Abstract: A machine tool for the cutting process of work pieces and having at least one horizontally lodged work spindle, preferably for high speed and/or high precision processing. The work spindle displaces on and/or inside a frame-like tool carrier vertically placed on a machine support having slides moving along x-, y- and z-axes. According to the invention, the frame-like tool carrier (3) has an associated frame-like work piece holder (2), which is also placed vertically on the machine support (1). The work piece holder (2) and the tool carrier (3) are interconnected as one single stable unit by one or several connecting elements (8) in the area of their upper horizontal traverse (4, 6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool comprising of at least one tool spindle which can be moved and positioned in at least one working plane by a movement system. It is proposed to produce the movement system from at least two guide rods connected to one another in an articulated manner by a guide rod joint, and that in the process, the free ends of the guide rods can be moved in opposite relative directions towards and apart from one another and/or in the same direction as one another.

Abstract: A hexapodal machining center comprising a fixed frame (1) and a support (2) which are interconnected via six struts (3) of an adjustable length. The connecting points (T1, T2, T3) of three struts on the support form a first working plane, whereas a further working plane is formed by the connecting points (T4, T5, T6) of the three further struts on the support. The frame connection points (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) of the struts are also arranged in two separate working planes. The connecting points of the two working planes of the support are superimposed such that the connecting lines of the superimposed pairs of connecting points (T1, T4; T2, T5; T3, T6) extend in parallel with each other. This allows a high degree of movability of the support in all of the six degrees of freedom. In particular, the movability in the three rotational degrees of freedom and the force receiving capacity of the support are optimized.

Abstract: A printed circuit board drilling machine, with a well-designed outer shape, providing excellent operability and maintainability, which sequentially makes a number of holes in at least one printed circuit board, placed on a table 22 moved in an XY plane, by using a drill driven by a spindle motor 27. The machine has openable/closable doors 20 and 21 which is separated into an upper door and a lower door in a front portion. The upper door 20 opens upward, while the lower door 21 opens downward. The upper door 20 comprises transparent material. Upon maintenance, the doors 20 and 21 are opened, and the table 22 is moved inwardly. Thus, the distance from the outside of the machine to the spindle motor 27 and its peripheral parts can be reduced, and maintenance can be easily performed with respect to the spindle motor 27 and its peripheral parts.

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.

Abstract: A machine tool has a machine part (25) which undergoes temperature-dependent changes in length, and is equipped, where it comes into contact with coolant (23), with a thermal insulation layer (28).

Abstract: A column and Z-axis slide mounting arrangement includes a column vertically disposed at one side of the work table of a vertical cutting metal-working machine, and a Z-axis slide coupled to the column to hold a rotary tool holder and a tool at the rotary tool holder, wherein the column has a vertical sliding groove at a front side wall thereof, the Z-axis slide has a coupling block formed integral with a back side wall thereof and protruded over a bottom side wall and coupled to the vertical sliding groove at the column, the coupling block having a mounting hole connected to a driving device for enabling the Z-axis slide to be moved up and down along the vertical sliding groove by the driving device.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to realize structure having high rigidity in any direction and to realize a parallel mechanism machining device having good chip removal property. According to the present invention, forked adjustable joints 28 are provided at two positions near the tip end of a movable body 20 and near the rear end thereof, respectively, two first links 36 and two second links 37 are attached to the movable body 20 and the tip ends of these links are extended in X and Y axis directions and coupled to a machine-side fixed platform through adjustable joints, respectively. A link 5 extending in Z axis direction is attached to the rear end of the movable body 20 and a restriction link 6 is attached to the back of the forked adjustable joint 28 near the tip end.

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.

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.

Abstract: In known hexapodal machining centers, a movable support is supported and the individual struts are articulated on the support in one plane. For permitting a greater movability of the support, especially in the rotational degrees of freedom, and for improving the absorption of the forces, a hexapodal machining center having a stationary frame and a movable support is provided, in the case of which the six connecting struts of adjustable length are articulated on the support. Three articulation points respectively define a common plane of application so that two separate planes are defined. Also, the articulation of the struts on the frame is effected in two separate planes of application.

Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism is provided for expanding a grade of a spindle. The parallel mechanism has a spindle that turns round a workpiece at a tilting angle of 90.degree. in a workspace, to thereby allow a machining for both vertical and horizontal planes of the workpiece, and a vertical turning process, by a single machining center. A six-axis multi-machining type machining center embodying the parallel mechanism of the present invention is also disclosed. An over-actuated multi-machining type machining center further including over-actuated actuators is presented to solve a problem of driving joints' singularity caused by the parallel mechanism.

Abstract: The apparatus contains a plate (1) which serves as a connecting element between a lower part (2) and also a working table (3) and a tool support (4). In this way a design concept can be realised which enables the manufacture of the apparatus in the form of a modular constructions series.

Abstract: Translation means is provided for translating positional movement of the cutting tool [56] of a cutting machine [10] to a digital readout assembly [60] provided for monitoring the relative positions of the workpiece support means [14] and the cutting tool support [55] in a direction parallel to the positional movement. The translation means comprises a reader mounting [31] for mounting the position reader [15] of a digital readout assembly supported by a carrier assembly [16] which carries the reader [15] whereby it may move with the carrier assembly [16] or relative thereto in a direction parallel to the positional movement. Drive means such as a precision push-pull cable drive [20] is provided for translating the positional movement of the cutting tool [56] to movement of the reader mounting [31] relative to the carrier assembly [16].

Abstract: A device for numerically controlled (NC) manufacturing, manipulating and measuring apparatuses has a frame structure with peripheral force introduction locations and at least one movement unit with peripheral force introduction locations. At least three adjusting devices each having a first and a second part are provided. Each adjusting device has a first and a second connecting member positioned at a spacing to the first connecting member. The first parts are connected by the first connecting members to the force introduction locations of the movement unit, wherein these force introduction locations are positioned in a first imaginary coupling plane. The first parts are connected by the second connecting members to the force introduction locations of the frame structure, wherein these force introduction locations are positioned in a first imaginary coupling plane of the frame structure. The second parts are connected by the first connecting members to the movement unit.

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.

Abstract: A logical structure of a frame of a machine tool enables displacements of a movable mechanism, such as a slide, along three axes X, Y, and Z. A first pair of parallel transverse horizontal guide rails is disposed in a vertical plane and enables horizontal displacements of the slide along the X axis. A second pair of parallel lateral vertical guide rails is disposed in the same vertical plane and enables vertical displacements of the slide along the Y axis which is perpendicular to the X axis. A third pair of parallel longitudinal horizontal guide rails is disposed in a horizontal plane and enables horizontal displacements of the slide along the Z axis which is perpendicular to both the X and Y axes. A front portion of the slide is unencumbered by drive mechanisms and passes through a telescopic cowling which follows movements of the slide and separates a drive station from a machining station.

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.

Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.

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.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens generating apparatus having a tool spindle comprising a motor, a lens surfacing tool and a coupling mounted between the motor and the lens surfacing tool for retaining the lens surfacing tool to the arbor of the motor. The apparatus of the present invention also comprises a first actuated table supporting the tool spindle in a movable manner along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A massive base is mounted beneath the first actuated table for supporting the table and for dampening radial vibrations of the tool spindle. The apparatus further comprises a lens holder for holding an ophthalmic lens in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. A massive upright block is mounted on one end of the massive base behind the structural support supporting the lens holder, for dampening axial vibrations of the tool spindle and of the lens holder.

Abstract: A device for manipulating workpieces has a support and linear actuators for moving the support. A coupling gear is connected to the support. The coupling gear includes at least two coupling members pivotably connected to one another. The at least two coupling members move the support in a plane of movement and lock a degree of freedom perpendicular to the plane of movement.

Abstract: Table extensions for use with a numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine are disclosed. A gauge table extension has a platform, and means for feeding a workpiece along the platform into the milling machine. A number of support means hold up the platform and feeding means. Lower guide rails attached to each of the support means and upper guide rails attached to the platform transverse to the lower guide rails connect to the lower guide rails through a number of dual-axis bearings that allow the platform to be translated with respect to the support means. A catch tray catches filings and coolant that result from the machining process and recycles the coolant to the CNC milling machine.

Abstract: A machine tool includes several telescopic struts, each of which being formed by an inner tube and outer tube arranged within one another. The telescopic struts are articulated at their one end to a frame and at their other end to a tool holder. The outer tube is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses, with each of the recesses accommodating a recirculating ball bearing unit which includes a carrier body provided with endless ball tracks. Each endless ball track is divided in a load-bearing section and an unstressed, non-load-bearing return portion. The inner tube has ball tracks, with balls rolling along the ball tracks of the carrier body and the inner tube whereby the balls are guided from the load-bearing section into the return section.

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.

Abstract: In a machine tool provided with a column 4 mounted on a back end portion of a bed 1 having a table 2, and a spindle head 20 arranged in a vertically movable manner to the column 4, both sides of an upper portion of the column 4 is connected with both sides of a front-end portion of the bed 1 through support members 42, 43. Even the machine has a structure that the spindle head 20 embeds a main shaft rotating at high rpm, vibration can be reduced. The column is affected by a force to fall down in the direction due to the weight of the spindle head 20, but the tilt caused by the force can be avoided. Accordingly, a high finish surface accuracy can be ensured without an increase in size and weight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive assembly for relative movement of two components of a machine tool with a drive motor and a gear arrangement with two gear trains that can be put under tension relative to each other and have output gears that mesh with opposing teeth, where each gear train has a compact gear with a high transmission ratio with at least one control element for applying tension to the two gear trains. A high positioning accuracy and torsional rigidity combined with a small size when installed are made possible according to this invention by the fact that the compact gear.

Abstract: A mechanical control structure is used with a machine, such as a machine tool. The control structure includes a base and a tool support member connected by a linkage assembly having three linkages arranged in a triangular pattern. The linkages cooperate to prevent rotational movement of the tool support member relative to the base along any of the three rotational axes. Three linear actuators are also connected between the base and the tool support member to move the tool support member relative to the base along a predetermined path.

Abstract: Ball screws are moved axially to move a spindle unit in directions X, Y to position a cutter mounted on the spindle unit. Support arm assemblies which support the spindle unit are also moved. Then, a slide table which supports the support arm assemblies is moved in a direction Z to cause the cutter to machine a workpiece.

Abstract: A three-axis machine is disclosed. The machine includes a machine component to which a workpiece or tool can be attached. An actuator, such as three powered extensible legs, is connected between the machine component and a support structure. Three control arms also are connected between the machine component and the support structure. Preferably, each control arm is pivotably connected to the support structure and the machine component and includes a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series. The control arms are oriented to permit rapid movement of the machine component along any or all of the three linear axes, while restricting rotational movement of the machine component along the rotational axes.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a machine tool generally including a first housing having a bore provided with a lining formed of a structural polymer, a second housing disposed in the first housing bore in sliding engagement with the lining therein, a first spindle journaled in the first housing, a second spindle journaled in the second housing in axial alignment with the first spindle and operatively connected thereto for axial displacement relative thereto and rotational movement therewith and means for displacing the second housing relative to the first housing to correspondingly axially displace the spindles.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining is disclosed having a hydraulic motor directly coupled to a tool spindle. Mounting means are provided for mounting the hydraulic motor and spindle to a machine tool. A source of hydraulic fluid is provided at a pressure that varies directly with load.

Abstract: A machine tool of the present invention includes a base fixed to an outside fixed portion, a travelling plate to which a tool is to be attached, plural guide portions radially outwardly fixed to the base at a predetermined angle, and plural rods. Each of the plural guide portions is provided with a slide table movable in a longitudinal direction of the guide portion and an actuator for moving the slide table. One end of each rods is connected with one of the slide tables through first joint means and another end of each of the rods is connected to the traveling plate through second joint means.

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.

Abstract: A machine tool for multiaxial machining of a workpiece in a chuck. Both horizontal and vertical motion are provided. Even greater efficiency can be achieved by properly positioning tool magazines and providing at least two work stations in adjacent relationship.

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.

Abstract: A multiple axis machine includes a plurality of servo-motors that produce movement of a member in at least two axes. The servo-motors are controlled by a computer which runs a simulation of a line shaft power train for producing movement of the member. Specifically, characteristics of a line shaft for powering the machine are defined along with characteristics of a pair of mechanical linkages with dynamically variable kinematics that are driven by the line shaft to produce movement along the two axes. The computer simulates a virtual line shaft using the line shaft characteristics and produces an angular acceleration, an angular velocity and an angular position of the virtual line shaft. The computer also simulates a pair of virtual mechanical linkages with dynamically variable kinematics based upon the linkage characteristics, and based on the angular acceleration, angular velocity and angular position of the virtual line shaft.

Abstract: A woodworking center comprising a horizontal frame supporting a work table assembly at a level comfortable for the operator. For most woodworking operations the workpiece is supported by the work table assembly. The work table assembly can be moved horizontally and with precision between the front and rear of the horizontal frame by an acme screw mechanism and can be locked in any desired position. The woodworking center also includes a head in the form of a carriage and a tool slide assembly mounted thereon. The carriage is located above the work table assembly and is shiftable in a horizontal direction from side to side of the horizontal frame. The carriage may be shifted by hand, or with precision by an acme screw assembly. The carriage is lockable in any desired position along its path of travel. The tool slide assembly is capable of mounting a large variety of portable power hand tools.

Abstract: A hobbing accessory is disclosed for a vertical milling machine of a type comprising a column, a knee mounted to the column so as to be vertically positionable with respect to the column, a saddle mounted to the knee so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the knee, toward and away from the column, a table mounted to the saddle so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the saddle, in opposite directions across the column, a head projecting from the column, an arbor mounted operatively to the head and rotatable about a generally vertical axis, and a motor for rotating the arbor about the generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A machine tool extension joins a machine tool to a spindle on a milling mine. The machine tool extension has an extension collar with a cavity therethrough and a mouth at either end for joining the collar to the milling machine and the machine tool. An extension shaft is disposed within the extension collar for mounting on the spindle. The shaft has a bar aperture extending axially therethrough. A draw bar is disposed within the bar aperture for holding the machine tool against the extension collar and shaft. The machine tool extension allows machining of parts with deep cavities.

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.

Abstract: A hexapod machine comprises a fixed structure (10,11) and a movable structure (14,15). Six extensible legs (18) are connected between the fixed and movable structures, and their lengths determine the relative position and orientation of the structures. The lengths of the legs are measured by respective laser interferometers (60,62). To increase the accuracy of the measurement, a retroreflector (62) of the interferometer is directly mounted to and fast with one of the structures (14,15).

Abstract: A slide assembly for a machine tool generally consisting of a first member having at least one guide slot disposed parallel to a given line of travel, provided with at least one wall portion, a second member disposed in a predetermined spatial relation relative to the first member, having a portion thereof protruding into the guide slot, spaced from the slot wall portion and displaceable along the guide slot when the members are disposed in the predetermined spatial relation, detachable means for fastening the members together in the predetermined spatial relation relative to each other, and a structural polymer disposed in the guide slot adhesively secured to one of the protruding portion of the second member and the slot wall of the first member, and slidably engageable with the other of the protruding portion of the second member and slot wall portion of the first member, providing a guideway for one of such members relative to the other whereby upon applying the fastening means and thereby positioning the

Abstract: A slide assembly for a machine tool generally consisting of a first member having at least one guide slot disposed parallel to a given line of travel, provided with at least one wall portion, a second member disposed in a predetermined spatial relation relative to the first member, having a portion thereof protruding into the guide slot, spaced from the slot wall portion and displaceable along the guide slot when the members are disposed in the predetermined spatial relation, detachable means for fastening the members together in the predetermined spatial relation relative to each other, and a structural polymer disposed in the guide slot adhesively secured to one of the protruding portion of the second member and the slot wall of the first member, and slidably engageable with the other of the protruding portion of the second member and slot wall portion of the first member, providing a guideway for one of such members relative to the other whereby upon applying the fastening means and thereby positioning the

Abstract: A machine tool is provided in which a carriage is supported on the upper flat surface of a work table by first bearings. The carriage extends beyond the bearings in one direction to support a tool, so that the weight of the carriage and tool creates a moment tending to rotate the carriage downwardly toward the work table on one side of the bearings. This is countered by a second bearing that extends to a second downwardly facing surface which may be a separate element or the undersurface of the work table. The second surface is adjustable for parallelism with the work table. Linear actuators move the carriage over the work table. In a multispindle machine, three actuators are required, at least two of which are nonparallel.

Abstract: A space frame system for use with a machine, such as a machine tool, is disclosed. The system as used with a machine tool includes a base and a machine component, such as a workpiece support, mounted to the base. A first space frame is mounted solely to the workpiece support. A second and separate space frame is connected to the first space frame by a plurality of extensible legs. Another machine component, such as a tool holder, is rigidly mounted to the second space frame for cooperation with a workpiece mounted on the workpiece support. Thus, as the extensible legs are independently controlled, the tool holder is moved along a desired path with respect to the workpiece support to perform various cutting operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A toolhead mounting assembly for a machine tool generally consisting of a support plate member mountable on a component of the machine tool, a mounting plate member having means for mounting a toolhead unit thereon, one of the plate member having a pair of parallel guide slots each provided with a lining of a stuctural polymer material, and the other of the plate materials having edges received within the guide slots in sliding engagement with such linings to permit displacement of the mounting plate member relative to the support plate member and means for displacing the mounting plate member relative to the support plate member along a line of travel parallel to the guide slots.

Abstract: A machine tool isolation system is disclosed. The preferred system includes a pair of platforms connected by a plurality of legs. A tool is typically connected to one platform, and a workpiece to the other. The legs are able to move one platform with respect to the other which can create vibrations. A base, typically formed by a plurality of legs, is mounted to one of the platforms to support the two platforms and legs connected therebetween. A vibration isolator is disposed between the base legs and the floor or other support on which the entire system is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a metrology framework for determining the position of a first object, such as an operator, relative to a second object when the first object is moved relative to the second object. The metrology framework comprises a plurality of extensible instrument arms that are operatively connected in proximity to the first object and the second object. A sensor is in communication with each extensible instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm. The combination of the signals can be used to determine the position of the first object relative to the second object in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A machining center composed of a plurality of assemblies, with each assembly including a machine base. Each machine base includes a compound slide as well as guides for guiding a movement of the compound slide. A motor driven main spindle is adapted to be attached to the compound slide and is movable along a plurality of axes, with facilities being provided for collecting swarf and coolant. A working area housing is attached to the machine structure with the housing including a container adapted to be mounted on the machine structure as a module to house control elements and power supply. Openings are provided for enabling a collection and removal of swarf with additional openings being provided for enabling an accommodation of a storage and transportation unit. A probe is incorporated in a machine control for enabling a checking of machined workpieces, and a sheet metal cover, fastened to the compound slide, includes a hole penetrated by the motor spindle with a spindle attachment.