Abstract: A machine tool which removal-machines a workpiece by a tool includes an in-machine robot provided in a machining chamber, and a cleaning mechanism that cleans the in-machine robot by removing an adhering substance adhering to the in-machine robot. When the in-machine robot is cleaned, the in-machine robot moves relative to the cleaning mechanism and positions in proximity to the cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: A machine tool includes: a turret configured to hold a tool through a clamp mechanism; a workpiece main spindle device configured to rotatably hold a workpiece; a switching unit configured to change a clamp state of the clamp mechanism by using rotation torque of the workpiece main spindle device; and an in-machine robot configured to move the switching unit. The clamp mechanism includes a torque input hole to which rotation torque is applied to change the clamp state. The switching unit includes an input shaft coupled with the workpiece main spindle device, an output shaft coupled with the torque input hole of the clamp mechanism and configured to output torque to the torque input hole, and a transmission mechanism configured to transfer, to the output shaft, the rotation torque of the workpiece main spindle device input through the input shaft.

Abstract: The machine tool includes a tool post linearly movable along a direction parallel to an X axis and a direction parallel to a Z axis, a workpiece spindle which retains a workpiece in a condition rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z axis, and an in-machine robot which is installed in a machining chamber and has joints. The joints of the in-machine robot include a base joint rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z axis, and three parallel joints rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the base joint, the parallel joints being located on a distal end side of the base joint and successively arranged from the base joint. The axis of rotation of the base joint is displaced from that of the workpiece spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool holding device comprising a tool holding body for securing, in a fixed manner, a rotary tool comprising a shaft, provided with a clamping section and a receiving opening for the shall of the tool, a coolant feeding device for pressurized fluid, at least one coolant guiding device for guiding the coolant into a clamped tool shaft. The coolant guiding device is designed as at least one flat groove on an inner side of the receiving opening, joining to the front side on a free end of the tool holding body and directly adjacent to the tool shaft in the surroundings of the tool holding device or a coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is provided in the region of the free end of the tool holding body, to which the at least one coolant guiding device joins. The coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is connected by means of an annular gap to the surroundings of the tool holder device.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting apparatus 10 including a workpiece fixing jig 2 that supports a workpiece 1, rotates by operation of rotary drive means 3, and rotates the workpiece 1 while fixing the workpiece 1; rotary drive means 3 for driving and rotating the workpiece fixing jig 2; support means 4a to 4c for supporting the workpiece 1 while rotating along with rotation of the workpiece fixing jig 2; cutter knives 5a and 5b that cut the rotating workpiece 1 at least at axially opposite ends of the workpiece 1; and slide moving means 6 for slidably moving the cutter knives. The cutting apparatus 10 having a simple apparatus configuration does not produce chips as a result of cutting with small variations in size and with high planarity of cut surfaces.

Abstract: A length adjustable guard system for shielding the driveshaft and coupling joint directly abuts the motor housing at one end and is secured at a second end to the pump housing. Interchangeable mounting plates allow the guard assembly to attach to various pumps. The guard system is lightweight, easily installed by one individual, and incorporates vent ports and inspection ports, allowing a worker to grease motor and pump bearings without removing the guard system. Flexible finger guards further secure the motor and pump assembly as they are designed to matingly conform to recesses about the pump housing.

Abstract: A machine tool has a cover comprising a front cover and right and left side covers and includes a first slope part between the front cover and a table on which a workpiece is placed. The first slope part has slopes gradually declining from the center of the front cover toward left and right side covers. Further, the machine tool has also a second slope part that is connected to the left and right lower ends of the first slope part and has slopes declining rearward relative to the machine tool from the side of the front cover. If chips produced by machining are deposited on the surface of the first slope part, they are discharged onto the second slope part and into a contaminated fluid tank by a cutting fluid supplied from a nozzle.

Abstract: A lathe accessory for a band saw including a foundation assembly adapted to attach to a table for the band saw. A translating layer assembly engages the foundation assembly and is permitted to move thereon. A carriage assembly is disposed on the translating layer, the carriage assembly further comprising a frame subassembly and a bulkhead subassembly, the frame subassembly further comprising an endwall adapted to support a left end of a workplace, and a front frame rail and back frame rail both connected to a frame leg to thereby slidably connect the frame subassembly to the translating layer. The bulkhead subassembly forms the other side of the carriage to secure the other end of the workpiece. Internal components within the bulkhead motorize the bulkhead, such that the workpiece can be turned and manipulated in two dimensions as the bandsaw blade cuts the rotating workpiece.

Abstract: A device for supplying a liquid cooling lubricant to a cutting edge of a lathe tool is operatively connected with a fast-tool servo by way of a tool holder in order to be able to execute oscillating movements in an advance direction in common with the tool holder. A first connection is stationary with respect to a housing of the fast-tool servo, for a cooling lubricant source and an outlet, which is in fluid connection with the first connection, for delivery of a cooling lubricant jet to the lathe tool. The outlet is provided at the tool holder and is in fluid connection with the first connection by way of a hose portion so that the cooling lubricant jet delivered via the outlet always impinges at a predetermined point on the cutting edge of the lathe tool even when stroke movements of the tool holder take place.

Abstract: Tool assembly for a rotating device having a drive, a control and a supporting arrangement for at least one tool insert. In order to provide a device for off-round turning which can be constructed with little technical and mechanical effort and nonetheless be used at almost any axial position of a workpiece, the application proposes a tool assembly of the type mentioned above. The tool assembly is designed as a crank drive assembly, wherein the supporting arrangement has a swinging piston unit and the crank drive assembly has a crank unit, and the swinging piston unit and the crank unit are connected to one another by a thrust rod unit.

Abstract: The machining space of a machine tool is covered by a cover. A wall section is arranged on the bottom section of the cover of a machine tool, in such a manner that there is a slight gap between the telescopic cover and the side faces of the wall section. Since the gaps between the side faces of the wall section and the side faces of the telescopic cover are small, then it is possible to prevent cutting chips from going into a space beneath the telescopic cover and accumulating under the telescopic cover.

Abstract: A tool chucking fixture having a tool holder that receives a tool and is intended for insertion into a receptacle of a tool carrier, which tool carrier is embodied with a corresponding receptacle. To compensate for position errors of the tool holder relative to the tool carrier, at least two adjusting elements, located separately from one another and adjustable via associated adjusting means, are provided on the tool holder, while the tool carrier has at least two contact points, associated with the adjusting elements of the tool holder used, at which points the adjusting elements rest with a precise fit.

Abstract: A jig 20 that is installed on a device for measuring dimensions of a workpiece 10 based on images obtained by taking pictures of the workpiece 10 with a camera K includes a chuck mechanism 50 holding the workpiece K, a first rotation drive mechanism 80 that rotates the chuck mechanism 50 around a predetermined first rotation axis A, a first base 30 holding the first rotation drive mechanism 80, a second rotation drive mechanism 40 that rotates the first base 30 around a second rotation axis B orthogonal to the first rotation axis A, and a second base 21 holding the second rotation drive mechanism 40. The first base 30 has an opening 31A in the area around the first rotation axis A such that the workpiece 10 held by the chuck mechanism 50 is seen from the back of the first base 30 through the opening 31A.

Abstract: The rotary workhead device, which is loaded on the table of a machine tool and onto which a workpiece to be machined is rotatably mounted, is equipped with: a base plate that is attached to the table of the machine tool; two rotary workheads that are provided on the base plate and disposed so that the axes of rotation coincide and the workpiece-fixing parts face each other; a guide means that is provided so as to be capable of moving at least one of the rotary workheads back and forth in the direction of the rotation axes; and an impelling means for impelling the one rotary workhead in a direction that separates or brings together the two rotary workheads. The rotary workhead device applies a tensile force or a compressive force on a workpiece, the respective ends of which are fixed between the two rotary workheads.

Abstract: A hands-free quick-change air tool configuration for a machining apparatus includes a tool holder configured to receive a normally hand-held air operated tool. The air manifold is operably receptive of the tool holder. A plunger-type seal configuration is operably interconnected to an air supply and is in operable communication with the air manifold. A method for deburring a part in a machining apparatus is included.

Abstract: A work piece support rest is provided for turning a work piece on a rotating lathe having a lathe bed, headstock, and a headstock spindle, where the work piece is attached to the headstock spindle. The support rest includes an adjustable base releasably attached to the slotted way of the bed via a locking plate and a pair of laterally adjustable way spacers moveable within a laterally extending slot that engage each side of the slotted way. A multi-piece outer ring is releasably attached to the adjustable base. A plurality of roller slides are releasably and adjustably attached to the outer ring, such that each of the roller slides extends radially inwardly and has a roller disposed at an inward distal end thereof for supporting the work piece.

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: The invention relates to a method for processing a plastic part by using a lathe system and comprises the following steps: rotating the plastic part mashing of a tools cutting edge with the plastic part, generating a gaseous and a liquid flow, whereby the chip, which is lifted of the plastic part, is first surrounded by the gas flow and subsequently by the liquid flow Moreover the invention relates to a lathe system to carry out the said method which comprises a rotatable workpiece receptacle, a tool fitted with a tool cutting edge, and a chip removal device. The chip removal device is fitted with a gas flow generator, having a gas nozzle which points towards the tool and with a liquid flow generator having a liquid channel configured below the tools cutting edge.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a spindle side position measuring unit measuring a spindle axial position in a spindle radial direction relative to a first reference position and a tool side position measuring unit measuring the position of a tool post relative to a second reference position. The spindle side position measuring unit includes a first scale extending in the spindle radial direction and a first readout unit, one of a base end portion of the first scale and the first readout unit is disposed at a spindle axis and the other of the base end portion of the first scale and the first readout unit is disposed at the first reference position. One of a base end portion of a second scale and a second readout unit is disposed on the tool post and the other is disposed at the second reference position.

Abstract: An exemplary machine tool includes a main body, a transmission, a spindle, a fixture, a cutter, a driving device, and a camera. The transmission is coupled to the main body. The spindle is coupled to the transmission. The fixture is coupled to the spindle and holds a workpiece. The cutter and the driving device are coupled to the main body. The cutter is opposite to the spindle and configured for processing the workpiece. The camera is coupled to the driving device and is configured for capturing images of the cutter and the workpiece.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically detecting the position of a cutting tool in a computerized numerically controlled lathe which is capable of preventing over-load operation of a driving motor by allowing an arm having a touch sensor mounted thereto to safely stop at a position while the driving motor stops operating. The touch sensor is pivoted by means of a gear assembly driven by the driving motor. When the arm is rotated and reaches a proper position, a worm and a worm wheel of the gear assembly are rotated until a camshaft is brought into contact with a stopper. The arm is moved toward the cutting tool and the cutting tool is brought into contact with the touch sensor in accordance with a program that is preprogramedly input into the computerized numerically controlled lathe.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a position of a cutting tool in a computer numerical controlled machine tool is provided including an arm supporting and moving a sensor that cooperates with the cutting tool. Also provided is a housing including a gear assembly and a driving motor for moving the arm, and a stopper for defining an operating position of the arm. The driving motor supplies rotation force to the gear assembly so as to pivot the arm against the stopper and then apply force to an elastic member. When the driving motor is stopped, the elastic member applies a force, through the gear assembly, urging the arm against the stopper in the operating position.

Abstract: In order to be able to measure a diameter in a turning machine without rotating a workpiece and thus prevent circularity and concentricity errors from entering into the diameter determination, it is proposed according to the invention to use a measuring device that is movable in both transversal directions relative to the rotation axis, thus in the X-direction and also in the Y-direction, wherein the measuring device can scan the workpiece from both sides in one clamping step without rotating the workpiece.

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 turning insert formed for chip-cutting metal machining of a workpiece that rotates in a direction of rotation at a first speed of rotation around a workpiece axis, the turning insert including a front surface, an envelope surface, and a circular cutting edge located where the front surface meets the envelope surface. The cutting edge extends around the front surface and lays in a plane that forms an angle ? with the envelope surface. A tool axis extends through the turning insert in a normal direction in respect of the plane, and the turning insert, during the chip-cutting metal machining, is formed to rotate around the tool axis at a second speed of rotation. The envelope surface forms a chip surface and is arranged to meet chips formed in the chip-cutting metal machining, and the chip surface includes chip breaking means.

Abstract: A separator chute is placed at a standby position while a part is machined, and when the processing of the part is completed, the separator chute is swung and moved to a reception position to receive the part separated from a spindle. An opening portion of a cover structure, formed near a pivot shaft of the separator chute, is formed in the size through which the machined part can be discharged. The opening portion is closed by the separator chute when the chute is in the standby position and opened when the chute is in the reception position.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes an ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of articles, to move a selected one of the articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the articles.

Abstract: A locking system for securing tools on an arbor. The locking system has a collar attached to the arbor, with the collar spaced from the tooling. A nut is placed over the collar and positioned next to the tools. The nut is then rotated to secure the nut between the collar and the tools.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of evenly spaced marks disposed on an art implement handle which allow an artist to accurately compare the relative sizes of different portions of their subjects so that they may depict them to scale.

Abstract: A quick-adjust draw rod positioning nut which is attachable to a machine's chuck and/or de-chuck prime mover via a base portion. The positioning nut includes an engagement portion preferably comprising at least two segments that can be held in a collapsed position, where the segments threadably engage a draw rod, or an expanded position, where the segments are out of engagement with the draw rod, depending on the presence or positioning of a ring. In the collapsed position, the engagement portion can be disengaged from the base to permit rotation of the engagement portion and thereby effecting axial movement of the draw rod in order to achieve proper axial positioning of the draw rod in the machine. The engagement portion can be locked in one of a plurality of incrementally spaced rotational positions to adjust the axial position of the draw rod to a desired position.

Abstract: A workpiece stabilizer having a generally cylindrical body can be inserted in the central opening of a multiple jaw chuck and secured therein by tightening a securement nut onto a threaded rod. The end of the threaded rod can be used to engage and stabilize rod stock during its machining. For machining disk-shaped workpieces, a plurality of radially extending arms can be affixed to the cylindrical body portion and cap screws threaded into any of several recesses in the arms, as a function of the workpiece's diameter, to engage and stabilize the disk.

Abstract: A workpiece ejector and a method for ejecting workpieces from a turning machine such as a lathe. The turning machine has at least one spindle for receiving workpieces therethrough and at least one chuck associated with the spindle for holding a workpiece during machining operations. In one embodiment, the ejector includes a piston mounted at a location outside the spindle and proximate the chuck, the piston having a first end adapted to engage the workpiece and being movable between a first position where the first end is located outside the spindle and a second position where the first end and at least a portion of the piston are within the spindle. An actuator is operative to move the piston from the first position toward the second position. The actuator may include a mechanical spring.

Abstract: A separator chute is placed at a standby position while a part is machined, and when the processing of the part is completed, the separator chute is swung and moved to a reception position to receive the part separated from a spindle. An opening portion of a cover structure, formed near a pivot shaft of the separator chute, is formed in the size through which the machined part can be discharged. The opening portion is closed by the separator chute when the chute is in the standby position and opened when the chute is in the reception position.

Abstract: An automatic lathe is capable of rapidly and easily switching between machining of a material with a guide bush and machining of the material without the guide bush. The automatic lathe has a guide bush support table, a support table fixing device for fixing the guide bush support table, a guide member rotatably installed on the guide bush support table so as not to move forward and backward, a guide bush detachably fitted to the tip of the guide member, a driving device for rotating the guide bush, a rotation transmission device for transmitting the rotation of the guide member to the spindle, and a spindle moving device for moving the spindle forward and backward within the guide member. A spindle fixing device positions and fixes the spindle at a specified position on the guide bush support table when the guide bush is removed from the guide member.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes an ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of articles, to move a selected one of the articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the articles.

Abstract: In an automatic chuck jaw change system, a combined machining lathe capable of positioning with high precision and a robot with lower positioning precision than the combined machining lathe cooperate to automatically change a chuck jaw. The system includes a robot disposed in front of the combined machining lathe, and the robot can be selectively mounted on a front end of an arm thereof with a work hand for operating a work, a chuck jaw, and a nut runner hand for operating a drive mechanism of the chuck. The robot cooperates with a tool for jaw mounted on a tool spindle of the combined machining lathe to automatically change a chuck jaw of a main spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for refining workpieces, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood materials or the like, having an ink-jet printing means having a plurality of nozzles from which drops of ink can be expelled, a workpiece carrier means for carrying the workpiece to be patterned, a conveyor device for bringing about a relative movement between the workpiece to be refined and the printing means. The device according to the invention is characterised in that it further has at least one machining means for machining the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes an ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart articles, to move a selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles.

Abstract: An automatic lathe is provided which is capable of rapidly and easily switching between machining of a material with a guide bush and machining of the material without the guide bush. The automatic lathe has a head stock (6) and a guide bush support table (1). The head stock (6) is provided with a spindle drive motor (8). The guide bush support table (1) is provided with a guide bush rotating motor (11). There are provided: support table fixing means (15) for positioning and fixing the guide bush support table (1); a guide member (12) rotatably installed on the guide bush support table (1) and regulated so as not to move forward and backward and having a through-hole formed for a spindle (3) to be inserted therein; a guide bush (4) detachably fitted to the tip of the guide member (12); and spindle fixing means (37) for positioning and fixing the spindle (3) on the guide bush support table (1) at a specified position when the guide bush (4) is removed from the guide member (12).

Abstract: A machine tool capable of eliminating a laborious attachment/detachment work of a cover member is provided. The machine tool includes a door device 5 having a first door 6 to cover a machining-area opening 3e when machining a workpiece and a second door 7 to cover the machining-area opening 3e when not machining the workpiece and formed to be visible an inside thereof, in which the first door 6 and the second door 7 are arranged in a movable manner between a position-in-use covering the machining-area opening 3e and a position when opened opening the machining-area opening 3e.

Abstract: The Invention is an improved work holding apparatus and method for a Swiss turning machine. A tube selectably bears upon the apron of a collet. A belt crank selectably bears upon the tube and a conical actuator selectably bears upon the bell crank. Movement of the conical actuator along its longitudinal axis is translated by the bell crank into longitudinal motion of the tube causing the collet to engage or disengage the work piece. The improvement of the Invention is to make the engagement between the conical actuator and the bell crank a rolling engagement. The improvement of the Invention is also to provide a wear member for the tube-engaging portion of the bell crank.

Abstract: Equipment for mechanical machining, especially the turning and drilling of mechanical workpieces, such as light alloy wheels and the like, includes at least one turning unit with a double chuck to support the workpieces being machined and a turning head designed to work in association with one or other of the chucks alternately. At least one first workpiece loading/unloading device can be used for moving the workpieces being machined on one or other of the chucks so as to bring about loading/unloading of the workpieces from one of the chucks at the same time as mechanical machining is being carried out on the other chuck. The equipment further includes at least one drilling unit operatively associated with the turning unit and including at least one first drilling head combined with at least one corresponding first workpiece-holding device and at least one second device for loading/unloading parts to move parts being machined in the drilling unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with the chuck of a lathe. The apparatus comprises an angled holder having a first predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material and a faceplate engageable with the holder, the faceplate has a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There are, further, bolts for securing the faceplate to the angled holder and another bolt for securing such chuck to the faceplate.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: Woodturners who make bowls frequently find that the unoccupied tailstock limits the path of the tool handle. The normal solution is to manually remove the tailstock from the lathe and set it on the floor or a work bench. Tailstocks can be heavy and manual removal and reinstallation might be needed several times during the production of a single piece. The invention provides a means to get the tailstock out of the turners way via a short bed extension that is pivotally mounted on the end of the lathe bed. To use it, the tail stock is slid back onto the extension, a hold down is released, and the tailstock is tilted away from the user. After tilting, a second set of ways lines up with the existing bed, allowing full use of the additional length afforded by the invention. The invention allows the tailstock to be easily returned to its normal position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart articles, to move a selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles.

Abstract: An air release stock stop for detecting the end of a bar stock during a machining process on a turning machine. The air release stock stop includes a pivot member hingedly connected to a base member by a shaft, an activation member adjustably connected through the pivot member and a valve unit activated by the pivot member within the base member. The base member fastens to the body of a turning machine such that the connected pivot member and activation member align with the spindle(s) on the turning machine. Preferably a bar stock end fixed within the spindle(s) comes in contact with the activation member as the bar stock is fed out to be machined. The force applied by the bar stock as it contacts the activation member causes the pivot member to rotate about the shaft, activating the valve unit to indicate proper feed for the machining process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning apparatus which functions to support a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart articles, to move a selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles into proximity with the ink jet printer and to controllably rotate the selected one of the circumferentially spaced articles.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for Image Transfer to Multiple Articles Having Non-planar Surfaces are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus that utilizes a modified microprocessor-based printer. The apparatus has end portions and at least one intermediate portion for holding two or more three-dimensional articles for printing images thereon. The apparatus further includes holding cups for securely gripping the ends of the three-dimensional articles while the images are being transferred thereto. The apparatus is further adjustable in order to accommodate articles having differing lengths.