Abstract: A network of self-service, fully-automatic kiosks for duplicating keys includes a multiplicity of kiosks at different locations. Each kiosk includes a customer interface, a key-receiving entry, a key analysis system, and a key duplicating system. An original key is analyzed and duplicated to form a first key copy by analyzing a tooth pattern on a blade of the original key and replicating the tooth pattern on a blade of a first key blank. The network also includes a remote central server that is coupled to the kiosks for receiving information from the kiosks and for sending information to the kiosks. The remote central server maintains recorded information for replicating the tooth pattern of the blade of the original key on a blade of a second key blank to form a second key copy.

Abstract: A fully automatic key duplicating machine. A master key alignment module is movably disposed into and out of proximity with a master key clamping module, the master key being aligned by the alignment module within the master key clamping module. A master key identification module is disposed in fixed relation to the master key clamping module and identifies a type of key secured in the master key clamping module. A central positioning base is provided automatically movable into and out of engagement with the key cutting module and optionally the alignment module, adapted to move the master key alignment module into proximity with the master key clamping module and adapted to secure a key blank to be cut at the key cutting module in accordance with the tooth pattern of a clamped master key.

Abstract: A device for transforming alternating rectilinear motion into intermittent rotary motion, in particular for the command of indexed rotary tables. The device includes at least one fixed base element (11) with cam guide elements (14), a moving slide element (12) associated with the fixed element, equipped with mechanical locator elements (15) following the cam guide elements (14) and susceptible to alternating movements on and with respect to the fixed base element commanded by an actuator, and an index plate (13) rotatably associated with the fixed element, interacting mechanically with the moving slide element (12) and susceptible to angular rotation pitch in answer to the alternating movements of the moving slide element. The index plate is connected to an indexed rotary table to be commanded.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a doughnut-shaped glass substrate by use of a glass substrate manufacturing apparatus, the glass substrate manufacturing apparatus comprising a work stage, three drilling machines and a conveying device capable of moving the work stage, comprising fixing a glass sheet on the work stage; moving the glass sheet to a position just above the core drill of the first drilling machine by use of the conveying device; partially drilling the glass sheet from downward by use of the core drill of the first drilling machine; moving the glass sheet to a position just under the core drill of the second drilling machine by use of the conveying device; forming the inner circular hole in the doughnut-shaped glass substrate by drilling the partially drilled portion from upward by use of the core drill of the second drilling machine; moving the glass sheet to a position just under the core drill of the third drilling machine by use of the conveying device; and separating the doughnut-shaped glass subst

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dice manufacture including robotic manipulation of a work piece to obviate manual handling and reduce risk of worker injury.

Abstract: A drilling machine for panels of wood, plastics material, aluminium or the like, comprises conveyor means for conveying a panel to be processed along a horizontal axis x, by performing intermittent displacement so as to locate the panel being processed at a tool bearing rotary turret, characterized in that the machine further comprises: top horizontal guide means which are vertically movable along an axis y; abutment means at the horizontal guiding means and designed for translating along an axis z to fit their position to the thickness of the panel being processed; holding means applied to vertical uprights and designed for providing a fixed supporting wall for the panel being processed, bottom guiding means designed for translating along the axis z, independently from the horizontal guiding means, and adapted to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the panel which can change with respect to other regions of the panel.

Abstract: A process is provided for drilling at least two holes with a device. The device has at least one double-spindle machining unit (2), which can be moved along a first travel axis (Y), and a linear carriage unit (3) with a duplicate work holding fixture (4) for two workpieces (5.1, 5.2). The linear carriage unit can be moved along a second travel axis (X) independently from the machining unit. The following steps are performed one after another: Drilling of a first hole in a first workpiece (5.1) (first cycle), subsequent drilling of a second hole in the first workpiece (5.1) and simultaneous drilling of a first hole in a second workpiece (5.2) (second cycle), removal of the first workpiece (5.1), loading of a third workpiece (5.3), and drilling of a second hole in the second workpiece (5.2) and simultaneous drilling of a first hole in the third workpiece (5.3).

Abstract: A cutting machine comprises first (10) and second (12) work piece support means, said means including opposed surfaces operable to grip a work piece and move it in a controlled manner in a first dimension, and first (14) and second (16) cutting tools disposed substantially between the first and second work piece supported means such that they are operable to approach and cut the work piece from opposite sides, wherein each cutting tool is movable in second and third dimensions that are substantially orthogonal to the first dimension and to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a boring machine capable of achieving high processing precision and high processing efficiency. A table is mounted on a bed for reciprocal movement in right and left directions. A workpiece fixing device for fixing workpieces W of a semi-cylindrical shape is mounted on the bed. Cutting tools P and Q for cutting the workpieces W, a workpiece carry-in device and a workpiece carry-out device are provided on the table. The table is moved to a left side, and the workpieces W are placed on the workpiece carry-in means. Then, the table is moved to a right side to transfer the workpieces W to the workpiece fixing device. The table is again moved to the left side, so that each workpiece W is subjected to a boring processing by the cutting tools P and Q. The workpiece carry-out device receives the processed workpieces W, and then the workpieces W are unloaded from the boring machine by a workpiece unloading device, and are fed to a subsequent step.

Abstract: In a transfer line for the metal-cutting machining of workpieces, the transfer line including a plurality of machining stations arranged one after the other substantially in one plane. The workpieces are arranged in hanging fashion in such a way that clamping devices are arranged above the workpieces, thereby providing a falling and collecting space for the cuttings under the workpieces. Removal of cuttings is thereby facilitated and it is not necessary to flush the cuttings away using large amounts of coolant.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming selected machining functions relative to a workpiece comprising a machine carriage having one or more machining spindles and a work table assembly having a pair of work tables, a shuttle assembly selectively moveable along the table movement axis and a connect/disconnect mechanism associated with each of the work tables for selectively aligning and connecting and disconnecting the work tables relative to the shuttle. The present invention also relates to a work table assembly for use with a machining apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a movable rotatable tool ring either by movement of the pole clamp carriage or movement of the tool ring. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the pole clamp carriage, the movement of the tool ring and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole.

Abstract: A computerized numerically controlled drilling and milling machine has a worktable 2, 3 for supporting a workpiece 41, one or more tool assemblies 10, 11, 26 for processing the workpiece, and feeding and guiding devices 8, 9; 24, 25; 27, 43 arranged to provide for positioning and simultaneous relative movement between the tool assemblies and the workpiece in a longitudinal as well as a transverse direction. The worktable is in two parts, and the tool assemblies are arranged on the guiding devices in a transversely extending intermediate space 4 between the parts. Further, a clamping and feeding device 30, 44, 27, 43 for the workpiece is provided on each side of the intermediate space for successive alternating feeding of the workpiece.

Abstract: A transfer line for machining differential housings, in which the outer surface of the workpiece is clamped against angled locating surfaces in each work rest. The workpiece is rotated through 90.degree. and located against a work rest in a successive machining station which is oriented 90.degree. to the first mentioned work rest locating surfaces so that the same locating points on the workpiece are used for locating in the successive machining station despite the workpiece having been rotated to enable machining from a different angle.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a rotatable tool ring by movement of the carriage. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the carriage and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole. Self centering supports are provided to center the longitudinal axis of the pole on the rotational axis of the tool ring.

Abstract: A method and multiple station flexible boring machine for transferring and locating a pallet carrying a workpiece to be machined. The machine has at least two machining stations and a part loading and unloading station adjacent a transfer table carried by a base for carrying, generally locating and transferring a pallet and a workpiece to each station. The pallet has a curvic coupling locator ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and generally radially extending teeth for complementary mating engagement with a locator ring on an independent base of each station to accurately radially, axially and circumferentially locate the pallet on the station base. At the load station, the locator ring on the pallet is received in complementary mating engagement with the locator ring on the load base accurately locating the pallet with respect to the base and a workpiece is loaded, accurately located with respect to the load base and clamped to the pallet.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus and method for drilling holes in elongated workpieces. Predetermined locations for holes are input into a computer by visually aligning hole locations on a template with the drilling axis of the apparatus. The computer controls movement of the drill and of the ring segment relative to the drill. The workpiece is moved relative to the drill and is stopped at each predetermined location for drilling.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying a board into a zone wherein it is desirable to register the board in a longitudinal sense. A mechanism for conveying the board comprises two endless conveying elements spaced transversely, each mounting an endless series of pads. The board fits between two pads behind it and two pads ahead of it. A mechanism for registering the board comprises two elements spaced tranversely and arranged to be normally removed from and selectively insertable into the path of the board. In different arrangements, the elements are vertically insertable from above such path and pivotally biased, vertically insertable from below and longitudinally biased, or rotatably insertable from below and rotatably biased.

Abstract: An improved method for forming holes in a board and an improved apparatus for practicing the improved method. Two or three linear arrays of holes are punched through the board, through its expansive faces, in a punching zone. A punch and a die coacting with the punch are used to punch each punched hole, in a press comprising a pressing ram and a pressing bed, upon relative movement of the pressing ram and the pressing bed toward each other. The board is registered in the pressing zone, in a predetermined position, by engaging its opposite edges and its opposite ends. Plural holes are drilled into each end of the board in a drilling zone. A physical measurement is conducted in an inspecting zone, by inserting a probe into each drilled hole, so as to determine whether such drilled hole has been drilled to a minimum depth. These punching, drilling, and inspecting steps of the improved method are carried out in a series of automated operations of the improved apparatus.

Abstract: The machine tool comprises one or several modules comprising a rigid chassis formed of a lower tubular frame (11) and an upper tubular frame (12). The lower frame forms a case containing a lubricating unit and an apparatus for the removal of chips (17). The upper frame (12) has the form of a prism of which two sides (18 and 19) in the form of isoceles triangles are connected by a connecting beam (20) of square section whose faces are inclined at 45.degree. with respect to the vertical. A mobile swivel support (23) is disposed astride the connecting beam (20). This swivel support carries two machining units (24 and 25) mounted symmetrically with respect to the axis (27) of a bar of raw material. Each machining unit comprises a spindle (28) actuated by a motor (29) and a device for displacing the spindle along three axes. The swivel support (23) may be turned around on the beam (20). It may also be prepared beforehand and programmed on a module outside the machine.

Abstract: Device designed to move a section (2) being machined past machining means (9, 10) and in the long direction of the section so that it can be positioned with respect to the machining means, comprising at least one clamp (20) designed to grip the said section at at least one position along its length, means (27) for actuating the said clamp (20) so that it grips or releases the said section, and translation means (12, 13, 18) for moving the said clamp (20) in the lengthwise direction of the section in order to move this section past the said machining means (9, 10).

Abstract: A pallet receiver for a machine tool is disclosed utilizing a pin and socket for registration and alignment. A pallet clamp piston is employed to clamp the pallet to the receiver base for subsequent machining operations. A registration pin is rigidly secured to the receiver base, and a cooperating pin socket is mounted to the pallet underface by means of a compliant diaphragm spring so that as the socket and pin are engaged during the first portion of clamp piston movement the pallet will be registered and aligned with respect to the receiver base, and during the second and final portion of piston movement the axially compliant pin socket will permit the pallet to engage a rigid clamp down surface on the receiver base, thus insuring a positive final resting position for the pallet on the receiver base.

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 knuckle casting for a railroad coupler is carried by a conveyor to successively-disposed stations. At a first station, the knuckle casting is positioned relative to reaming tools at opposite sides of the conveyor. Position control arms carry conical members to engage with a pivot pin opening in the knuckle casting and hold-down arms support the casting while the pivot pin opening is reamed to a desired size. Thereafter, the knuckle casting is moved to a rough-grinding station where it is engaged by pin members, one of which extends into the reamed pin hole opening. The knuckle casting is raised to a position above the conveyor where it is rotated for contact with a grinding wheel. The position of the grinding wheel is controlled by a cam driven by an arbor shaft used to support the casting. A cam follower moves a frame that supports the grinding wheel to position the grinding wheel according to a desired contour.

Abstract: A work support or pallet is slidable onto a holding device on bearing surfaces along a rectilinear guide defining parallel angular paths. The holding device has two clamping slides which are urged transversely to the rectilinear guide to bear on a mating surface part of work support to locate it both in the longitudinal direction and transversely thereof. One slide has slanting teeth mating with teeth on the work support in such a manner that the clamping force components locate the work support with respect to both longitudinal and transverse directions and hold the work support against the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A machine for truing both the tire bead seats, and the side surfaces of a web of a wheel. The machine has a work supporting station with radially inwardly movable bead seat deforming jaws, and top and bottom machining heads on slides which move toward and away from the respective sides of the web of a wheel supported by the jaws. The axis of rotation of the machining heads are precisely concentric with the deforming jaws. The bottom machining head is used to chamfer the edges of bolting holes, and the top machining head is used to machine the bolting surfaces of the web. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom slide carries a plurality of gauging switches for contact with the web and for locating its welded position relative to the bead seats. The lower machine head also carries an adjustable gauge post which projects up past the jaws for contact by a gauging switch carried by the slide of the upper head.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes through batches of paper, the apparatus having a vertically movable drilling head, a movable table for supporting the batch of paper through which the holes are to be drilled at predetermined positions, and an indexing means incorporating elongate indexing members with holes or recesses provided therein corresponding to the positioning and spacing of the holes to be drilled, and a locating pin arrangement associated with and movable with the table and adapted for engagement in respective holes or recesses in a particular indexing member to set the table at the required positions for drilling operations. In one embodiment the locating pin arrangement is manually retracted and relocated, while in another embodiment the retraction and relocation is facilitated semi-automatically after each drilling operation.

Abstract: A transfer machine of the type in which workpieces are successively transferred through a series of work stations on either side of the line of movement of the workpieces with work heads located at each station to perform various operations on the workpieces. The disclosed transfer machine consists of one or more transfer machine module units, each module including a prismatic base having upwardly directed sides upon which are mounted a series of oppositely directed heads and the workpiece transfer system mounted to the base and extending between the work heads to convey the workpieces up and down the base sides. The resulting vertical spacing of the work heads from one another enables closer spacing of the work heads by enabling access to the tooling through the space through which the workpieces are transferred, while reducing the floor space required for the machine. Also, chips formed during machining operations fall away so as not to accumulate at the machining station.

Abstract: A separating device for bar and pipe-shaped workpieces, especially a cut-off machine, with a chucking device for chucking the cut-off workpieces and with a separating unit such as a cutting head for cutting off bar and pipe sections. The separating device includes at least one machining unit for machining the ends of the cut off workpieces and at least one feeding device for feeding a cut-off bar or pipe section cut off by the separating unit, to the end machining unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for drilling and boring tubular plates, the workpiece-carrying elevator being embedded, weight compensation being provided by appropriate means, the machining units moving substantially at ground level opposite thrust tubes bearing on the plate before each machining cycle and absorbing tool thrusts. The machine is characterized by an elevator which supports the plate for machining and which moves on slideways with balancing by hydraulic rams in a constant proportion to the weight of the workpiece being machined. Thrust means retain the thrusts of the spindles, the movements of the latter spindles and means being synchronized by means, the tilting torque produced by the thrust of the spindles is limited by the provision at ground level of a closed framing which interconnects all the constituent elements. The invention is of use for drilling and boring any article, more particularly for the baffle plates of heat exchangers, boilers, water purifiers, heaters and the like.

Abstract: A multiple spindle drilling machine for landslide protection wide flange beams, comprising a feed device for transporting on a machine stand a landslide protection wide flange beam in the longitudinal direction thereof intermittently by a predetermined length at a time, a drilling device adapted to drill the surface of at least one of the two left and right flanges and the web of the landslide protection wide flange beam every time the feed device stops the transportation operation, and a feed pitch correcting device including positioning means so disposed that every time the feed device stops the transportation operation, the positioning means are inserted in holes previously drilled in the wide flange beam to correct the position of the wide flange beam in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: Successively supplied rod materials with one or more flat surfaces such as tuning pins used for pianos are intermittently and periodically forwarded in axial alignment to each other along a prescribed guide path towards a drilling station with axial postures thereof being regulated through rolling and, when required, sliding contacts with machine parts and, drilled transversely preferably by a pair of drills from two opposite sides with difference in timing and stroke without development of metal refuses and, after the drilling operations, the results in the drilling operation are preferably inspected in mechanical or photoelectrical manner in order to stop the entire machine running when any failure in the drilling operation is detected, all the recited operations being carried out fully automatically.

Abstract: A pin is integral with a diaphragm and extends from one side of the diaphragm. The other side of the diaphragm is subjected to a pressure or vacuum to create a pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the pin into or out of engagement with an article within a controlled environment. The diaphragm isolates a fluid, which produces the pressure differential across the diaphragm, from the controlled environment. In one embodiment, the pin is formed at the center of the diaphragm and moves only in a straight line. In another embodiment, the pin is formed eccentric to the center of the diaphragm so as to have a combination movement of angular and straight. The pin can be employed to stop an article such as a semiconductor wafer, for example, or to raise or to lower the wafer without the actuating fluid contaminating the controlled environment in which the semiconductor wafer is disposed.

Abstract: A horizontally reciprocal table carrying a foam rubber or polyurethane slab on the surface thereof is indexed past a vertically reciprocal operating head having mounted thereon a plurality of sets of rotary cutters and saws, each set, when operated, forming a portion of a prescribed pattern, whereby as the slabs index past the operating head selected sets of cutters and/or saws are activated in response to a switch means engaged by activating elements on said table to form holes or slots in said slab according to said prescribed pattern.

Abstract: A method and multiple station flexible boring machine for transferring and locating a pallet carrying a workpiece to be machined. The machine has at least two machining stations and a part loading and unloading station adjacent a transfer table carried by a base for carrying, generally locating and transferring a pallet and a workpiece to each station. The pallet has a curvic coupling locator ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and generally radially extending teeth for complementary mating engagement with a locator ring on an independent base of each station to accurately radially, axially and circumferentially locate the pallet on the station base. At the load station, the locator ring on the pallet is received in complementary mating engagement with the locator ring on the load base accurately locating the pallet with respect to the base and a workpiece is loaded, accurately located with respect to the load base and clamped to the pallet.