With Centering Means Patents (Class 279/133)
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Patent number: 6869083Abstract: An eccentric work piece holder supports a work piece in alignment during rotary operations. First-, second- and third aligning members, associated with the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Meissner, Randolph C. Brost
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Patent number: 6824142Abstract: A method of alignably supporting an eccentric work piece for rotary movements uses a work piece holder that supports the work piece in alignment during rotary operations. A plurality of cooperating aligning members mounted along the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Meissner, Randolph C. Brost
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Patent number: 6679503Abstract: A chuck unit for a machine tool is capable of holding a workpiece installed on a spindle by workpiece holding members that move in a radial direction with respect to an axial center. Workpiece holding rods are provided at the workpiece holding member and move radially. Screw operating portions are operated by a rotating operation jig at an outer peripheral side of the chuck unit. A workpiece end face abutment moves and holds the workpiece in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Haruhiko Koike, Noboru Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6674041Abstract: A holder for a workpiece or tool, in the surface of which a plurality of grooves with substantially planar flanks are made, the opposing edges of which, formed on the surface, have a predetermined spacing, wherein the holder consists of a sintered material, at least in the region of the elastically deformable edges.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: System 3R International ABInventors: Hakon Nordquist, Christer Modin
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Publication number: 20030160401Abstract: A centering unit comprises a plate, centering mechanism, link mechanism, and cylinder mechanism. The plate vertically divides the interior of a frame. The support table is located substantially on the center of the plate. The centering mechanism can center each wafer on the support table. Centering plates of the centering mechanism are located on either side of the support table and have engaging surfaces and that extend along the outer peripheral surface of the wafer. The link mechanism and the cylinder mechanism serve to extend and contract the space between the centering plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Ki Sang Kang, Shuji Akiyama, Hiroki Hosaka
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Patent number: 6603089Abstract: A chuck used to attach an electrode to a CNC machine or an EDM machine having a quick release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventors: Richard A. White, Thomas A. Hoffer
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Patent number: 6585573Abstract: The device according to the invention for the tailstock end centering and clamping of a rotational workpiece with a circular-cylindrical end comprises a housing with a shank for accommodation in a tailstock barrel, and a chucking pot with a collet located in the housing for rotation about the axis of rotation of the workpiece. In accordance with the invention the collet is closable by way of the axial advancing action of the tailstock, and the axial tailstock thrust effecting the closing and clamping of the collet is transmitted to the workpiece in such manner that it is applied to the center of the workpiece, and the latter is displaceable into the center without friction generating radial sliding of the collet.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Reishauer AGInventors: Peter Hochuli, Giorgio Scacchi
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Patent number: 6575476Abstract: A chuck grips the housing of a hub assembly to hold it fast and further engages a hub spindle that is within the housing and rotates the spindle on a bearing that is between it and the housing so that a flange on the hub may be machined with precision. The chuck includes a fixed base that carries jaws which clamp down on the housing to firmly hold the housing. It also includes a rotatable base and an arbor carried by the rotatable base and engaged with the spindle of the hub to impart the rotation of the hub. The arbor can shift radially with respect to the rotating base to accommodate misalignment between the axes of rotation for the hub and the rotating base. A bearing lies between the arbor and rotating base to resist an axially directed force applied to the arbor to expand it in the hub spindle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: The Timken CompanyInventor: Daniel E. McFadden
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Patent number: 6568694Abstract: A combination of two or more jaw assemblies for mounting onto a self-centering power chuck to move an irregular workpiece to the axial centerline of the power chuck after it has been clamped. Each jaw assembly has a independent hydraulic system which, when activated, reduces the length of the jaw assembly, thereby moving the workpiece clamped in the power chuck. The imperfect pipe's average centerline can be moved to any location within the combined adjustable range of all the jaw assemblies. Each jaw assembly consists of a base jaw that is affixed to the power chuck, a connecting block that moves when the hydraulic system is actuated, a piston, a cylinder, and an interchangeable swivel insert with a serrated gripping surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Phillip A. White
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Patent number: 6554291Abstract: A housing and hub for an apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member are provided. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. The hub is formed with a first banded channel. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. The housing is formed with a second banded channel. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Sun Standard, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Turos
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Patent number: 6460863Abstract: A fixture for receiving and retaining a fitting having a through bore and an end wall. The fixture comprises a body for receiving the fitting, and an actuator for engaging the fitting at the intersection of the through bore and the end wall such that the fitting is held securely between the body and the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: William J. Wuertz, Ronald K. Fisher, Jr.
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Patent number: 6378877Abstract: The apparatus comprises a chuck member to be mounted within the operating area of the machine tool and a work piece carrier that can be put onto the chuck member and clamped thereto. First positioning members provided on the chuck member and second positioning members provided on the work piece carrier cooperate to define the position of the work piece carrier along three coordinate axes each running perpendicular to each other as well as with regard to the angular orientation. A clamping mechanism fixes the work piece carrier member to the chuck member in the afore mentioned defined position. In order to ensure an increased resistance against tilting momenta and torque occurring during the machining of a work piece, the first positioning members are constituted by conical centering pins and the second positioning members are constituted by recesses in the shape of a two-stage groove having two shoulders.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Erowa AGInventors: Marcel Lüscher, Karl Fries
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Patent number: 6367814Abstract: The apparatus for clamping a work piece in a well defined position within the operating area of a machine tool comprises a chuck member to be mounted within the operating area of the machine tool and a work piece carrier that can be put onto the chuck member and clamped thereto. First positioning members provided on the chuck member and second positioning members provided on the work piece carrier cooperate to define the position of the work piece carrier along three coordinate axes each running perpendicular to each other as well as with regard to the angular orientation. A clamping mechanism fixes the work piece carrier member to the chuck member in the afore mentioned defined position. In order to ensure an increased resistance against tilting momenta and torque occurring during the machining of a work piece, the clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Erowa AGInventors: Marcel Lüscher, Karl Fries
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Publication number: 20010026052Abstract: A housing and hub for an apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member are provided. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. The hub is formed with a first banded channel. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. The housing is formed with a second banded channel. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventor: Kenneth Turos
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Patent number: 6289776Abstract: A scroll machine has a shell which houses a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a driving member and a bearing housing. The bearing housing rotatably supports the driving member and is attached to the shell. The bearing housing is designed such that it can be fully machined while being located and clamped into a single position. By completing the entire machining of the bearing housing in a single operation, multiple set-ups, multiple operations and tolerance stack up are eliminated creating a high quality component.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Copeland CorporationInventors: Nicholas John Altstadt, Gary Joseph Diller
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Patent number: 6279919Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus for securing a workpiece to a machine member includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Kenneth Turos
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Patent number: 6219893Abstract: Described is a coupling, provided at the spindle head of a machine tool, for clamping an especially plate-shaped work-holding fixture, for example a pallet, in a specified, repeatable and precise position relative to a spatial reference system, wherein the spindle head exhibits a collet, which can be moved axially and radially with respect to its face. To increase the accuracy when machining a workpiece, there is a plate, which is to be connected to the face and is provided with spatial references on the front side, and which has a central passage opening to receive a tension rod, connected to the backside of the work-holding fixture, and a bolt, whose front end can be coupled with the tension rod and whose rear end can be connected to the collet.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: System 3R International ABInventor: Hakon Nordquist
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Patent number: 6199873Abstract: A device for centering and gripping, particularly for automotive bodywork parts, comprises a body (1) with an actuating means (2) and has centering means (13) and gripping means (11, 12). The centering means (13) and the gripping means (12) comprise in combination a centering member (13) containing at least one retractable gripping member (11 or 12).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Genus TechnologiesInventors: Fabrice Roudier, Michel Morel
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Patent number: 6186517Abstract: A tool for centering and clamping of at least a part (P) to be fixed in position and comprising a through passage and adjusted for the tool, comprises a pilot device borne at the end of a case having an upper face forming a support for the part and clamping members. The tool further comprises elements for driving the clamping members between a centering position in which the clamping members are retracted into the pilot device and a plurality of clamping positions in which the clamping members project outside the pilot device and rest on the part (P). The driving elements are arranged for simultaneously pivoting and translating the clamping members between the centering position and the clamping position. The invention is useful for handling parts to be fixed in position.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignees: Michel Beffrieu, Christine Menage, Armand DawidowiczInventors: Gerard De Bruyn, Michel Beffrieu
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Patent number: 6145849Abstract: A memory disk having a central opening and planar sides for receiving magnetic media on both of the sides is bounded by a cylindrical outside diameter peripheral edge and chamfered edges extending between each of the planar sides. The peripheral edge is clamped by a disk processing chuck including a disk retainer mount having a central disk support for mounting a circular disk edge bounding the central opening and a mount cylindrical beveled edge receiving an outside diameter chamfered edge of the disk. A ring in the retainer mount includes a multiplicity of spaced radial fingers extending cylindrically around the ring, each finger having a distal end extending to a first position outboard of the disk peripheral edge. The distal ends are moveable inwardly to a second position by an inflatable bladder acting simultaneously against all the fingers, placing the distal end tips into clamping contact with the disk peripheral edge mounted on the retainer mount.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Komag, IncorporatedInventors: Peter S. Bae, Stanley M. Smith, Kang Jia, Warren C. Schroeder, Michael E. Slafter, Ronald Allen
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Patent number: 6142487Abstract: An apparatus for centering and holding a substrate including: (a) a substrate holding assembly defining a centerline; and (b) a substrate centering assembly including an alignment member, wherein the alignment member is disposed concentric with the centerline and has an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction such that upon sliding contact of the substrate with the inclined surface, the substrate moves toward the centerline.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Eugene A. Swain
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Patent number: 6123341Abstract: A chuck assembly which can chuck thin and brittle workpieces that differ widely in size with high accuracy and reliability without warping them. The chuck assembly includes a tubular chuck body having three first cylinders and a plurality of second cylinders arranged along a circumference in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the chuck body at equal angular intervals. The cylinders have pistons adapted to protrude under oil pressure. The three first cylinders are also arranged at equal angular intervals. The chuck assembly further includes a pressure-biasing means for applying, independently of the oil pressure, pressure to the pistons of the first cylinders against a workpiece, so that the piston are less likely to be retracted by the reaction force from the workpiece. That is, this chuck assembly has a self-centering function.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Teikoku Chuck Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Oki, Muneki Hiraoka
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Patent number: 6116617Abstract: A chuck has a chuck body, an actuating element limitedly axially displaceable in the body, a first set of guide pistons axially fixed in the actuating element, angularly spaced about the axis, and each forming a guide passage extending at a small acute angle to the chuck axis, and a second set of guide pistons limitedly axially movable in the actuating element, angularly spaced about the axis, interleaved with the axially fixed guide pistons, and each forming a guide passage extending at a small acute angle to the chuck axis. Respective jaw bolts slidable in the passages each have an outer end projecting forward from the chuck body and a rear end axially coupled to the chuck body. The outer ends of the jaw bolts of the axially fixed pistons define a fixed-jaw circle centered on the chuck axis and the outer ends of the jaw bolts of the axially movable pistons define a movable-jaw circle centered on the axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Rohm GmbHInventor: Martin Kofler
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Patent number: 6062933Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a cathode ray tube attaches an electron gun to a neck of a glass valve while grasping the neck with a chuck apparatus. The chuck apparatus has at least three chuck members, a chuck member holding unit and an interlocking unit. Each chuck member has a neck contacting surface that lies on a single plane that is parallel with a central axis of the neck. The chuck member holding unit holds the chuck members so as to allow movement of the neck contacting surface of each chuck member from a periphery of the neck toward the central axis of the neck. The interlocking unit causes an interlocked movement of the chuck members so that the neck contacting surface of each chuck member moves with an equal displacement toward the central axis of the neck.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Kasukawa, Akihiko Fukuyama, Koji Takahashi
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Patent number: 6053083Abstract: A work station between an active spindle adaptor and a passive spindle adaptor having a common rotational axis, receives a workpiece ring supplied from a loader shuttle. The ring has circular outer edges in parallel spaced planes perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the ring. Chamfered centering crescents on oppositely facing ring positioners engage opposite edges of the ring and simultaneously clamp and center the ring on the spindle axis. The active spindle then moves the clamped ring to position abutting the passive spindle adaptor and clamps the ring between the spindles. The crescents retract, the active spindle rotates the ring and the ring is machined outside and inside simultaneously. External turning tools are fixed to one toolholder slide, and an additional external tool is movably mounted to the slide.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: George N. Mosey
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Patent number: 6036197Abstract: Clamping is ensured by at least two pivoting arms one end of which co-operates with a half draw member (10a, 10b) via a link having a truncated sphere (19) and an inclined plane (10). The draw member is mounted coaxially outside a locking ring (9) displaceable through the action of a traction rod (5). The system of transmission between the ring and the draw member is provided with compensating and locking means constituted by a guide (11), a compensating disk (13) and an adjusting member (14) co-operating with an oblique face of the compensating disk.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Sandvik Tobler S.A.Inventor: Jacques Barbieux
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Patent number: 6036198Abstract: A coupling for attaching a tool to a chuck includes a steel body substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. The body includes an electrode end for attachment to an electric discharge machine electrode. The body also includes a chuck end opposite the electrode end for releasable attachment to a chuck mounted to an electric discharge machine, the chuck having four protrusions extending therefrom for alignment of the coupling relative to the chuck. The chuck end defines a substantially planar surface and four substantially rectangular channels for receiving the protrusions. The channels extend into the body from the surface and are arranged in a substantially X-shaped pattern. Each channel includes two outwardly elastically moveable side walls. Each channel also includes an slot adjacent and parallel to each side wall for enabling outward movement of the side wall. Each slot extends into the body from the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Hy Kramer
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Patent number: 5970829Abstract: A fixture for holding a brake drum or other similarly shaped workpiece for machining. The fixture includes a body having a body cavity and a clamping assembly disposed therein. The clamping assembly includes a positioning plate having a plurality of positioning posts secured thereto. The positioning posts are received within fastener apertures formed in the brake drum mounting face for locating the drum within the fixture so that the drum axis is coaxially aligned with the fixture axis for proper machining. The clamping assembly further includes a clamping plate and clamping flange for clamping the mounting face of the brake drum during machining to simulate the compressive forces applied to the drum as it is mounted to a vehicle during operation. The fixture further includes first and second pluralities of chucking assemblies for gripping the body of the brake drum along respective first and second spaced apart planes thereby reducing distortions caused by the cutting tool during machining.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.Inventor: Gary D. Conley
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Patent number: 5957636Abstract: The present invention comprises a quick-change tool system for a collet in alignment with a spindle of a milling machine. The collet comprises an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein. The collet has a second end for securement to a spindle in the machine. The quick charge tool system comprises a tightenable securement coupling for securing a tool in the collet and also for aligning the collet and a tool within the spindle. Subsequent requirement for re-adjustment of the "Z" axis coordinates of the tool within the collet and with respect to the spindle is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Marc H. Boisvert
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Patent number: 5951025Abstract: The method uses the actuating mechanism of the chuck of a machine tool for turning or grinding in order to pre-tension the radially acting springs of a clamping attachment by means of the jaws of the chuck. When the pre-tension is released, the springs maintain the clamping attachment on a workpiece that is mounted between centers in order to be machined. The method allows to perform automatic machining cycles on a workpiece mounted between centers, without the necessity to use a compensated chuck.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Forkardt Spanntechnik AGInventor: Erwin Bohler
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Patent number: 5944329Abstract: This invention provides a device which includes a locator, a kinematic mount positioned on a conventional tooling machine, a part carrier disposed on the locator and a retainer ring. The locator has disposed therein a plurality of steel balls, placed in an equidistant position circumferentially around the locator. The kinematic mount includes a plurality of magnets which are in registry with the steel balls on the locator. In operation, a blank part to be machined is placed between a surface of a locator and the retainer ring (fitting within the part carrier). When the locator (with a blank part to be machined) is coupled to the kinematic mount, the part is thus exposed for the desired machining process. Because the locator is removably attachable to the kinematic mount, it can easily be removed from the mount, reversed, and reinserted onto the mount for additional machining.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Leander J. Salzer, Larry R. Foreman
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Patent number: 5919083Abstract: There is disclosed a self-centering template useful for centering cylindrical bodies on their axes in rotating machines such as a concentric grinder. The centering templates of the invention are generically cup-shaped plates, having an end disc with a dependent, preferably integral, cylindrical wall. The disc has a central aperture which is intersected by a radial slot extending from the periphery of the disc. The inside surface of the annular wall is tapered from a maximum thickness adjacent the disc. In use, templates are placed over the opposite ends of a cropped silicon ingot and the resultant assembly is mounted in the concentric grinding machine, with the central aperture of the template disc guiding the head stock and tail stock chuck into centric engagement with the ends of the ingot. After the ingot is clamped in the machine, the templates are removed by passing the radial slots of the templates past the machine shafts.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Rexor CorporationInventor: John C. Lim
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Patent number: 5915896Abstract: High speed machining of parts is greatly enhanced when the axial alignment between the machining tool, its tool holder assembly, and a tool driver assembly can be precisely maintained, preferably within about one ten thousandths of an inch, in order to achieve the utmost in machining precision in the parts being machined. In order to maintain this desired degree of alignment, the machining tool is mounted in an angularly adjustable holder assembly which mates with a complementary socket that forms a part of the tool driver assembly. The tool holder assembly can also be used to move the tool radially sideways in a rectilinear fashion relative to the tool driver assembly, if desired. The tool holder assembly, besides being able to adjust the alignment of the tool relative to the tool driver assembly, is also operative to securely clamp the tool to the tool driver assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.Inventors: Jack B. Koczarski, Joseph E. Merola
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Patent number: 5868401Abstract: A flange holding apparatus composed of: (a) a head for engaging a flange; (b) a collar surrounding the head, wherein the collar extends along a portion of the length of the head, wherein the head and the collar define a gap therebetween and the head can move between a centered position and an eccentric position relative to the collar; and (c) a resilient member disposed in the gap, wherein movement of the head from the centered position to the eccentric position compresses a portion of the resilient member, whereby the compressed portion of the resilient member urges the head to return to the centered position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Xerox CoporationInventor: John J. Darcy, III
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Patent number: 5860341Abstract: A self-centering steady of the closed type includes a housing (H), an actuator (14), a center gripping arm (11) and a pair of side gripping arms (12, 13) intended to grip a workpiece (P) under the action of the actuator (14). The actuator is provided with cam surfaces (31, 32) for engaging the side gripping arms (12, 13) in order to cause the workpiece engagement and/or disengagement movements. Each side gripping arm (12, 13) is connected to the actuator (14) and is slidably received in a rotating element (26) provided in the steady housing (H). The center gripping arm (11) is slidably received in a slide guide (G) provided in the steady housing (H). The rotating elements (26) together with the side gripping arms (12, 13) and with the center gripping arm (11) form a closed structure which prevents dust and scraps from entering the steady housing (H), both with the gripping arms (11, 12, 13) in the retracted and in the extended positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Morari Giuseppe e Marilena S.n.c.Inventor: Bruno Visigalli
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Patent number: 5855376Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing mechanism for a tool for treatment of a material, such as machining. The fixing mechanism comprises a combination of a tool (1), its frame (2) and tool holder (3) in the frame of a machine tool. At least one of the connecting surfaces (r, 7) in the tool frame (2) and in the tool holder (3) in the frame of the machining tool, extending mainly in the mounting direction, is shaped as a curved surface. The first contact surface (6) in connection with the tool frame (2) and the second contact surface (8) in the tool holder (3) are adjusted substantially in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction, to be placed against each other in the operational position of the fixing mechanism, in order to transmit machining force between the tool frame (2) and the tool holder (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Balaxman OYInventors: Jorma Lillbacka, Riku Rantala
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Patent number: 5848795Abstract: Even though the shape and size of an aluminum wheel to be chucked for machining is changed, it is possible to easily deal with this situation and to simply chuck the same. In a finger chuck which finger levers 5 are swingably mounted in the radius direction via fulcrum point parts 8 installed at adequately spaced positions in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference of a chuck body, the front end face part of the chuck body front part, which constitutes the front portion of said fulcrum point parts, is eliminated, a plurality of front end face parts 12 which are intended to be selectively replaced and mounted at said eliminated portion are formed integral with each other, and at this time said plurality of front end face parts are provided with a clamp seat 14 and a centering member 23 so that each of said front end face parts can be applied to specified kinds of different workpieces w.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignees: Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd., Okuma CorporationInventors: Naoyuki Masatsugu, Ikuhisa Fujii, Kazuhisa Miyaka
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Patent number: 5820137Abstract: A chuck apparatus is operative to center and lock an aluminum wheel in a lathe having a machining centerline. The chuck includes a face plate adapted for rotation about the centerline, and first, second and third radial slide blocks slidably movable perpendicularly with respect to the centerline and adapted to receive locators. First, second and third clamps are equally spaced about the periphery of the face plate and are adapted for applying a clamping force to the aluminum wheel in a direction parallel to the centerline. The slide blocks are actuated independently of the clamps to facilitate centering of the wheel prior to clamping. The slide blocks are selectively movable in a first direction radially outward from the centerline for causing the locators to engage the wheel and a second direction radially inward to cause the locators to engage the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Alan C. Patterson
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Patent number: 5797605Abstract: Workholding apparatus for mounting a workpiece (6) on a machine tool, the apparatus comprising a diaphragm chuck portion (2) and a tailstock portion (4). The chuck (2) includes a backing ring (70) with face portion (74) attached to the diaphragm (44) with the backing ring (70) having a centering locator guide (76) for centering and stopping the axial advancement of a workpiece in the chuck (2). The chuck (2) also includes a support ring (106) including material (109) located at the periphery thereof for sealing the area between the chuck and the workpiece and dampening vibrations brought about by the machining process. The tailstock portion (4) comprises a rotatable tailstock support (112) having at least one workpiece seating surface (117). The tailstock includes a centering locator guide (114) extending axially from the tailstock support (112) and having a generally curved outer surface (115) for centering the workpiece in the chuck (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: The Gleason WorksInventors: William E. Gross, Charles G. Ellwanger
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Patent number: 5737985Abstract: A work holder assembly is disclosed for securing a workpiece on a lathe having a rotary driven shaft. The workpiece has a central hole in an end wall thereof, and said end wall will be maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The work holder assembly includes an arbor mount comprising a substantially cylindrical tube portion having an enlarged backing plate at one end. The arbor mount is provided with a central bore, the axis of which is substantially coincident with the axis of the tube portion, which central bore is adapted to receive the shaft in sliding engagement therewith. The tube portion of the arbor mount has an outside diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the central hole in the end wall of the workpiece, while the backing plate is larger than the central hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Charles H. Rimlinger, Jr.
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Patent number: 5678967Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a workpiece includes a rotatable cutting tool, a rotatable spindle for rotating the cutting tool, and a quick-connect and disconnect kinematic coupler for releasably coupling together the rotatable cutting tool and the rotatable spindle. The kinematic coupler includes a plurality of projections which cooperate with and enter a corresponding number of grooves to precisely place the cutting tool relative to the spindle and prevent relative movement between the cutting tool and the spindle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Micro Optics Design CorporationInventor: Marc Y. Savoie
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Patent number: 5673922Abstract: A semiconductor processing chamber includes a substrate support member on which the substrate is positioned during processing in the chamber. To align the substrate on the substrate support member, an alignment member extends about the perimeter of the substrate receiving portion of the support member. The alignment member includes an alignment face thereon, which urges a substrate into alignment with the substrate receiving face of the support member as the substrate is deposited on the support member. The alignment member may also include a recessed portion, which ensures the presence of a gap between the edge of the substrate and the support member when the substrate contacts the support member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Semyon Sherstinsky, Alfred Mak, Leonel Arturo Zuniga, Ling Chen
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Patent number: 5601295Abstract: A tool holder system for mounting a cutting tool to a drive unit of a cutting tool apparatus. The tool holder system has a collet having a longitudinal bore for receiving a tool and a collet holder having a longitudinal bore for receiving the collet and the tool received in the collet, and the collet holder is coupled to the drive unit of the cutting tool apparatus. The collet has a narrow slit extending through a wall thereof from an outer surface of the collet to its longitudinal bore and a force-receiving portion on the outer surface thereof which is spaced from the slit by a distance of less than 90 degrees. The collet holder includes at least one aperture aligned with the force-receiving portion for receiving at least one pressing member for pressing against the force-receiving portion to close the slit in the collet to clamp the collet around the tool substantially around its entire circumference so as to reliably and effectively retain the tool within the collet.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Inventor: Arthur A. Baker
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Patent number: 5456146Abstract: An apparatus for prealigning hex or square stock sections before chucking in a collet. As hex stock advances, pre-alignment bushing provides general alignment. A plurality of spring-loaded veliers positioned within the prealignment collar slidably contact the flats of the stock along the path of travel and urges the stock radially to the proper alignment, so that the points of the stock do not hit the collet.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: MKM Machine Tool Co., Inc.Inventors: Bradley C. Hubbard, John R. Riley
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Patent number: 5441284Abstract: Workpiece chucking apparatus includes a chuck body mounting a first plurality of prepositioning lock-up fingers and a second plurality of gripping fingers. The lock-up fingers are biased together radially outwardly or inwardly into engagement with a peripheral wall of a workpiece to initially locate and support the wall of the workpiece in a centered position with respect to a central axis of the chucking apparatus. An inflatable bladder flexes the remaining gripping fingers into gripping engagement with the peripheral wall to further radially support the wall in preparation for machining, without disturbing the prepositioning of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: General Manufacturing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gerald E. Mueller, Gene B. Slachta
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Patent number: 5429375Abstract: Workpiece chucking apparatus includes a chuck body mounting a first plurality of lock-up fingers and a second plurality of gripping fingers. The lock-up fingers are individually biased radially outward into engagement with a peripheral wall of a workpiece to initially support the workpiece in a predetermined position irrespective of the eccentricity of the peripheral wall with respect to other portions of the workpiece which are first located concentrically with the chuck axis. An inflatable bladder flexes the remaining gripping fingers into gripping engagement with the peripheral wall to further radially support the wall in preparation for machining, without disturbing the prepositioning of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: General Manufacturing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gerald E. Mueller, Gene B. Slachta
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Patent number: 5429376Abstract: A chuck for gripping workpieces to be machined has a chuck body with a workpiece support surface for supporting a workpiece to be machined. Generally radially movable centering and gripping collet fingers are concentrically supported by the chuck body. An inflatable bladder is further mounted on the chuck body in generally concentric relationship with the fingers. Control mechanism is provided for initially radially moving the centering fingers to cause them to move radially and center said workpiece, and then supplies a fluid under pressure to inflate the bladder and move the gripping fingers generally radially to fully grip the centered workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: General Manufacturing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gerald E. Mueller, Gene B. Slachta
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Patent number: 5427484Abstract: A two-part tool holder for a milling tool, one part having a shank adapted to be mounted in a milling machine, the other part having an opening for receiving the cutting tool. The second part has an annular collar which receives a nose on the first part. Four adjusting screws on the collar engage the nose to laterally move the flutes of the end mill until there is essentially a zero runout of the flutes. The two parts are then fastened together.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: Ronald A. Galli
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Patent number: 5398947Abstract: A rotatable workpiece holding collet having flexible fingers defining an interior workpiece gripping surface intersecting the collet fingers' free end, the portion of the gripping surface adjacent the collet free end being obliquely disposed to the collet axis of rotation to function as a guide surface permitting workpieces to be inserted into the collet during rotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: F & S Tool and Gauge Co.Inventor: Warren R. Cook
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Patent number: 5314198Abstract: The center of a collet having a plurality of individual gripper members resiliently spaced apart in an annular array and operated on by a frustoconical surface can be adjusted by displacing some of the gripper members more than others of the gripper members parallel to the axis with which both the annular array and the frustoconical surface are nominally concentric. This causes the frustoconical surface to produce greater radial displacement of some of the gripper members, thereby shifting the center of the collet transverse to the above-mentioned axis. An element transversely moveable relative to the axis causes displacement of some of the gripper members more than others.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Jacobs Chuck TechnologyInventor: Roger J. Kanaan