Abstract: An APC is provided in a five-axis controlling vertical machining center. A spindle head is movable in three mutually transverse axes directions to a workpiece. A table disposed below swings to be positioned and is directed upwardly and indexed. A pallet setup base is provided outside a machining area. A pallet change arm has pallet grip portions for gripping and releasing the pallets. The arm makes a swivel motion and makes an ascending and descending motion. Thus, the pallet is transferred between the table and the pallet setup base and is received and discharged to the table and the pallet setup base.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a machine for milling doors and/or drawer fronts, including: apparatus to horizontally clamp a door or drawer front to a horizontal movable table; apparatus to remove vertically disposed scribe pins from the door and/or drawer front, backs of the vertically disposed scribe pins defining a position of a frame to be spaced from the door and/or drawer front by a reveal; points disposed at the lower end of the vertically disposed scribe pins, flush with the backs, the points inserted into the door or drawer front; and apparatus to move the movable table such as to move the door or drawer front past a cutter head, the cutter head cutting the door or drawer front at least from a line in which lie the backs to a finished edge of the door or drawer front. A method of using the milling machine is also provided.

Abstract: A method in a sheet metal working center, wherein a sheet secured to mounting member of a moving carriage arrangement is transferred in accordance with a predetermined program substantially in XY orthogonal coordinates in the main plane of the sheet so that machining of the sheet may be carried out by multiple machining units. At least two of the machining units are placed in the sheet metal working center and have separate XY orthogonal coordinates, and directions X of the separate XY orthogonal coordinates of the machines are combined to a common direction X of the sheet metal working center.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A method for installing an automated material handling system in a semiconductor fabrication facility capable of accommodating a predetermined number of fabrication bays. The handling system has a set of elements including material storage, interbay transport, and intrabay transport elements corresponding to the predetermined number of fabrication bays. The method comprises arranging at least some of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements into handling system subsets, and installing one or more of the subsets into the fabrication facility. Each subset has at least one or more corresponding ones of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements so that when installed each subset forms a transport circuit allowing substantially unrestricted bi-directional travel of semiconductor device holders between the material storage and at least one of the fabrication bays.

Abstract: The gripping unit comprises a pallet (16) that supports gripping systems (18) through orientation systems (22). The pallet (16) also supports at least one control box (28) capable of activating orientation systems (22), and possibly gripping systems (18) to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (12). The control system (28) takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system (40) of the machine tool (12).

Abstract: Gripping unit for automated machining of parts and device and process integrating such a unit. The gripping unit comprises a pallet (16) that supports gripping systems (18) through orientation systems (22). The pallet (16) also supports at least one control box (28) capable of activating orientation systems (22), and possibly gripping systems (18) to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (12). The control system (28) takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system (40) of the machine tool (12).

Abstract: This is a processing cell of an automatic machining system having a small, lightweight and simple structure, easy to determine or change the number of process, easy in design, and low in apparatus cost. A processing cell (A) has a unit structure comprising a conveying device (10) forming a part of a work conveying route (1), a fine boring machine (5a) or honing machine (5b), (5c) as a single machine tool, and a control unit for linking them mutually and controlling, and these cells are installed, being free to increase or decrease in number, in the machining section of automatic machining system such as automatic honing system.

Abstract: A machine tool in which the workpiece is transported by a pair of longitudinal carriages with transverse and vertical carriages supporting the workpiece holders to a machining region from a workpiece replacement region. In the machining region the workpiece is displaced relative to the tool and possibly rotated. In the workpiece replacement region, the workpiece is replaced in the machine tool by a workpiece which has not been machined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus providing a tool turret for a machine tool with at least one motor-driven tool that is suitable for machining of wavy or tubular workpieces. The transport of the workpieces from one machining station to the next is effected in a simpler, more reliable, and less expensive fashion, because the machine tool has a tool turret that includes a gripping element for taking hold of, transporting, and positioning workpieces, rather than using an additional tool.

Abstract: A coupling device, particularly for vehicle wheels undergoing surface finishing, comprising elements for the releasable fixing of a wheel to a chuck, which act in holes for the passage of screws for fixing the wheel to a hub of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for transferring supports for objects which can be stacked and unstacked between a conveyor and a machine for printing the objects, characterized in that it includes: a mobile transfer table which has two locations each adapted to receive an object support and which is adapted to occupy a plurality of positions, first drive elements adapted to drive the transfer table vertically up and down, and second drive elements adapted to advance or withdraw the transfer table horizontally and simultaneously to transfer a support containing objects and an empty support or to withdraw the empty transfer table to a position awaiting a new support.

Abstract: At least one machine tool, preferably two machine tools (1, 2) is or are provided for the production of workpieces, or for the complete production of complex workparts, which machine tools each have a basic body (3, 4) and machine units (7, 8) movable in the horizontal direction thereon. Each machine unit has a work spindle (13, 14) which is supported displaceably in the axial direction of the spindle in a carrier (11, 12) of crankshaft-like design. The carrier is mounted pivotably and supports each work spindle above a respective transport system (31, 32) for a workpiece or the workparts (37, 38). Machining devices, for example in the form of a tool carrier (44) for turning, drilling and/or milling tools, a laser-welding device (46), a grinding device (47) and a brushing device (48), and also an apparatus for joining, are provided in the functional area of one of these machine tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote controlled machine axis (or indexer) system that comprises a horizontal base plate, a first vertical plate, and a second vertical plate, wherein the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate are coupled to the horizontal base plate. The system further comprises a first arbor coupled to the first vertical plate, a second arbor coupled to the second vertical plate, a bearing positioned through the first vertical plate and the first arbor, a rotatable base plate coupled to the first arbor and to the second arbor, and a vice coupled to the rotatable base plate. The system also comprises a wireless transceiver coupled to the horizontal base plate, a servomotor coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the horizontal base plate, an integrated power source coupled to the servomotor, to the wireless transceiver, and to the horizontal base plate, and a reducer coupled to the integrated servomotor and to the second vertical plate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a machining apparatus including a work piece holder having an adapter body with an axial bore and a translating portion located within the axial bore of the adapter body. The translating portion has a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet of a spindle and a distal end for attaching to a collet. The work piece holder includes a retaining piece coupling the adapter body and the translating portion allowing the translating portion to move axially within the adapter body. The apparatus facilitates a rotating spindle grasping and rotating a work piece to be brought into contact with a processing tool held stationary on a work table. The present invention also includes a fixture block for attaching milling tools and other devices to a work table and a method of operating a milling machine utilizing the fixture block and work piece holder.

Abstract: Gripping unit for automated machining of parts and device and process integrating such a unit.

Abstract: A product manufacturing line for manufacturing a product by incorporating a component in a semi-finished product may include a conveyor for conveying the semi-finished product and a preparation area in which necessary preparation for feeding the component is previously made. The preparation area is positioned in front of a worker facing the conveyor. Further, the preparation area has a component storage means for storing a desired number of components and a component feeding means for feeding the component to a position that the worker can take the component. Therefore, the worker can take out the component without turning around, since the worker can take out the component from his or her front side.

Abstract: An installation for machining work pieces (15) comprises at least a machine tool (36). It is provided with a supply and take-down equipment (41), which is disposed before the machine tool (36) on a side of the working area (14) that faces away from the work spindle (10).

Abstract: A rotary indexing machine (10) has a fixed machine frame, which is designed for holding a multiplicity of machining units (66) and comprises at least one support (70) Furthermore, the rotary indexing machine (10) has rotary table (40) rotatable relative to the machine frame about a vertical indexing axis (12). To create free space for the machining of a workpiece to be arranged on the rotary table (40), the support (70) is designed for the lateral attachment of at least one of the machining units (66). The machine frame is characterized by high rigidity and stability, a large free space for 15 machining workpieces being created at the same time in the region of the rotary table (40), and good accessibility the satellites (50), the indexing devices and the rotary table (40) being ensured for the adjustment setting-up of the machine.

Abstract: A nut member 5 for moving forward and rearward by rotating a feed screw 4 by a stepping motor 28 and a transfer table 7 for transferring a workpiece W are elastically connected by a spring means 24 in transferring of the workpiece to thereby allow the nut member 5 to overrun by flection of the spring means 24, to allow the stepping motor 28 to rotate excessively in a cushioned manner, and to obtain a thrust for pushing the workpiece against an object after the transfer table 7 reaches the transfer end of the workpiece.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool is disclosed including a spindle support structure for moving the spindle having a tool mounted thereon in directions along an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis, a workpiece support structure having an indexing workpiece mounting table, and a chip discharge means located between the spindle support structure and the workpiece support structure for discharging chips produced in the machining area to the outside. Since the workpiece mounting table is allowed for rotational indexing, the setup process for the workpiece can be performed with the workpiece mounting surface of the workpiece mounting table facing upward, and therefore the setup process can be shortened while at the same time improving the machine operating rate. Also, since the spindle support structure, the workpiece support structure and the chip discharge means can be configured separately from each other, the machine tool can be manufactured and installed easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool (11) for machining a large-sized workpiece (89) such as aircraft parts mounted on a workpiece mounting table (99), by moving a spindle having a tool mounted thereon in directions along the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The machine tool (11) can provide a highly efficient, high-speed and highly precise machining for a large-sized workpiece (89) and solve a problem of a compact installation area. In order to solve this problem, according to the present invention, a workpiece support structure (15) is disposed in opposed relation to a spindle support structure (13) which a spindle head (73) movable in the directions along the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The workpiece mounting table (99) of the workpiece support structure (15) is provided with pallet securing means on two opposed pallet mounting surfaces thereof and is supported to allow for rotational indexing about a horizontal axis extending in the direction along the X-axis.

Abstract: A system for forming workpieces, has at least one forming tool has at least one machining device with a local energy feed. The local feed is provided for machining the workpieces as a separate station within the forming system.

Abstract: A machine tool in which the workpiece is transported by a pair of longitudinal carriages with transverse and vertical carriages supporting the workpiece holders to a machining region from a workpiece replacement region. In the machining region the workpiece is displaced relative to the tool and possibly rotated. In the workpiece replacement region, the workpiece is replaced in the machine tool by a workpiece which has not been machined.

Abstract: A workpiece changing system capable of automatically changing a heavy workpiece using a robot. A jig for attaching a workpiece thereto is mounted on a jig mounting device. The jig mounting device comprises a jig mounting unit having a rotary member and a swing member. The rotary member rotates the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired rotary position. The tilting member swings around an axis to tilt the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired tilting position. As the jig and the workpiece on the jig can take a suitable orientation or posture for being handled by the handling robot, the handling robot can hold a heavy workpiece without exerting excessive load on the robot wrist.

Abstract: A machining machine-tool having a fixed frame with a closed structure. The machining zone is delimited by the fixed frame internal surfaces and includes a machining head supporting the driving unit of a machine-tool. The machine-tool fixed frame has a C-shaped profile, and ends of branches of the C are linked to the machine-tool machining head. The ergonomic arrangement of the machine-tool functional parts is also considered.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing line and manufacturing process employs an overhead gantry system to transfer fixtured workpieces between machining stations served by the gantry system. The machining stations include CNC machines, turret cells, and/or dedicated machines which receive the fixtured workpieces through top-entry openings. The invention provides flexibility and adaptability to variation, improved maintenance of reference position on the fixture during manufacture, improved accessibility to machining stations during operation, and increased safety.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a lower housing part, an upper housing part having a lower side, and a plurality of support posts fixed to the upper and lower parts and holding the upper part fixedly at a spacing above the lower part. A tool holder displaceable parallel to a horizontal tool axis on the lower side of the upper housing part carries a chuck rotatable about the tool axis and can hold a machining tool. A supply station on the lower part offset horizontally perpendicular to the tool axis from the tool holder is can hold a plurality of the workpieces. A cross slide connected between the upper housing part and a workpiece chuck displaces the workpiece chuck in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the tool axis and in a vertical direction to displace a workpiece between the station and a position aligned on the tool axis with the tool chuck.

Abstract: Method and apparatus providing a tool turret for a machine tool with at least one motor-driven tool that is suitable for machining of wavy or tubular workpieces. The transport of the workpieces from one machining station to the next is effected in a simpler, more reliable, and less expensive fashion, because the machine tool has a tool turret that includes a gripping element for taking hold of, transporting, and positioning workpieces, rather than using an additional tool.

Abstract: A method for controlling a process includes processing a first workpiece in a first process tool. An output characteristic of the first workpiece is measured. A second workpiece is processed in the first process tool. A tool health metric is determined for the first process tool corresponding to the processing of the second workpiece. A control action is determined based on the measured output characteristic and the tool health metric.

Abstract: A method for forming a shelf is presented herein and includes shearing a straightened metal coil with a shearing mechanism and forming a sheared portion having a first length. The sheared portion has a first width and opposing ends that define a shelf width. The shearing mechanism is incorporated into a punch. The sheared portion is fed into a rollform mill set to receive sheared portions having the first width. The sheared portion is formed to have a predetermined depth. The sheared portion is fed into a press brake and at least one of the opposing ends of the sheared portion is bent with the press brake. The sheared portion is then ejected from the press brake.

Abstract: A machine tool in which a plurality of machining positions is orbited by a work spindle unit carrying a workpiece and capable of radial displacement relative to the central axis of rotation. The work spindle unit may be one of one or more such units mounted upon a bridge element angularly displaceable about that axis.

Abstract: A machine tool method employs a plurality of tools which may be sequentially or simultaneously automatically controlled to perform preprogrammed operations by either the same or different workpieces. A unit of work is conveyed to be operated on by selected of the plurality of tools that are controllably operated at respective work locating positions. A plurality of command control message signals are generated to perform preprogrammed operations either in sequence or simultaneously on the same workpiece or simultaneously on separate workpieces spaced apart on a common conveyor such as a flight conveyor while the conveyor is either in motion or stationary. In another form, the conveyor is automatically stopped with units of work thereon, each disposed so as to be predeterminately located with respect to a respective machine tool which has been prepositioned adjacent the work-holding conveyor.

Abstract: A lathe (10) includes a support structure (12) which supports a magazine (14) in a substantially vertical operative orientation. The magazine (14) is rotatably supported in a carriage (24). The magazine (14) is a multi-spindle magazine and supports a plurality of workpieces. A workstation head (40) is mounted on the housing (18). The workstation head defines a plurality of workstations (46). Each workstation head includes a plurality of working tools.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a housing defining a supply station and a machining station, a holder slide, and an actuator for displacing the holder slide on the workpiece in a main direction between the stations. A tool at the machining station can machine a workpiece. A pair of bearings spaced apart on the holder slide and defining an axis hold a shaft of a holder mounted on the holder slide between the bearings and having a shaft seated in both of the bearings for pivoting about the axis. The holder is adapted to carry a workpiece.

Abstract: A system for processing elongate workpieces. The system consists of a first machining unit for performing a first processing operation on an elongate workpiece that is situated at a first location and a second machining unit for performing a second processing operation on an elongate workpiece that is situated at a second location that is vertically spaced from the first location. The system further consists of a first supply unit on which a plurality of elongate workpieces can be placed in a stored position. A transfer assembly engages an elongate workpiece in a stored position and selectively delivers an elongate workpiece engaged by the transfer assembly to one of the first and second locations.

Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of workpieces in an unmanned manner, including the steps of holding, with a jig, a first one of the workpieces, attaching the jig holding the first workpiece, to a workpiece holding device of at least one machining device, so that the first workpiece is machined by the machining device, detaching, after the machining of the first workpiece, the jig holding the first workpiece, from the workpiece holding device, removing the first workpiece from the jig, and holding, with the jig, a second one of the workpieces, and repeating the attaching step, the detaching step, and removing step.

Abstract: In a machine tool (2), in particular for cutting treatment of workpieces (9) comprising a machine frame, a workpiece table (15) borne on the machine frame and an approximately horizontally disposed processing unit (8) which is mounted to the machine frame, the processing unit (8) is mounted also to a support (6) of the machine frame overlapping the workpiece table (15). This upper mounting prevents displacement of the processing unit relative to the workpiece due to the forces acting thereon during processing, in particular in the Z-direction. These forces are accommodated by the machine frame which is self-contained through the support.

Abstract: This is a processing cell of an automatic machining system having a small, lightweight and simple structure, easy to determine or change the number of process, easy in design, and low in apparatus cost. A processing cell (A) has a unit structure comprising a conveying device (10) forming a part of a work conveying route (1), a fine boring machine (5a) or honing machine (5b), (5c) as a single machine tool, and a control unit for linking them mutually and controlling, and these cells are installed, being free to increase or decrease in number, in the machining section of automatic machining system such as automatic honing system.

Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus and method using a tool (30) having a cutter (31) operatively opening a cut in the interior bore surface (11) of a cylindrical pipe fitting (10), laying wire (12) into the cut and closing the cut using a flange closer (33). The wire (12) is delivered into the cut via an aperture (32) through the cutting means (31). Delivery of the wire (12) into the cut is thereby improved. overcoming the problem of wire running free within the fitting. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 12) the cutter (31) is rotatably mounted allowing a double helical coil to be formed without removing the cutter from the bore surface.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system including at least one module, a operational unit mounted to said at least one module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to control the operational unit. The at least one module and the local controller together are capable of operating in a standalone operation or of integration into a flexible manufacturing system. The local controller is further adapted to receive a reference signal from the flexible manufacturing system and to synchronize the operational unit to the flexible manufacturing system when the at least one module is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a mobile platform and first and second linearly-actuated slides supported on a base connected to the frame. The first and second slides are movable along a line defining a first axis. The apparatus may include a first driving connector movably coupled to the first slide and to the mobile platform, and a second driving connector movably coupled to the second slide and to the mobile platform, such that the mobile platform is displaceable within at least two degrees of freedom defined by linear motions along the first axis and a second axis, the second axis being coplanar and orthogonal to the first axis. An end effector may be also coupled to the mobile platform, the end effector having an axis aligned in a direction defined by the second axis. The end effector may comprise, for example, a tool or a gripper.

Abstract: An automatic assembly or production machine and workstation for such a machine which has a rotor that is rotatable around a vertical machine access, and has several receptacles on the periphery of the rotor for components or work pieces to be assembled or for subassemblies. The machine has a central drive means for the rotor for moving the receptacles in a cyclic movement from one work position to the next. Each work position has primary functional elements with a common control unit for them driven by a central drive assembly and producing controlled movements of the element in at least one axial direction in synchronization with the cyclic rotary movement of the rotor.

Abstract: The component-mounting apparatus is provided with a pallet-carrying unit that carries a pallet holding boards inside the apparatus. The pallet-carrying unit carries the pallet to a loading unit for feeding boards to the pallet, an ACF applying unit for applying an ACF tape on the boards, a pre-press bonding unit for positioning components relative to the boards and bonding the components with a first pressing force, a final bonding unit for bonding the components to the boards with a second pressing force larger than the first pressing force so as to fix the components on the board, and an unloading unit for removing the board with the components mounted thereon from the pallet. Then, the pallet-carrying unit returns the pallet from the unloading unit to the loading unit.

Abstract: A transfer line apparatus for performing multiple machining operations on each of a plurality of workpieces in a transfer line. The apparatus includes a plurality of different kinds of machining units disposed at respective machining stations along a transfer path. A workpiece transporter moves workpieces along the transfer path to position each of the workpieces at each of the machining stations and allow each of the machining units to machine each of the workpieces as the workpieces move along the transfer path. A controller connected to the machining units responds to an inspection command by causing all machining units downstream from a designated machining unit along the transfer path to allow a workpiece selected for inspection to pass by without being machined by the downstream units. This allows the workpiece to be inspected in a form that the remaining machining units have not altered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machining center comprising a pallet changing station in combination with a machining station. The pallet changing station includes a rotating column assembly supporting a platform on which multiple fixtures are supported and moved. A portion of the column assembly defines part of a hydraulic conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid from a fluid source to the fixture for use in clamping parts to the fixture. The integration of a portion of the hydraulic conduit with the rotating column reduces the tendency for the hydraulic conduit to become twisted during rotation of the column or for the various threaded connections of the hydraulic conduit from loosening.

Abstract: There is a workpiece clamp device 10 for horizontally holding a thin section long workpiece 1 having a constant section shape or having the same section shape in spaced positions in a longitudinal direction in two positions of the same section shape. The workpiece clamp device 10 is constituted of a driving clamp device 10A and a driven clamp device 10B comprising the same holding device 12. The driving clamp device 10A rotates the workpiece 1 centering on a horizontal axis O extending in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and the driven clamp device 10B follows movement of the workpiece and idles centering on the horizontal axis. An arbitrary portion to be machined of the workpiece can be directed in a direction in which the portion is easily machined by the rotation (e.g., upward direction).

Abstract: A clip disk assembly according to the invention includes an adapter hub which attaches to the motor of an existing crimping machine and a plurality of clip disks, each being removably attachable to the adapter hub. Each clip disk is provided with a different sized peripheral notches to accommodate a different sized eyelet. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the adapter hub has four threaded peripheral studs and the clip disks have four corresponding holes. Four wing nuts are used to removably attach the clip disks to the adapter hub. Preferably, one stud has a larger boss than the others and one hole in the clip disks is correspondingly larger. The assembly permits changing of clip disks in about one minute.

Abstract: A nut member 5 for moving forward and rearward by rotating a feed screw 4 by a stepping motor 28 and a transfer table 7 for transferring a workpiece W are elastically connected by a spring means 24 in transferring of the workpiece to thereby allow the nut member 5 to overrun by flection of the spring means 24, to allow the stepping motor 28 to rotate excessively in a cushioned manner, and to obtain a thrust for pushing the workpiece against an object after the transfer table 7 reaches the transfer end of the workpiece.