Abstract: The tool store comprises a prismatic drum having a number of cells in which the tools may be inserted singly or housed inside a magazine; and the tool change device comprises a pair of clamps operated singly and fitted to the work table. The clamps are moved simultaneously in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum, for withdrawing or loading the tool from/on to the drum or spindle; the tool being transferred between the drum and spindle by the work table; and a sensor being provided for detecting the tip of the tool inserted in the spindle and so adjusting the axial position of the tool in the spindle.

Abstract: On a drilling machine for drilling packs of printed circuit boards, the packs are loaded and unloaded between a support and the work table by engaging a pin on the pack via a pair of jaws and by moving the table longitudinally. The pack is retained by a bar for enabling two bars to engage and locate a further pin on the pack; further retaining elements provide for sliding the pack in relation to the table; and a member is activated for aligning the pack against a fixed locator. The support forms part of a rack operated vertically in steps by a lifter located behind the drilling machine.

Abstract: An air pad comprising a body with two opposite faces, and having a number of supporting orifices on one face and at least one compensating orifice on the other face, each compensating orifice being located on a micropad comprising a plate integral with a shank sliding in a cylindrical chamber communicating with the supply conduits of the orifices; and the plates cooperating with a surface opposite the surface of the slideway and located on a bar fitted to the slideway.

Abstract: The device is provided on a machine tool, wherein the drilling or milling operating head (12) comprises an axially movable spindle (14) and a workpiece hold-down (17), and wherein the working depth is controlled according to the relative position of the tool (16) with respect to the hold-down (17), defined by sensing a reference member (56) by means of the tool (16). To avoid the errors due to the thermal expansion in defining the reference position between the tool and the hold-down, before the reference member (56) is sensed, an electric power supply heats the spindle (14) by sequentially energizing the phases of the statoric coil of the spindle electric motor (76). The reference member (56) comprises a proximity sensor (64) operated by the tool (16) through an air pad piston (67).