Including Gantry-type Cutter-carrier Patents (Class 409/202)
  • Patent number: 6798088
    Abstract: The structure for symmetrically disposed linear motor operated tool machine comprises two parallelly erected sustaining walls, a movable gantry, a sliding saddle, a tool spindle, and a weight compensation device. At both sides of the movable gantry between the sustaining walls, between the gantry and the sliding saddle, and between the tool spindle and the sliding saddle, a pair of linear motors is symmetrically disposed such that the armature reaction between the winding and magnet is compensated each other by the opposite one therefore any possible deformation force to the tool machine structure is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Mou Hsu, Hsuan-Jen Kung, En-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 6719506
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gantry type hybrid parallel linkage five-axis machine tool composed of a machine framework a parallel spatial linkage mechanism, a feeding shaft mechanism, and a controller unit. The parallel spatial linkage mechanism is formed of three straight feeding molding dies rotatably hinged together with a base so that enabling this rotatable base to perform uni-dimensional linear motion and two-dimensional swiveling. Besides by controlling the operation of the feeding shaft mechanism with the controller unit, the parallel spatial linkage mechanism fixed to the machine framework is able to perform two-dimensional planar motion so as to operate the machine tools more accurately and efficiently in refining work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tsann-Huei Chang, Kuan-Wen Chen, Chao-An Kang
  • Patent number: 6688352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a work center for wood working including: a support base (1) for the pieces to be worked; a structure (6), mobile along said base in the direction of a first numerically controlled axis (X); a support (12) of a tool group (13) mounted on said structure and mobile, under numeric control, along a second axis orthogonal the first two, wherein a second tool group (15) is provided, mounted on said support (12), said second tool group (15) being mobile between a first position in which it fits completely within said support (12) and a second position in which said second tool group protrudes from the said support (12). According to a second preferred embodiment, the machine includes, mounted onto the same structure (6), a second carriage mobile along said second axis and supporting a second tool group mobile along said third axis (Z) orthogonal to the first two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Uniteam S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sante Marchioro, Valentino Borriero
  • Patent number: 6655884
    Abstract: The automatic machine tool comprises two parallel longitudinal guides supported by a plurality of columns standing on a base, the guides being slidably engaged with two parallel sliding crossbeams that mount respective machining units. The drive motion for the sliding crossbeams running in the guides is provided by linear electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Ferrari, Carlo Massari
  • Patent number: 6634839
    Abstract: In a machine tool of the type comprising a spindle mounting slide which is driven by a linear electric motor and which runs in a vertical direction in a slideway, the slide comprises two runners designed to engage with corresponding fixed sliding guides integral with the slideway, and two roller pads that slide on corresponding longitudinal sliding surfaces which are also integral with the slideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Ferrari, Carlo Massari
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6519823
    Abstract: A machine tool capable of reducing the vibration of a spindle head to enable a high-precision machining, wherein a column (2) is mounted fixedly onto a bed (1), a first saddle (4) forming a square frame body of rectangular cross-section is mounted on the column (2) movably in vertical direction (f1), a second saddle (6) forming a square frame body (6a) smaller in size than the above square frame body is mounted inside the first saddle (4) movably in lateral direction (f2), a horizontal guide frame (6b) of a specified length is mounted on the rear surface of the square frame body (6a) of the second saddle (6) in the state of being crossed at right angle to the rear surface, rail members (5, 7) are laid down on square frame body upper and lower prismatic bodies (4b, 4c) of the first saddle (4) and the horizontal guide frame (6b) of the second saddle (6), and concrete is filled sealingly into the square frame body of the first saddle (4) and/or the square frame body of the second saddle (6) and the horizontal gu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Yoshihide Seo
  • Patent number: 6457919
    Abstract: A multi-purpose machine tool is provides for high volume secondary operations. Multiple machining heads and eight degrees of freedom provide for maximum versatility and adaptability for convenient set-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: William D. Sangster
  • Publication number: 20020131836
    Abstract: The automatic machine tool comprises two parallel longitudinal guides supported by a plurality of columns standing on a base, the guides being slidably engaged with two parallel sliding crossbeams that mount respective machining units. The drive motion for the sliding crossbeams running in the guides is provided by linear electric motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Maurizio Ferrari, Carlo Massari
  • Patent number: 6428453
    Abstract: A machine tool for cutting workpieces, the machine tool having a tool slide shiftable on or along a machine tool table as support of a machining unit. The machining unit has at least one work spindle and a workpiece support for receiving the workpieces to be machined. For enabling fast machining including an accurate and rapid positioning of the machining unit with as few linear guidances as possible, the tool slide has a transverse support shiftably guided on or along the machine tool table and also has two cross slides shiftable in its longitudinal direction. The machining unit is jointedly arranged between the cross slides via a coupling mechanism having at least two dimensionally stable swivel arms for axially moving the work spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Hoppe, Hans Gronbach
  • Patent number: 6415204
    Abstract: A robots (210A, 210B), which is fixed onto a base (20, 20B) having a rectangular shape, has a mechanical hand (211A, 211B). A plurality of robot tools, each of which is freely attached to the tip of the mechanical hand (211A, 211B) for pinching a part, and a plurality of trays (6) each containing assembling jigs to be used for assembling parts, are brought in a movable range (RA, RB) of the robot, and the assembling tools are set at a predetermined position within the movable range (RA, RB). Then, an assembling job for the parts is carried out by using the assembling tools thus set. With this arrangement, the exchanging processes of the assembling tools can be carried out without depending on the human hands, even when the type of the assembly product is changed. Consequently, it becomes possible to efficiently carry out the manufacturing process of a small number of many types of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Idec Izumi Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Hirabayashi, Katsuhisa Ida, Nobuo Higuchi, Yoshihito Sugano, Yoshihiko Nakanishi, Hiromi Kitaura, Kenichi Kuruma, Hiroyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6409642
    Abstract: An assembling device for supplying and assembling a part on an object has a table and a first moving portion disposed above the table, where the first moving portion includes a guide and a movable body. The guide extends in a first direction parallel to a surface of the table out of a range in which the table is positioned. The movable body is movable to a position out of the range in which the table is positioned. The assembling device also has a second moving portion disposed on the table and movable in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the object being mounted on the second moving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Tominaga, Katsuya Arai, Shoichi Hayashi, Kenichi Kato, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Tetsuo Higewake, Hideaki Tomikawa, Takeshi Tokita, Norifumi Otsuka, Hiroshi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 6357094
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignees: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd., Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20020031411
    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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Geiger, Peter Meier
  • Patent number: 6254317
    Abstract: Methods for forming fastener holes in the construction of fuselage assemblies. The method utilizes a triple gantry drilling system with upper, left and right side gantries, within which are dedicated robotic deployment arms having an automatic tool change system with drill attachment exchangeable with a plurality of tools. Each gantry is capable of translational movement along three different axis, as well as rotational movement about an axis of rotation and axis of pitch, respectively, such that simultaneous drilling about the fuselage can be achieved. The method further includes the incorporation of a vision system with camera to assist mechanics to view the drilling processes and verify structure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Rong-Gan Chang
  • Publication number: 20010002380
    Abstract: An assembling device for supplying and assembling a part on an object has a table and a first moving means disposed above the table, wherein the first moving means includes a guide and a movable body. The guide extends in a first direction parallel to a surface of the table out of a range in which the table is positioned. The movable body is movable to a position out of the range in which the table is positioned. The assembling device also has a second moving means disposed on the table and movable in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the object being mounted on the second moving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: kananen
    Inventors: MORIO TOMINAGA, KATSUYA ARAI, SHOICHI HAYASHI, KENICHI KATO, TSUYOSHI INOUE, HIROYUKI SUZUKI, TETSUO HIGEWAKE, HIDEAKI TOMIKAWA, TAKESHI TOKITA, NORIFUMI OTSUKA, HIROSHI TERANISHI
  • Patent number: 6237501
    Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a tool from a pair of parallel rails. The suspension system consists of a support structure, a tool mounting interface and exactly three trolley assemblies. The support structure has three trolley assembly mounting structures with a first one of the trolley assembly mounting structures positioned on a first side of the support structure and the remaining trolley assembly mounting structures are positioned on the opposite side. The tool mounting interface is adapted to couple the tool to the support structure. Each of the trolley assembly mounting structures is coupled to a trolley assembly. Each trolley assembly has at least one trolley set with a plurality of wheels adapted to roll on one of the parallel rails. The three trolley assemblies collectively adapted to exert a reaction force onto the pair of parallel rails equal to the weight of the suspension system and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Terry W Miller, Timothy A Dering, Emad Z Attalla
  • Patent number: 6232738
    Abstract: A plurality of electrostrictive elements 30 are located about the perimeter section of a table 2. The table is fixed to a table fixing member 3. The table fixing member 3 is prohibited from rotating by guide pins 19. When a servo motor 4′ constituting a rotational drive mechanism 4 is driven by passing a current through a stator 6 therein, the rotor 7 rotates. Thereby, the table fixing member 3, which has a female screw thread 10 that engages with a male screw thread 9 formed in the rotor 7, moves in a vertical direction. The table 2 also moves in a vertical direction and can be registered in a desired position. Inclination of the table 2 caused by processing errors in the male screw 9 and female screw 10 is adjusted to a horizontal position or a desired angle, by driving the electrostrictive elements 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Fanuc, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sawada, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6223413
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning tooling for operation on a curved workpiece wherein a gantry beam assembly having a movable head assembly thereon carrying tooling is pivotally connected on a pivot axis to a pair of spaced apart pedestals each having a longitudinal axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and wherein the workpiece is supported on a fixture between the pedestals and so that the gantry beam assembly extends along the workpiece. The pivot axis of the gantry beam assembly is moved along the longitudinal axes of the pedestals, the pivot axis of the gantry beam assembly is moved along a path substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the pedestals and the head assembly is moved along the gantry beam assembly. The foregoing operations move the head assembly relative to the workpiece enabling the tooling to perform operations thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: General Electro Mechanical Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Crocker, Kenneth Benczkowski
  • Patent number: 6217496
    Abstract: A machine tool has a frame supporting a vertical gantry which is driven at the top and bottom sides of the gantry such that the opposed, normal magnetic forces between stator coils and magnets are substantially equal and are self-cancelling. This reduces normal magnetic forces that increase friction, and this prodes symmetry along an X-axis. A spindle-carrying saddle travels in a vertical slot in the center of the gantry with left and right linear motors mounted on opposite sides of the gantry. The linear motors are identical so that opposed right and left-hand, normal magnetic forces are self-cancelling. This provides symmetry along the vertical Y-axis. A spindle and ram are mounted on the saddle and are driven by at least one linear motor to travel along the Z-axis. The symmetry and cancelling of normal, magnetic attractive forces reduces the weight and the amount of forces needed to accelerate the gantry in the X-direction and the saddle in the Y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ingersoll Milling Machine Company
    Inventor: Thomas Jules Lindem
  • Patent number: 6205631
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anton Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6200247
    Abstract: A machine tool and more particularly a drilling and/or milling machine, which has a machine stand, on which a slide arrangement, which runs on guide rails and is motor driven, is able to be moved in either direction of horizontal motion. On this slide arrangement a working head is arranged to receive rotary tools. Underneath the working head in a working area a power driven machining table runs along vertical guide rails for the performance of vertical working movements. The working area is laterally delimited by two side walls at least partly, such side walls extending in parallelism to the longitudinal direction, the vertical guide rails for the working table being arranged on one of the side walls. This means that there is a simple design allowing for removal of shavings to the rear and accordingly a narrow form of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 6190294
    Abstract: A horizontal machine tool has a spindle head which supports a horizontal tool spindle. The spindle head is guided on a top surface portion of a base such that the spindle head is movable in two horizontal directions X and Z. A workpiece support for supporting a workpiece on its upper end is guided on the vertical front face portion of the base for movement in a vertical direction Y. When the spindle head is located at a machining position at the center in the X direction, a pair of guide portions of each of a front/back guide mechanism for the spindle head and a vertical guide mechanism for the workpiece support body take symmetrical positions with respect to a vertical plane including the axis of the tool spindle. A first index member and a second index member for supporting the workpiece are provided on the workpiece support body. Therefore, all surfaces of the workpiece excepting an attachment surface can be machined while being directed to a tool on the tool spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okada, Kengo Yoshioka, Fumio Sakamoto, Sentaro Sugita, Hidekazu Hirano, Takeshi Nishikayama, Hiroyuki Takahara
  • Patent number: 6161995
    Abstract: A machine tool is structured enhance rigidity of a slide member opposing to a cutting force acting on a tool spindle with no extra increase in weight, thereby intending to lighten the slide member. The machine tool comprises a tool spindle rotating around an axis extending along an Z-axis, a slide member slidable in at least one of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions and a guide apparatus having a straight rail and movably supporting the slide member on the guide rail and disposed such that three supporting points for supporting the slide member form vertexes of a triangle as seen from the X-axis direction. Further, in another construction, two sets of linear guide mechanism and a linear motor for guiding each of an upper portion and a lower portion of a gantry are respectively disposed between a lower surface of the gantry and a base, and between a front surface of a cross beam and an upper back surface of the gantry, so that the cross beam does not lap over the upper surface of the gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Wakazono, Kazuo Machida, Wataru Iida, Katsuhiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6086295
    Abstract: This invention is of an automated flash removal apparatus which features counter-rotating trimming wheels which are positioned against the molded flexible urethane part or the molded flexible polyvinyl chloride part. The force of the trimming wheels against the part undergoing the flash removal process is adjustable and is controlled by opposing tension springs. The trimming wheels may by set at any angle to the part so as to enhance the flash removal characteristics. The trimming wheels are guided along the sides of the part by interchangeable guide bars which may be profiled to accommodate parts which present surfaces that are not substantially straight. The trimming wheels utilize a textured pattern which operate to abrade the flash from the part, thereafter polishing the part on the return pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Norm Novak, Eric Bailey
  • Patent number: 6070312
    Abstract: Multiple operator station (1) for machine tools designed in particular for chip removal along several axes, comprises several operator units (3,4,5) suitable for coupling with a tool or a workpiece, these operator units (3,4,5) being fitted on a bearing structure (2) that is curved in shape with the concave part facing downwards, and positioned in such a way that below the zone (6) in which the part is positioned during machining, there are no functional parts of the machine subject to movement of one part in relation to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Sascha Mantovani
  • Patent number: 6068431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool having a gantry that is movable along an X axis and having a vertical spindle supported by the cross-member of the gantry. The cross-member comprises two beams that are spaced apart in the X axis direction and that have facing inside faces. Two carriages are mounted to slide on said facing faces, on opposite sides of a vertically movable cursor-carrier. The tool-carrier spindle is carried by a cursor mounted to slide on the bottom face of the cursor-carrier and movable along the X axis. Movements of the carriages, of the cursor-carrier and of cursor are under numerical control. The tool-carrier spindle can move in the X axis direction without it being necessary to move the gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Helis S.A.
    Inventor: Henri Line
  • Patent number: 6067695
    Abstract: The miller comprises a pair of benches situated on both sides of a framework, in such a manner that on the upper crossbar is mounted, displaceable and guidable, a transverse support that carries a couple of vertical arms on which are mounted the corresponding tools, the arms being dispaceable towards one side or the other with respect to the support, while the tool that is borne by each of the arms may move upward/downward, as well as rotate, in such a manner that a combination of these movements produced by their corresponding motors allows simultaniously making two pieces that are symmetrical or the same, as well as effect simultanious digitalized work with one arm and milling with the other, after having mounted the corresponding tool on one arm and a digitalizer on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Noran S.L.
    Inventor: Ignacio Alvarez Momoitio
  • Patent number: 6048143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tsann-Huei Chang, Yeou-Bin Guu, Shang-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 5943750
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a machine tool assembly is easily reconfigurable to perform single or multiple machining processes on a workpiece so that this machine has exactly the functionality required to perform a given set of machining tasks. The invention allows rapid changes in the machine structure and rapid conversion of the machine by relocating its basic building blocks. The assembly secures a raw workpiece to a table and includes support units that carry at least one single-axis spindle unit. The spindle units are easily attached to one of the support units and are easily movable thereon to perform machining processes from various positions and orientations relative the workpiece. A cutting tool, or other machining tool, is secured to each spindle, which is computer controlled to rotate the tool and stroke it linearly along its axis of rotation. The support units are reconfigurable and can be easily relocated to different positions and orientations about the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Yoram Koren, Sridhar Kota
  • Patent number: 5938577
    Abstract: A machine tool has a frame supporting a vertical gantry which is driven at the top and bottom sides of the gantry such that the opposed, normal magnetic forces between stator coils and magnets are substantially equal and are self-cancelling. This reduces normal magnetic forces that increase friction, and this provides symmetry along an X-axis. A spindle-carrying saddle travels in a vertical slot in the center of the gantry with left and right linear motors mounted on opposite sides of the gantry. The linear motors are identical so that opposed right and left-hand, normal magnetic forces are self-cancelling. This provides symmetry along the vertical Y-axis. A spindle and ram are mounted on the saddle and are driven by at least one linear motor to travel along the Z-axis. The symmetry and cancelling of normal, magnetic attractive forces reduces the weight and the amount of forces needed to accelerate the gantry in the X-direction and the saddle in the Y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ingersoll Milling Machine Company
    Inventor: Thomas Jules Lindem
  • Patent number: 5933933
    Abstract: To improve a machine tool, comprising a machine frame, a workpiece holder arranged on the machine frame for a workpiece to be machined, a tool holder arranged on the machine frame for receiving a tool and at least one drive with a slide for executing a relative movement between the tool and the workpiece in the direction of at least one axis, such that it allows as high dynamics as possible, it is proposed that the drive comprise electric linear motors aligned parallel to the axis and spaced from one another in a transverse direction, that the slide extend between the two linear motors, and that a control be provided for simultaneously operating the linear motors for displacement of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Max Rhodius GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Fritz, Hans Staiger, Friedrich Winckler
  • Patent number: 5893690
    Abstract: A machine tool comprises a workpiece table which has a clamping surface for workpieces to be machined and a spindle head displaceable in a working space above the workpiece table relative thereto by means of a shifting mechanism and having a spindle receiving tools for machining the workpieces. The shifting mechanism comprises three carriages movable orthogonally to one another, of which the second carriage is mounted displaceably on the first, and the third carriage displaceably on the second carriage, the spindle head being joined to the third carriage. The first carriage is arranged behind the working space and above the clamping surface, preferably above the working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 5882286
    Abstract: The drilling unit comprises a cross-piece secured to the base and two carriages supporting said two operating heads and sliding on said cross-piece. The two carriages are each displaced independently of one another along the axis by means of two nut and screw pairs, each of which is associated with one of the carriages. The screw of each nut and screw pairs is actuated by a corresponding reversible electric motor mounted on the cross-piece, whereas the nut is mounted on the corresponding carriage displaced outwards with respect to the head so as to allow the heads to move individually into a common machining zone on the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Pluritec Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giacomo Aufiero
  • Patent number: 5848458
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a reconfigurable gantry tool and a reconfigurable tool system. The reconfigurable tool includes a platform, a reconfigurable holding mechanism, a gantry frame, a multi-axis numerically controlled robotic tool, a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool, and a rotatable and translatable sine plate. The reconfigurable gantry tool system comprises a plurality of reconfigurable gantry tools strategically coupled to one another to form a non-matrix assembly line. Other tooling systems can be coupled to and/or within the reconfigurable gantry tool system for performing additional operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: George Nicholas Bullen
  • Patent number: 5839323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moving gantry machine having uprights that are movable relative to each other. The uprights are interconnected by a cross-member made up of two cross-member elements suitable for being moved relative to each other in the limit of a given maximum offset .DELTA. in the displacement direction of the uprights. The displacement of the uprights is controlled by respective independent drive systems X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 under numerical control within the limit of said offset. A third drive system X.sub.3 is provided for displacement between the cross-member elements and is under numerical control with the condition the displacement distance of drive system X.sub.1 +the displacement distance of drive system X.sub.3 =the displacement distance of drive system X.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Helis S.A.
    Inventor: Henri Line
  • Patent number: 5787566
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cutting through flat stock with at least one cutting tool, such as a torch, drill, or the like. The stock is supported in a plane defined by X and Y axes of a mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z-axis coordinate system. The stock is supported for movement along the X-axis. At least one tool is supported over the flat stock for movement along the Z-axis and for movement along the Y-axis. The stock is moved along the X-axis. The tool is moved along the Y-axis. The tool is moved along the Z-axis toward the stock and is operated to cut the stock. If the tool is a cutting torch, the stock may be moved along the X-axis, and/or the cutting torch may be moved along the Y-axis, to define a desired cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Peddinghaus Corporation
    Inventor: Bernd H. Stursberg
  • Patent number: 5785469
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a piece of work has a work supporting table which is movable only in one horizontal direction, and a spindle unit including a cutting tool which is disposed below the table for cutting the work from below. The spindle unit is movable in another horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the table is movable, and in a vertical direction. The apparatus requires only a small space for installation, is simple in construction, an can perform an accurate cutting job at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Kamada, Takashi Ichizawa
  • Patent number: 5688084
    Abstract: To improve a machine tool, comprising a machine frame, a workpiece holder arranged on the machine frame for a workpiece to be machined, a tool holder arranged on the machine frame for receiving a tool and at least one drive with a slide for executing a relative movement between the tool and the workpiece in the direction of at least one axis, such that it allows as high dynamics as possible, it is proposed that the drive comprise electric linear motors aligned parallel to the axis and spaced from one another in a transverse direction, that the slide extend between the two linear motors, and that a control be provided for simultaneously operating the linear motors for displacement of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Max Rhodius GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Fritz, Hans Staiger, Friedrich Winckler
  • Patent number: 5678291
    Abstract: A machine tool more particularly for drilling and milling, possesses a machine bed, on which a power driven longitudinal slide is adapted to run horizontally on rails. A machining head having a rotary drive device for at least one table forming part of said head, is power moved on the longitudinal slide in at least one further direction movement. The machine bed possesses two spaced lateral walls, on which the longitudinal slide is at least partly guided and whose intermediate space is designed in the form of a machining zone. On each of the two lateral walls a fastening point is provided for at least one pivoting work holding device, the two fastening points being aligned in a horizontal line, which defines a pivot axis, athwart the longitudinal direction of the guide rails. In such an arrangement the work holding means is readily accessible and is easy to service and furthermore may be simply replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 5611130
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Rummell, Jeffrey P. Weaver, Robert T. Flaig, Thomas E. Burns
  • Patent number: 5611137
    Abstract: A machine tool more particularly for drilling and milling, possesses a machine bed, on which a power driven longitudinal slide is adapted to run horizontally on rails. A machining head having a rotary drive device for at least one table forming part of said head, is power moved on the longitudinal slide in at least one further direction of movement. The machine bed possesses two spaced lateral walls, whose intermediate space is designed to serve as a machining zone for receiving at least one work holding means. On the two lateral walls two parallel guide rails are arranged for the longitudinal slide, a third guide rail being arranged with an offset in the longitudinal direction between the two other guide rails. The longitudinal slide is guided using three guide elements on the three guide rails, the power drive being at or adjacent to the central guide rail. On this arrangement a clamping yoke of relatively light design may be employed, which only requires one central drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 5584788
    Abstract: A machine presenting a worktable movable along a first axis; and a crosspiece fitted with a number of machining heads and movable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The crosspiece presents a box structure, and two end portions guided on two horizontal appendixes of two fixed uprights. Between one of the appendixes and the corresponding end portion of the crosspiece, there is provided a screw-nut screw pair for selectively moving the crosspiece. Each machining head is assigned a tool store accessible from the rear of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Pluritec Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Piovano
  • Patent number: 5468101
    Abstract: A table translation apparatus for a wood working machine is disclosed wherein a table can be repetitively moved at a high speed within a small distance to enhance the working efficiency for wood. A pair of front and rear screw shafts are supported for rotation linearly at front and rear portions of a bed extending forwardly and backwardly and driven to rotate forwardly or reversely independently of each other by a motor. A pair of front and rear shuttles are held in threaded engagement with the front and rear screw shafts, respectively. A pair of front and rear side clutches for releasably connecting the table and the front and rear side shuttles to each other, respectively, are provided on the table mounted for forward and backward sliding movement on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Isao Shoda
  • Patent number: 5429460
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for cutting a workpiece made of styrofoam or like material. The machine includes a frame having a generally planar base adapted to support the workpiece. A rotary cutter is supported above the workpiece and is rotatably driven about an axis perpendicular to the base of the frame. The rotary cutter is mounted to a carriage which is moveable on a slide in a first direction parallel to the base of the frame. The slide, in turn, is movably mounted to the frame in a second direction which is also parallel to the plane of the base but perpendicular to the first direction. The rotary cutter is also movably mounted to the carriage in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the base so that the cutter is moveable along all three or orthogonal axes. The cutter includes a plurality of radial bores which are fluidly connected with an axial bore in the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Jonathon Campian
  • Patent number: 5425607
    Abstract: In a machine tool having a base member, a moveable member and a drive screw assembly for displacing the moveable member relative to the base member, an anti-whip device for the drive screw assembly generally consisting of a support member mounted on the base member and displaceable between a first position supporting an elongated drive screw, and in a path of travel of the moveable member and a second position not supporting the drive screw and out of the path of travel of the moveable member, yieldable means for biasing the support member into the first position and means disposed on the moveable member and engageable with the support member for camming the support member from the first position to the second position against the biasing action of the biasing means when the drive screw is driven and the moveable means is caused to traverse past the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5407415
    Abstract: An automated workstation is adapted to cut parts of different size and shape from workpieces of flat sheet or molded preforms. A fixtured workpiece is moved into the work area of a preprogrammed cutting robot on a shuttle table. The position of the workpiece to be cut is determined by the robot which cuts it using preprogrammed instructions for the desired part. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of independently operable shuttle tables are provided so that the robot can work substantially continuously while workpieces are load, unloaded, machined or moved around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Noel A. Spishak
  • Patent number: 5394604
    Abstract: An automatic open-structure machine tool has an upright (3) which moves along a track (2) (axis X) fixed to a base (1), the upright being integral with a projecting crosspiece (4) along which moves (axis Y) the support (5) of a sleeve (6) which moves along an axis orthogonal to the preceding ones (axis Z). An additional structure (8) designed to be located at the open side of the machine tool is, fitted with a connector system (9) which slides along the structure, such connector system being designed for connection to the free end of the crosspiece, so as to make the open-structure into a gantry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
    Inventor: Armando Corsi
  • Patent number: 5375952
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vertical milling and boring machine incorporating a gantry, comprising a lower table adapted to support the pieces to be machined, a gantry comprising two uprights disposed on either side of the table and a tie joining the upper ends of said uprights, a crosspiece supported by said gantry and mobile vertically along said uprights, a carriage supported by said crosspiece and mobile horizontally and a tool-holder member mounted to move vertically on said carriage, said table and said gantry being capable of moving with respect to each other, characterized in that the tie presents a flat front face located in the plane of the front faces of the uprights, in that the crosspiece is mobile vertically solely along the front face of said tie, and in that the rear face of the crosspiece is maintained in abutment on the front face of the tie and on the front faces of the uprights, at least during the machining phases, by locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Helis S.A.
    Inventor: Henri B. Line
  • Patent number: 5350262
    Abstract: A device for preparing a coke oven door includes a frame for securing the door in a working position. A milling machine for machining the door seal includes a gantry coupled to the frame and a milling head coupled to the gantry. The milling head is movable up and down, longitudinally, and transversely relative to the door so as to maintain contact with the door seal. According to one aspect of the invention, a rail is attached to the frame and a rail extension is attached to the gantry. The rail and rail extension cooperate to guide the gantry longitudinally along the door. A rack is attached to the frame and a driven pinion is attached to the milling machine which engages the rack to move the milling machine along the rail and rail extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Citizens Gas & Coke Utility
    Inventors: Ronald E. Michaelis, Oscar F. Selburg