Abstract: A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet workpieces has a workpiece support, an elongated machine frame providing an arm extending over the workpiece support, and a track on the arm which extends longitudinally of the frame. A motion unit is suspended from the track and mounted for movement therealong, and there is drive assembly for moving the motion unit bidirectionally along the track. A laser cutting unit is mounted on the motion unit and includes a laser cutting head movable thereon along an axis perpendicular to the track on the machine frame. A loading unit is provided at a loading station adjacent one end of said machine frame for lifting and transporting a sheet workpiece above the plane of the upper surface of the workpiece support and the loading assembly is moveable on the track on the frame.

Abstract: A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet workpieces has a workpiece support, an elongated machine frame providing an arm extending over the workpiece support, and a track on the arm which extends longitudinally of the frame. A motion unit is suspended from the track and mounted for movement therealong, and there is drive assembly for moving the motion unit bidirectionally along the track. A laser cutting unit is mounted on the motion unit and includes a laser cutting head movable thereon along an axis perpendicular to the track on the machine frame. A loading unit is provided at a loading station adjacent one end of said machine frame for lifting and transporting a sheet workpiece above the plane of the upper surface of the workpiece support and the loading assembly is moveable on the track on the frame.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece has a support extending in the X-axis over a work support table and movable in the Y-axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the Y-axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the Y-axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the Y-axis when the desired length of motion in the Y-axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece in mutually perpendicular X-Y axes has a support extending in one axis over a work support table and movable in the other axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the other axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the other axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the other axis when the desired length of motion in the other axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece in mutually perpendicular X-Y axes has a support extending in one axis over a work support table and movable in the other axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the other axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the other axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the other axis when the desired length of motion in the other axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A tool for machining workpieces by motion of the machining tool relative to the workpiece has a support extending in the X-axis over a work support table and movable in the Y-axis. A machining tool housing is movable on the support in the Y-axis. A portion of the housing containing the machining tool is movable with respect to the mounted portion in the Y-axis within a limited range of motion. A computer control effects operation of drive motors to move the housing along the support and the support along the machining tool table to machine a workpiece supported on said worktable in X and Y axes, and the computer control can also effect operation of another drive motor to rapidly move of the housing portion and machining tool in the Y-axis when the desired length of motion in the Y-axis is within its range of motion.

Abstract: A machine tool installation includes a machine tool with a work support table, and a workpiece guidance system. Adjacent the machine tool is a sheet material loader and unloader with a frame, a platform supported on the frame for vertical movement, and a sheet material gripper mounted on the frame for movement from a position forwardly of the frame to a retracted position. A sheet pickup depends from the platform to engage the top sheet of a stack of sheets disposed therebelow. A computer control operates the elements to move a workpiece on the work support table to a position adjacent the platform, and the gripper moves the workpiece onto the lowered platform. The sheet pickup engages a sheet and the platform is moved upwardly to move the engaged sheet to a position above the plane of the work support table which is moved thereunder, and the sheet gripper deposits the sheet on the work support table.

Abstract: A machine tool installation includes a machine tool with a work support table, and a workpiece guidance system. Adjacent the machine tool is a sheet material loader and unloader with a frame, a platform supported on the frame for vertical movement, and a sheet material gripper mounted on the frame for movement from a position forwardly of the frame to a retracted position. A sheet pickup depends from the platform to engage the top sheet of a stack of sheets disposed therebelow. A computer control operates the elements to move a workpiece on the work support table to a position adjacent the platform, and the gripper moves the workpiece onto the lowered platform. The sheet pickup engages a sheet and the platform is moved upwardly to move the engaged sheet to a position above the plane of the work support table which is moved thereunder, and the sheet gripper deposits the sheet on the work support table.

Abstract: A device for manipulating workpieces has a support and linear actuators for moving the support. A coupling gear is connected to the support. The coupling gear includes at least two coupling members pivotably connected to one another. The at least two coupling members move the support in a plane of movement and lock a degree of freedom perpendicular to the plane of movement.