Abstract: A hardware fastener with a movable threaded element suspended within a cavity formed in a body. The movable threaded element has an internal surface with threads for cooperating with a threaded fastener. The movable threaded element is suspended in the cavity by the one or more spring-like members such that an area, A, of reduced stiffness is created in the cavity proximate the movable threaded element, thereby allowing the movable threaded element to move a predetermined distance within the cavity when torque is applied to the threaded fastener. The one or more spring-like members store elastic potential energy to prevent the loss of pretension of the threaded fastener that can be caused by heat or vibration. The invention also eliminates the need for a torque wrench when tightening the threaded fastener to a specified torque value.

Abstract: A hardware fastener with a movable threaded element suspended within a cavity formed in a body. The movable threaded element has an internal surface with threads for cooperating with a threaded fastener. The movable threaded element is suspended in the cavity by the one or more spring-like members such that an area, A, of reduced stiffness is created in the cavity proximate the movable threaded element, thereby allowing the movable threaded element to move a predetermined distance within the cavity when torque is applied to the threaded fastener. The one or more spring-like members store elastic potential energy to prevent the loss of pretension of the threaded fastener that can be caused by heat or vibration. The invention also eliminates the need for a torque wrench when tightening the threaded fastener to a specified torque value.

Abstract: A hardware fastener with a movable threaded element suspended within a cavity formed in a body. The movable threaded element has an internal surface with threads for cooperating with a threaded fastener. The movable threaded element is suspended in the cavity by the one or more spring-like members such that an area, A, of reduced stiffness is created in the cavity proximate the movable threaded element, thereby allowing the movable threaded element to move a predetermined distance within the cavity when torque is applied to the threaded fastener. The one or more spring-like members store elastic potential energy to prevent the loss of pretension of the threaded fastener that can be caused by heat or vibration. The invention also eliminates the need for a torque wrench when tightening the threaded fastener to a specified torque value.

Abstract: A clamp for a tool holder is disclosed. The clamping tool holder includes a body having an insert-receiving pocket and a threaded clamp-receiving bore with a coolant opening for receiving pressurized coolant from a coolant source. A clamp includes a threaded aperture extending from a top surface to a bottom surface and coolant passages in fluid communication with a coolant header. A clamp screw is threaded into the threaded aperture of the clamp. The clamp screw includes a plurality of coolant passages in fluid communication with the coolant opening of the body, and at least one coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant passage. Coolant from the coolant source enters the coolant opening of the body, travels into the clamp screw, travels into each coolant passage of the clamp, and then exits the clamp in a direction toward a cutting insert-workpiece interface.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a body made of a ceramic material. The body has a first surface, a second surface and at least one flank surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface includes a chip forming feature extending in a radially outwardly direction to a cutting edge and extending in a radially inwardly direction to an inner edge. The chip forming feature includes a front wall that slopes downward from the cutting edge radially inward toward a rounded bottom surface and a back wall that slopes upward from the rounded bottom surface radially inward to the inner edge. The chip forming feature can include an optional land surface between the cutting edge and the front wall.

Abstract: A clamp for a tool holder is disclosed. The clamping tool holder includes a body having an insert-receiving pocket and a threaded clamp-receiving bore with a coolant opening for receiving pressurized coolant from a coolant source. A clamp includes a threaded aperture extending from a top surface to a bottom surface and coolant passages in fluid communication with a coolant header. A clamp screw is threaded into the threaded aperture of the clamp. The clamp screw includes a plurality of coolant passages in fluid communication with the coolant opening of the body, and at least one coolant channel in fluid communication with the coolant passage. Coolant from the coolant source enters the coolant opening of the body, travels into the clamp screw, travels into each coolant passage of the clamp, and then exits the clamp in a direction toward a cutting insert-workpiece interface.

Abstract: A toolholder includes a cutting tool mounted to a head attached to a collar at a first end of the toolholder. A shank is located at a second, opposite end of the toolholder. A central cavity extends inwardly from the first end toward the shank. A viscous fluid inertia mass damper is disposed within the central cavity. The viscous fluid inertia mass damper includes an absorber body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a fluid reservoir formed in the damper body for containing a viscous fluid, and a plurality of apertures formed in the damper body for allowing the viscous fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir and through the apertures to suppress vibration of the toolholder. A method for suppressing vibrations in a toolholder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a body made of a ceramic material. The body has a first surface, a second surface and at least one flank surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface includes a chip forming feature extending in a radially outwardly direction to a cutting edge and extending in a radially inwardly direction to an inner edge. The chip forming feature includes a front wall that slopes downward from the cutting edge radially inward toward a rounded bottom surface and a back wall that slopes upward from the rounded bottom surface radially inward to the inner edge. The chip forming feature can include an optional land surface between the cutting edge and the front wall.

Abstract: A toolholder includes a cutting tool mounted to a head attached to a collar at a first end of the toolholder. A shank is located at a second, opposite end of the toolholder. A central cavity extends inwardly from the first end toward the shank. A viscous fluid inertia mass damper is disposed within the central cavity. The viscous fluid inertia mass damper includes an absorber body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a fluid reservoir formed in the damper body for containing a viscous fluid, and a plurality of apertures formed in the damper body for allowing the viscous fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir and through the apertures to suppress vibration of the toolholder. A method for suppressing vibrations in a toolholder is also disclosed.