Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is disclosed having improved manufacturability and low cost while maintaining high performance standards. The CMM includes a polymer composite gantry-style base incorporating a three-point support configuration in the X, Y, and Z axes. The X-beam is hollow, has a horizontal cross-sectional orientation, uses a passive ventilation technique, and is attached to the bearing at one end by a compliant mount. The Z-axis probe shaft incorporates a combined counterbalance/drive assembly and a compliant secondary rail guide mechanism. The X-axis and Y-axis drive screws have angular alignment capability using a spherical washer configuration. This combination of features serves to minimize non-repeatable errors and enhance the manufacturability of the CMM, providing substantial improvements in CMM design and construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically assembling a plurality of identical first articles onto a second article. The second article is supported by a platform which is movable about three linear axes and three rotational axes by a six-axis positioning device. The first articles are held in a fixed position and the second article is positioned so as to insert the first articles into the second article as required. In the preferred embodiment, a torque converter turbine drum is supported by the platform to engage turbine blades which are supported in fixed position with respect thereto. The turbine drum is rotated with respect to the blades so as to permit the insertion of the blades into the drum by rotation and positioning of the drum in six axes.

Abstract: A CMM control system which presents a three-dimensional graphic representation to the operator showing the active probe tip recognized by the CMM software. The controller software determines whether a motorized probe head is present and the exact location the probe tip. By using three-dimensional vector graphic routines, the controller software presents a graphic display of the probe relative to the machine's coordinate system. This technique minimizes the occurrence of measurement errors which could be introduced by the unwary operator who inadvertently used CMM data taken with an unrecognized probe tip.

Abstract: A pair of sprockets for use in a double chain and sprocket coupling for transmission of torque between shafts which are in approximate axial alignment with each other, and the abutting ends of which are closely spaced. Each of the sprockets is formed as one piece, and then cut into halves but for a web which is broken to separate the halve. The broken web serves to properly align and space the halves when placed over the end of a shaft to be coupled, and clamped thereon.

Abstract: A machine alignment compensation actuator system is disclosed. The system is designed to selectively orient the tool head of a machine tool to maintain the tool along a desirable axis of alignment. The system includes a framework and a machine slide assembly configured to hold the tool. An actuator assembly having a plurality of actuators is disposed between the machine slide assembly and the framework. Each actuator is disposed at a unique location to permit selective reorientation of the machine slide assembly and tool with respect to the framework.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting from an operating position, inverting, and returning to the operating position a workpiece. The mechanism includes two drive devices, a linear drive which provides a continuous lifting force to a vertically movable member, and rotary drive which is energized to lift, invert, and lower a workpiece. The vertically movable member carries a rotational support member, which includes a rotatable shaft from which is supported the workpiece. The vertically movable member is raised, rotated and lowered by the rotary drive through a pair of levers, a first one of which is connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft and the second one of which is connected to be rotated by the rotary drive. Rotation of the second lever is imparted to the first lever through a cam and cam follower arrangement, the cam being provided on one of the levers and the cam follower on the other lever.

Abstract: A linear pallet stop smoothly decelerates a heavy pallet propelled by a conveyance system in a downstream direction and stops the pallet at a predetermined location. The linear pallet stop comprises a catch arm that is translatable and rotatable between three positions. At the first position, the catch arm first end is in the pallets path to be contacted by the pallet and translated in the downstream direction by the pallet momentum. The downstream translation is resisted by a fluid circuit acting through a cylinder and a slide that is in support contact with the catch arm. A stop surface on the catch arm strikes a fixed surface on the conveyance system at a second position of the catch arm. By retracting the slide with the fluid cylinder when the catch arm is in its second position, the catch arm rotates to a third position whereat its first end is out of the pallets path. The catch arm is guided for translation and location by cam followers that are captured within slots in housings.

Abstract: A space frame system for use with a machine, such as a machine tool, is disclosed. The system as used with a machine tool includes a base and a machine component, such as a workpiece support, mounted to the base. A first space frame is mounted solely to the workpiece support. A second and separate space frame is connected to the first space frame by a plurality of extensible legs. Another machine component, such as a tool holder, is rigidly mounted to the second space frame for cooperation with a workpiece mounted on the workpiece support. Thus, as the extensible legs are independently controlled, the tool holder is moved along a desired path with respect to the workpiece support to perform various cutting operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine tool isolation system is disclosed. The preferred system includes a pair of platforms connected by a plurality of legs. A tool is typically connected to one platform, and a workpiece to the other. The legs are able to move one platform with respect to the other which can create vibrations. A base, typically formed by a plurality of legs, is mounted to one of the platforms to support the two platforms and legs connected therebetween. A vibration isolator is disposed between the base legs and the floor or other support on which the entire system is mounted.

Abstract: A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for moving tools between a storage structure and a machine tool. The apparatus includes a framework on which is mounted a linkage assembly comprising a plurality of individual links pivotably interconnected. A tool holder is attached to one link and is configured to select tools from the storage structure and move them into proximity with the machine tool. The apparatus also removes the tool from the machine tool and returns it to the storage structure. The linkage assembly provides for efficient movement of the tool holder along a complex curvilinear path by pivoting a single link or element of the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A bushingless workhead comprises a flexible drill collet inside a flexible chucking collet. The chucking collet has external frusto-conical surfaces on the ends thereof that mate with corresponding frusto-conical surfaces on a pair of pistons. The pistons are slidable within a housing away from each other to apply opposed forces to the chucking collet. The forces cause the chucking collet to collapse and to also collapse the drill collet to grip a tool inside the drill collet. One piston applies a greater force on the chucking collet than the other piston. The chucking collet is thus forced to move longitudinally in one direction, and it abuts a fixed reference surface that repeatably locates the chucking collet with each tool gripping operation prior to the chucking collet collapsing to grip the tool.

Abstract: A machine such as a machine tool includes a pair of spaced platforms. One platform may mount an operator such as a tool in a spindle, and the other platform may mount an object such as a workpiece. The spaced platforms are joined by six powered and extensible legs joined to the respective platforms by universal joints. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the positions of the platforms and, therefore, the object and operator relative to each other. Four of the legs are arranged into two pairs which are spaced apart to provide between them a part of a corridor for moving the workpiece into a working position. The two legs in each pair may cross each other. The other two legs extend away from each other and provide another part of the corridor between their inboard ends.

Abstract: An automatic drill loader is used with a drill grinding machine to automatically present drills to the drill grinding machine workhead for being ground thereat and to carry ground drills to a storage receptacle. The automatic drill loader comprises a magazine, a timing station, and two sets of grippers. The magazine stores a quantity of drills, which may have stepped shanks. The magazine is adjustable to suit drills of different lengths and diameters. The magazine presents one drill at a time to a staging station. A load gripper grips the drill at the staging station and conveys it to the timing station, whereat the drill is linearly and angularly oriented. The load gripper then transports the drill to the drill grinding machine workhead. Simultaneously, an unload gripper carries a ground drill from the drill grinding machine workhead to the storage receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cracking a connecting rod comprises long and short semi circular dies. The dies include self-contained means for biasing their flat surfaces together to enable them to be inserted through the connecting rod bore. The long die is supported on both sides of the connecting rod. The connecting rod bore initially contacts only the long die. A force generating tool passes through the long die and contacts the flat surface of the second die. The tool operates to separate the two dies against the self-contained biasing means such that both dies contact the connecting rod bore. The tool applies a force to the second die along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod bore. The force is sufficient to crack the connecting rod. The force may be either an impulsive force or a relatively slowly applied force.