With Tool Turret Patents (Class 82/121)
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Patent number: 6725750Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a turret extender to Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) lathes, equipped with a main turret which is indexable about an indexing axis is disclosed. The disclosed turret extender mounts directly to the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) turret to extend the maximum turning diameter of the lathe by augmenting the original tool mounting configuration. The turret extender can accommodate, individually or in combination one or more standard tools, one or more modular tools and one or more relocated tools either standard or modular. By attaching to an OEM turret, the turret extender utilizes the original indexing electronics and hydraulics of the OEM main turret. The turret extender therefore provides enhanced machining capability in a cost efficient manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventors: Dave C. Feltch, Anthony F. Ingham
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Patent number: 6708382Abstract: In a complex tool to be installed on a machine tool capable of turning machining and milling machining operations, a main body is provided, and carries inserts for turning machining, inserts for milling machining and inserts for drilling machining. Turning machining and drilling/milling machining operations can be executed using the inserts installed on the main body, without the need for tool exchange, saving time and labor. The inserts as installed have opposite rotational cutting directions, and are placed on opposite sides of concavities that extend radially inwardly and axially back from the end of the main body. The inserts can be placed at the same or different cutting distances and can be brought into engagement with the workpiece by selection of the relative orientations of the rotation axis and the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Sadami Miyazaki
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Publication number: 20040003690Abstract: A turret body is provided with a tool spindle for detachably attaching a complex tool so as to be freely rotated with an axial center as its center. The turret body is provided with indexing means for indexing the tool spindle, and clamping means for clamping the tool spindle at an indexed position indexed by the indexing means. The turret body has a function for indexing the tool spindle for attaching the complex tool thereto and a function for clamping, thereby using the complex tool in a turret lathe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Koichiro Katoh, Kazuo Kawasaki, Naoya Tanaka, Minoru Kitayama
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Patent number: 6666632Abstract: A high speed machining machine tool (M) of the type that allows the independent setting into motion along at least three axis of two tool carrying slide (100 and 100′). This machine tool implements said motions of each slide by linear motors.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Renault Automation ComauInventor: Claude Fioroni
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Publication number: 20030221525Abstract: A tool holder for attaching a complex tool having a plurality of kinds of cutting edges to a turret, has a base portion attachably and detachably formed at the turret. The base portion has a rotatable tool spindle attachably and detachably installing the complex tool thereon. The tool spindle is provided with indexing means for indexably rotating the tool spindle at an indexed position corresponding to each cutting edge of the complex tool. And, clamping means for clamping the tool spindle at a predetermined indexed position is provided. Indexing rotational function and clamping function owned by the tool holder makes the use of the complex tool in the lathe possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Koichiro Katoh, Kazuo Kawasaki, Naoya Tanaka, Minoru Kitayama
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Patent number: 6651535Abstract: In order to so improve a lathe comprising a machine frame, a first workpiece spindle with a vertical first spindle axis and a first workpiece holder, a first carriage system for moving the first workpiece spindle, a second workpiece spindle with a vertical second spindle axis, and a second workpiece holder facing the first workpiece holder, a second carriage system for moving the second workpiece spindle, the first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece spindle being adapted to be brought into a transfer position, that the machine frame can be manufactured in as simple and cost-efficient a manner as possible, it is proposed that the machine frame comprise a first machine bed and a second machine bed constituting an assembly separate from the first machine bed, and that the first carriage system be guided solely on the first machine bed, and the second carriage system be guided solely on the second machine bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventors: Dietmar Hafla, Anton Haberkern, Michael Gaertner
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Patent number: 6640678Abstract: There is provided a multi-turret lathe with two opposed spindles which is capable of machining a workpiece more effectively. The lathe with two opposed spindles includes: a first spindle (2); a second spindle (4) located opposite to the first spindle on the same axis and movable toward and away from the first spindle; and a set of two tool turrets (8a and 8c) which machines a workpiece cooperating with the first spindle, and another set of two tool turrets (8b and 8d) which machines a workpiece cooperating with the second spindle, and the two tool turrets in each of the sets are disposed opposite to each other about a spindle axis (B). Each of the four tool turrets is mounted on a tool slide which is movable and positionable in the direction of spindle axis and also in the direction perpendicular to the spindle axis. This enables each of the four tool turrets to be movable from a position to machine a workpiece held on one of the spindles and another position to machine a workpiece held on the other spindle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Kumano
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Patent number: 6634264Abstract: A turret tool rest (10) including a tool slide (20), a tool rest body (22) movable on the tool slide, a turret (26) rotatable on the tool rest body and for mounting tools (24) at angularly-indexed positions, a servomotor (30) for rotating the turret, a clutch (32) for releasably connecting the turret with the servomotor, an engaging unit (36) for releasably engaging the turret, and a power transmission device (38) for transmitting output of the servomotor to engaging unit. A drive mechanism (34) for operating the clutch includes an interlocking device (72) operative in association with the movement of the tool rest body on the tool slide so that when the engaging unit is disengaged, the clutch is engaged and the turret is rotatably indexed by the servomotor. When the clutch unit is released, the engaging unit is engaged by operation of the servomotor and the turret is secured at an indexed position on the tool rest body.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoji Takeuchi, Tamotsu Emura
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Patent number: 6626075Abstract: A two-opposed-main-shaft type composite NC lathe provided with a tool changeable tool spindle and tool turrets, comprising: a left turret rest and a right turret rest provided on a lower front side of a left main shaft and a right main shaft facing each other on a Z-axis; a third tool rest positioned on an upper rear side of the left and right main shafts and provided with a tool spindle; a tool magazine holding tools therein which are to be fixed to the third tool rest; and an automatic tool changing device. The left and right main shafts are provided with main shaft motors capable of controlling a C-axis and being driven independently and synchronously with each other. The tool spindle on the third tool rest is capable of controlling the directions of the Z-axis, an X-axis, a Y-axis and a B-axis and fixing the rotations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyasu Hirose, Tadashi Yamamoto, Manabu Sawada
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Patent number: 6622600Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a first work piece spindle with a first work piece receiving means, a second work piece spindle with a second work piece receiving means which is arranged to face the first work piece receiving means, a first tool carriage disposed on one side of the first spindle axis and movable in the X direction in a position-controlled manner with a first tool carrier, for first tools in such a manner as to enable a work piece machining operation which is optimized with respect to the support sides, it is proposed that at least one further tool facing the second work piece receiving means is provided on the first tool carriage, that in order to conduct a machining operation of a work piece in the second work piece receiving means with the further tool simultaneously with a machining operation of a work piece in the first work piece receiving means with one of the first tools, the second work piece spindle is movable in X and Z direction, its position controType: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Patent number: 6618917Abstract: A headstock 10 having a chuck 12 and a tailstock 20 having a shaft 21 are mounted on a bed 1 and can move with respect to each other in the direction of the Z-axis, A carriage 50 is slidably mounted on the bad 1 and can move in the Z-axis direction with respect to the rotational axis of a spindle 11. A turning device (lathe tool) 30 is provided to perform a turning operation on a workpiece and a gear cutting device 40 is provided to perform a gear cutting on the workpiece. The turning device 30 and the gear cutting device are preferably slidably mounted on the carriage 50 in a side-by-side relationship. The turning device 30 and the gear cutting device 40 may have respective traverse slide bases 31 and 41. The traverse slide bases 31 and 41 are mounted on the carriage 50 and can move independently in the direction of the X-axis perpendicular to the axis of the spindle 11, i.e. in a traverse sliding direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Dainichi Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Sugiura, Yoshinobu Yasuda, Masami Funamoto, Kaoru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6609441Abstract: A turret tool rest (14) includes a turret (24) movably supported on a base (22), on which desired tools can be mounted at predetermined indexable angled positions. A pair of coupling elements (66, 68), which can be engaged with each other, are arranged between the base (22) and the turret (24). The coupling elements (66, 68) are moved between an engaged position at which they are mutually engaged to fixedly hold the turret at respective indexed positions on the base, and a disengaged position at which they are mutually disengaged to permit the turret to be rotationally indexed. A spring-loaded plunger unit (80) serves to prevent the turret (24) from freely rotating on the base (22),until the coupling elements (66, 68) are fully engaged with each other, during the moving operation of the coupling elements between the engaged and disengaged positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Sugimoto, Hiroshi Shinohara, Wolfgang Pfeifer
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Patent number: 6609448Abstract: A machine tool comprises a fixed bed; a carriage with a tool post mounted thereon is provided on the fixed bed on one side; and a headstock is provided on another side so that the headstock is connected to a headstock base and is movable between a workpiece machining position for machining a workpiece and a workpiece loading/unloading position for loading or unloading a workpiece. The tool also includes a chip collecting space disposed in a cut out portion of the fixed bed adjacent to the workpiece loading/unloading position and a headstock guide unit comprising a guide support mechanism for supporting a front portion of the headstock base by the fixed bed when the headstock base is positioned at the workpiece machining position, and for supporting a rear portion of the headstock base by the fixed bed when the headstock base is positioned at the workpiece loading/unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masamitsu Nakaminami, Jun Adachi
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Publication number: 20030029286Abstract: There is provided a multi-turret lathe with two opposed spindles which is capable of machining a workpiece more effectively. The lathe with two opposed spindles includes: a first spindle (2); a second spindle (4) located opposite to the first spindle on the same axis and movable toward and away from the first spindle; and a set of two tool turrets (8a and 8c) which machines a workpiece cooperating with the first spindle, and another set of two tool turrets (8b and 8d) which machines a workpiece cooperating with the second spindle, and the two tool turrets in each of the sets are disposed opposite to each other about a spindle axis (B). Each of the four tool turrets is mounted on a tool slide which is movable and positionable in the direction of spindle axis and also in the direction perpendicular to the spindle axis. This enables each of the four tool turrets to be movable from a position to machine a workpiece held on one of the spindles and another position to machine a workpiece held on the other spindle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Satoru Kumano
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Patent number: 6513410Abstract: The invention provides a tool support for machine tools comprising a base unit, a holding member arranged on the base unit and two supporting surfaces extending at an acute angle to one another arranged on the holding member for supporting a tool holder in first and second supporting areas. A clamping device acts on a clamping member of the tool holder such that the tool holder acts upon the supporting surfaces with the two supporting areas. The clamping element may be mounted in the holding member for rotation about an axis and bear a wedge surface movable around the axis for acting on the clamping member. The wedge surface of the clamping element may engage over the clamping member proceeding from an insert position during the rotation of the clamping element in a first direction of rotation and displace the clamping member increasingly in the clamping direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Traub Drehmaschinen GmbHInventors: Heinz Forst, Rainer Koeneke, Werner Sonnek
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Patent number: 6484611Abstract: A lathe is provided which includes at least one workpiece spindle which is rotatable about a spindle axis. The lathe includes two tool carrier systems each comprising a slide system having at least a Z slide and a X slide and further comprising a tool carrier. The tool carrier system is movable relative to the machine frame in a Z direction parallel to the spindle axis. Each of the tool carrier systems is guided independently of the other respective tool carrier system with its own Z slide in the Z direction on the machine frame. The tool carrier systems are arranged on the same side of the spindle axis and each tool carrier system is movable in the Z direction on a path extending towards the other tool carrier system. Each slide system has a guide plane for the X slide defined by a X guide.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Patent number: 6457391Abstract: In a lathe 1, an angular position &bgr; x for respectively positioning a single tool in the plural numbers of directions of the tool edge is computed according to designated shape information IFa, and the tool 25 held by the tool holding body 22 can be positioned in the plural number of directions of the tool edge in order by indexingly positioning the tool holding body 22 in the B-axis direction on the basis of the computed angular position &bgr; x at the time of machining. A plurality of machining modes can be machined with a single tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoe Fukumura, Masayoshi Mizukado, Kazuhiro Kikata, Sadami Miyazaki, Koichi Maki
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Patent number: 6453782Abstract: A machine tool capable of performing screw-machining on a rotating workpiece has a tool rest which can attachably and detachably equip a turning tool with an insert on its tip and is provided so as to be freely driven to move in first and second axial directions orthogonal to each other. The tool rest is also being provided so as to freely rotate about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axial directions so as to be positioned at a selected tool-rest angle with respect to the workpiece. The machine tool includes suitable features to allow inputting of machining information, computing of a cutting pattern, and execution of screw-machining.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoe Fukumura, Masayoshi Mizukado, Kazuhiro Kikata, Sadami Miyazaki, Koichi Maki
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Patent number: 6438813Abstract: A rotary drive adapted to perform a speed of rotation switching of a tool holding device, comprising an output drive shaft bearing the tool holding device, said output drive shaft being able to be moved into first and second axial positions by means of a setting drive. The output drive shaft is coupled in the first axial position with a power driven first drive gear wheel and in the second axial position with a concentric tubular shaft, which is adapted to be driven by a power driven second drive gear wheel by way of a worm drive.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AGInventor: Franz-Xaver Bernhard
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Publication number: 20020088318Abstract: An improved structure of a small lathe and miller assembly includes a lathe, a guide track means, and a miller. The rear side of the lathe bed of the lathe is secured to the guide track means for connection with the miller. The arrangement of a scale on the outer periphery of a rotary chuck, an indexing element at one side of a chuck seat allows setting of the angle of the workpiece held by the rotary chuck, and a curved protecting cover with a scale fastened above the rotary chuck on the chuck seat. A stop plate is secured to a rear side of the chuck seat by a frame plate and a lock handle. A moving block is fixedly connected to a bottom side of a column of the miller. The moving block is provided with dovetail slide grooves for mating with corresponding dovetail tenons of the guide track means. The moving block is screwably secured to guide blocks in the guide track means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Ching Chih Wang
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Publication number: 20020043138Abstract: A automatically indexing tool magazine, of the type attached to machining centers that incorporate an automatic tool change function, able to hold a relatively large number of tools in a compact space as means of improving space efficiency. The tool magazine is comprised of a rotatable main table and multiple sub-tables rotatably attached to the main table in a uniformly spaced radial pattern, each sub-table being equipped with a number of tool pots likewise arranged in a uniformly spaced radial pattern. The tool pots serve as containers into which machining tools can be inserted or removed. The main table and sub-tables are rotatably indexed by means of respective main table and sub-table indexing mechanisms. The tool pot holding the tool designated for removal is transported to a tool removal position through the rotational indexing movement of the main table and appropriate sub-table.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
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Publication number: 20020033082Abstract: A machine tool such as an NC lathe having a machine body is disclosed. The machine tool comprises a fixed bed, a machine body having a carriage with a tool post mounted thereon is provided on one side of the fixed bed nearer to an operator, and a headstock for loading a workpiece thereon is provided on another side of the fixed bed farther from the operator. The machine tool also includes a cover having a front wall and a side wall to cover at least a front face and a side wall of the machine body, respectively. The cover is provided so as to externally surround the machine tool, and wherein a portion of the side wall of the cover adjacent the tool post includes a door opening formed therein and a side door for opening and closing the door opening. Thus, the tool replacement work is facilitated and the overall workability of the machine tool can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Masamitsu Nakaminami, Jun Adachi
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Publication number: 20020033084Abstract: A machine tool comprises a fixed bed; a carriage with a tool post mounted thereon is provided on the fixed bed on one side; and a headstock is provided on another side so that the headstock is connected to a headstock base and is movable between a workpiece machining position for machining a workpiece and a workpiece loading/unloading position for loading or unloading a workpiece. The tool also includes a chip collecting space disposed in a cut out portion of the fixed bed adjacent to the workpiece loading/unloading position and a headstock guide unit comprising a guide support mechanism for supporting a front portion of the headstock base by the fixed bed when the headstock base is positioned at the workpiece machining position, and for supporting a rear portion of the headstock base by the fixed bed when the headstock base is positioned at the workpiece loading/unloading position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Masamitsu Nakaminami, Jun Adachi
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Publication number: 20020020258Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprisingType: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Publication number: 20020014139Abstract: A two-opposed-main-shaft type composite NC lathe provided with a tool changeable tool spindle and tool turrets, comprising: a left turret rest and a right turret rest provided on a lower front side of a left main shaft and a right main shaft facing each other on a Z-axis; a third tool rest positioned on an upper rear side of the left and right main shafts and provided with a tool spindle; a tool magazine holding tools therein which are to be fixed to the third tool rest; and an automatic tool changing device. The left and right main shafts are provided with main shaft motors capable of controlling a C-axis and being driven independently and synchronously with each other. The tool spindle on the third tool rest is capable of controlling the directions of the Z-axis, an X-axis, a Y-axis and a B-axis and fixing the rotations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: NAKAMURA-TOME PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyasu Hirose, Tadashi Yamamoto, Manabu Sawada
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Publication number: 20010042424Abstract: A lathe base assembly is disclosed that decreases vibration and increases thermal stability in a lathe utilizing either a cast iron or composite base. Two separate pairs of rails mounted offset from each other are provided for mounting a secondary spindle and a tool turret, respectively. Vibration from the tool turret caused by the machining operation is thus isolated from the secondary spindle (and vice-versa). If a second tool turret is provided with the lathe, a third separate pair of rails can also be provided for mounting the second tool turret to increase vibration isolation. If a cast iron base is provided, cavities can be provided in the base for filling with a vibration damping material, such as a polymer composite. Alternatively, the base can be constructed from a composite material, and especially a polymer composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 1999Publication date: November 22, 2001Applicant: sheehanInventors: TERRENCE SHEEHAN, JACEK MIERZEJEWSKI, DOUGLAS E. BRACKLEY, GARY COMSTOCK
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Publication number: 20010039705Abstract: In order to improve a tool support for machine tools comprising a base unit, a holding member which is arranged on the base unit and on which two supporting surfaces extending at an acute angle to one another are arranged for supporting a tool holder in a first supporting area and a second supporting area, and a clamping device for acting on a clamping member of the tool holder in a clamping direction extending in such a manner that the tool holder acts upon the supporting surfaces with the first and the second supporting areas, in such a manner that clamping of a tool holder is possible in as simple a way as possible it is suggested that the clamping element be mounted in the holding member for rotation about an axis and bear a wedge surface movable on a path around the axis for acting on the clamping member, and that the wedge surface of the clamping element engage over the clamping member proceeding from an insert position during the rotation of the clamping element in a first direction of rotation and actType: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Applicant: Traub Drehmaschinen GmbHInventors: Heinz Forst, Rainer Koeneke, Werner Sonnek
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Patent number: 6311591Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, at least one workpiece receiving means which can be rotated about an axis and fixed in a defined rotary position, a tool carrier arrangement, with a rotatingly driven tool which can be moved by means of a control and aligned such that the tool spindle axis is located in planes intersecting the axis and forming with this axis an angle in the range of approximately 0° to approximately 90°, in such a manner that the distances to be traveled can be reduced it is suggested that the tool carrier arrangement comprise a tool spindle carrier which can be pivoted about a pivot axis in relation to a bearing housing, can be fixed on the bearing housing in at least one machining position and extends only on one side of the pivot axis in an angular range of less than 180° around the pivot axis and away from it and that the tool spindle be arranged on the tool spindle carrier such that its tool spindle axis is in a position non-coaxial to the pivot aType: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Publication number: 20010032532Abstract: In order to so improve a lathe comprising a machine frame, a first workpiece spindle with a vertical first spindle axis and a first workpiece holder, a first carriage system for moving the first workpiece spindle, a second workpiece spindle with a vertical second spindle axis, and a second workpiece holder facing the first workpiece holder, a second carriage system for moving the second workpiece spindle, the first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece spindle being adapted to be brought into a transfer position, that the machine frame can be manufactured in as simple and cost-efficient a manner as possible, it is proposed that the machine frame comprise a first machine bed and a second machine bed constituting an assembly separate from the first machine bed, and that the first carriage system be guided solely on the first machine bed, and the second carriage system be guided solely on the second machine bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Dietmar Hafla, Anton Haberkern, Michael Gaertner
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Patent number: 6298758Abstract: A lathe includes a polygon machining cutter unit and a turret unit, which are attached to a cutter carrying plate that can be driven to move on a machine body in longitudinal and transverse directions of a spindle. The spindle is connected mechanically to a cutter shaft of the cutter unit by means of a transmission, which includes a rigid driving shaft, a rigid driven shaft, and first and second gearings. The driving shaft and the driven shaft extend respectively on the machine body in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the spindle, and are interconnected by the first gearing. The second gearing interconnects the driven shaft and the cutter shaft for transferring rotation therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventor: Hsuan-Lung Wu
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Patent number: 6279438Abstract: A device for machining a part by metal cutting comprising a massive block in a bore of which is located a sliding column guided in a front bearing and a rear bearing, at least the front bearing and the section of the column sliding therein being continuously convex in cross-section with three lobes distributed at 120° about a central axis. The front and rear bearings are hydrostatic journal bearings. The column supports a sliding block on which is mounted a slide in which is incorporated a turret head for dispensing cutting tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Jean-Michel Delacou
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Patent number: 6257111Abstract: A turret (24) is clamped on a tool rest body (22) by a pair of coupling elements (66, 68). During a rotational indexing operation for a tool selection, the tool rest body (22) and the turret (24) are moved relative to each other along a Z-axis, to disengage the coupling elements (66, 68) and thus unclamp the turret (24). At this time, the tool rest body (22) is moved relative to a lathe base (10) along the Z-axis, synchronously to the relative movement of the tool rest body (22) and the turret (24) along the Z-axis. The direction and distance of the motion of the tool rest body (22) relative to the lathe base (10) is adjusted so as to eliminate the relative movement between the turret (24) and a spindle stock (12). This motional control serves to prevent the turret (24) and a tool attached thereto from moving relative to the spindle stock (12) and a workpiece, whereby the problem of interference between these components can be solved.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Takaichi Nakaya
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Patent number: 6257109Abstract: A turret (11) is clamped to a tool rest main body (10) by a pair of coupling members (27). During indexing rotation for selecting a tool, the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11) are moved relatively in a Z-axis direction, and the pair of coupling members (27) are unclamped. At this time, the tool rest main body (10) is moved in the Z-axis direction relative to a lathe main body (100) in synchronism with the relative movement in the Z-axis direction between the tool rest main body (10) and the turret (11). This movement of the tool rest main body (10) is adjusted in direction and moving distance so that the relative movement between the turret (11) and a spindle table (1) is eliminated. As a result of this movement control, the turret (11) and the tool fitted to the former do not have relative displacement to the spindle table (1) and to a work, so that the danger of mutual interference among these constituent elements and the work can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Shinohara, Takaichi Nakaya
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Patent number: 6161457Abstract: A machine tool, such a lathe, is described that includes a machine base and four base columns supporting a horizontal roof-shaped upper section. Horizontally guided Y-carriages and Z-carriages are suspended from an underside of the upper section. A horizontal working spindle is suspended from the Z-carriages. An X-carriage is arranged and vertically guided on the lower section of the machine stand.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: J.G. Weisser Sohne Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Eberhard Hammer
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Patent number: 6079090Abstract: A numeric-control machine tool for turning and hobbing mechanical parts, comprising: a main mandrel, which is provided with grip means for a mechanical part and can be rotated about its own axis; a first carriage, which supports a turret tool post for turning and/or milling and/or drilling; and a second carriage, which supports a gear hobbing tool head. The first and second carriages can move on command, in a controlled manner, with respect to the main mandrel in order to selectively move the tools installed on the turret tool post and the hobbing tools so that they machine the part supported by the main mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Nuova Trasmissione S.r.l.Inventor: Stefano Ongaro
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Patent number: 6016729Abstract: Positioning engaging members (27) are provided between a base table (10) and a turret (11) which is indexed relative to the base table (10) by a driving force of an indexing/tool turning motor (32) so as to be engageable with or disengageable from each other. The positioning engaging members (27) engage with each other to prevent the turret (11) from turning. Further, the driving force of the indexing/tool turning motor (32) is transmitted or not transmitted to the turret (11) by clutch pieces (31). The driving force of the indexing/tool turning motor (32) is transmitted to a turning tool (14) mounted on tool mounting portions (12) of the turret (11) via a power transmission member. The positioning engaging members (27) engage with or disengage from each other by an engaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wolfgang Pfeifer, Kenji Sugimoto, Hiroshi Shinohara
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Patent number: 6003415Abstract: The invention relates to toolholders and mechanisms for securing the toolholder to a lathe turret or tool indexer. One embodiment of the invention comprises a base adapted to be secured to a rotary lathe table via a mechanism receivable in slots or grooves which can be wedged and compressively secured about selected positions about an engagement surface. A second embodiment comprises a bore securable to a lathe table via both fastening and positioning mechanisms where the bore defines a dovetail groove receivable to a complementary tongue where the toolholder is securable to the bore in a cam locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Houston Instrument Tooling Company, Inc.Inventors: Jim Turner, Samuel Goertz
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Patent number: 5946992Abstract: A cutting-off method of an automatic lathe, comprising steps of applying a front working to a bar material by a front working tool with the bar material chucked by a main spindle rotatably supported by a headstock and with a top end of the bar material supported by a guide bush, applying a cutting-off by a cut-off tool after completion of the front working with the top end of the bar material chucked and rotatively driven by a sub spindle rotatably supported by a rear headstock, and simultaneously releasing the bar material chucked by the main spindle so that the headstock may rearwardly move to a working start position to be ready for the next working.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Ozawa
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Patent number: 5887500Abstract: A tool-carrying turret for lathes includes a fixed support body provided with a fixed toothed rim a rotatable toothed rim which has a tool-carrying plate (4) fixed to it and rotatable rigidly with an index disc mounted on a coaxial drive shaft of the turret, a stopping device operated by actuating devices and designed to cause stoppage in rotation of the index disc and relative centering of the toothing of the fixed rim and rotating rim at the end of the tool changing phase.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Baruffaldi S.p.A.Inventor: Mario Natale
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Patent number: 5875696Abstract: A tool fixing device for machine tools has a tool holder with a tool holder body for bearing the tool, and a tool carrier with a tool station. The tool station has a support surface and a receiver for receiving a shaft from the tool holder. An aligning device operative between the tool holder body and the tool carrier is used to position the tool holder body relative to the tool carrier, such that the tool holders in the respective tool station of the tool carrier need not be readjusted each time they are inserted. The aligning device has two aligning elements, one on the tool carrier, and the other on the tool holder body. When the shaft from the tool holder is clamped in the receiver on the tool station, the aligning elements fix the tool carrier so as to be aligned in a single position using form-fitting elements which engage in one another without clearance.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Patent number: 5855152Abstract: A compressed air valve circuit actuated assembly for operating a rotary tool turret of a lathe is disclosed which includes an actuator movably disposed in a housing and fixedly connected through an opening to the turret. The actuator moves linearly between a recessed position, wherein a first actuator attached ring of spaced apart teeth is closely intermeshed with a second housing attached ring of identical teeth, and an advanced position wherein the rings are decoupled to permit turret and actuator rotation. A series of compressed coil springs confined between the actuator and housing biases the actuator toward the recessed position. Compressed air supplied from the circuit to a housing chamber moves the actuator to the advanced position in opposition to the springs. A cross-piston, disposed in a bore formed in a housing surface portion and movable between start and ending positions, is coupled by an indexing pin to a slot in the actuator only when the actuator is in the advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: S&S Tool and Machine Co.Inventor: James R. Clark
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Patent number: 5842392Abstract: There are provided a pair of positioning engaging members (27) which are engageable with or disengageable from each other between a base table (10) and a turret (11), and the turret (11) is prevented from rotating when the positioning engaging members (27) engage with each other. The turning of a ball screw (21) or a nut (25) is changed to a linear motion of the turret (11) by a screw feed mechanism comprising the ball screw (21) and nut (25) for performing engagement and disengagement between the positioning engaging members (27). The screw feed mechanism is driven by a first motor (24), and the turret (11) is indexing by a second motor (32).Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wolfgang Pfeifer, Kenji Sugimoto, Hiroshi Shinohara
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Patent number: 5765456Abstract: A CNC automatic lathe has at least one carriage system having an X, a Y, and a Z axis that carries a tool revolver designed as a so-called disk revolver for working with lathe tools and rotary machining tools. In order to reduce as much as possible the distance between a defined cutting plane for the turning process and the carriage system, the Y axis forms with the normal to the cutting plane a relatively small acute angle (beta), so that when the tool revolver is rotated in a controlled manner around its axis, a rotatively driven machining tool mounted on the revolver and located in its working position is swivelled with its axis of rotation through an acute angle out of the cutting plane in the direction of the carriage system. The machining area of the machining tool thus described a movement with a component that extends in the minus direction of the Y axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. Hahn & TesskyInventor: Walter Grossmann
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Patent number: 5758554Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece having a long shaft section. The machine tool includes a frame, a tool holder on the frame for holding the cutting tool to machine a workpiece, a first slide assembly and a first servo motor on the frame for translating the tool holder along a first axis relative to the frame, a second slide assembly on the frame for mounting the tool holder for translation along a second axis relative to the frame, a first workpiece holder on the frame for holding the workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a second workpiece holder on the frame for holding a workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a third slide assembly and a second servo motor for translating the second workpiece holder along the second axis, and structure for selectively connecting the tool holder to the second workpiece holder for translation of the tool holder by the third slide assembly and the second servo motor along the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Toshiharu Tom Miyano
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Patent number: 5720089Abstract: A tool turret for machine tools has a turret housing and a turret head rotatably mounted in the turret housing about a rotary axis and lockable in selected angular settings relative to the turret housing. A carriage supports the turret housing and guides movement of the turret housing relative to a machine tool support in a Y direction transverse to the rotary axis. A carriage guide is on the tool support for guiding movement of the carriage. A carrier plate is part of the carriage, and extends in a plane defined by the Y direction and an X direction or a Z direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Sauter Feinmechanik GmbHInventor: Detlef Dieter Sahm
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Patent number: 5664470Abstract: A tool turret has a brake to retain the turret in an an index position. The brake has stationary and rotatable brake members, each formed with a cone-shaped braking surface and a radial or face braking surface. A tooling plate carries a plurality of cutting tools and is mounted on the rotatable brake member. When the brake members are moved toward one another, the cone-shaped braking surfaces engage and the face braking surfaces engage in an indexed position in which one of the cutting tools is brought into a position for engaging a workpiece. When the brake members are disengaged, a motor turns the rotatable brake member and the tooling plate to another indexed position. The cone-shaped braking surfaces are mounted on flexibly resilient braking elements of the brake members to enable them to flex upon initial engagement of the cone-shaped braking surfaces, so that further movement of the brake members towards one another into full engagement with the face braking surfaces is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: The Olofsson CorporationInventors: Donald W. Garnett, John A. Watson
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Patent number: 5640890Abstract: A trepan is mounted on the turret of a lathe-type machine tool for cutting a trepan groove in a stainless steel fitting used to couple a hose to a pipe. The cutter is secured to the turret by a holder which comprises a base having a longitudinally extending mounting foot and a transversely extending dovetail slot in which is mounted a dovetail slider having a longitudinal slot that restrains a trepanning cutter holder in which the trepanning cutter is mounted. An adjustment screw mounted for rotation only on the base, and threaded into the dovetail slider, provides for axial adjustment of the trepanning cutter and an adjustment screw mounted for rotation only on the dovetail slider, and threaded into the trepanning cutter holder, provides for longitudinal adjustment of the trepanning cutter.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Brian Lee McCollum
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Patent number: 5490307Abstract: Lathe with a workpiece spindle (28) defining a Z-axis as well as a tool carrier slide (56) bearing a tool carrier in the form of a tool turret (112) having a turret body and a turret head, the slide being displaceable in the direction of a first axis (X-axis) extending transversely to the Z-axis, whereby workpiece spindle and tool carrier slide are displaceable relative to one another in the direction of the Z-axis, the tool turret is pivotable about a second axis (Y-axis) likewise extending transversely to the Z-axis as well as transversely to the X-axis and the turret head is mounted on the turret body so as to be rotatable about an indexing axis extending transversely to the Y-axis, and with first tool receiving means on the turret head (114) as well as a second tool receiving means (142) mounted on the turret body (110).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventor: Helmut F. Link
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Patent number: 5429020Abstract: Lathe comprising at least a headstock, a slide bed and two tool carrier bed-side carriages guided for displacement on longitudinal sides of the slide bed in the direction of the Z-axis, in which the machining plane defined by the Z-axis and the X-axis of this lathe forms an angle with the horizontal, whereby in order to increase the space available for the bed-side carriages the longitudinal sides of the slide bed bearing the two bed-side carriages extend transversely to the machining plane and are arranged on sides of the slide bed facing away from one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & TesskyInventors: Eberhard Hack, Gunter Schleich
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Patent number: 5343604Abstract: In a combined working machine, a positional relationship between a machining position of a workpiece and a tool can be determined to an optional value by a combination of a slide amount of a carriage along a slant surface, a slide amount of a tool post along another slant surface, a pivot amount of a turret, and a rotational amount of a chuck of a headstock. That is, the tool of the tool post can be brought into contact with the workpiece from a slant direction, and a combined working including cutting by a cutting tool and drilling in a slant direction by a drill can be performed. Further, the tool of the tool post can be moved to the desired machining position of the workpiece from the slant direction, and thus the moving amount of the tool post in a vertical direction can be reduced to lower a height of a machine tool and to give stabilization thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Takagi