Abstract: A machine tool includes a carrier supporting a plurality of rotary spindles each carrying a chuck for holding a workpiece and each having an individual drive motor. The carrier can be indexed to move the spindles between different stations, while the drive motors remain stationary. Clutches are provided to couple each drive motor to a spindle to be driven. The carrier includes a central shaft supported at its ends on bearings and spindles are coupled to the shaft by supports. Each spindle may be provided with a friction clutch and a tooth clutch for coupling the spindle to the drive motor. The chuck is actuated by a hydraulic piston and cylinder which may be internal to the spindle. Alternatively, the cylinder may be formed by a stationary housing around the spindle containing an annular piston. A shuttle assemble capable of providing a mechanical advantage may be provided for transmitting motion of the piston to the chuck.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a carrier supporting a plurality of rotary spindles each carrying a chuck for holding a workpiece. The carrier can be indexed to move the spindles between different stations. In one aspect of the invention, individual drive motors are provided. The drive motors remain stationery while the carrier is indexed and clutches are provided to couple each drive motor to a spindle to be driven. In another aspect of the invention, the carrier includes a central shaft supported at its ends on bearings and spindles are coupled to the shaft by supports.

Abstract: Metal discs such as brake disc rotors have their planar surfaces finished to the correct thickness and polish, within fine tolerances, in a single operation, by rotating the disc in a plane about an axis of rotation passing through its center, applying to its opposed planar surfaces a pair of cutting or machining tools, directly opposed to one another and one on each surface, moving the pair of tools, at a predetermined separation, radially inwardly towards the axis of rotation, and then increasing their separation and returning them to their starting position, ready for operation upon another disc. Such a process finishes brake disc rotors to the required polish and tolerance in a single step, rapidly and efficiently. Limit switches and appropriate power means are provided to stop the radially inward movement of the cutters and separate them, when the desired inner position has been reached and machined.

Abstract: The entrance step-well of a bus or the like converts from regular step mode to a lift mode for use in lifting wheel chair or the like, by extending the bottom of the well and simultaneously folding the intermediate step away from the step-well space. The extended bottom is free for vertical movement between the ground and the bus level.