Abstract: A fluid bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a rotary-driven spindle having smooth bearing surfaces. Each bearing has a stationary housing holding an annular bearing race that presents a smooth continuous bearing surface facing a complementary bearing surface of the spindle; together the race and spindle define a continuous, thin, uniform crevice space. The smooth race bearing surface is interrupted by a plurality of circumferentially spaced pressure generating zones, each capable of dynamically compressing a fluid body contained in the zone into the crevice in either direction of rotation of the spindle at higher speeds. Pressurized fluid is supplied to flow through each zone and out of the crevice while exerting a predetermined hydrostatic force against the spindle at lower rotational speeds.

Abstract: A control system that increases apparent linear motor stiffness and faster frequency for a digital electronic drive of one or more brushless DC linear motors.

Abstract: A method of machining simultaneously a sequence of surfaces on each of multiple sides of a workpiece, comprising: (a) supporting a plurality of rotary-driven spindles, each carrying a cutting tool, each spindle being supported by a plurality of relatively movable elements that provide for movement into and out of a predetermined sized, cubed machining space, such support providing for spindle movement having vectors along at least mutually perpendicular axes; (b) placing the workpiece in the machining space at a predetermined location; (c) actuating relative movement of the elements by use of linear motors to accurately position each spindle for simultaneous machining of first surfaces on separate sides of the workpiece; and (d) actuating the elements by use of said linear motors to reposition the plurality of spindles for simultaneous machining of other surfaces on each of the separate sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A machining system that has (i) plural machining cells spaced along a path, each having a single-point-tool and a rapid-positioning assembly for positioning the tool for multiple insertions into a workpiece as well as rapid tool exchange at speed rates that approach or exceed one G; (ii) table means for presenting a table surface in a selected plane for each cell; (iii) workpiece means for each table surface having keying surfaces for lockingly mating with a reference point of such table surface; (iv) transfer means for rapidly replacing a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece on a table surface, the just-machined workpiece being transferred to the next table surface while the substituted workpiece is undergoing machining; and (v) programmed electrical control means for activating the positioning assemblies and transfer means.

Abstract: A multiple-axis machine for positioning a rotary-driven spindle, such positioning being by use of linear motors. The machine has a support for defining multiple axes, with (i) a rigid vibration-dampening bed defining at least an X-axis; (ii) at least one hollow column defining a Y-axis and having one end adjacent and movable along the bed and the other end extending away from said bed; (iii) a slide adapted for movement along the Y-axis of the column; (iv) a cage rigidly fixed to the slide for defining a Z-axis way; and (v) a hollow ram slidable within the cage and along the Z-axis way and carrying the spindle. The machine has bearing assemblies interposed between the column one end and the bed, between the column and slide, and between the cage and ram to provide for respective relative movements along the axes, the bearing assemblies being preloaded to provide an interference fit of 10-20% of the maximum bearing loading.

Abstract: A linear motor assembly having enhanced mechanical stiffness, comprising: (a) at least one pair of rigidly interconnected tandem rails defining a first axis of movement and spaced apart normal to such first axis; (b) at least one pair of frames movable along said pair of rails, each frame presenting at least one pair of opposed parallel bearing surfaces; (c) at least one linear motor effective to operate between each rail and frame; (d) bearings supported between each rail and each bearing surface of each frame, said bearings being preloaded with an interference load while permitting bearing movement; and (e) support structure between said frames defining axes of movement actuated by other linear motors.

Abstract: A machining system that has (i) plural machining cells spaced along a path, each having a single-point-tool and a rapid-positioning assembly for positioning the tool for multiple insertions into a workpiece as well as rapid tool exchange at speed rates that approach or exceed one G; (ii) table means for presenting a table surface in a selected plane for each cell; (iii) workpiece means for each table surface having keying surfaces for lockingly mating with a reference point of such table surface; (iv) transfer means for rapidly replacing a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece on a table surface, the just-machined workpiece being transferred to the next table surface while the substituted workpiece is undergoing machining; and (v) programmed electrical control means for activating the positioning assemblies and transfer means.

Abstract: Positioning apparatus for multiple-spindle machining, comprising: (a) a plurality of upstanding columns rigidly interconnected to a common platform and aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the platform within an accuracy of .+-.0.0005 inches; (b) rail means extending between each of the columns along the periphery defined by the footprint of the columns for providing movable support and having bearing means on the columns providing for movement of each rail means along the Y-axis; (c) other movement means slidable on each of the rail means along at least another axis of movement; (d) linear motor means for selectively moving the rail means and other movement means along said respective Y and another axis at peak accelerations or decelerations of about 1-2 G's; and (d) spindle means on each ram having a spindle rotationally driven about an S-axis thereof.