Abstract: An apparatus and method for the hydraulic removal and collection of cuttings from machine tool systems. The present invention provides a cutting removal and collection system comprising a housing at least partially enclosing a machine tool and a plurality of trays at the bottom of the housing for collecting the cuttings as they fall from the machine tool. Jets of fluid, such as a liquid coolant, are used to direct the cuttings along the trays and into a rotating drum. The drum has a hollow annular structure with fins disposed in an axial direction along its interior. The drum also has a perforated surface for allowing drainage of the fluid off of said cuttings and back into a tank positioned below the rotating drum. As the drum rotates, the fins carry the cuttings in the circumferential direction of rotation. Once the cuttings are carried to a certain height, gravity causes the cuttings to fall onto a drop tray positioned along a horizontal chord of the rotating drum.

Abstract: In a wedge ring mechanism for providing a collet clamping force in a machine tool spindle, a sleeve member retains a plurality of steel balls. A mechanical advantage is realized as the balls are wedged between obliquely inclined surfaces. The sleeve member is provided with a plurality of cylindrical passageways so that positive control over the motion of the balls is maintained at all times during both engagement and release of the collet clamping force, thereby obviating the need to pinch out the balls during release.