Abstract: A live tool system having a live tool and a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of the live tool. The collar houses at least one sensor capable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cutting operation. Example operating conditions including temperature and vibration. The system also includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor for transmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

Abstract: A live tool system having a live tool and a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of the live tool. The collar houses at least one sensor capable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cutting operation. Example operating conditions including temperature and vibration. The system also includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor for transmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

Abstract: A fluid-powered high-speed spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end defined by a shank and a lower end accepting a tool. The spindle includes a body (120), a rotatable shaft (530) supported by at least one bearing (508) within the body (120), a seal housing (150) connected to the body (120) at the lower end thereof, a cover (180) connected to the seal housing (150) at the lower end thereof, a fluid channel system for directing fluid from an entry port (102) to a nozzle (576) for turning a turbine (570) attached to the shaft (530); and a flinger (660) attached to the shaft (530) and positioned above the turbine (570). The flinger (660) and the seal housing (150) combine to form a non-contact seal (900) configured to impede the flow of fluid toward the at least one bearing (508).

Abstract: A machining center having at least one door to control access to an enclosure thereof, where access through the door is provided by an unlocked latch, and the latch is unlocked based on wirelessly communicated signals relaying information about at least one operating condition of a fluid driven cutting tool spindle in use within the machining center.

Abstract: A fluid-powered high-speed spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end defined by a shank and a lower end accepting a tool. The spindle includes a body (120), a rotatable shaft (530) supported by at least one bearing (508) within the body (120), a seal housing (150) connected to the body (120) at the lower end thereof, a cover (180) connected to the seal housing (150) at the lower end thereof, a fluid channel system for directing fluid from an entry port (102) to a nozzle (576) for turning a turbine (570) attached to the shaft (530); and a flinger (660) attached to the shaft (530) and positioned above the turbine (570). The flinger (660) and the seal housing (150) combine to form a non-contact seal (900) configured to impede the flow of fluid toward the at least one bearing (508).

Abstract: A fluid-powered high-speed spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end defined by a shank and a lower end accepting a tool. The spindle includes a body (120), a rotatable shaft (530) supported by at least one bearing (508) within the body (120), a seal housing (150) connected to the body (120) at the lower end thereof, a cover (180) connected to the seal housing (150) at the lower end thereof, a fluid channel system for directing fluid from an entry port (102) to a nozzle (576) for turning a turbine (570) attached to the shaft (530); and a flinger (660) attached to the shaft (530) and positioned above the turbine (570). The flinger (660) and the seal housing (150) combine to form a non-contact seal (900) configured to impede the flow of fluid toward the at least one bearing (508).