Abstract: A cutting tool assembly is provided, the assembly comprising a support body; a holder having a portion for holding a cutting insert, wherein the holder is mounted to the support body for movement of the cutting insert with respect to the support body; an adjustment assembly for moving the position of the holder relative to the support body, the adjustment assembly comprising: an adjustment screw rotatably mounted to the support body; and an adjustment member having an adjustment surface bearing against a surface of the holder, the adjustment member being threadably mounted on the adjustment screw by a first thread on the shank of the adjustment screw; whereby rotation of the adjustment screw moves the adjustment member longitudinally along the adjustment screw, movement of the adjustment member moving the position of the portion of the holder for holding a cutting insert relative to the support body.

Abstract: A cutting tool adjustment system comprising a body in the form of a cartridge (10) adjustably carrying a cutting tool (10a), adjustment means (17; 23; 29; 39) mechanically adjustably engageabe with the body for positionally adjusting a cutting edge of the cutting tool (10a), and means (19, 20; 30, 31; 34, 35) electronically engageable with the body aid including power supply means for powering display means (21; 28; 36) for indicating the adjustment of the cutting edge position.

Abstract: A positioning device (19) or actuator assembly comprises an actuator (2) constructed from a shape-memory effect (SME) alloy which has a pre-set memorised shape such that, from another shape, the actuator (2) generates a first force when heated above a transition temperature, heat supply means (4, 12) connected to the actuator (2), urging means (24) arranged to exert a second force acting in a direction opposite to the first force, a positionable member (20) moveable between first and second positions under the influence of the first and second forces, and sensing means (53, 54) for detecting the position of the positionable member (20) relative to a reference point. Control means (44) are operably connected with the heat supply means (4, 12) and the sensing means (53, 54) for controlling of the temperature of the actuator (2).

Abstract: A cutting tool holder assembly comprises a body having a shaft non-rotatably mounted therein for axial movement to enable adjustment of a cutting tool on a cutting tool holder member carried by the shaft. Strain gauge elements are mounted on a blade which is arranged to be deflected upon relative movement between the shaft and the body. The strain gauge elements produce an output signal proportional to the deflection of the blade.

Abstract: The adaptor is to enable a cutting tool holder such as a boring bar to be mounted on a standard arbor having an internally screw-threaded boss and drive keys. The adaptor comprises a thrust ring, a retaining screw and a spacer. The thrust ring has a multiplicity of internally tapered recesses in its peripheral surface and is rotatably mounted on the arbor by the retaining screw. Rotation of the thrust ring is permitted to enable alignment of a respective recess with a respective locking screw in the cutting tool holder.