Abstract: A machine tool comprises a frame; a work holder operably associated with the frame; at least one carriage disposed on the frame and movable along an axis; at least one tool disposed on the carriage for operating on a work piece disposed in the work holder; at least one nozzle assembly disposed on the carriage for directing at least one fluid stream to the work piece and the tool; a screw-nut drive operably associated with the carriage, the drive including a lead screw; a device for stretching the lead screw for compensating for thermal growth of the screw during operation; and a resilient strip operably disposed between the frame and the carriage for absorbing impact forces.

Abstract: A headstock cooling system for a machine tool comprising a base having a top, bottom and a first fluid passageway extending centrally therethrough from the top to the bottom. A bed is mounted on the base top and provided with a second fluid passageway extending coaxially from the first fluid passageway and in fluid communication therewith. A headstock is mounted on the bed and is positioned coaxial with and directly above the second fluid passageway and includes means for communication with the second fluid passageway for directing a cooling fluid from the second fluid passageway out of the headstock thereby cooling the headstock over at least a substantial portion of the headstock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotatably supporting a workpiece WP includes a bearing ring 300 which extends around a center support member 204. The bearing ring is deflectable inwardly at a plurality of spaced apart locations 310 to engage the center support member at these locations during machining of a workpiece. At each of the locations where the bearing ring is deflected inwardly into engagement with the center support member, the bearing ring has a reduced thickness to thereby reduce the resistance of the bearing ring to deformation at these locations. Fluid pressure applied against the outside of the bearing ring deflects the bearing ring inwardly at the locations of reduced thickness. The deflected portions of the bearing ring engage the center support member to securely hold it during machining of a workpiece.

Abstract: A tool force sensor assembly (20) generates an electrical signal which is related to the change in force applied by a tool (24) to a workpiece (28) and is indicative of the wear condition or failure of the tool (24). The sensor assembly (20) is mounted in force transmitting relationship between a movable tool support (30, 36) and a nut member (44, 45) which is driven by screw shaft (40, 41). The sensor assembly (20) comprises a plurality of ring-shaped piezoelectric transducers (48) which are held in preselected, circumferentially spaced relationship to each other around the screw shaft (40, 41) by a retainer ring (56, 58) which is sandwiched between a pair of load distribution plates (52, 54). Fasteners (46) extend through each of the transducers (48) and mount the sensor assembly (20) between the nut member (44, 45) and the tool support (30, 36).

Abstract: An improved machine tool (10) has a driven cutting tool (T) which is rotatable about an axis (C) extending perpendicular to the axis (B) of rotation of a turret (200) when a toolholder (300) is mounted on an end face (203) of the turret (FIG. 7). The cutting tool is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret when the toolholder (300) is mounted on a side face (204) of the turret (FIG. 10). A drive assembly (600) is operable to drive the cutting tool when it is mounted on either the end face (203) or the side face (204) of the turret. The drive assembly (600) extends through the turret and has output at a location disposed between the end and side faces (203, 204) of the turret. A pair of actuators are (400, 500) provided to operate the toolholder (300) to engage and release the cutting tool (T) when the toolholder is mounted on either the end face or side face of the turret.