Drilling And Other Patents (Class 29/26A)
  • Patent number: 4679296
    Abstract: A machine tool with a vertically reciprocating spindle head has an automatic tool changer including a rotatingly indexable tool support connected to the machine tool frame and vertically movable independently of the spindle head, a first cam-and-crank mechanism activated by spindle head vertical movement to move the tool support with the spindle head during a portion of the tool changing operation, a second cam-and-crank mechanism also activated by spindle head vertical movement for opening and closing a tool holder on the tool support during another portion of the tool changing operation, and a vertical stop for preventing vertical movement of the tool support with the spindle head into the machining region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kikuo Watanabe, Mitsuo Kobayashi, Noboru Hirose, Keiichi Sato
  • Patent number: 4670965
    Abstract: In apparatus for exchanging tools between a tool magazine having a plurality of tool pots and the spindle of a machine tool, wherein the axes of the tool pots are perpendicular to the axis of the spindle, there are provided a tool exchange arm having tool holding means on both ends, an arm supporting device having an arm driving mechanism for rotating the tool exchange arm and reciprocating the same toward and away from a rotary shaft provided for the arm supporting device, an actuator for swinging the arm supporting device about a pivot shaft, and an actuator for reciprocating the arm supporting device in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Sato, Sakashi Adachi, Izumi Kimura, Shigeo Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 4669174
    Abstract: In order to permit problem free removal and loading in a tool exchange arrangement for a machine tool arranged on a lateral or console unit of a transfer machine even if the lateral or console units are arranged next to one another at the smallest possible spacing according to the DIN norm, a tool carrier is movable from its loading position into the region of a service area above the machine tool or the transfer machine into the exchange position in front of the processing spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fischer, Rainer Schmolz, Eugen Wurstner
  • Patent number: 4667383
    Abstract: A drilling machine for heavy steel structural shapes (e.g. profiles such as I-beams) has one or more of the drill carriages provided with a cantilever arm carrying a burner which is also operated by the numeral controller of the drilling machine. The latter receives a displacement measuring input from an additional detector associated with the drive which may be spaced from the drills in the direction of feed of the I-beam on a roller conveyor to permit burner cutting of the drilling end of the I-beam. The two drives may be synchronized by a universal joint shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Rolf Peddinghaus
  • Patent number: 4658485
    Abstract: A machine tool is equipped with a fully articulatable crossbeam arranged between a pair of vertical columns. The crossbeam carries a tool carriage or saddle which is provided with a driven cutting tool element. The cutting tool element engages a workpiece clamped on a table between the columns and below the crossbeam. The crossbeam may articulate in mutually perpendicular planes, independently thereof. With this feature, the machine tool is flexible and versatile and may be used by semi-skilled operators with a minimum of training to perform a series of intricate operations easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 4656726
    Abstract: A drilling machine tool is disclosed having a machine tool body with a movable frame which is movable in the three axial directions X, Y and Z, of a rectangular coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Suzuki, Hitoshi Hashimoto, Nobuyasu Ichikawa, Ichiho Yamada, Akira Ozawa, Taizo Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 4654957
    Abstract: The machining apparatus includes a machine tool having a primary spindle slide with a transversely extending tool head support rail member thereon which is aligned successively with a tool head load rail mechanism and unload rail mechanism on a side of the machine tool by movement of the primary spindle slide to load or unload a multi-spindle tool head. When the tool head is loaded in operative position on the rail member, the spindles of the tool head are driven by the primary spindle through a gear train in the tool head. An overhead gantry robot conveys tool heads between the load and unlaod rail mechanisms and a stationary tool head storage unit on the side of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Powell, Kenneth O. Kolnes, Kenneth J. Sprenger, John D. Casarotto, Kenneth P. Whitney, Gerald M. Hammer
  • Patent number: 4655652
    Abstract: A multiple station drilling apparatus is used for performing a large number of repetitive but variable machining operations, and includes a turntable having a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures distributed in spaced relation around its periphery, a plurality of tool supports mounted around and outward of the periphery to provide a sequence of machining stations, a load/unload station for the mounting of workpieces on the fixtures and their removal therefrom, and a motor for driving the turntable in an indexing fashion to bring workpieces held in the fixtures successively into registry with the machining stations. Each tool support includes at least one X-Y positioner which in turn supports a machining tool such as a reciprocating drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: The O.S. Kelly Company
    Inventor: Brian D. Schissler
  • Patent number: 4649609
    Abstract: Both an apparatus and process for providing a coolant flow path in the top former plate of the core of a nuclear reactor are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention generally comprises an elongated tool support member having a tool mounting means for detachably mounting various tools in the vicinity of the top former plate, and a clamp assembly for securing and positioning the tool mounting means over the plate. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer (or probe) for measuring the thickness of the plate, a rotabroach device having a feed and drive assembly for driving a pilot drill bit and a rotabroach bit toward the top former plate, and a piercing tool for removing the slug formed by the rotabroach bit. In the process of the invention, an alternate coolant flow path is provided in the top former plate by boring a plurality of holes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Ricardo A. Allison, John B. Gunter, Clifford J. Winkler, Diane E. Falk, Ray F. Chuang
  • Patent number: 4649608
    Abstract: In an upper arm (1) is mounted a spindlehead (5) and in a lower frame two power takeoffs (16, 38). An electric motor (6) drives either a spindle (68) or the power takeoffs (16, 38) in rotation.Thus, the operations of milling, scroll cutting, sanding, grinding, polishing, sawing, etc., can be performed from the upper arm or the power takeoffs of the lower frame of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Mefina S.A.
    Inventors: Marcel Fresard, Francis Plomb, Pierre Court
  • Patent number: 4649610
    Abstract: In a machine tool comprising a column (2) mounted for a horizontal sliding movement, a drive unit (4) mounted on the column for a vertical sliding movement, and a magazine (7) located above the drive unit and mounted on the column for a rotational movement and for a horizontal sliding movement, the magazine is particularly adapted to store a plurality of gang heads (8) and individual tools (9) which may be equipped selectively to the drive unit one by one. The drive unit includes a first clamping device (16) disposed within a spindle (14) thereof and further plural second clamping devices (18) which contributes to clamp each of the heads firmly to the unit so that large-scaled gang heads may be employed.Gang heads and tools may be exchanged quickly between the drive unit and magazine. Portions of workpieces unworkable by large-scaled gang heads may be worked by the individual tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hikaru Onishi, Ichiro Sato, Mitsunobu Ryugo, Norio Fukumori
  • Patent number: 4637121
    Abstract: A method of operating industrial robots supporting a tool on an arm thereof, wherein upon performing given works, the tool provided for such works is left connected to the associated supply lines, laid down, thereafter separated or detached from the robot arm, and another tool including the associated supply lines is connected to the robot arm and thereafter taken upon or raised, whereupon the operations for which the other tool is provided are carried out, and industrial robot for carrying out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Wortmann
  • Patent number: 4637761
    Abstract: An automated tool positioning system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of work stations, each having a set of guide rails disposed along the length thereof. A single control device is provided and includes a set of guide rails adapted to be temporarily aligned with the guide rails of each work station. The control device is thus movable from work station to work station and operates with a novel tool support member which may be selectively positioned along any guide rail to support a cutting tool at a selected position on a particular work station. The tool support member includes arcuate bearing surfaces which permit the cutting tool to be rotated through a conical section having its vertex at the cutting point of the tool in response to the output of a workpiece surface detection circuit. In this manner, the cutting tool may be automatically and accurately positioned normal to the contoured surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: LTV Aerospace and Defense Company
    Inventors: William J. Murray, George A. Earle, III
  • Patent number: 4635328
    Abstract: A device for exchangeably attaching tools on an industrial robot comprising an attachment device. According to the invention, the attachment device (1) comprises a first member (2) rigidly attached to the outer portion (4) of a robot arm (3) and a second member (5) intended to be rigidly attached to each of one or several tools (6), by which tools (6) the robot is to carry out operations. The first member (2) comprises an electric coil (10) capable in a magnetic way to attract said second member (5) whereby the members (2.5) are retained to each other when current flows through the coil (10). Said first member (2) and said second member (5) are provided with means (15-18;23,24,26) for transferring electric current and/or compressed air or vacuum or substances between a source connected to the first member (2) and a tool (6) attached to the second member (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Lennart Palmer
  • Patent number: 4631799
    Abstract: A work piece is mortised to receive an insert, and drilled for fastenings securing the insert in position, in a single cycle of operation facilitated by mounting the drill in an axial hole in the routing cutter. The drill is guided by the radially inner surfaces of the specially hard cutter inserts. A mechanism advances and retracts the drill with respect to the cutter, with the extension of the drill beyond the cutter taking place only when the cutter is not moving laterally in forming the mortise. The mortised depth is accurately controlled by an adjustable stop traversed by the drill, and forming an abutment limiting the insertion of the router bit into the holding collet. In addition to the plunge and horizontal movements involved in the formation of the mortise, a vertical movement to form mortise side-openings is provided by pivoting downward the frame carrying the entire movement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Alexander Dodds Company
    Inventor: Bernard D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4624050
    Abstract: A pick-up head especially for use in a machine for placing electrical components on a substrate comprises a tool holder mounted for movement, conveniently by a lead screw driven by a motor, between a plurality of datum positions and further positions remote therefrom, having means for interchangeably mounting a pick-up tool with a datum face of the tool located at a predetermined position relative to the tool holder. The head further comprises a plurality of orienting jaws mounted for movement towards and away from a component carried on the datum face of a tool on the tool holder when the holder is in one of the datum positions whereby the jaws can engage the component to orient the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: USM Corporation
    Inventor: Victor T. Hawkswell
  • Patent number: 4621398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool mounting device and system for utilizing same having a bayonet connector with integral electrical and pneumatic connections. The automaton is capable of engaging a desired tool on command, utilizing the tool, and then replacing that tool and obtaining a second tool without human interference. Electrical power is provided for certain tool accessories as is a pneumatic conduit for driving drills, sprayers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Kleiman
  • Patent number: 4621407
    Abstract: A machining center having an upright boxlike housing which projects upwardly adjacent the rear side of the table through a substantial vertical extent. The housing defines an interior chamber therein in which is positioned a movable support for mounting a plurality of tools. This housing has a pair of sidewalls which, at their front edges, have forwardly projecting protrusions which overhang the table. A slide is mounted on the upper surfaces of the housing and is movable horizontally in perpendicular relationship to the table movement. This slide, on the front end thereof, mounts a tool spindle head for displacement along a vertical axis. The front wall of the boxlike housing has an opening which extends therethrough and projects vertically up through the top wall thereof, so that rearward slidable displacement of the slide permits the spindle head to be moved rearwardly into the interior chamber to provide access to the stored tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Fuji Seiki Machine Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4620347
    Abstract: A boring, milling, thread cutting or analogous machine has a frame for a work supporting table and a first carriage which is reciprocable in the X-direction. The first carriage supports an open-and-shut magazine for a supply of spare tools as well as a second carriage which is movable in the Y-direction. The second carriage supports a headstock which is movable with a vertical tool spindle in the Z-direction. The magazine is opened in automatic response to movement of the second carriage in the Y direction and to a predetermined position in which the tool spindle can be relieved of the tool thereon by being lifted upwardly. An indexing mechanism of the magazine then places a selected tool into the path of downward movement of the spindle so that, when the spindle descends, the freshly selected tool is automatically coupled thereto. The second carriage is thereupon moved in the direction of the Y-axis to enable the magazine to become shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Gerhard Stark
    Inventors: Gerhard Stark, Klaus Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4616398
    Abstract: A toolholder is provided for a machine tool having a magazine containing several toolholders from which a selected toolholder can be taken by means of an arm and introduced in a working position in a rotating receiving means of the machine tool. An arm with a holding part that can be rotated via a pivot bearing in the direction of the shaft of the receiving means, is applied to the toolholder. In order to prevent the rotatably disposed toolholder from being carried along in its rotation during introduction into the spindle of the machine tool by the form-fitting coupling means of the spindle, without said coupling means engaging with the toolholder, braking means are provided which, during the introduction of the toolholder into the rotating receiving means, increase the frictional connection between the holding piece and the toolholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Chirom-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Rutschle, Rudolf Haninger, Hans-Henning Winkler
  • Patent number: 4614020
    Abstract: An automatic tool changing mechanism includes a spindle mechanism (11) having at least a spindle (11a) and a first gear (11b) rotatable in unison with the spindle; a spindle motor (12) for rotating the spindle; a tool magazine (20) having at least a storage unit (20b) for storing a plurality of tools (21), a second gear (20c) rotatable in unison with the storage unit, and a slider (20e) slidably mounted on the spindle mechanism; a Z-axis motor (19a) for moving the spindle mechanism in the direction of a Z-axis; a constraining member (23) for constraining the tool magazine against movement thereof in the direction of the Z-axis and a control circuit (102, 103) for controlling the indexing. During machining operation, the first and second gears are brought out of mesh with each other, and the spindle is rotated by the spindle motor at a prescribed speed to enable a tool mounted on the spindle to machine a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeki Kawada, Yoshiki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 4614012
    Abstract: A drilling and mounting machine for drilling fastening holes for furniture fittings and for inserting the furniture fittings includes a frame, a driving motor (7) for a drill, a feed device and an inserting unit for inserting the furniture fittings. The feed device includes an operating lever and thrust members. The thrust members are linked to a housing for the drilling gear, and the inserting unit is mounted at the point of linkage so that a feed force is transmitted directly onto the housing or onto the inserting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Dietmar Blum
  • Patent number: 4610074
    Abstract: An automatic tool changer of a machine tool comprises a spindle head (4) rotatably carrying a spindle (2), and a tool magazine (40) having a plurality of tools (42). A pair of gears (46, 48), one on the spindle and the other on the magazine, are provided to drive the magazine to index it by means of the spindle drive motor (6). The two gears (46, 48) are engaged upon the tool changing operation and disengaged upon the machining operation. The Gear engaging and disengaging are effected by the relative axial movement of the spindle head (4) and an associated slider (30) carrying the magazine (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Katsube, Toshiyuki Aso
  • Patent number: 4604787
    Abstract: A tool changer for use with the manipulator arm of a robot or the like. A tool changer in which the manipulator arm is engaged with the end effector carrying the tool by a simple linear motion, and disengaged by a linear motion in the opposite direction, without requiring any separate control functions such as switch actuation or the like. A tool changer which also provides for transmitting mechanical, electrical or fluid power and/or control between the manipulator arm and the end effector, and one which can be utilized with any type of tool, sensor, transducer, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Transamerica Delaval Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph H. Silvers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4599769
    Abstract: A machine tool (10) with a rotating cutting tool (24) has a spindle assembly (20,48) mounted for rotation in a longitudinally movable headstock (18). The spindle assembly includes a spindle (48), driven by a motor (50) and an integral machining head (20) having a rotatably mounted drive screw (62). The drive screw carries a radially positionable follower (72) to which is connected a tool block (22) to define a radial slide for supporting the cutting tool. A drive shaft (82) extending through the spindle is in driving engagement with the drive screw such that rotation of the drive shaft relative to the spindle produces rotation of the drive screw and consequential radial movement of the follower and tool block. A motor (76) mounted on the spindle for rotation with the spindle is connected to the drive shaft for rotating it either a clockwise or counterclockwise sense to produce radial movement of the follower and tool block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Colt Industries Operating Corp
    Inventors: Richard I. Latzko, George H. Marsland, Johann F. Reuteler
  • Patent number: 4581810
    Abstract: A tool magazine is divided into four regions respectively containing substantially the same number of tool pots. When a designated tool is contained in a first or fourth region the magazine is rotated in the clockwise direction to index the designated tool to a tool exchange position, whereas when the designated tool is contained in a second or third region the magazine is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. Designation of a desired tool, the direction of rotation of the magazine and number of steps of the magazine are controlled by a computer including a memory having a comparison table written with correspondences between tool numbers and absolute tool pot numbers. According to a modified embodiment, the tool magazine is provided with two tool exchange positions between adjacent regions and on one side thereof, and the tool exchanger is selectively moved to either one of the tool exchange positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Kawakami, Izumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 4580329
    Abstract: A workpiece processing machine comprises a stationary main frame 10 with at least one main processing plane G. On the one side of this main processing plane there are arranged worm shafts 15, 16, 17 and 18 extending with their axes substantially parallel with the main processing plane G, mounted in the stationary main frame 10 and connected for drive with one another. On the other side of the main processing plane G there are provided securers for the securing of processing units 25 on the stationary main frame 10. To each worm shaft there is allocated at least one main power take-off position 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a for the drive connection of a processing unit 25 with the respective worm shaft 15, 16, 17, 18 through a worm wheel, meshing with the worm shaft, with worm wheel axis perpendicular to the main processing plane G. At least three worm shafts connected for drive are arranged along mutually adjoining sides of a polygonal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Otto Bihler
    Inventors: Otto Bihler, Eduard Bruller
  • Patent number: 4570313
    Abstract: A spindle lock-up device for detachably locking a rotary spindle having a tool holder at its end to a non-rotatable support, such as the ram of a vertical boring machine, so that the spindle tool holder also may be used as a fixed tool holder for the ram, the device having a first spiroid gear member fixed to the ram, a second spiroid gear member surrounded by the first gear member and fixed to the spindle, and a third spiroid gear member surrounding said spindle and mounted for axial movement from a retracted to an extended position, the third gear member simultaneously engaging the first and second gear members when in the extended position to lock the spindle against rotation relative to the ram, the third gear member being moved to the extended position by a displaceable piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: G. A. Gray Division, The Warner & Swasey Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Holmstrom, Joseph F. Ogrinc
  • Patent number: 4566169
    Abstract: A building set is provided including at least a drive motor, a spindle stock and a support element for holding these elements. These elements can be assembled to form a variety of small machine tools. The elements are formed as independent parts with under cut clamping grooves. The elements are joined together at their clamping grooves by a connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Maier & Co.
    Inventor: Gottfried Vesely
  • Patent number: 4564995
    Abstract: A composite machine tool for metal working, provided with a pair of vertical columns. On the front and rear sides of the vertical columns, there are provided a vertical lathe and a milling machine, respectively, able to be driven and operated independently of each other. Machining by these machine tools is effected on a workpiece rested on a pallet. A pallet transfer apparatus for conveying a succession of pallets with workpieces is provided between the vertical lathe and the milling machine and between the vertical columns. When each turning operation in the vertical lathe is finished, the corresponding pallet with the workpiece rested thereon is immediately conveyed into the milling machine by the pallet transfer apparatus. The composite machine tool is particularly useful in reducing the time for conveying comparatively heavy workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: O-M Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kase
  • Patent number: 4563800
    Abstract: A tool changer for an EDM apparatus provided with a reciprocable machining head having a tool holder mounted on the end of the machining head. The tool changer comprises a rotatable indexable turret supporting a plurality of electrode tools each integrally provided with a support member for attachment of the electrode tool/support member assembly to the turret. Successive machining operations are effected by the machining head carrying an appropriate electrode tool, and at the end of each machining operation the electrode tool/support member assembly is attached to the turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Ateliere des Charmilles, S.A.
    Inventor: Benno I. Bonga
  • Patent number: 4559682
    Abstract: A swivel head swivels on its support along a plane face that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The face has the shape of a movable disk that slides on a stationary disk. The movable disk is rotated by means that ensure centering with a predetermined clearance. The stationary disk is pierced by two diametrically opposite bores and the movable disk is pierced by at least one pair of diametrically opposite bores with the same diameter and with the same distance between centers, and located at the same distance from the center, within the clearance. The positions of a pair of bores may be generated from those of another pair, by rotation of predetermined angle. The support features means for inserting, across the two disks, two expandable rings, for expanding them, and for retracting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Centre d'Etudes du Fraisage
    Inventor: Michel Sachot
  • Patent number: 4559681
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for automatically machining work pieces, wherein a plurality of single spindle units are fixedly attached to a support, and the work pieces are maneuvered in front of the work units by a translatable table. The number of single spindle work units is determined by the formula 2N-1, wherein N is the number of machining operations to be performed on each work piece. As such, there is an odd number of work units thereby creating a central unit which carrys out the last machining operation to be performed in the work piece. The axes of the work units are precisely equally spaced from one another, and this spacing equals the spacing between the work pieces. The apparatus is cyclically operated so that a plurality of work pieces can be worked on simultaneously by individual work units and a new work piece can be loaded when the machining operation is completed on a previously loaded work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Manufacture de Vilebrequins
    Inventors: Michel Coquillart, Georges Yeretzian
  • Patent number: 4557640
    Abstract: A boring unit and a honing unit are concurrently carried on the bed of a boring machine for performing boring and honing operations on the cylinder bores of an engine block. A unique clamping technique is employed to clamp the engine block to the bed of the boring machine while the honing device is operating on the furthest most cylinder bore and adjacent the boring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Donald B. Rottler
  • Patent number: 4557035
    Abstract: A machine tool for sequentially machining workpieces with different tools which may be clamped in a spindle of the machine tool, comprising a magazine in which the tools are disposed in a ring pattern and held in holders such that the holder of the tool to be clamped in or unclamped and removed from the spindle is in alignment with the spindle axis during the tool change, is characterized in that the holders of the magazine are distributed about the spindle axis, that each holder is provided with its own drive which moves it into a position where it is aligned with the spindle axis (clamping position) and into a position outside the spindle axis (magazine position) and that the holder remains aligned with the spindle axis while the tool held therein performs a machining operation. This permits a very quick tool change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Rutschle, Hans-Henning Winkler, Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 4551903
    Abstract: An automatic tool changing mechanism for industrial robots, comprising a coupling device mounted on a toolholder head of the robot, and a connection plate complementary to the coupling device and firmly secured to the tool, this latter being accommodated in a toolholder magazine. Fixing of the two parts to each other is effected by rotation of a segmental crown gear mounted on the toolholder head and driven by actuator means mounted on the toolholder magazine. The mechanism further comprises a plurality of electrical and fluid connections energized simultaneously with the mechanical connection of the two parts and interrupted automatically on their separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Luciano Bisiach
  • Patent number: 4550476
    Abstract: The adapter for the torquing tool includes an elongated body having a bore in at least one end to accommodate a driver bit and a coupling means for detachably attaching the body to the tool. A depth adjustment bushing is threadably engaged within said bore, with the bushing being externally threaded to engage the bore. The bushing includes a body section and a shank section. An axial passageway extends through the shank section and an axial slot extending through the wall of the shank in communication with the passageway. A screw extends through a radial threaded opening in the body and into the axial passageway through the slot so when the driver bit is housed within the body section and extends into the passageway, it is held in place by tightening the screw. In a preferred form, the passageway has a hexagonal cross section for mating engagement with a hexagonal end section of the driving bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. DeCaro
  • Patent number: 4550488
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gang head for a replaceable gang head type machine tool. The machine tool includes a base, a jig table, a driving member mounted on the base and movable to an advance and retract with respect to the jig table, and an annular rail surrounding the driving member. The annular rail has a rear stationary rail and a movable front rail, the movable rail movable to advance and retract with respect to the jig table along the same direction as the driving member. The gang head comprises a base frame mounted on the movable rail, a working unit mounted on the base frame, wherein the working unit is inclined at an angle other than a right angle, with respect to the direction of advance and retraction of the movable rail, an oil pressure pump, and an oil pressure operated cylinder. The oil pressure cylinder being operatively coupled to the working unit for advancing and retracting the working unit with respect to the jig table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Okubo, Hideo Kodachi, Masaki Miyanaka
  • Patent number: 4535527
    Abstract: A machine tool for mounting on a lateral or console unit of a transfer machine comprises a spindle unit, drive elements, a number of processing spindles, and a tool exchanging device having a tool support for the receipt of used and new tools, which is movable from a charging position into an exchange position in front of the processing spindles. To improve the removal and charging possibilities for the tools, the tool support is moved from its charging position at the rear of the machine tool over the spindle unit and associated drive elements into the exchange position in front of said processing spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fischer, Paul Schubert
  • Patent number: 4534093
    Abstract: An automatic numerically controlled machine tool or "bed machining center" presents a tool carrying spindle rotating in a vertically movable head sliding on a forwardly and rearwardly movable column, for cutting tool engagement with a workpiece clamped on a laterally movable table. The head, the column and the table are slidingly movable by precision ball screws on mutually perpendicular way members, accurately positioned with pivoting fine adjustment. Sliding ramp gib pack cam block pairs further adjust the sliding members for maximum precision. Replacement spindle and vertical ball screw assemblies are easily substituted for rapid maintenance. High volume coolant circulation flushes chips away from the workpiece. A concealed tool change carriage glides forward from an enclosure, receives the previous tool from the spindle, indexes the next tool, releases it for automatic loading in the spindle collet, and retracts into its enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Jahnke, Bruce H. Rockel, Barry J. Brown, Floyd E. Hawley, Andrew J. Pennella, John C. Sugrue, William R. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 4532693
    Abstract: Tool exchanging apparatus for a machine tool having a plurality of processing spindles which have quick-change adapters for the tool holders which are insertable in a tool carrier, so that with a simple mechanical design the cost of the automatic coupling on the processing spindles is reduced. The tool holders charged with the tools should be slidable through apertures of the tool carrier in the exchange direction and at least in their decoupling or coupling positions should be held in the apertures so that a movement contrary to the exchange direction is prevented, and at least for the tool holders carrying the new tools, the carrier lugs thereof should be retractable over a limited path contrary to the exchange direction and against the force of a spring, a device being provided for preventing rotation of the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Gucklhorn, Wolfgang Carl
  • Patent number: 4525918
    Abstract: A tool, such as a drill bit, cutting tool or any other suitable tool, is d in a two component tool holder. The first component (1) includes a holder sleeve (3) with a conical bore (2). The sleeve (3) is held in a housing (19) carried by a machine tool, robot or the like. The second component (25) which carries the tool proper has a conical shaft (26) with a locking groove (29) near its free end. The conical shaft (26) locks into the conical bore (2) in the sleeve (3). An additional automatic locking is provided by at least two locking bolts (12) located to reach radially through the sleeve (3) into the locking groove (29) when the shaft (26) is inserted into the conical bore (2) of the sleeve (3). The locking bolts (12) are biased by springs (14) into the locking position and pulled out of the locking position by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure operated elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Wolfgang Puritz
  • Patent number: 4520551
    Abstract: A machine tool has a work table movable along X and Y axes parallel to the plane of the table, at least one working unit with a rotary spindle being mounted above the table. A cartridge with a matrix of perforations contains a supply of tools. The latter are taken according to requirements by tool transporting grippers, provided two for each working unit, moving along the Z axis to retract themselves into receivers or, on the contrary, to protrude therefrom, these receivers being rigid with the table. By displacing the table along the X and Y axes, the tools are selected and brought by the grippers successively opposite the spindle of a working unit. They are then brought back into the cartridge in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Posalux S.A.
    Inventor: Werner Imhof
  • Patent number: 4516311
    Abstract: A machining center comprises a horizontal bed, a column disposed perpendicularly to the bed, a plurality of slide rest located to be relatively movable to the bed and column, a spindle head, and a tool magazine. The spindle head includes vertical and horizontal spindles and a tool exchanging mechanism comprising tool exchanging arm assemblies positioned at positions suitable for the corresponding spindles and adapted to exchange tools held by the tool magazine with those held by the vertical and horizontal spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Miyano Tekkosho
    Inventors: Shilo Takakuwa, Isao Kobayashi, Tastuo Takahashi, Shige Imamizu
  • Patent number: 4514892
    Abstract: A machine tool having a gate-type construction and provided with a tool magazine (11). The tool magazine (11) is mounted between a pair of support portions (3a) of a gate-shaped column (3) and above a work support table (2). The tool magazine (11) is composed of a plurality of tool holders (16) each holding a tool (17), and a driving device (18) for moving the tool holders (16) back and forth. This arrangement permits an efficient use of the working space on the work support table (2), and makes it possible to reduce the sizes of the support table (2) and a bed (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Tsujimura, Takani Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 4509235
    Abstract: A tool changer for use in a transfer machine includes a pallet movable to a station in front of a machining unit, and a tool support mounted on the pallet for releasably supporting a tool. The machining unit is movable by an actuator toward the tool support to receive the tool from or release the tool onto the tool support. When the machining unit is advanced toward the tool support, the pallet is lowered by another actuator to release the tool support from supporting the tool, which has been held by the machining unit. Prior to transfer of the tool from the tool support to the machining unit, the tool is held down against the tool support by a clamp arm pivotably mounted on a clamp frame fixedly placed on the pallet. The clamp arm is angularly actuatable to release the tool in response to the movement of the machining unit toward the tool support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4509236
    Abstract: A boring machine comprises a hollow rotary spindle, a pair of swing arms attached to the front end of the rotary spindle to extend in symmetric radial directions with respect to the rotary spindle, and a driving mechanism disposed within the rotary spindle for driving the swing arms. A pair of rams can be assembled respectively in the swing arms to be symmetrically movable in radial directions and a ram driving mechanism is also disposed in the rotary spindle. Cutters are supported to the front ends of the swing arms or rams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichiro Morita, Akihiko Yuasa, Takao Arai
  • Patent number: 4505020
    Abstract: An automatic tool replacing device for use in a machining center of the type equipped with a tool storage magazine having a linear portion in which a plurality of tools are arrayed in a row at a predetermined pitch. The tool replacing device has a turret having a plurality of tool holding sections and adapted to make an indexing rotation to bring any one of the tool holding sections to an index position adjacent to the linear portion. A plurality of tool grippers are attached to each of the tool holding sections of the turret and adapted to grip tools in such a manner that the axes of the gripped tools extend in the same direction as the axes of the tools stored in the linear portion of the tool storage magazine and that the axes of the gripped tools are spaced from adjacent ones by the same distance as that between adjacent tools stored in the linear portion of the tool storage magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Okuma Machinery Works Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 4495681
    Abstract: The improved dwell and depth attachment includes an elongate housing that is attached to a drill motor and has an output shaft that is movable longitudinally and rotatably in the housing for rotating a drill bit. A drive spindle is connected with the output shaft and extends through the housing. An elongated sleeve encircles the spindle and has an end that is engageable with the work piece. An adjustable depth control located within the housing is connected for movement with the spindle. A first portion of the control includes a threaded interior and has ten circumferentially spaced, radially extending holes therein. The control also includes a second portion that has a threaded exterior mating with the first portion and has ten slots equally spaced about the exterior. The threads are selected to be loose fitting so that the portions of the control can "float" relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Eckman
  • Patent number: 4486928
    Abstract: A tool rest has a plurality of tool storage locations for tools used at a work station. The tool rest is stationary relative to the work station. An automated robotic arm transports a tool between the tool rest and the work station. The arm movement is programmed to select a particular tool. The tools are releasably retained at their respective storage locations and are automatically released just prior to their transport to the work station, and are retentively held at their respective storage locations after return thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Magnavox Government and Industrial Electronics Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Tucker, Bill B. Clark