Abstract: An arrangement for processing workpieces includes at least one processing machine, a machine magazine assigned to a respective processing machine for accommodating processing tools, and a robot arranged on a driverless base frame. Processing tools may be supplied to and/or removed again from the machine magazine using the driverless base frame. The driverless base frame is additionally provided with a temporary magazine for accommodating processing tools.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sheet metal press system and a method used in connection therewith. The sheet metal press system comprises at least one sheet metal press having an opening through which a tool, which comprises an upper die, a lower die and a tool changer interface, can pass during a tool change performed by means of a tool changer device. The tool changer device comprises at least one automated guided vehicle, running on a shop floor and capable of lifting and lowering a tool by interaction with the tool changer interface of said tool, wherein a guide path for said at least one automated guided vehicle runs from outside and into said at least one sheet metal press through said opening. The method comprises alternating use of a first and a second automated guided vehicle during a tool changing operation.

Abstract: A sheet material bending system includes a tool changing apparatus that changes tools between a press brake and a tool stocker. The tool stocker is arranged behind the press brake. To change tools from the front and rear of the tool stocker, the front and rear of the tool stocker are opened. The tool changing apparatus has a pivot that is movable in front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions and is rotatable around an axis extending in the up-down direction. A front end of the pivot is provided with tool holding units to hold tools.

Abstract: A silent knife-grabbing apparatus includes a stationary disc, a rotary bar, and two locking units each including a latch, a lever unit, and two pushers. The latch is movable between a releasing position to place a first end thereof substantially out of a space of a clasp of the rotary bar and a locking position to place the first end in the space. The lever unit is movable between a folded position to place the latch in the releasing position and an extended position to place the latch in the locking position. A first end of the first pusher normally contacts the stationary disc so that a second end of the first pusher places the lever unit in the folded position. An end of the second pusher places the lever unit in the extended position when the upper end of the first pusher enters a recess of the stationary disc.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a sliding member, a main shaft, a tool holding assembly, a locking assembly, and a locking assembly. The sliding member is slidably couplable to a moving member. The main shaft is rotatably coupled with the sliding member. The tool holding assembly includes a connecting member detachably connectable to the main shaft and configured for holding one of a plurality of tool heads, the connecting member defining two clamping grooves. The locking assembly is positioned on the sliding member having a driving member attached to the sliding member, and a pair of claws attached to the driving member. The disclosure also supplies a machine tool using the feeding device, and a method for manching using the machine tool.

Abstract: An embodiment of a circular, annular tool magazine shelf of a tower construction, comprises a base frame adapted for receiving a tool shelf which has a plurality of immovable tool deposit plates, arranged in vertical succession and in a circular ring, adapted for machining one or more tools, and a power-driven tool handling system adapted for transporting tools between the tool magazine shelf and a machine-side pick-up tool magazine store. The magazine shelf also comprises a spindle tower which is mounted rotatably about a vertical rotation shaft being arranged in a circle centre-point of one or more tool deposit plates, wherein the base frame includes a monolithically constructed, plate-shaped foundation in which the rotation shaft is mounted overhanging freely by way of a mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A container treatment system (1, 13) that has at least two working areas (AP). Each of the working areas (AP) respectively comprises at least one exchangeable working tool (2) and/or one adaptable format part. Furthermore, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprises at least one handling device (10) which is movable, in particular drivable, to the at least two working areas (AP), which handling device (10) can be connected selectively to any of the respective working areas (AP), in particular using centering means (22, 32), and which handling device (10) comprises tools for exchanging the working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of the respective working area (AP). The invention further relates to a handling (10) device for exchanging working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of at least two different working areas (AP) of a container treatment system (1, 13).

Abstract: A system is provided for changing and inserting tools into or presenting tools at a machine tool. The system includes at least n rotatable tool magazines for receiving a plurality of tools, where n?2, which are arranged in tandem in the direction of a rotational axis. At least one of the n tool magazines can be driven independently of the other tool magazines to perform a rotational movement about the rotational axis. The system further includes a manipulator for removing the tools from the magazine. The tools are held in tool mounts along the circumference of the n tool magazines such that the longitudinal axes of the tools in each case of one of the n tool magazines are located in one plane and project from the circumference of the tool magazine, and the tools can be moved along the circumference of the respective tool magazine.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and tool changing system for changing tools on a machine. The tool changing system includes a tool magazine, a tool transporter, and an automatic tool changer (ATC). The ATC includes a tool holder and a tool changer. The tool magazine is configured to store at least one tool received at the tool loading station. The tool transporter is configured to transport a tool from the tool loading station or the tool magazine to a tool transfer position of the ATC, and to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during an automatic tool change process. The tool holder is configured to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during the automatic tool change process when the tool transporter is not positioned at the tool transfer position. The tool changer is configured to provide the tool at the tool transfer position to a tool change position of a machine during the automatic tool change process.

Abstract: A vertical machining centre in gantry construction may comprise a machine frame having two side walls configured to receive a tool-carrying assembly and a workpiece-carrying assembly, a moveable pickup tool magazine store within the two side walls of the machine frame configured for a tool change by the pickup method, and a machine enclosure which completely encloses the machining centre. Below the moveable pickup tool magazine store there may be a free space in which there is additionally at least one further spare magazine, equivalent in construction to the pickup tool magazine store. A force-driven reloading handling system, with which machining tools can be reloaded from the spare magazine into the pickup tool magazine store and vice versa, may be provided within the machine enclosure at an access opening of the machine frame.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a chain-type bit-storing apparatus which includes a frame, two sprockets, a chain and a pivoting unit. The frame includes a cutout. The sprockets are placed in the frame. The chain is driven by the sprockets. The chain includes links each including a socket for containing a bit, two plates for supporting the socket, first and second blocks placed between the plates, first and second bearing units for rotationally supporting the first and second blocks on the plates, and a connecting unit for pivotally connecting the first block thereof to the second block of an adjacent link. The pivoting unit is used to pivot the socket of a selected one of the links to move an open end of the socket out of the frame through the cutout.

Abstract: An automatic collimator changer of a radiation treatment system.

Abstract: A method for processing workpieces with a laser processing machine including a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member configured to receive a laser nozzle. The method includes holding a workpiece on a workpiece support plane of a workpiece support, transferring a laser nozzle between a nozzle magazine of a nozzle changing device located at a first side of the workpiece support and a nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head located at a second side of the workpiece support such that the laser nozzle is assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member, and moving the laser nozzle through a through-opening defined in the workpiece support along a transverse direction to the workpiece support.

Abstract: Piece of equipment for exchanging components in horizontal lathes and a handler, referring to a piece of equipment equipped with one single static storage unit and a piece of automated handling equipment or a robot, which has manipulation means with various retention devices built in, in order to fasten the various components, such as tools, headpieces and accessories, to be moved, exchanged or positioned between two positions, preferably between the storage unit and the main machining spindle or axle of the horizontal lathe, although they may also be moved between the storage unit and a loading point or between the storage unit and an intermediate storage unit.

Abstract: A tool magazine device includes a magazine body adapted to be disposed on a machine body of a machine tool to confront a working space, a plurality of insertion openings formed in a right side wall of the magazine body and each extending towards a left side wall of the magazine body to form a storage chamber, a plurality of gripping members fitted in the insertion openings for grippingly engage cutting tools, an inlet disposed in the magazine body for introducing therein a flow of pressurized air, and an air duct unit disposed on the left side wall and coupled to communicate the inlet with the storage chambers so as to permit the pressurized air to flow out of the insertion openings to thereby clean swarf from the cutting tools.

Abstract: A method for changing a gear cutting tool with a double-sided bearing between a tool magazine and a machining head by way of a tool changer maintains a vertical alignment of the gear cutting tool along the vertical Z-axis. The method includes exchanging the gear cutting tool between the tool changer and the tool magazine or the machining head, moving the tool changer and the gear cutting tool between the machining head and the tool magazine or between the tool magazine and the machining head, and exchanging the gear cutting tool between the tool changer and the other of the tool magazine and the machining head while maintaining a vertical alignment of the tool throughout each exchanging and moving act or operation. A tool changer for carrying out the method mentioned is also described.

Abstract: A media cutting system is disclosed comprising a die cutter including a cutting surface and a plurality of dies stored proximate the cutting surface, a die exchange system including a die storage system configured to support the plurality of dies and a die transport system, and a computer system comprising a controller configured to operate the die transport system and the die cutter. A die exchange system and methods of making and using the die exchange system also are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical device is used to change a laser nozzle of a nozzle mount of a laser processing machine. The mechanical device includes a nozzle magazine with at least one nozzle holder for storing a laser nozzle at a nozzle storage location, and a dirt collector. The nozzle holder is movable by means of a positioning device provided for that purpose or alternatively the dirt collector is movable by means of a positioning device provided for that purpose into a stand-by position defined on the mechanical device. The nozzle holder and the dirt collector can also be transferred to a position remote from the stand-by position with the respective positioning device.

Abstract: A drill bit container to feed a drill with drill bits may include the bit container being formed to access a drill body of the drill, and a continuous belt to mount a plurality of drill bits. The continuous belt may rotate to individually feed a preselected drill bit to the drill. The bit container may be translucent. The bit container may be transparent. The bit container may include a locking button. The drill may include a sliding lever to feed the drillbit to a chuck of the drill. The drillbit may be transversely mounted on the continuous belt.

Abstract: A tool change magazine for a motor-driven machine tool, in particular a handheld machine tool with a tool which is to be driven in rotation, has an annular or drum-shaped housing. The housing is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The tool change magazine also includes tool chambers arranged within the housing and each configured to slidably receive a tool. The housing includes regions formed from a transparent material. The tool chambers are arranged in the housing at the regions formed from the transparent material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool carrier for an automatic tool changer. A tool carrier for an automatic tool changer according to the present disclosure includes: a base plate at which a center shaft is installed; a carrier unit installed at the center shaft to turn around the center shaft; a rotating pocket unit installed at the carrier unit to rotate and having a pin installed to protrude outward; a first cam block installed at the base plate and configured to perform a cam action with the pin to allow the pocket unit to rotate when the carrier unit turns from an initial position to the target position; and a second cam block installed at the base plate and configured to perform a cam action with the pin to allow the pocket unit to rotate when the carrier unit turns from the target position to the initial position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool magazine (1) for a manipulator (4) comprising a plurality of tool holding fixtures (2) which are distributed in a preparation area (7), especially in a substantially vertical preparation plane (11). The tool magazine (1), on one side (9) of the preparation area (7), comprises a first access opening (10) facing the manipulator (4) and, on the other side (15) of the preparation area (7), a second access opening (16) facing an operator (13) and the first access opening (10) is associated with a first protective device (17) and the second access opening (16) is associated with a second protective device (18).

Abstract: A mounting unit for a tool depositing device includes a coupling carrier having a tool-side coupling element, in particular for a coupling device for a tool of a robot, and a holding device that can be connected to a mounting plate of the tool depositing device. An intermediate space is provided between the holding device and the coupling carrier to allow compensating movements between the coupling carrier and the holding device. The holding device includes two guide rails, between which the coupling carrier is pushed in. An interlocking engagement between the coupling carrier and the guide rails is produced by engaging at least one protuberance in at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess and the at least one protuberance are arranged on mutually opposing sides of the coupling carrier and of the guide rails.

Abstract: A tool exchanger for storing a tool (10) with a holding groove (12) formed at a periphery of the tool in a plurality of tool storage parts (302) provided in a tool magazine (300) so that a tool axis becomes substantially horizontal in direction, and taking out the tool from the tool storage parts (302), the tool exchanger including: a base part (100); a slider (200) provided in a side of the tool storage parts (302) slidably relative to the base part (100) in a direction substantially parallel to the tool axis; a holder (250) attached to the slider (200) in a movable manner relative to the slider, and having an engagement part (252) which engages with the holding groove (12) of the tool; and a moving portion moving the holder (250) relative to the slider (200), wherein the moving portion includes: a handle part (260) for exerting a rotary force about an axis extending substantially parallel to the tool axis; a first cam mechanism (250, 242) moving the holder in a plane substantially perpendicular to the tool

Abstract: A mechanical device is used for mounting and/or dismounting a laser nozzle on and/or from a nozzle mount of a laser processing machine for processing workpieces, especially metal sheets. The mechanical device includes a nozzle magazine having a nozzle holder support on which a nozzle holder for a laser nozzle is supported. In addition, the mechanical device has a support positioning drive by means of which the nozzle holder support is positionable together with the nozzle holder in a support positioning direction. A lifting device of the mechanical device serves to position the nozzle holder, when positioned in the support positioning direction in a lifting stand-by position, relative to the nozzle holder support in a positioning lifting direction extending perpendicular to the support positioning direction.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.

Abstract: A tool handling device for machine tools, comprising a tool magazine having a transfer position for the transfer of the tools, including a tool changer movable between the transfer position and an exchange position, which has a rotatable double gripper, and a supporting structure movable on a foundation, on which the tool changer is mounted. In order to achieve fast tool changes in tight spaces on the machine, the supporting structure has an upper slide and a lower slide which can both be displaced by means of spindle drives in the same direction on a foundation, wherein a single drive motor is provided for driving the two spindle drives.

Abstract: A cutter-changing device includes a cutter-magazine carrying cutters, a rotary telescopic cylinder, and a clamping sub-assembly. The clamping sub-assembly includes a cutter-changing arm, and a pair of clamping assemblies. The rotary telescopic cylinder drives the cutter-changing arm to rotate, extend and retract. Each clamping assembly includes a mounting member, an elastic member, a piston, and at least one resisting member. The mounting member is mounted on the cutter-changing arm, and defines at least one mounting hole through the sidewall thereof. The elastic member and the piston are sleeved with the mounting member, and the two opposite ends of the elastic member press against the piston and the mounting member. The resisting member is mounted between the elastic member and the mounting member, and capable of being resisted by the piston to be partially exposed from the mounting hole.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising a tool spindle and a workpiece clamping mechanism moveable relative to one another on a linear X-axis in a controlled manner, wherein the tool spindle can be moved in a controlled manner in relation to a machine frame on Y and Z-axes which are perpendicular to the X-axis and to each other and can be pivoted in a controlled manner around a C-axis parallel to the Z-axis, and wherein a workpiece gripper, which can be moved in common with the tool spindle, is assigned to the tool spindle, and that the tool spindle can travel with the workpiece gripper to a magazine wheel on the Y, Z and C-axes and can be aligned with recesses on the magazine wheel, movement on the X, Y, Z and C-axes effecting transfer of a workpiece between the workpiece gripper and the workpiece clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A laser processing machine for processing workpieces, in particular, metal sheets, has a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member for a laser nozzle and a workpiece support for workpieces that are intended to be processed and/or for processed workpieces. The workpiece support forms a workpiece support plane. A nozzle changing device is arranged at the lower side of the workpiece support plane remote from the laser processing head. In order to change a nozzle, a laser nozzle can be transferred between a nozzle magazine of the nozzle changing device and the nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head and can be assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member.

Abstract: An improved design of an automatic tool changing system for use with a machine tool is disclosed. The design of the tool gripper and tool holder enable reliable tool changes without requiring precise alignment of the machine tool spindle with the tool changer. In addition, the invention is modular in nature and allows an automatic tool changer to be added to a variety of machine tools in a simple and cost effective manner without extensive modification and rewiring.

Abstract: A mechanical device is used to change a laser nozzle on a nozzle receiving member of a laser processing machine for processing workpieces. The mechanical device has a nozzle magazine having a nozzle holder carrier, and at least one nozzle holder for a laser nozzle being provided on the nozzle holder carrier. The mechanical device also includes a positioning drive and a change drive, both drives having a common drive motor. Between the drive motor on the one hand and the nozzle holder carrier and the nozzle holder on the other hand, there is provided a coupling that can be switched by means of a switching device between a supply state, in which a drive connection exists between the drive motor and the nozzle holder carrier, and a change state, in which a drive connection exists between the drive motor and the nozzle holder.

Abstract: A robot controller (7) controlling a robot (1) used combined with a machine tool (5, 6) provided with a communication unit (9) connecting the robot controller to a machine tool, a detection unit (52) detecting through the communication unit a type and number of machine tools, and a setting unit (55) setting the robot controller based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit. Due to this, machine tool and robot startup work can be simply and easily performed without requiring skill or increasing the startup man-hours. The setting unit selects one setting file from among a plurality of setting files for the robot controller, stored in the robot controller, based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.

Abstract: A tool transfer system configured to transfer a tool between first and second tool holding devices by causing the first and second tool holding devices to be moved relative to each other. The first tool holding device includes a clamp sleeve forced in a direction toward the second tool holding device so as to be positioned in a clamping position. The second tool holding device includes: a hole defining member defining a receiving hole that is to receive the tool; and a movable engaging member that is movable between a working position and a non-working position depending on movement of the hole defining member. The movable engaging member is engageable with the clamp sleeve, while being positioned in the working position, such that the clamp sleeve can be moved, by engagement of the movable engaging member with the clamp sleeve, so as to be positioned in an unclamping position, during relative axial movement of the first and second tool holding devices toward each other.

Abstract: A tool, magazine (11) for accommodating a plurality of tools (T) comprising a first tool housing portion (17) and second tool housing portions (19, 21, 23) in which a plate-like member having a plurality of tool receiving holes (17a, 17b) and tool receiving recesses (19b, 21b, 23b) formed thereto and each of the tool receiving holes and the tool receiving recesses has at least three supporting members having a convex portion which engages with a V-shape trench of a tool, and a tool transporting means (25) so disposed to face a back surface of the first and second tool housing portions for transporting the tool to/from the first and second tool housing portions from/to a tool exchange position (P), wherein the second tool housing portions are disposed rearwardly offset with respect to the first tool housing portion.

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 sealing arrangement (41), which seals the inside (15) of the tool disk (3) in relation to the outer side on the respective tool station, is provided on each drive part (25) in a tool revolver comprising a base body (1) which is applied or is to be applied to the tool machine and which defines a revolver axis (7), about which a tool disk (3) is rotationally mounted on the base body (1). Said tool disk comprises a plurality of tool stations (17) which are distributed on the periphery thereof and which can be adjusted by rotating to tool disk (3) in respectively at least one working position, wherein a tool drive (19), which is located in the inside of the tool disk (3) and which is applied to the base body (1), is coupled to the drive-sided coupling part (23) comprising a tool-sided coupling part for the drive of a tool, which is located on the tool station (17) which is oriented towards the work station.

Abstract: A compliant service transfer module, which transfers services such as electricity, data, pneumatic fluid, etc., between a robotic arm and an attached tool, aligns service transfer points as the two units of the module mate, when the units are misaligned. A floating structure disposed in the first unit is operative to move laterally within a chamber in the housing of the first unit, to align service transfer points with the corresponding service transfer points of a second unit, when the two units are mated together but are not fully aligned. The floating structure protrudes from the first housing, and in the case of misalignment, contacts an angled inner wall of a chamber in the housing of the second unit, which moves the floating structure laterally to align the service transfer points. The floating structure returns to a default, centered position when the two units are not mated together.

Abstract: A tool pots mounting structure for a tool magazine, wherein the tool pots inside can be engaged into the engaging notches of the first and second mounting discs directly without using without any bolts, pivots or pivotal structures, and without using tools, such as power screwdriver, to assemble the tool pots. Hence, not only is the assembly process simplified, the assembly cost is reduced, but also the follow-up maintenance work is also reduced. A tool change device is disposed at one side of a tool change port of the tool magazine, by using a pressure cylinder to drive a drive member to move, and further driving a pivotal member to clamp the desired tool pot, the tool pot can be pivoted to disengage from the first and second mounting discs. By such arrangements, the tool change operation can be carried out by only a single tool change device. Hence, not only is the cost considerably reduced, but also the assembly process is also much simplified.

Abstract: A laser processing machine for processing workpieces, in particular, metal sheets, has a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member for a laser nozzle and a workpiece support for workpieces that are intended to be processed and/or for processed workpieces. The workpiece support forms a workpiece support plane. A nozzle changing device is arranged at the lower side of the workpiece support plane remote from the laser processing head. In order to change a nozzle, a laser nozzle can be transferred between a nozzle magazine of the nozzle changing device and the nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head and can be assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member.

Abstract: A mechanical device is used for mounting and/or dismounting a laser nozzle on and/or from a nozzle mount of a laser processing machine for processing workpieces, especially metal sheets. The mechanical device includes a nozzle magazine having a nozzle holder support on which a nozzle holder for a laser nozzle is supported. In addition, the mechanical device has a support positioning drive by means of which the nozzle holder support is positionable together with the nozzle holder in a support positioning direction. A lifting device of the mechanical device serves to position the nozzle holder, when positioned in the support positioning direction in a lifting stand-by position, relative to the nozzle holder support in a positioning lifting direction extending perpendicular to the support positioning direction.

Abstract: Step portions with an L-shaped section each having a vertical restriction surface and a horizontal engagement surface are provided on both sides of a main body portion of a tool. On one side of a holding portion placing and holding a mounted tool to be exchanged, a first engagement member has a first engagement projection piece that opposes the engagement surface of one of the step portions, and has an end surface in abutment against the restriction surface. On the other side of the holding portion, a second engagement member has a second engagement projection piece having its intermediate part opposed to the engagement surface of the other of the step portions, and end surfaces on both sides are in abutment against the outer periphery of the main both portion on both sides thereof. The first and second engagement members are movable between an engagement position and a withdrawal position with respect to the step portions.

Abstract: In component feeding head apparatus, a head unit having a holding unit for releasably holding a component and a rotating unit for rotating the holding unit around its center of axis is set as an object of an up-and-down operation and an inverting operation, and a head lifting device for moving the head unit up and down and a head inverting device for inverting the head unit are provided as constructions independent from the head unit that is the object.

Abstract: Tool rack for tools of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the guiding and retaining surfaces of the tool rack are arranged on two planes offset vertically so as to cause the tool to tilt when it is unhooked. The inventive arrangement allows the mechanical efforts during uncoupling to be reduced appreciably. This reduction is due to the tool tilting and to the residual magnetic force being divided between three retaining point, with a positive effect on the coupling precision and on the tool positioning in the tool rack.

Abstract: An automatic collimator changer of a radiation treatment system.

Abstract: Step portions with an L-shaped section each having a vertical restriction surface and a horizontal engagement surface are provided on both sides of a main body portion of a tool. On one side of a holding portion placing and holding a mounted tool to be exchanged, a first engagement member has a first engagement projection piece that opposes the engagement surface of one of the step portions, and has an end surface in abutment against the restriction surface. On the other side of the holding portion, a second engagement member has a second engagement projection piece having its intermediate part opposed to the engagement surface of the other of the step portions, and end surfaces on both sides are in abutment against the outer periphery of the main both portion on both sides thereof. The first and second engagement members are movable between an engagement position and a withdrawal position with respect to the step portions.

Abstract: Tool-switching device for a machine for measuring coordinates wherein the tool is fastened on the tool-carrier and held by the action of elements exerting an axial force. The locking force is taken over symmetrically by the elements of a Boys connection, which increases the repeatability of the connection; in one embodiment, two pins or spheres are driven by a sliding bushing provided with two “V”-shaped slits or with two lateral gorges. In the subsequent embodiments, the pins are replaced by spheres, by levers or by a stirrup.

Abstract: A tool magazine system and a gripper for a machining spindle. The gripper is fed to the tool laterally with respect to the rotational or longitudinal axes of the tool, particularly substantially at right angles to the axis, and should grasp the tool.

Abstract: A tool holster resiliently engages with a tool upon its insertion with the holster. Positive retention is obtained by rotating a threaded shaft to advance a cam to rotate levers to engage the tool. The lever arms are split to allow a degree of misalignment. Springs bias the arms towards engagement of the tool. This provides an initial resilient entrapment of the tool. Advancement of the threaded shaft causes the cam to close-up the misalignment in the lever arm portions until your removable retention of the total is cheap, a “hard dock”. This final positive retention may contain a small amount of sprung resilience to allow for some overload protection of the mechanism and tool due to an external disturbance (example robot runaway) before rigid retention is engaged.