Angularly Adjustable Cutter Head Patents (Class 409/201)
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Publication number: 20020114678Abstract: A driving head for the numerically controlled setting movements of a tool spindle or workpiece table around at least one axis of rotation. The basic structure of the driving head comprises a housing (1, 1′) and at least one multi-pole external rotor motor (2) arranged concentrically in relation to the axis of rotation (A, B). The rotor motor is comprised of a ring-shaped, soft-magnetic stator (3) with single-pole windings, which is inserted in the housing (1, 1′); as well as a ring-shaped rotor yoke (5) fitted with permanent magnets (4) On the end side, the rotor yoke (5) is connected to a rotor body (6), which is rotatably supported in the housing (1, 1′). Furthermore, the rotor yoke is arranged between the stator (3) and a segment of the housing that comprises a device (7) for blocking the rotor yoke (5). The device (7) for blocking the rotor yoke preferably consists of a deformable diaphragm (8) acted upon by fluid and placed against the rotor yoke (5) under the pressure of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Klaus Klement
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Patent number: 6435784Abstract: In order to make notches in partitions separating substantially aligned recesses issuing onto the surface of a structure (10), use is made of a machining head (26) having a cutting tool (28) and at least one rotary member (52) adjacent to said tool. The rotary member (52) is provided with protuberances (54) supported in recesses of a row of recesses adjacent to that which is being machined, during the displacement of the machining head (26). The latter is connected with slackness to a tool holder by a mechanism, a lateral and height positioning of the tool (28) being ensured during machining.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: EADS Airbus SAInventors: Denis De Mattia, Bernard-Albert Colin
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Patent number: 6431802Abstract: A universal-joint tool head, having a tool platform which can move in three axes, at least three connecting rods which are articulatedly mounted on the tool platform and can be displaced independently of one another, at least three linear-movement drives, which are arranged around and at a distance from the tool platform and are parallel to one another, for the connecting rods articulatedly mounted thereon, the connecting rods being articulatedly mounted on the tool platform in such a manner that they can move on all sides and on the linear-movement drives in such a manner that they can pivot about pins running perpendicular to the direction of movement of the linear-movement drives.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: DS Technologie Werkzeugmaschinenbau GmbHInventor: Joachim Wahl
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Patent number: 6428253Abstract: The invention concerns a device for infinitely variable support of a tool on a drivable tool spindle of a machine tool. To provide such a device which allows exact adjustment of the tool within a range of one millimetre, at the same time avoiding centrifugal force-related imbalances, it is proposed that the tool is exchangeably attached to a tool carrier which is mounted in a housing so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation of the tool carrier extending at an angle, preferably at a right angle, to the axis of rotation of the tool spindle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Iprotec Maschinen-und Edelstahlprodukte GmbHInventor: Guido Kochsiek
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Publication number: 20020085893Abstract: A device for producing relative motion with two translational degrees of freedom between a spindle means (95, 195, 295, 395) with a spindle which bears the first part of a first pair of parts formed from a workpiece and a tool, and a retaining element for holding the second part of the first pair of parts, has a first base part to which a first part of a second pair of parts which is formed from the spindle means (95, 195, 295, 395) and the retaining element is attached. The movement device furthermore comprises a second base part, and at least one of the two base parts can be moved in a straight line with respect to the other along a linear guide with a first translational degree of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: Mikron SA Agno.Inventors: Michael Geiger, Peter Meier, Thomas Treib
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Patent number: 6402444Abstract: This invention belongs to the manufacturing fields, specially relates to the structure design of a type of multi-function parallel machine tool driven by sliders and an extensible strut. It includes: two vertical (or one horizontal) guide ways, two active sliders mounted on guide ways, two linear drive units used to move the active sliders, two struts, one movable platform to assemble cutter, one workbench to fix workpiece, one salve slider and one controlled extensible strut. Compared with traditional machine tools, this invention possesses several advantages such as simpler structure, better cutter dexterity, faster cutter feed rate, higher accuracy, and better thermal effect calibration.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Jinsong Wang, Guanghong Duan, Xiaoqiang Tang
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Publication number: 20020057952Abstract: A machining apparatus has a guide extending in an x-direction, an x-slide displaceable in the x-direction on the guide, a y-slide displaceable in a y-direction generally perpendicular to the x-direction on the x-slide, and a z-slide displaceable in a z-direction generally perpendicular to the x- and y-directions on the y-slide. A tool holder is pivotal about a holder axis generally parallel to the x-direction on the z-slide and carries a tool rotatable about a tool axis perpendicular to the holder axis on the z-slide. The tool holder and tool have a center of mass generally at the holder axis. An actuator tips the tool holder and tool relative to the z-slide about the holder axis on the z-slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: WALDRICH SIEGEN WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBHInventor: Wolfgang Haferkorn
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Patent number: 6387026Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Anton Schweizer, Hans-Henning Winkler
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Patent number: 6382889Abstract: A portable multi-axis drilling machine includes a drill mounted between a pair of 2-axis positioning devices each of which translates along X and Y axes. The positioning devices are spaced apart along a Z axis of the machine and are mounted in a frame that has a workpiece-engaging side provided with a pair of index cylinders that receive spherical tool balls mounted on the workpiece surface so as to fix the position and orientation of the machine relative to the workpiece. The frame also has swiveling feet on the workpiece-engaging side that pivot as needed to accommodate complex contoured workpiece surfaces. Rotational movement of the drill is effected by differentially translating the two positioners, and translational X and Y movements are effected by synchronously translating the positioners.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Shawn Frehner Brown, George Eric Bible
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Patent number: 6367135Abstract: A device for producing relative motion with two translational degrees of freedom between a spindle means (95, 195, 295, 395) with a spindle which bears the first part of a first pair of parts formed from a workpiece and a tool, and a retaining element for holding the second part of the first pair of parts, has a first base part to which a first part of a second pair of parts which is formed from the spindle means (95, 195, 295, 395) and the retaining element is attached. The movement device furthermore comprises a second base part, and at least one of the two base parts can be moved in a straight line with respect to the other along a linear guide with a first translational degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Mikron SA AGNOInventors: Michael Geiger, Peter Meier, Thomas Treib
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Patent number: 6357094Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool comprising feeding system to linearly feed a slide to be fed (5). Each feed gear comprises a first and a second feed mechanisms provided to be in a parallel manner and spaced apart from each other by a specified interval therebetween, wherein each feed mechanism comprises a linear feed-driving means, a feed-moving body which engages with the feed-driving means and moves along the feed-driving means, and a position sensor to detect positions of the feed-moving body along the feed-driving means. Each feed gear further comprises a first and a second support mechanisms respectively connected to each feed-moving body of the first and the second feed mechanisms with rotatably supporting the slide to be fed (5), and a controller (60) for controlling operations of the first and the second feed mechanisms respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignees: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd., Intelligent Manufacturing Systems InternationalInventor: Yoshiaki Sugimoto
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Publication number: 20020015624Abstract: This invention relates to the parallel structure of a spatial 3-axis machine tool with three degrees of freedom (3 DOF), which have two translational DOF and one rotational DOF. The machine tool includes a base, a mobile platform to which a tool may be attached, and three kinematic legs. Two of the three legs are in a same plane, and each have one 3-DOF spherical joint and two 1-DOF joints. The third leg has one 1-DOF joint and two universal joints. Compared with traditional machine tools, this invention possesses several advantages such as simple structure, high stiffness, low inertia, low cost, and high speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Jinsong Wang, Xin-Jun Liu, Peiqing Ye, Guanghong Duan
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Patent number: 6336778Abstract: Module with parallel kinematic movement and orthogonal axes, characterised because it has a fixed structure; and a passive structure that has at least one kinematic shears joined at one end to the fixed structure and at the other end to a flat mobile structure, one of these unions being articulated; and a spatial mobile structure carrying the work head and which can be moved linearly respect to the flat mobile structure; and arms joined at one end to the fixed structure and at the other end to the spatial mobile structure, one of the unions having two degrees of freedom and the other union three degrees of freedom; and means to activate the movement of the arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Fundacion FatronikInventors: Agustin J. Saenz, Valentin Collado
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Publication number: 20010046422Abstract: Operating head for machine tools characterised in that it comprises:Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: Mauro Colombo
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Publication number: 20010021338Abstract: A spindle head holder (5) is pivoted on a base member (1), a linear drive (21) is mounted to the base member (1), a linear guide (50) is mounted to the spindle head holder (5), and an engagement member (60) is engaged with both linear drive and linear guide at a substantially identical part (35, 37) thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaaki Mitsuzono, Hideki Hayashi, Kazuo Nagashima
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Patent number: 6285098Abstract: A linear drive which is particularly suitable for drive axles of parallel structures such a hexapod arrays, comprises a carrier housing (5) and a carrier (4) that can be moved lengthwise in relation to said carrier housing, both the carrier housing and the carrier having provided thereon drive elements (11, 6) such as electrical coils or magnets. In order to achieve a highly dynamic drive performance, the carrier takes the form of a lightweight profiled body with an open cross-sectional profile. The drive elements (6, 11) on the carrier side and on the housing side, respectively, are preferably provided within the open areas of the cross-sectional profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forderung e.V.Inventors: Rainer Nestler, Jan Konvicka, Frank Wieland
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Patent number: 6276878Abstract: A horizontal cutting type-tapping machine has a vertically extending drive shaft and a pair of detachably engaged surface gears. The surface gears have a curved upper surface gear, fixedly connected to the drive shaft, and a lower surface gear. A gearbox is connected to the lower surface gear and converts a horizontal rotating force of the drive shaft to a vertical rotating force. An externally threaded shaft is horizontally mounted to a vertically rotating gear of the gearbox. An internally threaded sleeve is disposed in the gear housing of the gear box and engages the externally threaded shaft so as to be horizontally moved by rotation. A saw part is fixed to a front end of the internally threaded sleeve. An internal tube, mounted around the drive shaft, has a thread at its upper portion and a lower portion with a diameter smaller than that of the upper portion. A vertically moving sleeve is slidably mounted around the lower portion of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Woo Kag Lee
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Patent number: 6241436Abstract: An adjustment and/or alignment arrangement positions a toolholder (10) relative to a toolholder mounting (12) in machine tools in a pivot movement. An adjustment part (30) cooperates with a setting part (32). The setting part (32) is provided with a mounting housing (40), in which, counter to the effect of an accumulator (34), a guiding part (36) for the adjustment part (30) is guided longitudinally slidably. The guiding part (36) can be controlled by an operation part (38). The adjustment and/or alignment arrangement is of simple construction, and consequently, is of low cost, while to a great extent facilitates the desired adjustment simply and operationally securely.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Sauter Feinmechanik GmbHInventors: Detlef Dieter Sahm, Rolf Wezel
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Patent number: 6241437Abstract: A hexapodal machining center comprising a fixed frame (1) and a support (2) which are interconnected via six struts (3) of an adjustable length. The connecting points (T1, T2, T3) of three struts on the support form a first working plane, whereas a further working plane is formed by the connecting points (T4, T5, T6) of the three further struts on the support. The frame connection points (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) of the struts are also arranged in two separate working planes. The connecting points of the two working planes of the support are superimposed such that the connecting lines of the superimposed pairs of connecting points (T1, T4; T2, T5; T3, T6) extend in parallel with each other. This allows a high degree of movability of the support in all of the six degrees of freedom. In particular, the movability in the three rotational degrees of freedom and the force receiving capacity of the support are optimized.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventor: Frank Wieland
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Patent number: 6203254Abstract: The present invention is designed to realize structure having high rigidity in any direction and to realize a parallel mechanism machining device having good chip removal property. According to the present invention, forked adjustable joints 28 are provided at two positions near the tip end of a movable body 20 and near the rear end thereof, respectively, two first links 36 and two second links 37 are attached to the movable body 20 and the tip ends of these links are extended in X and Y axis directions and coupled to a machine-side fixed platform through adjustable joints, respectively. A link 5 extending in Z axis direction is attached to the rear end of the movable body 20 and a restriction link 6 is attached to the back of the forked adjustable joint 28 near the tip end.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventors: Masayuki Nashiki, Tetsuya Matsushita, Masao Nakagawa, Shigeharu Watanabe
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Patent number: 6161992Abstract: A machining system has a frame forming a working station and a mounting plate movable relative to the frame in and adjacent the station in a first main direction, in a second direction transverse to the main direction, and in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. A machine tool head is mounted on the mounting plate and a plurality of struts have outer ends swiveled on the mounting plate and extending inward away from the plate. A mechanism acting on the struts moves the plate and tool head in the three directions. A main panel is movable only in the first and second directions and the head is mounted in the panel for movement relative thereto only in the third direction. In addition a pair of side panels of changeable length each have an inner edge connected along a respective inner axis parallel to the third direction to a respective outer edge of the main panel and a respective outer edge connected at a respective outer axis parallel to the third direction on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Ernst Krause & Co.Inventors: Franz Holy, Karl Steiner
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Patent number: 6155758Abstract: In known hexapodal machining centers, a movable support is supported and the individual struts are articulated on the support in one plane. For permitting a greater movability of the support, especially in the rotational degrees of freedom, and for improving the absorption of the forces, a hexapodal machining center having a stationary frame and a movable support is provided, in the case of which the six connecting struts of adjustable length are articulated on the support. Three articulation points respectively define a common plane of application so that two separate planes are defined. Also, the articulation of the struts on the frame is effected in two separate planes of application.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Frank Wieland, Michael Schwaar, Reimund Neugebauer
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Patent number: 6135683Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism is provided for expanding a grade of a spindle. The parallel mechanism has a spindle that turns round a workpiece at a tilting angle of 90.degree. in a workspace, to thereby allow a machining for both vertical and horizontal planes of the workpiece, and a vertical turning process, by a single machining center. A six-axis multi-machining type machining center embodying the parallel mechanism of the present invention is also disclosed. An over-actuated multi-machining type machining center further including over-actuated actuators is presented to solve a problem of driving joints' singularity caused by the parallel mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignees: Jongwon Kim, Chongwoo ParkInventors: Jongwon Kim, Chongwoo Park, Wok-Kwan Bae, Seon-joong Liu, Jinwook Kim, Jae-chul Hwang, Changbum Park, Han-Sang Cho, Gyu-Young Lee, Kiha Lee, Yonghun Lee, Cornel Iurascu
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Patent number: 6122808Abstract: An oil conduit mechanism for spindle head of five-axis machine tool integrates cutting liquid conduit, lubricating oil conduit and braking oil conduit within the spindle head. Those conduits comprises ducts to guide cutting liquid, braking oil and lubricating oil to the processing location for cooling and lubrication. The oil conduit mechanism further comprises a lubricating oil recycling conduit to recycle the lubricating oil for repeated use.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Konrad Joseph Popp
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Patent number: 6112786Abstract: When scarfing the end portion of a plate-like material with irregular deformations or undulations, such as distortions, undulations and warps, the undulations are successively corrected flat and the flattened end portion is scarfed by a rotary cutter to form a highly precise scarfed surface. When the end portion of the plate-like material 3 is scarfed by the rotary cutter 5, the pressing member 11 presses, while the cutting operation proceeds, at least a part of the surface of at least that portion of the plate-like material 3 which is to be cut away as a chip 17 at a position near the blades 5b of the rotary cutter 5 on a downstream side of the rotary cutter with respect to a rotary cutter movement direction, the surface of the plate-like material 3 pressed by the pressing member 11 being opposite the other surface held in contact with the cutter receiving table 7.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc.Inventors: Toshiyuki Otsuka, Kiichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6099217Abstract: The device serves for moving a movable platform (2) in respect to a base (1). The connection between platform and base is established by six legs (4a-4f), which are connected to the platform in articulated manner. At the base side, they rest in articulated manner on sliding carriages (6a-6f). The sliding carriages can be displaced along parallel guiding tracks (7a-7c), by means of which position and orientation of the platform can be adjusted. Two sliding carriages are running independently of each other on each guiding track, allowing a movement with a total of six degrees of freedom. Since two sliding carriages share one guiding track, the design is simplified and some drive components can be dispensed with.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventors: Alexander Konrad Wiegand, Sascha Weikert
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Patent number: 6095727Abstract: A working head for numeric-control machine tools is adapted to be moved along two or three axes relative to one or two parts mounted on respective worktables which can rotate about respective parallel axes. According to the present invention, the head supports one or preferably two tool-supporting spindles which are pivoted about a common axis which is transverse to the axes of the spindles under the actuation of motor means which are rigidly coupled to the head and are controlled by a numeric control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Vigel S.p.A.Inventors: Marco Martinis, Giorgio Cavallo
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Patent number: 6059703Abstract: A device for numerically controlled (NC) manufacturing, manipulating and measuring apparatuses has a frame structure with peripheral force introduction locations and at least one movement unit with peripheral force introduction locations. At least three adjusting devices each having a first and a second part are provided. Each adjusting device has a first and a second connecting member positioned at a spacing to the first connecting member. The first parts are connected by the first connecting members to the force introduction locations of the movement unit, wherein these force introduction locations are positioned in a first imaginary coupling plane. The first parts are connected by the second connecting members to the force introduction locations of the frame structure, wherein these force introduction locations are positioned in a first imaginary coupling plane of the frame structure. The second parts are connected by the first connecting members to the movement unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventors: Uwe Heisel, Martin Gringel
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Patent number: 6048143Abstract: A composite mechanism multi-axis machine tool includes an orthogonal coordinate feeding axis mechanism and a parallel type spatial linkage mechanism. The orthogonal coordinate feeding axis mechanism has two orthogonal platforms to provide two dimensional motion vectors. The parallel type spatial linkage mechanism has three sets of linear feeding modules engaging with a base frame for holding a main spindle which further holds a tool cutter. The parallel type spatial linkage mechanism provides one dimensional motion and two dimensional rotation for the tool cutter. A controller is provided to control and coordinate the movements of the orthogonal coordinate feeding axis mechanism and the parallel type spatial linkage mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Tsann-Huei Chang, Yeou-Bin Guu, Shang-Liang Chen
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Patent number: 6045307Abstract: A camshaft shaping machine that is capable of providing a camshaft shaped with a cam surface inclined with respect to the cam axis is disclosed. The machine includes a pair of work heads (2) for clamping a camshaft workpiece (4) at its opposed ends rotatably about a longitudinal axis of the workpiece; an X-axis slide (8) movable along an X-axis that extends horizontally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft workpiece (4); and a Y-axis slide (11) movable along a Y-axis that horizontally extends in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis. An indexing table (13) is mounted on one of the X-axis and Y-axis slides (8. 11) so as to be turnable about a turning center (0) in a horizontal plane to angularly index and position, relative to the camshaft workpiece (4), a milling cutter (21) that is rotatably supported on a cutter head (20) to angularly mill the workpiece and thereby to permit an inclined cam surface to develop therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Komatsu Machinery Corp.Inventors: Akira Ikoma, Susumu Nakamura
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Patent number: 5996329Abstract: The present invention provides a machining head attachment for a milling machine which is able to travel along five axes movement. The machining head attachment generally includes a driving spindle which is detachably connected to the milling machine, and a driven spindle operationally attached to the driving spindle. The driven spindle is able to selectively pivot about two axes of movement. As a result is able to be positioned at any point along a hemisphere.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Curtis E. Cardenas
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Patent number: 5964016Abstract: In the case where a product having a free-curved surface is obtained, a machining work is performed by separate machine tools. Therefore, works of attaching and removing a half-machined product are necessary. Consequently, a lot of working time and labor are required. Also in an automatic production system, productivity is lowered if the system is stopped by failure in gripping during the attaching and removing works and an enormous equipment cost is required. A machining apparatus M comprises a main chuck head 1 having a control axis for holding and rotating a long bar member W, a head stock assembly 3 having three or more control axes, and a bar member feeder 5 for feeding the long bar member W to the head stock assembly 3. These four axes are simultaneously controlled to manufacture a plurality of products V having free-curved surfaces from the long bar member W.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaru Ito, Goro Yamazaki, Toshiro Yamasaki, Masahiro Awai
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Patent number: 5919014Abstract: A device for manipulating workpieces has a support and linear actuators for moving the support. A coupling gear is connected to the support. The coupling gear includes at least two coupling members pivotably connected to one another. The at least two coupling members move the support in a plane of movement and lock a degree of freedom perpendicular to the plane of movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: VDW Verein Duetscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V.Inventors: Manfred Weck, Jochen Asbeck, Peter Leibinger, Boris Vites
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Patent number: 5906461Abstract: A machine tool includes several telescopic struts, each of which being formed by an inner tube and outer tube arranged within one another. The telescopic struts are articulated at their one end to a frame and at their other end to a tool holder. The outer tube is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses, with each of the recesses accommodating a recirculating ball bearing unit which includes a carrier body provided with endless ball tracks. Each endless ball track is divided in a load-bearing section and an unstressed, non-load-bearing return portion. The inner tube has ball tracks, with balls rolling along the ball tracks of the carrier body and the inner tube whereby the balls are guided from the load-bearing section into the return section.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler oHGInventors: Erich Lunz, Helmut Bode, Jean-Marie Eder
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Patent number: 5882158Abstract: The invention concerns a drive assembly for relative movement of two components of a machine tool with a drive motor and a gear arrangement with two gear trains that can be put under tension relative to each other and have output gears that mesh with opposing teeth, where each gear train has a compact gear with a high transmission ratio with at least one control element for applying tension to the two gear trains. A high positioning accuracy and torsional rigidity combined with a small size when installed are made possible according to this invention by the fact that the compact gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Deckel Maho GmbHInventors: Karl Lechleiter, Alfred Geissler
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Patent number: 5876161Abstract: An apparatus and method for making an elongated hole in a pipe which includes drilling a rotating conical tool through the pipe wall by pushing the conical tool in the direction of its rotating axis to a desired depth, then simultaneously lifting and tilting the conical bit so as to mill one end of an elongated hole. The rotatable conical tool may be lifted and tilted in the opposite direction to further mill the pipe and elongate the hole. Tilting is effected relative to a pivot point located above the top pipe surface and in a plane extending through a center axis of the pipe, and the angle of inclination can be adjusted for determining the length of the finished hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: T-Drill OyInventors: Juha Ikola, Timo Saari
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Patent number: 5873685Abstract: The disclosed press processing method and device can chamfer work, for instance by pressing a chamfering tool against the work at a predetermined contact pressure, without detecting the pressing force of the chamfering tool against the work or without feedbacking the detected pressing force to a robot controller. The press processing device used being mounted on automatic mechanical processing means such a multi-joint robot, comprises: a processing section (e.g., grinder) (11) held by a support body (12) in such a way that pressure caused by a dead load of the processing section is not applied to a processing portion (e.g. blade) (11d) of the processing section (11); a constant torque applying section (e.g., servomotor) (16) for pivoting the processing section in a predetermined direction at a constant torque; and a mounting member (20) for mounting the constant torque applying section to a robot arm (R).Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiichi Yagi, Katsumi Nakashima, Yasuo Nakano, Satoru Sakanaka, Toshiaki Nishiyama, Hirozo Hishida
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Patent number: 5865576Abstract: A relative positioning machine has a first panel for supporting a spindle thereon, a second panel for supporting a workpiece, first through fourth support mechanisms by which the first and second panels are tiltably supported for angular movement about an X1 axis, an X2 axis, a Y1 axis, and a Y2 axis, and first through fourth actuator mechanisms for individually tilting the first and second panels about the X1 axis, the X2 axis, the Y1 axis, and the Y2 axis. The spindle 11 and hence a machining unit such as a drill bit mounted thereon, and the workpiece can quickly and easily be positioned relatively to each other for allowing the machining tool to machine the workpiece at any of various areas at various angles on the workpiece. The relative positioning machine is relatively small in size and allows the workpiece to be machined quickly by the machining tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Dai Arai, Jun Watari, Takashi Yoshida, Naohide Hata, Tetsuharu Komatsu
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Patent number: 5857815Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer aided design and manufacturing system. The system comprises a platform suspended by means of three pairs of supportive legs which are coupled at triangularly spaced-apart locations by means of three universal joints, each of which couples to one end of each of the two legs of a respective pair.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Geodetic Technology International Holdings N.V.Inventors: Ralph Peter Steven Bailey, Jerome Joseph Leary
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Patent number: 5839862Abstract: A machine tool which has a swingable spindle head comprises a base member 1, a retaining member 5 attached swingably by a support shaft 3 to the base member 1, a spindle head 7 attached onto the retaining member 5, a lateral slider 15 being capable of linearly reciprocating in a linearly reciprocating direction along a chord of a circular arc described by an end portion of the retaining member 5, a longitudinal slider 21 provided in the lateral slider 15 reciprocating in a direction perpendicular to the chord, a connecting shaft 23 pivotally connecting the retaining member 5 to the longitudinal slider 21, and a linear drive system connecting to the lateral slider 15. When the linear drive system drives, the retaining member 5 can be swung around the support shaft 3, so that swing of the spindle head 7 can be permitted.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Hayashi, Kazumichi Aoki, Tadashi Sano
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Patent number: 5823721Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing concave, self-contained bearing surfaces, which are at least part of spherical indentations which extend beyond the sphere equator, by means of machining involving the removal of material of pre-formed indentations in workpieces by means of a tool having a tool cutting edge orbiting around a tool axis of rotation with an orbit diameter which is equal to the length of a chord extending up to a deepest point of the bearing surface, whereby the cutting movement is made up of the orbital movement of the tool cutting edge and a rotational relative movement between workpiece and tool around a vertical axis through the sphere center, and the feed movement is a movement of the tool relative to the workpiece along the tool axis of rotation which is obliquely set at the same angle of inclination relative to the vertical axis as is the chord set to the sphere equator.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbHInventor: Ludwig Wagenseil
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Patent number: 5807044Abstract: Ball screws are moved axially to move a spindle unit in directions X, Y to position a cutter mounted on the spindle unit. Support arm assemblies which support the spindle unit are also moved. Then, a slide table which supports the support arm assemblies is moved in a direction Z to cause the cutter to machine a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jun Watari, Takashi Yoshida, Tetsuharu Komatsu, Dai Arai, Tomomi Kousaka, Kazuhide Ito
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Patent number: 5787758Abstract: A three-axis machine is disclosed. The machine includes a machine component to which a workpiece or tool can be attached. An actuator, such as three powered extensible legs, is connected between the machine component and a support structure. Three control arms also are connected between the machine component and the support structure. Preferably, each control arm is pivotably connected to the support structure and the machine component and includes a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series. The control arms are oriented to permit rapid movement of the machine component along any or all of the three linear axes, while restricting rotational movement of the machine component along the rotational axes.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Sheldon/Van Someren, Inc.Inventor: Paul C. Sheldon
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Patent number: 5765270Abstract: The invention discloses a method of machining workpieces such as crankshafts, camshafts or similarly shaped members, having surfaces which are disposed both concentrically and also eccentrically relative to a workpiece axis and which are rotationally symmetrical or approximately rotationally symmetrical. The machining of the concentrically curved surfaces is effected by means of turning, rotational broaching and/or turning-rotational broaching and the machining of the eccentric workpiece surfaces is effected by means of end-milling wherein the axis of rotation of the milling cutter is transverse with respect to the spindle axis 3, and the workpiece is subjected to cutting finishing machining and the clamping means.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Boehringer Werkzeugmaschinen GmbHInventors: Hans Schrod, Wolf-Dietrich Voss, Rolf Santorius, Paul Dieter Schapf, Anton Horsky, Matthias Kohlhase
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Patent number: 5765975Abstract: A compliant end effector particularly suited for use with a robotic arm for accurately cutting and trimming the edges of a hot molded sheet of flexible plastic. The compliant end effector includes a mount secured to the robotic arm, an adjustment assembly pivotally attached to the mount, a guide that engages the plastic sheet near the area to be cut and trimmed, a tool for cutting and trimming the flexible sheet, and a pneumatic cylinder that biases the guide into engagement with the flexible sheet and presses the sheet against a rigid surface. The pneumatic cylinder moves the guide and tool through a range of positions as the robotic arm moves along a single path of travel down the length of the flexible sheet. The guide remains in contact with the flexible sheet despite warping or other imperfections in the stabilizing surface. The tool is fixed a predetermined distance from the guide to ensure that the plastic sheet is cut and trimmed within specific tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: ABB Flexible Automation, Inc.Inventors: James A. Hoffmann, Douglas L. St. Onge
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Patent number: 5718545Abstract: A machine having a driven rotating drive block to which is pivotally mounted, a spindle block, both of the blocks being rotatable about a first rotational axis. The spindle block is independently driven to pendulously pivot about the drive block around a second rotational axis. A drive shaft is positioned within the drive block and has a proximal end engaged with a parent machine tool spindle to which the invention is married, and also has a distal end engaged with a drive transfer means. A driven shaft is positioned within the spindle block and has a proximal end engaged with the drive transfer means and a distal end engaged with a cutting tool. The drive and driven shafts are independently rotatable within the drive and spindle blocks respectively, and the drive transfer means transfers rotation from the drive shaft to the driven shaft over the full range of angles to which the spindle might be set.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventor: Ernie R. Husted
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Patent number: 5715729Abstract: A machine tool of the present invention includes a base fixed to an outside fixed portion, a travelling plate to which a tool is to be attached, plural guide portions radially outwardly fixed to the base at a predetermined angle, and plural rods. Each of the plural guide portions is provided with a slide table movable in a longitudinal direction of the guide portion and an actuator for moving the slide table. One end of each rods is connected with one of the slide tables through first joint means and another end of each of the rods is connected to the traveling plate through second joint means.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Taizo Toyama, Yoichi Yamakawa, Hiroyoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 5664308Abstract: A machine tool includes a machine table for receiving a workpiece, a headstock disposed above the table, a turntable mounted on an underside of the headstock and being rotatable relative thereto about a vertical first axis, and a spindle mounted on the turntable for movement in a direction oriented radially relative to the first axis. The spindle includes a chuck for supporting a machining tool for rotation about a second axis oriented eccentrically relative to the first axis. The spindle is rotatable relative to the turntable about a third axis oriented orthogonally relative to the first axis. A second spindle can be mounted on the turntable for rotation about the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Heinz Deitert
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Patent number: 5664917Abstract: A machine tool to machine a workpiece including linear slide blocks supported one by the other on a pedestal to present a mounting surface for supporting a workpiece, a support head including a rotary indexing table that in turn supports an elongated cutter bar the support head to define an outwardly projecting cantilever end portion that is in turn supported by an outboard support, a cutter tool supported for rotary movement about an axis transverse to the extended length of the cutter bar, a drive means extends along the cutter bar for rotating the cutter tool and a collet chuck for engaging the cutter tool located remote to bearing seats to prevent radial distortion of such bearings when the cutter tool is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Raymond A. Judy
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Patent number: 5611130Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a curvilinear workpiece which is curved in a first direction extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and which is curved in a second direction extending along a plane substantially parallel to the workpiece longitudinal axis, the degree of curvature in the first direction being greater than the degree of curvature in the second direction. An illustrative example is automatic drilling, inserting and upsetting one or two piece fasteners such as exterior skin rivets on an airplane fuselage. There is provided a head for supporting a plurality of tools at spaced locations around a central axis wherein each of the tools has an operational axis disposed substantially parallel to the central axis and an arrangement for moving the head along paths of travel relative to the workpiece to reach various locations on the workpiece where the tools are to perform operations on the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corp.Inventors: Thomas H. Rummell, Jeffrey P. Weaver, Robert T. Flaig, Thomas E. Burns