Abstract: A tool changing system for chip forming machine tools is described which with a simple construction ensures a tool change both in conjunction with horizontal spindles and vertical spindles and also spindles which adopt intermediate positions, which minimizes the flight circle or disturbing circle and ensures short change times. This tool changing system includes a double grasper arrangement which is linearly movable by means of a transport device, which can execute pivotal movements over different angular ranges and which has grasper arms which are directed parallel to the pivot axle of the double grasper arrangement and are symmetrically displaced relative to one another in two perpendicular directions relative to the pivot axle, with each grasper arm being adjustable perpendicular to its longitudinal extent over a predeterminable stroke.

Abstract: A magazine is described which requires only a small surface area for its accommodation and which nevertheless holds a large number of tools. The magazine includes carrier units which are arranged in tower-like manner above one another and which are provided with a central cut-out and inwardly disposed tool mounts. This tower-like magazine is transportable and associated with a spatially fixed transport means which can be introduced into the central cut-out and which can transport the respective tools to a tool transfer position by short stroke and pivotal movements. Other magazine constructions are also described in the form of racks and towers.