Patents by Inventor Clarence M. Nichols

Clarence M. Nichols has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5345390
    Abstract: A control system for a hydro-mechanically stroked gear shaper provides control and diagnostic functions. The control system includes a video display and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed to monitor load force imparted by a cutting tool over its lifetime. The microprocessor also monitors the number of times a cutting tool is used. By monitoring these parameters, the system provides a indication of when the cutting tool has exceeded its useful life. The control sysem also provides a graphical representation of the gear shaper. When an operational problem is sensed by sensors in the gear shaper, the graphical representation indicates where the problem has arisen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Fellows Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Greenip, Jr., Gregory H. Chase, Clarence M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 4254690
    Abstract: A control system for a machine tool, such as a gear shaper, having a hydro-mechanically stroked cutter spindle, controls the stroking speed of the spindle, the feed of a workpiece relative to a cutter or other tool carried by the spindle, and the pressure of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic portion of the spindle stroking mechanism in such a way as to improve the efficiency of the machine both with regard to the time required to complete a given job and with regard to power consumption. The work force exerted by the spindle during its work stroke may be maintained within a selectable maximum limit and the cutter spindle stroking position is remotely adjustable to bring it into proper working relationship with a workpiece or to raise it to an elevated position to bring it out of working relationship with the workpiece. Various different stroking speeds of the spindle and various different feed rates of the workpiece relative to the spindle are available to suit different job requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Fellows Corporation
    Inventors: Erich Tlaker, Clarence M. Nichols
  • Patent number: 4136302
    Abstract: A control system for a machine tool, such as a gear shaper, having a hydro-mechanically stroked cutter spindle, controls the stroking speed of the spindle, the feed of a workpiece relative to a cutter or other tool carried by the spindle, and the pressure of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic portion of the spindle stroking mechanism in such a way as to improve the efficiency of the machine both with regard to the time required to complete a given job and with regard to power consumption. The work force exerted by the spindle during its work stroke may be maintained within a selectable maximum limit and the cutter spindle stroking position is remotely adjustable to bring it into proper working relationship with a workpiece or to raise it to an elevated position to bring it out of working relationship with the workpiece. Various different stroking speeds of the spindle and various different feed rates of the workpiece relative to the spindle are available to suit different job requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Fellows Corporation
    Inventors: Erich Tlaker, Clarence M. Nichols