Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a spindle of a machine tool and/or removing a workpiece from the spindle. The machine spindle includes an axis of rotation and the workpiece includes a centerline extending between a first end surface and a second end surface. A mechanism is provided for grasping the workpiece, preferably on its centers, in a position proximate the spindle whereby the workpiece centerline is coincident with the axis of rotation of the spindle. The spindle is moved relative to the workpiece in the direction of the axis of rotation whereby the workpiece is inserted into the spindle or removed from the spindle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a spindle of a machine tool and/or removing a workpiece from the spindle. The machine spindle includes an axis of rotation and the workpiece includes a centerline extending between a first end surface and a second end surface. A mechanism is provided for grasping the workpiece, preferably on its centers, in a position proximate the spindle whereby the workpiece centerline is coincident with the axis of rotation of the spindle. The spindle is moved relative to the workpiece in the direction of the axis of rotation whereby the workpiece is inserted into the spindle or removed from the spindle.

Abstract: A lapping compound holding tank (60) positionable at least partially below the lapping chamber of a lapping machine. The cylindrical tank is rotatable about its axis and includes a fixed mixer and scraping assembly (80) positioned in the tank. The mixer and scraping assembly provides strong small-scale turbulence or even scraping action very close to the bottom (64) of the tank. The tank configuration enables efficient use of floor space since the tank occupies much of the same area as the lapping chamber of the machine. There are fewer potential accumulation surfaces between the lapping chamber drain and the tank. Cost and complexity of the tank is reduced. The present invention also includes an in-line compound filtration system (120) comprising an inlet section (122), a funnel portion (128) having a tubular portion (130) and an outlet (132), and a removable magnetic unit (134) having a cylindrical magnet (136).

Abstract: A machine for lapping or testing gears comprising a single machine column having a first side oriented perpendicular to a second side with the first side having a first workpiece spindle rotatable about a first axis and the second spindle having a second workpiece spindle rotatable about a second axis. The first workpiece spindle is movably secured to the first side and the second workpiece spindle is movably secured to the second side. The first and second workpiece spindles are movable with respect to one another along one or more of mutually perpendicular directions G, H and V. At least one, and preferably both, of the spindles are direct drive spindles. At any relative position of the spindles and their associated gear members along the G, H and V directions, the crossing points of their respective axes remains the same. For lapping, the machine further includes means to introduce lapping compound at the toe end of one of the members rotating in mesh at a location before the point of mesh.

Abstract: A method of determining backlash wherein one member of a gearset is rotated in a first direction and rotary positions are recorded at predetermined increments. The rotary positions of the other member of the gearset are recorded simultaneously with those of the one member. The direction of rotation of the one member is reversed and rotary positions are recorded at the same increments while simultaneously recording the rotary positions of the other member. The difference in recorded positions for the other member are calculated thus representing the amount of gearset backlash.

Abstract: A lapping compound mixing and supply system wherein lapping compound is recirculated to the mixing vessel when not supplied to the lapping chamber of a machine tool such as a gear lapping machine. Lapping compound is pumped at about a first range of pump speeds to the lapping chamber, however, when no lapping is being performed, lapping compound is pumped at about a second, decreased range of pump speeds through a recirculating conduit and introduced into the mixing vessel along the conical bottom surface of the vessel. The introduction of lapping compound in this manner, along with the action of an rotating impeller in the vessel, provides improved mixing of the lapping compound and homogenizes the temperature thereof.