Abstract: A self-compensating hydrostatic (pressurized fluid film) linear bearing that maintains a fluid gap between a carriage and a rail when relative forces are applied. The geometric shape of the rail and mating carriage enable the bearing to have very high stiffness and load capacity without exessive detrimental carriage deformation. The carriages contain bearing grooves and lands which control and use fluid pressure to provide a very high degree of restoring force in response to changes in the fluid gap. The fluid emanating from the bearing gap is prevented from immediately leaking from the bearing carriage, and is instead routed back to the source from which it is pumped, thereby sealing the bearing carriage and simplifying the handling of the lubricating fluid. The hydrostatic bearing is particularly designed to be compact and to be bolt-for-bolt compatible with conventional linear bearings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indexing tool turret assembly and method for operating the same. The indexing tool turret assembly includes a tool turret assembly rotatably supported on the machine tool, an indexing assembly for selectively rotating the tool turret assembly to a desired location. The indexing assembly includes a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the tool turret assembly during operation of either a stationary tool assembly or live tool assembly located on the tool turret assembly. A cushioning bearing assembly is provided for selectively separating the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism during an indexing operation. The cushioning bearing assembly provides a slight lift to separate the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism to reduce friction and other potential damages forces between these components.

Abstract: A collet chuck assembly for an axially fixed collet head. The collet head is fixedly and removably mounted in a threaded bushing to prevent axial motion, and is keyed into place to prevent rotation. A sleeve assembly has cam surfaces adapted to engage the cam surfaces of the collet head to open and close the collet head, and slides between collet head open and collet head closed positions within a spindle adapter body. The sleeve assembly has projections that extend from a rearward portion and pass through appropriately sized passages in the axially-fixed bushing. Motion from a spindle drawbar is transmitted by a drawbar link-up through the projections of the sleeve assembly. Using this arrangement, no physical connection is required between the drawbar link-up and the sleeve assembly. Additionally, no cap assembly is required.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indexing tool turret assembly and method for operating the same. The indexing tool turret assembly includes a tool turret assembly rotatably supported on the machine tool, an indexing assembly for selectively rotating the tool turret assembly to a desired location. The indexing assembly includes a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the tool turret assembly during operation of either a stationary tool assembly or live tool assembly located on the tool turret assembly. A cushioning bearing assembly is provided for selectively separating the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism during an indexing operation. The cushioning bearing assembly provides a slight lift to separate the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism to reduce friction and other potential damages forces between these components.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for a jaw chuck for holding a workpiece to the spindle of a machine, such as a lathe, includes an intermediate coupling member that engages a master jaw slot formed in a master jaw which is disposed in a radial guide formed in the body of the chuck. A retaining mechanism secures the intermediate coupling member within the master jaw slot. A top jaw is configured to be connectively engaged with the intermediate coupling member by inserting the intermediate coupling member into a top jaw slot. The top jaw is held securely to the intermediate coupling member, and, accordingly, to the master jaw, when the retaining mechanism is tightened. During top jaw change-out the retaining mechanism is released, thereby permitting the top jaw to be disengaged from the intermediate coupling member while still loosely retaining the intermediate coupling member within the master jaw slot.

Abstract: A collet chuck assembly includes an annular mount adapted to be attached to a spindle of a turning machine, a tubular collet sleeve disposed internally to the mount including an inner tapered cam surface and adapted to be coupled to an axial moving mechanism of the turning machine, and a tubular collet structure dispose interiorly of the collet sleeve and having a cooperating tapered, outer cam surface. An annular retaining cap has retaining lugs adapted to be engaged with locking flanges of the mount upon engagement of the cap with the mount and rotation of the cap with respect to the mount. The installed cap engages a front end of the collet structure to retain the collet structure within the collet sleeve. A cap anti-rotation mechanism includes an anti-rotation pin carried within the mount for reciprocating axial movement with respect to the mount between extended and retracted positions and a pin actuating mechanism for selectively effecting the reciprocating axial movement.

Abstract: A spindle for gripping and closing a mounting member which includes a housing having a spindle assembly mounted therein including a first rotary member capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis and a second rotary member disposed about the first rotary member in coaxial relation and being capable of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The first rotary member has a gripping portion for gripping the mounting member and the second rotary member has a thrust surface and a contacting portion for contacting the mounting member. A radial bearing in the housing supports the second rotary member, and a fluid thrust bearing supports the thrust surface of the second rotary member. One of the first and second rotary members is capable of axial movement relative to the other rotary member and has an engagement surface engageable for causing axial movement of the axially moveable rotary member.

Abstract: A method of surface treating a metallic machine tool element includes heating the element prior to insertion of the metal element into a nitrating salt bath for the purpose of both hardening the element and improving the resilience of portions required to be flexed in use.