Control Patents (Class 82/133)
  • Patent number: 9926005
    Abstract: A pressurized medium assembly includes a first working chamber and a second working chamber. The first and second working chambers are adapted to together produce a load. The pressurized medium assembly includes a first control arrangement adapted to provide a fluid communication between the first working chamber and a pressure line in an on/off manner. The pressurized medium assembly further includes a second control arrangement adapted to provide a fluid communication between the second working chamber and a pressure line. The second control arrangement is adapted to proportionally regulate the pressure in the second working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Roland Wiktor, Kim Heybroek
  • Patent number: 8640576
    Abstract: A production machine for non-circular workpieces provided with a tool feed unit (1) comprising a tool carrier (2) for receiving the tool and a compensation body (3) for impulse decoupling. The work movement of the tool carrier (2) can be effected by a drive (4) acting between the tool carrier (2) and the compensation body (3). The tool carrier (2) is supported by rolling bodies (5) and the compensation body (3) is suspended via elastically deformable guide elements (6) at a housing part (7) of the tool feed unit (1). A mass of the compensation body (3) is larger than a mass of the tool carrier (2) carrying the tool so that the working movements of the tool carrier (2) effect compensation strokes of the compensation body (3) that are only within the range of the elastic deformation of the guide elements (6). The guide elements (6) thus effect the guiding and resetting of the compensation body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: J.G. Weisser Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Jorg
  • Patent number: 8392002
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method and system for processing standard part description programs in real time into the tool position control data appropriate to a CNC machine's standard and high bandwidth mechanisms, respectively. The result is precise tool tip control that tracks the programmed path at all times while maintaining the appropriate feed rates and accelerations for each type of mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, a hybrid mechanism employing a high bandwidth mechanism mounted on and moved by a standard mechanism is employed. The command vector for the high-bandwidth mechanism is computed by subtracting the tool tip vector filtered to comprise only the tool tip positions and trajectories realizable by the standard mechanism from an ideal tool tip trajectory vector that represents the complete programmed path. These calculations produce a synchronous set of movements for both standard and high bandwidth mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Ali Pak, Curtis S Wilson
  • Patent number: 8272302
    Abstract: There is provided a precision roll turning lathe which can perform machining of fine grooves at a dramatically higher speed as compared to conventional roll turning lathes, thus significantly shortening time taken for machining one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takanobu Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8051754
    Abstract: With the use of a tool (41), first cutting is applied to a work (W), and then second cutting is applied to the work (W) while the tool (41) is transferred in an X-axis direction. Then, an amount of deviation dy between the cutting edge height of the tool (41) and the center line of the work (W) is calculated based on a first diameter value (D1) and second diameter value (D2) measured after the first cutting and second cutting are applied, and the travel distance of the tool (41) between the first cutting and the second cutting. Machining to the work (W) is resumed after the amount of deviation is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tsugami Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kase, Kenji Okamura
  • Publication number: 20110138976
    Abstract: A production machine for non-circular workpieces provided with a tool feed unit (1) comprising a tool carrier (2) for receiving the tool and a compensation body (3) for impulse decoupling. The work movement of the tool carrier (2) can be effected by a drive (4) acting between the tool carrier (2) and the compensation body (3). The tool carrier (2) is supported by rolling bodies (5) and the compensation body (3) is suspended via elastically deformable guide elements (6) at a housing part (7) of the tool feed unit (1). A mass of the compensation body (3) is larger than a mass of the tool carrier (2) carrying the tool so that the working movements of the tool carrier (2) effect compensation strokes of the compensation body (3) that are only within the range of the elastic deformation of the guide elements (6). The guide elements (6) thus effect the guiding and resetting of the compensation body (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: J.G. WEISSER SOHNE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Jorg
  • Publication number: 20100162862
    Abstract: A tripper assembly for use in advancing a clamshell lathe tool slide including a tool for milling a portion of a workpiece such as a tube or pipe, the tool slide being operatively connected to a rotatable ring of the clamshell lathe and the tripper assembly operatively connected to a stationary ring of the clamshell lathe. The design of the tripper assembly is such that the position, engaged or disengaged, of the tripper element can be easily ascertained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: H&S Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Randall Hall, Robert E. Cormany
  • Publication number: 20090217792
    Abstract: To provide a machine tool not only capable of machining an inner surface of a workpiece into a spherical surface but also capable of machining a bearing surface including a flat surface and machining the combination of a spherical surface and a flat surface, and to provide a workpiece inner surface machining method using the machine tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kazuhiko OIWA
  • Patent number: 7571669
    Abstract: In a noncircular shape machining apparatus, a tool 7 is moved reciprocally in an X-axis direction by a tool-moving mechanism. A first acceleration sensor 6 is disposed on a saddle 11, which is an immovable section of the tool-moving mechanism. Further, a second acceleration sensor 15 is disposed on a spindle bearing 5 of a spindle that holds and causes a workpiece 1 to rotate. Additionally, displacements of the saddle 11 and the workpiece 1 are measured by these two acceleration sensors 6 and 15, and displacement in the relative distance between the workpiece 1 and the tool 7 is acquired as relative displacement on the basis of the two displacements that have been obtained. Additionally, the position of the tool 7 is calculated from the obtained displacement and the output value of an X-axis linear scale 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Eba
  • Patent number: 7536936
    Abstract: The present invention relates to on-car brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to improved on-car brake lathes configured with a drive system for controlling a rotational direction of an output spindle during a brake rotor resurfacing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerdes, Michael A. Olsen, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Publication number: 20090120250
    Abstract: There is provided a precision roll turning lathe which can perform machining of fine grooves at a dramatically higher speed as compared to conventional roll turning lathes, thus significantly shortening time taken for machining one groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: TAKANOBU AKIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7168351
    Abstract: A process for generating a curved surface on a workpiece with high speed is disclosed, in which an acceleration of a slider is set to a predetermined desired acceleration while a rotating velocity of a work spindle is made varied to keep the acceleration of the slider as constant as possible. Rotation of the work spindle and movement of an X-axis table are made synchronized with the movement of the slider having the desired acceleration to generate a preselected desired curve on a surface of the workpiece, which lies in perpendicular to a Y-axis along which a cutting tool moves in and out, thereby shortening the cycle time it takes for the curve generation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seibu Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Hirayama, Toshiro Morikawa, Masahiro Minohara, Kouki Shingai
  • Patent number: 6925915
    Abstract: A device increases the surface smoothness of a turned surface. The device comprising a control system with a control unit and an actuator connectible to the control unit and connectible with a tool holder. The actuator in adapted to impart a vibrating motion in the lateral direction to the tool holder. A method will also increase the surface smoothness of a turned surface, comprising the step of controlling the vibrations of the tool holder during turning. The method also comprises the step of imparting a vibrating motion in the lateral direction to the tool holder. Moreover, a turning lathe and a turning tool holder which like the device are designed to generate vibrating motion in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Staffansboda Compagnie AB
    Inventors: Ingvar Claesson, Thomas Lago, Lars Hakansson
  • Publication number: 20040221697
    Abstract: At least one component of a spindle assembly has matched bosses disposed to the opposite sides of a transversely extending, axially offset coupling recess or key, for balance of the forces acting therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Florian I. Nowak, Gary F. Nowak, Jay P. Giblin
  • Patent number: 6772659
    Abstract: A tool head for use in machine tools comprising a base body coupled to a machine spindle, comprising at least one tool-receiving means for a cutting tool, and comprising a rotatable slide mechanism, which eccentrically carries the tool-receiving means, and is rotated about an eccentric axis parallel to the base-body axis with respect to the base body in order to facilitate an adjusting of the cutting radius of the cutting tool. A second rotatable slide mechanism is provided which carries a second eccentric tool-receiving means, and is rotated about a second eccentric axis parallel to the base-body axis with respect to the base body in order to facilitate an adjusting of the cutting radius of the respective cutting tool. Furthermore, transmission means is arranged in the base body to facilitate a simultaneous driving of the two rotatable slide mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Komet Praezisionswerkzeuge Robert Breuning GmbH
    Inventors: Arthur Antoni, Rudolf Wiest
  • Patent number: 6718854
    Abstract: A material shaping machine has a frame, a work-piece holder and a tool holder, for rotatably holding a tool. A computer performs real-time tool path calculations based upon stored mathematical representations of a desired work-piece surface and stored mathematical representations of an actual tool geometry, by calculating a desired position of a tool cutting edge relative a measured position of the tool cutting edge and a measured position of the work-piece, and adjusting a distance between the desired tool cutting edge and the measured position of the tool cutting edge in a first direction, so that the tool cutting edge reaches the desired position. Manipulation means provide a relative movement of the work-piece and the tool cutting surface in a second direction and a third direction. The manipulation means are operated outside the computer control. Sensors determine the position of the work-piece relative the cutting surface of the tool and send the position data to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bedi, Ben Huynh, Lee Chi Chau
  • Patent number: 6651536
    Abstract: A lathe (10) includes a support structure (12) which supports a magazine (14) in a substantially vertical operative orientation. The magazine (14) is rotatably supported on a carriage (24). The magazine (14) is a multi-spindle magazine and supports a plurality of workpieces. A workstation head (40) is mounted on the housing (18). The workstation head defines a plurality of workstations (46). Each workstation head includes a plurality of working tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: K. D. Binnie Engineering Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Douglas Binnie
  • Patent number: 6629480
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object a device for assembling tools in a tool carrier by thermal expansion and preadjustment and measurement of the mounted assembly. The device is characterized in that it is essentially constituted by a support frame (1) provided with an interchangeable tool carrying socket (2), by at least one column (3) supporting a dimensional measuring arm (4) and an induction heater (5), by a console (6) for displaying measurements, by a control panel (7) and by a device (8) for precise adjustment of the outwardly extending length of the tool. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the environment of machine tools, in particular digitally controlled machines, machining centers, machines or line transfer, for high speed machining or for which high dimensional precision and concentricity are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: E.P.D.
    Inventors: Alain Freyermuth, Laurent Mallet
  • Patent number: 6615697
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine tool that the process accuracy does not deteriorate even if the accuracy of the machine itself changes to some extent. A work support means 3 of a spindle 8 etc. to support a work (W), a cutting means 4 of a movable feed bar 9 to the work support means 3 to process the work (W) and a tool base 10 and the like and a control unit 2 are provided. The control unit 2 controls the movement of the cutting means 4 by the measured positional information based on a process origin (Ow) of the work support means 3. The position measurement means 25 like a linear sensor is provided as the means to measure the position to the moving direction of the cutting means 4 based on the process origin (Ow).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20030154831
    Abstract: Sensors are incorporated into a multiple spindle automatic screw machine in such manner as to effectively monitor burring spindle retraction and stock supply and feeding. The lubricant/coolant level sensor is housed in a protective auxiliary chamber, and adaptations to the threading axis drive, the work spindle axis drive, and the cam axis drive improve performance of the machine while at the same time reducing its complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Florian I. Nowak, Jay P. Giblin
  • Patent number: 6588307
    Abstract: A CNC lathe with double-speed shifting feature in spindle axis comprises a frame, a screw rod pivotally disposed along a lengthwise spindle axis of the frame, a worktable assembly and a tool holder assembly; characterized in that the screw rod includes a positive thread section and a counter thread section for engaging two nuts respectively secured on the worktable assembly and the tool holder assembly; thereby when the screw rod is rotated by a servomotor, the tool holder assembly and worktable assembly are simultaneously shifted in opposite directions along the spindle axis for obtaining a relatively shifting speed at the double of conventional one, so that the non-cutting operation time of a CNC lathe is greatly reduced, and so that the overall machining speed and efficiency are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6536317
    Abstract: A complex machining machine tool is capable of executing a plurality of kinds of machining operations on a workpiece by selectively indexing and using an insert installed on a complex tool. The complex tool is registered in a tool data file as a plurality of virtual tools capable of executing corresponding machining operations. The virtual tools include a turning tool and a milling tool. In the tool data, the angle in a B-axis direction at which the tool is positioned when the virtual tool is used is stored as a B-axis angle for each virtual tool. The tool data of the corresponding virtual tool is read out from the tool file on the basis of the programmed machining instructions, and the B-axis angle is set on the basis of the tool data so as to execute machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoe Fukumura, Masayoshi Mizukado, Kazuhiro Kikata, Sadami Miyazaki, Koichi Maki
  • Patent number: 6523443
    Abstract: The present invention is a process by which optical surfaces of lenses, particularly plastic progressive lenses and molding shells for producing lenses are manufactured directly in a single step according to didicidual data. A blank from which an optical surface or a molding shell is to be manufactured is held at the workpiece carrier of a spindle axis (Z axis) of a shaping machine and is directly turned into its final form by a turning tool which can move relative to the blank (in the X axis), i.e., transversely to the direction of displacement of the tool. During each rotation of the spindle, the turning tool is incrementally adjusted towards or away from the blank depending on the characteristic surface data, which may be predetermined or calculated on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, Heidenheim/Brenz, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Albrecht Hof, Klaus Mehlkopp
  • Patent number: 6487945
    Abstract: A tool head having a first slide fitted with a tool holder as well as a second slide for eliminating the unbalance effect created by the off-centering of the first slide. An actuating device that can be actuated longitudinally that is able to control the radial displacement of the two slides. Each of these slides is provided with a pressing device for pressing the slide against an oblique support surface of the actuating device. The force exerted by each of the pressing devices is determined, so as to be greater than the centrifugal force exerted on each slide and in a direction opposed to that of the centrifugal force. This force is determined so that the resultant force of all forces exerted on each slide is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kummer Freres S.A.
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Leiber
  • Patent number: 6470776
    Abstract: A computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine has a chuck (2) rotatable about a first axis (A) and a V-block clamp (#) for clamping a workpiece (4) with its central longitudinal axis (C) extending parallel to the first axis (A). The offset (d) between the axes (A) and (C) is known or calculated and the CNC machine is programmed to compensate for the offset (d) during operation of a cutting tool (5) upon the workpiece (4). The V-block clamp (3) can accommodate workpieces of different diameters without having to align the central longitudinal axis (C) of each workpiece to coincide with the axis of rotation of the chuck (2), resulting in a reduction in set up time and an increased concentricity of a ground workpiece compared with conventional CNC grinding machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Anca Pty LTD
    Inventors: Patrick Boland, Anatoly Kaganov
  • Publication number: 20020088317
    Abstract: A CNC lathe with double-speed shifting feature in spindle axis comprises a frame, a screw rod, a worktable assembly, and a tool holder assembly; wherein the frame has lengthwise spindle axis direction and a widthwise direction perpendicular to the lengthwise spindle axis direction. The screw rod including two sections of opposite threads, namely a positive thread section and a counter thread section is pivotally disposed on the frame along the lengthwise spindle axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020073812
    Abstract: In a complex machining machine tool capable of executing a plurality of kinds of machining on a workpiece by selectively indexing and using an insert installed on a complex tool, complex tool is registered concerning a plurality of machining capable of executing with the complex tool as a plurality of virtual tools for executing the machining in tool file. The virtual tools include a turning tool and a milling tool. The tool data is stored for each virtual tool. In the tool data, the angle of B-axis direction at which the tool is positioned when the virtual tool is used is stored as B-axis angle concerning each virtual tool. The tool data of the corresponding virtual tool is read out from the tool file on the basis of the machining instruction by the virtual tool stored in machining program, and the B-axis angle is set on the basis of the tool data so as to execute machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoe Fukumura, Masayoshi Mizukado, Kazuhiro Kikata, Sadami Miyazaki, Koichi Maki
  • Publication number: 20020040629
    Abstract: A material shaping machine has a frame, a work-piece holder and a tool holder, for rotatably holding a tool. A computer performs real-time tool path calculations based upon stored mathematical representations of a desired work-piece surface and stored mathematical representations of an actual tool geometry, by calculating a desired position of a tool cutting edge relative a measured position of the tool cutting edge and a measured position of the work-piece, and adjusting a distance between the desired tool cutting edge and the measured position of the tool cutting edge in a first direction, so that the tool cutting edge reaches the desired position. Manipulation means provide a relative movement of the work-piece and the tool cutting surface in a second direction and a third direction. The manipulation means are operated outside the computer control. Sensors determine the position of the work-piece relative the cutting surface of the tool and send the position data to the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bedi, Ben Huynh, Lee Chi Chau
  • Patent number: 6367359
    Abstract: A tool head or “head assembly” having on-board logic (1) for being mounted on a rotatable spindle of a machining center, as a boring machine, (2) for being rotated about a primary axis of spindle rotation (PRA), and (3) supports a tool as a boring bar at a controllable radial offset distance (ROD) from the PRA. The PRA aligns with the axis of a workpiece bore being formed The head advances along the PRA and rotates in a boring operation. As the head advances, the ROD of the tool is controlled by a micro-controller and secondary logic on-board the head cooperating with primary logic in a remote controller to provide a complex multi-diameter workpiece bore configuration. Rotating head elements protectively surround the secondary logic and control elements that regulate the ROD and may compensate for vibration, wear, and backlash. The head is usable with spindles of diverse machine tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald P. Ropos
  • Publication number: 20020033083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for vibration control in a machine for cutting, said machine comprising a cutting tool supported by a tool holder. The device comprises a control unit and converting means which are connectible to the control unit and comprise a vibration sensor and an actuator. The actuator comprises an active element which converts an A.C. voltage supplied by the control unit to the actuator into dimensional changes. Said active element is adapted to be embedded in the body of the tool holder and in such manner that said dimensional changes impart turning moments to the body of the tool holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Ingvar Claesson, Thomas Lago, Lars Hakansson
  • Patent number: 6331093
    Abstract: An apparatus radially adjusts a position of a plurality of tool cartridges of a machine tool having rotatable, concentric, elongate, inner and outer drive spindles. A plurality of pockets are formed through the outer spindle to communication with a passage for the inner spindle. A wedge is disposed in each pocket for longitudinal movement in response to relative rotation of the inner spindle when the inner spindle is in a predetermined selectable position. A rotatable member is disposed in each pocket and has a threaded external surface operably engageable to move the rotatable member longitudinally in response to rotation of the rotatable member with respect to the outer spindle. A tool cartridge is operably engaged within each pocket for radial movement in response to relative movement of the corresponding wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Ex-Cello Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: John Graham, Robert B. Raible, Johann S. Klimach
  • Patent number: 6257108
    Abstract: In a work transfer method in a machine tool with a movable spindle, a machined work transfer portion for laying a machined work on a first pallet and for transferring the work is disposed in an upper stage or a lower stage of a non-machined work transfer portion for laying a non-machined work on a second pallet and for transferring the work. Then, the non-machined work pallet is moved between a non-machined work receiving position and a work loading position. The machined work pallet is moved between a machined work sending position and a work unloading position. Thus, the work is received or sent between a chuck and a work transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimitaka Otake
  • Patent number: 6237452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ludwick, David L. Trumper, David C. Ma
  • Patent number: 6038489
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Unova U.K. Limited
    Inventors: John David Pickles, Selwyn Jonathan Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5960690
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Industrias Romi S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Carlos Romi
  • Patent number: 5953970
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ski Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Haller, John J. Saputo
  • Patent number: 5832797
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Programmable Tracing Incorporated
    Inventors: Sylvester R. Cudnohufsky, Gerald Cudnohufsky
  • Patent number: 5816123
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Mathias P. Schauer
  • Patent number: 5735028
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Furusawa, Yoshihiro Ikemoto, Tutomu Hamada, Hiroyuki Funasho
  • Patent number: 5628236
    Abstract: A cutting metal-working machine for processing hooke's joints, including a machine base, a control panel for controlling the operation of the machine, a left tool carrier and a right tool carrier mounted on the machine base at two opposite locations and having a respective cutting tool controlled to synchronously cut two opposite ends of the workpiece, a first tailstock and a second tailstock respectively mounted on the machine base at two opposite ends and having a respective center pin moved by a hydraulic cylinder to hold the workpiece in place, and a workpiece rotating mechanism mounted between the tool carriers and the center pins of the tailstocks, and controlled to turn the workpiece relative to the cutting tools of the tool carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Yi L. Liao
  • Patent number: 5586478
    Abstract: A centering device for use with a lathe having a bed, a head and tail stock for holding a work therebetween, a carriage reciprocally movable by a drive motor and a tool box includes a plurality of work rests disposed along the longitudinal direction of the lathe bed. Each of the work rests is movable between a first position for supporting the work and a second position spaced from the work. A control device is associated with the work rests for controlling movement of each of the work rests between the first position and the second position in response to the movement of the carriage and the control device operates to stop carriage movement so as to prevent collision with a work rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Dainichi Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5517886
    Abstract: A centering device includes a plurality of work rests disposed along the longitudinal direction of a bed of a lathe. Each of the work rests is movable between a first position for supporting a work and a second position spaced from the work. A control device is associated with the work rests for controlling movement of each of the work rests between the first position and the second position in response to the movement of a carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Dainichi Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5499563
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Canvik A/S
    Inventor: Kim Hansen
  • Patent number: 5361470
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tutomu Hamada, Takafumi Asada, Yoshihiro Ikemoto, Toru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5303458
    Abstract: In summary, therefore, this invention is directed to a thermal growth detector and compensator for detecting and compensating for relative movement between a work holder of a machine tool and a tool holder, that includes an elongated rod made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially zero that is attached at one end thereof to a part of a machine tool, and is attached at another end thereof to a part of a work holder on the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Hardinge Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Sheehan, Daniel P. Soroka, Takahiro Matsubara, Raymond C. Cady, Gregory Ayzenshtok, Gary L. Comstock
  • Patent number: 5192174
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive (10) for the adjustment, feed and return movements of a tool head of a machine tool comprises a hydraulic motor (11) and an after-running adjustment valve (12). The reference value of the position is set and the actual value indicated by means of a threaded spindle (39) and spindle nut (37) in the form of a hollow shaft. One of these two elements can be driven by an electric motor (41) in order to set the reference value of the position. The other of these two elements can be driven in order to indicate the value of the actual position. A rotational and angular position indicator system (68, 74, 75 and 69, 77) produces an output which is a direct measure of the total number of revolutions executed by the preset reference value shaft and of the azimuthal position of the preset reference value shaft within each revolution. An electronic position sensor system (71, 78 and 71', 78'; 71") produces an output which is a measure of the contouring error S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Hans Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5105694
    Abstract: A machine tool has a main slide movable along a first path and a cross-slide assembly movable perpendicular to the path of the main slide. The cross-slide assembly has a first slide unit which is directly driven by a primary servo control. The cross-slide assembly has a second slide unit driven by the first slide unit through a spring-loaded follower acting against a cam which can transmit numerically-controlled offset to the second slide unit such that both slide units will follow identical paths. The cam is adjustable to enable correction of the offset. Each slide unit carries a cutting tool. The invention is applicable to multiple spindle machines having two or more spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Olofsson Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Donald W. Garnett
  • Patent number: 5085109
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing a work piece into a non-circular cross-sectional configuration according to the invention precisely processes, for example, a piston cylinder into a non-circular cross-sectional configuration by inputting simplified data.That is to say, a tool thereof is moved in a direction (X axis) perpendicular to an axis of the work piece by means of two servo motors. A first X axis servo motor operates to position the tool roughly in the X direction according to the size of the work piece. A second X axis servo motor finely vibrates the tool at high speed on the basis of program data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Takisawa Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miyake Hidehiko, Kajitani Kazuhiro
  • Patent number: 5033918
    Abstract: A fine adjustment device for turning tool bits in the form of a pneumatic/hydraulic converter for converting of control signals into proportional actuating or adjusting forces with a combination of an oil pump and pneumatically controlled overflow valve, whose outlet pressure is adjustable with the help of control air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Samson AG
    Inventors: Dieter Eysel, Wilfried Gerk, Gerhard Klee, Hartmut Hirt
  • Patent number: 5005452
    Abstract: There is provided a high-production machining device having first and second spindles rotatably mounted on a headstock. A carriage is slidably mounted on the machine bed, and in a preferred embodiment a first drive assembly is provided for sliding the carriage across the upper face of the bed along a transverse axis thereof. First and second slides are slidably mounted on the carriage for movement in a direction normal to the transverse axis, with the first and second slides each adapted to carry a machine tool and each being attached to a common second drive assembly for moving the slides in that normal direction. A linear sensor monitors the positions of the first and second slides relative one another, and an independent compensating assembly is provided for adjusting the position of one of the slides relative the other in the normal direction, whereby positions of the first and second slides in the normal direction can be effectively independently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Wood, III