Abstract: Analog signals are generated in response to one or more operating parameters of a machine such as vibration and used to provide a log of the operating history of the machine. The analog signals are converted into root mean square (rms) values which are periodically sampled. The sampled signals are sorted into predefined rms value bands. Each occurrence of a signal in an rms value band is used to increment a counter in order to keep track of the number of occurrences of signals in a particular rms value band. The number of accumulated signals in each of the rms value bands provides an indication of the usage and condition of the machine.

Abstract: Analog signals generated in response to operating parameters of a machine are converted into rms signals that are periodically sampled, sorted into defined rms value bands and saved as an evolving history of the operation of the machine.

Abstract: With high speed machine tools, there is a desire to dampen vibrations and to retain the damper mass in proper position. The present invention relates to a tuned damped absorber support providing simultaneous energy dissipation in both horizontal and vertical directions which also provides for proper mass position retention. The tuned damped absorber assembly is attached directly or indirectly to a machine component requiring damping. Both single damper mass and double damper mass configurations are shown. With a double damper mass, the system can be tuned to two different frequencies. Therefore, the double damper mass provides for optimization in both a vertical and a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A multiple-spindle machine includes a support and a number of spindles rotatably mounted to the support. Each of the spindles is operably connected and in driving relationship to a respective one of a like number of cutters, each of the cutters having two or more cutting edges. Each spindle is operably connected to an individually controllable electric motor. A controlling device controls the speed of each electric motor and the angular position of its associated spindle. A phase control device adjusts the speed and the angular position of each of the spindles such that the cutting edges of each of the cutters are out of phase with each of the cutting edges of others of the cutters during operation of the multiple-spindle machine. Angular position and speed detecting devices are used for detecting angular positions and speeds of each of the spindles. The angular position and speed detecting devices are in signal transmitting relationship with the phase control device.

Abstract: A tombstone fixture for supporting workpieces has a stiffened tooling column.

Abstract: A workpiece is clamped to a machine table while being machined, but a cantilevered portion of the workpiece is subject to vibrations. The cap of a vibration damping unit is supported on the machine base and spring-loaded upwardly against the workpiece. A support spring acting on a seat forces a damping element against the cap which, in turn, is impressed against the cantilevered workpiece. Vibrations are suppressed by horizontal shearing motion of the ring damping element. The entire damping assembly comprising the cap, ring damping element, seat and spring are retracted from the workpiece by means of a central rod connected to a manually actuated toggle clamp.

Abstract: A damped, cantilevered support arm for a machine tool position monitoring device rigidly attached to the machine tool by a pair of spaced bolts for relative movement with a machine part along a longitudinal axis. The line of centers through the bolts is oriented along the longitudinal axis and the arm is mounted with shims located between its base and the machine tool part to allow limited effective freedom of movement of the support arm around the line of centers in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis. A squeeze-film damping chamber is provided between the spaced shims for reducing the response of the support arm in the normal direction during relative movement along the longitudinal axis. A boundary O-ring seal together with the thickness of the spacers, defines the damping chamber.