Abstract: On a processing machine having a tool-holding frame (13) facing a mutli-spindle barrel (3), one of the work stations is equipped with a support (23) bearing a spindle (38) capable of being driven axially (22) and rotatingly (C). During the cycle of operations, an auxiliary chuck mounted in a body (39) can move to grasp the end of a bar or a workpiece (57) and guide it into the field of a milling cutter (60). An AZ2C-axis control makes it possible, for example, to machine a helical groove in the cylindrical flank of the workpiece.

Abstract: A set of positioning guide members are mounted on a worktable to delimit receiving areas for a workpiece support plate so that the support plate may be accurately positioned at each workstation on the table to allow accurate machining to be effected; a locking device is provided at each workstation to lock the support plate in a selected position in alignment with a tool at each workstation.

Abstract: A roundness processing device for a slipper surface of a rocker arm capable of rounding the slipper surface of the rocker arm without forming roundness on the polishing surface of a grinding wheel. A wheel side unit containing a disc-shaped grinding wheel, a jig side unit for holding and oscillating the rocker arm, a conveyor for conveying the rocker arm, and an access robot for moving in and out the rocker arm are automatically driven and controlled, as being mutually related, by automatic control such as numerical control. The polishing surface of the grinding wheel is formed on a plane vertical to the rotary shaft line of the grinding wheel, while the slipper surface of the rocker arm is oscillated about the oscillation shaft line positioned at a distance of a specific radius of curvature from the polishing surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a workpiece in plurality of manufacturing steps with small time losses between successive manufacturing steps, which utilizes a small number of manufacturing machines, according to which the manufacturing machines and the transferring machines are controlled such that while one manufacturing step is being applied by one manufacturing machine and then the workpiece is being transferred by the transferring machine from that one manufacturing machine to another manufacturing machine for applying a next manufacturing step to the workpiece, the another manufacturing machine is prepare for the next manufacturing step by placing an appropriate one of the manufacturing press dies under the ram of the press machine of the another manufacturing machine by intermittently moving the plurality of manufacturing press dies.

Abstract: A swinging mechanism for workpiece holding members of a nut former includes a drive rod to swing a swinging member which is connected to a plurality of seats to support the workpiece holding members. The swinging member is connected to the machine body with two connecting members which are pivoted to the machine body with two first pivot shafts. An elongated crank support member to support cranks which actuate the workpiece holding members is mounted on a pair of connecting members which swing about two second pivot shafts respectively adjacent to the first pivot shafts. Two eccentric members are respectively mounted on one of the first pivot shafts and one of the second pivot shafts, and a third connecting member is mounted on the eccentric members. The movement of the swinging member is transmitted to the crank support member through the first, second and third connecting members.

Abstract: The conventional multiple-spindle automatic lathes are expensive on account of their complicated construction, and the production output and production possibilities are limited on account of the restricted number of work spindles utilized. The novel automatic lathe is to offer higher production outputs and more universal manufacturing possibilities with a simpler construction.The basic structure of an automatic lathe with eight tool spindles (10) for the manufacture of workpieces in eight successive machining stations resides in that, additionally to the number of basic tool stations (1 through 8), each basic tool station, except for the first, is once more included as an additional tool station (2 through 8) arranged in the same sequence of machining upstream of the basic tool stations (1 through 8) so that the total number of machining stations amounts to N=2n-1, a loading and unloading station being provided at the tool station (1).

Abstract: A multi-process simultaneous processing apparatus for plain bearings, comprises a rotatable table unit for index delivery. A plurality of bearing supports are mounted to the table unit in circumferentially spaced relation to one other, for accommodating respectively the plain bearings. A plurality of working units are mounted to a stationary frame at locations facing respectively the bearing supports.

Abstract: A machine tool has an array work stations which includes a plurality of machining stations. A plurality of hydraulic pallet assemblies are provided to hold workpieces to be machined. The hydraulic pallet assemblies are movable along a main track which extends through the work stations. Each of the hydraulic pallet assemblies includes hydraulic actuators which operate clamps to grip a workpiece. A test station is disposed to one side of a path of movement of the hydraulic pallet assemblies between the various work stations. A motor at the test station is operable to move a pallet assembly from the main track to a secondary track located at the test station. A connector assembly at the test station connects hydraulic fluid pressure with the hydraulic pallet assembly to operate the clamp assemblies under the same hydraulic pressure that they are actuated at a work station.

Abstract: A dragon-gate processing machine having a dragon-gate support structure, at least one lateral girder coupled to the support structure for mounting tool holding members and automatic tool exchange devices, a plurality of working tables mounted below the dragon-gate support structure, driving apparatus for driving the working tables, a mechanical transmission for coupling the drive apparatus to the working tables, an auxiliary rotary arm mounted to the dragon-gate support structure for holding auxiliary processing devices, and control means for controlling operation of the dragon-gate machine. The dragon-gate machine allows processing such as drilling, latching, and planing to be performed on a workpiece mounted on the working table. The novel invention allows such processing to be performed at any angle and at any desired direction according to the processing requirements of the workpiece.

Abstract: A work supplying system for conveying work attached to a pallet to a plurality of machine stations disposed around an imaginary center line iin a circumferential direction, and a work conveying and delivering unit for conveying the work to the work conveyor and delivering the work from the work conveyor, wherein a conveying and delivering station is disposed for conveying and delivering the work attached to the pallet, and a plurality of releasable stations are disposed corresponding to respective machine stations for machining the work, and are located on linear lines connecting the imaginary center line to the respective machining stations, and the conveying and delivering station and the releasable stations are installed around the imaginary center line at circumferentially equal intervals along an imaginary circle which has a center on the imaginary center line, the work conveyor comprising a post stand with an axis thereof aligned with the imaginary center line, slide units each reciprocatively movable b

Abstract: A machine tool consisting of a stand for a spindle case which travels along the horizontal Z-axis and the vertical Y-axis, with at least one horizontal working spindle and a non-deformable bed with guides for workpiece bench traveling horizontally along the X-axis. To allow simultaneous milling and lathe work on several workpieces, the machine tool comprises a complete milling unit, and next to it on the machine bed, a complete lathe unit. To the side of the workpiece bench of the milling unit, an independent, rotation driven device is placed within the guides of the bed for clamping horizontally aligned workpieces, and next to it a turret head upon which turning tools are secured.

Abstract: A numerically controlled lathe which is capable of effecting combined machining comprises a frame constituting the main body, a main spindle driven to rotate, a main spindle chuck provided on the main spindle to hold a workpiece, a multiple-tool head having a plurality of tools, a turret head and a rear machining head. The multiple-tool head has three servomotors to move it along three axes which are perpendicular to each other. The body of the multiple-tool head has an annular frame structure. At least two rows of rotary and non-rotary tools for machining the workpiece are disposed on the multiple-tool head body in a direction parallel with one of the directions of movement. A tool driving motor is provided on the multiple-tool head body to drive the rotary tools. The rotary tools include a polygon machining tool for machining a polygonal workpiece. The multiple-tool head, the turret head and the rear machining head effect machining simultaneously or successively.

Abstract: Described is a procedure for machining wooden articles in which a plurality of machining operations is carried out on a wooden article in a series of machining operation stations.The wooden articles are transported along the series of machining operation stations whereby each article remains fixed on one and the same clamping bench during all operations; following each operation the bench is moved to the next station while the wooden article remains clamped thereon.During moving the clamping is carried out with clamping devices which can move synchronously with the clamping benches; in a station a clamping bench is fixed and the clamping action may be achieved either by stationary clamping devices connected to a station or the clamping devices which can move with a bench.Also is described an installation for carrying out the procedure.

Abstract: An automatic pallet changer includes a pallet supporter for receiving a first pallet, a table for receiving a second pallet on the machine, a pallet exchanger arm carried on a supporting shaft disposed between the pallet supporter and the table, the exchanger arm being rotative around the supporting shaft and movable up and down along it, the exchanger arm carrying the first pallet at one hand and the second pallet at the other hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated buffing and grinding system. The system includes a first conveyor for transporting an article to a grinding station. The article is grasped by a robot and brought into and out of contact with an abrasive surface of a sanding device. The article is then transferred by the robot to a second conveyor. The article travels along the second conveyor to a shuttle assembly. The article is then transferred by the shuttle assembly to a moveable table of a buffing device. The moveable table moves the article into and out of contact with a buffing wheel of the buffing device. The article is then transferred by the moveable table to the shuttle assembly. The shuttle assembly transfers the article to the second conveyor. The article travels along the second conveyor to an unloading station where it is unloaded.

Abstract: An automatic coil winding and finishing machine. First and second bobbin conveying devices of the apparatus are capable of reciprocating on linear lines while holding coil bobbins, and of stopping the coil bobbins at predetermined positions. The first conveying devices allow the coil bobbins to be fed from a feeding device to a coil winding device and then to be discharged therefrom after the completion of the coil winding process. The second conveying device receives the coil bobbins from the first conveying device, and then allows them to be subjected to coil finishing processes in cooperation with devices for the coil finishing processes, as the coil bobbins remain held by the second conveying device. The intervals at which the conveying devices hold the coil bobbins may be determined in such a manner that the intervals are reduced when the coil bobbins are transformed from the first conveying device to the second conveying device.

Abstract: An automated machine tool assembly has a plurality of work stations between which pallets with workpieces mounted on them can be moved for the performing of various machine tool operations on the workpieces. The pallets slide on slide rails, and during their movement an upward force is exerted on the pallets which is sufficient to reduce the frictional drag between the pallets and the slide rails, but is insufficient to lift the pallets off the slide rails.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The method includes the steps of burning into a holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member; and fixing the holder on the member such that the surface burned into the holder is adjacent the portion of the surface of the member, and the bit point of the bit is capable of being held by the holder at the predetermined position. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus which provides for the placement of a bit point of a bit at a predetermined position with respect to a rotatable member. The apparatus includes a holder for holding a bit, and a device for burning into the holder a surface which corresponds to a portion of the surface of the member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for positioning a workpiece to a pallet on a working line. The line transports plural kinds of workpieces. Plural positioning pins are provided at various locations on each pallet to enable all the plural kinds of the workpieces to be carried by the pallets. Each positioning pin has a set position and a reset position. All positioning pins are first reset to the reset position. Thereafter, a selected positioning pin is set to the set position to accommodate a particular kind of workpiece. The positioning of the workpiece is accomplished by fitting a positioning hole defined by the selected workpiece onto the selected positioning pin.

Abstract: In a transfer machine of the type that workpieces are transferred to a plurality of machining stations one after another by reciprocatively moving a horizontally extending transfer bar in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction thereof, a plurality of transfer turn tables for holding the workpieces are arranged on the transfer bar in a serial fashion and are rotatably carried thereon each for rotatable about a vertical axis. A guided member bodily rotatable with each of the turn tables is formed with a guided groove, which is maintained engaged with a fixed guiding rail during the axial feed movement of the transfer bar, but is engaged with a turn drive claw only at at least one machining station where the angular position of the turn table has to be changed.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method wherein a dynamic buffer region is maintained under computer control within a centralized region surrounded by individual machining stages. Robots, preferably mounted on rotating overhead bridge beams, function to feed the machine stages as well as accommodate for surges in the production sequence occasioned due to imbalances in cycling times, down time in the machine and the like. Computer control over the buffer region provides for the assignment and reassignment of storage locations therein for workpieces to maintain system production. Safety techniques are provided limiting operator access to individual machine stages for down time maintenance and function to assure that robots otherwise servicing the down machine stage are excluded from that machine region.

Abstract: An indexing and transporting mechanism having a plurality of work-holding spindles spaced around a carousel, the carousel being journaled on a machine frame provided with work-performing stations and being indexable to carry the spindles sequentially from station to station, the work-holding spindles being arranged to be indexed through one complete revolution at some stations and not at others by a work-holding spindle orienting and indexing mechanism which consists of a track carried by the machine frame concentric with the carousel journals, projections extending from the work-holding spindles which engage the track to prevent rotation of the work-holding spindles relative to the carousel over part of a revolution of the carousel, the track being interrupted at the stations where indexing occurs, each interrupted portion of the track being mounted on indexable spindles carried by the machine frame, each interrupted portion of the track being arranged to be indexed through one complete revolution while the

Abstract: Diametrically opposed studs are formed from a flange on the unfinished portion of a tubular threaded connector by first milling the flange to leave diametrically disposed portions of a cross sectional area such that a stud may be formed from each such portion. Apparatus for use in thus forming the studs enables each connector to be held with its unfinished portion exposed by means of a selected one of the four collets mounted on a turntable and spaced 90.degree. apart. The turntable is indexed from a loading and unloading station to a second station where the major part of the flange at one side of a connector is removed when a collet reaches that station. When the turntable is again indexed, the connector held by that collet is held at a third station where a like portion of the flange is removed from the opposite side to establish the wanted, diametrically opposed portions.

Abstract: A work station having an arch frame which adjustably carries work processing units for performing an operation on work located on a carrier in an archway below the arch frame. The position of the work processing units are adjusted to accomodate different work configurations. The arch frame work station design has particular utility in assembling and machining V engine blocks where models have different V angles.

Abstract: Brush-manufacturing machine of the type equipped with a drum (1) for the transportation of the brush bodies (2) along the various processing stations, having the characteristic that the drum (1) is equipped with brush body holders (12-13-14-15) which at least at their clamping sides facing the brush bodies (2) can be revolved and/or removed from their respective sides with which they work in concert with the drum (1).

Abstract: A machining system includes at least one machine tool (10) having at least one powered spindle (12) and a plurality of tools (14A-14F) stored in a magazine (40) for automatic retrieval and return by the spindle (12). A portable fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) is employed in conjunction with the machine tool (10) and the tool magazine (40) for holding a workpiece (WP) during machining by the machine tool (10). The fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) includes a plurality of clamping cylinders (70, 72, 80) and a plurality of clamping assemblies (84, 86) which are actuated either by the rotational torque supplied by spindle (12) or by the coolant fluid obtained from the spindle (12).

Abstract: A method of feeding a work station, which utilizes a robot to grasp workpieces one after the other at a charging station to which the workpieces are successively conducted to feed them to the work station and to transfer the workpiece worked upon to a discharging station. The robot grasps every workpiece arriving at the charging station by a workpiece holder that grasps the workpieces at a predetermined place thereon and holds them during all the time of transfer thereof and working thereon and releases the workpieces only when they arrive at the discharging station. At the work station, the workpiece holder is held in a very precise position by a gripping block rigidly fixed to a member in the work station. An apparatus for practicing this method comprises a workpiece holder adapted to the geometry of the workpieces to be processed, and a gripping block mounted on a member in the work station and arranged to receive the workpiece holder and to securely hold the same in a precise position at the work station.

Abstract: An automatic finishing system for a wound coil in a coil winding machine has a conveyor device for moving coil bobbins intermittently along a circulating endless path. Several finishing machines for carrying out different finishing steps are disposed within a limited space around the endless path. The conveyor device and the finishing machines are synchronously controlled by an electronic controller means. Each of the coil bobbins is held by a jig which is mounted on a movable jig-holder. A plurality of movable jig-holders are moved along one of two parallel guide rails and transferred to the other guide rail at each end of the guide rails to move along a substantially rectangular endless path.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in machining a workpiece includes a housing (102) which is operable between a closed condition enclosing a chuck (101) and an open condition. When the housing (102) is in the open condition, an opening (117) extends across the top of the housing and down opposite sides of the housing to provide access to the chuck (101) from both sides of the housing. A workpiece transfer assembly (200) has a downwardly extending structure (204) which is movable along a path (A) extending through the housing (102) when the housing is in the open condition. This enables the transfer structure (200) to move unfinished workpieces (W) to the chuck (101) from one side of the housing and to move finished workpieces from the chuck to the opposite side of the housing. The transfer structure is supported on tracks (201) which extend above the housing.

Abstract: A machine tool body (1) is equipped with a spindle (9) which can move vertically along the Y axis. A first table (14) on a bed (10) of the machine tool body (1) is movable horizonally in the Z direction and can move toward the tool (11) held by the spindle (9). A second table (15) set on the first table (14) can move in a horizontal direction at a right angle to the moving direction of the first table (14). A first rotary table (16) set on the second table 15 can be indexed about the rotation axis (RO) and has an extension portion (17) extending upwardly. The second rotary table (19) set on a side surface (16) of the extension portion (17) can be indexed about a rotation axis (QO) while it holds fixedly a workpiece (W). A workpiece feeding means (4) is used to load a workpiece (W) onto the second rotary table (19) and after machining thereof unload each workpiece (W) for the second rotary table (19).

Abstract: An adaptable, programmable production system for manufacturing articles in which a plurality of operations are required includes an electronically programmable robot having a controllable arm with an end effector disposed thereon. The robot is placed proximate a surface, preferably movable, to be used for the assembly of the articles. A passive, non-interactive storage tray is provided proximate the robot and within range of the extended robot arms. The end effector disposed on the distal end of the robot arm may be programmed to remove and replace a particular tool, component or any of the implement or component from the storage trays, bins or from a moving conveyor when within range and may be utilized to perform a plurality of functions, such as inserting components into the article being manufactured, or performing multiple operations thereon by exchanging tools.

Abstract: Combination machine tool apparatus and pallet changing system includes a single changer for changing both work pieces at a work piece machining station on the machine tool and tools at a tool storage station on the machine tool. The work piece machining station and tool storage station are offset approximately 45.degree. from each other as measured from the rotational axis of the pallet changer, which is provided with additional retractable rotational stops for locating the pallet changer at these additional 45.degree. indexing positions. Also, the tool storage station is located forwardly of the work piece machining station, thus allowing the pallet changer to be positioned closer to the front of the machine tool in the region of the work piece machining station without interfering with the indexing movement of the pallet changer between stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing a plurality of plates of predetermined size through at least one precision processing station for accurately and economically performing machining functions or the like on the plates. Aligned group of plates are presented to an input end of the apparatus by fork lift trucks and after processing the group of plates, the process plates are aligned, and removed from the apparatus by fork lift trucks or the like thereby greatly reducing labor costs and providing a more accurately machined product.

Abstract: A machining system for simultaneously performing a number of machining operations on one face of a plurality of work pieces which are carried on a pallet is disclosed. The machining system includes a track having a pallet loading station and a pallet unloading station juxtaposed to the track, and at least one machining station juxtaposed to the track at a location between the loading and unloading stations. A plurality of pallets are supported for movement along the track between the unloading and loading stations and passed the machining station. Each pallet is set up for mounting at least one work piece in a predetermined position thereon. The system also includes a series of mechanisms for moving the pallet along the track, a mechanism for locating and securing each pallet in a predetermined location at the machining station.

Abstract: A fixture system for numerical controlled rough and finished machining of a workpiece including a first fixture having defined reference points for rough machining and a second fixture having the same defined reference points for finish machining. The system is used in conjunction with CAD/CAM applications under the control of Tool Design and NC Programming.

Abstract: In an automatic bar and wire pointing machine, workpiece-feeding means comprises a carrier having two feeding wheels (38,40) mounted on a driving shaft (20). Each wheel comprises a circular pitch plate (42) providing four sets of six notches (N1, N2, N3, N4) spaced uniformly around its periphery; the notches form semi-circular recesses (R1, R2, R3, R4) of different diameters to accommodate different sizes of workpiece, and the recesses are all centered on a common pitch circle (P) of the pitch plate. The wheel comprises also a picker plate (44) comprising six lobes (66) which are spaced uniformly about the axis of the wheel and form radially-projecting edges (68) positioned adjacent to the notches of any selected one of the four sets of notches.

Abstract: A modularly expandable integrated process machine system incorporating a rotary indexing mechanism therefor. The machine system is made up of a support platform with predefined work station positions which each have the same dimension tool mounting configuration. Pallets are advanced between workstations by an endless chain incremented by a precision rotary indexing mechanism capable of precise end-of-movement positioning and variable force advancing.

Abstract: A system for transferring, positioning and machining a workpiece includes a transfer device for transferring the workpiece to a prescribed position, a positioning device disposed in the prescribed position for positioning the workpiece, a machine tool for machining the workpiece, and a delivery robot disposed in the prescribed position for delivering the workpiece to the machine tool. The positioning device is used to position workpieces successively. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide positioning devices which would otherwise be associated with respective workpieces. The positioning device includes a positioning pin which is displaceable toward and away from a workpiece. Since the positioning pin is not held against the workpiece at all times, the positioning pin is prevented from being damaged or broken by physical interference with surface irregularities of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pipe frame for use in a vehicle seat is disclosed in which spring clamps are welded to a rectilinear pipe material of a predetermined length at the predetermined positions thereof, the pipe material is then bent into a required configuration, one of two ends of the pipe material is then compressed to form such a smaller diameter portion as to be insertable into the inside diameter portion of the other end, and the compressed smaller diameter portion of the one end is forcibly inserted into the other end so that the inserted portion of the pipe material is welded.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a pallet to a machine tool has two rows of pallet supports and a pallet carrier between the two rows. The two rows of pallet supports consist of one or more modules so that a change of the number of pallet supports can be easily achieved. The pallet carrier moves along and at a right angle to the two rows, and can be positioned under a desired pallet. The pallet carrier lifts the desired pallet and transfers it to the machine tool by only linear movement.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the design of processing stations for the processing, by welding technology, of semi-finished vehicle body subassemblies (5) within the framework of a flexible manufacturing system. Thereby, frame-like work piece carriers (1) with support members (4) are used for loose positioning of components of the subassemblies (5), where the work piece carriers (1) are also capable of accepting differently configured subassemblies. The transfer line (9) is not planned as a single line, but includes only the input station (10), the work position (6) and the output station (11). Next to these stations (10, 11), storage stations (14) are arrayed, which are connected with one another by a transport system (20) which crosses the transfer line (9). In this manner it is made possible to store the work piece carriers (1) with the processed subassemblies (5) or to bypass the next work station if it is not capable of receiving (a work piece carrier), or is out of order.

Abstract: An integrated factory system affords precision machining and inspection of aircraft turbine blades, as well as other metal parts having two generally opposite principal surfaces. It uses only two stages of chucking by the meltable matrix method. After embedding one of the surfaces in the first chuck, which positions the blank relative to a plane of reference, the other surface is machined and inspected according to programs relative to that plane. Without release from the first chuck, the part is transferred to a second chuck for embedding the machined principal surface relative to a second parallel plane of reference a precise distance from that of the first chuck. Machining and inspection is now completed relative to this second plane of reference.Improved matrix chucks are provided, as well as new chucking apparatus which establishes the planes of reference.

Abstract: An automated assembly facility includes a random storage facility for each assembly line conveyor and associated series of assembly stations. The assembly line conveyor is located between the random storage facility and the series of assembly stations. A first conveyor is coupled between plural sources of carriers and the random storage facility. The random storage facility is coupled to the assembly stations by a transfer conveyor so that carriers can be transferred directly from random storage to an appropriate assembly station, obviating the need for the assembly line conveyor to cooperate in this transfer. The layout leaves the assembly station accessible from three sides. Efficient space use is achieved by providing one access aisle for each pair of assembly lines; random storage facilities of two lines are directly adjacent each other.

Abstract: An automatic pallet changer for replacement of pallets automatically between a pallet magazine storing a plurality of pallets and a pallet table of a machine tool which comprises a rack fixed on the rear of each pallet, a pallet driving pinion engaging with the rack disposed on a side end of the pallet table and a pinion driving apparatus. The pinion is driven to rotate and the rack is moved linearly whereby the pallet is transferred to and from the table of machine tool.

Abstract: A system including a vertical turning machine and at least two auxiliary stations, such as a control, loading and discharge station, and a waiting station, has a drive mechanism for moving the workpiece platforms (pallets) between respective equipment supports (pallet supports). The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder housed in a diametral through seat in the upper part of the turning machine pallet support and located between respective pallet supporting straight guides. It includes a T-shaped hook member projecting from a cursor, located close to one end of the seat, and fixed to upper passes of a pair of chains driven by sprockets which form part of a carriage. The carriage is fixed to the end of a piston shaft projecting from the hydraulic cylinder. The advance of the piston shaft causes the carriage to project partly outwardly from the perimeter of the pallet support towards an auxiliary station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible manufacturing unit with at least two machine tools (1,2) and a transport device (9) movable in rectangular coordinates having receptacles for carriers (8) holding workpieces and for the tools (6). The invention consists in that the transport device (9) is numerically controlled, that the tools (6) are individually transportable between a tool buffer store (29) and the machine tools (1,2) and that tool magazines (5) integrated with the machine tools are provided, which tool magazines are also accessible for tool exchange during the working period of the machine tools (1,2). In this way, a rapid method of operation is possible which is independent of the cycle and permits free selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic tool assembly apparatus for a modular constituted tool. The automatic tool assembly apparatus has a tool stock unit for storing a plurality of types of modular constituted tools for a machine tool disassembled in units of modules, a tool transfer unit for assembling a predetermined modular constituted tool from a plurality of modules in the tool stock unit and conveying the assembled modular constituted tool from the tool stock unit, and a control unit. The tool stock unit holds the modular constituted tool disassembled in units of modules. The stock position of each module required for assembling a tool requested by the machine tool is indexed from a signal from the control unit. The modules are then sequentially positioned at the assembly position. The tool transfer unit has an assembly head which is movable in a direction to approach and separate from the assembly position in response to an instruction from the control unit.

Abstract: An adaptable machining system includes a plurality of transport units mounted on a machine base with each transport unit carrying a system-standard mounting plate that receives a tool-carrying module. Each tool-carrying module includes a machining tool and associated motor mounted on a system-standard tooling plate which, with the mounting plate of the transport unit, define a system-standard tooling interface. The transport units, under the coordinated control of a system controller, advance their respective tooling modules to and from a work piece to accomplish their machining function. The mounting plate of each transport unit establishes an orthogonal reference system relative to the operating axes of the machine so that the position of each tool carried on a tooling module is known relative to the operating axes of the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying building blocks which vary somewhat in size to provide spaced-apart depressions in the top and bottom surfaces thereof with the bottoms of the depression in the bottom surface being at a uniform distance from the top surface of the blocks comprises groove cutting and associated block drilling means. The drilling includes movable plates carrying a plurality of drills, means to move one of the plates before the other, and means to position the blocks for proper drilling. Also, a plurality of cutters are used to speed the cutting operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple processing machine having a punch press for punching a sheet-like workpiece and a ram-operated forming press for performing a variety of forming operations such as bending, shearing, and drawing on the workpiece. The punch press and forming press are interconnected with each other along a central partition. A feeding device is also provided adjacent the punching and forming press on a central worktable. In addition, a tool changing device is provided to change the tools in either or both of the punching and forming presses.