Work Driver Patents (Class 82/165)
  • Patent number: 6145419
    Abstract: A method of drive decoupling, and a drive decoupling device, utilized in connecting a driving member to a driven members that is attachable to a workpiece to be rotated about a drive axis, includes a laminated plurality of flexible sheet material, attached to the driving member by at least one off axis connection and to the driven member by at least one other off axis connection circumferentially spaced from the one off axis connection, and which is torsionally rigid in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis so as to accommodate any eccentricity developed through misalignment of the driving member and driven member. The coupling device is centrally apertured so that a headstock can extend therethrough. A pair of drive decoupling devices are also provided in series by connecting the driven member of one to the driving member of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Unova UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Laycock
  • Patent number: 6128985
    Abstract: The machine tool includes a workpiece-holding spindle consisting of a slide capable of being moved along the X-axis perpendicular to the main axis of rotation of the machine. The slide is moved via a tie-rod, actuated at one end by a numerical axis and having at the other end an oblique projection fitted in an oblique hole in the slide. Movement of the tie-rod along the Z-axis therefore causes movement of the slide, hence of the workpiece, along the X-axis. Provision is made for counterbalancing the rotating spindle. The machine tool is thus capable of machining parts having eccentric shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Kummer Fre'res SA Fabrique de Machines
    Inventors: Jacques Muster, Fran.cedilla.ois Roquier
  • Patent number: 6079303
    Abstract: A power chuck system is disclosed featuring a motor, a harmonic drive and a chuck. The harmonic drive is arranged with an input member driven by direct connection with the motor rotor, and an output member directly connected to a long stroke jaw actuation device, providing an integral unit which rotates together with the spindle during machining. During jaw adjustment, an electromagnetic brake releasably connects the motor stator with the spindle and chuck body. Gripping force adjustment is achieved by adjusting the motor torque. The inertial forces of the rotating components are overcome by controlling the motor torque and velocity as gripping ensues, and therefore both high and low gripping forces may be accurately achieved with high speed jaw adjustment. Jaw position and workpiece diameter measurement with a feedback capability are made by use of a rotary encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: N. T. Naum Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Naum Lyachovitsky
  • Patent number: 6068267
    Abstract: A turning apparatus for a CNC or other turning machine comprises a faceplate having a locating insert secured and located therein for locating a part on a taper thereof. The turning apparatus clamps and draws the part into the locating insert to facilitate machining of the part. The insert is readily replaceable to accommodate a part having a different taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Rockford Products Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Sievertsen, Richard L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6053083
    Abstract: A work station between an active spindle adaptor and a passive spindle adaptor having a common rotational axis, receives a workpiece ring supplied from a loader shuttle. The ring has circular outer edges in parallel spaced planes perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the ring. Chamfered centering crescents on oppositely facing ring positioners engage opposite edges of the ring and simultaneously clamp and center the ring on the spindle axis. The active spindle then moves the clamped ring to position abutting the passive spindle adaptor and clamps the ring between the spindles. The crescents retract, the active spindle rotates the ring and the ring is machined outside and inside simultaneously. External turning tools are fixed to one toolholder slide, and an additional external tool is movably mounted to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: George N. Mosey
  • Patent number: 6038948
    Abstract: A workpiece spindle device for a machine tool having a drivable workpiece spindle in a spindle housing and including a hydraulic oil supply device with a non-rotating housing portion connected to the spindle housing. An oil control device is connected to the non-rotating housing and communicated to the oil supply device without an oil line therebetween. An oil flow path is provided between the oil control device and a cylinder chamber of a workpiece clamping cylinder of the spindle with the oil path being free of any valve and thus substantially unrestricted to oil flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventors: Helmut Friedrich Link, Gunther-Heinrich Trautmann
  • Patent number: 5992278
    Abstract: A kit for use in attaching and securing workpieces comprising hubless brake drums and rotors of various sizes on a lathe includes an arbor mount comprising a substantially cylindrical tube portion with an enlarged terminal member at one end. The arbor mount has a central bore adapted to receptive the shaft of the lathe. The kit also includes a pair of backing plates which can acommodate various sized workpieces. Each plate has a central hole with a diameter of sufficient size so that the tube portion of the arbor mount may pass therethrough. The first side of each plate is adapted to receive the terminal member of the arbor mount, and each plate is adapted to be positioned over the tube portion of the arbor mount with the terminal member behind a workpiece. The kit also includes a pair of centering cones which can accommodate various sized workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Charles H. Rimlinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5951025
    Abstract: The method uses the actuating mechanism of the chuck of a machine tool for turning or grinding in order to pre-tension the radially acting springs of a clamping attachment by means of the jaws of the chuck. When the pre-tension is released, the springs maintain the clamping attachment on a workpiece that is mounted between centers in order to be machined. The method allows to perform automatic machining cycles on a workpiece mounted between centers, without the necessity to use a compensated chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Forkardt Spanntechnik AG
    Inventor: Erwin Bohler
  • Patent number: 5893793
    Abstract: A process for chucking and machining an elongated cylindrical article made of a ceramic material according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: (1) chucking the elongated cylindrical ceramic article between chuck heads at longitudinally opposite end portions of said ceramic article; (2) holding the elongated cylindrical article between the chuck heads under such a low chucking pressure as allowing the ceramic article to slip inside a driven side chuck head while being kept inside the chuck heads at the opposite end portions, and slipping the ceramic article inside the chuck heads for a given time under rotation of a driving chuck head so that any positional deviation between the location of a center axis passing centers of of the chuck heads and an axis of the ceramic article may be removed due to a self aligning centrifugal action of the ceramic article; (3) raising the chucking pressure of the chuck heads to such a level as required for machining the ceramic article; and (4) then machining a su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., NGK Ceramic Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Akifumi Nishio, Carine Anne-Marie Claudine Dewitte, Jeffrey Philip John Pattimore
  • Patent number: 5850770
    Abstract: A securing device for a workpiece spindle of a lathe includes a spindle housing having a plane surface and rotatably supporting a workpiece spindle, a brake disk non-rotatably connectable with the workpiece spindle, a clamping device for fixing the brake disk and mounted on the spindle housing, the brake disk being formed as a disk which is rigid in a circumferential direction and is bending-resistant in a direction of a spindle axis, the disk being pressable by the clamping device against the plane surface of the spindle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Gildemeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Rehage
  • Patent number: 5800255
    Abstract: A unitary lap blank has a front polishing portion and a rear disk portion contoured for coupling the disk to a chuck of the lathe and also to a chuck of the polishing machine. Preferably, the disk has a circular channel in its face opposed to its base and a pair of seats in the opposed face symmetrically diametrically aligned in a land defined by the channel. The channel is of diameter, width and depth and the seats are spaced for mating with complementary components on the lathe chuck. The disk also has a circular seat centered in the land and a pair of parallel side walls disposed along symmetrically opposed cords of the disk transverse to a line connecting the pair of seats, the side walls being spaced apart by a distance and the seat being of diameter and depth for mating with complementary components on the polishing machine chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Coburn Optical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Hyslop, Lonny D. Qualls
  • Patent number: 5743159
    Abstract: A monocentric, multivision contact lens having a single optical axis and an anterior side. A first spherical vision surface is disposed on a first portion of the anterior side and has a first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A second spherical vision surface is disposed on a second portion of the anterior side and has a second radius of curvature and a second center of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A transition surface is disposed intermediate the first portion and the second portion and has a plurality of centers of curvature disposed along the single optical axis. A method of making a monocentric contact lens and a mandrel for mounting a lens on a lathe for producing a monocentric contact lens are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Tru-Form Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan B. Svochak, Colin Howard Wess
  • Patent number: 5737985
    Abstract: A work holder assembly is disclosed for securing a workpiece on a lathe having a rotary driven shaft. The workpiece has a central hole in an end wall thereof, and said end wall will be maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The work holder assembly includes an arbor mount comprising a substantially cylindrical tube portion having an enlarged backing plate at one end. The arbor mount is provided with a central bore, the axis of which is substantially coincident with the axis of the tube portion, which central bore is adapted to receive the shaft in sliding engagement therewith. The tube portion of the arbor mount has an outside diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the central hole in the end wall of the workpiece, while the backing plate is larger than the central hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Charles H. Rimlinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5711196
    Abstract: A tooling apparatus and method for machining a blank having a first surface portion with a first spin center and a second surface portion with a second spin center offset from the first spin center. The improved tooling apparatus includes a turning fixture connectable to a rotatable spindle in one of a first position and a second position. The first spin center of the blank aligns with the axis of rotation of the spindle when the turning fixture is in its first position and the second spin center of the blank aligns with the axis of rotation when the turning fixture is in its second position. In the preferred embodiment, the rotatable spindle includes a dowel cooperative with first and second bores formed in the turning fixture to position the turning fixture relative to the spindle. The first and second bores are separated a distance equal to the distance between the first spin center and the second spin center of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: John Reid, Conrad Stenton
  • 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: 5611252
    Abstract: A holding device for cutting an ophthalmic lens includes a holding member which has a spherical sliding surface. A support member is provided with a spherical receiving surface which slidably supports the spherical sliding surface of the holding member. In addition, a fixing assembly is provided for adjustably positioning the lens holding member with respect to the support member. The fixing assembly includes a guide member which is rotatable about a support center axis, with the guide member including an eccentric guide hole, such that pins disposed between the guide hole and an extension of the lens holding member move (or adjust the position of) the lens holding member in response to rotation of the guide member. Rotation of the guide member thus results in sliding movement of the lens holding member with respect to the support member to thereby position the holding member with respect to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Hattori, Hiroyuki Oyama
  • Patent number: 5544556
    Abstract: A chuck body has an internal cam unit eccentrically mounted within antifriction bearings, and the cam unit includes a workpiece gripper. A radial pin extends through the chuck body into a peripheral slot of the cam unit. When rotating in a first rotary direction, the chuck body and cam unit rotate in unison and a first workpiece diameter may be machined. When the rotation of the chuck body is reversed, inertial forces acting on the cam unit prevent immediate reversal of the cam unit rotation, and the pin moves through the peripheral slot, contacting the opposite end and driving the cam unit in reverse rotation; this relative motion between the chuck body and cam unit causes the workpiece to become offset, displacing the first workpiece axis from the chuck body axis of rotation. Consequently, as the reverse rotation is continued, a second workpiece diameter may be is machined about the chuck axis of rotation; the second diameter will be eccentric to the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Russell W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5527400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Roland C. Smith, James S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5520078
    Abstract: A holding device for cutting an ophthalmic lens includes a holding member which has a spherical sliding surface. A support member is provided with a spherical receiving surface which slidably supports the spherical sliding surface of the holding member. In addition, a fixing assembly is provided for adjustably positioning the lens holding member with respect to the support member. The fixing assembly includes a guide member which is rotatable about a support center axis, with the guide member including an eccentric guide hole, such that pins disposed between the guide hole and an extension of the lens holding member move (or adjust the position of) the lens holding member in response to rotation of the guide member. Rotation of the guide member thus results in sliding movement of the lens holding member with respect to the support member to thereby position the holding member with respect to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Hattori, Hiroyuki Oyama
  • Patent number: 5392502
    Abstract: A micro-machining center, in the form of an automatic screw machine, utilizes an array of tools and machining support mechanisms removably mounted on a carriage movable parallel to a first axis, and a spindle/collet mechanism movable parallel to a second axis, with machining and manipulating operations being conducted at the intersection of the two axes in a common plane. A microprocessor control system having multiaxis command capability precisely drives the carriage and spindle/collet mechanisms separately or concurrently to perform a sequence of supported machining functions for fabrication of a given part from stock. With this arrangement of microprocessor, tools and spindle/collet mechanism commands for manufacture of a part can readily be generated, verified, used and retained in storage for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Edgar P. Freer
  • Patent number: 5381213
    Abstract: To allow a lathe to turn the photoreceptor drums, charge rollers and developer brushes of printers, copiers, and facsimile machines, a unitary component adapts the object so it can be held on the lathe and drives the object. The adapting portion includes a flexible material such as a hose or o-ring to snugly receive the end extension of the drum, roller or brush. The drive portion connects with the drive bolt of the lathe and spins the object. In a second embodiment, the drive and adapter portions are separate components. A bore in the drive bushing is lined with a short piece of hose or one or more o-rings and snugly receives a protrusion from the adapter unit. A third embodiment replaces the drive bushing with tail stock forced against the adapter unit by the drive bolt of the lathe. A bore in the adapter unit lined with a flexible hose or o-ring snugly receives the end of the tail stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Steven B. Michlin
  • Patent number: 5320007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for holding and positioning objects for a single diamond point turning operation. The objects which may include liquid phase epitaxy films are mounted on multiple platforms (10, 46). The platforms (10, 46) are securely connected to a base (20). The platforms (10, 46) are positioned, independently from one another, for elevation and orientation relative to the base (20) while the platforms (10, 46) are securely connected to the base (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald F. Weirauch
  • Patent number: 5309200
    Abstract: Components are disclosed which allow a powerful, variable speed lathe to turn the photoreceptor drums, charge rollers and developer brushes of printers, copiers, and facsimile machines. In one embodiment, adapter units fit over the cylindrical extensions on the ends of the drum. Two pieces of opposing tail stock support and hold the drum on the lathe by applying pressure against the adapter units. A drive bushing is attached to and rotates with the drive bolt of the lathe. The drive bushing has one or more drive pins which interact with the spoke-like members on the drum to turn or spin the drum and allow it to be cleaned, polished, coated or otherwise treated. In a second embodiment, a short length of hose is used to connect the adapter unit with the charge roller or developer brush. The drive pin of the drive bushing is received in a hole on the surface of the adapter unit facing the drive bushing. The roller or brush is turned on the lathe by having the drive bushing turn the adapter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Steven B. Michlin
  • Patent number: 5293794
    Abstract: A machine for simultaneously turning and boring a ring-shaped workpiece has a frame of four parallel structural shafts secured between end stands. An active spindle assembly is mounted on a carriage slidably mounted on the shafts. The carriage is hydraulically drivable axially toward a stop cylinder of a passive spindle assembly rotatably mounted but axially immovable on one stand, to clamp the workpiece ring between a clamp cylinder of the active spindle assembly and the stop cylinder. The clamp cylinder is rotatable by the main machine drive motor for turning the workpiece. The workpiece ring is introduced laterally to the working area by a loader shuttle. Then the workpiece is centered in the work space by an axially drivable centering crescent as the workpiece is clamped in position between the clamp cylinder and stop cylinder for the turning to commence. Cylindrical slides and slideways are provided at right angles for both radial and axial movement of the external turning tool mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: George N. Mosey
  • Patent number: 5279192
    Abstract: An external drive assembly is provided which conveys rotational movement to a shaft, and the shaft is adapted to be positioned substantially coaxial with the axis of the wheel hub of a motor vehicle. An adjustable drive member extends from the distal end of the shaft to the center of an adapter hub attachable to the wheel hub. Adjustable lug adapter legs are provided in which one end of each of such legs is adapted to attach to the threaded studs of an automobile wheel hub and the other end of each of the legs is provided with a cylindrical pin adapted to fit within one of a plurality of bores spaced around the peripheral edge of the adapter hub to retain the adapter leg within the adapter hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Ammco Tools Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hartman
  • Patent number: 5273295
    Abstract: An improved machine tool having means for automatically sensing axial movement of the jaw members relative to the collet housing and for adjusting the axial position of the collet to automatically compensate for the jaw movement to allow radial gripping of the workpiece with no axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: Robert L. Lieberman, Raymond P. Ng
  • Patent number: 5257561
    Abstract: A tire holding fixture for holding a tire for processing by a tire processing machine comprises first and second wheel half support assemblies. One of the assemblies is shiftable between an open position for permitting insertion of a tire between the assemblies, and a closed position for holding said tire between the assemblies. The first assembly includes a hollow substantially cylindrical portion having an inner surface, and the second assembly includes a spindle, having an outer surface, insertable into said hollow cylindrical portion. A plurality of detents is disposed on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical position. A plurality of projections shiftable between a detent engaging position and a detent releasing position is disposed on the outer surface of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Folta
  • Patent number: 5243885
    Abstract: A face driving center assembly adapted for use in a lathe includes a shank adapted to be secured to the lathe for rotation therewith. In a first embodiment, a face driver is directly connected to the shank for rotation therewith. The face driver has a forward surface which is provided with a plurality of workpiece-engaging teeth. A center is slidably mounted in aligned bores formed through the shank and the face driver. The center is spring biased forwardly to engage and guide the workpiece as it is installed in the lathe. The teeth driving engage a flat end surface of the workpiece to be machined so as to cause the workpiece to rotate with the assembly during use. A pin disposed in a transverse bore formed in the face driver cooperates with a slot formed in the outer surface of the center to limit the sliding movement thereof. In a second embodiment, the face driver is connected to the shank through a universal joint structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Richard F. Lash
  • Patent number: 5230265
    Abstract: During machining of workpieces, particularly crankshafts, in a central ren of the workpiece, both tips at opposite unmachined ends are axially retracted from the workpiece; both machined ends of the workpiece are clamped centered with the radial clamping members. During the machining of one workpiece end, the workpiece is clamped equalized at the oppositely located end and during the machining of the central region is clamped centered at this end. A workpiece after end machining and before machining of the central region is relieved for elimination of existing axial tensile-strength pressure stresses. Before the machining of the central region there is applied an axial tensile-strength stress upon the workpiece. Apparatus for carrying-out the method includes two oppositely located main spindles and chucks, which have radially and axially adjustable clamping elements and having two oppositely located centering tips, which are adjustable axially relative to the clamping elements respectively the chucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik, Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Karlheinz Schmid
  • Patent number: 5193826
    Abstract: A face plate adapter for securing a tubular work piece to a machine tool rotating said work piece about an axis comprising a face plate, an adjustable mounting assembly for mounting the adapter to a machine tool, an elongated nesting member extending outwardly from the face plate for receiving the work piece in a nesting relation therein such that the work piece extends outwardly from the face plate substantially along the rotation axis, and an adjustable clamping device for securing the work piece in the nesting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Maurice A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5174179
    Abstract: A holding device on a turning machine for a workpiece, which is held by a chuck serving as a clamping device and being arranged at a receiving disk, is equipped with separate correcting elements disposed at the clamping device. The correcting elements may be controlled individually by electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic means. The correcting elements act on the clamping device in order to adjust the workpiece.It is thereby possible to adjust the clamping device itself in a defined manner, so that the clamped workpiece may be adjusted easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: SMW Schneider & Weisshaupt GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hiestand
  • Patent number: 5127291
    Abstract: An auxiliary-function hydraulic system is provided for a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tooling unit. Hydraulic power is provided for locking collet or chuck to an open or closed position and providing an affirmative collet-open and/or collet-closed signal to communicate the collet position to the host computer. The tailstock can be brought gently forward to contact a workpiece and can be returned rapidly to the home position, with a break-away pressure feature being employed to overcome initial static friction. A pressure switch indicates that the tailstock is in position against the workpiece. A spindle brake applies braking to the spindle to stop the same from high speed either on command or in the event of system failure. In the latter case, braking occurs prior to loss of pressure to the collet closer cylinder. Also, a turret clamp locks and unlocks a tool changer turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Henry Lothammer
  • Patent number: 5103700
    Abstract: A work holding assembly for performing turning operations on a lathe and its method of use, the assembly having a faceplate member detachable from a hub member, where the hub member is attached to the spindle of the lathe and the wooden workpiece is attached to the faceplate member. The faceplate member is detachable from the hub member without removing the workpiece from the faceplate member or removing the hub member from the lathe. The hub member is adapted to receive any of a number of similar faceplates. Further, the faceplate member is attachable to any of a number of different hub members, each hub member being adapted to fit onto a different size or shape lathe spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: John H. Read, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5077876
    Abstract: An improved spindle assembly for a single or a multiple spindle machine is disclosed. An outer tubular member is mounted for rotation by the spindle machine. An inner shaft is positioned within the tubular member and a collet is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. A workpiece can be removed from the unlocked collet by high pressure liquid from the inner shaft. In one embodiment the inner shaft is rotated independently from the tubular member and is also axially reciprocable. A tool mounted on the inner shaft provides for interior machining at the same time as an exterior operation is being performed. In another embodiment the collet remains axially stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Coldstream
    Inventor: James W. McConkey
  • Patent number: 5074177
    Abstract: A machine tool has a pair of rotary spindles which support opposite ends of workpiece to be machined. At least one of the spindles is driven and a ring having a plurality of arms is coaxially secured to this spindle for rotation therewith. The arms entrain an annular member which is essentially coaxial with the spindles and is provided with threads. An annular guide plate which is again essentially coaxial with the spindles supports a plurality of clamping jaws for movement radially of the spindles. The clamping jaws are provided with threads which mesh with the threads of the annular member so that rotation of the latter can cause movement of the clamping jaws. A plurality of rocker arms is mounted on the machine tool for pivotal movement between an inoperative position and an operative position in which the rocker arms engage the periphery of the guide plate to prevent rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Georg Karstens Fabrik fur Messgerate und Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5074176
    Abstract: A rotatable chuck for supporting a plastic coated workpiece in a power driven threading machine is disclosed comprising workpiece engaging jaws mounted on the machine spindle for rotation therewith and for pivotal movement relative thereto radially inwardly and outwardly of the spindle axis. Each jaw pivotally supports an insert holder provided with a pair of inserts for engaging the outer surface of the workpiece. Each of the insert holders pivotally supports a centering link associated with an adjacent jaw so as to be actuated in response to pivotal displacement of the jaws radially inwardly of the spindle axis to control the attitude of the insert holders so that the inserts are directed radially inwardly of the spindle axis to assure a uniform gripping action by the two inserts of each holder upon engagement with the workpiece. The centering links also displace the workpiece to a centered position coaxial with the spindle axis during inward displacement of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James C. Redman, Michael R. Sanner, Paul W. Gress
  • Patent number: 5056390
    Abstract: A piston holding device in which a conical register is provided inside the skirt of a piston and is engaged by a conical locating surface on a tailstock. The tailstock may also include a ram which is adapted to push on the inside of a piston crown and force the piston against a headstock. The holding device is used during piston machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: T&N Technology Limited
    Inventor: Roger H. Slee
  • Patent number: 4971339
    Abstract: A collet type work driver for holding and driving a workpiece which is located between work centers upon a grinder, lathe or similar machinery, is disclosed. The work driver includes a unique free-floating collet package which rotates essentially free from contact with the remaining components of the work driver. Radial positioning forces are thus eliminated and existing workpiece eccentricities are automatically accommodated. The work driver can be rapidly loaded and unloaded and can have a significant effect upon production rates. The collet package portion is loosely retained within the work driver during idle periods and will not be lost or damaged. Uniform gripping action by means of the work driver eliminates workpiece deflection and surface marking and enables the device to be used with very fragile and brittle workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad C. Treff
  • Patent number: 4951534
    Abstract: A below-floor lathe for reprofiling the rims of railroad-vehicle wheel sets, with four driven friction rollers, two rotating supports, and controls. The friction rollers can be forced in pairs against the outer surface of each rim in a wheel set. A detector determines the level of slippage that occurs between a friction roller and a rim surface and varies the rate at which the rotating supports advance in accordance with the level of slippage detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Hoesch Maschinenfabrik Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Dirk Brinkmann, Manfred Reyer
  • Patent number: 4939966
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a power-operated clamping device for workpieces or tools on a hollow machine-tool spindle in which is disposed a securing rod that is adapted to be coupled with a drive member of the respectively mounted clamping device, and that is adapted to be actuated by a hydraulic or pressurized cylinder secured to the rear end of the spindle. Secured to a flange on the front end of the spindle is an intermediate ring to which the body of the clamping device is adapted to be secured via at least two securing pins. To provide a structurally straightforward design that requires no additional pressure medium cylinder, the securing pins are secured to the clamping device body and are axially oriented, with each securing pin being provided with a notch that has a tightening surface. Key rods are displaceably guided in the intermediate ring, with each key rod having a key that is introducible into a respective notch of the securing pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Paul Forkardt GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Grund, Rainer Kempken
  • Patent number: 4926588
    Abstract: For centering optic lenses in a mechanical mounting, in particular during an edge cutting and bevelling, the invention includes a device having a housing (10), a drive (M, R, 14/14', 16/16') for a lower centering spindle 18 and an upper centering spindle 18' with an interpositioning of a torque divider (50). The centering spindles are held in axial alignment by guiding and clamping bearings (22, 22') and carry clamping cups (20, 20'), between which clamping cups the lens (L), which is to be machined, can be clamped. A clamping device (24) is for this purpose connected parallel to a membrane piston (32), which assures a precise stepped moving of the lower centering spindle 18 in an axial direction (A) to the upper centering spindle (18'). A short-stroke piston (38) exists in each pressure cylinder 28, which short-stroke piston (38) is followed by a long-stroke piston (40) having a bore (42) extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Wilhelm Loh Wetzlar Optikmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Erhard Brueck
  • Patent number: 4924739
    Abstract: A polymeric lens material is cast within a mold body which includes a generally conical external surface portion, an annular wall portion defining a pocket in which the material is cast, and a base wall disposed of between the conical external surface portion and the annular wall portion. The base wall defines an optical surface at the bottom of the pocket for forming a surface of a contact lens. The conical external surface portion of the mold body is dimensioned to complement an internal conical surface portion of a collet for accurately positioning and aligning the mold within the collet for a machining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: CooperVision, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin K. Ademovic
  • Patent number: 4914991
    Abstract: For machining the tread circumferences and brake disks of sets of wheels dismounted from railroad vehicles a lathe is proposed wherein each wheel in the set is driven by four friction rollers that can be forced against the tread and are positioned essentially diametrically opposite one another in pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Hoesch Maschinenfabrik Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Kurt Bathelt, Wolfgang Beck, Dirk Brinkmann, Wilfried Reske
  • Patent number: 4895057
    Abstract: The known turn broaching of crankshaft main bearings is not suitable for broaching crankshaft bearing pins for the connecting rods because that would require locating the rotational axis of the crankshaft in the connecting rod bearing pins, whereby the crankshaft would rotate eccentrically. The resulting unbalances prevent driving the crankshaft with the r.p.m. required for the turn broaching operation. To avoid this problem a broaching lathe for the rotational or turn broaching of crankshaft connecting rod bearing pins is equipped with a steady rest including a rotating support device which permits mounting the crankshaft in the lathe in such a way that the rotational axis coincides with the axis of the connecting rod bearings of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Wilhelm Hegenscheidt Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Garri Berstein, Hans W. Obrig, Helmut Wittkopp, Hermann Wolters
  • Patent number: 4895058
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in cutting a workpiece on different centers. The workpiece is mounted in a chuck on a spindle top. The spindle top is mounted on the upper end of a rotatable, vertical spindle shaft adjacent to a cutting tool in different positions spaced apart laterally relative to the spindle shaft axis. When the spindle shaft is rotated with the spindle top in one position, the tool will cut the workpiece on one center. In another position of the spindle top, the tool will cut on a different center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: The Olofsson Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Watson, Thomas D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4890423
    Abstract: A supporting head for an apparatus for machining plates of glass, marble and the like, including a main head supporting an auxiliary head; the main head is adapted to support large plates, the auxiliary head is adapted to support small plates. The main head has a main shaft connected to an auxiliary shaft of the auxiliary head by means of gears. The gears and main head may be selectively locked and released to allow for a rotation of the main head or a rotation of just the auxiliary head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Z. Bavelloni S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Bavelloni
  • Patent number: 4890522
    Abstract: Axially displaceable shifters on the stock of a machine tool around the spindle serve to actuate clamps against the force of respective spring stacks to release a workpiece carrier whose pins are engaged by the clamps, thereby keeping the main spindle passage free from obstruction in a system for the quick-change replacement of workpieces on the respective workpiece carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Heid Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Nader, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 4872379
    Abstract: A fixture and method are disclosed for machining the bearing spindle on rockbit drilling arm forgings. The teachings of the invention eliminate the need for shims, greatly simplify the set-up process and reduce the amount of different fixtures necessary to accomplish positioning a forging. In addition, the device disclosed performs the offset and twist adjustment operations simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddie L. Eiland
  • Patent number: 4860499
    Abstract: A spark plug grinding machine is equipped with force sensors to measure grinding forces and other forces attendant to a grinding operation. Ceramic spark plug insulators are carried by spindles on a Ferris wheel into a grinding station. A control wheel engages and spins each part as a grinding wheel grinds the surface of the insulator. A three axis transducer on one of the spindles measures force components along the axis of the spindle, parallel to a tangent of the grinding wheel and in a radial direction. A torque sensor on the control wheel measures the torque as the wheel rotates each insulator. Either or both of the sensors may be used. They are coupled through slip rings to a recorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce R. Dinger, Mark R. McClanahan, David B. Quinn, Frederick L. Kennard
  • Patent number: 4852437
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and clamping a piston (10, 110) between headstock and tailstock assemblies (18, 118 and 20, 120) before rotating same about a rotary axis (22, 122) in a machining operation is characterized by an equalizing mechanism or member (50, 150) for equalizing the axial force between a pair of equalizing pins (48, 148) of a first set of axially extending locating pins (46, 48; 146, 148) to thereby create a locating plane on a first surface of the workpiece. The first set of axially extending pins coacts with a second set of axially extending equalizing pins (30, 130) to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The first set of locating pins are located in a housing member (38, 138). The first set of pins also includes two fixed locating pins (48, 148) which contact the outer surface of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: The Cross Company
    Inventor: Robert W. DeBruyne