Abstract: A machine tool spindle is supported at its spindle nose in a front, rolling element mechanical anti-friction thrust and radial support bearing means. The middle and rear end of the spindle is supported in a magnetic radial rear bearing and further supported at a generally mid-position of the spindle by magnetic radial mid bearing. The two magnetic radial bearings provide radial suspension of the spindle and permit the spindle to slide freely. A spindle flange is axially forced by a magnetic axial thrust bearing to vary the pre-load of the mechanical anti-friction thrust and radial support bearing.

Abstract: An indexing system for the rotary work changer of a machining center for supporting and interchanging work-holder pallets between the machining zone and the load/unload zone of the machining center.

Abstract: There is provided a high-production machining device having first and second spindles rotatably mounted on a headstock. A carriage is slidably mounted on the machine bed, and in a preferred embodiment a first drive assembly is provided for sliding the carriage across the upper face of the bed along a transverse axis thereof. First and second slides are slidably mounted on the carriage for movement in a direction normal to the transverse axis, with the first and second slides each adapted to carry a machine tool and each being attached to a common second drive assembly for moving the slides in that normal direction. A linear sensor monitors the positions of the first and second slides relative one another, and an independent compensating assembly is provided for adjusting the position of one of the slides relative the other in the normal direction, whereby positions of the first and second slides in the normal direction can be effectively independently controlled.

Abstract: A longitudinal conveying system for mechanically feeding one or more workpieces to a predetermined loading position, comprising a pair of spaced, parallel longitudinal workpiece supports, with each such supports including an upper support face and having a distal end and a proximal end. The predetermined loading position is located adjacent the proximal end of the workpiece supports, and a longitudinal conveying beam is moveably located intermediate the workpiece supports. The conveying beam has an upper surface for supporting one or more workpieces. Driving apparatus for moving the conveying beam in an upward direction, a forward conveying direction toward the proximal end, a downward direction, and a backward direction is provided for enabling the conveying beam to lift workpieces from the workpiece supports for movement toward the proximal end.

Abstract: A rotatable spindle is carried in bearings located in one end of the bore in an adapter. The other end of the adapter is fixed in a machine base so as to cantilever the adapter. A damping chamber is formed along the adapter length between the machine base and the adapter, and a damping medium is provided in the damping chamber to control vibrations of the cantilever assembly. In one embodiment, a viscous damping medium is utilized to effectuate squeeze film damping. In an alternate embodiment, a visco-elastic damping medium is utilized in the damping chamber.

Abstract: An anti-backlash mechanism for a machine drive is disclosed, wherein a shaft carries a rotary worm wheel having drive connections to the tangs of two back-to-back clutch units. The first clutch unit is connected to a rotatable shaft, concentric with the worm wheel, and having a first helical gear on its end. A second helical gear on the support shaft is torsionally and axially free to slip. The second gear is connected to the second clutch unit by a torque tube permitting relative axial movement to occur between the two. A first actuator biases the two gears apart, and a second actuator between the second helical gear and the clutch units provides clamping force to engage the mechanism. An output bull gear is in mesh with the pair of helical gears. To engage the mechanism, the second actuator is energized, impressing a snugging force on the discs of the clutch units, and driving the second helical gear in an axial direction toward the first helical gear.

Abstract: A facial relief and seal creates a closed damping chamber between the spindle end face and adjacent tool support plate. A plurality of tools are located on the face plate near the outer periphery. In one embodiment, a viscous medium, such as oil, is provided in the damping chamber. In an alternate embodiment, a visco-elastic material, such as PVC, is provided in the damping chamber. Relative movement between the spindle end face and the tool support plate will cause vibration damping.

Abstract: An article gripping apparatus has a housing moved into proximity with a part to be gripped. A clamp finger is pivoted on the housing by an actuator biased by a first "stiff" spring reacting against the housing. In the clamped position, an interference wedge block is biased against the clamp finger by a second, "soft", spring reacting against the actuator to prevent the finger from opening under the influence of an external force. A piston portion of the actuator is contained in a cylinder portion of the wedge block. When pressurized fluid is ported to the cylinder cavity, the wedge block is first retracted from the clamp finger, overcoming the second, "soft", biasing spring. When the wedge block contacts a fixed shoulder in the housing, the actuator piston is then forced away from the shoulder, overcoming the first, "stiff", biasing spring, pivoting the finger to an "open" position.

Abstract: The profile of the cam, of a cam-actuated, spring-return mechanism of the type which includes a cam-shaft, a cam-follower, a cam-follower-shaft and spring means having a given spring rate and initial preload, is shaped in such a manner, that for a particular spring means, the torque output of the cam-shaft can be tailored to meet the torque requirements of a driven device, for the torque output can be constant throughout the return travel of the cam-induced displacement of the spring means to a compressed condition beyond its initial preload, whereby an infinite number of torque output characteristics may be obtained by altering or preselecting the cam profile only, while utilizing, unchanged, the other components of the mechanism.