Abstract: An excavation cutting tool holder retention system. The cutting tool holder retention system includes a cutting tool holder having a holder engagement surface and a support block having a tool holder bore into which the cutting tool holder is inserted. A pin having a pin engagement surface is movably mounted to the support block such that the pin engagement surface may be moved to engage the holder engagement surface. At least one of the holder and pin engagement surfaces defines an inclined surface such that when the pin engagement surface is moved to engage the holder engagement surface, the shank portion of the cutting tool holder will be drawn into the tool holder bore. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the cutting tool holder and tool holder bore is tapered such that the cutting tool holder will be drawn and wedged into the tool holder bore of the support block when the pin engagement surface is moved to engage the holder engagement surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool retention system for retaining a cutting tool having a recess. The cutting tool retention system including a support block having a main bore and a spring seat. A pin is movably mounted to the spring seat. A spring member is positioned between the spring seat and the pin so as to urge the pin into an engaging relationship with the recess of the cutting tool inserted in the main bore of the support block such that the cutting tool cannot be removed from the main bore unless the pin is withdrawn from an engaging relationship with the recess of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant cermet comprises a ceramic component (e.g., WC) and a binder alloy comprised of a major component (e.g., one or more of iron, nickel, cobalt, their mixtures, and their alloys) and at least one additive component (e.g., one or more of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum).Plungers for hyper compressors used in the corrosive environments generated during the manufacture of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or ethylene copolymers are an example of the use of the corrosion resistant cermet.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting bit for insertion into the bore of a bit holder wherein the cutting bit includes a bit body with opposite forward and rearward ends, a hard insert at the forward end of the bit body, and an enlarged mediate portion which has a rearwardly facing shoulder. The cutting bit further has a rearward shank which contains a reduced diameter portion. The cutting bit carries a rotatable sleeve on the shank whereby the sleeve surrounds the shank between the shoulder and the reduced diameter portion. The cutting bit also carries a rotatable washer on the shank adjacent the shoulder of the bit body. A keeper ring is captive within the reduced diameter portion of the shank.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use in excavating an earth formation comprising an elongate tool body having a hard tip being affixed to the forward end thereof. The hard tip has a plurality of integral, coaxial sections including an integral ribbed section which presents a plurality of longitudinal ribs about the circumference thereof. The tip further includes an integral lobed base section which presents a plurality of radially extending lobes. An integral transition region provides a transition between the ribbed section and the base section.

Abstract: A coupling device for high speed rotation applications comprised of a first member about a longitudinal axis having a collar integrally attached to a solid base and a second member about a longitudinal axis having a sleeve which is receivable within the collar. When the first and second members are rotated the sleeve expands within the collar to minimize or eliminate any clearance that may exist between the sleeve and collar. The coupling device may, among other applications, be utilized for machine tools such as milling cutters.

Abstract: An active vibration control device for controlling vibration in a cantilevered member and a method for the same are disclosed. The device is comprised of a cantilevered member having a longitudinal axis comprising a sensor mounted near the free end of the member to measure motion of the member in a transverse direction and to produce a corresponding signal. A force generating assembly is mounted to the member near the free end to oppose the measured motion with a force thereby minimizing subsequent motion along the transverse axis caused by vibration.

Abstract: An expandable holding device for holding a component in which the clamping force is brought about by the solidification and expansion of a fusible alloy. The alloy is contained in an expansion chamber defined in part by a thin-walled, expansion sleeve. The alloy has a low melting point and expands when it solidifies. The pressure caused by expansion of the fusible alloy radially expands the expansion sleeve causing the expansion sleeve to grip the component. To release the component, the alloy is heated and liquified so that the expansion sleeve returns to an unexpanded condition.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method and apparatus for balancing a high speed rotary tool assembly. A pair of closed balancing rings are journalled about a cylindrical bearing surface formed around a rotary tool holder with each ring being rotatively mounted about the bearing surface independently of each other. The tool holder is adapted to receive and hold a cutting tool. After determining the unbalance of the tool holder and cutting tool, the rings are rotatively adjusted about the bearing surface to create an unbalance within the tool rings and the position of the tool rings is adjusted such that the created unbalance of the tool rings is disposed opposite the determined unbalance of the rotary tool holder and cutting tool.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for releasably holding a tool holder having a shank includes a tool support member having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is disposed in the axial bore for securing the tool holder to the support member. The locking mechanism includes a lock rod having first and second contact surfaces mounted in the support member. The lock rod moves along the longitudinal axis between a locked position and a release position. A wedge rod is mounted in the support member for reciprocal movement along an axis angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis. The wedge rod has first and second wedge surfaces which incline in parallel fashion from opposite edges of the wedge rod. First and second force transmitting elements are interposed between the wedge surfaces of the wedge body and the contact surfaces of the lock rod.

Abstract: An expandable tool holding device for holding a tool or workpiece in which the clamping force is brought about by the solidification and expansion of a fusible alloy. The alloy is contained in an expansion chamber defined in part by a thin-walled, expansion sleeve. The alloy has a low melting point and expands when it solidifies. The pressure caused by expansion of the fusible alloy radially expands the expansion sleeve causing the expansion sleeve to grip the tool or workpiece. To release the tool, the alloy is heated and liquified so that the expansion sleeve returns to an unexpanded condition.

Abstract: The present invention entails a collet tool for removing a collet from a circumferential retainer and for inserting that collet or another collet into a retainer. The tool includes an elongated sleeve having a collet receiving section formed about one end and a plunger reciprocally mounted within the opposite end of the sleeve. To remove a collet from a retainer, the free end of the collet is inserted into the collet receiving section and the sleeve is pressed onto the collet causing the collet to be radially compressed and lodged within the sleeve and released from its associated retainer. To eject the collet from the sleeve, the plunger is moved into engagement with the collet and the collet is pushed from the sleeve.A collet may be readied for insertion into a retainer by inserting the rear portion of the collet into the collet receiving section. The sleeve is pressed on to the free end of the collet, causing the same to be radially compressed and lodged in the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention entails a collet tool for removing a collet from a circumferential retainer and for inserting that collet or another collet into a retainer. The tool includes an elongated sleeve having a collet receiving section formed about one end and a plunger reciprocally mounted within the opposite end of the sleeve. To remove a collet from a retainer, the free end of the collet is inserted into the collet receiving section and the sleeve is pressed onto the collet causing the collet to be radially compressed and lodged within the sleeve and released from its associated retainer. To eject the collet from the sleeve, the plunger is moved into engagement with the collet and the collet is pushed from the sleeve. A collet may be readied for insertion into a retainer by inserting the rear portion of the collet into the collet receiving section. The sleeve is pressed on to the free end of the collet, causing the same to be radially compressed and lodged in the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring cutting forces associated with a machine tool. A force transducer plate forms a part of a bolted joint within the machine tool structure and is positioned within a direct force path. Raised force shunting pads are formed on both sides of the plate thereby limiting the load transfer area of the plate. At least one three-axis load cell is mounted closely adjacent one force shunting pad and elevated relative to the pad such that an acceptable pre-load is maintained on the load cell. By strategically placing the load cell closely adjacent the force shunting pad and utilizing the force shunting pads to transfer the majority of loads through the plate, hysteresis is minimized, linearity optimized, and the load cell protected from overload.