And Angular Adjustment Patents (Class 409/211)
  • Patent number: 10160078
    Abstract: A positioning device, in particular a tool positioning device, for a processing center that comprises a compound slide with a first slide movable in a longitudinal direction of the processing center and a second slide that can be moved in a transverse direction relative to the first slide. The first and the second slides have a matching offset configuration of the sides opposite each other, that bear guides and guide elements that interact with each other in order to guide the second slide in the transverse direction. These guides and guide elements are in part arranged at different heights in a vertical direction in such a manner that the second slide is guided on the first slide on at least two spaced apart guiding points, wherein the guiding distance between the guiding points varies during a traversing motion of the second slide relative to the first slide in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: F. Zimmermann GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Podiebrad, Daniel Demlang
  • Patent number: 9186764
    Abstract: A device is provided for correcting the position of at least one element of a machine tool, in particular a milling machine, in which at least one compensating element is disposed between a machine element and an element whose position is to be corrected. The compensating element is adjustable by an actuating distance such that, as a result of the actuation of the compensating element, the element is pivotable about a pivot axis at a joint between the machine element and the element of which the position is to be corrected which ensures the pivoting movement about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Starrag AG
    Inventor: Walter Hagspiel
  • Publication number: 20150043986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a milling machine comprising a frame (2) including a work surface (2.1) disposed in a vertical plane and a C-shaped moving bridge (3). In addition, the machine comprises: at least three heads (7), each head including a machining spindle (15); and five movement axes (X, Y, Z, A, B), such that the moving bridge (3) is moved by the frame (2) along a horizontal axis (X), and each head (7) is moved independently on the moving bridge (3) along a vertical axis (Y) in order to be moved towards or away from the work surface (2.1) along a depth axis (Z) perpendicular to both the horizontal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Y), as well as rotating independently about a first axis of rotation (A). Each spindle (15) rotates independently about a second axis of rotation (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Jose Antonio Estancona Ercilla
  • Patent number: 8950987
    Abstract: A slip ring is accommodated in a ram 34. The slip ring includes a fixed portion 72 having a feed element connected to a power source and a movable portion 73 electrically connected to the feed element. The movable portion 73 includes a contact 75 for supplying electricity to a spindle unit 100 and an electric device of a spindle head 118. After determining the position of a saddle 32 in a Y-axis direction and the position of a table in an X-axis direction, the position of the spindle head 118 about a B-axis is determined. Then, the ram 34 is moved along the Z-axis direction with the spindle unit 100 revolved about the C-axis, and, with a non-rotational cutting tool 170 attached to the spindle unit 100, a hole is bored in a workpiece W on the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Okada, Masazumi Nakanishi, Kazuki Uemura, Yasushi Manabe, Yuji Kuramochi
  • Patent number: 8911187
    Abstract: A coping apparatus that performs a cope cut of varying diameters and angles on varying sizes, diameters, and types of materials without having to change the diameter of the cutting tool. The apparatus comprises a table with a clamp, a cylindrical housing with an aperture pivotally mounted to the table, a motor, a tool, and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly is rotatably received within the housing and comprises a upper disc with a channel, a lower disc with a channel, a upper arm, a lower arm, a connector, and a handle. The arms are received in the channels of the upper and lower discs and moveable in a direction radial to the rotation of the discs. The motor is mounted to the lower arm and turns a spindle and the tool. Upon manipulation of the handle, the tool is plunged into the material to make the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald A. Cornish
  • Patent number: 8899132
    Abstract: A spindle unit having a tilt shaft for rotating and tilting a spindle head so that a posture of a spindle changes including: the spindle head rotatably supporting the spindle, a tool being attached to a front end of the spindle; a spindle head support having a mutually separated pair of side walls, the spindle head support supporting the spindle head between the pair of side walls in a rotatable and tiltable manner; two power transmission mechanisms provided along the pair of side walls of the spindle head support for transmitting rotational drive power to the tilt shaft; and two drive source devices of the tilt shaft provided between the pair of side walls, the output shafts of the drive source devices being arranged to face the side walls and being connected to the power transmission mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuma Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8864427
    Abstract: A processing machine for cutting a workpiece with a tool is presented. The processing machine includes a base member configured to support a table for receiving the workpiece, and a tool support disposed on the base member for rotation between a vertical position and a horizontal position and configured to support the tool, wherein the tool support is formed from a right leg portion, a left leg portion, and a main portion, such that the main portion connects upper ends of the right leg portion and the left leg portion, wherein the main portion is located above the table when the tool support is in the vertical position, and wherein a space above the table is not covered by the main portion when the tool support is in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Roland DG Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Tomioka, Yoshihiro Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8794883
    Abstract: A rotary spindle head with gear reducer is provided, which comprises a rotary spindle unit, a fork-shaped type spindle base and a driving unit. The fork-shaped spindle base is for linking up the rotary spindle unit with a machine tool, and the driving unit comprises a torque motor and a gear reducer which are sited coaxially on the fork-shaped spindle base. The gear reducer is connected to the rotary spindle unit to drive and rotate the rotary spindle unit in the fork-shaped spindle base. The gear reducer is designed to lower decelerating rate. Besides, the input and output of the gear reducer are coaxial design, the torque of torque motor could be magnified to several times and maintain higher rotational speed to do the high speed light cutting and high torque heavy cutting work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ming Ou, Yu-Hsi Hsing, Hsi-Hung Hsiao, Ching-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8690499
    Abstract: High precision machining is enabled by eliminating the need for a conventional swiveling table, and by enhancing rigidity for supporting a work by relatively reducing the distance from the top surface of a stationary body section (1) to the position for machining a work by means of a tool on a rotary spindle (17). A pair of guide tracks (28a, 28b) respectively passing two positions separated in the X axis direction of the stationary body section (1) and in the Z axis direction intersecting the X axis direction perpendicularly are allowed to guide feed tables (30a, 30b) to be movable independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Horkos Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Makiyama, Hiroaki Kiso
  • Patent number: 8657541
    Abstract: In a spindle head for a machine tool in which a spindle (10) to which a tool is mounted is rotated around an axial line of a support shaft (58, 59), two rotating members (9, 58) that form a rotation transmission mechanism for rotating the spindle (10) and that transmit drive force of the rotation driving device (56) are fastened to each other at respective connection sections thereof by a bolt group (301) and are connected to each other so as to be prevented from rotating relative to each other by friction force resulting from the fastening. Rotation prevention torque based on the friction force is a value greater than torque applied to the connection sections during processing and smaller than torque applied to the connection sections when external force that causes the spindle (10) to deform beyond a permissible range is applied to the spindle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Tatsuda
  • Patent number: 8641338
    Abstract: A spindle device (20) includes: a bracket (21) swingably mounted on a support arm (9) and having a tubular portion (22) substantially perpendicular to the swing axis of the bracket (21); and, a spindle (30) including a rotation portion (31) capable of mounting a tool onto the leading end thereof, a housing (32) insertably and removably mounted on the tubular portion (22) of the bracket (21) and having a mounting surface (35a) disposed opposed to the surface of the bracket (21), and bearings (50 and 51) respectively interposed between the rotation portion (31) and housing (32) for supporting the rotation portion (31) rotatable relative to the housing (32). In the mounting surface (35a) of the housing (32), there are formed flow passage openings (80˜86) for fluid which are supplied to the spindle (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yoneyama, Yoshifumi Inagaki, Osamu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8529172
    Abstract: An edge milling cutter assembly for cutting opposite edges of a workpiece, has a first cutting assembly; a second cutting assembly positioned a predetermined distance from the first cutting assembly; a first guide roll assembly positioned in front of the first cutting assembly; a second guide wall assembly positioned in front of the second cutting assembly; wherein the first guide roll assembly and the second guide roll assembly are movable in relation to each other in equal distances; and a mechanism which engages the first guide roll assembly and the second guide roll assembly to facilitate equal movement of each of the guide rolls in such a manner that the first and second cutting assemblies cut equal amounts of material from opposite edges of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Buta
  • Patent number: 8523500
    Abstract: A machine tool has a Z table sliding in the Z direction in a horizontal plane, a support body provided on the Z table and sliding in the vertical direction, a rotation arm supported at the support body and endlessly rotatable in a vertical plane facing work, an arm motor for rotating the rotation arm, a processing spindle rotatably supported and placed at a position of a distance R from the center C of rotation of the rotation arm, and a spindle motor for rotating the processing spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Yamaura, Tatsuya Koizumi, Taro Nakamura, Katsumune Inaki, Motoki Uchikawa, Kouichi Tanizaki, Shugo Arakawa, Tatsuhiko Tanaka, Tomoyoshi Miyagi, Takayuki Motojima
  • Patent number: 8454282
    Abstract: A fixture is used to mount an angled machine head on a machine tool. The fixture includes a base adapted to be mounted on the machine tool, and a collar for holding the angled machine head. The collar is mounted for rotation on the base and allows the angled machine head to be rotated to any of a plurality of rotational positions. The collar may be selectively locked to the base to fix the position of the angled machine head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Loren J. Strahm, Randolph B. Hancock
  • Patent number: 8414233
    Abstract: A moving section of a parallel mechanism is fed having two freedoms. A first moving section base is screw-engaged with a first feed screw shaft, and a second moving section base is screw-engaged with a second feed screw shaft. A spindle head is pivotably connected by a support shaft to the first moving section base. A coupling shaft at an extreme end of an extension lever extending downward from the spindle head is rotatably coupled to a guided piece on a slant linear guide provided on the second moving section base and is coupled to the second moving section base. Thereby, a tilt function maintaining advantages of a tandem drive and being high in rigidity is realized without increasing control axes beyond the number of axes corresponding to tandem axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Matsui
  • Patent number: 8414232
    Abstract: In an operating head, a tool assembly is provided with an inlet shaft engaged on an electrospindle and pivotally engaged through a corresponding containing casing, which is oriented about a longitudinal axis of the electrospindle by means of an electric motor coaxially mounted to the axis and provided with a rotor coupled in an angularly fixed manner to the casing itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: HSD S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Bernardi
  • Patent number: 8197164
    Abstract: A machining head has a support head component, which includes first and second support segments and a base segment supporting both the first and second support segments, the support segments being disposed opposite to each other across the spindle unit to hold the spindle unit therebetween such that a center of axle thereof is aligned with a rotary axis line thereof, the first and second support segments respectively including support shafts whose opposing end surfaces have the spindle unit secured thereto. The support segments respectively include housings as main bodies that are independent of the base segment. The housings accommodate the support shafts. Each housing is attached to the base segment by means of a plurality of first screw members that are screwed to the base segment and are manipulatable from the outside. The spindle unit is attached to the support shafts by means of a plurality of second screw members that are screwed to the support shafts and are manipulatable from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Tatsuda
  • Patent number: 8152423
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) variable-axis machine is disclosed, which includes a frame spaced from a base to be disposed at an upper surface of a workpiece, a pair of forward and backward pivoting frames having an arch shape connected to the frame, a pair of leftward and rightward pivoting frames having an arch shape and a relatively less height than the forward and backward pivoting frames to be connected across the forward and backward pivoting frames, and a spindle vertically inserted in an intersectional portion between the forward and backward and the leftward and rightward pivoting frames to be pivoted corresponding to movements of the both pivoting frames. The spindle is connected to a sliding member, and the sliding member is connected to a lower surface of the forward and backward pivoting frames and an upper surface of the leftward and rightward pivoting frames in a sliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Jong Kweon Park, Hyung Wook Park, Hung Sun Son, Yeong Sang Jeong
  • Patent number: 8082642
    Abstract: An articulating head that includes a linear movement assembly. There is a pivot plate that includes a first connection point. There is a pivot arm rotatably attached to the pivot plate. The pivot arm has a second connection point. There is a linear movement assembly mounted to and between the first connection point of the pivot plate and the second connection point of the pivot arm to cause rotation of the pivot arm about the pivot plate. The linear movement assembly comprises a threaded rod mounted as a screw, a nut which threads onto the screw and a motor interconnected to one of the screw and nut to cause motion between the screw and the nut. The screw and the nut are mounted between the pivot plate and the pivot arm, whereby the motion induced between the screw and nut causes the pivot arm to rotate about the pivot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Paradyne Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Joseph W. McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20110280680
    Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D reconfigurable machining system including a support frame spaced apart from the ground, a circular pivoting frame pivotably installed at the support frame, a slide member slidably installed on the circumferential portion of the pivoting frame, and a main spindle installed vertically at the slide member and being rotatable along the pivoting frame, so that a workpiece can be three-dimensionally machined with a considerably simple structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jong-Kweon Park, Seung-Kook Ro, Byung-Sub Kim, Gyung-Ho Khim, Sung-Cheul Lee, Hyeon-Hwa Lee, Byung-In Kim
  • Patent number: 8037815
    Abstract: The invention concerns a marking device comprising a support frame, marking means including a marking member and means for moving the marking member parallel to two mutually perpendicular movement planes and to the surface to be marked to produce, on the surface to be marked, two-dimensional symbols inscribed in a marking window. The invention is characterized in that it comprises means for compensating, at least partly, the influence of the rotation over the distance between the marking member and the marking point of the surface to be marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: SIC Marking
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Galland, Gerard Barraud
  • Patent number: 7909303
    Abstract: A movement device (1) having a Stewart platform includes a movable platform (9) that has platform joints (8) connecting it in an articulated manner by at least six rods (6) to a base (3). The rods (6) have base joints (7) resting in an articulated manner on carriages (4, 5) that can be displaced in the longitudinal direction on rails (2a, 2b) that are fixed to the base. Each carriage (4, 5) has a dedicated drive, and the carriages (4, 5) can be moved independently of one another. Exactly two rails (2a, 2b) are provided, and each rail (2a, 2b) supports at least three carriages (4a, 4b, 4c and 5a, 5b, 5c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: DLR Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft - und Raumfahrt E.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Bergmann, Ruprecht Altenburger, Peter Aul
  • Publication number: 20110058913
    Abstract: Tool head (110) for use in a multiaxis machine (100), the tool head (110) comprising a spindle body, which has two elements (101, 102). These elements (101, 102) are rotatably connected with one another via a corresponding coupling (103), the first element (101) having a first longitudinal axis (WA1) and the second element (102) having a second longitudinal axis (WA2), which are transferable from a stretched position into an angled position depending on the rotational position. A first drive (A1) is seated in or on the spindle body. A receptacle device (120) is provided, which is situated on the second element (102). This receptacle device (120) is used for fastening a motor spindle (20), a motor (M1), which is integrated in the motor spindle (20), being able to be supplied with power via the second element (102) and via electrical connection means of the receptacle device (120). The receptacle device (120) is also used for fastening a milling tool (30), which is drivable using the first drive (A1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Klingelnberg AG
    Inventors: Christian Brieden, Bernd Von der Mark
  • Patent number: 7832496
    Abstract: A deep-hole boring machine (100) includes a base (11) to be fitted to an upper face of a floor, a pillar (14), a fixing mechanism (40), a guide member (15), a rotary tool (17), a tool rotation driving section (16), a rising/descending mechanism (50), a guide base (60) and a tool guide mechanism (30). The deep-hole boring machine 100 can be used to bore a vertical hole or an inclined hole in a concrete in a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Goei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomi Nakayabu
  • Publication number: 20100154935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining a locking groove (9) into a groove flank (5, 6) of a panel comprising an upper and a lower side, whereby the locking groove is provided in the part of the joint groove (4) surrounded by the groove flanks, whereby the locking groove is machined by means of a rotating milling tool (12), comprising a drive (14), a milling head (13), a transmission device (11) for the rotational movement and a mounting for the milling head. The milling has a free radius (r) at least on the mounting side due to the mounting and, during the machining of the locking groove, the milling head (13) has at least a significant proportion of the free radius (r) thereof, in particular, the entirety thereof located in the part of the joint groove surrounded by groove flanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Dirk Dammers
  • Patent number: 7721410
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool (1) comprising a machine tower (2) which can be displaced in a linear manner along a straight track (13), a tool head (4) which is arranged on the machine tower (2) and a tool (5) which is used to process work pieces. A first mounting device (25) is arranged on a first side of the straight track (13) and a second mounting device (26) is arranged on the other side of the straight track (13) which is opposite the first side. The tool head (4) can be positioned in such a manner that it can selectively process a first work piece in the first mounting device (25) or a second work piece in the second mounting device (26). Initially, the first work piece is mounted in the first mounting device for processing, and the tool head is positioned in such a manner that the first work piece can be processed. During processing, the second work piece is mounted in the second mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Gudel Group AG
    Inventors: Hans Ulrich Kurt, Rudolf Heid, Herbert Wirz
  • Patent number: 7604442
    Abstract: In a multi-axis machine tool comprising a first slide way (2a) and a second slide way (2b) set apart one from the other and extending parallel along a longitudinal axis (X), a machining station (3) delimited laterally by the slide ways (2a, 2b), a cross member (4) presenting opposite ends (4a, 4b) each coupled to a respective slide way (2a, 2b), and a machining head (5) mounted to the cross member (4) and positionable over the machining station (3), at least the cross member (4) is fashioned from a low thermal expansion material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Motta, Piergiacomo Bongiorni
  • Publication number: 20080193241
    Abstract: A two rotational and one translational parallel mechanism which comprises a holding bracket; a movable platform; and three branch joint assemblies of the same structure spatially and axis-symmetrically disposed between the holding bracket and the movable platform. Each branch joint assembly comprises a connecting rod, a linear guide, a driving device and a carriage. The linear guide and the driving device both are secured on the connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is connected with the movable platform through a hinge having three rotational degrees of freedom. The carriage and the linear guide are connected with each other by a sliding joint, and the carriage is connected with the holding bracket by a hinge having one rotational degree of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: TIANJIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tian Huang, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20080175684
    Abstract: A milling and drilling machine comprising a rigid machine tool frame comprising an upper cross girth, a machining unit movable on the front side of the cross girth along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and including a rotationally driven work spindle including exchangeable tools, and a workpiece table which is disposed in front of the machine tool frame and horizontally movable along at least one coordinate axis by means of a motor and comprises a tabletop for clamping at least one workpiece. The machine tool frame comprises two rigid side walls rigidly connected to each other by the upper crossbar and a front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: DECKEL MAHO SEEBACH GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus SCHMIDT, Ines PRAUTZSCH
  • Patent number: 7360289
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use on a roof or the like which incorporates an insulation material. The invention allows workers to shave the insulating layer to smooth, remove high spots, or create slopes, valleys or sumps, in order to achieve positive slope for water drainage. As part of the invention, there is provided, an apparatus for milling the surface of a low slope substrate, comprising a milling device comprising a cylindrical tubular structure having an outer rotatable milling surface, said surface positionable adjacent said substrate and drivable in a rotary motion to mill the surface of the substrate; a milling device support upon which said milling device is mounted for movement in a milling direction; a mounting assembly for mounting said milling device to said support; said mounting assembly including means for adjusting the angle and depth of engagement of said milling surface to said substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas C. Fishburn
  • Patent number: 7343656
    Abstract: A CNC machine for automatically re-indexing and machining multiple faces of a workpiece includes a traditional three-axis CNC machine and a gripper tool. A bar stock defining a first and at least a second workpiece is loaded within a first and a second vice on the table such that the first workpiece is disposed within the first vice and at least a portion of the second workpiece is disposed within the first and the second workpiece. The CNC machine machines the first face of the workpiece within the first vice. Next, the CNC machine grasps the first workpiece using the gripper tool removably disposed within the spindle. The first workpiece is re-indexed and is loaded into a third vice disposed on the table and the next face of the first workpiece is machined. A support rack is preferably used to support a portion of the bar stock overhanging the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: George Gordon Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Belanger, David M. Lorenzo, Ronald L. Downing
  • Patent number: 7318693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining workpieces, especially for chip removing machining. The device includes a spindle which is mounted on a first end of a pivoting arm in such a way that it can be linearly displaced in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the spindle, and a console on which the pivoting arm is mounted by its second end in such a way that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the spindle. The console can be displaced in a direction which is perpendicular to the displacement direction of the spindle in all of the pivoting positions of the pivoting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hansch, Peter Bielitza
  • Patent number: 7255033
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a metering disc from a workpiece of a fuel injector. The metering disc includes first and second surfaces that extend substantially parallel to a base plane. The first and second surfaces are spaced along a longitudinal axis that extends orthogonal with respect to the base plane. The apparatus includes a piercing tool that extends along a tool axis, a planar coordinate positioning mechanism, and a spherical coordinate positioning mechanism. The piercing tool is adapted to penetrate the workpiece. The planar coordinate positioning mechanism displaces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piercing tool relative to the workpiece. And the spherical coordinate positioning mechanism pivots about the tool axis relative at least one of three axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Joseph
  • Patent number: 7249918
    Abstract: Cutting apparatus having a ram axis gear tube (32) equipped with internal threads engageable with external threads (48) of a main shaft (42). A tool can be fixed to the main shaft (42). The external threads (48) of the main shaft (42) are formed on external splines (44). A main shaft rotation gear (46) has internal splines (41) mating with the external splines (44) of the main shaft (42). Rotation of the ram axis gear tube 32 thus causes the main shaft (42) to move axially via the internal and external threads. Rotation of the main shaft rotation gear (46) causes rotation of the main shaft (42). The tool fixed to the main shaft (42) can thus undergo axial and rotational movements. A motor (74) can be coupled to main shaft (42) and a motor shaft (63) extended through the ram axis gear tube (32) and the main shaft (42). The motor shaft (63) can drive a linear gear (68) of a cross slide assembly (24) and thus radially move a tool fixed to the cross slide assembly (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bowman
  • Patent number: 7220088
    Abstract: A toolhead for use on a multi-axis machine tool consists of a support assembly equipped with a pivoting spindle designed to accept a removable tool-holder, and centered on a machining axis about which a tool clamped to the tool-holder can be driven in rotation. Also forming part of the toolhead is a depth stop affording an active surface substantially transverse to the machining axis and positionable against a surface of a workpiece. The depth stop is mounted to the support assembly and capable of movement along the machining axis between a first position, distanced from the spindle, and a second position of proximity to the spindle. Transducers incorporated into the toolhead are able to sense the position of the active surface relative to the support assembly, and thus used to control the depth to which the workpiece is penetrated by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: JOBS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Ferrari, Sandro Foletti
  • Patent number: 7037052
    Abstract: A column (4) is provided with a hanging jig (holding mechanism) (50) for holding an unclamping apparatus (30) and a spindle head (15) is made to be able to move in an up and down direction by itself by removing a bolt (43) in a state of hanging to hold the unclamping apparatus (30) by the hanging jig (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6877938
    Abstract: The invention concerns a very high-speed machining machine-tool (M) consisting of a parallel structure including link bars (100) whereof one first end (110) is linked to a mobile member (200) supporting at least a tool and whereof the second end (120) is linked to at least means (300) setting it in motion relative to a frame (B). The said machine-tool is characterized in that the linkages (400) to the ends (100 [sic, should be 110. -Translation Editor) and 120) of the said bars (100) consist in an association of fictitious pivots (410, 420, 430) so as to form a joint whereof the degrees of freedom enable the parallel structure to be set in motion. The said feature enables to avoid all drawbacks related to ball linkages. The invention is applicable to high-speed machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Renault Automation Comau
    Inventor: Claude Fioroni
  • Patent number: 6874213
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool for machining a rod-shaped workpiece. The machine tool comprises a tool spindle, and also a first holder and a second holder for accommodating the workpiece. In a machining position, the second holder is oriented coaxially to the first holder, and it is arranged so as to be capable of rotating or swiveling about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Prust, Rudolf Haninger
  • Patent number: 6869259
    Abstract: A milling method is provided for the manufacture of components composed of difficult-to-cut materials for turbomachines, aircraft and spacecraft by producing recesses with one or more side walls. An end milling cutter which cuts at the circumference and at the tip and has a tip contour which is rounded towards the circumference is used as the rotating milling tool. In addition to rotation about its axis, the milling tool performs an eccentric orbiting motion about an orbital axis spaced apart from its axis. The opposite senses of rotation lead to downcut milling, and the orbital axis performs a translational advance motion on a straight and/or curved path transversely to its longitudinal direction, with or without a swivelling motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Goetz Lebkuechner
  • Patent number: 6832880
    Abstract: An operating head for automatic machine tools of the type mounted on a structure for moving along a set of three Cartesian axes having a first support, fitted to the structure for rotation around a first axis, and a chuck unit fitted to the first support, wherein the chuck unit is interchangeable and projects from the first support, and is designed to allow angular positioning around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The first support includes a power transmission system for the chuck unit. The connection of the chuck unit to the first support permits changing from rough to finish work by simply replacing the chuck unit, rather than replacing the entire operating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Tecniche Industriali S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mauro Colombo
  • Patent number: 6786686
    Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool is disclosed including a spindle support structure for moving the spindle having a tool mounted thereon in directions along an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis, a workpiece support structure having an indexing workpiece mounting table, and a chip discharge means located between the spindle support structure and the workpiece support structure for discharging chips produced in the machining area to the outside. Since the workpiece mounting table is allowed for rotational indexing, the setup process for the workpiece can be performed with the workpiece mounting surface of the workpiece mounting table facing upward, and therefore the setup process can be shortened while at the same time improving the machine operating rate. Also, since the spindle support structure, the workpiece support structure and the chip discharge means can be configured separately from each other, the machine tool can be manufactured and installed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Koike
  • 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: 6682278
    Abstract: A relatively compact, program-controlled, universal combined milling and boring machine having a horizontal base as a support for a work table, a machine frame and a supporting system for at least one spindle head. The spindle head contains a dimensionally stable central tube, a spindle head support mounted on the lower end thereof, three telescopic bars arranged at a solid angle displacement of about 120° and coupled to the spindle head support in universal bearings, and an upper support member having universal bearings for the central tube and for each telescopic bar. The machine frame is preferably provided together with the base as an integrated, dimensionally stable, support structure and has two side walls, a top, front traverse and a lower rear wall. The supporting member of the supporting system is inclined between the top side of rear wall and the traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Gronbach, Gerd Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20030103826
    Abstract: A machine tool provided with a universal head free from restrictions on its swivel operation due to the presence of a power cable to a motor directly driving a spindle and consequently expanded in range of movement, provided with a ram serving as a support, a swivel member held by the ram to be able to swivel about a predetermined swivel axis, a tool mounting member held at the swivel member, rotatably holding at its front end a spindle to which a tool is mounted, and provided with a motor for driving the spindle, a generator provided at the swivel member and generating power used by the motor, and a power source provided at the ram and supplying power to the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Takazumi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6557235
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a mobile platform and first and second linearly-actuated slides supported on a base connected to the frame. The first and second slides are movable along a line defining a first axis. The apparatus may include a first driving connector movably coupled to the first slide and to the mobile platform, and a second driving connector movably coupled to the second slide and to the mobile platform, such that the mobile platform is displaceable within at least two degrees of freedom defined by linear motions along the first axis and a second axis, the second axis being coplanar and orthogonal to the first axis. An end effector may be also coupled to the mobile platform, the end effector having an axis aligned in a direction defined by the second axis. The end effector may comprise, for example, a tool or a gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Reuven R. Katz, Yoram Koren, François R. Pierrot, Zhe Li
  • Patent number: 6554551
    Abstract: The present invention describes a head for machine tool on which an electro-spindle is mounted and in particular it describes a tilting head for machine tool on which an electro-spindle is mounted. In one embodiment the invention comprises a tilting head for machine tool comprising: one support element coupled to said tilting head; one electro-spindle; one cradle suitably shaped to incorporate and hold said electro-spindle pivoted on said support element so that it can turn around an axis perpendicular to the axis of said tilting head; said electro-spindle being set up to have mechanic, electric, pneumatic and hydraulic connections with said cradle; wherein said connections of said electro-spindle are of the releasable type so that said electro-spindle is interchangeable and can be rapidly coupled to and uncoupled from said cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: F.M. Elettromeccanica s.r.l.
    Inventor: Flavio Marelli
  • Publication number: 20030077139
    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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Tsann-Huei Chang, Kuan-Wen Chen, Chao-An Kang
  • Patent number: 6540454
    Abstract: In a multi-axis machine tool (M) including an angular dividing head (HD) having a spindle head (9) mounted thereto, the positional correction includes determining an error representative vector componentwise representative of a plurality of positional errors with respect to a plurality of axes of the spindle head at a respective angular position dividable by the angular dividing head, and correcting an arbitrary positional error of the spindle head by calculating a component vector of the error representative vector associated with the respective angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Kazuo Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6540458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine-tool, especially a milling center, comprising a housing (2), a holder (54) for tools and/or workpieces, a coupling guide departing from the housing (2) to guide the holder (54) and a drive device departing from the housing (2) to move and fix the holder (54) guided by the coupling guide. The invention is characterized in that the coupling guide has first means for guiding the holder (54) on a first plane where it brushes over the surface and second means for pivoting the holder 54) on a second plane where it cuts the first plane, wherein the drive device has third means for moving and fixing the holder (54) guided by the coupling guide in an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heckert Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Ponisch
  • Patent number: 6526638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mikron SA Agno
    Inventors: Michael Geiger, Peter Meier, Thomas Treib