Abstract: Method of building construction comprising the steps of: preparing a foundation for a building at a building site; providing an onsite mobile packaged production machine at the building site; providing part data relating to a building design to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; supplying wood to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; the onsite mobile packaged production machine providing building parts formed from the wood and based on the part data in the order of assembly; assembling the building parts on the foundation to form the building, wherein at least external walls including the said building parts include interior and exterior panels having a cavity therebetween; and providing foam insulation into the cavity between the interior and exterior panels. A building formed using the method of construction is also provided. Cutting apparatus and a liquid-laden foam filler for wall panels are also provided.

Abstract: An improved lightweight z-axis (vertical) drilling apparatus for a commercial PCB drilling systems that uses a pair of unitary z-axis movement guides that integrate the vertical, guided movement of the linear actuator, spindle and pressure foot of a PCB drilling apparatus. The linear actuator is positioned directly above and coupled to the spindle, and the unitary z-axis movement guides situated such that the such that the center of mass of all of the drilling assembly's moving components is collinear with the axis of rotation of the motor and spindle. The combination of these improvements allows for faster drilling times, shorter drilling cycles, less drill bit wander, slower drill bit dulling and less drill bit breakage.

Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A pottery holding device and method for securely holding a workpiece during rotation and working of the workpiece on a wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The pottery holding device includes a wheelhead member and at least three holding members. The wheelhead member configured for attachment to the wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The at least three holding members and wheelhead member configured to allow selective locking of the at least three holding members in positions about the periphery of a workpiece. The device adapted to securely hold circular, non-circular symmetric and irregular, asymmetric or organic shaped workpieces. The device further adapted to securely hold workpieces in positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is aligned with the axis of rotation of the device, and positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is spaced from the axis of rotation of the device.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.

Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, engaging and aligning the tag to be marked, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.

Abstract: In order to carry out complete machining of a blank on a machine tool, such as, for example, a rotary miller, the blank is held in at least one clamp during a machining step. All the functional surfaces of the workpiece (circumference and both end faces of the blank) are brought into the final required form corresponding to final use by the machine tool, in particular, the rotary miller. The blank is a blank made from metal or a ceramic material, of cylindrical, square, or polyhedral cross-section, in particular, a rectangular block or any shaped cast or forged blank. The required form is the head of a turbine blade, the blade region of the turbine blade, and the root of the turbine blade, wherein the functional surfaces of the head and root are prepared during a clamped phase on the machine tool.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a support unit and a pair of spaced-apart worktable units. The support unit includes a base seat, a support seat mounted fixedly on one end of the base seat, a carriage disposed movably on the support seat and movable in a first direction, and a spindle stock, movable on the carriage in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and provided with a spindle that extends in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. Each of the worktable units includes a pair of slide rails, each of which is mounted fixedly on the base seat and extends in the third direction, a worktable that is movable along the slide rails, and a motor that is disposed for driving the worktable to move along the slide rails.

Abstract: A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining a molded part, such as an elastomeric coated valve component includes a rotatable cutting tool having a shape corresponding to the shape of a cavity of the valve component. A method of machining the molded part is also disclosed.

Abstract: A railcar truck bolster side bearing mounting pad milling machine and method. A milling machine of the present invention includes a pair of milling heads and associated cutters suspended from an overhead frame member. A sliding saddle unit is provided for transporting the bolster into and out of a work envelope of the milling machine. At least one fixturing assembly is attached to the sliding saddle unit to support and fix the position of the bolster in three directions. The bolster is rigidly supported from its underside, thereby eliminating the risk that the bolster may move downward during machining. Since the vertical position of the bolster when presented to the cutters is fixed, thereby the need to raise the bolster into a working position is also eliminated.

Abstract: A three dimensional soft magnetic metal mass suitable for milling is formed wrapping soft magnetic metal ribbon into a three dimensional shape and then applying adhesive to the three dimensional shape. The adhesive permeates the three dimensional shape. The adhesive is then cured. If the soft magnetic metal mass is made as a toroid, then it could be processed into an electromechanical component. The electromechanical component would then be suitable for use in very high frequency electric motors.

Abstract: A routing machine including a plurality of worktables for supporting at least a first workpiece and a second workpiece, a hold down assembly, and a toolhead assembly for machining the first workpiece on one of the worktables and then machining the second workpiece on another of the worktables. The hold down assembly traverses the worktables with the toolhead assembly to retain the first workpiece on the one worktable and then retain the second workpiece on the other of the worktables such that the first workpiece on the one worktable can be removed and replaced with a new workpiece while the toolhead assembly machines the second workpiece on the other table. A method of machining parts with the routing machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The corresponding machine tool or milling machine for carrying out the method described has a milling spindle which is displaceable in three spatial directions and with which the workpiece can be machined in a machining region, the machine tool or milling machine having at least one mounting slide, with which the workpiece, for the first machining step, can be mounted in gripping adapters. Furthermore, the machine tool or milling machine has at least one rocker, with which the partly machined workpiece can be mounted by means of at least one special gripping adapter in the first, finally machined region of the workpiece for the second machining step.

Abstract: A method is provided for machining the stainless steel automotive exhaust components that allows such components to be machined in high volumes and at a reasonable cost. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of: (a) supporting the manifold on a work structure; (b) clamping the manifold to the work structure; and (c) machining the supported and clamped manifold; (d) where the clamping step includes the step of clamping each of the plurality of inlet coupling flanges of the manifold separately; and (e) the machining step includes the step of machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges. In a more detailed embodiment, the supporting and clamping steps orient the planes of the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges of the manifold perpendicular to a spindle access of the milling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for making microlens molds and microlens array molds is described which utilizes a forming element having a rotating half radius diamond cutting member. A substrate is alignably arranged with the diamond cutting member so that the cutting member can mill a mold cavity in the substrate. The apparatus can be used to make high sag lens molds with high accuracy and a nearly 100% fill factor.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a machine whereby a workpiece is held on a worktable of the machine with a suction force. When the work piece has a surface area insufficient to receive a full cut from a tool mounted in a tool head of the machine, the machine automatically adjusts the depth and the cutting speed of the tool to lesson the cut so the workpiece is not moved or ejected from the worktable. The depth and speed of the tool may be adjusted in a single cut pass of the tool or they may be adjusted in successive cut passes.

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames are moved and pad frames are fixed on long support members, or rule stopper frames are fixed and pad frames are moved on long support members, and the long support members are moved according to the length and width of a process board.

Abstract: A clamping device for a machine tool that is securable to a work table of the machine tool. The machine tool typically has a work table and a saddle. The worktable is slidably mounted to the saddle. An elongated table screw is carried by the work table and extends through threaded block carried by the other saddle. A pair of jaws of the clamping device each have an acurate surface for engaging the elongated table screw. A mechanism moves the jaws relative to each other and into a closed position engaging and retaining the elongated table screw.

Abstract: A material support tool used for routers for allowing pieces of wood to be cut accurately and safely. The material support tool used for routers includes a base member having a hole centrally disposed therethrough and being adapted to receive a router bit therethrough; and also includes a first material support assembly being mounted upon a top of the base member; and further includes a second material support assembly also being mounted upon the top of the base member and being spaced from the first material support assembly, and in combination with the first material support assembly being adapted to support a piece of wood therebetween.

Abstract: A machine tool has a workpiece table for fixing workpieces to be machined and a tool spindle for receiving in a fixture the tools used for machining the workpieces. The machine tool works with an overhead tool pointing upwards in the operating condition.

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames and pad frames are moved on long support members, such that a rectangular process board or a process board having a curved edge are positioned and held by suction on suction pads on the long support members.

Abstract: A machining center has a number of machine tools which each have a working space for machining workpieces, a clamping station in which workpieces to be machined are clamped into workpiece holders, and a loading device 26 which transports the workpiece holders between the clamping station and the working space of at least one machine tool, and in order to transport the workpiece holder has a pivot arm 43 which is swung in as the loading device 26 moves, and which for workpiece changing is pivoted at least partially about a pivot axis 93 into the working space or to the clamping station. The workpiece holder has a fixture 51 for positionally accurate receiving of a workpiece, which has at its two end faces holding parts 56, 57 via which it is held in the clamping station and in the working space. The loading device 26 has a further pivot arm 43′ arranged parallel to the pivot arm 43, the pivot arms 43, 43′ grasping the fixture 51 at the end faces and receiving it between them for transport.

Abstract: A machining center has machine tools which each have a working space for machining workpieces 21, a clamping station 18 in which workpieces 21 to be machined are clamped into workpiece holders 19, and a loading device which transports the workpiece holders 19 between the clamping station 18 and the working space of at least one machine tool. A multiple coupling 70 for transferring fluidic energy, which is selectably docked in the clamping station 18, is provided on the workpiece holder 19 (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A machining center has machine tools which each have a working space for machining workpieces 21, a clamping station 18 in which workpieces 21 to be machined are clamped into workpiece holders 19, and a loading device which transports the workpiece holders 19 between the clamping station 18 and the working space of at least one machine tool. The workpiece holder 19 have a fixture 51 having self-locking clamping elements 53 for positionally accurate clamping of a workpiece 21. The fixture 51 carries a coupling module 66 for supplying the clamping elements 53 with fluidic energy as well as a multiple coupling 70 which serves for the transfer of measurement signals, and is selectably docked therein.

Abstract: In a centre for machining workpieces, of the type comprising a machine frame, a machining table (6) for workpieces held on pallets (7) and a device (9) for pallet changing, it is proposed that the table (6) be arranged above the pallets (7), and the workpieces or a device (8) carrying the workpiece or workpieces project(s) downwards from the pallet during machining.

Abstract: A curved machining jig for machining a curved workpiece having an arcuate shaped centerline, the curved machining jig comprising a table having a rotatably mounted column extending perpendicular from the table, the column rotating on a first axis perpendicular to the table, an arm attached to and extending from the column, a drive portion on the arm, a tool attachment and a workpiece attachment supported above the table, the curved workpiece removably retained by the workpiece attachment, a machining tool on the tool attachment, a means for moving the drive arm causing the arm to rotate about the column engaging the workpiece and the machining tool to perform a curved machining operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to machine workpiece edges with variable dimensions using a device for clamping the workpieces and a machining unit, whereby the device according to the invention is characterized by a first clamping bed with a clamping plate for clamping the workpiece surfaces, a second clamping bed with a clamping plate for clamping the workpiece edges hanging over the first clamping bed and means to change the position and the orientation of the first clamping bed relative to the second clamping bed.

Abstract: In a machine tool having a base member, a table supported on the base member, on which a workpiece may be positioned to be machined, and a toolhead assembly supported on the base member, provided with a tool engageable with the workpiece positioned on the table for performing a work function relative thereto wherein the table and the toolhead assembly are displaceable relative to each other along a line of travel, an assembly for holding down a workpiece positioned on the table upon relative displacement of the table and the toolhead assembly along the line of travel generally consisting of at least one upper roller having an axis disposed transversely relative to the line of travel and engageable in rolling contact with an upper surface of a workpiece positioned on the table, a set of lower rollers each having an axis disposed transversely relative to the line of travel and engageable in rolling contact with an undersurface of the table and means supported on the base member and operatively interconnecting t

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: 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: Apparatus including a saw mill cutter for removing risers or excess material from castings such as for engine blocks, cylinder heads, cam carriers, transmission housings and the like, with the saw mill cutter simultaneously cutting the riser from the casting body while milling the cut surface to form a finished and/or semi finished surface and with a method for utilizing such a saw mill cutter and forming such finished and/or semi-finished surface and with one form of the method including feeding the casting widthwise to the cutter such that it is cut and milled along its length.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for forming a diamond shape on ornamental chains (C) of variable width, and comprises a support having a slide guide flange (1A) with an intermediate gap (3) for the space required for the diamond-shaping tool (5), a shoe for lateral pressure against the support and, to serve as guide means acting along the edge (B1) of the chain opposite the edge (B) to be given a diamond shape, two pressers (14) acting independently on said edge (B1) adjacently to said gap (3).

Abstract: A spindle and Z-axis unit comprises a spindle housing and a hollow rotor shaft rotatable and axially movable with respect to the spindle housing. The rotor shaft carries a collet at its lower end for chucking a machine tool such as a drill bit. The tool is changed in the collet by pneumatic actuation of a diaphragm which actuates a push rod within the rotor shaft to move the collet axially against a spring bias to clamp and unclamp the tool. The shaft is moved in the Z-direction along with a thrust bearing assembly by a screw nut which actuates a road to move the rotor shaft in the Z-direction to drill a workpiece after a pressure foot has first been moved to clamp the workpiece with respect to the spindle. Thus, the moving weight or mass previously attributable to parts such as a spindle saddle and spindle housing can be eliminated without impairing the reliability and chucking force of the collet mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for shaping the panels, rails and stiles used to construct raised panel doors. A motor driven arbor shaft carries three different cutters which bevel the panel edges, groove the edges of the rails and stiles and shape the ends of the rails complementally to the grooved edges of the stiles. Adjustable fences guide the workpieces through the cutters along strips which rest on the table and are of various thicknesses to accommodate cutters of different sizes. A carriage travels in a guided manner along the fence used for the cutting of the ends of the rails and is equipped with a quick release clamp for securing the rails in position as their ends are fed through the cutter.

Abstract: An edging apparatus is provided which permits fast, efficient edging of materials, such a plexiglass, masonite or wood, on a horizontal plane. The edging apparatus includes a material support surface, a motor and cutter, a fence and an automatic feed assembly. The cutter motor is mounted on a sliding assembly to permit linear movement of the cutter.

Abstract: A work holding device used in an external form cutting machine for printed boards, the cutting machine including a work mounting table movable in X direction and a cutter mounting spindle movable in Y direction perpendicular to X direction, comprising holding device disposed above the table, pushing device for pushing said holding device, elevating device for raising and lowering said holding device. The holding device and the elevating device engage with each other slidably in a vertical direction with the pushing device interposed therebetween. By virtue of these arrangements, the printed boards are surely holded, resulting in an uniform cutting surface of piled printed boards. Holding pins used in prior arts for holding printed boards are not required, resulting in an improved operational efficiency of the cutting machine.

Abstract: A tube cutting device for making compound curve cuts on tubes providing angular abutment of tube ends on opposing tube surfaces. The cutting device positions and holds the tube in selected alignments in relation to a stationary cutting head and advances the tube into engagement with the cutting head.

Abstract: A high speed dowel hole drilling machine is provided, comprising a machine tool selected from several different high speed rotary machine tools, said machine tool rotating a drilling element at speeds between about 5,000 RPM and 30,000 RPM, and preferably at speeds from 20,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM, a reciprocally translatable work table for slidably supporting a workpiece to be drilled, and a tool plate for mounting the machine tool adjacent the work table such that the workpiece can be translated toward and away from the drilling element of the machine tool mounted on the tool plate. An adaptor plate having plural sets of tool mounting holes provides means for mounting several different rotary machine tools on the tool plate, allowing conventional pre-owned machine tools to be used with the invention.

Abstract: A wood shaper utilizing multiple vertical cutting shaper assemblies mounted on the opposed end portions of a horizontal shaft. Each shaper assembly has, to the opposite sides thereof, an elongate guide fence and an elongate finger guard selectively adjustable relative to each other and the shaper assembly therebetween. Each guide fence mounts a pair of horizontal support bars for independent vertical adjustment relative to each other. The support bars align with the intake and discharge sides of the associated shaper assembly. As a variation, a second commonly driven horizontal shaft can be provided parallel to the first shaft. The second shaft will mount, at one end thereof, a third vertical shaper assembly received between an elongate guide fence with dual support bars and a laterally adjustable finger guard.

Abstract: A roller hold down device for removable work table which has a pair of rollers which extend transversely across the workpiece mounted on the movable table so as to hold it down and with a pair of cam roller members mounted on either side of the movable table and formed with cam portions so as to engage the rollers at the end of travel so as to force the rollers up away from the workpiece and also so as to prevent the rollers from falling off of the end of the workpiece. The rollers are controlled by hydraulic cylinders which can be actuated to automatically move them to the down position and also to move them to the up position.

Abstract: Positional information about movable components in a machine system relative to the workpiece is wirelessly transmitted by infrared radiation to a remote receiver. The receiver is operative to convert the infrared signals into electrical signals for controlling operational cycles of the machine system.

Abstract: A pressure foot assembly is provided which makes use of a pressure ring mounted in a manner which allows it to float laterally around an end mill cutter which is used to delete circuit lands on a subcomposite printed circuit panel. Enough pressure is provided to keep the ring from rotating and allows the ring to impart a concentrated force very close around the cutter, thus holding the deleted circuit line in place during cutting and keeping cutting burrs to a minimum.

Abstract: A novel arrangement of pressure foot and drive therefor for providing a frictional clamping arrangement for holding a workpiece being cut by a router so as to prevent movement of the cutout portion of the workpiece in the last increment of the cut. The pinless pressure foot includes a ring-shaped friction member supported by a slide member adjacent one end of a spindle, circumscribing a cutting tool, for engaging the surface of the workpiece. A plurality of flexure members extend around the spindle, first ends of the flexure members being connected to the slide member.