Pattern Section Patents (Class 82/18)
  • Patent number: 9259786
    Abstract: A method for machining curved surface includes the flowing steps. A lathe is provided. The lathe includes a work table and a feeding device. The feeding device has a cutter. A workpiece is held on the work table. The work table rotates the workpiece. The feeding device controls the cutter to move backwards and forwards at a high speed to machine the workpiece circumferentially. The feeding device moves in a plane relative to the work table to machine the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Lu Yang, Tian-En Zhang, Ya-Dong Zhang, Jian-Shi Jia, Yang-Mao Peng, Wei-Chuan Zhang, Jing-Shuang Sui, Jian Qu, Feng-Hua Chen, Jian-Hua Jia, Xue Qin, Zhen-Zhou Tian, Bao-Peng Li, Jian-Min Yu
  • Publication number: 20150128774
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a mounting frame, a cutting unit mounted rotatably in the mounting frame, a locking unit for restraining or permitting a relative movement between the mounting frame and the cutting unit, a driving unit, and a control unit. The control unit controls the driving unit to drive rotation of the rotating shaft upon detecting that the relative movement between the mounting frame and the cutting unit is permitted, and controls the driving unit to shut off upon detecting that the relative movement between the mounting frame and the cutting unit is restrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Hsuan-Lung WU
  • Patent number: 8827611
    Abstract: A free form cutting machine is disclosed. The free form cutting machine includes a table, a spindle; and a cutting arrangement attached to the spindle. The cutting arrangement having at least a cutting tool used to cutting selected portions from a workpiece on the table. The free form cutting machine causes the cutting tool to apply a continuous shaping force to the surface of the workpiece until a first surface shape of the workpiece conforms with a predefined finished spline surface shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr S. Trzaskos, John P. Ternus, Carlo Catalano
  • Patent number: 8281693
    Abstract: The method for shaping a hexagonal tool of the present invention includes the following steps: preparing a hexagonal rod having an axis and a bottom, which has a periphery; fixing the hexagonal rod on a lathe, the lathe having a clamp and a lathe tool, the hexagonal rod being clamped and rotated about the axis by the clamp, the lathe tool lathing the hexagonal rod in a single operation to form a neck portion on the hexagonal rod, a driving head being defined on the hexagonal rod between the neck portion and the bottom; and lathing a rounding edge around the periphery of the bottom by the lathe tool. As such, a hexagonal tool having a neck portion and a driving head is thus quickly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jui-Chu Shih
  • Publication number: 20120144966
    Abstract: A lathe (1) in which the work piece (16) to be lathed with a tool (18) is clamped with the longitudinal axis of the work piece parallel to the rotational axis (29) of the rotating clamping device (15) such that the rotational axis (29) does not intersect the work piece (16), and between two machining steps of the machining process by lathing, a position of the work piece (16) in the clamping device (15) is changed such that surface areas (30, 36) not previously machined are moved into the working area of the tool (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: J.G. WEISSER SOHNE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Rettich, Jorg Reiner
  • Patent number: 8042435
    Abstract: This is a tool device called a Special Articulating Tool Holder for a Lathe. The device provides a new and unique device to permit deep hollowing of wood or other materials with a controlled, repeatable method. The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of multiple (two or more) articulating joints—the first of the multiple articulating joints is secured to a tool holder with features to hold cutting tools—and the last of the multiple articulating joints is secured to an essentially vertical mounting post. The mounting post is held in place by a base means which mounts either horizontally or vertically to the machine base as determined by the machine configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Ray P. Thompson, Jerry A. Arnold, Wayne A Crandall
  • Publication number: 20100011920
    Abstract: There is provided a V-groove machining method and apparatus which, by measuring the depth of a V groove cut by a cutting tool and correcting the cutting depth of the cutting tool based on the measurement data, enables high precision machining of four-sided pyramids having vertices of a uniform height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Takanobu AKIYAMA, Satoshi Kato, Hiroyuki Kakishima, Sumihisa Kondou
  • Patent number: 7540726
    Abstract: By cutting-machining a side face of a scroll wrap with a non-rotational tool, swells in the perimeter direction have a smaller size. Thus, compressed gas is prevented from leaking between relatively slidable side faces of the respective wraps of the stationary scroll and the slewing scroll. This configuration provides a scroll compressor that has a higher accuracy and thus high compression efficiency and low noise are realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Matsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20080141836
    Abstract: In a noncircular shape machining apparatus, a tool 7 is moved reciprocally in an X-axis direction by a tool-moving mechanism. A first acceleration sensor 6 is disposed on a saddle 11, which is an immovable section of the tool-moving mechanism. Further, a second acceleration sensor 15 is disposed on a spindle bearing 5 of a spindle that holds and causes a workpiece 1 to rotate. Additionally, displacements of the saddle 11 and the workpiece 1 are measured by these two acceleration sensors 6 and 15, and displacement in the relative distance between the workpiece 1 and the tool 7 is acquired as relative displacement on the basis of the two displacements that have been obtained. Additionally, the position of the tool 7 is calculated from the obtained displacement and the output value of an X-axis linear scale 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: OKUMA Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Eba
  • Patent number: 7237992
    Abstract: A process of machining a scroll member of a scroll compressor by using a non-rotary cutting tool. The non-rotary cutting tool is moved relative to a workpiece in a predetermined direction for cutting the workpiece, with its rake face being held substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The cutting tool includes (a) a generally cylindrical shank portion, and (b) a generally semi-cylindrical body portion which has an outer circumferential surface constituted by the rake face and a semi-cylindrical surface. The semi-cylindrical body portion has a cutting edge which is defined by an edge of the rake face and which is covered with a diamond coating. The rake face has a planar surface and a constant width throughout the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., OSG Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Matsuhashi, Tamotsu Nagai
  • Patent number: 6827631
    Abstract: To provide a grinding machine and a centering method for the centers thereof in which the requisite space for the center support rotating mechanism for a workpiece and the in-feed mechanism is reduced to facilitate miniaturization and in which it is easy to secure the space for the supply and discharge of the workpiece and sizing measurement. A motor built-in type main spindle retaining a rotary drive center and a motor built-in type tailstock spindle retaining a tailstock center are swiveled by in-feed means eccentrically supporting them, whereby the rotary drive center and the tailstock center make an in-feed motion with respect to a grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Katsura Tomotaki, Yukimasa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5910199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast threading pullout in a numerically controlled threading application which includes position determining logic for receiving position command signals from a numerical control and determining the commanded movement of a threading member along at least a primary threading axis and a secondary pullout axis, at least one sensing device for sensing the position of the threading member along at least the primary and secondary axes, velocity calculation structure for generating velocity command signals for actuating the threading member along the primary and secondary axes in accordance with the commanded movements and the sensed position of the member, supplemental velocity structure for applying a supplemental pullout velocity at a predetermined pullout position on the thread to accelerate the member along the secondary axis, and monitoring logic for monitoring the pullout of the threading member along the secondary axis and discontinuing the supplemental velocity after a predetermin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Rickey L. Busick, Mark F. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 5839334
    Abstract: The invention provides an ornamental article which can be produced readily in a mass together at a low cost without requiring a special skill and a production method therefor. The ornamental article is produced by fixing a base plate element having a three-dimensional pattern portion formed integrally thereon, to a chucking member for a lathe such that the three-dimensional pattern portion is fittably received in a complementary receiving portion of the chucking member, rotating the chucking member, and machining the base plate element by means of a cutting tool to remove the material of the base plate element until a boundary plane between the base plate element and the three-dimensional pattern portion is reached. The three-dimensional pattern portion of the ornamental article produced has an outer peripheral portion whose thickness gradually decreases toward an outer peripheral edge thereof so as to define an outer periphery contour line without exhibiting a steeply rising end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ichiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5549426
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for machining curved facets onto several polygons together. The apparatus of this invention comprises a fixture which has a mill bed and a ram. The mill bed holds an movable plate and the movable plate holds a rotating plate. The rotating plate which will be fixed during the operation of the apparatus will hold a stack of blank polygons. The ram holds two motors which are connected to a cutter. The motors cause the cutter to rotate and gradually move down the cutter. The rotation axis of the cutter is parallel to the rotation axis of the polygons. Once the motors are turned on the cutter will sequentially cut one curved facet onto each polygon. After one facet is cut onto each polygon, the motors will be stopped and the rotating plate will be rotated to position the polygons to receive the carve for the next curved facet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5497683
    Abstract: A holding device for cutting a toric lens includes a chuck member which holds the lens workpiece, with a rotation and guide assembly provided such that an axis of the chuck member moves along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The chuck member is held by a chuck support member, and the chuck support member includes guide ends which move along an inner periphery of a guide hole of a guide member. The guide hole has a center axis which is eccentric with respect to a rotation axis in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, such that as the guide ends of the chuck support member move along the inner periphery of the guide hole, the chuck member rotates while the chuck axis moves along a line which is orthogonal to the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Hattori, Koichi Inada
  • Patent number: 5419223
    Abstract: A machining unit for the production of out-of-center/convex geometries on turned parts using an NC turning machine with at least one horizontal and one vertical machine axis comprises a highly-dynamic, controllable, integral three-phase servomotor having a shaft forming an additional tool axis, as a programmable direct drive for the production of out-of-center/convex geometries on current parts. The additional tool axis is capable of being NC controlled. The shaft has a connecting arm which carries one or more cutting tools for machining the parts. Spaced hydrostatic radial bearings and a hydrostatic axial bearing mount the shaft. A rotational measuring system measures rotation of the shaft. The shaft rotational measuring system, hydrostatic axial bearing and hydrostatic radial bearings as well as the servomotor are mounted in a common housing, with the connecting arm with cutting tools projecting from one side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Albert Kubler, Martin Hoffman, deceased, by Gunda Hoffman, heiress
  • Patent number: 5313694
    Abstract: Complex machining such as lathe machining and milling including non-circular machining is effected by a single machine tool effectively and highly accurately.The machine tool comprises a spindle stock having the C-axis control function, a carriage which can be moved and positioned in a direction of the axis of a main spindle, and two tool rests installed on the carriage. Lathe machining and milling are performed by the first tool rest, and non-circular machining is performed by the second tool rest. A tailstock can be also moved in the direction of the main spindle axis, and positioning of the movable members is controlled by an NC device. A force for supporting a workpiece is controlled by a chuck and a tailstock spindle in response to an M function command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Takisawa Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Yonemoto, Hidehiko Miyake, Kazumasa Enoki
  • Patent number: 5309800
    Abstract: A lathe for processing a workpiece into a nonaxisymmetric shape including a cutter to be always contacted with a workpiece surface at an almost fixed angle. A first support shaft is rotatably supported around a first axis mounted on a tool rest, and a second support shaft is rotatably supported around a second axis mounted on and off-centered from the first axis. Also, a third support shaft is rotatably supported around a third axis mounted on and off-centered from the second axis, and a holder for holding the cutter is secured to one end of the third support shaft. A controller controls the rotating angles of the support shafts to control the movement of the cutter forwards and rearwards and also its contact angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Yuhara
  • Patent number: 5274564
    Abstract: An apparatus for machining a non-circular workpiece such as a piston wherein a tool is moved back and forth against the workpiece in accordance with profile data defining a desired final shape of the workpiece while the workpiece is rotated at a predetermined speed. The tool is moved by a composite movement of a linear motor driven in accordance with low frequency command values, and a piezoelectric actuator driven in accordance with high frequency command values. A numerical controller of the apparatus calculates the low frequency command values using a first Fourier series and the high frequency command values using a second Fourier series. Coefficients of the first and second Fourier series are determined using least square method in such a way that errors contained in the low and high frequency command values becomes within a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugita, Norio Sakakibara, Nobumitsu Hori, Yoichi Yamakawa, Toshihiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5255580
    Abstract: A method for turning a concave cut in a workpiece on a screw machine includes the steps of supporting the workpiece for rotation generally about its longitudinal axis and rotating the workpiece generally about an axis corresponding to its longitudinal axis in a first direction. A rotary cutter is turned about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece in a second direction opposite to the first. A tooth on the cutter engages the workpiece for forming a generally concave cut in the workpiece. Apparatus for turning a concave cut in workpiece on a lathe is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Positronic Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Gentry
  • Patent number: 5224404
    Abstract: A polygon working method in which a polygonal portion can be formed on a workpiece in such a manner that a specific region of the polygonal portion is accurately in alignment with a predetermined circumferential position on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kono, Takahiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 5159741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for machining by cutting with workholder and tool holder rotating in positive drive with respect to each other, the axis (z) of which toolholder extending askew to the workholder axis of rotation (x), is swingable and lockable about an axis (y) which intersects the axis of rotation (x) of the workpiece and the axis (z) of the toolholder at right angles, the toolholder being displaceable in the direction of the axis of rotation (x) of the workholder and the axis of swing (y) of the toolholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Wera-Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich A. Garschagen, Hans-Udo Heym
  • Patent number: 5101699
    Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid tool slide for a machine tool is provided which may be machined with a high degree of precision, whereby lateral play or "wobble" of the tool is reduced. The tool slide comprises an elongated slide member slidingly carried in a substantially cylindrical channel formed in the surface of a base member. A cover member covers both the channel and the slide member, which has a flat surface machined therein so as to conform to the shape of the covered channel. The channel in the base member may include an enlarged middle portion to reduce surface contact with the slide member and to provide space for lubricating material. A through-bore may be formed in the slide member to reduce its weight. An encoder monitors the rotational angle of a workpiece and drives a numerical controller and servomotor to move a cutting tool inward and outward in synchronism with the rotation of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shoun Kosakusho, Kamisucho
    Inventor: Masahiro Nezu
  • Patent number: 5065651
    Abstract: A method for finishing the full radial surface of a face type commutator includes relatively rotating the commutator on its axis with respect to a cutter to form a finish on the commutator face which includes radially inwardly cross hatch segments which become progressively open toward the outer periphery of the commutator and which end in a series of generally radially directed single line segments at the radially outer portion of each of the conductor segments of the commutator so as to dress slot edged during cutting to prevent formation of slot burrs; thereafter brushing the commutator face to remove loose chips therefrom followed by finishing the surface to remove irregularities therefrom and to form surface roughness thereon for brush run-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: McCord Winn Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Louis F. R. Amey
  • Patent number: 5056388
    Abstract: A cutting member and machine for cutting elongate members is disclosed. The cutting member comprises a body having a cutting edge defining a cavity such that the cutting edge contacts a surface to be cut at at least two points. The cutting machine comprises the cutting member, a weight pivotally connected to the cutting member to define a arm-weight assembly, and a driven member defining a central opening, wherein the arm-weight assembly is pivotally attached to the driven member so as to drive the cutting member in a circular path around the central opening, the cutting edge of the cutting member being biased inwardly towards the central opening by the weight and the resultant centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dekker, Joseph Chua
  • Patent number: 5054340
    Abstract: An apparatus which moves a tool back and forth in synchronism with rotation of a workpiece with respect to the workpiece to machine the workpiece into a non-circular shape. The tool is attached to a tool mount placed on a tool mount table which is connected to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the axis of a spindle by a motor. The tool is connected to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle with respect to the tool mount by a high speed actuator. Profile generating movement of the tool is thus provided by a combination of movement provided by the motor and movement provided by the high speed actuator. The high speed actuator is controlled in accordance with high frequency components included in profile data while the motor is driven in accordance with low frequency components included in the profile data. As a result, the responsiveness in profile generating movement of the tool is improved, and high speed machining of a non-circular workpiece is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugita, Norio Sakakibara, Nobumitsu Hori, Yoichi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 5050468
    Abstract: Two preferred embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed for imparting combined synchronous reciprocating and oscillatory motions to a cutting tool of the type used with an engine lathe to cut a continuous circumferential serpentine-patterned groove in the surface of a workpiece held and rotated about an axis of rotation by the lathe. The tool is axially journaled and mounted on a slide block permitting oscillatory and reciprocating motions of the tool relative to the rotating workpiece. Direct inflexible drive mechanisms impart the reciprocating and oscillatory motions, where the motions are synchronous with each other and are timed so as to define an integral number of waves around the circumference of the workpiece. The first embodiment employs a cam, cam followers, and direct mechanical or hydraulic linkages therefrom utilizing a minimum of parts to impart the motions. The second embodiment employs two separate servo motors to impart the motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: B-J Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Nydigger
  • Patent number: 5022293
    Abstract: A method for producing workpieces with surfaces of non-circular but regular cross-sections with a working tool, wherein the workpiece is rotated about its own axis and the axis of the workpiece is rotated around an axis being eccentric to the axis of the workpiece and the two rotations being brought into a certain relationship according to the surface to be generated. According to the invention the axis of the workpiece is rotated mechanically independently from the eccentric axis and the relationship between the two rotations is established and maintained by an electrical control into which parameters of the surface to be produced are fed and with which the rotations of the axis are monitored and, in dependency of the fed-in and monitored factors, into rotational drives of the axes is interfered, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Innofinance Altalanos Innovacios Penzintezet
    Inventors: Jozsef Farkas, Sandor Vekony, Sandorne Vekony, Erno Csovak, Sandor Fodor
  • Patent number: 5022294
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for forming a noncircular cross-section on a workpiece that includes a tool advancing and retreating device. The tool advancing and retreating device includes a central shaft on which is to be mounted a tool, a journal for supporting the central shaft, a movable plate fixed to the central shaft, and electromagnets positioned opposite to one another such that the movable plate is interposed between the electromagnets with a clearance between the plate and the electromagnets. A device is provided for detecting the rotational angle of the main shaft and a displacement sensor is included for detecting the longitudinal displacement of the central shaft. A speed sensor detects the speed of the longitudinal displacement of the central shaft and an arrangement is provided for controlling the electric current passing through the electromagnets based on the output signals from the rotational angle detecting device, from the displacement sensor and from the speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Izumi Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Higuchi, Hazime Izumi, Minoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5010793
    Abstract: A workpiece (1) is fixed by means of a chuck (4) and rotates with a spindle (3) in a headstock (2). A first cam (30) is fixed to the main shaft of the spindle. Its control surface guides a feeler roller (31). A rotary pulse generator (8) is actuated by the rotation of the spindle shaft. An auxiliary motor (10) is disposed on a cross-slide (12) and causes an auxiliary shaft (21) to rotate. The pulse generator produces synchronization between the spindle shaft and the auxiliary shaft. The latter bears a second cam. According to the position of the cross-slide, the exact location of teh tools (16, 17) is determined by the first cam or by the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Kummer Freres SA Fabrique de machines
    Inventor: Hans J. Leiber
  • Patent number: 4964321
    Abstract: An auxiliary shaft (16) mounted coaxially with a main shaft (5) has at the top an eccentric (17) operatively connected via grooving (20, 21) to a tool-fastening plate (13). At the bottom of the auxiliary shaft is a wheel (19) fixed to the eccentric and provided with a recess (18). The recess can engage a fixed lug cam so that a feed motor can cause both the rotary movement of the ball turner and a tool correction effected by a relative rotary movement between the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft. For the sake of accuracy, the angular displacement is limited to an area in which the displacement of the tool-fastening plate caused by the eccentric is substantially linear with the angular displacement. All rotary motions are measured during the operation by a shaft encoder (9) and communicated to a CNC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Kummer Freres Sa Fabrique de Machines
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Leiber, Jean-Philippe Meyer, Christian F. Kummer
  • Patent number: 4947715
    Abstract: A lathe and a method of using the lathe are disclosed for forming an aspheric surface on a workpiece, in which the workpiece is mounted to a holder that is rotatably carried by the spindle, headstock and bed of a lathe, with that spindle and workpiece being rotated about the axis of the spindle with the workpiece being engaged by a forming tool which forming tool is moved through an arcuate path about an axis that is generally transverse to the spindle axis. The method and apparatus provide further for determining the time-varying angular position of the forming tool along the arcuate path, for determining the time-varying angular position of a point on the workpiece about the spindle axis and for reciprocating the workpiece holder and the workpiece held thereby relative to the lathe headstock and to the forming tool in synchronization with the movement of the forming tool and with the rotation of the workpiece about the spindle axis to form the desired contoured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Citycrown, Inc.
    Inventor: Buford W. Council, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4936173
    Abstract: A machine tool includes an elongate tool holder which is mounted by a pair of spring strips for pivotal movement on a mounting. One end of the tool holder carries the tool while the other end of the tool holder is moved by an actuator via a rod. Tool positioning signals are fed to the actuator in digital form and are converted to analogue form by a digital-to-analogue converter before being applied to the actuator. The tool holder is of light-weight and low inertia and can thus effect rapid changes of tool position, so exploiting to the full the high rates of positioning signal production of modern machine tool control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventor: Nigel H. New
  • Patent number: 4911043
    Abstract: A device and method for milling a trochoidal rotor having a predetermined trochoidal configuration. The trochoidal rotor is used in a trochoidal rotary device in which working chambers are defined between the rotor and a housing. The rotor device has inlet and outlet ports for passing a fluid or gas. The rotor is made by first planetating a rotor blank having a predetermined width and having an edge region about a predetermined axis. The cutting blade is provided which has a predetermined geometry and which is located at a predetermined fixed distance from the axis. The cutting blade is engaged with at least a portion of the edge region of the rotor blank. The cutting blade traverses the edge region of the rotor blank to cut the edge region into a predetermined trochoidal configuration. When the cutting blade is a helical flute, the engagement of the cutting blade with a portion of the edge region results in cutting at a predetermined location within the portion of the edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Compression Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph M. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4887500
    Abstract: An auxiliary shaft (16) mounted coaxially with a main shaft (5) has at the top an eccentric (17) operatively connected via grooving (20, 21) to a tool-fastening plate (13). At the bottom of the auxiliary shaft is a wheel (19) fixed to the eccentric and provided with a recess (18). The recess can engage a fixed lug cam so that a feed motor can cause both the rotary movement of the ball turner and a tool correction effected by a relative rotary movement between the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft. For the sake of accuracy, the angular displacement is limited to an area in which the displacement of the tool-fastening plate caused by the eccentric is substantially linear with the angular displacement. All rotary motions are measured during the operation by a shaft encoder (9) and communicated to a CNC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Kummer Freres SA Fabrique de Machines
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Leiber, Jean-Philippe Meyer, Christian F. Kummer
  • Patent number: 4884482
    Abstract: A lathe and a method of using the lathe are disclosed for forming an aspheric surface on a workpiece, in which the workpiece is mounted to a holder that is rotatably carried by the spindle, headstock and bed of a lathe, with that spindle and workpiece being rotated about the axis of the spindle with the workpiece being engaged by a forming tool which forming tool is moved through an arcuate path about an axis that is generally transverse to the spindle axis. The method and apparatus provide further for determining the time-varying angular position of the forming tool along the arcuate path, for determining the time-varying angular position of a point on the workpiece about the spindle axis and for reciprocating the workpiece holder and the workpiece held thereby relative to the lathe headstock and to the forming tool in synchronization with the movement of the forming tool and with the rotation of the workpiece about the spindle axis to form the desired contoured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Citycrown, Inc.
    Inventor: Buford W. Council, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4863321
    Abstract: A fly-cutter milling machine for the simultaneous milling of a plurality of grooves (12) in rotating workpieces (2) by means of a fly cutter (3) which protrudes radially outwards on a rotating tool holder, the speed of revolution of the tool holder and the speed of revolution of the workpiece being in a ratio which is determined by the number of grooves of the workpiece. In order to obtain optimum operation with the groove profile precisely adapted to the tool cutting edge, the rotation of the workpiece (2) is briefly interrupted at the moment of the maximum depth of plunge of the fly cutter (3) by a phase of reduced speed of the workpiece (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Karl Lieser
  • Patent number: 4862777
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for machining the exterior peripheral surface of piston rings for internal combustion engines, particularly piston rings having a transverse shape other than circular, for example, oval or elliptical. A jig arrangement usable with the apparatus is adapted to temporarily deform the workpieces in order to produce exterior surfaces having a conical taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Sakurai, Masayuki Onimaru
  • Patent number: 4790222
    Abstract: A device for cutting oval or circle shaped forms, as well as irregular or scalloped variations thereof, in picture frame mats or the like. It consists of a cutting unit releasably securable both to a stationary arm or a reciprocating arm. When the cutting mount is secured only to the stationary arm, as the stationary arm rotates, the cutting unit mount turns and a circle or oval form is cut. If the cutting unit mount is only secured to the reciprocating arm, a chain and sprocket or gear arrangement causes the reciprocating arm and cutting unit to move in and out as the oval or circle shaped form is cut. A mechanism for adjusting the desired irregular or scalloped shape is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Carey C. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4782728
    Abstract: An automatic cutter for separating a blow molded plastic object into two parts. The cutter is capable of cutting a rectangular object into two parts. The cutter operates by grasping the blow molded object to be cut and piercing the object with a knife blade or other cutting means such as a laser. The object is then rotated and the height of the cutter is controlled depending upon the degree of rotation and the shape of the object. The method of performing the cutting operation is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Alan J. Thatcher
  • Patent number: 4747236
    Abstract: A method serves for working, by metal-cutting processes, a surface of profiles having a non-circular contour, in particular for grinding camshafts. Starting out from a blank contour (30-1-32), material is removed from the surface to give the profile a desire contour (30a, 31a, 32a) by moving the processing tool and the profile relative to each other in such a manner that the portion of the processing tool which is at any time in engagement with the surface is moved along the contour in a path-controlled manner, while on the other hand the tool is advanced in feed-controlled manner by the surface distance between the blank contour (30,31,32) and the desired contour (30a,31a,32a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Fortuna-Werke Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Horst J. Wedeniwski
  • Patent number: 4744274
    Abstract: A wax ring pattern machining tool which enables a goldsmith to create a precision machined wax ring pattern for subsequent casting in precious metal by the lost wax process. The machining operations on the ring pattern are carried out while the pattern is still a part of a wax ring preform tube. The machining tool may be employed to create circumferential grooves or channels on the exterior of the ring pattern or to reduce the diameter of the ring tube or otherwise shape it circumferentially. An indexing function is provided for securing the tool in a fixed radial position, permitting the use of a faceting tool for creating flat or beveled surfaces on the exterior of ring. Upon completion of the exterior design of the pattern, the tool is employed to size the ring and separate the ring pattern from the ring tube preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Eduardo C. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 4690020
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a spherical surface of a hemispherical shell having projections on its inner and outer surfaces and an apparatus for working the hemispherical shell, which are particularly suitably applied to a large-scale spherical pressure resisting shell for forming a control chamber in an abyssal diving research vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Sasano, Tsutomu Toyohara, Toshimichi Takigawa
  • Patent number: 4683787
    Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first or second axis, respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.2 always applies, wherein X is the distance of the second axis from the first axis, Y is the distance of the first axis from the plane defined by the second and third axes and A is the distance of the second axis from the vertical projection of the first axis onto this plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Index-Werke Komm.-Ges. Han & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link
  • Patent number: 4680998
    Abstract: A unique lens (10) having a peripheral carrier surface (13), a central optical zone (18) providing the toricity required to achieve a given spherical and cyclinder correction that is oriented to a selected axis angle (.psi.) and an intermediate, annular, transitional surface (15) between the optical and carrier surfaces (16 and 13). The method and apparatus for providing such a toric lens (10) employs a generator (50) that produces a sinusoidal signal in response to rotaton of the lathe spindle (26), and a signal that is selectively phased at a predetermined angularity with respect to the circumference of the rotatable spindle (26). The aforesaid signal is applied to a tool post oscillator (90) in order to oscillate the tool (36) in synchronization with rotation of the spindle (26) thereby cutting both curves of the toric surface (16) in one pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Buford W. Council, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4653360
    Abstract: A turning machine is characterized by a new and improved control and mechanism for positioning the turning tool on the head. A CNC control issues command signals for selectively positioning the tool on the head. These signals are developed from an encoder which provides the instantaneous position of the rotating part being turned and from a program in the CNC containing information about the part. A closed loop control system receives these command signals and converts same into a control current for a linear motor which is the prime mover controlling the positioning of the tool on the head. The linear motor operates a carriage on the head and the cutting tool mounts on the carriage opposite the connection of the linear motor to the carriage. The carriage is a hollow bar guided on the head by sets of rollers which are cooperatively arranged to provide yieldably forceful constraint of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: The Cross Company
    Inventor: Ronald E. Compton
  • Patent number: 4651599
    Abstract: Process for fabricating work-pieces with polygonal inner and/or outer profile, preferably by removal machining, wherein the work-piece pivots about a fixed axis (4) at constant speed while the tool (5) defines a closed loop path, wherein the rotation speed of the work piece and the rotation speed of the tool (5) on its path (6) are interdependent and wherein the tool (5) bites on the workpiece throughout its path, wherein the tool follows a closed path (6) differing from a circle and which is traversed by the tool (5) with a displacement speed varying in the course of one path by virtue of a predetermined displacement law, and wherein the path (6) is excentric with respect to the rotation axis (4) of the work piece and surrounds the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Hans Ley
  • Patent number: RE33732
    Abstract: A method of machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.second .[.axis.]. .Iadd.axes.Iaddend., respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously, the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link
  • Patent number: RE33910
    Abstract: A turning machine is characterized by a new and improved control and mechanism for positioning the turning tool on the head. A CNC control issues command signals for selectively positioning the tool on the head. These signals are developed from an encoder which provides the instantaneous position of the rotating part being turned and from a program in the CNC containing information about the part. A closed loop control system receives these command signals and converts same into a control current for a linear motor which is the prime mover controlling the positioning of the tool on the head. The linear motor operates a carriage on the head and the cutting tool mounts on the carriage opposite the connection of the linear motor to the carriage. The carriage is a hollow bar guided on the head by sets of rollers which are cooperatively arranged to provide yieldably forceful constraint of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: The Cross Company
    Inventor: Ronald E. Compton
  • Patent number: RE34155
    Abstract: .[.A method of.]. .Iadd.Apparatus for .Iaddend.machining a workpiece, which is rotatable about a first axis, by a tool pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and drivable about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. To allow the circumference of the workpiece to be machined off-center without the necessity of moving the first or the second axis transversely to the plane defined by these two axes, the workpiece and the tool are rotated or pivoted about the first .[.or.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.second .[.axis.]. .Iadd.axes.Iaddend., respectively, at the same time, in the same direction and at the same angular velocity and, simultaneously the second axis is displaced transversely to the first axis at such a velocity that the equation X.sup.2 =Y.sup.2 +A.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventor: Helmut F. Link