Abstract: A tool storage mechanism comprising two independent chains drivingly secured about respective driving and driven pulley sets, wherein a plurality of tool storage pockets are carried on the links of said chains, and further wherein the chains are carried on a common pivotable plate, which is switchable between two preset angular positions about the pivot. When the pivotable plate is moved to position number 1, tool storage pockets on a first chain may be presented serially to a predetermined pickup point, wherein a tool changer can load or unload tools with the tool storage pocket. When the pivotable plate is positioned at position number 2, the second chain is switched to such position that its tool storage pockets may be presented serially with the tool pickup point.

Abstract: An interchange arm to transfer tools between a tool storage mechanism and a spindle. A pair of the interchange arms are pivoted on rotating shafts of a tool changer mechanism which rotates the arms between the spindle and the tool storage mechanism so that the arms can securely hold and positively locate the tools which are interchanged during the interchange time, and the tool gripping member and locating members are automatically retracted from the tools when the tools are deposited in their respective holding receptacles. A unique gripping arrangement releasably connects the tools to the arm, using a minimal amount of space for getting on and off the tool, and the tool gripping finger mechanisms are self-locking about the tool under the influence of centrifugal force acting on the tool during the interchange interval, to assure a more positive grip on the tool.

Abstract: A base member has an exterior peripheral surface and has an interior chamber. An elastomeric band is stretched to fit over a portion of the peripheral surface and a portion of the band is allowed to extend beyond the peripheral surface of the base member so that the extension of the band is unrestrained and it thereby tends to reassume its relaxed position and while doing so, it forms a stable curl, or bight, about the edge of the peripheral surface. A plate is carried by a member which is relatively movable with respect to the base member, and the plate bears on the bight of the elastomeric band so as to form a sealed chamber within the base member while the plate is both rotated and moved toward and away from the base member; the bight of the elastomeric band being compliant to the movable plate, and tending to return to its stable position.