Abstract: Three machine tools are positioned in spaced apart relationship at the corners of a triangle. Each machine tool has a worktable which is rotatably mounted on a corresponding bed for rotation about a corresponding vertical axis. Each worktable has guide means for slidably receiving a pallet carrying one or more workpieces. At least three workpiece transfer units are each positioned adjacent to the worktable of a corresponding machine tool for interaction therewith. Each workpiece transfer unit has guide means for slidably receiving a pallet and has a hydraulically actuated slide which engages the pallet and moves it along the guide means to transfer the pallet from one machine tool to the adjacent machine tool. One or more workpieces are clamped on each pallet. The pallets are introduced into the loop at an operator's station.

Abstract: A combined tool storage and tool change arrangement for use with a machine tool of the type which includes a power driven rotatable spindle having a socket which receives a tool shank of a predetermined size. The tool storage arrangement comprises a main tool storage magazine with a plurality of tool receiving sockets sized to respectively receive a tool having a shank of said predetermined size. Means is provided for moving the main tool storage magazine whereby to present a predetermined tool receiving socket and the tool therein to a first tool transfer point. An auxiliary tool storage magazine is provided for receiving and storing a plurality of tools having shanks of a different size than said predetermined size. The auxiliary tool storage magazine has a shank of said predetermined size whereby the auxiliary tool storage magazine may be stored in a socket of the main tool storage magazine.

Abstract: Two pairs of crossed tool change arms are mounted adjacent to four spindles which are rotatably mounted on a common spindlehead. Each pair of crossed tool change arms is mounted on a common shaft which is rotatable and is movable along its axis and is positioned to simultaneously insert a pair of tools into or remove a pair of tools from the corresponding pair of spindles. A tool storage chain carrying a plurality of tool storage sockets is movably mounted on a frame in position to interact with the tool change arms which are operable to transfer tools from the tool storage sockets to the spindles and vice versa. Each tool storage socket is pivotally mounted for movement between a vertical storage position and a horizontal tool change position. Four tool storage sockets are pivoted from the vertical storage position to the horizontal tool change position for each tool change operation.