Abstract: An indexing device wherein a rotary member which is supported by a support member such that the rotary member is rotatable about its axis and axially movable between a first position thereof and a second position thereof is rotated by a rotational drive mechanism having a one-way clutch, in increments of a predetermined angle, and wherein the rotary member is prevented by a stopper mechanism from being rotated past the predetermined angle due to inertia while being placed in the first position, and is precisely positioned by a positioning mechanism while being placed in the second position.

Abstract: A hydraulic driving arrangement for circular indexing tables for the precise positioning of workpieces, with the exact position of the workpieces being determined by an index. A hydraulic motor is provided with an electro-hydraulic follow-up governor using a stepping motor for setting the desired values and a mechanical actual value indication arrangement. A monitoring arrangement positively coupled with the circular indexing table and/or a driving gear of the hydraulic motor indicates whether or not the circular indexing table is in a position suitable for bringing the indexing gear into engagement and, if so, emits a signal triggering the indexing process or, if the circular indexing table is not in the desired position, deactivates the indexing mechanism. The monitoring arrangement comprises a cam disk coupled with the circular indexing table via a gearing so that it performs exactly one rotation by 360.degree. between two desired positions.

Abstract: A rotatable offset indexable fixture is rotatable by being mounted on a work spindle. A faceplate is journaled on the fixture for rotation about an indexing axis parallel to but spaced from the workpiece spindle axis. A workpiece may be secured to the faceplate. First and second cooperable toothed coupling members are concentric with the indexing axis and one is fixed to the rotatable workpiece spindle and the other fixed to the faceplate so that they rotate together about the spindle axis when coupled together. A fluid-actuated piston is provided to relatively move the coupling members along the indexing axis to couple and uncouple the members and for independent rotation of the second coupling member when uncoupled. A first aperture may be machined in the rotating workpiece concentric with the spindle axis and then the faceplate indexed to a second position and a second aperture machined concentric with the spindle axis at a location spaced from the first aperture.

Abstract: In order to lock a drive system from operation during maintenance procedures, while providing a positive mechanical engagement regardless of index position, a locking mechanism includes a sector gear associated with a rotatably mounted shaft. The rotatably mounted shaft and the sector gear have a common axis of rotation which extends generally tangentially of a system gear associated with a mechanical transmission of the drive system. With the system gear being mounted for rotation in a plane and having a plurality of equally spaced teeth completely about the periphery thereof, the sector gear also includes a plurality of equally spaced teeth, but disposed about only a portion of the periphery thereof. The rotatably mounted shaft is disposed in spaced relation to the teeth of the system gear and the sector gear is mounted for rotation into and out of the plane of the system gear.

Abstract: A gear lock is moved between a free movement position, at which the gear is freely rotatable, and a locking position, at which the gear and gear lock become self-locking. The gear lock has two locking faces facing one another which fit around one or more teeth with the locking faces adjacent the sides of the gear teeth. The locking faces and the gear sides define tangent contact planes at the positions of contact. The tangent of the angle between the direction of movement of the gear tooth at the contact region and the contact plane is less than the coefficient of friction between the gear and the gear lock. Doing so makes the gear lock self-locking since the component of the gear force parallel to the contact plane does not exceed the frictional force between the two surfaces. The gear lock also provides any final positioning of the gear as it moves into the locking position with the gear teeth opposite the locking faces.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping a rotating antenna shaft at a distinct position intermediate two end stop positions 23, 24. Paddle 12 on the rotating shaft 21 cooperates with intermediate stop assembly 26 to arrest bi-directional shaft rotation at an intermediate point when such stopping is desired, the intermediate stop assembly being activated by springs 38, 39 and deactivated by action of solenoids 30, 31.

Abstract: A modularly expandable integrated process machine system incorporating a rotary indexing mechanism therefor. The machine system is made up of a support platform with predefined work station positions which each have the same dimension tool mounting configuration. Pallets are advanced between workstations by an endless chain incremented by a precision rotary indexing mechanism capable of precise end-of-movement positioning and variable force advancing.

Abstract: A rotary actuator has a first rotor rotatable around a first axis and having a plurality of first projections circumferentially spaced and axially projecting from one end surface thereof, a second rotor rotatable around a second axis which is eccentric to the first axis and having at least a second projection circumferentially spaced and axially projecting from one end surface thereof, a rotating mechanism connected to the second rotor to rotate the second rotor, the first and second rotors being arranged such that their end surfaces face each other so that the second projection may engage with either one of the first projections to rotate the first rotor through a predetermined angle when the second rotor is rotated.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a cutting tool having a cutting tool insert which is automatically rotationally indexable. The cutting tool includes a shank and an indexable cutting tool insert rotatably connected to the shank. The insert includes a plurality of cutting edges and side surfaces therebetween. The cutting tool is also provided with an indexing device, lock pin, cam plate and eccentric cam pin. The indexing device comprises a sliding key and a pair of spring metal legs attached thereto for engaging a serrated portion of the lock pin to which the cutting tool insert is attached. The indexing device is effective for indexing the insert on the lock pin upon rotation of the cam pin which effects a lateral movement of the cam plate along the longitudinal axis of the shank whereby the cam plate engages the sliding key causing it to also move laterally to engage the indexing legs on the lock pin resulting in rotation of the lock pin and the cutting insert attached thereto.

Abstract: A new and improved indexing table for supporting a workpiece on a machine tool and the like includes a base with a workpiece supporting table carried on a support shaft journaled for rotation to index the workpiece for machine tool operations. A drive system is provided for rotating the table in one direction about a longitudinal axis of the support shaft and an indexing wheel is provided on the shaft having a plurality of index slots spaced angularly around the periphery for securing the table in selected indexing positions. A shot pin is provided for engaging selected slots in the wheel to lock the table in a fixed position and when the shot pin is retracted, the table is then permitted to rotate toward a next indexing position.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism for positioning an auxiliary optical device relative to a main optical device, and the auxiliary optical device. Thje positioning mechanism includes a positioning member and a positioning recess which are provided on one and the other of the main and auxiliary optical devices, respectively so as to be engaged with each other with a clearance. Each of the positioning member and the positioning recess includes a leding side face portion and a trailing side face portion being opposite to and in alignment with the leading side face portion in a direction of relative movement of the main and auxiliary optical devices. The trailing side face portions of the positioning member and the positioning recess have a configuration which allows the trailing side face portions not to contact with each other when the relative movement is effected at a speed faster than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A locking device is disclosed to prevent a rotatably journalled part of a portable tool from rotating. The locking device includes a blocking element which coacts with the rotatably journalled part for blocking the rotation thereof. The blocking element is disposed on the tool and can be shifted from a clear position permitting rotation into a blocking position preventing rotation. In the latter position, the blocking element is braced against the tool. Thus, the blocking element is always present on the tool and is available for use at any time. The blocking element does not need to be held manually in the blocking position because it is supported on the tool.

Abstract: A turret coupling (13) for locking a tool (10) in a desired angular position relative to a workpiece (16), where the tool is locked onto the workpiece by a fixture (19) through a nose piece (12), is comprised of a sleeve (13a) notched on the rim. The sleeve is closely fitted over the lower end of the tool, or a nose adapter (25), and held by a retainer (13b) threaded into the tool or the adapter. A latch key (24) locks the tool to the sleeve. To reposition the tool relative to the nose piece, a shaft (28) is lifted by a lever (26) having a return spring (22) under a button (21).

Abstract: A work piece positioning device which has a table upon which the work piece is supported is disclosed. The table is rotatably mounted on a sub-assembly which is tiltably mounted on a frame such that the work piece can be positioned in any desired predetermined attitude. Two worm gear systems are utilized for positioning the table, one for the rotating action and one for the tilting action. Each worm gear system has a worm gear, a tiltable worm and a locking mechanism. Once the table and work piece are in the desired predetermined attitude, the locking mechanisms are actuated, locking each worm to its respective worm gear.

Abstract: An indexing and positioning device comprises: a fixed inner ring; and outer ring disposed coaxially, coplanarly, and revolvably therearound with an annular boundary therebetween; a plurality of positioning recesses formed at equal indexing intervals along and straddling the boundary and comprising respective inner and outer parts respectively formed in the inner and outer rings, all recesses assuming a completely assembled state upon combination of the inner and respective outer parts in a specific indexing register; a plurality of positioning balls one of which is floatably accommodated within each of the positioning recesses; a retainer confining and guiding each of the positioning balls; and a clamp ring operable to press the positioning balls inward into the respective positioning recesses thereby to cause accurate and positive centering and positioning of indexing positions of the inner and outer rings relative to each other.

Abstract: The head of a plano-milling machine has two jointly rotatable, perpendicularly-related collet spindles journalled on bearings in a box-like housing which can be mounted on the slide of the machine so as to be indexable about the axis of the vertical collet spindle to present the horizontal collet spindle to different vertical faces of a workpiece.The head is journalled to the slide by a combined indexing means and hydrostatic bearing which includes means to lock the head in a chosen angular position. Provision is made for numerical control and automatic tool changing.

Abstract: NC turret lathe comprising a tool turret rotatable about an indexing axis and mounted for rotation in a turret slide displaceable in a direction parallel to the indexing axis, also comprising a turret indexing drive monitored by a control mechanism for rotating the tool turret, and a slide drive monitored by a control mechanism for displacing the turret slide. In order to decrease the expenditure required to index the tool turret, the slide drive also constitutes the turret indexing drive, and the slide drive control also serves to monitor the turrent indexing drive. An actuatable coupling is provided between the slide drive and the turret to prevent undesired rotation of the turret when it is only to be slidably displaced.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a dividing apparatus or indexing attachment for a program controlled machine tool, comprising a housing (1) including clamping means (3, 4) for attachment to a machine part, a dividing spindle (5) mounted within the housing (1) and including a work holder (8, 9) and a clamping assembly (15), and a spindle drive means including a reduction gearing, in which for achieving fully automatic sequences of operation in the manufacture of various workpieces, an opto-electronic angle measuring unit (24) and a releasable clamping means (31 to 36) are associated with the dividing spindle (5), wherein the reduction gearing includes two cylindrical gears (29, 30) having parallel axes and jointly meshing with a pinion (27) mounted on the motor shaft and further includes two pinions (46, 47) mounted on the intermediate shafts (40, 41) of said cylindrical gears, the two latter pinions meshing with the spindle drive gear (10).

Abstract: A drive mechanism for the assembly table of an electrical component insertion machine having a motor driven roller engaging the peripheral edge of a disc on the table. A latch mechanism is located on the table for engaging a latch block on the table disc, the latch mechanism being releasable in response to a program control to permit the table disc to rotate and at the same time energize the motor driven roller to rotate the table disc. The disc can be rotated in either direction.

Abstract: A drive shaft (1) rotatably journalled in a stationary block (2) has keyed thereto a driving member (5), while a driven member (6) is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The driving member imparts to the shaft a positive intermittent rotation, for example by steps of one revolution or an integer fraction of one revolution. Co-axially mounted on the shaft is a disc (8) having a periphery with at least one keyway (108) if the intermittent rotation of the shaft is by one-revolution steps. The keyway-recessed disc cooperates with a latch (9) which is slidably but not rotatably mounted on the driven member and which is parallel to the axis of the shaft. The latch has a pronged end (109) which, in the dwell position of the intermittent motion of the shaft, is aligned with the head (110) of a rod (10) that is slidably mounted in the stationary block parallel to the shaft and that is driven by a pneumatic cylinder (12).

Abstract: A swivel head swivels on its support along a plane face that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The face has the shape of a movable disk that slides on a stationary disk. The movable disk is rotated by means that ensure centering with a predetermined clearance. The stationary disk is pierced by two diametrically opposite bores and the movable disk is pierced by at least one pair of diametrically opposite bores with the same diameter and with the same distance between centers, and located at the same distance from the center, within the clearance. The positions of a pair of bores may be generated from those of another pair, by rotation of predetermined angle. The support features means for inserting, across the two disks, two expandable rings, for expanding them, and for retracting them.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cutting tool having a cutting tool insert which may be automatically rotationally indexed. The cutting tool includes a shank and an indexable cutting tool insert rotatably connected to the shank. The insert includes a plurality of tips and a side surface therebetween. Indexing means including an index member slidably mounted to the shank are also provided. The index member includes a locking surface and a cam lobe. The indexing means is effective for rotating the insert upon extension of the index member so that the cam lobe pushingly engages the insert, and locking the insert in a stationary cutting position upon retraction of the index member so that the locking surface is securely positioned against the insert side surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the index member comprises a slider which is translatable only in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: An indexable machine tool turret comprising a body having a chamber, an opened end, a closed end and a central longitudinal axis; an axially displaceable rotatable turret top plate having a number of angularly spaced apertures for holding tools, said top plate being co-axial with said body axis; an axially displaceable and extending rotatable shaft connected to said top plate, said shaft co-axial with said top plate; two opposed annular face gears for seating said top plate to said body, said gears co-axial with and concentric with said top plate, one of said gears mounted in said top plate for engaging said other gear, said other gear mounted in said body; said shaft including a ring gear mounted concentrically thereto; means for displacing said shaft and thereby said top plate for causing said face gears to engage and disengage; drive means for engaging said ring gear for rotating said shaft when said face gears are disengaged; cushioned stopping means for stopping said shaft rotation; and, angular rotation

Abstract: An apparatus for angularly positioning a rotary member such as turn table, etc. by employing two separate motors. First motor is connected to drive the rotary member in a work operation and second servo motor is connected to drive the rotary member in a servo angular positioning movement. A power transmission mechanism is connected with the first motor to rotate the rotary member in the work operation and a coupling mechanism including a clutch therein is connected with the second motor to rotate the rotary member in the servo movement. A first detector is provided to detect a predetermined angular reference position of the clutch and a second detector is disposed to detect a predetermined reference position of the rotary member. Upon detection of the predetermined reference position of the rotary member, a locking device is actuated to stop the rotary member at the predetermined reference position and then the clutch is brought into engagement.

Abstract: A tool turret has a housing and a revolving tool head which can be locked relative to the housing by means of gear teeth including annular toothed rings with axially extending teeth which can be interlocked in different rotational positions. A device having a cam drive controls the selective looking and unlocking of the gear teeth, the cam drive being arranged coaxial to the shaft. A Geneva wheel is provided to drive the head unlocked by the gear teeth. The cam drive has an annular groove in which rides a cam follower which is mounted on a axially movable, annular locking element which carries one set of teeth. The set of teeth can be removed axially to concurrently engage rings of teeth on the head and the fixed housing, locking the head.

Abstract: A tool turret has a housing and a revolving head which can be fixed in different rotational positions by means of an arrangement of toothed rings. A locking device includes a cam drive for the selective releasing and fixing in position of the gear teeth. In order to configure the tool turret simply and to save space, an axially movable, annular locking part is provided with axial gear teeth and has one part of the cam drive in the form of a curvilinear aperture. The middle sections of the curvilinear aperture are straight and side parts extend obliquely. A guide member penetrates the curvilinear aperture as the other part of the cam drive. The teeth cooperating with the teeth on the locking part are mounted on the revolving head and on a stationary toothed ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking mechanism for an indexing spindle. A conventional r gear having outwardly extending teeth is affixed to the spindle. Also included is a rotatably mounted camshaft whose axis is arranged in skewed relationship with the axis of the spindle. A disk-like wedge having opposing camming surfaces is eccentrically mounted on the camshaft. As the camshaft is rotated, the camming surfaces of the disc-like member are interposed between adjacent gear teeth with a wiping action that wedges the disc-like member between the gear teeth. A zero backlash engagement between disc-like member and gear results, with the engagement having a high mechanical advantage so as to effectively lock the spindle against bidirectional rotation.

Abstract: A center column type rotary index machine comprises a rotary index table which is intermittently rotated in angular increments to position a jig mounted on the index table at predetermined processing stations. A vertically movable center column undergoes upward and downward movement relative to a fixed frame portion of the machine. In order to ensure precise positioning of the jig at the processing stations, a clamp rod is slidably mounted on the fixed frame portion and is provided at its lower end with a taper portion which coacts with a complementary-shaped taper portion on the index table to position the index table so that the jig is precisely positioned at one of the processing stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing precisely controlled micro-indexing of rotational elements utilizes a bidirectionally controllable linear force actuator in combination with a self-locking linkage mechanism to frictionally grip and to impart a pure turning moment to the rotational element. The method and apparatus disclosed are especially advantageous for use with large rotational elements, such as the rotors of gas turbines. The indexing method inserts a minimal amount of stored energy into a system thereby virtually eliminating overshoot. In a preferred embodiment comprised of a pair of symmetrical indexing sections, the desired micro-indexing is accomplished while imposing no additional loading on the rotational element.

Abstract: A lock pin assembly (42) is movable axially to engage an opening (96,98,100) in a pin receiving portion (94) of an indexable apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) includes a first member (34) which carries the pin receiving portion (94) and a second member (36) which carries the lock pin assembly (42). The first and second members (34,36) are movable, one with respect to the other, and the lock pin assembly (42) serves to lock the members (34,36) against movement. The lock pin assembly (42) is secured to a moving means (44) which moves the pin assembly (42) into and out of engagement with the pin receiving portion (94). The first and second members (34,36) are subjected to severe loading and vibrations which attempt to move the first member (34) with respect to the second member (36). The lock pin assembly (42) resists the loading and vibrations and isolates the moving means (44) from bending loads imposed upon the pin assembly (42).

Abstract: A rotatable turret for bringing any selected one of a plurality of tool holders into operative position relative to a workpiece, is characterized in that the turret can be rotated in either direction so that it need follow only the shortest path between the location of the old tool holder and the location of the new tool holder when changing from tool to tool. For this purpose, the turret has a rotatable hub with a plurality of blocks on its periphery slidable relative thereto in directions parallel to the axis of rotation, into and out of slots on a fixed member, the location of the slots corresponding to the operative locations of the tool holders. The blocks are all secured to the keeper ring of an annular electromagnet, whose strength is sufficient to retain the keeper ring attracted when the blocks are out of the slots, but whose strength is insufficient to retain the keeper ring when the blocks are in the slots.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manipulating workpieces in an electron beam drilling machine, workpieces are mounted on rotatable disks which in turn are mounted on a housing which is rotatable and translatable. Each disk, as a fixture holding the workpiece, is unlocked, rotated, and locked in a new position by the motion of a single driving member and associated elements. The single driving members associated with each workpiece indexing assembly are driven through a system of gears from a single central shaft which passes through the vacuum chamber wall to externally mounted actuators and controls.

Abstract: An improved tool exchange arm for use in the automatic tool changer of a machining center adapted for boring, drilling, milling, tapping and tool changing operations under numerical control. The tool exchange arm may be incorporated in machining centers of either vertical or horizontal spindle configuration. It operates with current commercial tapered shank toolholders, is capable of precisely and securely positioning itself for engagement with the toolholders to be exchanged, and rotates quickly for tool exchange without sharp impacts at the extremities of its rotational stroke.

Abstract: A rotary indexing table for use with a milling machine which has a reduced height and includes a base plate, a top plate, bearing means for mounting the top plate for rotation, means for clamping the top plate to prevent its rotation, a rotary union for transmitting hydraulic pressure to the top of the top plate to accommodate fixtures mounted on the top plate, an air chamber under the top plate so that the top plate rotates freely when air pressure is held in the chamber and indexing means to locate preselected positions of the top plate.

Abstract: An automatic turret lathe in which sequences are manually programmed for automatic control (both turret and cross slide) as an incident to setting up the machine, requiring neither tape nor card programs but rather the manual effort of the machinist; the lathe also incorporates a unique clutch and bearing support for the rotary turret, and the turret has a positive lock for accurately holding the index position; all essential functions and modes including feed rates and r.p.m. are visually displayed.

Abstract: A precision rotary indexing fixture is disclosed of the type including a top plate adapted to have work pieces mounted thereon with the work plate indexed to any of a plurality of precision rotary positions. The precision locking of the top plate is achieved by serrated coupling rings, one mounted on the outer periphery of the top plate, the other mating ring mounted on a base structure. The top plate is locked in various index positions by the application of disc spring sets acting on the top plate through an annular piston and a set of bearing elements mounted in opposed grooves in the piston and a race ring mounted to the top plate. The fluid forces acting on the piston acts to release the locking pressure exerted by the disc spring sets and release the coupling serration engagement during indexing of the top plate.

Abstract: An automatic turret lathe in which sequences are manually programmed for automatic control (both turret and cross slide) as an incident to setting up the machine, requiring neither tape nor card programs but rather the manual effort of the machinist; the lathe also incorporates a unique clutch and bearing support for the rotary turret, and the turret has a positive lock for accurately holding the index position; all essential functions and modes including feed rates and r.p.m. are visually displayed.

Abstract: The apparatus for the in phase coupling and uncoupling of a kinematic mechanism with respect to another such mechanism to which a stepwise rotary movement is imparted, comprises a driving toothed gear to which the stepwise rotary movement is imparted; a driven toothed gear which is to be controlled and stopped as desired in phase with respect to said driving member; intermediate drive means connected between the driving member and the driven member and movable between a first condition in which the stepwise rotary movements of the driving member are transmitted to the driven member and a second condition in which the driven member is maintained stationary. The movement of the intermediate drive means is controlled by a rotary cam.

Abstract: An indexable revolving turret has a rotary tool carrier which is movable to a plurality of angularly spaced indexed positions, and an indexing shaft which is connected with the tool carrier for indexing the same to the respective ones of these positions. Cooperating spur gears are provided on the tool carrier and on the housing and become disengaged preliminarily to indexing of the tool carrier. A control shaft is driven by a drive so as to be rotated by the same and transmits motion to a Maltese-cross drive, an input member of which is mounted on and rotatable with the control shaft. The indexing shaft can be moved axially of itself, thereby moving the tool carrier into and out of indexing position, and for this purpose a cam drum is mounted on the control shaft and the cam follower slides in a cam groove of the cam drum and is connected with the indexing shaft so as to move the same into and out of an indexing position, depending upon the angular position of the cam drum.

Abstract: A rotary transfer press apparatus wherein a plurality of workpieces are simultaneously and progressively moved over a circular path through a series of working stations which themselves are arranged in a circular path whereby successive operations are performed on each workpiece to obtain a finished product for each cycle of the press.

Abstract: An automatic turret for a lathe and the like comprises a fixed base, a control screw mounted to be rotatable and axially non-displaceable, a nut connected to a tool-carrying body, two basic toothed crowns and at least one latch for arresting the tool-carrying body.

Abstract: A fixture for indexing a work piece, a machine spindle, or the like permits indexing a single rotation of the work piece or other mechanism in any integral number of equal divisions. Stops for the divisions are made to suit the job by assembling a standard roller chain with as many pins and pin spaces as there are to be divisions and mounting the chain about a tapered body, preferably a cone. Fixtures hold the chain at the plane in which the periphery of the cone is the right diameter to receive the chain and other parts adjust the indexing stop to overlie the roller chain at that plane. Adjustments are provided to adjust the indexing stop peripherally of the cone a short distance in order to bring the indexing stop to the required rotational position. This adjustment may also be used to adjust the rotatable part a fraction of an indexing stop.

Abstract: A cylindrical tool holder is mounted on a a housing containing a motor, the output shaft of which is coupled through a gear train to a driving ring. One axial face of the driving ring has cam surfaces engageable with cooperating cam surfaces on an axial face of an axially movable locking ring which is spring-urged toward the driving ring. The other axial face of the locking ring has axially facing gear-like teeth which are engageable with mating teeth on a flange formed on the housing and on a ring attached to the tool holder. A lock bolt mounted in the housing and operated by an electromagnet is withdrawn from a ring coupled to the tool holder to permit rotation to a new position and is extended to lock the holder near the new position.

Abstract: A machine tool wherein an annular gear is rotatable in a horizontal plane to carry a plurality of pallets between adjacent peripherally arranged machine stations. The gear is lowered as each machine station is attained by the entry of gear support bearings into recesses in the underside of the gear. The pallets are supported on the gear for limited vertical and horizontal movement, and lowering of the gear positions the pallet on an abutment surface in rough alignment with the machining station. As the gear is further lowered, it is spaced from the pallet so as not to interfere with independent positioning of the pallet by power actuated positioning means located at each machining station. Thus, the pallet can be adjusted independently of the gear when the gear is in its lowered position, yet is carried by the gear when the gear is in its elevated position.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in the field of machine tools which includes a turret mounted rotatably on a turret-head, several equidistant tool-holders integral with the turret and provided with centering means receiving a centering pin, and centering means housed in the turret-head both to center a tool-holder in its operating position and to lock the turret in an angular position corresponding to said operating position.

Abstract: An indexing rotary actuator for applying the torque of a rotatable pivot arm to rotate a member between plural index positions. The forward stroke of the pivot arm drives a slider crank linkage through a four bar linkage to unlock the rotatable member and rotate the member to its next index position. On the return stroke of the pivot arm a spring biased locking arm on the rotatable member is interlocked with the actuator to lock the rotatable member in the index position. Interlock switches are provided to indicate when a rotated member is in a valid index position.

Abstract: An economical rotary index table holds workpieces on machine tool beds and tables, changing rotational position in angular increments with precision. Accurate angular indexing is achieved by a curvic coupling with meshing radial teeth disengageably connecting an axially movable locking plate to the juxtaposed facing rotational worktable member, separate and apart from the drive system. An annular, axially expansible pneumatic chamber is employed to engage and disengage the curvic coupling teeth, alternately locking the worktable in the desired angular orientation, and unlocking it for angular indexing movement. In the preferred embodiment, the movable angular indexing apparatus of the present invention incorporates automatic counting means for precisely determining the degree of rotation and automatic stop means for preventing further rotation when the desired position has been reached.

Abstract: An electromechanical coded actuator, upon receipt of the proper combination f electrical pulses, will unlock and cause angular displacement of an output shaft. The device comprises a rotatable notched flange integral with the output shaft, the former being keyed to the housing by a series of flat blades axially movable against a bias. A first solenoid sequentially positions a rotatable index arm over each blade, whereupon a second solenoid actuates the index arm to displace and lock selected blades in a manner to align a notch in each blade with the flange. The latter is then free to be rotated via a clutch-type coupling with the first solenoid. Additional actuation of the rotary solenoid releases the clutch allowing the flange and shaft to be returned to its original position by a spring bias, and also releases the displaced blades to lock the flange. An electrical switch actuated by the index arm defines the zero position.

Abstract: The improved locking means includes a pair of shaft mounted gears that are in mesh with the thread on the exterior of the feed screw mounted in the housing of a positive feed drill. On the opposite ends of the shafts are mounted gears which rotate with the shafts. When the drill tool holder is not to be advanced, the gears and shafts rotate as the feed screw is being rotated and thus do not cause axial movement of the feed screw as the feed screw rotates. A rack gear is located in the housing adjacent the spur gears. A pressure actuated piston is provided to move the rack gear into engagement with the spur gears to lock the spur gears and shafts against rotation. When this occurs, the gears in mesh with the thread on the feed screw act as a fulcrum so that the feed screw and tool holder are moved axially as the feed screw rotates.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for the rotatable element of a machine tool wherein a shaft is coaxial with the element and has formed thereon a helicoidal groove. A control member is engaged in said groove and moves alternately therein to transmit an oscillating rotative movement to the shaft to effect go-and-back movements along the groove in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable element. A control cam effects go-and-back movements which are synchronized with the movements of the control member. A driving member is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and is capable also of axial movement between one position in which it is rigid with the element and a second non-rigid position. The axial movement of the driving member is controlled by the cam. Accordingly, during the go movements of the control member and of the cam, the driving member is rigid with the element.