Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing pistons (10) and the like from foundry-turned castings during one clamping operation to provide enhanced manufacturing productivity. Separate boring and turning modules (34, 24) of the apparatus are mounted on a primary base (18) and a grooving module (54) is mounted on a secondary base (72). The modules automatically groove the ring grooves (11), turn the complex shape of the skirt (15) and bore the wrist pin bore (13) through an ordered sequence of manufacturing steps. The piston stock is mounted for rotation on headstock and tailstock assemblies (82, 84). These assemblies are carried on the secondary base (72) which is slidably mounted on the primary base for movement into operative position with respect to the boring and turning modules according to the ordered sequence. The method and system improve piston quality while reducing manufacturing costs including saving factory floor space.

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: 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: 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: A device for machining plate-like workpieces comprises first and second parallel conveyor units each including upper and lower chain belts arranged with a clearance therebetween and driven in opposite directions. The lower chain belts have opposite ends extending beyond corresponding opposite ends of the upper chain belts thereby forming input and output regions of the workpieces. In the output region of the first conveyor unit and the input region of the second conveyor unit are roller tracks which operate transversely to the opposite directions of travel of the first and second conveyor units. The roller tracks are able to be raised and lowered relative to the chain belts. The tracks are linked together by a transverse conveyor. A machining station is positioned between the first and second conveyor units and includes a plurality of machining devices for performing operations on the workpieces moving along the conveyor units.

Abstract: A milling tool adapted to be mounted upon an existing supporting frame for a coin box for the purpose of enlarging an existing slot or opening in the frame at a predetermined location. The tool includes a mounting element which is temporarily secured to the support frame on a first wall thereof, and a rotating tool, the operative end of which projects through the wall to engage a second wall at right angles thereto, the second wall having an existing opening to be englarged. The rotating part of the tool is pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation during operation to permit cutting of an accurately defined area.

Abstract: An automatic TW (traveling-wire) electroerosion machining system for machining a plurality of workpieces of different types required to acquire different contours includes a TW machine having a wire setting unit and located adjacent a predetermined path. A work dispensing unit successively dispenses the different workpieces onto the path from a store thereof located adjacent the path. This unit and a work handling and transfer unit operate under control commands from an NC unit and, in conjunction with the TW machine with the wire setting unit to carry out a plurality of work processing operations sequentially. In each operation, each individual workpiece selected from the store is transferred as it is carried on a pallet for loading onto and unloading from the TW machine. The electrode setting unit on the machine acts both to form a start hole and thread a wire-type electrode through the formed hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing pistons (10) and the like from foundry-turned castings during one clamping operation provide enhanced manufacturing productivity. Separate boring and turning modules (34, 24) of the apparatus are mounted on a primary base (18) and a grooving module (54) is mounted on a secondary base (72). The modules automatically groove the ring grooves (11), turn the complex shape of the skirt (15) and bore the wrist pin bore (13) through an ordered sequence of manufacturing steps. The piston stock is mounted for rotation on headstock and tailstock assemblies (82, 84). These assemblies are carried on the secondary base (72) which is slidably mounted on the primary base for movement into operative position with respect to the boring and turning modules according to the ordered sequence. The method and system improve piston quality while reducing manufacturing costs including saving factory floor space.

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: A flexible machining system includes a four axis double end slant bed unit which can be operated as a single or double spindle chucker, a precision boring machine, a way-type machine, a lathe or an automatic bar feeder. By providing the unit with a fifth axis, it may also function as a jig milling machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating sheet metal parts using workpiece manipulators to transfer a workpiece from one work station to another and position the workpiece for each operation to be performed. The invention eliminates the need of individual operators and can be managed under microprocessor control using known positions along selected X and Y axes about which programming is performed.

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: An apparatus for simultaneously working a plurality of workpieces comprising a support wheel defining a rotary axis and a periphery, means for rotatably indexing said support wheel in preselected angular steps about said axis, receiving means on said support wheel periphery for receiving one each said workpieces in similar orientation; retaining means for fixedly retaining said workpieces in said receiving means, first working means for simultaneously similarly working a preselected plurality of the workpieces retained in said receiving means, said plurality corresponding in number to one of said angular steps, to define a plurality of partially worked workpieces, sensing means for simultaneously sensing the condition of each of the worked workpieces and preventing further indexing of said suport wheel in the event an undesirable condition of any of the workpieces is sensed, second working means for further working said workpieces subsequent to sensing of the condition thereof by said sensing means, and means

Abstract: A working arrangement for performing multiple operations with a robot comprises a plurality of working stations at each of which a predetermined operation with a tool is performed to an unfinished work, a shifting unit provided in connection with each working station for holding the tool so as to be movable between a predetermined reference position and an operating position in each working station and for shifting the tool to the reference position from the operating position, and a robot provided to be movable in relation to the working stations for causing the tool to move from the reference position to the operating position in each working station.

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.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus for inductively heating the valve seats of a family of engine component designs includes a plurality of rotatably mounted inductors which are selectively indexed and cycled in accordance with the component design presented at the heat treating station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for attaching a plurality of two-piece connectors of varying configuration to a specified length of multi-conductor cable at precise locations along the length of the cable and in any sequence of connector attachment. A device is provided for storing and downwardly advancing a precise length of cable, cutting one end of the cable at a cutter station, and locating the cable between a connector assembly station where a pair of connector halfs are automatically attached to the cable at a precise, predetermined location. The cable is then laterally moved to one or more connector assembly stations where one or more additional connectors are attached to the cable. The cable is then moved back to the cutter station where the cable is cut flush against the top of the last connector to be attached to the cable. All drive and movement functions of the apparatus are controlled by a pre-programmed microprocessor.

Abstract: An automatic TW (traveling-wire) electroerosion machining system for machining a plurality of workpieces of different types required to acquire different contours includes a TW machine having a wire setting unit and located adjacent a predetermined path. A work dispensing unit successively dispenses the different workpieces onto the path from a store thereof located adjacent the path. This unit and a work handling and transfer unit operate under control commands from an NC unit and, in conjunction with the TW machine, with the wire setting unit to carry out a plurality of work processing operations sequentially. In each operation, each individual workpiece selected from the store is transferred as it is carried on a pallet for loading onto and unloading from the TW machine. The tank of the TW machine has a movable front wall to facilitate this operation. The electrode setting unit on the machine acts both to form a start hole and thread a wire-type electrode through the formed hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A sequential phase convertible machine comprising at least one machining unit, but preferably two machining units placed opposite each other, a machining table which is provided with an undexable rotary plate and means for fixing the work pieces to be machined and which is disposed opposite the machining unit or between two machining units, conveyors adapted for moving supports on which the work pieces to be machined are fixed a magazine of machining boxes or heads adaptable to the machining units, and transport means adapted for taking said cases from the magazine and bringing them close to the machining unit or units as well as to return them then to the magazine, which machine further comprises means for effecting cyclic sequential or batch machining.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different work-pieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where work-pieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by a transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a multiple spindle machine tool wherein a plurality of substantially parallel spindles transversely disposed to a workpiece transfer path permit sequential operations upon a workpiece transferred from spindle to spindle. Spindles may be mounted upon opposite sides of the transfer path permitting machining on opposite sides of a workpiece, and the machine tool permits successive operations to be performed sequentially, rapidly and economically.

Abstract: An integrated and automated multistation machine is provided for placement and attachment of electrically conductive interconnectors onto solar cells and the like. The machine comprises a rotatable turntable for supporting a plurality of solar cells in respective association with a corresponding plurality of operating stations and then for indexing the solar cells to the next operating stations in sequence. More particularly, the machine includes a cell loading station for transfer of a solar cell from a loading magazine and for precision placement onto one of a plurality of cell-supporting fixtures carried by the turntable. The turntable indexes the solar cells one at a time on the fixtures from the cell loading station first to a flux station whereat a liquid flux material is applied to predetermined points on the cell.

Abstract: A boring machine having a work-holding spindle, a turret, and means for mounting a plurality of tools on the turret. A work-handling device is mounted on the turret having means to grip and release a workpiece. The work handling device is capable of loading and unloading the spindle.

Abstract: Dust-pressed plates (P) are trimmed to a predetermined peripheral profile by means of three milling cutters rotating at around 12,000 r.p.m. The cutters are uniformly spaced about a central axis and operate simultaneously on the periphery of a plate while the plate is rotated about the axis. The cutters are located during trimming by means of a profile cam which is in registration with the plate mounted on a ware support. To ensure registration with the cam, a plate is centered by a centering unit before being orientated by orientating mechanism and transferred to the ware support. Each plate is delivered to the centering unit with a reference feature at a predetermined position on its periphery, the orientating mechanism being arranged to search for that feature before rotating the plate to bring it into the required orientation for registration with the cam.

Abstract: This invention relates to metal cutting and more particularly to machines for manufacturing constant velocity universal joints. A construction is disclosed wherein spherical turning, milling and grinding of the races and grooves of the joint members of a universal joint are performed on common machines without removing the workpieces and the workpieces are held in common workheads. During the machining operations, relative movements between the tools and workpieces are referenced to common axes thereby duplicating the relative positions and movements between the workpieces during actual service. The inventive concept provides a means for achieving consistent product quality and is adaptable to the automated manufacturing of constant velocity universal joints.

Abstract: NC automatic turret lathe with a tool turret, in which an auxiliary spindle is rotatably mounted. In order to position this auxiliary spindle with respect to its angle of rotation, an angle of rotation sensor device which controls a drive motor for the auxiliary spindle and an activatable locking device designed in the form of a freewheel are provided for the auxiliary spindle so that it may be positioned, with respect to its angle of rotation, accurately and free from play by reversing the auxiliary spindle drive motor once the locking device has been activated.

Abstract: A workpiece holder module for handling annular seals comprising a retainer module, a motor positioned beneath the module and having a hollow drive shaft extending upwardly and drivingly into the bottom of the module, and an air supply structure including a hollow column fixedly and centrally positioned beneath the motor with its upper end rotatably and sealingly receiving the lower end of the hollow motor drive shaft. The retainer module includes an upwardly opening cup-shaped casing centrally receiving the upper end of the hollow motor drive shaft, a resilient retainer ring positioned on the upper annular edge of the casing sidewall, and a central plug member secured to the upper end of a central post portion upstanding from the base portion of the casing. The annular seal includes an outer metallic ring adapted to be frictionally retained within the resilient retainer ring and an inner elastomeric ring adapted to seat on the central plug member.

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.

Abstract: An automatic assembling machine is disclosed for use with a carrier having parts arranged on it in predefined positional relationships which are defined by predetermined distances therebetween in two orthogonal directions. A movable table supports the carrier and moves in two orthogonal directions in a horizontal plan. A mounting surface extends above the plane of the movable table and has first and second portions which are parallel to the two orthogonal directions. At least one working unit is attached to at least one of the portions of the mounting surface to cooperate with movements of the table in assembling the parts on the carrier.

Abstract: A semi-automated plant for threading pipe, including oil and gas well casing and tubing, is disclosed. A particular sequencing of equipment activation and movement is utilized in order to have normal operations of the plant, from loading of unthreaded pipe to the unloading of pipe having threads on each end, and a coupling applied to at least one of the ends, performed without requiring manual handling of the pipe. One particularly important portion of the apparatus in the plant is the lifting device for raising the pipe to the height which is proper for the threading machine, or lathe, and a clamping device for clamping the pipe during the threading operation. By use of the disclosed apparatus, the pipe is accurately raised to the proper height, and pipe over a considerable range of size can be securely clamped during the threading operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for machining and threading the end of pipe or bar stock which uses a pallet shuttle for clamping and locating the end of the stock to be machined and utilizes a lift-and-carry transfer bar system to move the work elements in a horizontal plane in synchronism with the shuttle motion of the pallets from one registry station to the next registry station. Separate idle supports are selectively raised and lowered in a timed relation to carry the work elements on the transfer bar. End location rollers are utilized to position the element axially and to unload the elements. A series of machining stations are positioned at the respective registries to machine first one end of the elements in a series of steps and then the other end of the elements in a series of steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable workshop having various facilities for performing precision machine work at a work site and which includes a mobile trailer having first and second sections with transport wheel and suspension assemblies and a trailer hitch whereby the trailer may be easily towed from one work site to another. One section is separable from the other and the transport wheels remain with one platform while smaller wheels are provided on the other platform with elevating mechanism to lower the platform onto the smaller wheels. One platform may have equipment such as a welder which might be separated and used on one location at the job site while the other section has various tools, including a crane and a container for storing the tools, which might be moved to and utilized at another location at the site.

Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus includes a pair of parallel conveyers for transferring carriers, each carrier having four chassis and parts to be assembled on the chassis; a plurality of assembly stations, each having a movable table on which various assembling operations can be performed with respect to the carriers; a carrier loader associated with each assembly station and movable between a first position in opposing relation to the movable table thereof and a second position in opposing relation to the conveyers, and having a pair of chucking stations in opposing relation to the pair of parallel conveyors, respectively, when the carrier loader is at the second position for simultaneously feeding and discharging the carriers to and from the conveyers and in opposing relation to the respective assembly station when the carrier loader is at the first position for feeding and discharging the carriers to and from the respective assembly station; a plurality of stopping members associated with respective ones

Abstract: A machine for cutting insulation material into semi-circular blocks. Circular cutting blades are mounted reciprocally on a support shaft. A router functions to cut a groove in the insulation material to provide clearance for the cutting blade support shaft.

Abstract: Two spindles are provided that are coaxial. The head-stock carrying one spindle can move on longitudinal slideways which are parallel to the axis of the spindles. That provides, with a synchronization of the speeds of the spindles to effect the transfer of the workpieces from the chuck of one spindle onto the chuck of the other spindle. A carriage provided with a transversal slideway can move along a pair of longitudinal slideways, parallel to the axis of the two spindles. This carriage carries a frame provided with a revolver-turret-carrying working-tools. The tools of the two revolver-turrets thus can work indifferently the workpieces carried by one and the other of the two spindles.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and apparatus for manufacturing electrical connector pins. The method and apparatus make it possible to manufacture a pin from a blank of oblong shape (10), this blank being machined at different locations while held alternately by its ends (10A and 10B), the blank being moved from one location to another always substantially parallel to itself by means of gripping arms (27, 28, 61, and 60).

Abstract: A gang tool assembly for drilling a precise pattern of holes in a workpeice or otherwise cutting surfaces and the like on such workpiece and including a mounting panel of rigid sheet material having a pattern of holes formed therein to receive supports for powered tool heads to detachably support the same to form a gang pattern of either drills or cutters for simultaneously drilling a pattern of holes in a workpiece or forming a contoured surface thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus that withdraws a predetermined length of electrical wire from a supply, cuts the predetermined length and places an electrical connector on at least one end of the length of wire is disclosed. The apparatus includes a movably mounted guide that positions wire from a supply of wire to a work location; a cutter for cutting a predetermined length of wire as the wire is supported by a gripper device; a movable carriage that holds a connector and brings the connector into position for attachment to the wire, and at the same time the movable guide is displaced away from the path of the movable carriage to permit the carriage to bring the connector into position for attachment to a wire as it is supported by the gripper device; and a releasing mechanism for separating a cut and predetermined length of wire from the gripping device.

Abstract: The machine is designed for the semi-manual preparation of a portion of an insulated and electrically shielded multi-conductor cable (12) for receiving a connector thereon. The machine (10) includes a holder (72) for receiving a portion (14) of the cable (12), a die assembly (96) for cutting off at least one side edge portion of the cable (12) to create at least one set back edge portion (20) in alignment with at least one conductor (15A) in the cable (12) adjacent the set back edge portion (20), a grinding wheel (52) for removing an insulating surface coating (30) of the cable (12) situated above an electrical shield (34) in the cable (12) and laterally of the set back edge portion (20) to expose a strip (32) of shield (34), and a scoring blade (64) for scoring the strip (32) of electrical shield (34) adjacent one edge (36) of the strip (32).

Abstract: An automatic machine tool for sequentially machining a plurality of parallel surfaces on a plurality of work pieces, in which the work pieces are locked in position on an index table, and the surfaces machined in one operation are angularly disposed to the surfaces machined in a contiguous operation as a result of revolving the work pieces about the axis of the table.

Abstract: A recirculating strip processing apparatus is described comprising a recirculating stripper chain, a recirculating tool chain, a recirculating carrier follower chain and a recirculating die chain in a removable cassette for continuous processing of integrated circuit packages and leadframes. The processes described include deflashing an integrated circuit package, removal of the dam bar from the leadframe and cutting and bending the leads of the individual integrated circuit packages. When repair or replacement is required, the cassette involved is simply removed from the apparatus and replaced by another cassette thereby minimizing "down time" of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gang tool assembly for drilling a precise pattern of holes in a workpiece or otherwise cutting surfaces and the like on such workpiece and including a mounting panel of rigid sheet material having a pattern of holes formed therein to receive supports for powered tool heads to detachably support the same to form a gang pattern of either drills or cutters for simultaneously drilling a pattern of holes in a workpiece or forming a contoured surface thereon.

Abstract: A gang tool assembly for drilling a precise pattern of holes in a workpiece or otherwise cutting surfaces and the like on such workpiece and including a mounting panel of rigid sheet material having a pattern of holes formed therein to receive supports for powered tool heads to detachably support the same to form a gang pattern of either drills or cutters for simultaneously drilling a pattern of holes in a workpiece or forming a contoured surface thereon.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different workpieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where workpieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controlled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: A process and device for forming the winding core of a stator or rotor. The winding core is only partially exposed to shaping pressure. Shaping is then continued progressively over the core periphery. A device for effecting the method includes a single or multipartite pressing tool for the winding core. The tool is rotatable relative to the long axis of a stator or rotor. In a preferred embodiment, the tool has a narrow shaping part positioned adjacent to a wrapping tool used to provide a wrapping about the shaped coil.

Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to the production of turned workpieces on multi-station machine tools. In such machines rod stock is introduced into a clamping device (collet chuck) of the machine and is clamped thereby. A rod section is severed at a distance from the clamping device and the free end protruding from the clamping device is turned. In such a process a section from the rod stock is introduced into the clamping device, clamped fast there and severed, which section comprises a multiple of the machining length and in addition a clamping section sufficing for the clamping of one single machining length section. This multiple section is moved by sections corresponding in each case to the machining length section out of the clamping device. The rod stock is clamped fast during turning over a following machining length section in each case, the last machining length section being clamped fast by means of the provided additional clamping section.

Abstract: A machine for cutting insulation material into semi-circular blocks. Circular cutting blades are mounted reciprocally on a support shaft. A router functions to cut a groove in the insulation material to provide clearance for the cutting blade support shaft.

Abstract: A rotary transfer press apparatus wherein a plurality of workpieces are simultaneously and progressively moved over a circular path through a series of working stations which themselves are arranged in a circular path whereby successive operations are performed on each workpiece to obtain a finished product for each cycle of the press.

Abstract: A dragline is constructed in the manufacturing plant with a segmented guide rail shimmed and secured to the plates of a tub concentric with the pintle for the deck. The guide rail is then machined so that a rolling surface is created on the rail that is within .+-.0.002 inches of a planar surface. Tub gear segments have mounting portions accurately machined and accurately drilled as are tub rail segments and deck rail segments accurately machined. The dragline is then disassembled, shipped to the site and re-erected with the guide rail shimmed and installed on the plates of the tub so that the rolling surface is within .+-.0.002 inches of a plane. The deck is mounted on the pintle and supported on columns to space the deck rail girder from the tub rail girder. A tram or boom is mounted on the deck pintle and has a machine tool carriage riding on the guide rail so that a milling head on the carriage can mill the upper and lower rail girders to within .+-.0.0025 inches of planar.