Abstract: A precision high speed turning machine apparatus is provided which performs a selected operation, such as shaping, polishing or probing/measuring on a workpiece and in particular on a rotationally non-symmetric workpiece. The workpiece is mounted to a workpiece mount which rotates the workpiece at a controlled rate, and a tool is provided which is adapted to perform the selected operation. The tool is supported on a tool mount which positions the tool adjacent a portion of a workpiece surface to be operated on. The tool mount is designed to have very low inertia which permits relatively large movements, of the tool generally perpendicular to the workpiece, at high enough accelerations so as to permit high speed rotation of the workpiece. For some embodiments, more than one tool is mounted to the arm so as to permit a plurality of different operations to be performed.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment worth with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a support mounted for rotation about a machining axis, a first motor operable to rotate the support about the machining axis, a tool holder mounted on the support for rotation about a tool positioning axis which is parallel to and off-set from the machining axis, a second motor operable to rotate the tool holder about the tool positioning axis, and control means. For a constant diameter machining circle, the support and the tool holder are rotated about their respective axes at equal angular velocities so that they rotate as a unit. To adjust the diameter of the machining circle, one of the motors operates for a period at a different angular velocity to the other motor, thereby altering the position of the tool holder relative to the support about the tool positioning axis.

Abstract: A basic spiral operation of a tool is controlled by storing, in a controller, an automatic operation program of a threading cycle which regulates the basic spiral operation of the tool corresponding to a thread shape by specifying a spindle revolving speed RC, a thread lead ZR and a thread cutting finish point Z2 or the like. A depth of cut by the tool is determined by an operator who operates a handle of a manual pulse generator to cut the work and confirms the cutting conditions.

Abstract: An automatic lathe is provided including a table stand having a top with a plurality of legs coupled thereto and extending downwardly therefrom. A pair of spindle spinning assemblies are positioned on the top of the table stand. Each spindle spinning assembly has a securement rod rotatably mounted thereon which is adapted to releasably secure to an end of a spindle for spinning the same. A carriage assembly is adapted to slide between each spindle spinning assembly. The carriage assembly has a blade mechanism mounted thereon for engaging a front surface of the spindle secured between the spindle assemblies. The carriage assembly further includes a carriage motor functioning to move the carriage in a forward direction upon the receipt of a forward signal and move the carriage in a reverse direction upon the receipt of a reverse signal only when the carriage motor is actuated.

Abstract: A tool head for use in machine tools includes a base body, a tool shank adapted to be coupled to a machine spindle and protruding axially over the base body, at least one working slide adapted to be displaced essentially transversely with respect to a base body axis, and an adjusting motor disposed in the base body and acting upon the working slide in the direction of displacement by a transmission. In order to attain a compact, easily assembled, and safely operating construction, the transmission includes an output shaft aligned coaxially with respect to the axis of the base body and carrying a drive sprocket which meshes with a tooth rack on the side of the working slide. The adjusting motor also includes a driven shaft aligned with the output shaft on the transmission side.

Abstract: A force control method for a bar feeder supporting a workpiece in a lathe, including seizing the workpiece by a Z-axis spindle of the lathe and the bar feeder, performing position control by the Z-axis spindle of the lathe, and performing force control by the bar feeder to apply a constant torque to the workpiece during the force control of the bar feeder supporting the workpiece in the lathe. This control of the bar feeder does not require the Z-axis spindle of the lathe and the bar feeder to be synchronized for the position control in the Z-axis direction, and prevents the workpiece from being deflected.

Abstract: In one form, the disclosure describes a lathe apparatus and method for manufacturing a product with a non-axisymmetric shape from a workpiece, such as a toric contact lens, comprises a spindle for rotating the workpiece about an axis of rotation, a cutting tool, a two-axis bed for supporting the cutting tool and for moving the cutting tool along a predetermined path adjacent the workpiece as the spindle rotates the workpiece, and a mechanism for oscillating the cutting tool along an oscillation axis as the two-axis bed moves the cutting tool along the predetermined path, wherein the oscillation axis is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the non-zero angle is about 45.degree.. In a second form, a lathe apparatus comprises a rotary bed for arcuately moving a cutting tool adjacent a workpiece and a mechanism for translationally reciprocating the cutting tool as the cutting tool is arcuately moved adjacent the workpiece.

Abstract: In a method for machining a chamfer at a pipe end, clamped in a radial clamping device, to exact positional and dimensional tolerances as a function of a measured course of an inner and an outer diameter of the pipe, an actual position of the pipe end clamped in the radial clamping device is determined with a first sensing device. Based on the determined actual position, in a controlled manner a machining tool is quickly advanced to the pipe end. With a second sensing device at least one of the actual inner diameter of the pipe and the actual outer diameter of the pipe is determined, and optionally the course of one of the actual inner diameter and the actual outer diameter about the circumference of the pipe is also determined. The machining tool is adjusted based on one of the actual inner diameter, the actual outer diameter, the nominal inner diameter and the nominal outer diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: In a machine tool, a component such as a grinding wheel acts on a workpiece to form the latter into a circularly asymmetric shape, for example, a crankpin. Movement of the grinding wheel is controlled by a control signal which is derived from theoretical relative positions and positional velocities of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece. In the course of at least one revolution of the workpiece, the respective positions of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece are measured for each of a succession of angular positions of the workpiece. The measured positions are compared with corresponding theoretical positions and data indicative of any differences are stored, and then used to modify the control signal during a subsequent revolution of the workpiece so as to compensate for any of said differences and thereby reduce the magnitude of any error which would have resulted from the measured positional differences.

Abstract: A machine tool such as a lathe including a control device for enabling manual operation of carriages which are movable in mutually orthogonal directions. During manual operation, the control device and the longitudinally moving carriage are moved in tandem. The control device may be disengaged from the carriage, e.g., for safety reasons, such that rapid movement of the carriages under the control of an automatic control unit is possible. The control device has rollers disposed in guideways arranged on a stationary support connected to the lathe bed. The stationary support may similarly include guideways for sidably supporting movable covers. A lever selectively engages or disengages the control device and the carriage. Upon engagement of the control device and the carriage, an inductive proximity switch is actuated to prevent rapid traverse of the carriages.

Abstract: A retrofit for an electronically programmable, servo-controlled power feed and spindle drive system for controlling the spindle and cam shaft drive of an automatic screw machine. The automatic screw machine originally provides rotational power to the spindles of the cam shaft drive through a complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems. The gears, shafts and clutch systems also provide synchronization between the rotation of the spindles and the rotation of the cam shaft drive. A retrofit of the automatic screw machine includes replacement of the complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems with a variable speed drive motor, a chain drive system, an electronic encoder for monitoring the rotational speed of the spindle shaft, an electric servo motor for providing rotational power to the cam shaft drive and a central processing unit to synchronize the speeds of the variable speed motor and electric servo motor.

Abstract: A cutting-off method of an automatic lathe, comprising steps of applying a front working to a bar material by a front working tool with the bar material chucked by a main spindle rotatably supported by a headstock and with a top end of the bar material supported by a guide bush, applying a cutting-off by a cut-off tool after completion of the front working with the top end of the bar material chucked and rotatively driven by a sub spindle rotatably supported by a rear headstock, and simultaneously releasing the bar material chucked by the main spindle so that the headstock may rearwardly move to a working start position to be ready for the next working.

Abstract: In a plural-roll rolling mill having a pass line arranged by the respective sets of rolls, each having a caliber formed on the outside peripheral surface thereof, the outside peripheral surfaces being disposed close to each other, the calibers of the rolls being cut with a cutting tool of a three-dimensionally (forward and rearward, rightward and leftward and upward and downward) movable cutting machine. The rolling mill, which has a reference column disposed on the outside surface thereof at a position spaced apart from the pass line by a predetermined distance, is removed from a rolling line and fixed, and the positional alignment of the cutting tool is carried out by causing a contact sensor disposed on the cutting machine at a position spaced apart from the cutting tool by a predetermined distance to come into contact with the reference column. With this arrangement, there are provided a method and apparatus capable of cutting the rolls of the plural-roll rolling mill while mounted on the rolling mill.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling a wheelset comprised of a milling cutter with a first axis of rotation, driven friction rollers for rotating the wheelset about a second axis of rotation, and computer numerical control apparatus for rotating the milling cutter about its first axis of rotation while disposing it so that the first axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast threading pullout in a numerically controlled threading application which includes position determining logic for receiving position command signals from a numerical control and determining the commanded movement of a threading member along at least a primary threading axis and a secondary pullout axis, at least one sensing device for sensing the position of the threading member along at least the primary and secondary axes, velocity calculation structure for generating velocity command signals for actuating the threading member along the primary and secondary axes in accordance with the commanded movements and the sensed position of the member, supplemental velocity structure for applying a supplemental pullout velocity at a predetermined pullout position on the thread to accelerate the member along the secondary axis, and monitoring logic for monitoring the pullout of the threading member along the secondary axis and discontinuing the supplemental velocity after a predetermin

Abstract: Rifling for the barrel of a firearm includes a first gain twist region for increasing the rotational velocity of a bullet as it travels from the breech towards the muzzle end of the barrel, and a second region in which the rifling is of a constant twist so that the bullet exits the muzzle end of the barrel at a constant rotational velocity. The bore defined in the barrel is tapered in a direction from the breech end to the muzzle end so that the diameter of the muzzle opening of the barrel is less than the diameter of the breech opening. The angle of the rifling is variable with the rate of the gain twist of the rifling. The gain twist of the rifling in the barrel is formed by a button, preferably having a sinusoidal shaped periphery, which is pulled through the barrel during the manufacturing process. The smooth periphery of the button prevents shredding of the barrel when the button is twisted at different speeds to provide the variable gain twist of the rifling in different sections of the barrel.

Abstract: A rotary machine tool that includes first and second slides mounted on a bed for opposed movement transverse to the axis of rotation of a workpiece. Each of the first and second slides includes facility for mounting a cutting tool for engaging diametrically opposite sides of the workpiece from directions transverse to the workpiece axis of rotation. A control mechanism is coupled to the first slide for moving the first slide relative to the bed for controlled engagement of the cutting tool on the first slide with the workpiece. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the second slide for moving the second slide relative to the bed in a direction transverse to the workpiece axis. A synchronizing valve is operatively coupled to the first slide for operating the actuator responsive to movement of the first slide so as to move the second slide by means of the actuator in a manner equal and opposite to movement of the first slide by the controller.

Abstract: A machine tool which is a template tracing attachment which significantly reduces the slack or hysteresis in the operation of a machinist's lathe. Optical or magnetic scales and respective sensors assist in the accuracy of producing workpieces from a template. The accurate reproduction of a workpiece can be manual or computer assisted. The attachment can be retrofitted or included in the production of a lathe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for stabilizing at least one element of a mechanical system against echo-like responses to mechanical disturbances. One or more error signals are provided by sensing the motion of the system at one or more points. At least one adaptive filter is operated in response to the error signal or signals, and in response to at least one non-advanced reference signal that is directly related to some motion of the system. The adaptive filter produces a corrective signal for driving a mechanical actuator, thereby to apply to the element a stabilizing generalized force. By non-advanced is meant that there is a zero or negative time-delay between the presence of a given signal at the reference-sensing location and the arrival of the same, or a similar, signal at the error-sensing location. In particular embodiments of the invention, the reference-sensing location is the same as the error-sensing location.

Abstract: A machine tool including an elongate bed with front and rear ends and a longitudinal axis, a spindle with a work piece-engaging chuck at the rear end of the bed, a first motor driving the spindle, a carriage at the front end of the bed, a first drive means with a second motor to position and move the carriage longitudinally of the longitudinal axis, an elongate cross-slide carried by the carriage and carrying a tool holder, a second drive means with a third motor to position and move the cross-slide on a lateral axis, an encoder connected with and reading the rotative position of the spindle, an electric-powered computerized primary controller connected with the encoder and with the first, second and third motors and controlling the operation thereof in response to machining programs stored therein; a rotary cutting tool head including an elongate rotary cutting tool holder driven by a fourth motor is mounted on the cross-slide remote from the cutting tool holder; a second electric-powered computerized contro

Abstract: A processing apparatus with a movable processing tool, which includes a position detecting sensor for detecting a rotary position of a to-be-processed object held by a holding member set to a rotary main shaft, a deflection detecting sensor for detecting an amount of rotational deflection of a processing reference surface of the object, a waveform shaping device for shaping an output signal from the deflection detecting sensor into a waveform approximate to a sine curve, an operational device for operating a positional correction amount for a processing tool at a processing point of the object on a basis of an output signal of the waveform shaping device synchronously with rotation of the rotary main shaft, an output device for outputting the positional correction amount for every rotary position and every processing point based on an output signal from the operational device, a fine adjustment mechanism for minutely driving the processing tool based on an output signal from the output device, and an NC table

Abstract: The machine control system for a multi-spindle machine (10) includes a controller (42). The controller is operative to avoid machine down time by shutting down operation of the main drive motor (12) of the multi-spindle machine responsive to malfunctions as detected by a plurality of sensors. A controller is also readily programmable to modify the high and low shift points to optimize cycle times. The controller is further connectable to an administrative workstation (188) which includes a database (190) for producing a variety of analytical reports related to performance of the machine.

Abstract: To provide a loading cam device which is capable of ensuring a necessary accuracy, improving the efficiency of the formation of a cam face, and reducing the manufacturing cost. A cam plate is fixedly secured to a chuck rotationally driven by a main shaft. A cutter is axially placed on one surface of the cam plate. A holder holding the cutter is axially displaced in synchronism with the rotation of the chuck to make an irregularity conforming with the cross-sectional configuration of the cam face. In addition, a header is displaced in the diametrical directions of the chuck to make an irregularity throughout.

Abstract: A device for repairing a cylinder in a printing machine while the cylinder is installed in the printing machine. The device includes a cross slide rail having a base body with longitudinal guides, a longitudinal support slidably mounted on the longitudinal guides, and a transverse support connected to the longitudinal support. The cross slide rail is removably mounted to side walls of the printing machine so as to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder to be repaired. A pull spindle is rotatably mounted to the base body and operatively connected to the longitudinal support so that the rotation of the pull spindle moves the longitudinal support along the longitudinal guides of the base body. A tool holder is connected to the transverse support for carrying a tool for working the cylinder. A mechanism for driving the cylinder is also provided.

Abstract: A method of animation plotting by an NC machining program on an NC lathe having a multiplicity of tool rests. The method provides animation plotting for Y-axis machining such as engraving. A display screen of a CRT/MDI provides first display areas "a1" to "an" for simulating a machining process of a workpiece projected in an axial direction of a tool. A second display area is also provided for simulating a machining process of the workpiece projected in the direction of a Y-axis orthogonal to an X-axis and a Z-axis. For each rotational positioning point .theta.i (i=1 to n) of the spindle, Y-axis machining is simulated by simultaneously displaying the movement path of the tool and the shape of the tool within the first display area "ai" and the second display area.

Abstract: A dynamic infeed control is used to segment swarf produced in a lathing operation into short manageable segments. The preferred dynamic method for segmenting the swarf is to add a sine wave motion to the nominal infeed motion. The amplitude of the sine wave is 0.5 times the nominal infeed, although this may vary somewhat due to the properties of the specific material being machined. The frequency of the sine wave is a non-zero integral multiple of the rotational frequency of the lens plus 0.5. Thus the minimum sine wave frequency will be 1.5 times the rotational frequency of the lens and this factor may increase by increments of 1. In equation form, W.sub.SW =(n+0.5).times.W.sub.RL where W.sub.SW is the frequency of the sine wave, W.sub.RL is the rotational frequency of the lens and n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Thus relative minima and maxima are created during one lens rotation that correspond to the relative maxima and minima on the next lens rotation, respectively.

Abstract: The invention comprises an automatic lathe apparatus adapted to be programmed for automatically cutting work pieces into contours with a pair of radial saw blades. The apparatus has an elongated frame with a center drive mechanism movably mounted on the frame intermediate the ends of the frame to accommodate variable length work pieces. The center drive mechanism provides opposing drive spindles independently driven to engage a pair of work pieces at one of their ends and drive them thereby. A pair of tail stock spindles are movably mounted and adjustable at the ends of the frame and have air operated cylinders to drive the spindles into engagement with the other ends of the work pieces. A screw operated platform is power driven by a screw to drive longitudinally along the length of the frame.

Abstract: On-car disc brake lathe unit (2) for simultaneous resurfacing of opposite sides of a brake disc (1) for a wheel without removing the disc but only the wheel and other parts of the brake mechanism, and with a device for rotating the disc, comprising a housing (21) with two synchronous sliding holders (14), each with a tool (15) for resurfacing a disc brake surface; a driving mechanism (10, 12) for the sliding holders comprising an electric motor and a gear between the electric motor and the sliding holders and an adjustable device (18) for controlling the current to the electric motor in relation to the position of the resurfacing tools (15).

Abstract: A method of controlling the clearance angle of a veneer lathe knife in a veneer lathe having a knife holder beam rotatably mounted on a knife carrier. The beam's vibration frequency is continuously measured and compared with a stored representation of a vibration frequency range (about 50-200 Hz.) characteristic of disruption of the veneer peeling operation. If the comparison reveals that the measured vibration frequency is within the characteristic disruptive range, the beam is rotatably adjusted until the comparison reveals that the measured vibration frequency no longer lies within the disruptive range. Usually, the adjustment accelerates lowering of the beam in order to make the knife clearance angle less positive.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the generation of ophthalmic products from blanks comprises a mechanism for rotating the blank about an axis of rotation. A cutter tool imparts a desired surface configuration onto the rotating blank. A first moving mechanism moves the cutter tool in a first direction oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the blank. A second moving mechanism moves the cutter tool in a second direction oriented transverse to the first axis. A digital electronic system controls the angular displacement of the blank with respect to a reference plane containing the blank, and controls the movements of the cutter tool in the first and second directions. The movements of the cutter tool in the first and second directions, and the angular displacement of the blank about the axis of rotation are all controlled independently of one another by the digital electronic system.

Abstract: A turning machine includes a controller for generating both aspherical and non-symmetrical shape components defining the predetermined shape, and a controller for controlling a spindle and a positionable cutting blade to thereby form a predetermined non-rotationally symmetric shape in a workpiece surface. The apparatus includes a rotatable spindle for rotatably mounting the workpiece about an axis, a spindle encoder for sensing an angular position of the rotating workpiece, the cutting blade, and radial and transverse positioners for relatively positioning the cutting blade and workpiece along respective radial and transverse directions. The controller cooperates with a fast transverse positioner for positioning the cutting blade in predetermined varying transverse positions during a revolution of the workpiece.

Abstract: Commutators of armatures for electric motors or other dynamo-electric machines are finished by subjecting them to inspection and turning operations. The first inspection operation determines the minimum amount of material that can be cut while producing a high quality armature. This determination may indicate that no formal turning is required, only finishing. The turning operation, if applicable, cuts the commutator to a substantially cylindrical shape which is substantially concentric with the axis of rotation of the armature. The finishing operation, which may be performed by the same mechanism as the turning operation, imparts a desired axial roughness to the cylindrical commutator surface. The commutators may be inspected after the turning and finishing operations to generate data useful for such purposes as automatically modifying the turning and finishing operations performed on subsequent commutators.

Abstract: Real time in-process data is collected to determine the contour and position of the interface between dissimilar layers of material. A control system is automatically programmed, based on the determined contour and position of the interface, to autonomously control the trajectory of a cutter through a conventional motion control system to separate the dissimilar layers of material. The motion control system controls the cutter movement through, for example, a conventional linear motion device including a servomotor, lead screw, and slidable carriage that holds the cutter.

Abstract: An automatic programming system is provided for a lathe which has more than one spindle. The system has one program which controls the machining processes which are performed using the spindles. The same program also controls a process which transfers a workpiece between the spindles. Additionally, the programming system is able to relocate the origin of a coordinate system used as a reference for the machining based on data relating to the length of the workpiece and the distance between the chucks of the spindles.

Abstract: A machining unit for the production of out-of-center/convex geometries on turned parts using an NC turning machine with at least one horizontal and one vertical machine axis comprises a highly-dynamic, controllable, integral three-phase servomotor having a shaft forming an additional tool axis, as a programmable direct drive for the production of out-of-center/convex geometries on current parts. The additional tool axis is capable of being NC controlled. The shaft has a connecting arm which carries one or more cutting tools for machining the parts. Spaced hydrostatic radial bearings and a hydrostatic axial bearing mount the shaft. A rotational measuring system measures rotation of the shaft. The shaft rotational measuring system, hydrostatic axial bearing and hydrostatic radial bearings as well as the servomotor are mounted in a common housing, with the connecting arm with cutting tools projecting from one side of the housing.

Abstract: A process and device for machining a workpiece supported within a workpiece holder and having a tool which has a machining zone for machining the workpiece and supported within a tool holder. The workpiece and the tool are moved relative to one another in a machining movement for removing workpiece material to form a curved surface on the workpiece, and only a portion of the machining zone of the tool acts upon the workpiece in substantially all machining positions and forms an instantaneous machining zone. The tangent of the machining zone of the tool and the tangent of the surface of the workpiece are each oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the direction of removal of material from the workpiece and substantially coincide within the instantaneous machining zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotary-cutting a timber to peel off a veneer by a cutting knife from the outer periphery of a timber while rotating the timber around its longitudinal axis. The timber is gripped at its two end faces by means of chucking pawls which are driven in rotation. The chucking pawls comprise a plurality of chucks which are different in radial position. The chucks grip the timber at the end faces thereof adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the timber, and as the timber is cut by the knife and reduced in diameter so that the knife comes close to a presently outermost chuck, the outermost chuck is retracted axially away from the end face of the timber, and the next outermost chuck continues to grip the timber adjacent to the presently outer peripheral surface of the timber. For this reason, the gripping force by the chuck pawls, resisting the cutting force moment, can be made small, and the timber gripping is made reliable.

Abstract: A micro-machining center, in the form of an automatic screw machine, utilizes an array of tools and machining support mechanisms removably mounted on a carriage movable parallel to a first axis, and a spindle/collet mechanism movable parallel to a second axis, with machining and manipulating operations being conducted at the intersection of the two axes in a common plane. A microprocessor control system having multiaxis command capability precisely drives the carriage and spindle/collet mechanisms separately or concurrently to perform a sequence of supported machining functions for fabrication of a given part from stock. With this arrangement of microprocessor, tools and spindle/collet mechanism commands for manufacture of a part can readily be generated, verified, used and retained in storage for later use.

Abstract: A processing apparatus with a movable processing tool, includes a deflection detecting device, a rotating position detecting sensor, an arithmetic unit, an output circuit, a fine adjustment device, and an XY table. The detecting device detects a plurality of deflection amounts of a processing reference surface of a to-be-processed work held by a work holding member mounted to a main shaft of an NC processing apparatus. The sensor detects a rotating position of the work. The unit calculates a correcting amount of the tool at a processing point of the work from a measured value of the sensor and plural measured values of the deflection amounts of the detecting device. The circuit outputs the correcting amount synchronously with the rotating position and processing point of the work. The adjustment device has the tool fixed thereto for finely moving the tool in a processing direction based on an output from the circuit. The fine adjustment device is secured to the XY table.

Abstract: The NC complex automatic lathe is provided with a main spindle receptive therein a workpiece for chucking the same such as to protrude a front end portion of the workpiece, and a main spindle base for supporting the main spindle rotatably around a center axis and displaceably in a lengthwise direction of the workpiece. A turret type tool slide is disposed in the vicinity of the front end portion of the workpiece. The turret type tool slide is displaced transversely toward the center of the workpiece. A plurality of tool slide members are arranged radially around the front end portion of the workpiece in a free space away from the moving area of the turret type tool slide such as to undergo displacements toward the center of the workpiece.

Abstract: An animated plotting method in which an actual machining action is accurately simulated even if a tool rest is moved to another main spindle not directly associated therewith for cutting, or a single workpiece loaded on a main spindle is subjected to cutting operations by means of a plurality of tool rests. By virtue of a range specification command G10 for specifically setting a plottable range of each tool rest, a plottable range is imparted to each of the tool rests (S3, S4), and then the plottable range for each of the tool rests is displayed on either the left half (13a) or the right half (13b) of the display screen (13) depending on the operating position of each tool rest, or depending on whether each tool rest lies on the side of a first main spindle (14) or on the side of a second main spindle (16), thereby accurately simulating a path of the tool performing an actual machining operation and the state of cutting.

Abstract: A slide (4) made up of a table (8) and a base (11) is actuated radially relative to a workpiece (M) to be machined via a stud (17) adjustable in a slot (16). The position of the stud can be regulated by means of a screw and a motor. A roller (24) borne by the stud then moves along another slot (25) in an arm (26) integral with a shaft (7f). The oscillations of the shaft are controlled by a control cam. Displacement of the stud relative to the pivot point of the arm permits the transmission ratio, hence the course of travel of the slide, to be varied. The angle .alpha. between the directions of the slots is other than zero at the end of the travel, so that the final position of a tool (29) can be adjusted by means of the control motor.

Abstract: An initial curvature is cut into a lens blank in a lens making machine, such as a lathe, and the curvature is subsequently finished by a finishing tool. The finishing tool has curve characteristics which correspond to those of a prescription within a prescribed tolerance. The curvature of the finishing tool is measured on a digital gauge, and those measurements are fed to a digital controller which actuates the lathe. As a result, an initial curvature is cut into the lens blank having characteristics which correspond to those of the finishing tool. The finishing operation can thus be performed more quickly, since less material needs to be removed from the initial curvature during the finishing operation.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool such as a roll grinder grinds a workpiece into a roll shape by rotating the workpiece about its own axis at a prescribed speed, and moving a grinding tool in radial and axial directions of the workpiece. The machine tool has a first motor for rotating the grinding tool about its own axis and a second motor for moving toward and away from the workpiece in the radial direction thereof. The machine tool also includes a detector for detecting a drive current supplied to the first motor, and a control unit for comparing the value of the drive current detected by the detector and a preset current value and for controlling the second motor based on the result of comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provide a workpiece exchanging system in a CNC lathe having two spindle heads. The workpiece is machined by a spindle head A (S1, S2), a spindle head B is moved toward the spindle head A while loading a servo motor controlling a feed axis for the spindle head B to a torque limit (S3, S4). An error (d) of the feed axis is detected when this movement is completed, and it is determined whether the workpiece is normally clamped by a chuck mounted at a spindle head (S5, S7). The workpiece is machined as it is in accordance with the error of the feed axis (S9), is machined after being moved by a coordinate corresponding to the error (S8), an alarm is displayed, and the CNC is stopped (S10).

Abstract: A lathe for processing a workpiece into a nonaxisymmetric shape including a cutter to be always contacted with a workpiece surface at an almost fixed angle. A first support shaft is rotatably supported around a first axis mounted on a tool rest, and a second support shaft is rotatably supported around a second axis mounted on and off-centered from the first axis. Also, a third support shaft is rotatably supported around a third axis mounted on and off-centered from the second axis, and a holder for holding the cutter is secured to one end of the third support shaft. A controller controls the rotating angles of the support shafts to control the movement of the cutter forwards and rearwards and also its contact angle.