Abstract: A machine tool includes a tool post having a tool unit for machining a workpiece, operation control means for controlling the operation of the tool unit in accordance with a plurality of commands described in a numerical control program and movement limiting means for inhibiting entry of the tool unit into a no-entry region. The plurality of commands include a limit value setting command for calculating a limit value of a position of the tool unit avoiding interference with a machine element located within a movable region of the tool unit and for determining the no-entry region by the calculated limit value. Upon reading the limit value setting command out of the numerical control program, the operation control means calculates the limit value and determines the no-entry region by the calculated limit value.

Abstract: A system and method allows visual programming of simultaneous and synchronous machining operations on multi-axis lathes. The system and method accounts for different combinations of simultaneous and synchronized lathe operations on the spindles which can utilize multiple tools. A graphic synchronization icon is assigned to each mode that preferably represents the lathe operation. Appropriate synchronous operations are grouped together in synchronization groups. The system and method are universal since a postprocessor processes the synchronization modes and synchronization groups, and translates them for use with computer programs understood by a particular CNC lathe.

Abstract: A tailstock assembly mountable on a machine tool and cooperable with a headstock assembly for retaining a workpiece inbetween.

Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin

Abstract: A wood turning lathe is provided with a centrally located head and tail stock mounting apparatus which in combination with head and tail stocks on the opposite ends of the lathe define two turning stations. The mounting apparatus includes a supporting block unit having head and tail stock work centers rotatable about a common axis with the head stock center being held against axial movement. The tail stock center is hydraulically operated to be selectively reciprocable. This reciprocable movement is provided by means of a hydraulic power cylinder in the supporting block unit having a sealed chamber which receives a piston mounted on a rotatable shaft which carries the tail stock center. The piston divides the chamber into two variable volume compartments, two ports in the block unit being provided for admitting an exhausting pressure fluid to and from such compartments, respectively.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed in apparatus for copy-machining a workpiece from a master model, the apparatus being moved along the workpiece by a feed mechanism in response to the scanning of the master model. The improvement comprises a first tool and a second tool mounted on the feed mechanism, a pivot arm for supporting the second tool for movement relative to the first tool in the direction of movement along said workpiece, and means for locking said pivot arm and second tool at a desired position, said first and second tools engaging the workpiece in staggered relationship to one another, with reference to the direction of movement along said workpiece, wherein the relative positions of said first and second tools are adjustable by movement of the second tool in response to movement of the pivot arm and locking the pivot arm and second tool at the desired position. Apparatus is also disclosed wherein the pivot arm is situated substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement along said workpiece.

Abstract: At least one workpiece is rotated synchronously with a model in a contour-copying lathe. A feeler engages the model and is linked to a tool similarly engageable with the workpiece so that as the feeler rides up and down and travels along the model the synchronously displaced tool similarly shapes the workpiece. Those preshaped regions on the model corresponding to the surfaces on the workpiece which are not to be shaped are provided with extensions so that the tool is lifted from the workpiece at these preshaped surfaces.

Abstract: A contour-copying machine in which a plurality or workpieces are spanned between headstocks and tailstocks and rotatable synchronously about respective parallel axes parallel to the rotation axis of a pattern with a feeler roller engaging the pattern and a plurality of tools linked to the feeler roller cutting the contour of the pattern into the workpieces is programmed so as separately to cut longitudinally extending planar surfaces in the workpieces and to form rounded contours along these workpieces. To this end the machine is indexed through a plurality of angular positions each corresponding to one of the planar surfaces and the pattern and workpieces are restrained from rotating as these longitudinally extending planar surfaces cut into them. Once all of the longitudinally extending planar surfaces are formed, the workpiece is rotated continuously and the tools cut the remaining rounded surfaces in these workpieces.