Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool for machining of workpieces, having a workpiece support for mounting the workpiece, a tool holder, which can be moved at least along one axis, for holding a tool for machining the workpiece, and workpiece holding units for fixing the workpiece during the machining, the workpiece holding units being arranged outside the workpiece support surface of the workpiece support, which is covered by the workpiece in the mounted state, and each having a holding element for fixing the workpiece. In order that also workpieces of greater diameter can be machined, the machine tool otherwise being of the same dimensions, it is provided according to the invention that the holding elements can each be moved, substantially parallel to the workpiece support surface, in the direction of the workpiece, in particular in the direction of a central workpiece axis, which runs perpendicular to the workpiece support surface, for the purpose of centering and fixing the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a machine whereby a workpiece is held on a worktable of the machine with a suction force. When the work piece has a surface area insufficient to receive a full cut from a tool mounted in a tool head of the machine, the machine automatically adjusts the depth and the cutting speed of the tool to lesson the cut so the workpiece is not moved or ejected from the worktable. The depth and speed of the tool may be adjusted in a single cut pass of the tool or they may be adjusted in successive cut passes.

Abstract: A self-centering element for clamping workpieces via deflecting pins, which act between a drive element and self-centering slides. Deflecting pins, which are provided with grooves in which carrier prisms are arranged, are introduced in pairs into recesses in a housing in a plane located in parallel to the mounting surface of the element. The carrier prisms have wedge surfaces, which are slidingly guided in the grooves of the deflecting pins. The deflecting pins are controlled by pistons, which are arranged in the same plane but at right angles to the deflecting pins. The forces are transmitted beginning from the piston via the deflecting pins to the carrier prisms and then to the self-centering slides, which are connected to the carrier prisms and which move the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of workpieces in an unmanned manner, including the steps of holding, with a jig, a first one of the workpieces, attaching the jig holding the first workpiece, to a workpiece holding device of at least one machining device, so that the first workpiece is machined by the machining device, detaching, after the machining of the first workpiece, the jig holding the first workpiece, from the workpiece holding device, removing the first workpiece from the jig, and holding, with the jig, a second one of the workpieces, and repeating the attaching step, the detaching step, and removing step.

Abstract: A gear positioning system comprising a first and second gear retention member each has an exterior surface formed with a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses is similarly configured essentially in the shape of a gear tooth with sidewalls there between. Each of the sidewalls has a central line of symmetry and with the mid-point of the central lines located within the recesses is in an arcuate configuration having a center of curvature of rotation coincident with the center of curvature of a received gear.

Abstract: A CNC machine tool has a plurality of collet chucks in a fixture that requires loading workpieces in these collets by hand. The workpieces are first assembled on a loading bar or holder so they can be collectively loaded in the ganged collet chuck for machining in the CNC machine. The holder has spaced stations, and each station includes a standard base adapter and an individualized parts adapter that fits onto the base adapter. Each parts adapter will be configured to accept a part to be machined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping device comprising a workpiece-engaging portion including a workpiece-engaging surface; sealing means for sealing the workpiece-engaging portion with the workpiece; the sealing means including a first resilient member arranged to seal between the workpiece-engaging surface and the workpiece, wherein the sealing means, the workpiece-engaging portion and the workpiece collectively form a first chamber; vacuum supply means for supplying a vacuum to the first chamber to draw together the workpiece and the workpiece-engaging portion; and pressure supply means for applying a pressure to the first resilient member to force the first resilient member against the workpiece-engaging portion and the workpiece. Also disclosed is a method for clamping a workpiece to a processing machine as well as a workpiece processing machine incorporating the clamping device.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining workpieces includes a feed conveyor which has an alignment station and a discharge conveyor which adjoin a machining zone. Between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyor, there is a transport device which is disposed at one side of the machining field and which has displaceable work holders which grasp the workpieces at one of their edges. The transport device receives the workpieces at the alignment station at the end of the feed conveyor, conveys them at substantially the same level to the machining station in the machining zone, transfers them there to vacuum work holders on a work rest, and then transports them, after the machining, to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: Parallelism between of two opposite surfaces of a workpiece is assured by referencing off of three features on the edge(s) of the workpiece, the three edge features establishing a single, unique plane within the workpiece for referencing the machining operations performed on the two opposite surfaces of the workpiece. The workpiece is held by corresponding two sets of three fixture points, above the surface of two corresponding fixtures, or of one compound fixture, while machining the two opposite surfaces. In this manner, problems associated with referencing off of the first machined surface, to machine the second surface, are completely avoided. This is particularly useful when machining the opposite faces of an automatic transmission valve body. The one set of fixture points is identical to the other set of fixture points, to ensure accurate positioning of the workpiece from fixture-to-fixture (or from set of fixture points to set of fixture points, in a compound fixture).

Abstract: A casting mold for use in the manufacture of intraocular/contact lenses. The casting mold comprises a base and a cup-like feature attached to the base. The base has a frusto-conical configuration defined by a first planar circular cross-sectional area taken adjacent to the cup-like feature and a second planar circular cross-sectional area taken at a distance remote from the cup-like feature. The circumferences of the first and second cross-sectional areas respectively form lips. The first cross-sectional area is substantially less than the second cross-sectional area, and the portion of the base defining its side walls extends between the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas and lies substantially within the generatrix of a line connecting the respective lips of the first and second cross-sectional areas rotated about the axis connecting the centers of the first and second cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A process for the edge-planing of the longitudinal and frontal edges of workpiece plates. A workpiece plate is advanced to a plate saw and at least one longitudinal edge is planed. The workpiece plate is then rotated and at least one frontal edge is planed by the plate saw. The workpiece plate is then rotated, aligned, and advanced toward the plate saw for sectioning.

Abstract: A table exchanging device for a wood working machine wherein workpieces of wood can be individually attracted and fixed by a sucking action by vacuum and such sucking action can be maintained also while the slide tables are slidably moved. The device comprises a pair of hollow slide tables having air sucking holes formed in upper walls thereof, a hollow bracket provided in a pneumatically communicating relationship on each slide table, and a hollow tubular shaft provided on each of a pair of left and right beds of the wood working machine and connected to a blower or a vacuum pump. A first hollow arm is supported for horizontal pivotal motion on each hollow bracket and pneumatically communicated with the follow bracket at their mutually connecting location. A second hollow arm is supported for horizontal pivotal motion on each hollow tubular shaft and pneumatically communicated with the hollow tubular shaft at their mutually connection location.

Abstract: Rotary-pallet system, in particular for multi-directional machining of the pieces (8) to be machined. In the said system there is a body piece (2), one of whose ends (A) is attached to a holder, which said body piece is rotable around a longitudinal axis (A-B), and against whose longitudinal guide faces one or several pieces (8) to be machined can be positioned. One or several wedge pieces (3) can be attached to the edge of the guide face on the body (2), the wedge face on the said wedge piece being pressed towards a side of the piece (8) to be machined. A counter-face (4, 13) is provided at the opposite side of the piece to be machined. The wedge piece (3) can be attached to the body (2) by means of a fastening member (1), which is directed in such a way diagonally that the direction of the fastening movement of the wedge piece approaches both the body (2) and the piece (8) to be machined at the same time.

Abstract: A machining system includes at least one machine tool (10) having at least one powered spindle (12) and a plurality of tools (14A-14F) stored in a magazine (40) for automatic retrieval and return by the spindle (12). A portable fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) is employed in conjunction with the machine tool (10) and the tool magazine (40) for holding a workpiece (WP) during machining by the machine tool (10). The fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) includes a plurality of clamping cylinders (70, 72, 80) and a plurality of clamping assemblies (84, 86) which are actuated either by the rotational torque supplied by spindle (12) or by the coolant fluid obtained from the spindle (12).

Abstract: An engine block reboring system for main bearings in which the block is mounted on a pair of rails extending laterally on a workbed and is rebored by a tool driven by a right-angle drive extension on a vertical boring machine after the position of the block has been adjusted so that the vertical axis of the boring machine spindle and the desired reboring axis are in the same vertical plane, and the proper height for the tool is set for reference, so that the bearings can be rebored by manipulating the spindle vertically and horizontally in said vertical plane with respect to the height reference. Apparatus is provided for initially properly aligning the block and keeping it in aligned position during the reboring operation.

Abstract: A pin machining fixture 10 has a plurality of openings 25 extending through a body having exterior surfaces 11-16 that lie accurately in three pairs of parallel planes that intersect perpendicularly. Each of the through openings 25 has a location notch 26, and the apexes of location notches 26 are equally spaced apart and arranged in a plane parallel with a pair of exterior surfaces. Set screws 30 threaded into the body clamp a pin or work piece 20 in each of location notches 26 so that a portion of each pin 20 extends beyond one exterior surface for machining. An abutment key 40 is preferably adjustable within the exterior surfaces of fixture 10 for locating ends of a plurality of pins 20 to be clamped and machined.

Abstract: A work set up method and apparatus is disclosed for use with tape controlled machine tools including quick connect ball locks which accurately lock one or more fixtures and workpieces to a work table. The tape is indexed with one ball lock and controls the machining of the workpiece. The fixture and workpiece may be locked to the table of other tape controlled machines for performing other machining functions on the workpiece. A second embodiment includes a work set up apparatus in combination with a drill holding mechanism and at least one multiple spindle drilling head secured to the vertically movable head of a multiple drilling head machine. Depending upon the complexity and size of the workpiece and the number of drills in the second embodiments, set up time is reduced from a prior art time of between about 4-16 hours to between about 5-20 minutes in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A multiple collet work-piece holder having a block with a plurality of openings and a collet retainer disposed within the openings. The retainer has pistons which are subjected to hydraulic pressure for moving the collet to a clamping position. The opposite ends of the collet are completely free from any obstructions, so the work-piece can be inserted from either end, and the collet is securely held against rotation so that the work-piece can be machined as desired. Also, an automatic release of the collet is provided, so that the work-piece can be released when fluid pressure is relieved.

Abstract: A device for securing a workpiece to a fixture for performing machining operations includes a tubular, radially expansible mandrel. The mandrel is carried in a passage provided in the fixture and extends into a hole provided in the workpiece. An expander stem is carried within a bore of the mandrel. The stem has an upper end that is tapered for expanding the mandrel. The lower end of the stem is connected to a hydraulic piston. A spring applies an upward force on the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder moves the stem downwardly, while the spring retains the mandrel in a stationary position until it grips the workpiece. Then, the hydraulic force overcomes the force of the spring to pull the mandrel downward slightly to secure the workpiece to the fixture.

Abstract: A mechanical tool manipulating method and apparatus including apparatus and process for splitting axes of drive, wherein the drive means include preloaded lead screw nuts for minimal backlash, and "v" wheels and cylindrical slides for lineal tracking, as well as apparatus and process for precision clamping of the workpiece, and for recirculating exhaust air for clearing debris.

Abstract: A pinless router comprising a router coupled to a movable support arranged and configured such that it has at least one separable portion which may be decoupled from the remainder of the support, a means for vertically moving the router and the support, a helical brush having a large central opening concentric with the router tool and which engages with a work piece when the pinless router is in operation, a means for moving the router together with the support in a horizontal plane, a means for decoupling the separable portion from the remainder of the support and a continuous vacuum applied to the central opening in the brush.In operation, the pinless router is moved downwardly until the brush engages with the surface of the work piece. The routing operation is then substantially performed until just before the routing is completed. The pinless router is then stopped and moved downwardly until the separable portion engages with the work piece.

Abstract: An improved pressure foot contact assembly comprising a small number of plastic parts provided to replace a more complex and expensive contact assembly employed in a prior art pressure foot for a routing machine. In the preferred embodiment, a slotted cylindrical plastic member forms a spring biasing means which has a larger life and replaces numerous more expensive parts of the prior art structure.

Abstract: According to the present invention a plurality of blanks (2) to be surface machined in working machines are placed side by side and fixed in a frame (1), open at both sides, in such a way that the blanks (2) can be machined at least at two sides while the fixation of the blanks (2) in the frame (1) is maintained. The blanks (2) are fixed tensionless in the frame (1) in such a position where the blanks bear against the frame sides on which the machining forces work during machining. The frame (1) with the blanks (2) fixed therein is first kept clamped with one side (4) resting against a machine support (6), while the portions (17) of the blanks (2) at the opposite side (5) are machined. After that the frame (1) is turned in such a way that the blanks (2) with its machine portions (17) rest against a support (6) consisting of a plane magnet plate, whereupon the blanks (2) are machined on the side (18) facing away from said support (6).

Abstract: A work holder for precision positioning and movement of a workpiece (20) relative to a machine tool comprises a base (100), a pair of spaced stocks (200, 300) mounted on the base, a spindle assemblies (210, 310) supported on each of the stocks for rotation about a common axis, a chuck (246, 346) supported on each of the spindle assembly (210, 310) for clamping the workpiece (20) therebetween, and adjustable mounting means (236-272, 336-372) on each of the spindle assemblies (210, 310) for permitting movement of each of the chucks (246, 346) transversely of the axis. A driveshaft (406) and gearing (402, 408) is provided for imparting rotation to one spindle assembly (210). A crank (422) is operatively connected to the driveshaft (406), and oscillating drive means (416) is providing for oscillating the crank (422) about the driveshaft (406) in two opposite directions.

Abstract: In a numerically controlled, gantry-type routing machine, a workpiece pressure-foot assembly is disposed crosswise over an elongate workpiece supporting bed for providing an effective hold-down force for stacked workpiece sheets. The hold-down force is applied to the workpiece stack at locations adjacent a router tool that is held and turned by a motor driven spindle assembly movably mounted on a gantry for orthogonally related lengthwise and crosswise movements with respect to the bed and workpiece. The pressure-foot assembly includes a pair of spaced parallel rails, pivotally supported about axes parallel to the rails, and a plurality of pressure-bearing rollers mounted on axes directly underlying each of the rails for supporting the rails, and accommodating travel of the assembly over the upper surface of the workpiece. The pair of rails and supporting rollers are arranged crosswise of the bed, paralleling the gantry, and underlying the spindle assembly.

Abstract: A machine for machining sheets comprises an arrangement for compressing the sheets to be machined. The arrangement is rotatable about a longitudinal axis comprises at least two rollers for bearing resiliently against the sheets during machining, each of which rollers are rotatable about a transverse axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. The arrangement is driven by a motor via a pinion, which motor also drives reduction gearing connected to an angular control means whereby it is possible to control the angular position of the arrangement so that the axis of rotation of the rollers can be orientated in relation to the direction of machining. The control means are themselves controlled by programmable electronic means which operate with reference to the angular position of the machining head of the machine.

Abstract: For use with a spindle molder or similar milling machine, there is provided a holder in which a plurality of work pieces can be mounted for movement in unison of each into engagement with the cutting tool by actuation of the holder. Provision is also made for contact with a power feeder so that the work piece holder can be power-driven across the table.

Abstract: A work table for machine tools such as pillar-type drills and the like comprising a substantially horizontal plate forming a work surface through which are cut a plurality of longitudinal or radially extending grooves. A flange depending from the peripheral edge of the horizontal plate is supported on a base plate and is provided with a plurality of vertical openings aligned with the grooves in the work surface. A clamping plate is mounted to move vertically beneath the work surface within a space defined by said flange and said base plate and is also provided with grooves arranged in alignment with the grooves in the work surface. The clamping plate is connected to power transmission means which allows the clamping plate to be moved into positions which are inclined relative to the work surface.

Abstract: A roller hold down is designed to restrain parts being cut from a stack of flat sheets. The roller hold down eliminates the need for secondary fastening means to restrain the parts during the cutting operation. The parts are restrained in position on a flat worktable by a pair of cylindrical rollers adjacent the cutter which force the parts against the table. By use of the roller hold down, the restraining force applied through the rollers follows the excursions of the cutter and is applied near the cutter where the force is the most effective.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for a V-block comprises an integral piece forming two legs, joined together at an acute angle and each having a free end. A first threaded hole is formed through said means on an axis at least approximately bisecting the acute angle. A first externally threaded elongated member extends through the first hole and has its threads engaged by the threads of the first hole. A respective slot is formed in each of the two legs. A respective block is slidably received in each of the slots. Respective second and third threaded holes are formed through the blocks each on an axis at least approximately intersecting the axis of the first hole at points within the acute angle and within an imaginary line extending between the tips of the legs regardless of the position of the blocks in the slots. Respective second and third externally threaded elongated members extend through the second and third holes and have their threads engaged by the threads of the second and third holes.

Abstract: This invention provides a frictional clamping arrangement for holding the workpiece being cut by a router so as to prevent movement of the cutout portion of the workpiece in the last increment of the cut. The device includes a pressure foot having a clamping member which is forced downwardly against the surface of the workpiece when the cut is nearly completed for holding the cutout portion of the workpiece motionless relative to the worktable so as to prevent its lateral movement during completion of the cut. The clamping member is fixed relative to the spindle during the principal part of the cut, but is released for limited movement relative to the spindle when holding the workpiece.