Abstract: A method and apparatus for broaching a series of axially aligned and spaced bores in which a first broach is provided for broaching in an initial operation. The first broach has circumferentially extending cutting teeth. The first broach also has arcuately spaced, longitudinally extending grooves which cross the cutting teeth and divide the cutting teeth into arcuate segments. Broach guides in the spaces between bores have ribs arranged in the same arcuately spaced relation as the grooves about an axis coinciding with the aligned axes of the bores. The first broach is advanced through the bores with the ribs slidably received in the grooves to guide the first broach and the cutting segments, broaching arcuately spaced sectors of the bores but leaving unbroached ridges therebetween. A second broach broaches the ridges left by the first broach.

Abstract: A machine has a cutter for performing a cutting operation on a series of workpieces. The cutter is moved toward the workpiece to perform the cutting operation, and a control regulates the amount of such movement to an infeed distance for effecting a predetermined depth of cut. The control is adjusted in response to temperature changes which result in machine growth/shrinkage in order to vary the infeed distance as required to maintain the depth of cut constant despite the machine growth/shrinkage.

Abstract: Apparatus for progressive blind broaching has an indexing table which carries a load station, a unload station and several tool stations. Broaches are mounted on the table at the tool stations. Rams on opposite sides of the table move workpieces up and down to be broached between intermittent indexing of the table. The load station has a workpiece holder to deliver unbroached workpieces to the rams. The unload station has a workpiece holder to receive broached workpieces from the rams. A transfer mechanism moves workpieces from a exchange depot at the rear of the table to the load station and moves workpieces from the unload station to the exchange depot. This transfer mechanism moves across the top of the table and does not occupy or obstruct any space along the sides or front of the table.

Abstract: A coolant distribution system in which coolant is introduced through the workholder in a broaching operation to lubricate the surfaces where the workpiece is in contact with the broach, to dissipate heat generated by the broaching action and to flush away chips. The workholder is an elongated arbor having a chuck for gripping the workpiece. A fluid passage for coolant extends through the arbor and has a first set of outlets for emitting coolant adjacent to the workpiece and a second set of outlets for emitting coolant through a pilot on the end of the arbor. The second set of outlets when the pilot enters a guide as it approaches the broach, causing an increased volume of coolant to flow from the first set of outlets.

Abstract: Apparatus for progressive blind broaching workpieces includes a machine having a table mounted for rotation about a central axis, and a ram reciprocable toward and away from the table. Work holders on the table mount the workpieces in circumferentially spaced relation around the central axis of rotation of the table. Broaching tools are mounted on a pallet which is releasably secured to the ram in proper position for broaching. A pallet load stand is positioned at one side of the machine and a pallet unload stand is positioned at the opposite side of the machine. The ram is operated by a single power cylinder.

Abstract: An optimization method of dressing a predetermined profile on the periphery of a grinding wheel of the type used in form grinding. A dresser is guided along a path corresponding to the predetermined grinding wheel profile in successive, identical cycles of motion. The grinding wheel is fed into the path in increments between cycles. The dresser contacts the periphery of the grinding wheel during movement along its path, with the duration of contact increasing in each cycle until the predetermined profile is produced. The duration of contact during each cycle is monitored. When the difference between the duration of contact in a given cycle and the duration of contact in the previous cycle is zero or negligible, dressing is complete. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grinder for form grinding gear teeth in which a work gear is positioned rotationally by a computer controlled drive. A sensitive probe in known angular relation to a grinding wheel about the axis of the gear is positioned at random in any tooth space, and senses the angular positions of the gear when the gear is driven in opposite directions into probe actuating positions of adjacent tooth surfaces. The computer then controls the gear drive to rotate it reversely by one half of such angular movement from the last position.

Abstract: A tooth broach designed for use with thin workpieces having its teeth arranged in circumferentially extending sets in each of which the teeth are arranged in groups of one or more teeth, and gaps devoid of teeth between adjacent groups. The teeth are further arranged in longitudinally extending series, in which consecutive teeth in each series are separated by gaps in the adjacent sets. This provides for reduced axial spacing between axially adjacent sets of teeth to maintain cutting action at all times with a thin workpiece.