Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatic, intermittent feed of workpieces into a lathe. The apparatus includes a collet having a side entry for receiving workpieces and a workpiece positioning aperture, in alignment with the lathe spindle, for finally positioning the workpieces for machining. The collet further includes dowel pins that initially position the workpiece and a plunger that reciprocates intermittently to advance and press the individual workpieces into the positioning aperture. The apparatus includes a delivery chute for intermittently dropping the individual workpieces into the collet assembly side access for initial positioning. A control system positions the collet assembly to receive the workpiece, releases the workpiece from the delivery chute, actuates the plunger to press the workpiece into final position for machining, actuates machining, and, at its completion, actuates the plunger to withdraw the workpiece whereupon it drops from the machine by gravity.

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: Manipulators (M1, M2) capable of gripping a workpiece to be machined are mounted on the tool-carrying slide or slides or on the so-called cross slide or slides (S) of a vertical lathe. The manipulators are preferably located outside the tool stations. The travel movements of the slide or slides are adapted so that, after machining of the workpiece located on the chuck (G) has been completed, a manipulator (M2) is positioned on the chuck in order to take hold of and extract the workpiece, while the other manipulator (M1) is positioned, simultaneously, in a loading station (S1) in order to take hold of and raise a new workpiece to be machined. With successive displacements of the slide or slides, the manipulator (M2) with the machined workpiece is positioned in a station (S2) for receiving and removing the workpiece itself, while the other manipulator (M1) is simultaneously positioned on the chuck (G) in order to insert the new workpiece in the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar turning lathe comprised of a main spindle (10), a first primary tool-holder turret (12) and a second primary tool-holder turret (16) which both carry tools (13, 17). The second turret (16) carries a transfer spindle (19) arranged to take a part (11) from the main spindle (10) that is already partially machined by the tools of the first (12) and second (16) primary turrets. The body of the second primary turret (16) carries an auxiliary turret (20) axially movable and carrying a tool (21) capable of machining the part (11) carried and rotated by the transfer spindle (19). Such an arrangement allows simultaneous machining of a new part (11) carried by the main spindle (10) and a partially machined part (11) carried by the retaking spindle (19).

Abstract: A CNC (computer numerical control) lathe includes a tailstock feed mechanism consisting of a feed hopper and an air cylinder for feeding a short workpiece, and a secondary tool turret having a feed chuck and a set of rear end cutting tools for processing the end of a bar stock material which has been processed by a main tool turret and a radial processing mechanism for processing a short workpiece delivered through the tailstock feed mechanism.

Abstract: A plurality of pallets for exchanging and fixing workpieces are placed on a plurality of respective tables supported vertically with spacing between one another, and the tables are rotated to transfer a required pallet to the predetermined exchange position to perform an exchange operation of the pallet by a pallet exchange device.

Abstract: An automatic precision lathe is provided with a rotating main spindle movable in its axial directions, a slide movable in directions perpendicular to the axial directions of the main spindle, and a first subspindle and a second subspindle provided on the surface of the slide which faces the main spindle. The first and the second spindle are moved together with the slide to be alternately aligned with the main spindle to held the tip portion and the largest intermediate portion of the workpiece, respectively. The automatic precision lathe machines a workpiece having an intermediate portion with the largest diameter very accurately at a high rotational speed and at a large feed.

Abstract: A multispindle lathe is disclosed which has an indexable drum including a plurality of main spindles. A secondary spindle opposes the main spindles so that it is coaxial with one of the main spindles at an indexed position. The secondary spindle is rotatable on a fixed axis and can be moved axially towards the main spindle. The rotation of the secondary spindle can be synchronized with the rotation of the main spindle so that both spindles can hold a workpiece. A cut off tool moves transversely to the spindles to cut the workpiece from bar stock which has been fed into the main spindle. After cut off, the secondary spindle moves away from the main spindle and a secondary tool moves transversely to the secondary spindle to machine the end of the workpiece which has just been cut off. Movement of the secondary tool and secondary spindle can be coordinated to form curves and tapered threads.

Abstract: A finished parts catcher for an automatic machine having a workholder and a part cut-off means comprising a finished part receptacle or chute positioned beneath the workholder; piston and cylinder means for imparted movement to the receptacle, the piston and cylinder means has first and second ends; the receptacle being positioned from the first end of the piston and cylinder means; at least one connecting rod extends between and is attached to the receptacle and the second end of the piston and cylinder means; means for limiting travel of the connecting rod and a control means to actuate the piston and cylinder means thereby simultaneously moving the connecting rod and causing the receptacle to move to a position beneath the workholder prior to release of the finished part so as to catch the finished part when released from the workholder. The caught finished part is directed to a parts basket from which it can be easily removed while the automatic machine is cycling.

Abstract: A linear motor piston turning and grooving machine (10) for turning non-round diameters and complex shaped pistons (W) in which a pair of oppositely facing CNC turning modules (14, 16) each are aligned with one of a pair of a vertical axis spindles (30, 32) having chucks (26, 28) for each piston (W). An overhead tailstock assembly (34, 36) is centered over each spindle (30, 32). A grooving mechanism (106, 108) is located to the rear of each tailstock assembly (34, 36) and includes a rocking support shaft (110, 112) for bringing tooling (114, 116) into engagement with the piston (W).

Abstract: The invention relates to a lathe and grinder apparatus for turning and/or grinding works and for any like machining thereof requiring spindles to be used, which comprises two dual-spindle units (T1, T2), that may be even more than two in number, arranged in a side by side parallel relation, and interfaced by means of manipulators (R1, R2, R.sub.3), which are for feeding works to the first dual-spindle unit, for delivering the machined works from the final dual-spindle unit, and for transferring the workpieces, may be in a modified direction thereof, from a dual-spindle unit to the successive one, so as to allow the various work surfaces to be machined.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for a multi-spindle screw machines which provides positive part recovery and increased back-machining capabilities. The attachment is fully integrated in the host multi-spindle machine to complete cut-off, back-machining operations, and part recovery within the cycle time of the host machine. The configuration and construction of the attachment assembly provides reliable operation with minimum adjustment and simplified trouble-shooting through a central processing display panel. The integration of the components also simplifies tool changes and adjustments for production of different parts. As a result, the cut-off and back-machining are accomplished within the limited cycle time of the multi-spindle machine while recovery of the finished part ensures diversion to the proper storage bin prior to return to the start position to pick-off the next production part.

Abstract: A pick off attachment for use with automatic multiple spindle machines includes a spindle and housing to be mounted within a sliding workholder, which is moveable along the longitudinal slide of the workstation of the cutting machine. The spindle is mounted upon a splined shaft which is mechanically linked to the spindle via a collet at one end and connected to the machine gear box at the other. The shaft extends partially into the spindle where it is connected to an ejector. The face of the ejector rests inside the shoulder of another collet. This collet is mounted on the interior of the spindle and serves to hold the part to be machined during the machining cycle. Two adjustable nuts on the shaft allow the positions of the part holding collet and the ejection mechanism with respect to the part to be machined to be varied.

Abstract: A machine tool has a hollow drive spindle with a work holder attached thereto for holding work submerged in a machine liquid, such as mineral oil, contained in a machining chamber. The work is machined in the submerged state as a cutting tool is fed against the work rotating with the drive spindle. The machining liquid is additonally utilized for hydrodynamically loading the work on the work holder by drawing the liquid from the machining chamber into the hollow in the drive spindle, and for unloading the completed product from the work holder by forcing the liquid back into the machining chamber through the hollow in the drive spindle. A removable chip recovery vessel is provided for the recovery of the metal chips and particles from the machining liquid by recirculating it through the vessel. The machine tool can take various other arrangements for the performance of a variety of cutting operations.

Abstract: A machine tool has first and second spindles provided so as to face each other. The first and the second spindles are synchronously rotated without stopping their rotation. A machined workpiece, after a first machining routine, in a state of rotation is directly delivered from the first spindle to the second spindle, and a second routine of machining is immediately performed.

Abstract: In a method and a multiple-spindle automatic lathe for machining both sides of workpieces, in order to increase the number of spindle positions available for machining the workpieces, it is suggested that the spindle drum be indexed in single steps, that the feeding of raw workpieces, the removal of finished workpieces and the changeover of half-finished workpieces be carried out in a single spindle position of the spindle drum and that the feeding of raw workpieces and the removal of finished workpieces occur alternately after each drum indexing.

Abstract: A workpiece machining system for simultaneously machining the opposite surfaces of workpieces such as discs for disc brakes includes at least two machining apparatus disposed on a workpiece transfer path between a first workpiece inlet conveyor line and a second workpiece outlet conveyor line, for machining respective workpieces while holding and rotating the workpieces in the same attitude as that in which they are conveyed along the first and second conveyor lines. The workpiece machining system also includes a transfer apparatus for transferring the workpieces from the first conveyor line through the machining apparatus to the second conveyor line while maintaining the workpieces in the same attitude.

Abstract: An automated turret lathe is provided with an automated finished part collection system. The parts are collected as they are produced and are not allowed to fall among chips, shavings and other debris in the turret lathe bed. As the turret head of the turret lathe is withdrawn to allow each machined portion of the work stock to be cut from the remaining raw, unmachined bar of work stock, the turret head travels along a path of withdrawal in which an actuating means is located. The actuating means triggers advancement of an elongated arm and rotation of a collection receptacle that is secured to the end of the elongated arm. The receptacle is oriented concave upward as it is brought into a position immediately beneath the machined portion of the work stock. When that portion is cut from the remaining bar of work stock as a finished part, it falls into the receptacle which then is retracted.

Abstract: A pipe centering apparatus is of such a structure that pipes of certain kinds such as aluminum short pipes transported by a conveyor are centered with their longitudinal centers aligned with each other, before the pipes are subjected to chamfering or other processes. The pipe centering apparatus in the invention comprises a pair of right and left gears in mesh with each other and rotatably mounted on a main frame, a pair of right and left racks respectively in mesh with the right and left gears, and a pair of right and left regulators respectively secured to the right and left racks so as to come into contact with ends of the pipes, wherein the gears are rotated to cause the regulators to move towards each other and to contact the pipe ends, thereby precisely centering the pipes even where the pipes are not of strictly the same length.

Abstract: A device for cutting a pipe including a first carriage, which is movable on the base of the device and has an outer cutter, and a second carriage mounted on the first carriage. The second carriage includes a plurality of guide rods arranged on a support arm so that when the support arm is rotated the guide rods draw a circle and the pipe is fed to fit on each of the guide rods interchangeably. Each guide rod has an inner cutter so that the outer cutter in cooperation with the inner cutter cuts the pipe while the first carriage is moved in the direction in which the pipe is fed into the device.

Abstract: Process for loading and unloading the main spindle of a lathe which comprises a turret provided with at least two drivable auxiliary spindles and which is combined with a workpiece handling device, wherein in order to shorten the machining time, the rotating main spindle is loaded and unloaded with the aid of the auxiliary spindles driven at the same rotational speed as the main spindle, and the auxiliary spindles are loaded and unloaded by the workpiece handling device when they point in the upward direction.

Abstract: In a remaining bar material machining method, a plurality of works are taken from a continuous bar material on an NC lathe, and the remaining portion left at the end of the bar material is machined effectively. In the lathe in which both first and second headstocks are axially movable along the bed, the continuous bar material can be continuously machined with efficiency. At that time, to utilize the remaining portion left at the end of the bar material effectively without discarding it, this remaining bar material is transferred to the second headstock. An NC controller includes a main machining program and a remaining bar material machining program; when the remaining bar material has been transferred to the second headstock, the remaining bar material machining program is executed instead of the main machining program having hitherto been executed. During machining the remaining bar material on the second headstock, the first headstock is waiting in readiness for the machining of the next bar material.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer device of a grinding machine is provided with an arm having a suction pad thereon for transferring ground workpieces. Since air is injected from the suction pad when the arm is in a standby position, coolant and grinding chips are not sucked into the suction pad.

Abstract: A machine tool (100) has a spindle (101) and a turret or toolholder (124) which are disposed at the front of a base (134).A workpiece (W) is rotated by the spindle (101). The turret (124) is movable toward and away from the workpiece (W) along a path which has vertical and horizontal components. A conveyor assembly (200) is operable to move workpieces between the rear of the base (134) and the spindle (101) along a path (A) which extends through a plane (E) which contains the axis (C) of rotation of the spindle. The plane (E) is parallel to vertical and horizontal components of movement of the turret (123). An alternative embodiment (100a) of the machine tool includes a pair of spindles (101a, 301) and a pair of turrets (124a, 324) disposed at the front of a base (134a, 334). Workpieces (W9, W10) are moved two at a time between the rear of the base (134a, 334 ) and the two spindles (101a, 301) along a path which extends through a plane which contains the axes (C, J) of rotation of the spindles (101a, 301).

Abstract: In a method and a multiple-spindle automatic lathe for machining both sides of workpieces, in order to increase the number of spindle positions available for machining the workpieces, it is suggested that the spindle drum be indexed in single steps, that the feeding of raw workpieces, the removal of finished workpieces and the changeover of half-finished workpieces be carried out in a single spindle position of the spindle drum and that the feeding of raw workpieces and the removal of finished workpieces occur alternately after each drum indexing.

Abstract: A control device for feeding metal bars to a multispindle automatic lathe comprises a rotating drum which bears a plurality of bar pushers arranged peripherally and equidistantly from each other, control means being associated with said bar pushers. In accordance with the invention said control means consist of a hydraulic motor for each bar pusher, said motor being fixed to said rotating drum. Fluid under pressure is fed selectively to at least one or more of said hydraulic motors, depending on the feed requirements, through a unit which comprises a distributor designed to place in communication fluid delivered under pressure with said at least one or more motors during rotation of the drum to which it is constrained.

Abstract: An elongated rod member supporting apparatus is disclosed which is provided in a rod feeding machine having a frame positioned adjacent a working machine. The apparatus rotatably supports the elongated member and feeds the same to the working machine. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rod supporting units, damper means and oil supplying means. The plurality of rod supporting units are each positioned spaced away and are arranged along a length of the rod feeding machine. The unit has both axial end portions provided with bearing portions for rotatably supporting the elongated member. The damper means is provided between each of the rod supporting units and the frame of the rod feeding machine for elastically supporting the rod supporting units. The oil supplying means is provided for supplying oil to each space defined between the bearing portions and the elongated rod member.

Abstract: A multispindle lathe comprising a rigid, stationary frame, a drum mounted for rotation on the frame, indexing means for indexing the drum relative to the frame about its axis of rotation, a plurality of driven spindles carried by the drum with their axes parallel to and spaced about the axis of rotation of the drum, each spindle being equipped to carry a workpiece, and, a plurality of tool mechanisms carried by the frame and disposed around the axis of the drum for machining workpieces carried by the main spindles, a secondary spindle facing towards said main spindles and having its axis of rotation parallel to the axes of rotation of said main spindles, said secondary spindle being equipped to grip the portion of a workpiece protruding from one of the main spindles, a two axis slide system carried by the frame of the lathe and supporting said secondary spindle whereby said secondary spindle can be moved in directions axially towards and away from, and transversely with respect to the axes of the main spindle

Abstract: A high speed, overhead loader mechanism is disclosed, for use in connection with an automatic lathe. A simplified, versatile basic vertical positioning mechanism is provided, which mounts on the spindle housing of the lathe and accommodates a wide variety of customized loading fixtures, for parts of various sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are unique forms of part feeders and ejectors for supply and discharge of parts to and from an automatic lathe.

Abstract: An elongated rod member supporting apparatus is disclosed which is provided in a rod feeding machine having a frame positioned adjacent a working machine. The apparatus rotatably supports the elongated member and feeds the same to the working machine. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rod supporting units, damper means and oil supplying means. The plurality of rod supporting units are each positioned spaced away and are arranged along a length of the rod feeding machine. The unit has both axial end portions provided with bearing portions for rotatably supporting the elongated member. The damper means is provided between each of the rod supporting units and the frame of the rod feeding machine for elastically supporting the rod supporting units. The oil supplying means is provided for supplying oil to each space defined between the bearing portions and the elongated rod member.

Abstract: A bar stock support comprises a tubular member with resilient means extending radially inwardly from the inner wall of said tubular member toward the major axis of said tubular member to define a generally cylindrical channel having a diameter smaller than at least the largest cross-section dimension of the smallest said bar stock to be supported, so that at least some of said resilient means is deformed by said bar stock. Said resilient means has sufficient resistance when deformed to support said bar stock generally concentrically within said tubular member and to resist movement of said bar stock radially within said bar stock support. In a preferred embodiment, said resilient member comprises a helix of bristles disposed within said tubular member.

Abstract: The device comprises a sectional carrier of closed cross section with a circular bed, a base and channels of distribution and return of oil. A guiding element comprising at least one guiding tube enclosing a bar stock to be machined and a push-piston is removably secured on the bed. The distribution channel communicates through radial openings with the guiding element for delivering to the latter oil under pressure which creates a hydrodynamic bearing supporting the bar stock when the latter is set into rotation by the head stock of the lathe. The sectional carrier has a great rigidity and stability which permits very high speeds of rotation of the bar stock to be machined. The return of oil by closed channels of the sectional carrier is protected against external contamination by impurities or dust.

Abstract: A plurality of bar stock retaining sleeves control the bar stock fed therethrough to a machine center to prevent excessive vibration and end-whipping during a cutting and machining operation. A first retaining sleeve is positioned within the feed orifice of the machine center, and includes a master bushing having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bar stock being cut, which master bushing is positioned adjacent the orifice outlet at the the cutting head. A second retaining sleeve is supporting exteriorly of the machine center in abutting relationship to the stock inlet of the feed orifice. The second retaining sleeve includes at least two bushings having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bar stock, the two bushings being connected in spaced relationship to each other by an elongated cylindrical tube having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the connected bushings.

Abstract: A workpiece positioner usable with a lathe having a headstock rotatable about a lathe axis has a base adjacent the lathe and defining an upright base axis offset from the lathe axis, a gripper support pivotal on the base about the base axis and defining a horizontal support axis, a positioner head pivotal on the support about the support axis, and a pair of grippers each including a respective pair of gripper jaws displaceable on the head transversely of the support axis.

Abstract: A bar stock feed mechanism includes a filler tube having provision for coaxial alignment with an attachment to the rotatable work receiver of a lathe, for example, and is adapted to coaxially receive a section of bar stock for incremental feeding to the chuck of the lathe. The tube, at its end portion axially remote from the chuck contains a piston adapted to abut the proximate end of the bar stock, and the piston is pressurized for advancing the stock. Filler tubes are provided in several diameters for accommodating several sizes of bar stock. In the event of bar stock of substantial length, the filler tube is surrounded by a concentric extension tube which rotates with the tube and chuck or equivalent work receiver of the machine or lathe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing pistons (10) and the like from foundry-turned castings during one clamping operation to provide enhanced manufacturing productivity. Separate boring and turning modules (34, 24) of the apparatus are mounted on a primary base (18) and a grooving module (54) is mounted on a secondary base (72). The modules automatically groove the ring grooves (11), turn the complex shape of the skirt (15) and bore the wrist pin bore (13) through an ordered sequence of manufacturing steps. The piston stock is mounted for rotation on headstock and tailstock assemblies (82, 84). These assemblies are carried on the secondary base (72) which is slidably mounted on the primary base for movement into operative position with respect to the boring and turning modules according to the ordered sequence. The method and system improve piston quality while reducing manufacturing costs including saving factory floor space.

Abstract: A workpiece transport for machine tools and comprised of articulated inner and outer lever arms, the inner lever arm received in a base socket secured to the machine tool, and the outer lever arm pivotally carrying a workpiece support, the articulating axes being vertical and parallel and the workpiece being roughly and finely adjustable into axial alignment with the machine tool, and the workpiece supporting being adjustable to workpiece configuration.

Abstract: The device, which controls operation of the loading magazine in an automatic machine tool and is capable of measuring the handling diameter of single workpieces fed into the machine, comprises a set of jaws located between the magazine and the automatic feed facility, and a transducer which monitors the distance separating the jaws when encompassing the workpiece and relays a corresponding information signal back to the unit which controls the operation of the machine tool as a whole.

Abstract: A method of machining short-length workpieces provides a hollow spindle adapted to be driven in rotation around a longitudinal axis thereof, the spindle having first and second chucks at one and the other longitudinal ends thereof, respectively. A short-length workpiece is gripped by the first chuck and the spindle and workpiece gripped by the first chuck are rotated for performing a primary operation of machining on one end of the workpiece. The first chuck is then loosened to release the workpiece and the workpiece conveyed within the first chuck through the hollow interior of the spindle into the second chuck, which is in a loosened state, by pushing the workpiece from one longitudinal end of the spindle to other. The second chuck is then tightened to grip the workpiece so as to rotate the workpiece together with the spindle for performing a secondary operation of machining on the opposite end of the workpiece. Finally, the second chuck is loosened to release the workpiece.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting a wheel set, such as a railroad wheel set, is constructed for cooperation especially with wheel truing machines for lifting a wheel set into a machining position or out of the machining position. In order to facilitate the chip removal, the lifting mechanism is tiltably mounted in a chip removal pit. In its uplifting working position a cover of the lifting mechanism substantially closes the chip pit except for the wheel carriers. In the recessed position of the lifting mechanism the cover tilts along with the lifting mechanism thereby guiding any chips accumulated on the cover onto a chip removing conveyor in the pit. For this purpose the lifting mechanism has a movable frame hinged to a stationary frame so that the hinging axis extends outside of a lifting plane passing through the rotational axis of the wheel set.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in machining a workpiece includes a housing (102) which is operable between a closed condition enclosing a chuck (101) and an open condition. When the housing (102) is in the open condition, an opening (117) extends across the top of the housing and down opposite sides of the housing to provide access to the chuck (101) from both sides of the housing. A workpiece transfer assembly (200) has a downwardly extending structure (204) which is movable along a path (A) extending through the housing (102) when the housing is in the open condition. This enables the transfer structure (200) to move unfinished workpieces (W) to the chuck (101) from one side of the housing and to move finished workpieces from the chuck to the opposite side of the housing. The transfer structure is supported on tracks (201) which extend above the housing.

Abstract: A multi-spindle lathe includes a pair of main spindles, a first spindle being located on one side of a main spindle head and a second spindle being located on an opposite side of the main spindle head. A supporting shaft extends through the main spindle head, and the head is selectively engageable with a head stock. The head stock is provided with an assembly for rotatably driving either of the main spindles when such spindle is positioned below the main spindle head, in order that a workpiece can be operated upon, while the spindle is positioned above the main spindle head in order for a workpiece to be attached or detached.

Abstract: Automatic turret lathe with a synchronous spindle in the tool turret which is drivable in synchronism with the main spindle and comprises a workpiece chuck means. To enable workpieces to also be worked on the rear side, i.e., on the side on which they were severed from a stock rod, while the next workpiece held in the main spindle is already being machined with the aid of a further tool carrier, a third tool carrier is arranged on the side of the tool turret mounted on a compound slide system facing away from the main spindle.