Including Means To Support Work For Rotation During Operation Patents (Class 409/165)
  • Patent number: 6986194
    Abstract: The gripping unit comprises a pallet (16) that supports gripping systems (18) through orientation systems (22). The pallet (16) also supports at least one control box (28) capable of activating orientation systems (22), and possibly gripping systems (18) to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (12). The control system (28) takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system (40) of the machine tool (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Hervé Lanvin
  • Patent number: 6983527
    Abstract: Gripping unit for automated machining of parts and device and process integrating such a unit. The gripping unit comprises a pallet (16) that supports gripping systems (18) through orientation systems (22). The pallet (16) also supports at least one control box (28) capable of activating orientation systems (22), and possibly gripping systems (18) to modify the position or orientation of the block of material to be machined when the gripping unit is placed in a machine tool (12). The control system (28) takes actions in response to orders issued by the control system (40) of the machine tool (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Hervé Lanvin
  • Patent number: 6918641
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart articles, to move a selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Raul Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6913335
    Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for Image Transfer to Multiple Articles Having Non-planar Surfaces are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus that utilizes a modified microprocessor-based printer. The apparatus has end portions and at least one intermediate portion for holding two or more three-dimensional articles for printing images thereon. The apparatus further includes holding cups for securely gripping the ends of the three-dimensional articles while the images are being transferred thereto. The apparatus is further adjustable in order to accommodate articles having differing lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Raul Martinez
  • Patent number: 6890134
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing endodontic instruments are provided. Methods relate to milling a blank with a cutting process to shape the instrument. Instruments so produced are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Ingo Wagner, Michael Knee, Andreas Nitsch
  • Patent number: 6886225
    Abstract: A worktable for numerical control machines, having a supporting structure hinged to the frame of the machine tool, and a faceplate fitted for rotation to the supporting structure to rotate, on command, about a first reference axis; the worktable having a first drive unit specially designed, on command, to rotate, and maintain rotation of, the faceplate at high speed about the first axis, and a second drive unit specially designed to vary, as required, the angular position of the faceplate about the first axis and with respect to a predetermined angular reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: O.M.V. Officine Meccaniche Venete S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Pasquetto
  • Patent number: 6874213
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool for machining a rod-shaped workpiece. The machine tool comprises a tool spindle, and also a first holder and a second holder for accommodating the workpiece. In a machining position, the second holder is oriented coaxially to the first holder, and it is arranged so as to be capable of rotating or swiveling about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Prust, Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 6840722
    Abstract: A machining apparatus for machining a workpiece by rotating and revolving either the workpiece or a tool 1 to contact with each other. The machining apparatus comprises rotation/revolution ratio setting motors M1 and M3 for setting a ratio of a number of rotations to a number of revolutions of the workpiece or the tool 1, to a numerical value having a fraction below a decimal point, by changing the number of revolutions. The workpiece is machined by setting the number of revolutions and the number of rotations at the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 6839954
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote controlled machine axis (or indexer) system that comprises a horizontal base plate, a first vertical plate, and a second vertical plate, wherein the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate are coupled to the horizontal base plate. The system further comprises a first arbor coupled to the first vertical plate, a second arbor coupled to the second vertical plate, a bearing positioned through the first vertical plate and the first arbor, a rotatable base plate coupled to the first arbor and to the second arbor, and a vice coupled to the rotatable base plate. The system also comprises a wireless transceiver coupled to the horizontal base plate, a servomotor coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the horizontal base plate, an integrated power source coupled to the servomotor, to the wireless transceiver, and to the horizontal base plate, and a reducer coupled to the integrated servomotor and to the second vertical plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Eric L. Gunstone
  • Patent number: 6836941
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining rod-shaped workpieces comprises a traveling column, to which a tool spindle rotatable about a spindle axis is fastened. The tool spindle is capable of swiveling about a swivel axis. The swivel axis is arranged perpendicularly to both the spindle axis and a longitudinal axis of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Prust, Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 6832433
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a machining apparatus including a work piece holder having an adapter body with an axial bore and a translating portion located within the axial bore of the adapter body. The translating portion has a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet of a spindle and a distal end for attaching to a collet. The work piece holder includes a retaining piece coupling the adapter body and the translating portion allowing the translating portion to move axially within the adapter body. The apparatus facilitates a rotating spindle grasping and rotating a work piece to be brought into contact with a processing tool held stationary on a work table. The present invention also includes a fixture block for attaching milling tools and other devices to a work table and a method of operating a milling machine utilizing the fixture block and work piece holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rockford Products Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6827631
    Abstract: To provide a grinding machine and a centering method for the centers thereof in which the requisite space for the center support rotating mechanism for a workpiece and the in-feed mechanism is reduced to facilitate miniaturization and in which it is easy to secure the space for the supply and discharge of the workpiece and sizing measurement. A motor built-in type main spindle retaining a rotary drive center and a motor built-in type tailstock spindle retaining a tailstock center are swiveled by in-feed means eccentrically supporting them, whereby the rotary drive center and the tailstock center make an in-feed motion with respect to a grinding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Katsura Tomotaki, Yukimasa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6823572
    Abstract: A machine for carrying out mechanical workings preferably by showing removal includes a frame arranged for receiving a semi-worked piece having a cross section exhibiting dimensions remarkably smaller than the length of the piece measured along its own longitudinal axis. The semi-worked piece is arranged with the longitudinal axis along a working axis in a working station. A clamp is arranged at a number of cross sections of the semi-worked piece for locking the semi-worked piece in the working station. A tool is arranged for carrying out workings on faces of the semi-worked piece. A support to which the semi-worked piece is fixed by the clamp is suitable to be rotated about a service axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: EMMEGI S.A., Luxembourg, Lugano Branch
    Inventor: Marco Bellucci
  • Publication number: 20040226155
    Abstract: A lathe attachment device is disclosed for producing long articles with complicated profiles. The device contains a beveled multi-teeth cutter driven to rotate in a direction opposite the rotation of a billet to ensure a very short period of contact time between an individual cutting tooth and the article. The cutter is slightly tilted towards the billet in both horizontal and vertical plane. The teeth of the cutter are shaped to each have a pointed end facing the rough part of the billet. Provisions are made to draw the cutter along the billet. The device allows producing a smooth finished long article with complicated surface profile in a single pass with high productivity. Due to limited contact time, it offers extended life of the cutter. The device is used most advantageously to produce long wood articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Alexandr Ivanovich Krukov
  • Publication number: 20040221696
    Abstract: A non-rotary cutting tool which is to be moved relative to a workpiece in a predetermined direction for cutting the workpiece, with its rake face being held substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The cutting tool includes (a) a generally cylindrical shank portion, and (b) a generally semi-cylindrical body portion which has an outer circumferential surface constituted by the rake face and a semi-cylindrical surface. The semi-cylindrical body portion has a cutting edge which is defined by an edge of the rake face and which is covered with a diamond coating. Also disclosed is a process of machining a scroll member of a scroll compressor by using this non-rotary cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hideaki Matsuhashi, Tamotsu Nagai
  • Publication number: 20040194521
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a highly attractive, decorative baseball bat. The apparatus of the invention enables the manufacture of decorative baseball bats that exhibit a wide variety of attractive designs. More particularly, the apparatus includes a uniquely configured, inexpensive masking member that can be slipped over the barrel of the bat so as to make selective portions of the baseball bat during the sandblasting step of the method of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Anodizing Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Andrews
  • Patent number: 6760961
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of utilization thereof is provided for machining pistons of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines. The piston is held in a work station by its interior cavity and the oil rings, oval side surface and hinge pin bore are machined on the piston without any refixturing of the piston required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Focus: Hope
    Inventor: Srinivasa K. Upadhya
  • Publication number: 20040115015
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for making dental inlays or the like by copy milling a blank (7) based on an original (4) comprises a first spindle (3), which is adpated to hold the original (4) and a second spindle (5), which is aligned with the first spindle (2) and adapted to hold the blank (7). A first sensing unit (8) is adapted to scan the original (4) with a probe (9), and a first milling unit (10) is adapted to mill the blank (7) by means of a shank-end mill (11) to form a dental inlay or the like whose shape corresponds to that of the orignal (4) scanned by the probe (9). A second sensing unit (13) is adapted to carry out a rough scan of the original (4) before the first sensing unit (8) by means of a rotatable disc (14), and a second milling unit (15) is adapted to machine the blank (7), while the disc (14) scans the original (4), by means of a milling disc (16) whose size corresponds to that of the disc (14) to create a shape which roughly corresponds to that of the original (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Lennart Sjostedt, Andreas Dahr
  • Publication number: 20040115018
    Abstract: A worktable for numerical control machines, having a supporting structure hinged to the frame of the machine tool, and a faceplate fitted for rotation to the supporting structure to rotate, on command, about a first reference axis; the worktable having a first drive unit specially designed, on command, to rotate, and maintain rotation of, the faceplate at high speed about the first axis, and a second drive unit specially designed to vary, as required, the angular position of the faceplate about the first axis and with respect to a predetermined angular reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Franco Pasquetto
  • Patent number: 6746093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a modified ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to controllably rotate the article to be imprinted and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the article within a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the plane within which the ink jet nozzles of the ink jet printer travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Raul Martinez
  • Patent number: 6733217
    Abstract: A workpiece holding means for machine tools and more particularly for milling and/or drilling machines, comprising a pivoting bridge supported between two bearing walls. The bearing walls respectively laterally delimit a working area. At least one drive motor serves for pivoting the pivoting bridge, such motor being arranged outside the working area on at least one outer side of the bearing walls. The pivoting bridge is provided with a gear ring adjacent to one or both of the inner sides of the bearing walls, such gear ring being drivingly connected with the drive gear wheel driven by at least one drive motor. The bearing points or bearing pins of the pivoting bridge accordingly do not have to transmit any drive torque and are not subjected to any torque load so that more precise running and more precise positioning is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventors: Tobias Schwörer, Franz-Xaver Bernhard
  • Patent number: 6711804
    Abstract: A machine tool in which a plurality of machining positions is orbited by a work spindle unit carrying a workpiece and capable of radial displacement relative to the central axis of rotation. The work spindle unit may be one of one or more such units mounted upon a bridge element angularly displaceable about that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: EMAG Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerrit Eicher
  • Patent number: 6698982
    Abstract: A machine tool has a table body and a drive line on a bed. The table body is linearly movable via a guide member having a sliding or rolling guide surface. The drive line has a ball screw or the like, and moves the table body along the guide surface. A pair of guide members are provided at positions in point symmetry about the position of the center of gravity of the table body. Moreover, a pair of drive lines having the ball screws or the like are provided at positions in point symmetry about the position of the center of gravity of the table body. Alternatively, drive line having the ball screw or the like is provided at the position of the center of gravity of the table body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Watanabe, Kensuke Ide, Tetsuo Ichikizaki, Seiji Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6666630
    Abstract: The invention concerns a 3D milling machine and a 3D milling process. The milling machine comprises a milling unit (2) with a motor driven work spindle (4) for receiving a milling tool, a work table for clamping work pieces, guide and drive device for producing relative movement of the milling unit and the work table in at least three spatial directions, and a laser device (12) for emitting a laser beam. A laser assisted milling of free-form surfaces is made possible in that the milling unit is a spherical cutter (6), further, that a mounting device (30, 32) and a driving device (36, 38) are provided for producing a precise movement of the laser emitter (12) about a point on the beam axis, such that the laser beam (14) circles about a central axis, which intersects the axis of the work spindle (4) at an acute angle, as well as a mounting device and a driving device for at least one of pivoting and rotating of the work table (18) about at least one axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Jens Boehm, Ralf Herold
  • Publication number: 20030206778
    Abstract: A device for machining a solid carbide bar, which comprises means suitable to support the bar and turn the bar during machining, and a wheel for cutting the bar, which is supported by means suitable to move the wheel toward and away from the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: RADECO SISTEMI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Spagna
  • Patent number: 6632054
    Abstract: A portal milling machine has an elongated machine bed (10), the longitudinal direction of which defines an X-direction (2) (machine longitudinal direction). Furthermore, the portal milling machine is provided with a portal (20) which is arranged at right angles to the X-direction and has an elongated plan form, the longitudinal direction of which defines a Y-direction (4) (portal longitudinal direction). A milling unit (50) is arranged on the portal (20) so as to be movable in a translatory manner in a first direction and a second direction transversely to the X-direction (2), and a linear guide (14, 16) which leads through the portal in the X-direction (2) and is intended for a slide (30) carrying a work mounting device (32) and movable in the X-direction (2) is attached to the machine bed (10). In plan form, a part of the machine bed (10) projects beyond the portal (20) in the X-direction (2) at least on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mikron Comp-Tec AG
    Inventors: Michael Geiger, Peter Meier
  • Publication number: 20030180112
    Abstract: A machine tool for at least triaxially machining work pieces (15) comprises a work spindle (10) and a working area (14) before the work spindle (10). A z skid (23), which is displaceable in the direction of the spindle (10), is disposed above the working area (14), with a work holding fixture (29) being joined to, and suspended downwards from, the z skid (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Dietrich Geiger, Wolfgang Horn, Gerald Stengele
  • Patent number: 6571840
    Abstract: A furniture surface includes a new solid wood substrate, a two-color silk screened image on the substrate, and a CNC-carved and embossed indentation in the substrate that provides a relief effect located in reference to the printed image so as to make a composite ornamentation on the substrate that makes the substrate look antique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: The Lane Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Atkins, John T. Sexton
  • Patent number: 6557226
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a bone dowel includes a machine base with tracks on a surface thereof. Modules configured to slide in the tracks may include a module for a high speed rotary tool, a collet module, a vise module and a threading module. A vise module may include a base configured to slide in the tracks of the machine base, a frame configured to slide on the vise module base, two opposing vise jaws held within the frame, a spring device between the vise jaws, and a press that sits on top of the vise jaws within the frame. A bone dowel manufactured using the apparatus may include smoothed ends, a slot on one end, a canal running through the dowel perpendicular to the long axis, a hole running through the dowel along the long axis, and threads on the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6506005
    Abstract: A method of machining seats of a compressor piston having an approximately hemispherical recess. A surface of a piston extending perpendicular to an axis of the piston is machined by annularly moving a cutting element while the cutting element is rotated with respect to the piston to form an annularly cut portion. The surface is further machined by moving the same cutting element in a direction toward the surface while the cutting element and the piston are relatively rotated to form a hemispherical recess in the surface. The firstly formed annularly cut portion becomes an annular chamfered portion on the periphery of the hemispherical recess. In this way, it is possible to form the hemispherical recess, and the annular chamfered portion on the periphery thereof, with the common cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Katsunori Kawai, Wataru Mase, Tomotaka Sawa
  • Patent number: 6488454
    Abstract: A method for machining a pair of shoe pockets for piston in a swash plate type compressor is disclosed. In this method, the shoe pockets are respectively formed on the opposed walls of the slot in the piston of the compressor while conforming to a single imaginary sphere. The method comprises the step of moving a cutter provided with an arc-shaped cutter blade that has a rotation diameter less than the width of the slot. Thereafter, there is performed the step of relatively revolving the cutter with regard to the piston by allowing the central axis of a revolved part to move along a circular orbit within the slot while rotating the cutter, so as to cut the shoe pockets to conform to the single imaginary sphere. Finally, the step of retreating the cutter out of the slot when the cutter completes one round revolution and is returned to its initial position is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Hew Nam Ahn, Young-seop Yoon
  • Patent number: 6471452
    Abstract: The process contemplates material removal from the surface of rotating bodies (11) by moving at least one milling cutter (5) along an arched trajectory (21) in a plane transverse to the axis of the bodies, so as to remove the material in the circumferential direction of the body surface and parallel to the axis of the milling cutter (5). This working can be carried out in addition to a vectorial milling. The trajectory (21) is obtained by composing two linear translations perpendicular to the milling cutter (5) by adjustment of the speed and the rotation direction of the motors producing such translations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Balance Systems S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Trionfetti
  • Patent number: 6442814
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a bone dowel includes a machine base with tracks on a surface thereof. Modules configured to slide in the tracks may include a module for a high speed rotary tool, a collet module, a vise module and a threading module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Spinal Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Erik J. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20020078541
    Abstract: There is a workpiece clamp device 10 for horizontally holding a thin section long workpiece 1 having a constant section shape or having the same section shape in spaced positions in a longitudinal direction in two positions of the same section shape. The workpiece clamp device 10 is constituted of a driving clamp device 10A and a driven clamp device 10B comprising the same holding device 12. The driving clamp device 10A rotates the workpiece 1 centering on a horizontal axis O extending in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and the driven clamp device 10B follows movement of the workpiece and idles centering on the horizontal axis. An arbitrary portion to be machined of the workpiece can be directed in a direction in which the portion is easily machined by the rotation (e.g., upward direction).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Riken
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ohmori, Kenichi Yoshikawa, Takahiro Miura, Naoshi Iwamitsu
  • Patent number: 6394718
    Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of periodic profiles on at least approximately rotationally symmetrical blanks, such as, for example, the generation of shaft-hub connection profiles such as circular wedge profiles, splined shaft profiles, etc., on shaft or hub blanks. To this end, the use of generating skiving is proposed, which permits the production of any desired periodic profiles on rotationally symmetrical blanks and is far superior to rival processes with regard to the productive machining time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Oliver Doerfel
  • Patent number: 6367136
    Abstract: An apparatus for taper-boring a bevelled surface (16) into an inner wall of a pipe fitting (10, 32). The apparatus comprising support means, in the form of rollers (24, 26, 28), for supporting the fitting on the apparatus; drive means for rotating the fitting wit respect to the apparatus and a rotatable milling head (40) located at least partially within the fitting being supported by the support means. The arrangement of the support means and the milling head is such that the fitting is rotatable with respect to the milling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Solomon Joel Tucker
  • Patent number: 6352496
    Abstract: A milling machine includes a bi-directional, variable speed, rotary workpiece-holding table, a table drive sized to achieve relatively high acceleration and deceleration rates, a cutting tool mounted to a single or dual axis head, and a control system adapted to achieve a high degree of tool position and table rotational position accuracy cooperating to permit high-speed machining operations, including substantially dome-shaped parts characterized by circumferential surface portions interrupted by radial wall portions. A dual table drive and interchangeable head arrangement make the machine also suitable for conventional turret lathe operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: IMTA Manufacturing Technology & Automation Company
    Inventor: Tino Oldani
  • Patent number: 6269724
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Albert Sabatelli, Charles Zell Smith, III, Robert John Steller, Eric Richard Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6257811
    Abstract: A machine tool has a vertical-axis tool spindle that receives a tool, and a workpiece table on whose upper side is arranged a fixture for clamping in a workpiece. The tool spindle and workpiece table are displaceable relative to one another in a working region in which the workpiece is arranged. The working region extends at least partially, in a direction transverse to the spindle axis, outside the workpiece table; the fixture projects in that direction beyond the table, holds the workpiece there, and is open at the bottom so that chips that are produced can freely fall downward in the direction of the spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Anton Schweizer, Hans-Henning Winkler
  • Patent number: 6228007
    Abstract: The machine tool comprises a workpiece carrier (16) into which crankshafts (10, 10a) can be clamped one above the other in horizontal alignment. The workpiece carrier (16) is fixed to a turntable (15) on a horizontal slide (14) with the turntable being pivoted around a vertical axis (A). After the turntable (15) has been brought into an inclined position, the crankshafts (10, 10a) are provided with oblique drill holes by means of the drills (26, 26a). A tool magazine (32) comprises a first circulating magazine (33) for drilling tools and a second circulating magazine (34) for drill bushings (27, 27a). The tools are exchanged between tool magazine (32) and spindle box (24) by means of the pick-up process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Honsberg Lamb Sonderwerkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Quak, Hans-Joachim Dey
  • Patent number: 6219918
    Abstract: A spoked wheel rim having a hub defining an axis, a plurality of spokes projecting radially from the hub, and a rim ring attached to outer ends of the spokes is machined by first mounting it in a loading/unloading station into a holder rotatable about a holder axis with the rim axis generally coaxial with the holder axis. Then the holder is orbited by a turntable carrying the holder from the loading/unloading station into a working station angularly offset relative to the loading/unloading station about a turntable axis between the stations. A rotating tool is then displaced by means of a head carried on a hexapod positioner at least over surfaces of the spokes while holding the rim stationary in the working station to machine the surfaces. The rim is then continuously rotated about the holder axis in the working station while engaging a rotating tool carried on the hexapod positioner with an edge of the rim ring to machine the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Variomatic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Wieland
  • Patent number: 6146063
    Abstract: A cutting insert for milling has a generally perpendicular cutting face that is peripherally bounded by respective main cutting edges and has free faces set at a positive angle and having common edges forming auxiliary cutting edges. The insert has a positive cutting angle and the cutting face has in the region of an adjacent main cutting edge forming a cutting corner a flat or recess which extends into both adjacent main cutting edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Widia GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Ramold, Markus Heinloth, Reinhold Gesell, Erwin Stallwitz
  • Patent number: 6026549
    Abstract: A crankshaft phase indexing apparatus of this invention is provided with a pair of spindles arranged in alignment with a first axis. The Spindles are rotated respectively by a pair of spindle driving motors, which are controlled to rotate at the same speed. Chucks are mounted to the respective spindles. The chucks hold ends of a crankshaft in alignment with a second axis, which is displaced from and parallel to the first axis. A phase conversion shaft is rotatably arranged in at least one of the chucks in alignment with the second axis. The phase conversion shaft is connected to the crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft to permit phase indexing of crankpins of the crankshaft into axial alignment with the first axis. A phase indexing shaft, which is coupled to the phase conversion shaft, is located concentrically with the spindles and is rotated by a phase indexing motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Makino, Takashi Imai, Hiroyuki Uchida, Yukio Kokaji
  • Patent number: 6027288
    Abstract: A working apparatus comprising, a base, a work piece supporting and rotating means on the base to hold and rotate a work piece, a working tool unit on the base to hold a working tool to be rotatable and which forwardly and rearwardly moves in horizontal direction toward the work piece via a slider mechanism, a pressing means to press the working tool unit in horizontal direction at a constant pressing force toward the work piece, and a profiling means on the working tool unit to forwardly and rearwardly move by profiling an outer periphery of the work piece through being in contact with the work piece in horizontal direction and thereby to move the whole working tool unit in forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Senjo Seiki Corporation
    Inventor: Motohiro Senjo
  • Patent number: 5941291
    Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5938381
    Abstract: A method for creation of a surface from a rough blank for spectacles is which is suitable for both brittle-hard materials and for plastics uses makes use of a disk-shaped, rotation-symmetrical tool of relatively large diameter, by means of which the material to be taken off the rough blank is removed with high grinding or milling efficiency in at least two work steps--a plunge-cut step and a shaping step with material removed along a spiral path. The outcome of the last work step is a machining path traveling in a spiral from the outside to the inside with low residual apex height and relatively large apex spacing. The resulting surface needs only slight fine-grinding and polishing aftertreatment. As an option, both a rim machining step adapted to the form of the eyeglass frame and a work step faceting the rim of the eyeglasses can be integrated into the method. Furthermore, tools are proposed for carrying out the grinding and milling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: LOH Optikmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Joachim Diehl, Ronald Lautz, Karl-Heinz Tross
  • Patent number: 5927166
    Abstract: In a plural-roll rolling mill having a pass line arranged by the respective sets of rolls, each having a caliber formed on the outside peripheral surface thereof, the outside peripheral surfaces being disposed close to each other, the calibers of the rolls being cut with a cutting tool of a three-dimensionally (forward and rearward, rightward and leftward and upward and downward) movable cutting machine. The rolling mill, which has a reference column disposed on the outside surface thereof at a position spaced apart from the pass line by a predetermined distance, is removed from a rolling line and fixed, and the positional alignment of the cutting tool is carried out by causing a contact sensor disposed on the cutting machine at a position spaced apart from the cutting tool by a predetermined distance to come into contact with the reference column. With this arrangement, there are provided a method and apparatus capable of cutting the rolls of the plural-roll rolling mill while mounted on the rolling mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Takeda, Hidenori Kondo, Yoshihiro Shinkai
  • Patent number: 5927167
    Abstract: An apparatus for profiling a wheelset comprised of a milling cutter with a first axis of rotation, driven friction rollers for rotating the wheelset about a second axis of rotation, and computer numerical control apparatus for rotating the milling cutter about its first axis of rotation while disposing it so that the first axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: NILES SIMMONS Industrieanlagen GmbH
    Inventors: Hans J. Naumann, Reinhard Robotta, Gunter Schroter, Wolfgang Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5884379
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing the cylindrical shells of drums, which comprises a cradle sized for reception in embracing relation with the shell, the shell having a longitudinal axis, the cradle having support structure to clamp a cylindrical surface of the shell and at lengthwise locations, for supporting the shell; structure operatively coupled to the cradle to effect displacement of the support structure to clamp the shell surface; structure for rotating the cradle about an axis corresponding to the drum shell axis, thereby to rotate the shell about the axis; and tooling facing the shell to engage and process the shell as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 5871314
    Abstract: A device (1) for balancing rotors (3) by material removal is disclosed, which comprises a milling tool (18) provided with a first and a second cutting regions (18a, 18B) disposed transversely of each other, to remove material in the presence of feed movements for cutting, directed both radially of a rotor (3) and tangentially of the outer surface (4) of the rotor (3), and comprising support and relative-movement means (2) for positioning and moving the milling tool (18) and rotor (3) relative to each other, which means engages the rotor (3) in a manner adapted to cause rotation of said rotor about its rotation axis (5) even while the milling tool (18) is removing material from the rotor (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Balance Systems S.r.L.
    Inventor: Gianni Trionfetti