Abstract: A contact detecting apparatus for detecting the contact between a workpiece and a tool in a machine tool which includes a coil mounted on a spindle head and connected to an AC power source for generating an induced current in a looped secondary circuit including the workpiece, a work table, a machine body, a spindle head, a brush, a clamp bar for clamping the tool on a tool spindle, springs interposed between the spindle and the clamp bar, the tool spindle and the tool, when the workpiece and the tool are moved relatively into contact with each other. The brush is kept contact with the clamp bar at the rotational axis of the tool spindle. A detector is connected between the AC power source and the coil for detecting a change in an electric signal caused by the contact between the workpiece and the tool.

Abstract: In a boring machine having an elongated rotating boring bar for internal end boring of elongated workpieces, the boring bar is rigidized during initial internal boring operations by clamping the workpiece in axial alignment with the axially rotating elongated boring bar and the boring bar is radially clamped intermediate its ends with a clamp which rotates with the rotating bar to rigidize the bar during initial boring operations. After initial end boring of the workpiece, the clamp is radially retracted and the boring operation is continued on the workpiece to a depth beyond the position of previous clamping on the boring bar.

Abstract: A contact detecting apparatus for detecting the contact of a workpiece and a tool which comprises a coil mounted on the periphery of a spindle head and connected to an AC power source for generating an induced current in a first looped secondary circuit formed by the workpiece, a work table, a machine bed, a column, a spindle head, a tool spindle and a tool in the tool spindle when the workpiece and the tool are moved relatively into contact with each other, and a second looped secondary circuit formed by a tool change device, the tool, the tool spindle and the spindle head when a tool change operation is performed. A detector is connected between the AC power source and the coil for detecting a change in an electrical signal caused by contact between the workpiece and the tool or contact between the tool change device and the tool to output a contact detecting signal. Another detector is provided to detect that a contact detecting signal is not generated, even if a tool change operation has been performed.

Abstract: An improved power drill having means for sensing when the drill bit has penetrated through the workpiece and for then retracting the drill bit from the workpiece. An electrical signal responsive to the axial force between the drill and the drill bit is used to sense when the drill bit pierces the workpiece. A sudden decrease in the axial force triggers a mechanism for retracting the drill bit from the workpiece. Means are included to detect broken bits, missing bits and previously drilled holes.

Abstract: An accessory for tool machines is provided comprising a tool holder isolatedly carried on bar springs to effect a floating mount. The holder yields in response to selective load stress during cutting and is restricted to a linear force path to relieve stress. The yielding movement relieves stress and can operate signals in the event of overload or operate control means such as switches to cut off tool machine motors.

Abstract: A fixed station at a numerically controlled machine includes gauging means and automatic adjusting means for an adjustable cutting tool installed in the spindle of the numerically controlled machine. Multiple tools stored in the magazine of the NC machine for different cutting operations are provided with a common reference dimension to a cutting point so that the same gauge heads which include differential transducers registering respectively with the cutting point and reference surface of the tool can be employed to effect gauging and adjustment of different cutting tools.

Abstract: A contact detecting apparatus for detecting the contact of a workpiece with a tool in a machine tool which comprises a coil mounted on the periphery of a spindle head and connected to an AC power source for generating an induced current in a looped secondary circuit including the workpiece, a work table, a machine body, a spindle head, a tool spindle and the tool, when the workpiece and the tool are moved relatively into contact with each other. Bypassing elements are included in the secondary circuit for bypassing an electric resistance in spindle bearings. A detector is connected between the AC power source and the coil for detecting a change in an electric signal caused by the contact between the workpiece and the tool.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus for machine tools with rotating spindles having adapter for holding tools such that when any of the tools engage an obstacle such as another broken tool or a workpiece, a signal is generated and is transmitted to a timer activated for predetermined periods of time during selected phases of operation. The timer is responsive to the presence or to the absence of a signal during its active period to continue or to discontinue the cycle of machining operations.

Abstract: An improved machine tool includes an extendible ram or tool support arm. As the ram is extended, the outer end portion of the ram deflects downwardly under the influence of gravity. To compensate for the deflection of the ram, the angular orientation of the ram relative to upwardly extending tracks is changed to raise the outer end portion of the ram. This is accomplished by means of gibs or deflection compensation cams which are moved to rotate a carriage or saddle on which the ram is mounted. The extent of deflection of the ram varies as a function of the distance which it extends outwardly from the carriage. Therefore it is necessary to store data indicative of the deflection of the ram at various degrees of extension and to adjust the orientation of the ram in accordance with this data as the ram is extended. The data indicating the extent to which the ram deflects is stored by means of a cam mounted on the carriage. The cam is read by a transducer which moves with the ram.

Abstract: A boring machine has two spindle driven boring bars mounted on a common slide and supported by separate quills, each of which is movable relative to the slide. A stop on each quill locates its respective boring bar relative to a locating surface on the workpiece so that a cutting tool on each boring bar can be fed radially to machine the face of a counterbore at the desired depth relative to the locating surface on the workpiece. The machine includes a compensating mechanism for adjusting the cutting tools on each boring bar to compensate for tool wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of members for programming and controlling the process of a blanking or die cutting machine, which process, because of simply comprising shearing machine blows, is programmed and controlled by merely fixing before hand the amount of blows that the machine should give, and then controlling the given blows. The invention is characterized in that the assembly or unit comprises a filing cabinet intended to accomodate the blanks or die cuts to be used for the process, each file being provided with members responsive to the presence of said blanks or die cuts, so that as a blank or die cut is withdrawn or picked up, the relative programming members are activated as set on the control board.

Abstract: An apparatus in a machine tool controls the flow of coolant in accordance to tool contact with a workpiece. The preferred embodiment measures and stores a torque value exerted upon a spindle motor under no-load conditions and compares this value to an operating torque value upon the same spindle motor. When the tool contacts a workpiece and the operating torque exceeds the stored no-load torque value by a predetermined amount, a solenoid operated valve is opened and coolant is permitted to the area of tool engagement with the workpiece.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting an ultrasonic transducer within a machine tool. An ultrasonic tube assembly mounted coaxially within a machine spindle and tool supports an ultrasonic sensor adjacent to the surface being machined during machining. The tube mount includes means for isolating the tube assembly from vibration of the spindle and tool. Real-time thickness measurement of the surface being machined can be obtained by using thickness as measured by the ultrasonic sensor in a conventional feedback loop, controlling tool position.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling repetitive cutting cycles on a work piece being cut by a cutting tool of a lathe. The apparatus is comprised of means for storing a plurality of coded signals to control a depth of cut, a length of cut, a removal and a return path for a cutting cycle, and a desired number of identical cutting cycles. Further provided is means for enabling successive and sequential movement of the cutting tool over a complete cutting cycle of the work piece. Also provided is means coupled and responsive to the enabling means for controlling a continuation of the cutting of the work piece over additional identical cutting cycles. The number of identical cutting cycles is predetermined by a coded signal received by the controlling means from the storing means, and the depth of the cut for each cycle is predetermined by a coded signal received by the enabling means from the storing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling automatic machines such as a metal cutting tool to perform predetermined operations on a work-piece. Different means are provided for sensing the workpiece as to shape, diameter or length to determine the degree of its adjustment or wear. An inspection device or probe is provided with a transducing means operable to generate signals which are indicative of workpiece dimensions and or location. The signals are analyzed by means of computing circuits which generate control signals for performing such functions such as cycle starting, correction of tool adjustment and varying the control program to permit the performance of predetermined operations on the work by the tool.