Abstract: An improved pull-back chuck is disclosed that detects when a workpiece is properly located against a locating surface of the chuck and when the workpiece is gripped with sufficient force by the jaws. A transducer is disposed within a master jaw in a portion deformable by operating levers of the chuck assembly. When sufficient force is applied to the workpiece by action of the operating levers, a portion of the master jaw deforms causing the transducer to deform and modify an electrical signal in proportion to the pressure. A switch located in an aperture of a locating plate has an actuator that protrudes beyond the locating surface of the locating plate. When a reference surface of the workpiece abuts the locating surface of the locating plate of the chuck, the actuator is depressed by the workpiece and the switch changes electrical condition giving an indication of abutment.

Abstract: A workholder for a machine tool or the like having a power assembly and a work gripping assembly that are separable to permit use of a plurality of work gripping assemblies and associated work gripping jaws of a size and shape to accommodate different workpieces. Work gripping assemblies with jaws pre-qualified to different workpieces can be exchanged quickly and automatically, as by use of a robot, when different parts are to be machined, while a single power assembly remains connected to the machine tool.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic cylinder for actuating a rotary work holder, on a machine tool. A non-rotary fluid distributor is supported on the cylinder by a bearing sleeve. The bearing surface of the sleeve has an anti-friction coating. The sleeve is rotatable within a housing and is frictionally restrained from rotation under normal operating conditions by O-rings, but can rotate in the event of bearing seizure. Sleeve rotation is sensed through a proximity switch to stop operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A workholder for a machine tool or the like having a power assembly and a work gripping assembly that are separable to permit use of a plurality of work gripping assemblies and associated work gripping jaws of a size and shape to accommodate different workpieces. Work gripping assemblies with jaws pre-qualified to different workpieces can be exchanged quickly and automatically, as by use of a robot, when different parts are to be machined, while a single power assembly remains connected to the machine tool.

Abstract: A top jaw for attachment to a rotary chuck, with inserts removably secured to a base, constructed to facilitate changing inserts with automated equipment. Slidably engageable pins and slots on the base and insert require positioning and removal of the insert with two directions of relative movement and thereby inhibit separation of the insert from the base from forces applied other than is a prescribed direction and sequence. The insert is releasably held to the base by detents.

Abstract: A rotary chuck with lever operated jaws, in which the levers are constructed to counteract the force-reducing effect of centrifugal force on the work-gripping jaws. The levers include a counterbalancing portion large with respect to either arm of the lever, that is wholly contained within the chuck body and extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the chuck when the jaws are in a work-gripping position. A new master jaw construction facilitates mounting collet pads with a minimum of weight to reduce the adverse effects of centrifugal force.

Abstract: A rotary jaw chuck work holder for a machine tool or the like, with a central opening through which stock is fed and a detector sensitive to the presence of sufficient stock for safe gripping by the chuck jaws beyond the opening. A rod is movable by air pressure in a passage of the chuck that communicates with the central opening. The extent to which the rod moves depends upon the presence or absence of a workpiece in the central opening. Air is supplied to the rod passage of the work holder through an annular manifold part of which is movable into contact with the work holder in response to air flow to the manifold. When moved against the work holder, the manifold supplies air to the rod passage without regard to the rotational position of the work holder.