Abstract: A manufacturing system includes an industrial robot having a robotic arm and a robot hand attached to the robotic arm, and a work station having an instrument provided with a grip to be gripped by the robot hand.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool gripper chain bendable in two directions that has a chain assembly that includes: gripper blocks that each have a first tooth at the center of a curved groove; first and second gripper assemblies that have first and second gripper members rotatably mounted on the rear of gripper blocks and grip a tool; first and second outer links that are formed in an arc shape; first and second inner links that are formed in an arc shape and disposed zigzag with respect to first and second outer links between first outer link and second outer link; and first and second collars that are disposed between first inner link and second inner link, in which first gripper assembly is disposed in front of second outer link, second gripper assembly is disposed ahead of second inner ink, and a first shaft hole of first gripper assembly and second shaft hole of second gripper assembly are coaxially arranged, such that first and second gripper assemblies are coupled by a first shaft or a second s

Abstract: In a tool exchanger apparatus of a machine tool including a turret which turns around an axis inclining with respect to a vertical direction and which conveys tools, forces applied to tool gripping portions are calculated from a resultant force of a centrifugal force, gravity and an inertial force applied to each of the tools, using a weight and a position of each of the tools and a turning speed and a turning acceleration of the turret for each of turning phases when the turret turns, and the turning speed and the turning acceleration of the turret are determined for each of the turning phases.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.

Abstract: A tool holding device of a machine tool, which holds a tool holder on which a tool is mounted, includes a holding member body and a pair of arm members that are provided on the holding member body. Roller members, which are engaged with a holding groove of the tool holder, are mounted on tips of the arm members. In addition, the holding member body, the pair of arm members, and elastic hinge members that connect the holding member body with the arm members are integrally formed.

Abstract: A tool magazine of a machine includes a receiving assembly, a tool bracket, a driving member, and a linking assembly. The receiving assembly defines an opening and includes a mounting gate sealing the opening. The tool bracket is slidably received in the receiving assembly. The driving member is connected to the tool bracket and moves the tool bracket out of the opening. The linking assembly includes a linking member and a first pushing rod. The linking member is fixed to the mounting gate and defines a first pushing groove in its periphery. The first pushing rod slides along the direction of the first pushing groove, causing the mounting gate to rotate open and close.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool holder to receive and lock a tool taper on a tool magazine, an unlocking device to unlock a tool taper that is received and is locked in a tool holder of this type, and a tool magazine for a machine tool comprising one or more tool holders of this type and an unlocking device of this type.

Abstract: A machine tool having an automatic tool changer (ATC). The machine tool includes a gantry, a spindle extending from the gantry, a configurable work area, and an ATC adjacent to a front wall of the machine tool. The ATC includes a rotary tool magazine and a plurality of receptacles oriented radially around the rotary tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of cutting tools having cutting edges. The cutting edges of the cutting tools point radially inwardly around the rotary tool magazine, and the cutting tools are removed directly from the automatic tool changer by the spindle and brought to a part to be machined. A tool sensor may be located between the ATC and the spindle to take measurements of the cutting tool. The ATC includes at least one receptacle configured to hold a cutting tool.

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: A fixing apparatus for the releasable fixing of at least one functional component, in particular in the form of a tool holder (1), on a further functional component, in particular in the form of a tool disc (3), about at least one fixing axis (5), wherein the two functional components in each case have a bearing surface (7, 9) for bearing mutually against one another, and both one functional component and the other functional component have at least one fixing element (11, 13), is characterized in that, in order to form the fixing elements (13), one functional component has two fixing bodies (19) which are connected in a positionally unchangeable manner to the associated functional component on both sides of the fixing axis (5) and at a spacing from one another, and in that each fixing body (19) forms a fixing surface (25) which extends transversely with respect to the fixing axis (5), which fixing surfaces (25) which can both be placed from the same side against an associated positioning surface (17), which

Abstract: Tool-changing system, storage device for this purpose and method for coupling a tool to a robot arm. The invention relates to a tool-changing system for an industrial robot, with a robot-side coupling device (100) provided in a robot arm, with at least one tool (70a, 70b) couplable to the robot-side coupling device (100) and having a tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b), and with a storage device (10) for receiving the at least one tool (76a, 76b) in the non-coupled state. The invention relates, furthermore, to a storage device suitable for this purpose and to a coupling method which can be carried out by means of the tool-changing system. According to the invention, the storage device comprises a base (12), securing means (32a, 32b) for securing the robot-side coupling device (100) and feeding means (50a, 50b) which are designed for generating a relative movement of the robot-side coupling device (100) and of the tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b) with respect to one another in a coupling direction (2).

Abstract: A cutter switching system includes a supporting platform, a cutter magazine mounted on the supporting platform, and a sensing assembly mounted on the cutter magazine. The cutter magazine includes a cutter storing frame and a driving assembly. The cutter storing frame includes a cylindrical main body, and a plurality of cutters mounted all around the main body. The driving assembly includes a cam indexer engaging with the cutter storing frame for rotating the cutter storing frame. The sensing assembly is mounted on the cam indexer, and the sensor senses the rotation of the cam indexer to establish the static position and the rotation required of the cutter magazine. The present disclosure further provides a machine tool using the cutter switching system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool holder for holding a tool (1) adapted to be inserted in a machine tool which includes a spindle head as tool head (11). The tool holder comprises a support (2) for supporting a tool (1) at the periphery thereof and a tool holding means (4) including a load-bearing member (42) which is adapted to engage in the supported tool (1) at one longitudinal end of the tool (1) at the tool head (11) or is capable of bearing a tool head outer peripheral area at the longitudinal end of the supported tool (1). The tool holding means (4) is movable in a direction facing away from the support (2) for lifting the engagement/support at the tool head (11).

Abstract: In some aspects, a tool cartridge for detachably holding tool parts includes a cartridge base body, a punch holder configured to detachably hold a processing punch, and a die holder configured to detachably hold a processing die. The punch holder and the die holder project from a front side of the cartridge base body and are arranged one above another to form an intervening space. The cartridge base body is defined along a rear side that is opposite from free ends of the punch holder and the die holder by a base body rear wall. The base body rear wall defines, within the intervening space, a wall opening that is open for receiving a third tool part holder. A base-body-side fastening device is provided on the cartridge base body, by which the third tool part holder received in the wall opening is connected to the cartridge base body.

Abstract: A revolver disk (1) for a machine tool with, in the area of the radially extending bore holes (7) for the projection (9) of tool holders (5), a rotary axis of the revolver disk (1) extending parallel and penetrating bores (11) aligned perpendicular in reference to the face, by which a tool holder key (27) is guided. By displacing the tool holder key (27) against the force of a spring (17) the frontal end (25) is inserted into the clamping device in the projection (9) of the tool holder (5) and thus the tool is clamped with it.

Abstract: A tool storage system stores tool holders for use in machine tools. The tool holders hold tools such as milling cutters, taps, drills, reamers, chamfering or deburring tools or the like. The tool holders may have standard taper-shanks. A receptacle is provided for each tool holder. The receptacles are arranged on a generally vertical array and hold the tool holders generally horizontally. The tool holders may be retained by engagement of a pull stud in the receptacle. The generally vertical array arrangement permits storing a large number of tools in a small footprint. In embodiments, a computer system provides functions for managing the tools and/or jobs in which the tools are used.

Abstract: Tool-holder gripper for a multiple change of tools in a horizontal radial press having a set of jaws moving radially and axially, comprising a handle, a tool-holder disc, and angular centring devices acting in conjunction with a front flange of the press to angularly align the tools and jaws. The gripper is further provided with a radial, axial centring portion configured to abut against the front surface of at least one radial jaw when the tools and jaws are axially aligned but still disengaged, so that the subsequent axial advancement of the jaws is accompanied by a simultaneous axial reversing of the gripper.

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: In order to improve a tool changing device for machine tools which have at least one tool carrier, comprising a tool magazine with a storage element which has a plurality of storage receptacles and can be moved for transferring the storage receptacles into at least one tool exchanging position, and with at least one first operating device, with which a tool can be transferred between the tool exchanging position and a tool changing position, defined by a tool receptacle of the at least one tool carrier located in a tool changing position, in such a manner that it is mounted efficiently on the machine tool it is suggested that the tool magazine and the first operating device be arranged on the machine tool so as to cooperate operatively and that the tool changing device be mounted on a machine frame of the machine tool as a unit essentially only with alignment of the tool changing device relative to the at least one in the tool changing position.

Abstract: A module storage rack is disclosed e.g. a probe rack suitable for use with a carrier e.g. a probe measurement head which is movable relative to the rack for picking a module from the rack. The rack includes a base member and a plurality of storage ports connected to the base for storing the modules, each port has an actuatable connecting or disconnecting tool for connecting or disconnecting a module to or from the carrier, and each storage port is movable relative to the base member the relative movement provides the actuation of the tool. The plurality of storage ports are movable together relative to the base. Additionally, there is disclosed a linkage having a plurality of pivotally interconnected rigid members being connected to the tool for causing the tool to connect or disconnect the module to or from the carrier. The linkage may be operated by movement of the rack or by alternative mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus (12) for storing robotic tooling for vehicle body sheet metal robotic assembly operates a robot to transfer robotic tooling between an assembly station and a rotary storage rack (56) of a storage rack assembly (28). The storage rack (56) has vertically spaced storage locations and is rotated about a vertical axis to provide circumferentially spaced storage locations.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool includes a disc magazine having a plate, and a number of retainers attached to the outer peripheral portion of the plate for detachably supporting tool members, the retainers each include a base portion attached to the outer peripheral portion of the plate, and a holding device disposed on the base portion and having two arms for resiliently holding and carrying and supporting the tool member. The retainers each include a coupling portion coupled between two legs, the arms of the holding devices may be extended from the legs and may be formed from a longitudinal wire or rod member for reducing the weight of the retainers.

Abstract: A subsea tool changer comprises a housing; a rotatable carousel rotatably mounted within the housing and adapted to receive a plurality of selectively removable tools; a tool changer that can select a predetermined one of the plurality of tools from the carousel; and a power drive adapted to provide a predetermined function to a tool selected by the tool changer, the power drive further comprising a first power drive interface. In typical use, a selectively removable tool is placed onto the rotatable carousel which is rotated so that a desired selectively removable tool is positioned adjacent to a tool driver which is then mated with the desired selectively removable tool. The tool changer and mated selected removable tool are moved outward toward an outer boundary of the housing and the tool changer extended at least partially outside the housing outward towards a predetermined tool working position.

Abstract: Tool-changing system, storage device for this purpose and method for coupling a tool to a robot arm. The invention relates to a tool-changing system for an industrial robot, with a robot-side coupling device (100) provided in a robot arm, with at least one tool (70a, 70b) couplable to the robot-side coupling device (100) and having a tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b), and with a storage device (10) for receiving the at least one tool (76a, 76b) in the non-coupled state. The invention relates, furthermore, to a storage device suitable for this purpose and to a coupling method which can be carried out by means of the tool-changing system. According to the invention, the storage device comprises a base (12), securing means (32a, 32b) for securing the robot-side coupling device (100) and feeding means (50a, 50b) which are designed for generating a relative movement of the robot-side coupling device (100) and of the tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b) with respect to one another in a coupling direction (2).

Abstract: An improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

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: A clamp changing apparatus includes a holder (70) including a plurality of clamp-holding devices (72), each of which holding a clamp (10) thereon, a robot (50) including a shaft (501), and a coupling device (30) secured on the shaft of the robot. The robot selects one of the clamps held on the clamp-holding devices according to a predetermined machining program therein, changes out a used clamp for the selected clamp, and mounts the selected clamp on the coupling device.

Abstract: A tool changing apparatus automatically changes tools mounted on the spindle of a transfer machine module. The apparatus includes a tool gripper magazine that releasably holds at least two tools. A guillotine supports the tool gripper magazine for motion between a raised stand-by position clear of the spindle and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle so that the tools in the magazine can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle. A carriage movably supports the guillotine on a support frame for motion between a forward position adjacent the transfer line and the spindle and a rearward position displaced from the transfer line. When the carriage is in the rearward position, the guillotine can be lowered to a position where it is easily accessible to an operator so that the tools in the magazine can be replenished.

Abstract: A gripping and holding device in the handling system of a machine tool. The device comprises at least one preferably plate-like support member provided with at least two retainer fingers spreadable against a return force and defining a common accommodation orifice for a component to be clamped. At least one resiliently displaceable retainer finger is integrally formed with the support member and can be locked in its clamping position by a locking element.

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: A method and unit for transversely cutting cigarette portions or similar on a filter assembly machine, whereby a cigarette portion is fed transversely through a cutting station to intercept a rotary circular blade, which is maintained in a work position by an arm mounted to oscillate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the circular blade, so as to move the circular blade between the work position, a store for worn circular blades, and a store for new circular blades.

Abstract: A carrier for tool holders of a machine tool has at least one movable jaw which can be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of said tool holders. Said movable jaw can be pivoted between an expanded position and a closed position in which it grasps in a form-fitting manner a tool holder which is inserted into said carrier.

Abstract: A tool for a power drill allows fast and convenient loading and unloading of a screw bit, drill bit, or other implement. The user preferably loads the tool with the necessary implements which are then carried with the tool. Each received implement is movable from a storage position to an in use position in drive engagement with the power drill or power screwdriver. The desired implements can rapidly be changed from one to the other, while the implements are retained on the tool.

Abstract: A plurality of atomizers or other tools are disposed in a mounting plate (10) in storage places (12), respectively. The mounting plate (10) is rotatable relative a paint robot of a coating installation and has a pneumatic lock or a tool holder (19) that can only be released automatically during storage of the atomizers by an external control device of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A tool pot according to the present invention includes a synthetic resin portion made from thermo-plastic resin and arranged over an entire length from an opening end to a tool gripping portion. Inner surface of the synthetic resin portion is a tool attachment hole. The synthetic resin portion is provided in the vicinity of the opening end of the attachment hole with a supporting surface for supporting a tool. The synthetic resin portion includes an outer structure defining outer shape, an inner structure defining inner circumference of the tool attachment hole, a cavity provided between the outer structure and the inner structure, and joint ribs joining the outer structure and the inner structure. Each of the outer structure, the inner structure and the joint ribs has wall-thickness enough to secure rigidity of the synthetic resin portion and capable of suppressing mold shrinkage of the synthetic resin portion.

Abstract: A tool pot according to the present invention includes an inner wall structure and an outer wall structure that constitute a circumferential wall of a tool attachment hole of the tool pot. The inner wall structure is located at least toward an opening end of the attachment hole and in inner side, and the outer wall structure is located around the inner wall structure. The inner wall structure and outer wall structure are both made from thermo-plastic resin, and the outer wall structure contains more reinforcing filler than the inner wall structure. The tool pot of the present invention prevents damages to tools, and is recyclable.

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.

Abstract: An atomizer or other tool is fastened to a fixed part (F) of a robot of a coating installation by a pneumatic lock that can only be released automatically during storage of the tool by an external control device installed in a tool change station (10).

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for interchanging suction pipettes which can be removed from a magazine and coupled to a fitting head of a fitting device and detached from the fitting head and deposited in the magazine. The fitting head has, on its side facing the magazine, a motor on whose driven shaft a star-shaped part and a latching plate are mounted. The latching plate has at least one nub (121) which, after insertion of the star-shaped part into a star-shaped cutout in the suction pipette held in the magazine and after rotation of the star-shaped part and the latching plate into a locking position, engages in a notch, and which, on insertion of a suction pipette held on the star-shaped part into the magazine, can be moved out of the notch.

Abstract: In a method and device for automatically exchanging knife units of a knife ring slicing device, the knife changing magazine is moved relative to the knife ring into a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine are axially aligned with the knife receptacles of the knife ring. The worn knives of the knife ring are moved axially into empty knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine. A relative movement between the knife changing magazine and the knife ring is carried out until the knife changing magazine and the knife ring are again in a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles with resharpened knife units are aligned with the knife receptacles in the knife ring. The resharpened knife units are introduced in the opposite axial direction into the knife receptacles of the knife ring from which the worn knife units had been removed.

Abstract: A automatically indexing tool magazine, of the type attached to machining centers that incorporate an automatic tool change function, able to hold a relatively large number of tools in a compact space as means of improving space efficiency. The tool magazine is comprised of a rotatable main table and multiple sub-tables rotatably attached to the main table in a uniformly spaced radial pattern, each sub-table being equipped with a number of tool pots likewise arranged in a uniformly spaced radial pattern. The tool pots serve as containers into which machining tools can be inserted or removed. The main table and sub-tables are rotatably indexed by means of respective main table and sub-table indexing mechanisms. The tool pot holding the tool designated for removal is transported to a tool removal position through the rotational indexing movement of the main table and appropriate sub-table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changer for changing tools between a spindle and a tool magazine of a machine tool. The object of the invention is to provide a simple and compact tool changer. A plurality of tool pots 19 are detachably holed by a circular ring tool magazine 21. Once the tool pot 19 receiving a tool to be changed is positioned at a predetermined position 39, the tool pot 19 is rotated 90 degrees to the inside of the tool magazine 21 so that the axis of the tool to be changed is parallel to the spindle 7. The tools are changed through liner motion and rotational motion of a tool changing arm.

Abstract: The emboss module of the present invention provides for automatic die and bolster conversion. The emboss module includes a frame, a die changer sub-assembly and a bolster sub-assembly. The die changer sub-assembly includes rotatable die changers for automatically registering dies therein, and the bolster sub-assembly includes counters and panels for receiving the sheet of material and the die. Both the die changer and bolster sub-assemblies are adapted for use with emboss and foil dies and counters. Accordingly, a more efficient and scalable emboss system and method for automatically changing dies and bolsters is described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool changer for removal and installation of tools in a machining center having a spindle for holding a tool including a tool rack having a plurality of locations for holding tools and a rotatable arm movable between the spindle and the plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of locations has a clip for holding a tool and each clip has two arms with the arm on a first side of the clip having an inclined surface. The rotatable arm includes at least two grippers with each gripper defining at least one cam surface, the cam surface being structured and arranged to engage the inclined surface of the clip to allow for the removal of a tool in the clip.

Abstract: A tool pot used for a tool magazine of a machine tool to removably hold a tool is disclosed. A main body of the tool pot is constructed a cylindrical wall defining a holing aperture for holding the tool, end ribs formed at opposed ends of the cylindrical wall and a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed between the end ribs on the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall. And the main body is integrally molded from a glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin material such as crystalline nylon-type resin. Therefore, the tool pot has high wear resistance and light weight, and it can be recycled.

Abstract: A tool holding structure comprises a tool tray and a plurality of tool frames, each having a U-shaped fitting piece and a fastening seat. The tool frames are fastened with the tool tray by the fastening seat. The fitting piece is provided with a fitting edge and a plurality of elastic pieces. The tool is held in the tool frame such that the handle of the tool is pressed against by the elastic pieces of the fitting piece of the tool frame.

Abstract: A dental automatic cutting apparatus is disclosed, having a construction in which cutting tools are made automatically detachable to a chuck and a tool cassette by automatic control mechanism comprising: an engagement means provided to the tool cassette and a base block to maintain the tool cassette in a detachable manner to the base block to a desired position relation, the tool cassette provided on its front surface side with at least two post-inserting bore through which each tool post having a function to accommodate and hold the cutting tool which can be inserted, and the base block is fixed to a main body of the dental automatic cutting apparatus, and connection means for connecting the engagement means provided in the tool cassette to the base block to fix the tool cassette.

Abstract: A cutting tool retention mechanism, for example, typically used to retain a tool holder in a tool pocket of a tool changer magazine. A horizontal machine tool apparatus typically contains a plurality of tool pockets attached to a movable tool changer magazine and the mechanism of the present inventions provides an affirmative mechanism for retaining tool holders so that they do not separate from their respective tool pockets unless removal is desired. More particularly, a pair of opposed pivotal fingers each include a latch which can engage with or disengage from the internal groove of a tool holder to perform this function. Spring bias can be provided to encourage this affirmative engagement of the latches with the internal groove.

Abstract: A tool pot separation type chain for use in a tool magazine includes a plurality of tool pots, and a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced link plates each adjacent ones of which are connected to each other by a connection pin. Each of the pairs of link plates has a tool pot receiving section for removably receiving one of the tool pots therein. Each of the tool pots has a pair of bearings mounted thereon such that outer races of the bearings are movable in rolling contact on a guide rail or a tool pot jumping-out preventing rail provided in an opposing relationship with the guide rail in the tool magazine. With this construction, the tool pot separation type chain is able to minimizes the traveling resistance thereof during carrying of the tool pots to reduce the driving force, prevent abrasion of the tool pots and the rails and suppress generation of noise and also facilitates a carrying in or carrying out operation of each tool pot at a tool pot loading/unloading position.