Abstract: There is provided a machine tool including a machine frame, at least one tool spindle which is arranged on the machine frame and is displaceable relative thereto, a workpiece holder and a storage device for tools which is arranged on the machine frame, wherein at least one rotatable disk-type storage unit for tools is arranged on the machine frame and communicates with the storage device and with the at least one tool spindle, wherein a separate disk-type storage unit is associated with each tool spindle and wherein the storage device includes a circulating conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing rolls, in particular, working rolls (7, 8) and/or intermediate rolls in a roll stand, such as a roughing down stand or finishing stand for rolling thick sheet iron. Said rolls comprise back up roller sets (5, 6) and working roller sets (7, 8). One individual locomotive mechanism (9) is used for changing the working rolls (7, 8) and/or for changing the back up rolls (5, 6) and/or for inserting or withdrawing a roll changing seat (11) by supporting the rolls on each other and subsequently withdrawing in the axial direction of the rolls on the operational side of the roll stand, from a roll hall (1) in a roll workshop (2) and back and for installing novel roll sets. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: An automatic tool storing mechanism which has a plurality of magazines, a transporting device, and a tool exchanging part. Each magazine holds a number of pots each provided with tools. The transporting device transports tool-mounted pots one by one between the position close to the magazine and the waiting position close to the main spindle. The tool exchanging arm takes out an unused tool from the pot which is waiting at the waiting position and attaches it to the main spindle and also removes the used tool from the main spindle and places it in the pot. (FIG.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to column module, more particularly it is relating to a multi-axis column module. The multi axis column module comprising a support structure of predetermined shape; at least one Automatic Tool Changer [ATC] consisting a tool magazine ensconcing plurality of tools mounted onto the support structure, a drive unit with a spindle connected to said tool magazine, a gripper arm connected to the spindle of the drive unit; and at least one RAM housing having at least one spindle at center and is mounted over the support structure. The disclosure also provides for a method of swapping tools in the multi axis column module and method of assembling the multi axis column module.

Abstract: A multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool is provided with a plurality of multi spindle heads movably mounted on an annular rail. When a workpiece is machined by driving a rotary tool by a machining unit, multi spindle heads of the plurality of multi spindle heads being out of use can be separated from the machining unit. Further, a connecting device is provided with an inner slider, ball bearings fitted to an outer periphery of the inner slider, an outer slider, and a coil spring to press the outer slider toward a stopper member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine comprising a mechanical guide element (2a, 2b) for guiding the displacement of a first (3a, 3b) and a second device (4a, 4b). The machine comprises a first drive device (5a, 5b, 10a) for displacing the first device (3a, 3b) along the guide element (2a, 2b), and a second drive device (6a, 6b, 10b) for displacing the second device (4a, 4b) along the same guide element (2a, 2b) as the first device (3a, 3b). The mechanical construction of a machine is simplified due to said invention.

Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.

Abstract: A method of replacing a cutting tool in a tool magazine in a machine center includes providing a mounting frame having a pair of guide rails and a tool changing jig, pushing the tool changing jig toward the tool magazine until the tool changing jig contacts a rear positive stop, pivoting the clamp arms to an open position, cranking the lifting assembly upward until a V-shaped block assembly contacts the cutting tool, pivoting the clamp arms to a closed position, dislodging the cutting tool from the tool magazine, pulling the tool changing jig away from the tool magazine until the tool changing jig contacts a front positive stop on the mounting frame, replacing the cutting tool in the tool changing jig, and pushing the tool changing jig toward the tool magazine until the cutting tool is inserted and locked into the tool magazine.

Abstract: A cutting tool changing device to remove and reinstall a cutting tool in a tool magazine in a machine center is provided. The cutting tool changing device includes a mounting frame and a tool changing jig that slides in a horizontal forward and backward direction along the mounting frame. The tool changing jig includes a support platform mounted to the mounting frame, a lifting assembly mounted to the support platform, a lifting platform mounted to the lifting assembly, and a tool clamping assembly mounted to the lifting platform. The lifting assembly moves the tool clamping assembly in a vertical direction to remove and replace the cutting tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for changing and inserting or placing tools on a machine tool, comprising a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools and a handling device for taking the tools out of the tool magazine, wherein according to the invention the tool magazine is formed such that the tools are stored on top of each other on different levels inside the tool magazine, the levels overlapping each other such that compartments for receiving the tools are formed which are each arranged on the levels along a circular arc or a circular arc segment, and the handling device being adapted to take the tools out of the compartments radially inwardly and/or radially outwardly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tool magazine of such system and a machine tool in combination with such system.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.

Abstract: A tool magazine of an automatic tool changer applicable to a machine tool, comprises a magazine body and a plurality of tool holders each being slidably attached to the magazine body and holding a tool head. The tool magazine is characterized by that the tool magazine includes a tool-delivering mechanism for delivering the tool holder that holds the tool to a predetermined position away from the magazine body and disengaging the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: A tool magazine exhibits a storage wheel, on the circumference of which there are attached, in the direction of its rotational axis protruding in both directions, tool receivers designed to receive tools. To transport the tools to a tool changer arranged on one side of the storage wheel there is provided a tool handover device, which is movable by means of a 4-position drive. To also enable the tools arranged to face away from the tool changer to be transported, the storage wheel exhibits passage opening that is open towards its circumference.

Abstract: An automatic tool changing device (30) has a tool storage device (31) with a plurality of tools stored therein, a tool chucking unit (41) and a tool unchucking unit (51) both capable of advancing/retreating between the tool storage device (31) and a tool changing position (P2), and a tool delivery mechanism (61). The tool chucking unit (41) is provided with a tool fastening mechanism (42) for fastening the tool chucking mechanism (24), and the tool unchucking unit (51) is provided with a tool loosening mechanism (52) for loosening the tool chucking mechanism (24). The tool delivery mechanism (61) delivers the tool positioned at a tool delivery position from the tool storage device into the tool fastening mechanism of the tool chucking unit so that the tool is held by the tool fastening mechanism, and delivers the tool retrieved by the tool unchucking unit from the tool unchucking unit to the tool storage device so that the tool is stored by the tool storage device.

Abstract: A tool shelf magazine for milling and drilling machines has at least one shelf, a plurality of compartments provided in the shelf above each other at predetermined intervals and also a plurality of notches, which are open on one side accommodating one suspended tool. A handling device is vertically and horizontally shiftable by means of a motor located adjacent to the shelf. At least one gripper arrangement is provided for extracting predetermined tools from the shelf and for transferring them to a tool changer. At least one shelf has compartments with notches serving as tool accommodations on the front and back side. The notches on the front side are located in the access range of the handling device and the notches on the back side are accessible for retooling. The shelf is formed so as to be rotatable about an axis for a change of sides.

Abstract: A tool magazine exhibits a storage wheel, on the circumference of which there are attached, in the direction of its rotational axis protruding in both directions, tool receivers designed to receive tools. To transport the tools to a tool changer arranged on one side of the storage wheel there is provided a tool handover device, which is movable by means of a 4-position drive. To also enable the tools arranged to face away from the tool changer to be transported, the storage wheel exhibits passage opening that is open towards its circumference.

Abstract: A tool changing device for a tool machine having a tool spindle which can be moved at least in the spindle direction and with which a tool can be engaged in a spindle hand-over position. A tool magazine/storage area houses a tool to be changed in a magazine ready position with an orientation diverging from the spindle direction. A transport device is fitted with a tool holder which, by means of an operating device provided with a driving guide/guide path, swivels the tool about a swiveling axis during its transport from the ready position in the tool magazine and an orientation parallel to the spindle direction. The transport device is designed for an entire transport path between the magazine ready position and a spindle hand-over position. The transport device is aligned with the rotation axis of the stored tool. The swiveling axis runs perpendicularly to the transport direction and the spindle axis.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a tool into/from the tool magazine of a machine-tool or the like comprises a door, which separates the area of the tool magazine from an external protected area, and a tool-bearing slide, which can be displaced between a backed-off position outside the door and an advanced position inside the door and close to the tool magazine. The slide is connected to the door by a mechanical transmission in such a way that a movement of advance of the slide causes a simultaneous movement of opening of the door, and a movement of backing off of the slide causes a simultaneous movement of closing of the door.

Abstract: A tool handling device for a machine tool has a plurality of tool holders, which are arranged stationarily in one plane. A boom is able to be pivoted around a pivot axis normal to such plane and bears a tool gripper arrangement able to be moved in a radial direction normal to the pivot axis. Tools may be moved by it between a transfer station and the tool holders. This tool handling device is suitable both for use as a tool magazine and also as a magazine extension module for a machine tool to permit high speed tool changing with simple movements.

Abstract: An hydrostatic tool system including a tool assembly having a hydrostatic tool holder for holding a rotating tool, for example a machine or cutting tool. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a tool storage system, a tool transport system and a tool drive system. The hydrostatic tool system may also include an hydraulic coupler for hydraulically connecting the hydrostatic tool holder to a pressurizing or depressurizing source. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a system controller.

Abstract: A tool exchanging apparatus for a processing center, provided with at least one tool spindle (2), in which a tool (1) can be clamped and which can be moved in the direction of the spindle axis and at least also in a direction vertical to this direction, equipped with a tool magazine (3) and with two tool holding devices (4a) on a transporting device (4) with which the tool holding device (4a) can be moved to a tool exchanging position located in the movement region of the tool spindle (2), wherein one used tool (1) can be deposited from the tool spindle (2) and a new tool can be removed from the tool spindle (2). Each of the tool holding devices (4a), which are provided at least in pairs, is allocated to its own transporting device (4) so that the transporting devices can be moved back and forth independently of each other between the tool exchanging position and a tool receptacle (3a) of the tool magazine (3). The tool receptacles (3a) of the tool magazine (3) are movable in a circulating manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus for automatically doffing or changing out the cutting roll of a chopper. The apparatus comprises a storage station and a mechanical arm. The storage station is provided for storing a plurality of cutting rolls. The mechanical arm is adapted to support a chopper and is displaceable between an operating position and a storage and retrieval position. In the operating position, the chopper is operable to produce chopped materials. In the storage and retrieval position, an operable cutting roll is stored to the storage station and a stored cutting roll is retrieved from the storage station.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a machine tool with a spindle for holding a tool disposed within the machining center frame. The tool changer comprises a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools, and an arm structured and arranged to be movable between the plurality of locations and a position which is capable of accessing a spindle of the machining center. Each tool holding location farther comprises a fork, which has a plurality of prongs. The movable arm has two grippers and one of the two grippers is disposed at an angle of about 90° relative to the other of the two grippers. The movable arm also is associated with rotational, vertical, and horizontal movement mechanisms. The rotational mechanism includes a motor, a pulley associated with the motor, a belt attached to the motor and the pulley, and a gear wheel attached to the belt with a limit switch for sensing one of the locations on the gear wheel.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a tool into/from the tool magazine of a machine-tool or the like comprises a door, which separates the area of the tool magazine from an external protected area, and a tool-bearing slide, which can be displaced between a backed-off position outside the door and an advanced position inside the door and close to the tool magazine. The slide is connected to the door by a mechanical transmission in such a way that a movement of advance of the slide causes a simultaneous movement of opening of the door, and a movement of backing off of the slide causes a simultaneous movement of closing of the door.

Abstract: A tool storage and tool exchange device of a high speed machining machine-tool having a horizontal ram that receives a tool. The exchange device includes a tool storage module that has a multiplicity of housings receiving the tools, a handling module that loads or unloads at least one tool from a housing and transports the tool from the housing toward an exchange zone with a transfer module, and a transfer module that transports a tool present in the ram from an exchange zone with the ram toward the exchange zone with the handling nodule and vice-versa. The multiple modules allow simultaneous execution of different operations by a tool storage and tool exchange device.

Abstract: A guide rail (12) is laid on a frame (4) of a horizontal machining center provided with a tool magazine (5) to guide a tool changer (11) for movement between a tool transfer station near the tool magazine (5) and a tool changing station at a lower part of the frame (4). The guide rail (12) has a horizontal section (12a), a vertical section (12b) and a curved section (12c). The direction of the tool changer (11) is changed while the tool changer (11) is traveling along the curved section (12c). The tool changer (11) carries a spare tool (T) in a horizontal position along the horizontal section (12a) of the guide rail (12) and in a vertical position along the vertical section (12b) of the guide rail (12). The tool changer (11) has a carriage (16) and a tool holding device (17) supported on the carriage (16) so as to be movable in directions perpendicular to the guide rail (12).

Abstract: An hydrostatic tool system including a tool assembly having a hydrostatic tool holder for holding a rotating tool, for example a machine or cutting tool. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a tool storage system, a tool transport system and a tool drive system. The hydrostatic tool system may also include an hydraulic coupler for hydraulically connecting the hydrostatic tool holder to a pressurizing or depressurizing source. The hydrostatic tool system may also include a system controller.

Abstract: The tools of the various machining heads are housed on a common drum, which is remote from the heads and rotated to select a given row of tools. At each head, there is provided and intermediate station having a container housing a row of tools; and a shuttle provides for sequentially transferring the tools between the drum and the intermediate stations. Each container is rotated 90° between a position cooperating with the shuttle and a position cooperating with a device for exchanging the tools between the head and the container. The container is also movable with respect to the device to select the location of the tool to be changed.

Abstract: A tool changer for machine tools is capable of transferring a tool transfer pot with a stroke smaller than the transfer distance of the tool transfer pot. The tool changer for a combined machining lathe includes a tool magazine having a multiplicity of tools and serving for transferring and indexing a next-process tool to a specified tool takeout position. A tool transfer mechanism transfers the next-process tool positioned in the tool takeout position or the tool delivery position to a tool changing position. A tool changing mechanism changes a process-completed tool loaded on a tool post body with the next-process tool positioned in the tool changing position. The tool transfer mechanism comprises a transfer arm pivotally disposed between the tool delivery position and the tool changing position. A tool transfer pot is coupled to a front-end portion of the transfer arm and serves to support the next-process tool.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with a device detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one device for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding device and the spindle; and a device for angularly displacing the tool holding device between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with means for detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one means for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding means and the spindle; and means for angularly displacing the tool holding means between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A tool transfer device for machine tools that can reduce the tool transfer time and also reduce the cost of the device by eliminating the need for a driving source. The tool transfer device for machine tools has a tool magazine set beside a spindle on which a tool is mounted. The tool magazine serves for accommodating and holding therein a multiplicity of tools so that the tools are directed perpendicular to an axis of the spindle. A transfer pot is set on a spindle side of the tool magazine and is driven and moved by a horizontal moving unit and a vertical moving unit. This allows a next-process tool accommodated in the tool magazine to be taken out and transferred horizontally to a stroke end position by the transfer pot, and the next-process tool is then tilted at the stroke end position to a tool changing position in which the next-process tool is parallel to the axis of the spindle.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with means for detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one means for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding means and the spindle; and means for angularly displacing the tool holding means between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: The tools of the various machining heads are housed on a common drum, which is remote from the heads and rotated to select a given row of tools. At each head, there is provided an intermediate station having a container housing a row of tools; and a shuttle provides for sequentially transferring the tools between the drum and the intermediate stations. Each container is rotated 90.degree. between a position cooperating with the shuttle and a position cooperating with a device for exchanging the tools between the head and the container. The container is also movable with respect to the device to select the location of the tool to be changed.

Abstract: The machine has a device for exchanging tools between a tool store and the spindle of a machining head carried by a carriage movable along the X axis; the store has a number of locations for the tools arranged in a matrix of rows and columns; a worktable is movable along the Y axis; and the tool-change device and the store are movable with respect to each other to select the required tool. For which purpose, activatable means are provided to enable the carriage to command the relative movement of the device and the store. A support, movable parallel to the X axis, is engaged by an element carried by the carriage to enable the support to be moved in a given direction in opposition to the action of return springs for restoring the support to a rest position.

Abstract: An automated machine tool is provided and includes a frame having a first workpiece transfer station at a first location on the frame; at least two self-contained processing units, each of the units including structure for holding the workpiece for processing and structure for performing a process on the workpiece; structure for sequentially indexing the processing units to the first workpiece transfer station for transferring workpieces to and from each of the processing units; a shared tool storing device; a first cutting tool transfer device for transferring cutting tools to and from the processing units; and a second cutting tool transfer device for transferring cutting tools between the first transfer device and the storing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable electric drill having a rotatable magazine containing multiple tool bits from which a single bit may be selected for use. The magazine is in the form of an approximate 120-degree segment of a cylinder with a plurality of open grooves for holding the various bits. The drill includes a Jacobs-type chuck assembly with a bore into which the selected bit is inserted for use. The magazine may be rotated to position any one of the magazine grooves into axial alignment with the bore of the chuck, so that the user may index the magazine to position a selected bit for expulsion from a particular magazine groove into the chuck. The chuck may then be tightened around the selected bit and the electric motor actuated to drive the bit. A cable assembly within the drill housing is operable with an exterior button to be movable between a stored position and a forward position to push a selected bit from a groove on the magazine into the chuck assembly.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool includes an arm support disposed between a spindle head and a tool magazine to be reciprocally moved along the spindle relative to the spindle, a pair of tool changing arms mounted for rocking motion on support shafts further mounted on the arm support to cross the spindle, respectively, holding mechanisms on one ends of the tool changing arms respectively, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the tool changing arms by 180 degrees about a center shaft parallel with the spindle. Each holding mechanism has a moving pin and a spring for urging the moving pin in a direction of projection of the pin. The moving pins are engaged with a tool attached to the spindle and another tool located at a standby position of the tool magazine when the tool changing arms are rocked about the support shafts so that the tools are detachably held by the holding mechanisms respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable electric drill having a rotatable magazine containing multiple tool bits from which a single bit may be selected for use. The magazine is in the form of an approximate 120-degree segment of a cylinder with a plurality of open grooves for holding the various bits. The drill includes a Jacobs-type chuck assembly with a bore into which the selected bit is inserted for use. The magazine may be rotated to position any one of the magazine grooves into axial alignment with the bore of the chuck, so that the user may index the magazine to position a selected bit for expulsion from a particular magazine groove into the chuck. The chuck may then be tightened around the selected bit and the electric motor actuated to drive the bit. A cable assembly within the drill housing is operable with an exterior button to be movable between a stored position and a forward position to push a selected bit from a groove on the magazine into the chuck assembly.

Abstract: This invention makes it possible to freely exchange an attachment 20, to which is connected a flexible cable 21 used as an energy supply line and a signal line, on an end surface of a ram 13 of a spindle head of a machine tool having a plurality of control axes. Support means 26a, 26b, and 28 supports the cable in such a manner that this cable 21 can follow the motions of the spindle head. A conveyor means conveys the attachment between an attachment/detachment position at the end surface of the ram 13 and a position at which the attachment 20 is stored, with the cable 21 still connected thereto. The automatic attachment exchange apparatus of this invention automatically exchanges attachments while cables, such as energy supply cords and signal lines, are still connected to the attachments, thus resolving the inconvenience of connecting and disconnecting cables.

Abstract: An automatic tool exchanging apparatus carries tools between a magazine pot allocated to an exchanging position and a leading end of a spindle of a machine tool spinning a tool about a vertical axis through the turning and displacement movements of an exchanging arm. A single drive motor is used to drive the tool exchanging arm for rotation and displacement and a tool magazine for rotation. The drive system is thus simplified, thereby reducing the substantial production cost and the space to be occupied.

Abstract: A tool conveyer for use with a machine tool includes: a rotatable first link (15); a first fluid pressure cylinder (17) for driving the first link: a second link (20) rotatably connected at its intermediate portion to an free end of the first link; a tool holder (11) connected to a first end of the second link; a first guide (23) for rectilinearly guiding the tool holder in a tool conveying direction; and a second guide (24) for a second end of the second link in a direction perpendicular to the first guide. When the second link is rotated by the first fluid pressure cylinder via the first link, the tool holder is rectilinearly transferred between a tool magazine and an automatic tool changer. The tool conveyer further includes first, second, and third gears (26, 27, 28); a second fluid pressure cylinder (29) for driving the first gear; and a catch (11a) provided on the tool holder for booking a pot (4) and a tool (3).

Abstract: A tool changer system is disclosed comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.

Abstract: A multispindle-head machine tool has a column, a plurality of multispindle heads each having a plurality of tools and an engaging member and an annular feed passageway supporting the multispindle heads for circulatory movement therealong. The annular feed passageway includes a pair of upper and lower fixed guide members supported on the column, and a movable guide member movable back and forth horizontally for interconnecting ends of the upper and lower fixed guide members near a machining position. A rotary actuator is provided together with a feed mechanism disposed around the annular feed passageway and movable to circulate along the annular feed passageway by the rotary actuator for moving the multispindle heads along the annular feed passageway. An actuator unit is mounted on the column in association with the movable guide member for positioning one of the multispindle heads which is held on the movable guide member in the machining position, and rotating the tools of one of the multispindle heads.

Abstract: A machine tool which comprises a headstock (111) and at least one tool changer (120). The tool changer (120) shifts the production tools (116) between a magazine position and a working position, a drive unit (123) being provided for it in the form of at least one fluid power drive cylinder (1), wherein a piston is arranged for axial motion and for whose terminal fluid damping a damping device is provided. The drive cylinder (1) provided with a setting device, by means of which the terminal position damping may be switched over between at least two preset values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable electric power drill having a rotatable cylindrical magazine within the drill housing for storing a tool bit element in each of its plural bores, the magazine being rotatable to bring a selected magazine bore in alignment with the central bore of a chuck assembly at the front of the drill. A flexible cable is slidable by hand between forward and rearward positions to eject a tool bit element from the magazine to the chuck and to return a tool bit from the chuck to the magazine, and the drill includes mechanism to allow the chuck to be tightened and loosened without the use of a chuck key, or without having to otherwise manually grasp the chuck or associated rotatable parts.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved automatic tool changer for use in a machining apparatus. The automatic tool changer is designed to cooperate with adapters each carrying a tool to be changed. The automatic tool changer comprises a bifurcated carrier plate and structure to traverse the carrier plate between a tool storage and the spindle of the machining apparatus. The upper tool-feeding arm of the carrier plate has two support rods extending therefrom and structure to detachably hold an adapter on the vertical support rods, and the lower tool-withdrawing arm of the carrier plate has two vertical support rods extending therefrom.

Abstract: The tool storage apparatus according to the present invention includes holder units consisted by a strut and a multiplicity of holders adapted to hold tools. Holders are arranged in two rows and in each row, the holders are arranged one above another and in the adjacent rows the openings for receiving tools are opened in the opposite direction relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for selectively and simultaneously drilling a plurality of holes in thin panels such as printed circuit boards, while providing for automatic changing of the drill bits, individually or plurally, as required. A tray of drill bits is driveable in X and a row of vacuum pickers are driveable in Y, so that the various bit locations of the tray are addressable by such X-Y positioning, and selectable vacuum pickers are extensible and retractable so as to pick and place the drill bits at various matrix locations of the tray. The vacuum pickers also are extensible and retractable through corresponding tray openings in order to deliver replacement bits to, and retrieve used bits from, a flipper assembly associated with each drilling module.