Rectilinear Patents (Class 483/61)
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Patent number: 8951176Abstract: A tool changing device for a cutting head of a machine for cutting flat glass sheets, the tool changing device comprising: a bridge; a carriage for supporting the cutting head, the carriage being slidingly attached to the bridge for translation along the bridge; an electric motor that provides for translational motion of the carriage with respect to the bridge; and a tool supporting slider, which is configured to support a plurality of tools such that the tools can be automatically exchanged between the tool supporting slider and the cutting head, the tool supporting slider coupled, by way of reversible fixing elements to the cutting head supporting carriage during work by the cutting head, and wherein the tool supporting slider is uncoupled from the cutting head supporting carriage during tool changing operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Newtech-Engineering S.r.l.Inventor: Silvano Sgarabottolo
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Patent number: 8814770Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Frank Schmauder
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Patent number: 8672820Abstract: A tool stocker includes main stockers for holding a plurality of tools detachably mounted on a main spindle for machining a workpiece, an auxiliary stocker for holding and transferring tools to and from the main stockers, and a tool transfer mechanism for transferring tools between the main stockers and the auxiliary stocker. The auxiliary stocker includes a plurality of tool pods for removably supporting the tools therein, a rail in sliding engagement with outer surfaces of the tool pods, a chain for moving the tool pods in sliding engagement with the rail, and a motor for actuating the chain. The rail has a recess defined therein in alignment with the tool transfer mechanism, such that the tools transferred by the tool transfer mechanism pass through the recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoki Uchikawa, Shoji Shibata, Takeshi Shibata, Shugo Arakawa, Masakazu Kubo, Tatsuhiko Tanaka, Kenichi Masuda
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Patent number: 8591389Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignees: Fuji Seiko Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuhiko Tomioka, Akihiro Fujii, Akinori Tsujino, Tomoyasu Ota, Toshiyuki Nishi
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Patent number: 8574140Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen AGInventors: Werner Erlenmaier, Frank Schmauder, Armin Felber, Reto Gedeon
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Patent number: 8454486Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: IPR—Intelligente Peripherien fuer Roboter GmbHInventors: Siegfried Philippi, Stefan Meier, Stefan Stroehlein
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Patent number: 8360945Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Kitamura, Kosaku Kitamura, Takashi Asano
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Patent number: 8231512Abstract: Retractable chuck for drill bits, screw bits and other tools for any chuck size operated by hand or power source which operates without the user touching the bits to move into operating position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Mike Schmidt
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Patent number: 8007424Abstract: A motor-driven machine tool (1) for tools which are to be driven rotationally has, configured as a hand-held machine tool, a pistol-shaped basic shape, in which, lying one behind the other in the stock part (2) in the direction of the main axis, a motor (4), a gear mechanism (5) and a tool changing magazine (6) are provided as a structural unit, wherein the tool changing magazine (6) which is designed, in particular, as a drum magazine is mounted on a neck (24) of the gear mechanism housing (22) and is penetrated by the output shaft (23) of the gear mechanism (5).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Moser, Joerg Dehde, Steffen Tiede
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Patent number: 7731644Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a machine-tool with tools, the tools being mounted in a tool store and being transportable via a manipulation device, which is particularly movable along multiple axes to a transfer position on the machine tool or in the machine tool and, after use in the machine tool, being removable therefrom, and the manipulation device having a gripper device for receiving the tools. To save weight and increase the access speed of the manipulation device, the manipulation device has at least one displacement arm movable in a preferably horizontal first movement direction, which is mounted so it is displaceable on a guide element, and the gripper device is mounted so it is displaceable on the displacement arm in this first movement direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: Miguel Muser
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Publication number: 20100048369Abstract: Retractable chuck for drill bits, screw bits and other tools for any chuck size operated by hand or power source which operates without the user touching the bits to move into operating position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Mike Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090143207Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ray Wampler, Muhammad Zia Ullah
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Patent number: 7520847Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Campro Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chi-Chung Wu, Yueh-Hsia Li
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Patent number: 7497817Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: D4D Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark S. Quadling, Henley S. Quadling, Rod Duncan
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Patent number: 7316639Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Huller Hille, GmbHInventor: Horst Schmauder
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Patent number: 7267642Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Arai, Takeshi Momochi, Yukio Teshima, Hidemi Yoshino, Norio Yamanishi
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Patent number: 7250024Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbHInventors: Alfred Geissler, Hans Gronbach
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Publication number: 20070167303Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: Horst Schmauder
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Patent number: 7153252Abstract: A storage arrangement (1) for machine tools is proposed, comprising at least two storage shelves (12) arranged vertically one above the other and in each case having a multiplicity of tool or workpiece retainers (14), the tool or workpiece retainers (14) being arranged in a circle, and a movable gripping arm (16) which is rotatably arranged about an axis through the center of the circle formed by the storage retainers (14) and which furthermore is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the storage shelves (12) and which furthermore is arranged so as to be movable horizontally and radially from the circle center, the gripping arm (16), during its horizontal movement, covering at most a distance which corresponds to the radius of the circle formed by the storage retainers (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Mikron Comp-Tec AGInventor: Thomas LĂĽscher
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Patent number: 6685608Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Comau SpAInventor: Danilo Menzio
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Publication number: 20030220178Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AGInventors: Anton Mattes, Timo Waschle
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Patent number: 6648806Abstract: Described herein is an oscillating-drawer device for loading and unloading tools into/from the tool magazine of a machine-tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Comau SpAInventor: Danilo Menzio
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Patent number: 6494821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Hurco Companies, Inc.Inventors: Himat Patel, Walter Bautz
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Patent number: 6334840Abstract: An electric-component transferring apparatus including a plurality of component holders each of which holds an electric component, and having the function of exchanging the component holders, the apparatus including a holder chuck which holds each of the component holders such that each component holder is removable therefrom; a chuck moving device which moves the holder chuck to transfer the electric component held by each component holder held by the holder chuck; a holder holding member which holds the component holders such that each of the component holders is allowed to be removed therefrom; a holding-member holding device which holds the holder holding member such that the holder holding member is removable therefrom; and a holder-exchange moving device which moves at least one of the holder chuck and the holder holding member relative to each other so that the holder chuck exchanges one of the component holders that is held thereby, with another of the component holders that is held by the holder holdType: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Asai, Takeyoshi Isogai, Yasunori Kamegai
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Patent number: 5820538Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Excellon Automation CompanyInventor: Robert J. Watkinson
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Patent number: 5277688Abstract: An automated robotic quick change force controlled arbor device particularly to apply a sanding disk to surface finish metal and an automatic replacement of the disk.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Robotics and Automation CorporationInventors: Glenn A. Whittington, Steven J. Austin, Roy Oakes
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Patent number: 5269739Abstract: A tool changing apparatus for changing the punches and dies on a turret punch press is disclosed, wherein a carriage device provided with a upper rotatable disk on which a plurality of punches in removably supported, and a lower rotatable disk on which a die holders supporting a plurality of dies is removably supported, is positioned at the side of the turret punch press. A punch mounting/dismounting device is further provided for dismounting a punch from and mounting a punch on the upper rotatable disk and for dismounting a punch from and mounting a punch on an upper turret disk on the turret punch press. The punch mounting/dismounting device is adapted to transport the punch between the upper rotatable disk and the upper turret disk. A die mounting/dismounting device is yet further provided for moving the die holder back and forth between a lower turret disk on the turret punch press, and the lower rotatable disk.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1993Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Amada Engineering & Service Co., Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Maynard, Yutaka Takahashi
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Patent number: 5213192Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet changing mechanism for a machine tool wherein when pallets loaded with works through an attachment are successively changed, an input and output cable or the like for connecting a control device of a machine tool and an attachment is automatically re-connected to an attachment next to be carried in from an attachment carried out of a machining table of the machine tool. The connector device comprises a movable portion provided on the machining table of the machine tool and a fixed portion provided on the pallet. Mounting and dismounting of the input and output cable or the like every time a pallet is changed is carried out simply and positively. A shield member is disposed on the connector device to thereby completely separate and shield a plurality of connector blocks from each other, and positive operation, detection and the like for the attachment are carried out.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisao Kuse
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Patent number: 5111573Abstract: A device for exchanging tools for use with a spindle has a tool holding device having a plurality of tool holding members disposed at predetermined intervals. Each tool holding member is supported for movement in its axial direction and is axially driven by a drive device so that a tool is transferred between the tool holding member and the spindle. The invention is also concerned with a tool exchanging method.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Hitachi Seiko Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Ito, Tamio Otani, Tadanori Dobashi, Akira Irie, Akihiro Matsuya