Abstract: The work is a plurality of blanks whose inner or outer surfaces are to be shaped to form molds. The blanks are mounted rotatably in synchronism with a master having the contour for shaping the blanks. A tracer in engagement with the contour and tools in cutting engagement with the blanks are mounted on a slide movable laterally with respect to the axes of the blanks and master as commanded by the contour. The slide is moved axially with respect to the blanks and master so that the tracer follows the contour moving transversely inwardly and outwardly. The tracer is coupled to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) which produces an electrical signal corresponding to the transverse movement of the tracer. The signal drives a low-inertia motor which rotates a screw in one direction or the other depending on the instantaneous polarity of the signal. The screw is in engagement with a nut. The nut is prevented from rotating and advances or retracts depending on the direction of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A groove is cut near the end of a roll to sever the end from the remainder of the roll. The roll is rotated by a high-power motor here called the spindle motor. A cutting tool which cuts the groove is mounted on a cross-slide which is driven towards and away from the work by a substantially lower-power motor here called the cutting-tool motor. The cross-slide carries the cutting tool into cutting engagement with the work or retracts the tool. The cross-slide motor may, independently of the spindle motor, be readily reversed to retract the tool from the work and again reversed to reengage the tool with the work. If the tool encounters excessive resistance the cutting-tool motor is reversed and the tool is retracted. The speeds of the spindle, on which the roll is rotated, and of the cutting-tool motor are controlled and coordinated so that the cutting of the groove is effected at a substantially constant chip load, that is, constant thickness of chip at a given rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming complex shapes in work of large dimensions, including a turn table on which a support for a tool mount is mounted slideable in a horizontal slide. The tool mount has a turret which may be circular or polyganol or any other suitable shape with tools extending from its periphery. The tool mount is mounted in the tool-mount support slideable in a vertical slide. Drives are provided for rotating the turn table, for changing the position of the tool-mount support horizontally along the horizontal slide, for changing the position of the tool mount vertically along the vertical slide and for rotating the turret. The selection and positioning of the tool may thus be predetermined. The work is mounted on a fixture over the turn table so that any selected ones of the tools extending from the turret can be positioned in cutting engagement with the work.

Abstract: A horizontal boring mill for machining work at a high rate. The boring mill includes a massive boring bar which carries intermediate its end the boring-tool holder from which boring tools extend radially. The boring bar is rotated by a first drive of sufficient power to enable the boring tool to take a deep cut in the work at a high rate. The boring bar is rotatable on bearings of substantial area; a bearing between the first drive and the bar and bearings on each side of the work. The bar, the first drive and the bearing between the first drive and the bar are moved along the bed of the boring mill by a second drive so that the boring tool engages and cuts the work. The other bearings are secured to the bed and the bar is moved through them. Each bearing on each side of the work carries a facing tool which is rotatable by the bar as the bar is rotated but is not movable with the bar. These bearings may be adjustably secured along the bed so that the facing tool is in position to face the ends of the work.

Abstract: The work is a vertical stack of blanks clamped between centers of a head-stock and a tail-stock rather than being supported from a center. The stack so clamped is rotated coaxially with a cam in engagement with a rotating grinding wheel. The cam is rotated in engagement with a rotating cam follower. The assembly including the stack and cam is suspended from a heavy rigid rocker support which is pivoted in accordance with the contour of the cam as the cam is displaced laterally by the cam follower.

Abstract: The flexible pivot includes a plurality of pairs of crossed flexible strips, each pair anchored in a pair of blocks at an angle to each other. The strips are displaced from each other edgewise and if they engage at all, engage at centers of their edges which do not move. The strips extend, and are capable of flexing, between the blocks. The intersections of the planes defined by the pairs of strips when unflexed, define a common line which is the axis of the flexible pivot. One of the blocks of each pair is secured firmly to a rigid support and the other block of each pair to a member which is pivoted. The strips are limited to flexing over a very small angle but the member which is pivoted may be mounted remotely from the axis so that the displacement of this member is amplified and is substantial.