Abstract: A system for forming twisted or aligned electrospun fibers has been developed. The collector for the electrospun fibers is capable of rotation. In some instances, fibers are formed between two collectors, at least one of which rotates to twist the fibers into a multifilament bundle with increased strength. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical collector rotates, and charged polymer jet uniformly coats the surface of the collector. When a drum collector rotates at a high speed, electrospun fibers align and form an array. Optionally, different active agents can be included in the electrospinning solutions to form fiber constructs with different strengths and controlled release profiles, providing a reproducible method to generate complexed structures based on electrospun fibers and controlled drug delivery profiles.

Abstract: A system for forming twisted or aligned electrospun fibers has been developed. The collector for the electrospun fibers is capable of rotation. In some instances, fibers are formed between two collectors, at least one of which rotates to twist the fibers into a multifilament bundle with increased strength. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical collector rotates, and charged polymer jet uniformly coats the surface of the collector. When a drum collector rotates at a high speed, electrospun fibers align and form an array. Optionally, different active agents can be included in the electrospinning solutions to form fiber constructs with different strengths and controlled release profiles, providing a reproducible method to generate complexed structures based on electrospun fibers and controlled drug delivery profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a spindle for holding a tool including a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools and a rotatable arm movable between the spindle and the plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of locations has a clip for holding a tool and each clip has two arms with the arm on a first side of the clip having an inclined surface. The rotatable arm includes at least two grippers with each gripper defining at least one cam surface, the cam surface being structured and arranged to engage the inclined surface of the clip to allow for the removal of a tool in the clip.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a machine tool with a spindle for holding a tool disposed within the machining center frame. The tool changer comprises a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools, and an arm structured and arranged to be movable between the plurality of locations and a position which is capable of accessing a spindle of the machining center. Each tool holding location farther comprises a fork, which has a plurality of prongs. The movable arm has two grippers and one of the two grippers is disposed at an angle of about 90° relative to the other of the two grippers. The movable arm also is associated with rotational, vertical, and horizontal movement mechanisms. The rotational mechanism includes a motor, a pulley associated with the motor, a belt attached to the motor and the pulley, and a gear wheel attached to the belt with a limit switch for sensing one of the locations on the gear wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a spindle for holding a tool including a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools and a rotatable arm movable between the spindle and the plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of locations has a clip for holding a tool and each clip has two arms with the arm on a first side of the clip having an inclined surface. The rotatable arm includes at least two grippers with each gripper defining at least one cam surface, the cam surface being structured and arranged to engage the inclined surface of the clip to allow for the removal of a tool in the clip.

Abstract: A manually operated apparatus for removal and insertion of a tool holder to and from a tool pocket of a magazine includes two components--a multi-function insertion/removal tool, and a pivot bracket. The multi-function tool generally comprises an elongated bar having a tool holder removal element at one end and an insertion element at the opposite end. The removal element can constitute a known pry tool having a fork portion configured to facilitate insertion between the rim of the tool pocket and the underside of the circumferential flange of the tool holder. The insertion element of the multi-function insertion/removal tool comprises a pivot block and a pressure plate. The pivot block includes a pivot pin projecting therefrom that is configured for pivoting engagement within a channel defined in the pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is mounted to the housing of the tool magazine at a manually accessible location relative to the tool pockets with the open end of the channel facing away from the tool pocket.