Abstract: A horizontal lathe for manufacturing a porous optical fiber preform, the horizontal lathe being configured to hold and fix two opposite ends of a target in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the target is a substantially horizontal direction, and cause the target to be rotated around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof as a rotation axis. The horizontal lathe includes a thermal expansion absorbing mechanism configured to absorb a change in dimension of the target, the change being due to thermal expansion of the target in a direction of the rotation axis.

Abstract: A central axis adjustment structure of a tailstock of a woodworking lathe is disclosed. The tailstock has a circular hole therein, a front opening and a rear opening at front and rear ends of the tailstock. An end surface of the front opening has at least one screw hole. A guide rod is disposed in the circular hole, and has a rear end extending out of the rear opening. A collar is fitted onto an axial connecting shaft that is inserted in the circular hole. The guide rod is insertedly connected to a rear end of the axial connecting shaft. The collar has at least one perforation corresponding to the screw hole. At least one bolt is inserted through the perforation and screwed to the screw hole so that the collar is locked to the front end of the tailstock. A first annular gap is defined between the guide rod and the rear opening of the tailstock. A second annular gap is defined between the axial connecting shaft and the front opening of the tailstock.

Abstract: A speed reducer including a shaft extending along an axis, two rolling bearings arranged around the shaft, the two rolling bearings each including a radially outer ring, a radially inner ring and rolling elements arranged between the outer and inner rings. The speed reducer includes a preload system positioned between the two rolling bearings and which includes: two spacer elements each one resting against one of the rings of the rolling bearings, at least one elastically deformable element interposed between the two spacing elements, and configured to occupy a preloaded first state and an least partially relaxed second state, the preload system arranged such that the transition of the at least one elastically deformable element from the first to the second state causes a unidirectional rotational movement of each spacer element with respect to the other so as to use a wedge effect to generate preload in the rolling bearings.

Abstract: A machine tool for supporting and rotating a workpiece includes a first machine center supporting a first workpiece end of the workpiece. A dead center defines a second machine center of the machine tool. A center spacer has a first spacer end rotatably supported on the second machine center and a second spacer end supporting a second workpiece end of the workpiece. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the workpiece and, during rotation of the workpiece, the center spacer is configured to rotate with the workpiece about the second machine center. The second workpiece end includes a first material and the center spacer includes a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A drive center constituting a machine tool accessory being used on a lathe for holding workpieces that are mounted between the headstock and the tailstock (between centers). The drive center comprises a head having an adjustable spring-loaded center point and a number of removable, adjustable spurs that are capable of penetrating a workpiece sufficiently to provide torque for the turning process. The head is attached to a shank with a standard taper to fit the spindle of a lathe. A cylindrical guard is supported coaxially by the external surface of the head so that the guard radially encircles the head and the spurs but is able to slide axially and rotationally with respect to the head. A spring causes the guard to extend axially beyond the spurs except when pushed back by the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine tool for supporting and rotating a workpiece includes a first machine center supporting a first workpiece end of the workpiece. A dead center defines a second machine center of the machine tool. A center spacer has a first spacer end rotatably supported on the second machine center and a second spacer end supporting a second workpiece end of the workpiece. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the workpiece and, during rotation of the workpiece, the center spacer is configured to rotate with the workpiece about the second machine center. The second workpiece end includes a first material and the center spacer includes a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A deep throat chuck jaw system adapted to be used with a lathe with or without a headstock hole is provided. The system includes a set of jaw extension members having an inboard end supported from a face of a master chuck jaw coupled to a lathe chuck. The jaw extension members also include an outboard end. The set of jaw extension members are operable to grip an outer surface of a part having an outer diameter greater than the headstock hole with a clamping assembly clamped around the outboard end.

Abstract: A two axis machine tool suppresses vibrations between two processing machines and provides a self vibration suppressing effect resulting from increased rigidity and increased mass. The two axis machine tool includes first and second separate and independent machine beds and processing machines mounted respectively on the first and second machine beds, and the first and second machine beds are connected together through vibration suppressing units. Each of the vibration suppressing units includes a viscoelastic body sandwiched between first and second plate members secured respectively to the first and second machine beds.

Abstract: The turning machine according to the present invention includes a displacement sensor (200) which measures a distance between an immobile reference point and a position of variable point which reflects the positional displacement of the tool, the immobile reference point being able to determine a relative positional correlation relating to a variable position of tools with the progress of machining of the workpiece (W) by the tool (421). In drawings the reference point is set up in the guide bush (90). And based on the measured result by the displacement sensor, the tool is moved so that the center height of the tool and the center line of the workpiece satisfy relatively the predetermined positional correlation. Accordingly, the center height deviation amount due to heat deformation and the like is corrected.

Abstract: A deep throat chuck jaw system adapted to be used with a lathe with or without a headstock hole is provided. The system includes a set of jaw extension members having an inboard end supported from a face of a master chuck jaw coupled to a lathe chuck. The jaw extension members also include an outboard end. The set of jaw extension members are operable to grip an outer surface of a part having an outer diameter greater than the headstock hole with a clamping assembly clamped around the outboard end.

Abstract: A lathe for turning a workpiece by means of a headstock and a tailstock includes a lathe bed having an elongate main support structure and bedrails extending along a side of the structure, these rails adjustably supporting the tailstock. Leg supports are provided at opposite ends of the support structure and two pivot connectors each join a respective one of the bed ends to a support leg. The bed can be pivoted about a horizontal axis extending through these pivot connectors between an upright position which can be used when the lathe user is standing and a sideways position which can be used when the user is sitting. In the upright position, the bedrails are on top of the main support structure.

Abstract: A workpiece holding system for correctly locating disk-shaped workpieces in a work area of a machine tool, in particular for machining rotor disks of a gas turbine engine, includes a base plate (6) firmly attached to the machine tool (1) with vertically and radially adjustable clamping elements (7) for restraining the workpiece on an outer circumference in a correct position, as well as a plurality of differently dimensioned centering elements (12) and supporting elements (17), each adapted to a particular shape and size of the workpiece (2) to be machined and to the respective processing step, these centering (12) and supporting elements (17) being exchangeable and attachable to the base plate/machine tool by quick fasteners.

Abstract: A system and method for performing machining operations on first and second ends of an elongate workpiece, the system comprising a support for the workpiece which has first and second, spaced sides, each of which has first and second spaced ends, a first machining tool disposed proximate the first end of the first side for performing a first machining operation on a first end of the workpiece, a second machining tool being positioned proximate the second end of the second side for performing a second machining operation on a second side of the workpiece, the first and second machining tools being mirror images of one another.

Abstract: A machine includes a spindle for rotating about a rotating axis, a fixture having a central axis coaxial with the rotating axis, a connecting bar and a vacuum pump. The spindle has a first end surface, an opposite second end surface and a plurality of through holes extending through the first and second end surfaces. The connecting bar is detachably interconnected between the fixture and the spindle. The fixture is configured for rotating jointly with the spindle. The vacuum pump is in communication with the through holes.

Abstract: A system and method for sealing a live center is provided. The live center has a spindle disposed, at least in part, within a housing, bearings provide a rolling connection between the spindle and the housing, and a labyrinth seal is mounted to at least one of the spindle and the housing and is configured to reduce an amount of contaminant from entering the housing. A method of sealing a live center is also provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes restricting a fluid path along a spindle, defining the fluid path to have a labyrinth section, providing a drain to the outside of the live center for fluid moving along the path and substantially blocking the path of the resilient seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping chuck head for clamping a workpiece to be processed. The clamping chuck head comprises a rotatably supported clamping chuck having a first set of clamping segments for clamping a workpiece on a first perimeter area, an operating device for operating the first set of clamping segments, wherein the operating device comprises at least one spring element which closes the first set of segments for clamping the workpiece due to its bias; and a main sleeve in which the first set of segments is arranged, wherein the main sleeve is rotatably supported in the clamping chuck head on two bearings axially spaced from each other and the operating device is essentially arranged in an axial direction between the two bearings or in the area of the bearings.

Abstract: A centering device for the guided transfer of bars from a feeder to a lathe, and interposed therebetween aligned with a bar guide with the mandrel of the lathe, comprising: a bush for fixing to a fixing seat and rigidly coupled to a bar opening aligned with the respective bar guide and with the mandrel of the lathe; a tubular body, rigidly coupled to the bush coaxial thereto and provided with a housing seat for a ring with oscillating elements which are pivoted to a respective fixed anchoring element with one end and are retained in mutual contact by elastic elements, delimiting a through opening whose diameter is about as long as the diameter of a bar. The ring and the anchoring element are axially movable within the seat, in contrast to springs toward the lathe.

Abstract: A workpiece holding system for correctly locating disk-shaped workpieces in a work area of a machine tool, in particular for machining rotor disks of a gas turbine engine, includes a base plate (6) firmly attached to the machine tool (1) with vertically and radially adjustable clamping elements (7) for restraining the workpiece on an outer circumference in a correct position, as well as a plurality of differently dimensioned centering elements (12) and supporting elements (17), each adapted to a particular shape and size of the workpiece (2) to be machined and to the respective processing step, these centering (12) and supporting elements (17) being exchangeable and attachable to the base plate/machine tool by quick fasteners.

Abstract: In a complex tool to be installed on a machine tool capable of turning machining and milling machining operations, a main body is provided, and carries inserts for turning machining, inserts for milling machining and inserts for drilling machining. Turning machining and drilling/milling machining operations can be executed using the inserts installed on the main body, without the need for tool exchange, saving time and labor. The inserts as installed have opposite rotational cutting directions, and are placed on opposite sides of concavities that extend radially inwardly and axially back from the end of the main body. The inserts can be placed at the same or different cutting distances and can be brought into engagement with the workpiece by selection of the relative orientations of the rotation axis and the workpiece.

Abstract: A facedriver for holding a miniature workpiece along the axis of a rotary-drive machining device, including a base member, a forwardly-biased centerpoint member, drivepins supported rearwardly by fluid in a fluid-containing chamber in the base member, a grip member contacting the centerpoint member, and a grip portion of the fluid chamber adjacent to the grip member for fluid contact therewith such that varying fluid pressure caused by loading force on the drivepins causes application of varying radial gripping force on the centerpoint member through the grip member.

Abstract: The device serves for the end face, angularly true driving of a pre-toothed workpiece (21) clamped between work centers by the rotating work spindle (3) of a tooth flank grinding machine. It takes place by means of a wobble plate (10) connected without play to the work spindle by way of the work arbor (1), the intermediate disc (17) and the cylindrical steel rollers (13, 18), the surface of which said wobble plate which contacts the workpiece end face (29) being according to the invention coated with galvanically bonded hard material grains (24).

Abstract: A live center for use in a machine tool is provided that includes a center assembly, a shank, and apparatus for attaching the center assembly and the shank together. The shank includes an end surface and a centerline. The center assembly includes a center point, one or more bearings, and a housing. The housing has a cavity and a housing end surface. The one or more bearings and the center point are axially aligned with one another along a centerline, and are mounted within the cavity. The center assembly and the shank are relatively positioned such that at least a portion of the end surface of the shank is in contact with the end surface of the housing. The apparatus for attaching the center assembly to the shank permits relative lateral movement between the center assembly and the shank during set-up, to enable selective misalignment of the centerline of the center assembly and the centerline of the shank.

Abstract: A facedriver for holding a miniature workpiece along the axis of a rotary-drive machining device, including a base member, a forwardly-biased centerpoint member, drivepins supported rearwardly by fluid in a fluid-containing chamber in the base member, a grip member contacting the centerpoint member, and a grip portion of the fluid chamber adjacent to the grip member for fluid contact therewith such that varying fluid pressure caused by loading force on the drivepins causes application of varying radial gripping force on the centerpoint member through the grip member.

Abstract: The device serves for the end face, angularly true driving of a pre-toothed workpiece (21) clamped between work centers by the rotating work spindle (3) of a tooth flank grinding machine.

Abstract: A facedriver for holding a workpiece along the axis of a rotary-drive machining device, including a base member, a forwardly-biased centerpoint member, drivepins supported rearwardly by fluid in a fluid-containing chamber in the base member, a grip member contacting the centerpoint member, and a grip portion of the fluid chamber adjacent to the grip member for fluid contact therewith such that varying fluid pressure caused by loading force on the drivepins causes application of varying radial gripping force on the centerpoint member through the grip member.

Abstract: An improved live center for use with tapered shanks.

Abstract: A centering spindle for use with a workpiece which is to be induction hardened includes a generally cylindrical outer housing into which a shaft is positioned and mounted in spaced relation to the housing by a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement allows the shaft to rotate relative to the housing. The end of the shaft extending out of the housing is connected to an isolation spacer which is fabricated out of an electrical insulator material. The isolation spacer in turn is attached to a removable tip which is constructed and arranged for interfacing with the workpiece to be induction hardened. The design of the centering spindle is such that the tip may be removed and replaced when it becomes worn without the need to replace any of the other parts or components of the centering spindle. Further, any electromagnetic field induced in the workpiece and transmitted to the tip will not be transmitted to the shaft nor to the bearing arrangement due to the isolation spacer.

Abstract: A tailstock assembly mountable on a machine tool and cooperable with a headstock assembly for retaining a workpiece inbetween.

Abstract: A dead center work support for a machine tool comprises a plurality, preferably at least three concentrically rounded raised radial projections defining the bearing surface of the dead center. The radial projections may be disposed either on the external or internal surfaces, which can be cylindrical, conical, or spherical. Between bearing surfaces a cut out section can be provided so that a cutting tool can run into the void to perform facing and turning of a center supported workpiece. Preferred embodiments comprise provisions for supplying lubricating oil through the tool to achieve continuous lubrication of the interface between the work and the center. The bearing surfaces may comprise hard, high-temperature resistant material, such as tungsten carbide, or ceramic.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for positioning and supporting any of several different elongated workpieces of circular, substantially square, or substantially non-square rectangular cross-sectional configuration so that a central workpiece axis is located along the same axis for any one of said workpieces includes a tailstock fixture for supporting one end of the workpiece which includes a frustoconical cavity that extends coaxial with the axis for receiving the one end of the workpiece, and a headstock fixture for supporting a second end of the workpiece opposite the first end which includes a generally cylindrical cavity extending coaxial with the axis and four equiangularly spaced workpiece engaging blades within the cylindrical cavity for engaging and supporting the second workpiece end.

Abstract: A centering device for rods fed to a lathe is designed to be arranged between a rod feeder outlet and a lathe inlet and comprises at least one centering unit (11) having a passage port therein to be run through by a rod to which it supplies lateral containment. The centering unit (11) comprises a first (14) and a second (15) sectors superimposed with each sector having a passage (16 or 17) therein. Linkage actuators (18,19) operable to move the superimposed sectors to change the superimposed quantity of the passages (16,17) therein and thereby the rod passage port.

Abstract: A versatile lathe chuck characterized by a chuck body threaded on the inside for attachment to a lathe spindle and to receive at its work-turning end a variety of fittings and further characterized by a jam or locking screw which threads into the inside of the chuck to lock the insert in place.

Abstract: A precision center for mounting a workpiece for precision machining thereof includes a modified head center, an actuating assembly, a drive assembly, and a double-arcuate floating collet. The actuating assembly is mounted within the modified head center and operative to generate an actuating force. The drive assembly is mounted within the modified head center, is mechanically coupled in combination with the actuating assembly, and is operative in response to the actuating force to generate a drive force.

Abstract: Workholding apparatus for mounting a workpiece (6) on a machine tool, the apparatus comprising a diaphragm chuck portion (2) and a tailstock portion (4). The chuck (2) includes a backing ring (70) with face portion (74) attached to the diaphragm (44) with the backing ring (70) having a centering locator guide (76) for centering and stopping the axial advancement of a workpiece in the chuck (2). The chuck (2) also includes a support ring (106) including material (109) located at the periphery thereof for sealing the area between the chuck and the workpiece and dampening vibrations brought about by the machining process. The tailstock portion (4) comprises a rotatable tailstock support (112) having at least one workpiece seating surface (117). The tailstock includes a centering locator guide (114) extending axially from the tailstock support (112) and having a generally curved outer surface (115) for centering the workpiece in the chuck (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-precision revolving center (10) for machine tools. Prestressed bearings 40 and 45 are brought into abutment on the one hand against internal 33 and external 25 cylindrical surfaces whose deviation, at any point on the surface, with respect to the theoretical surfaces centered on the axis, is less than 1 .mu.m, and on the other hand against reference surfaces 26 and 34 perpendicular to the axis. Threaded elements 50, 55 enable the bearings 40, 45 to be stressed. Once the center 10 has been assembled and the bearings stressed, the revolving center is mounted on a grinder in order to give a precision finish to the tip 90, the concentricity reference surface 91 and the perpendicularity reference surface 92.

Abstract: An adjustable spur center device for use with lathe machines. The spur center features easily interchangeable center points, one that can be either extended or retracted without removing the spur center from the lathe or dismounting the workpiece, and the other a spring-loaded version that permits an operator to remove or insert a workpiece without having to stop the rotation of the spindle. The spur center also features individually adjustable spurs that can be easily removed for resharpening or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating an elongated glass body, which, for example, may be used as a pre-form for the drawing of glass fibers, includes a rotatable first chuck wherein the first end of the elongated glass body may be rotatably secured. In addition the apparatus includes a second rotatable chuck whereat the second end of the elongated glass body is introduced into a quartz tube and this quartz tube is clamped into the rotatable second chuck. A burner, which is adapted to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated glass tube, heats the elongated glass body in such a manner, that a so called fire polish of the elongated glass body for the improvement of its surface quality occurs. A method for heating the elongated glass body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A faceplate for lathes and the like is fabricated of a polymeric material and having a body with a cylindrical surface of substantial depth and indicia marks on the cylindrical surface. The body is turnable just like workpieces on the lathe. The faceplate has a planar front face which is turnable to provide recesses for chucking a workpiece. In one embodiment designed to employ fasteners such as screws to hold the workpiece in place, the body is of one color and the fasteners are located in inserts of contrasting color. The faceplate is intended to be turned. If any chips of the contrasting color appear, the user knows instantly that further turning will cause the chisel to strike the fasteners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a workpiece from a hardened unmachined part includes the use of non-rotating centers in a turning machine, on which the workpiece is mounted. The shape of the dead centers permits less force to be used in support of the workpiece for reducing friction between the rotating workpiece and non-rotating centers, while exerting a maximum amount of radial holding force to reduce runout in the machining operation. Lubrication can be supplied through the dead centers to further reduce friction and/or an anti-friction coating may be applied to the contacting surface of the centers for this purpose. Machining of the hardened part may be controlled by CNC equipment.

Abstract: A universal cylinder mount for mounting a at least one of a plurality of cylinders between a headstock and a tailstock of an engraver. Each of the cylinders have a mounting aperture at each end adapted to receive a universal cylinder mount associated with each of the headstock and tailstock. The universal cylinder mount is adapted to accommodate a plurality of mounting apertures formed with different sizes and having various sloped walls for facilitating alignment and frictional gripping engagement of the cylinders.

Abstract: A live center adapter assembly is made up of an elongated housing, a center adapter inserted into the end of the housing with a recess in the adapter having a rearwardly tapered inner wall for insertion of a center therein. Axially spaced needle bearings support the adapter and center for rotation within the housing, and a bore through one end of the housing permits insertion either of a punch for displacing the center from the adapter or a crank for the purpose of manually rotating the adapter and center.

Abstract: An auxiliary device is disclosed for use with grinding machines to assist in clamping a workpiece and performing the grinding of an internal bore in the workpiece. The device has an exteriorily conical surface extending from an annular projection to one end of the device which inserts into the workpiece and the interior of the device also has a frusto-conical surface tapering outwardly to the opposite end.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and an apparatus for machining axially symmetrical parts on lathes or rotary broaching machines in which the workpiece is held at each end by an axial clamping pin and a clamping jaw assembly, the clamping pins and clamping jaw assemblies cooperating such that the clamping jaw assemblies may be retracted relative the clamping pins when the ends of the workpiece are being machined and may be extended relative the clamping pins when additional support for the workpiece is desired, as, for example, when the central portion of the workpiece is being machined. The clamping pins and clamping jaw assemblies are movable relative each other and relative the workpiece such that machining of both ends of the workpiece may take place simultaneously or sequentially, followed by machining of the central portion of the workpiece, on a single apparatus and as part of a continuous, uninterrupted machining sequence.

Abstract: A device for fixing and clamping a workpiece comprises an elongated housing having a central bore with a longitudinal central axis, and including a frontal portion having a radial collar, and a rearwardly tapered frontal face opposing the workpiece; a longitudinally displaceable centering mandrel located within the bore and displacable between an extended position wherein a first end of the mandrel extends beyond the frontal face, and a retracted position wherein the first end of the mandrel is positioned behind the frontal face, and an arrangement for moving the mandrel between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A center for maintaining a cutting tool, such as a tapping tool or reamer, in axial alignment with a hole to be worked upon includes an elongated body and a centering pin received by a cavity defined in the body for movement between retracted and extended positions. A spring is interposed between the body and the centering pin for biasing the pin from the retracted position to the extended position, and the pin includes an accessible handle which projects through a slot provided in the body. The handle can be manipulated into a position within the slot for releasably locking the centering pin in a retracted position. For mounting the center within a machine tool, the body includes an end portion including a plurality of alternatively-sized cylindrical sections arranged axially along the body so that the body can be mounted within collets of alternative sizes. Moreover, the centering pin includes a live end for engaging the cutting tool when rotating to thereby reduce wear on the pin.

Abstract: The workstock may comprise a tailstock having a slide which releasably carries a workpart center and which includes a center ejector member independently movable in the slide. The slide is mounted in a housing for axial motion toward and away from a headstock center to load and unload a workpart therebetween. The axial position of the slide as well as the center ejector member is monitored by position sensors to provide status of the tailstock center and workpart. The workpart center is loosened by the ejector member in the slide when the ejector member is positioned from a retracted position relative to the pocket to a center eject position toward the pocket so that a robot may remove the center and substitute another center to hold a different workpart.

Abstract: An adjustable precision live center is provided for use with lathes having a spindle housing slidably interlocking with a shank block by operation of a dovetail tenon mated to a dovetail mortise of said shank block. A spindle is rotatably coupled to the spindle housing, extending rearward through the dovetail tenon of the spindle housing. Precision adjustment of the spindle housing relative to the shank bock is made possible by an adjustment bolt.