecting element to be connected to the operating pin, by means of which connecting element the operating pin can be rotated.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

Abstract: An ergonomic tool lifting machine and method particularly useful for manipulating a machine tool or another heavy object. In one embodiment of the invention, the machine tool is a large milling cutter. The ergonomic tool lifting machine generally includes an articulating arm attached at a fixed end to a vertical lift mechanism, and at a free end to a grasping device or tool holder adapted for gripping and retaining an object of interest. When the object is a milling cutter, the ergonomic tool lifting machine may be used to transfer the cutter between a stored position and an installed position in a milling machine. Consequently, the tool holder of this embodiment is preferably able to rotate between a pick-up/drop-off position and an installation/removal position associated with the cutter. In general, the ergonomic tool lift machine allows heavy loads to be accurately moved with very little effort required on the part of an operator.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a machine-tool with tools, the tools being mounted in a tool store and being transportable via a manipulation device, which is particularly movable along multiple axes to a transfer position on the machine tool or in the machine tool and, after use in the machine tool, being removable therefrom, and the manipulation device having a gripper device for receiving the tools. To save weight and increase the access speed of the manipulation device, the manipulation device has at least one displacement arm movable in a preferably horizontal first movement direction, which is mounted so it is displaceable on a guide element, and the gripper device is mounted so it is displaceable on the displacement arm in this first movement direction.

Abstract: A system for lapping gear sets with a ring gear and a pinion gear. The system includes a lapping machine tool and a robot. The lapping machine tool has a first spindle and a second spindle. The second spindle is rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first spindle. The lapping machine tool has a loading zone for loading the first and second spindles. The robot has an end effector with a first end that is configured to hold one of the gear sets. The robot is configured to position the first end of the end effector into the loading zone and to load the first gear set to the lapping machine tool without removing the end effector from the loading zone such that the ring gear is loaded onto the first spindle and the pinion gear is loaded onto the second spindle.

Abstract: An automatic tool-changing arm of an automatic tool changer applicable to a machine tool, primarily comprises an immovable platform, a movable platform located below the immovable platform, a platform driving device driving the movable platform to vertically move with respect to the immovable platform, a gear assembly settled on the moveable platform and an arm body fixedly attached to the movable platform and to be rotated by the gear assembly, wherein the arm body has two ends each equipped with a clamp driving device and a power clamp. Thereby, the arm body can perform vertical movements and horizontal rotations precisely and stably so as to enhance the reliability of the tool-changing arm.

Abstract: A multi-axis automatic tool-changing system for an automatic machining center which is disposed with a plurality of machining principal axes and a tool magazine. The tool magazine is disposed with a plurality of tool-changing positions located correspondingly to the machining principal axes. Between each machining principal axis and each tool-changing positions is disposed a tool-changing arm. Each tool-changing arm utilizes the first end and the second end tool-taking grooves to grasp and exchange the tools of the machining principal axes and the tool-changing positions.

Abstract: A gripping and holding device in the handling system of a machine tool. The device comprises at least one preferably plate-like support member provided with at least two retainer fingers spreadable against a return force and defining a common accommodation orifice for a component to be clamped. At least one resiliently displaceable retainer finger is integrally formed with the support member and can be locked in its clamping position by a locking element.

Abstract: A carrier for tool holders of a machine tool has at least one movable jaw which can be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of said tool holders. Said movable jaw can be pivoted between an expanded position and a closed position in which it grasps in a form-fitting manner a tool holder which is inserted into said carrier.

Abstract: A machine tool has at least one working spindle, in which a tool receptacle for tool holders is provided. Furthermore, there is a tool-changing arm with a gripper, for a tool holder in order to transfer this tool holder between its magazine position, which is spaced apart from the tool receptacle, and its working position, in which the tool holder can be clamped into the tool receptacle. Orientation means are provided between the gripper and the tool holder supported by it and secure the tool holder in a nonrotatable manner on the gripper at least during its transfer between the magazine position and the working position and release it after it has been clamped into the tool receptacle, with the result that the tool holder can be rotated in relation to the gripper.

Abstract: A tool handling device for a machine tool with a support construction movable along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and a gripper arrangement mounted to the support construction. The grippers have two gripper claws pivotable against each other as well as a locking mechanism for fixing the gripper claws in their closed posture. Each gripper has opposed openings for a lateral insertion and extraction of a tool post. Operating elements are provided for pivoting the two gripper claws during the insertion and extraction of a tool post through one of the two openings.

Abstract: A tool magazine system and a gripper for a machining spindle. The gripper is fed to the tool laterally with respect to the rotational or longitudinal axes of the tool, particularly substantially at right angles to the axis, and should grasp the tool.

Abstract: A machine tool has a working spindle in which a tool receptacle for tool holders is provided. Furthermore, there is at least one tool-changing arm with a gripper in which a tool holder is held in a peripheral alignment with respect to the gripper in order to transfer this tool holder between its magazine position, which is spaced apart from the tool receptacle, and its working position, in which the tool holder can be clamped into the tool receptacle. A positioning indicator is provided for the peripheral alignment of the tool holder, the indicator indicating a misalignment between the tool holder and gripper.

Abstract: A tool pot according to the present invention includes a synthetic resin portion made from thermo-plastic resin and arranged over an entire length from an opening end to a tool gripping portion. Inner surface of the synthetic resin portion is a tool attachment hole. The synthetic resin portion is provided in the vicinity of the opening end of the attachment hole with a supporting surface for supporting a tool. The synthetic resin portion includes an outer structure defining outer shape, an inner structure defining inner circumference of the tool attachment hole, a cavity provided between the outer structure and the inner structure, and joint ribs joining the outer structure and the inner structure. Each of the outer structure, the inner structure and the joint ribs has wall-thickness enough to secure rigidity of the synthetic resin portion and capable of suppressing mold shrinkage of the synthetic resin portion.

Abstract: A storage port (20) for separating a magnetically coupled task module (18) from a modular probe (16) mounted on a machine comprises a housing (22) and arm (24) receivable by the task module (18). A mechanism is provided for separating the task module from the probe body using a mechanical advantage, such that physical movement of the machine actuates the mechanism thereby separating the task module (18) from the modular probe (16). The arm (24) may be rotatable about a pivot (26) such that on moving the probe upwards, the task module (18) is also pulled upwards, causing the arm (24) and hence the task module (18) to rotate about the pivot (26) and thus breaking contact between the task module (18) and the probe (16) with a tilting action. Damping means (38, 48, 60, 62) are provided to ensure smooth and controlled movement of the arm (24).

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting tools to a base includes a movable base, a tool mounting frame for selective attachment to the base, and a locking assembly movable between a locked position where the tool mounting frame is securely attached to the base and an unlocked position where the tool mounting frame is movable relative to the base. The tool mounting frame includes at least one tool mount for supporting a first tool to perform a tooling operation after the locking assembly is moved to the locked position. The locking assembly includes a first mount supported by the base and a second mount supported by the tool mounting. The locking assembly is automatically interlocks the first and second mounts. A first sensor component is mounted to the base and a second sensor component is mounted to the tool mounting frame. A controller controls mounting speed based on the proximity of the sensor components. Additionally, a code corresponding to the type of tool mounting frame may be used.

Abstract: A tool changer for machine tools having at least two tong-shaped grippers, the legs of which are formed for engaging with the ring groove at a broader end of a tool taper. The grippers are symmetrically mounted about the central axis of a carrier and are rotatable around the central axis with their legs pointing outward. The carrier is mounted on a support structure that has a drive for moving the carrier. In order to enable an earlier release of the tool taper from the collet chuck in the work spindle, and thus faster tool changes, at least one leg of the grippers is extended to form a protruding holding finger.

Abstract: A tool magazine system and a gripper for a machining spindle. The gripper should be fed to the tool laterally with respect to the rotational or longitudinal axis of the tool, particularly substantially at right angles to that axis, and should grasp the tool.

Abstract: An hydrostatic tool system including a tool assembly having a hydrostatic tool holder for holding a rotating tool, for example a machine or cutting tool. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a tool storage system, a tool transport system and a tool drive system. The hydrostatic tool system may also include an hydraulic coupler for hydraulically connecting the hydrostatic tool holder to a pressurizing or depressurizing source. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a system controller.

Abstract: A tool pot used for a tool magazine of a machine tool to removably hold a tool is disclosed. A main body of the tool pot is constructed a cylindrical wall defining a holing aperture for holding the tool, end ribs formed at opposed ends of the cylindrical wall and a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed between the end ribs on the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall. And the main body is integrally molded from a glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin material such as crystalline nylon-type resin. Therefore, the tool pot has high wear resistance and light weight, and it can be recycled.

Abstract: A movable spindle tool machine, such as a printed circuit board line drilling machine includes a base and a spindle mounted to the base. A magazine is mounted proximate the spindle for storing a supply of tools. A pitch independent tool changer is moveably mounted relative to the base for transferring tools from the magazine for insertion into the spindle. A tool locator is mounted in line with the spindle. The tool changer is operable to initially transfer a tool from the magazine to the tool locator to align the tool with the spindle and thereafter transfer the tool to the spindle for insertion into the spindle. The spindle is mounted to a nested outrigger guide. A positioning system can move two or more spindles simultaneously. A bit detector in a pressure foot button uses fiber optics to detect broken bits.

Abstract: A rotating tool pot chain is capable of bending in both directions, the tool pot sweeps a relatively small area as it rotates, and the chain is capable of holding the tool pot stably. A pair of inner link plates (23) and a pair of outer link plates (24), are formed with openings to provide tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a) so that the tool pot, when stored, is parallel direction with the adjacent link connection pins 26. The center of each tool pot storage area (23a, 24a) is located on a chain pitch line passing through the centers of the adjacent connection pins 26. Further, the fulcrum (support pin 50) on which the tool pot 42 rotates is below the level of the adjacent connection pins 26 but above the bottoms of the tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a).

Abstract: An hydrostatic tool system including a tool assembly having a hydrostatic tool holder for holding a rotating tool, for example a machine or cutting tool. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a tool storage system, a tool transport system and a tool drive system. The hydrostatic tool system may also include an hydraulic coupler for hydraulically connecting the hydrostatic tool holder to a pressurizing or depressurizing source. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a system controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a spindle for holding a tool including a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools and a rotatable arm movable between the spindle and the plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of locations has a clip for holding a tool and each clip has two arms with the arm on a first side of the clip having an inclined surface. The rotatable arm includes at least two grippers with each gripper defining at least one cam surface, the cam surface being structured and arranged to engage the inclined surface of the clip to allow for the removal of a tool in the clip.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising a machining spindle, a device for inserting an auxiliary unit into the machining spindle, a tool magazine for providing a multitude of tools and a tool changer comprising at least one tool gripper for holding tools for the machining spindle for the transportation of tools between the tool magazine and an exchange position at the machining spindle. To ensure an automatic supply to the machining spindle as well as to the auxiliary unit in a simple and fast way the tool changer has at least one additional tool gripper for holding tools for the auxiliary unit.

Abstract: A tool pot separation type chain for use in a tool magazine includes a plurality of tool pots, and a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced link plates each adjacent ones of which are connected to each other by a connection pin. Each of the pairs of link plates has a tool pot receiving section for removably receiving one of the tool pots therein. Each of the tool pots has a pair of bearings mounted thereon such that outer races of the bearings are movable in rolling contact on a guide rail or a tool pot jumping-out preventing rail provided in an opposing relationship with the guide rail in the tool magazine. With this construction, the tool pot separation type chain is able to minimizes the traveling resistance thereof during carrying of the tool pots to reduce the driving force, prevent abrasion of the tool pots and the rails and suppress generation of noise and also facilitates a carrying in or carrying out operation of each tool pot at a tool pot loading/unloading position.

Abstract: A grasping device for changing bending tools on tube bending machines which includes a frame mounted over the bending machine. The grasping device includes a rotary head having independent movements in rotation, vertical motion and horizontal motion. A tool magazine is also movably carried by the portal frame independently of the rotary head.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with device for detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one device for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding device and the spindle; and device for angularly displacing the tool holding device between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool magazine system and a gripper for a machining spindle. It is proposed that said gripper should be fed to said tool laterally with respect to the rotational or longitudinal axis of said tool, particularly substantially at right angles to that axis, and should grasp said tool.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with means for detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one means for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding means and the spindle; and means for angularly displacing the tool holding means between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An outer shaft gear installed at an external side of a pivoting shaft for pivoting a tool exchange arm main body is fitted to a finger driving cam shaft, a driving force from an ATC drive shaft is transmitted via the outer shaft gear to a finger driving cam installed to the finger driving cam shaft, and a driven portion in contact with the finger driving cam is operated by which fingers FA and FB at front ends of pairs of fingers are opened. When the fingers FA and FB are not pressed by the operation of the finger driving cam, the fingers FA and FB are closed by urging forces of springs.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises at least one spindle (13). Tool changers (27) for exchanging tools (31) are associated with said spindle (13). The spindle (13) is fitted with a facing head (60). The facing head (60) comprises means for numerically controlled displacement of a facing tool (69) in a direction (r) perpendicular to the axis (23) of the spindle (13). The tool changer associated with the spindle (13) is configured for exchanging facing tools (69) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.

Abstract: A tool magazine having a plurality of grips for gripping tool holders for use in a machine tool. The tool holder gripped at the grip is transferred to a holder portion of a spindle of a machine tool, or the tool holder held in the holder portion is transferred to the grip. The magazine has a magazine disk rotatable about a horizontal axis for tool indexing operation. The tool holder extends in the horizontal direction when it is gripped by the grip, and the spindle also extends in the horizontal direction. Each grip includes a pair of first and second arm members pivotally supported on the magazine disk and extending in a radial direction of the magazine disk. The first and second arm members has tool gripping portions movable toward and away from each other for gripping and releasing the tool holder. A compression spring is provided between the pair of first and second arm members for normally urging the first and second arm members to their tool gripping positions.

Abstract: A manipulating device for handling, in particular for orientating, workpieces, tools or the like, includes a workpiece head provided with a device for supporting at least one workpiece, a tool or the like, having at least one characteristic axis and drive device for rotating the workpiece head about a pre-established axis of rotation. The workpiece is supported so that the characteristic axis has a pre-established orientation, in other words a pre-established colatitude and longitude relative to a three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame which is defined by three mutually perpendicular axes, while the workpiece head can rotate about an axis of rotation which is inclined with respect to all three axes of the three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame and has a colatitude and a longitude other than those of the characteristic axis of the workpiece or of the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool clamping mechanism for use in a machining center, which includes a pivoting member having at opposite ends a pair of fingers for grasping a tool, the pair of fingers being connected by means of a hinge, a rotating block fixedly mounted on a shaft so as to be rotated clockwise and counter-clockwise in a given range by the shaft, the rotating block being rotatably positioned in the center of the pivoting member, a pair of sliders for respectively pushing and pulling the pairs of fingers to open or close, a pair of rotating block links for respectively connecting the rotating block with the pair of sliders, a pair of slider links for connecting each of the sliders with each pair of fingers, and an actuating means for rotating the shaft and thus rotating block, wherein the rotating block is rotated to push or pull the pair of sliders so as to open or close the pairs of fingers through the cooperation of the links.

Abstract: A manipulator with at least one arm on which a handling device is fixed by means of a coupling piece, characterized by the fact that sliding bolts, which can be operated from outside, are located in the coupling piece for releasing a locking mechanism between coupling piece and handling device.

Abstract: Device for metal cutting a workpiece in a clamping fixture by using tools (WZ) which are removable in alternating sequence from a tool magazine with a sequence control of the machining steps and with a tool spindle unit changing device (4) and with a tool changing device comprised of a movable and rotatable as well as pivotable tongs-type grasp (ZG), the grab jaws (28, 29) of which being aligned to the respective tool removal axis and spindle axis (Z), and a mirror-image jaw profile (30) to receive tools (WZ) with more than two different shank or taper sizes with at least three adjoining arched sections (a, b, d), the radii (ERa, ERb, ERd) of which match the different diameters of at least three shank or taper sizes, and in which the tool spindle unit (10) which is in the working position is insertable into and removable from a receptacle and exchanged for a tool spindle unit (11) in a stand-by position.

Abstract: A tool changer for tools of a machine tool has a gripper on which two movable jaws are arranged for positive gripping of the tools and on which is mounted an actuation element which is axially displaceable in the longitudinal axis and swings the jaws around their respective pivot axis into a spread position for inserting and removing the tools and into a closed position for positive gripping of the tools. Between the actuation element and each of the two jaws there are provided one opening linkage and one closing linkage each. Each of the two opening linkages has an oblique surface provided on the actuation element that interacts with an opposing surface provided on the jaw for opening the respective jaw. Each of the two closing linkages has a guide bevel provided on the actuation element which interacts in each case by means of an associated rolling element with a contact surface provided on the jaw for closing the respective jaw. The two closing linkages positively lock the jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: An adapter is attached to the end of a vacuum spindle in order to facilitate automated fastening and unfastening therewith of various vacuum nozzles. During fastening of a nozzle, vacuum is utilized to pull and hold the adapter and nozzle together with a force which is much greater than the mechanical detenting which is conventional in this art. The various nozzles may have component engaging tips of different sizes and configuration such that each nozzle is selectable as appropriate to the size and contour of the component to be held by vacuum drawn through the spindle. A novel reservoir housing a multiplicity of replaceable vacuum nozzles is also disclosed whereby the nozzles may be exchanged without any external separation or attachment force supplied by the downward or upward movement of the spindle.

Abstract: In the case of a machine tool having at least one tool changer for exchanging the tools of the machine tool, the tool changer comprises a gripper (13) provided with at least one movable jaw for form-locking engagement of the tools. The gripper (13) is further equipped with an actuating member (24), which is arranged for axial displacement in the longitudinal direction (30) and which, depending on its axial position, acts to open the at least one jaw for the purpose of inserting or removing the tools, or to close it for form-locking engagement of the tools. The actuating member (24) can be displaced into a first axial end position, by moving the gripper (13) asgainst a stationary stop (31) of the machine tool, for opening the at least one jaw, and can further be transferred, by closing means, into a second axial end position for closing the at least one jaw, as the gripper (13) is moved away from the stop (31).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for selectively and simultaneously drilling a plurality of holes in thin panels such as printed circuit boards, while providing for automatic changing of the drill bits, individually or plurally, as required. A tray of drill bits is driveable in X and a row of vacuum pickers are driveable in Y, so that the various bit locations of the tray are addressable by such X-Y positioning, and selectable vacuum pickers are extensible and retractable so as to pick and place the drill bits at various matrix locations of the tray. The vacuum pickers also are extensible and retractable through corresponding tray openings in order to deliver replacement bits to, and retrieve used bits from, a flipper assembly associated with each drilling module.

Abstract: A storage port (20) for separating a magnetically coupled task module (18) from a modular probe (16) mounted on a machine comprises a housing (22) and arm (24) receivable by the task module (18). A mechanism is provided for separating the task module from the probe body using a mechanical advantage, such that physical movement of the machine actuates the mechanism thereby separating the task module (18) from the modular probe (16). The arm (24) may be rotatable about a pivot (26) such that on moving the probe upwards, the task module (18) is also pulled upwards, causing the arm (24) and hence the task module (18) to rotate about the pivot (26) and thus breaking contact between the task module (18) and the probe (16) with a tilting action. Damping means (38, 48, 60, 62) are provided to ensure smooth and controlled movement of the arm (24).