Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool storage carousel assembly for use in a tool change system of a vertical lathe or the like. The tool storage carousel assembly generally comprises a rotatable turntable having a plurality of radially projecting tool block supporting elements. Each of the tool blocks to be stored in the carousel assembly is provided with a top surface having an upwardly opening, clamping slot extending completely across the top surface. Each of the projecting tool block supporting elements of the rotatable turntable is arranged and configured for slidable reception in the clamping slot of one of the tool blocks to be stored in the carousel assembly whereby the particular tool block is supported by the tool block supporting element for storage on the carousel assembly. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, each of the radially projecting elements of the rotatable turntable includes a recess means formed therein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool change system for a vertical lathe or the like which, among other things, greatly reduces the nonproductive time of the machining head. During machining with a first tool, a second tool is selected from a storage library and is transported over to the ram housing from which the ram and cutting tool are supported. The new apparatus includes advantageous arrangements for eccentrically mounting right-hand and left-hand tools in the machine ram. Provision for eccentric mounting of the tools enables a much heavier and stronger ram to be employed.The apparatus also includes special modifications for clamping tool blocks on opposite sides, rather than in the center only as is more typical, for applications involving exceptionally high loading of the tool block.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool change system for a vertical lathe or the like which, among other things, greatly reduces the nonproductive time of the machining head. During machining with a first tool, a second tool is selected from a storage library and is transported over to the ram housing from which the ram and cutting tool are supported. The new tool, held by the transfer carrier, remains in a predetermined position with respect to the ram housing, even though the latter is moving in the course of machining operations. When the machining program subsequently calls for a tool change, it is only necessary to retract the ram, and the tool is waiting to be installed. A unique arrangement of torque limiting clutch enables the transfer carrier to follow the movements of the ram housing in the desired manner in preparation for the tool change to be executed.

Abstract: In a tool change system for a vertical lathe or the like, a new and improved arrangement for clamping a tool block in a tool supporting ram. The new clamping means provides a firm support for the tool block and further includes means for equalizing the clamping forces applied to the tool block and for properly positioning and orienting the tool block in the ram. In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, the tool block is provided with clamp engaging means on opposite sides thereof and the clamping means comprises a pair of spaced clamping bars engageable with the respective clamping means on the tool block. A common actuating means is operative to move the clamping bars into a tight clamping relation with the clamping means of the tool block.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool change system for a vertical lathe or the like which, among other things, greatly reduces the nonproductive time of the machining head. During machining with a first tool, a second tool is selected from a storage library and is transported over to the ram housing from which the ram and cutting tool are supported. The new tool, held by the transfer carrier, remains in a predetermined position with respect to the ram housing, even though the latter is moving in the course of machining operations. When the machining program subsequently calls for a tool change, it is only necessary to retract the ram, and the tool is waiting to be installed. A unique arrangement of torque limiting clutch enables the transfer carrier to follow the movements of the ram housing in the desired manner in preparation for the tool change to be executed.