Abstract: The machine tool comprises two headstocks (16,17), arranged on a support (10), which are movable independently of each other along their height and their longitudinal direction. A respective one (17) of the headstocks is active in the treatment of a workpiece attached on a workpiece carrier (20), while the other headstock (16) can be moved behind a tool magazine (24) for receiving a tool therefrom. While the one headstock is still working on the workpiece, the other headstock with the next tool can already be accelerated to the required working rotational speed and be advanced to the tool. Thus, the time required for exchange of tools is extremely shortened.

Abstract: When a spindle unit 1 rises to a tool change position P1 of a printed-circuit board drilling apparatus, a pair of cam followers 27, which have been spaced downward from a pair of operating pins 38, are brought into engagement with conical portions 39 of the operating pins 38 and caused to move toward each other. As a result, a pair of opening/closing arms 24 that are provided under a pressure foot 20 and that serve as suppressing members for preventing floating of the printed-circuit board are moved away from their suppressing positions A in which the opening/closing arms 24 are kept closed by the force of a spring 28, to their retracted positions B. Consequently, forward end portions of the opening/closing arms 24 are positioned outside a tool passage zone S through which a tool post passes when a tool is changed.

Abstract: The drilling unit comprises a cross-piece secured to the base and two carriages supporting said two operating heads and sliding on said cross-piece. The two carriages are each displaced independently of one another along the axis by means of two nut and screw pairs, each of which is associated with one of the carriages. The screw of each nut and screw pairs is actuated by a corresponding reversible electric motor mounted on the cross-piece, whereas the nut is mounted on the corresponding carriage displaced outwards with respect to the head so as to allow the heads to move individually into a common machining zone on the table.

Abstract: An end effector storage station that stores end effectors in a horizontal and cantilevered position, each end effector being stored in a known location in space relative to a robotic manufacturing tool. The storage station comprises a plurality of storage cells, wherein an end effector holder is installed within each of the said storage cells. The storage station further including and end effector transport cell that includes an end effector transport cart and transport cart lift to accurately position the transport cart and attached end effector holder to a known and predetermined location in space.

Abstract: For the change of tools of machine tool operating units, a device is provided which comprises a tool-holder support or carriage (144,204) on which there are mounted at least two tool-holder spindles (48,148) with a corresponding tool (50,150), and the axis of at least one of these at least two tool-holder spindles is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the spindle (10,110) of the operating unit. Means controlled by the spindle (10,110) of the operating unit pivot this support or carriage (44,204) and the corresponding at least one tool-holder spindle (48,148) by this predetermined angle, in order to position the required tool-holder in axial alignment with this spindle (10,110).

Abstract: An improved suction nozzle automatic changing apparatus for a surface mounting apparatus which is capable of simplifying the construction of the system and enhancing the reliability thereof.

Abstract: In a tool changer system 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 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 drill bit loader for loading a tapered shank of a drill bit into a similarly tapered recess in the end of a drill spindle. The spindle has a transverse slot at the inner end of the recess. The end of the tapered shank of the drill bit has a transverse tang adapted to engage in the slot so that the drill bit will be rotated by the spindle. The loader is in the form of a cylinder adapted to receive the drill bit with the shank projecting out of the outer end of the cylinder. Retainer pins prevent rotation of the drill bit in the cylinder. The spindle is lowered to extend the shank of the drill bit into the recess in the spindle and the spindle is rotated to align the slot in the spindle with the tang on the shank. A spring unit in the cylinder is compressed by the drill bit during its entry into the recess of the spindle and resiliently drives the tang into the slot in the spindle when the tang and slot are aligned.

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 printed circuit board working machine includes a working table on which a printed circuit board substrate is positioned and fixed, a spindle which is disposed above the working table to be movable horizontally and vertically and to which a predetermined cutting tool is detachably mounted, a controlling unit for controlling the movement of the spindle in accordance with a predetermined cutting data and a data processing unit operatively connected to the controlling unit.

Abstract: A PCB working machine includes a work table for holding a PCB substrate in place with a suction force; a spindle carrying a cutting tool; a controller for moving the spindle in accordance with a predetermined pattern; a collet chuck provided at a distal end of the spindle for clamping the cutting tool; a floating head encircling said collet chuck at a distant position and having an end plate in which a plurality of air blowing holes are provided; and an adjuster for adjusting the positional relationship between the floating head and the cutting tool.

Abstract: A method for performing a tool change in a machine tool for machining workpieces, which is provided with a table for clamping workpieces, disposed on a machine frame, with a support on which one vertical or horizontal main spindle is disposed, and with a tool magazine, wherein the tool change is performed at a first peripheral location of the tool magazine which faces the main spindle which is movable in relation to the tool magazine.

Abstract: A robotic manufacturing unit with automatic tool changer, including a stand defining a working space and accommodating a working surface, an output member adapted to controllably move in three-dimensional space supported above the stand, a tool-holding and changing member attached to the output member and adapted to clampingly retain shanks of carriers of tools, a tool tray adapted to accommodate a plurality of tools mounted on tool carriers and, in coordination with the tool holding and changing member, to move from a position of rest, in which the tray is located outside of the working space, to a position of tool pickup and return, in which the tray is substantially located within the working space. The tool-holding and changing member and the shanks fit into one another and have non-circular cross-sections uniquely and reproducibly defining, when the shanks are clampingly retained, the relative angular positions of the tool-holding and changing member and the shanks.

Abstract: A holder changer includes a robot fixed to front or rear faces of a press, and an oblique elevator which obliquely moves a plurality of holders to a work moving level from a lower level in a direction crossing a work moving direction. A fixing portion at an end of the robot is adapted to removably hold and transport the holders for changing the holders.

Abstract: An apparatus for operatively coupling a rotatably driven machine tool accessory, such as a right angle milling head, to a machine tool having a rotary output shaft, such as a horizontal boring machine. The apparatus includes a first collar that is mounted to the horizontal boring machine in a position that is adjacent to the rotary output shaft thereof. A second collar is mounted to the machine tool accessory and is adapted to mate with the first collar. Cylinder actuated ball locking devices are provided in the second collar and are adapted to be received in corresponding receptacles in the first collar. The cylinders are adapted to cause the ball locking devices to engage the receptacles in the first collar to thereby secure the first collar to the second collar. To disengage the second collar from the first collar, the cylinders are retracted to permit the ball lock devices to disengage the receptacles in the first collar.

Abstract: A machine tool has a work table movable in a first direction on a frame. Operating units such as drills fitted with rotating tools are mounted on the frame in a manner movable in a direction perpendicular to the said first direction. Means are provided to ensure individual mobility of the operating units namely individual motors incorporated within their casings. The invention is useful in the machining of printed circuits especially by drilling and shaping.