Abstract: Clutching device particularly adapted for use in tapping attachments. The clutch is of the type having axial aligned driving and driven elements. The invention is illustrated in a reversible tapping attachment. In a preferred form the driving element is in the form of a sleeve having axial splines. The driven element has axial grooves. A ball retainer with angularly spaced balls provides for drive between the drive element and the driven element, the balls being engageable with the axial splines and with the axial grooves in the driven element. The improvement resides in that the axial grooves are not of the same width as the diameter of the balls but are of a width greater than the diameter of the balls, the width being preferably twice the diameter of the balls. Improved operation is realized in clutching and declutching and in the transfer through a neutral zone from direct drive to reverse drive. In the preferred embodiment the tapping attachment is of the free-axial float type.

Abstract: A tapping attachment particularly adapted for use with machines under numerical computer control. The attachment embodies tension cushion for the spindle by way of a tension spring as well as compression cushion for the spindle. The compression cushion is provided by way of an adjustable spring member which is in a bore of the spindle and which has a helical spring formed in it. The tension spring is on the inside of the compression spring member. The attachment as a whole is of relatively short overall length, adapting it for use in an automated system wherein attachments are automatically inserted in the machine and interchanged. The attachment embodies a hard start feature provided by way of releasable securement which will release the spindle for movement in response to predetermined axial force, so that in the case of a dull tap the automated movement of the attachment under computer control will be kept accurately programmed.

Abstract: A tapping attachment includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft being associable with a source of rotational energy to cause forward or reverse drive of a tapping spindle which carries a tap which is intended to do work upon a work piece. The shaft of the tapping attachment is provided with a collar having a recess therein. Associated with the housing is an indexing mechanism including a housing, a spring biased plunger insertable into the housing for limited movement therein, and a bracket arm operably associated with the plunger. The bracket arm includes a radially projecting extension insertable into the recess of the collar to fix the shaft in a desired position and also an axially extending arm engageable with a boss on a machining center to fix the housings relative to the drive imparting machine and also to disengage the radial extension from the collar to permit rotation of the shaft and inner workings of the tapping attachment.

Abstract: A tapping attachment particularly adapted for use with machines under numerical computer control. The attachment embodies tension cushion for the spindle by way of a tension spring as well as compression cushion for the spindle. The compression cushion is provided by way of an adjustable spring member which is in a bore of the spindle and which has a helical spring formed in it. The tension spring is on the inside of the compression spring member. The attachment as a whole is of relatively short overall length, adapting it for use in an automated system wherein attachments are automatically inserted in the machine and interchanged. The attachment embodies a hard start feature provided by way of releasable securement which will release the spindle for movement in response to predetermined axial force, so that in the case of a dull tap the automated movement of the attachment under computer control will be kept accurately programmed.

Abstract: A readily removable tool holder constructed to be held in a receptacle which may be carried on the spindle of a tapping attachment. A torque release clutch is built into the removable tool holder for the purpose that when one tool holder is substituted for another, it is not necessary to make adjustments in the torque release clutch of the tapping attachment itself. The parts of the torque release clutch are of relatively small diameter to fit into the tool holder. Improvements are embodied in the torque release clutch. Clutch members are provided including a first clutch member and a second clutch member. The main biasing spring acts on the first clutch member. When the clutch parts are disengaged, the first member is moved against the spring and held in an inactive position wherein it is completely out of engagement with the teeth of the other clutch member to eliminate wear.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for driving between axially aligned parts and is particularly adaptable in tapping attachments having free axial float. Direct and reverse drive is provided for by way of planetary gears for driving in direct and reverse drive in an exemplary attachment in which the clutching means is embodied. Spring biased clutch drive means is provided for both the direct and reverse drive. The clutch drive means is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven splindle part. The splines have arcuate side surfaces to conform to the driving balls providing for substantially frictionless drive in both direct and reverse modes, the balls being free to roll. The splines are especially configurated to facilitate engagement of the balls with them. A single drive sleeve is resiliently carried by one of the parts for providing both direct and reverse drive.

Abstract: A releasable detent joint or coupling between telescoping cylindrical parts such as a receptacle and a tool holder held therein. The inner member is held by ball detents and a holding ring. The ring is expandable to allow release of the ball detents and separation of the parts in response to a predetermined applied torque to provide a safety release. In a simplified form of the invention, the holding ring is not expandable but release is effected merely by angular movement of the ring to a release position of the ball detents.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for driving between axially aligned parts and is particularly adaptable in tapping attachments having free axial float. The clutch drive means is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven splindle part in both direct and reverse drive.A torque release clutch is provided. It acts on a drive member through which drive is transmitted in both direct and reverse drive so that it will release in the event of excessive torque in either direct or reverse drive.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clutching means for tapping attachments and particularly adaptable in attachments having free axial float. Direct and reverse drive is provided for by way of planetary gears for driving in direct and reverse drive in the exemplary attachment in which the clutching means is embodied. An adjustment is provided for depth. Spring biased clutch drive members are provided for both the direct and reverse drive providing a narrow, neutral position. Each clutch driver member is in the form of a sleeve having a ball race carrying driving balls interposed between axial splines on a driving part and on the driven spindle. The splines have arcuate side surfaces to confrom to the driving balls providing for substantially frictionless drive in both direct and reverse modes, the balls being free to roll. The splines are especially configurated to facilitate engagement of the balls with them.