Abstract: A workpiece positioning system for a machine (34) which is supplied by a robotic transfer mechanism, the system being composed of:a workpiece (2) in the form of a length of barstock having a longitudinal dimension and two opposed longitudinal ends (8), with each end (8) being provided with at least one recess (10) having surfaces (16,18) which are inclined to the longitudinal dimension;a locating device (20) having components for securing the device in a defined position to the machine (34); anda workpiece engaging device (24) secured to the locating device (20) in a defined position relative to the locating device (20) and having a projecting portion (26) provided with positioning surfaces (50,52) corresponding to the surfaces (16,18) of the recess (10) at a respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) and engageable with the corresponding surfaces (16,18) for bringing the respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) to a defined position relative to the engaging device (24).

Abstract: In a method for dressing a grinding wheel (2) by advancing a diamond nib (6) adjacent the outer circumference of the wheel (2) while the wheel (2) rotates about its axis, which method includes causing the diamond nib (6) to execute a plurality of passes in a direction parallel to the axis of wheel (2) rotation while displacing the nib (6) perpendicular to the axis of wheel (2) rotation in a pattern corresponding to the profile to be created at the wheel (2) circumference, which profile includes at least one annular groove having at least one side wall which extends in a given angular direction at an angle of no greater than 20.degree.

Abstract: A reconditioned tool comprises a cylindrical insert cut from a damaged tool, such as a hog mill, with a milling face formed on one end and a transverse dovetail tenon cut in the other end. The dovetail tenon engages a transverse dovetail mortise in the end face of a cylindrical holder. A transverse slot in the holder splits the end of the holder into two axially extending end sections each of which includes one-half of the dovetail mortise. A clamping device, such as a bolt, draws the two end sections of the holder together to pull the insert firmly against the end faceof the holder through wedging action of the two halves of the dovetail mortise against the dovetail tenon. A locking pin inserted through aligned transverse grooves in the holder and insert prevents a lateral displacement of the insert relative to the holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a circular array of rotatable blades from blades having an integral shroud with a leading planar surface and a trailing planar surface, the leading planar surface being generally parallel to an axial radial plane passing through the center of the root of the blade and the trailing surface, if extended, intersecting the axial radial plane passing through the center of the root of the blade to form an angle generally equal in degrees to 360 divided by the number of blades forming the circular array. Strict radial alignment is provided by assembling the complete blade row such that all blade center lines coincide with the groove center lines, with the shroud mating surfaces in complete contact and in tangential compression.

Abstract: A locking system for attaching a circular array of side entry steam turbine blades to a rotor disc utilizing a circumferential groove in the outer periphery of the disc and a notch in one side of a blade platform to form an opening for receiving a pin which prevents the blade from sliding in the side entry slots in the disc and the next blade installed on the rotor captures a pin in the preceding blade except the last blade assembled in the array or closing blade has a kerf in the platform which registers with the circumferential groove in the disc and a locking key fitting into the kerf and groove to hold the last blade in place and the locking key being captured in the kerf and groove by a strip of metal passing through a slit in the locking key and an opening formed in the platforms.