Abstract: A touch probe for detecting contact with a workpiece or other object is disclosed and features a highly accurate repositioning system for returning the moveable portion of the touch probe to a predetermined rest position in the absence of contact force acting on the moveable portion.

Abstract: A motion conversion apparatus is disclosed having particular utility as a tool carrier actuator in a rotating taper thread generating tool head, wherein a plurality of tool carriers are moved axially of the workpiece and simultaneously transversly of the axis to form a tapered thread at the end of the workpiece. A portion of the actuating apparatus is mounted coaxially with a housing for the tool head and includes an inner and an outer actuating bar coupled together by helical keys and mating keyways such that relative axial motion between the inner and outer bars produces rotating movement of the outer bar. Rotation of the outer actuating bar is transferred to an actuating drum which has an outer surface having at least one helical keyway formed therein. In one embodiment, the actuating drum is a separate component rotating with the outer actuating bar via key-keyway pairs.

Abstract: An optically coupled in-process gaging system is disclosed for use with numerically controlled machine tools wherein a battery-powered gage unit is enclosed in a housing adapted for retention in an automatic NC program controlled selection from the NC tool magazine. The gage unit can be placed in a machine tool device, such as a spindle, whose movement is directed by the NC program to place a gage transducer of the gage unit in contact with a workpiece to perform dimensional gaging. The gage unit converts an electrical transducer signal into an infra-red optical FM signal for wireless transmission to a receiver unit coupled to a microcomputer-based control unit.

Abstract: A threading tool is disclosed featuring the combined utilization of a multi-toothed thread chaser insert with a single point indexable thread chaser insert. In generating a desired thread form, successive teeth of the multi-toothed chaser perform the initial cutting passes on a workpiece, while the tooth of the single tooth chaser performs the final finishing cutting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the position of a probe relative to a workpiece, for example probe contact with the workpiece, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a transducer for converting probe contact to an electrical signal and a plurality of light emitting semiconductors for wirelessly transmitting an indication of the occurrence of the signal via infrared radiation. The apparatus is capable of operation with either a mechanical switch type probe transducer or a current measuring transformer type probe transducer. The apparatus is easily adapted to transmit the occurrence of probe contact by either amplitude modulation or frequency modulation of the emitted infrared radiation.

Abstract: High-toughness, high-wear resistance cutting tool based on alumina are formed by additions of zirconia and optionally refractory metal carbides or nitrides.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is disclosed for positively locating and retaining disposable inserts of a slotting cutter. The apparatus is arranged such that inserts normally used in non-rotating cut-off, parting or grooving tools can be mounted in a relatively narrow substantially circular rotating cutter body, thereby permitting narrower slot formations than heretofore possible with such tools.

Abstract: A power measuring device is disclosed featuring the capability of converting resistively coupled load current and voltage signals to a digital pulse train whose frequency is proportional to the instantaneous power drawn. The digital pulse train can be optically coupled to a microcomputer-based display or process controller for conversion of the pulse train frequency to a power consumption indicating signal.

Abstract: A support blade for a cutting tool insert is disclosed featuring a unitary clamping arrangement for the insert actuated by a camming member permanently positioned in the blade.

Abstract: A face milling cutter is disclosed having on-edge indexable inserts located at the periphery of the cutting face of the cutter body positioned to provide principal cutting edges exhibiting relatively small true rake angle and relatively small inclination, or effective shear, angle. Each principal cutting edge is joined at its point of maximum cutting depth by a supplemental wiping edge lying substantially in the cutting plane of rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating simulated waveforms for testing the operability of a vectorcardiogram (VCG) machine. Three distinct waveforms are provided which generally simulate electrical activity within the human heart along three separate axes. Preferably, the waveforms are generated from a single electrocardiographic reference signal. The apparatus includes a plurality of connectors which are selectively coupled to the waveforms and supply output signals to the VCG machine which correspond to waveforms which would ordinarily be supplied by a plurality of electrodes attached to a live patient at various positions.

Abstract: Extremely tough, strong and wear resistant cold pressed and sintered inserts consisting essentially of from about 4 to 20% zirconia, from about 1-15% titanium diboride, and up to about 10% grain growth inhibiting sintering aid with the balance being alumina.

Abstract: A cutting tool material having a surprising combination of toughness, high speed wear resistance, strength, resistance to chipping, and resistance to thermal fatigue, consisting essentially of: 15 to 25% of a nickel cobalt binder; 3 to 6% molybdenum carbide; 2 to 5% VC; 15 to 25% TiC; 30 to 40% TiN; and 15 to 20% WC by weight.

Abstract: An optically coupled in-process gaging system is disclosed for use with numerically controlled machine tools wherein a battery-powered gage unit is enclosed in a housing adapted for retention in an automatic NC program controlled selection from the NC tool magazine. The gage unit can be placed in a machine tool device, such as a spindle, whose movement is directed by the NC program to place a gage transducer of the gage unit in contact with a workpiece to perform dimensional gaging. The gage unit converts an electrical transducer signal into an infra-red optical FM signal for wireless transmission to a receiver unit coupled to a microcomputer-based control unit.

Abstract: A device for testing the operability of a blood pressure monitor. The device includes a signal generator for generating a plurality of different output signals simulating a variety of static blood pressure levels. A plurality of display devices are included, each device corresponding to one of the given static blood pressure levels. Control circuitry coupled to a single push button switch simultaneously selects a different blood pressure level to be generated and energizes its corresponding display device upon each sequential activation of the switch.

Abstract: A caliper-type transducer for measuring a workpiece includes a pair of non-crossing pivot arms each having a contact end and a transducer end. The arms are interconnected for frictionless pivotal movement by a fixed pivot block and spring members which act to limit the displacement of the arms to complemental displacement in the plane of measurement. One arm carries two reactive elements mounted in spaced opposed relationship such that the transducer end of the other arm may be disposed therebetween to vary the reactances according to movement of the caliper ends which cause corresponding movement in their respective transducer ends. The change in reactances of the reactive elements are differentially sensed as the arms are displaced from an initial position when measuring the workpiece.

Abstract: The controller includes a power sensing device which monitors the instantaneous power drawn by the machine and compares it with a predetermined limit level of desired power consumption. A user programmable timer is manually accessible for loading a selected time delay period therein. The controller provides an output capable of altering the machine operation when the machine power consumption has continuously exceeded the limit value for the selected time period. The controller outputs may be latched or nonlatched once an overlimit condition is detected in accordance with a user selectable programmed parameter. In an adaptive mode, the controller forces the feed rate to a programmable feed rate for a selected period of time upon initial impact between the workpiece and the machine tool.

Abstract: An indexable insert broach for finishing a cylindrical surface is disclosed. The inserts are mounted on the body of the broach in helical arrays of increasing radii.

Abstract: An indexable insert broach for finishing a cylindrical surface is disclosed. The inserts are mounted on the body of the broach in helical arrays of increasing radii.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for a stepper motor driven machine tool compensation system is disclosed. The step pulses for the motor are stored in the controller firmware as a table of numbers, each number representing the time elapsing from one motor step command to the next, thus enabling precise generation of the desired motor velocity versus time characteristic. The controller additionally interprets compensation system command inputs, drives a system display unit, and activates appropriate output status signals to the compensation system and machine tool apparatus. The controller is capable of detecting impending commercial power failure and protecting, via battery back-up power, its volatile random access memory.