Abstract:
A system is provided for positioning an article. In this regard, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be broadly summarized as follows. The system contains a frame and a series of actuators connected to the frame, where the series of actuators contains at least one armature therein. The at least one armature is connected to an article and the series of actuators provides a force on the at least one armature to actuate movement of the at least one armature, thereby causing movement of the article. Each actuator further contains at least one winding set capable of providing a coil flux, at least one permanent magnet capable of providing a permanent magnet flux, and a magnetically conductive core having the permanent magnet therein and at least a portion of the at least one winding set therein. The series of actuators provides the at least one armature and the article with more than one degree of freedom.
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 bell 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:
A machine tool assembly includes a high speed rotating spindle for forming extremely precise surface contours on a work piece. The spindle is supported on a spherical air bearing about its center of gravity. The spindle can be rotated through an air turbine drive system incorporated into the spherical air bearing to eliminate any undesirable moments about an axis perpendicular to the long spindle axis. The spindle is adjustable in pitch and yaw directions through the influence of X-Y actuators. The X-Y actuation system is preferably electromagnetic and provides a non-contact method of displacing the spindle shaft in a controlled manner at any speed.
Abstract:
A method of constructing a reciprocator (10) and moving element (14) for a reciprocator. The novel method involves simultaneous machining of both the reciprocator casing (20) and the moving element (14). Also, a method of producing a non-contacting alignement of the relatively reciprocating elements is disclosed.
Abstract:
A flexible, extendable extension assembly used to create extended length holes and holes through inaccessible areas in walls and framing. The extension assembly including a flexible, solid core rod having first and second ends; and a holding means secured to the first end of the rod for releasably holding a tool bit for rotation with the rod.
Abstract:
A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.
Abstract:
A machine tool is shown having a first spindle (120) that rotates in a first axis (X2) with a first chuck (122) for holding a first end of a workpiece. A first spindle headstock (124) holds the first spindle (120) and is attached to a base (112). A first turret (130) is mounted on a first turret headstock (132) connected to the base (112) and provides for movement along a parallel axis (Xl) and a first perpendicular axis (Z) relative to the first axis (X2). A second spindle (140) rotates in the first axis (X2) and has a second chuck (142) for holding a second end of the workpiece. A second spindle headstock (144) holds the second spindle (140) and is movably connected to the base (112) to provide movement of the second spindle (140) along the first axis (X2).
Abstract:
A structured diamond tool having a predefined grayscale grating profile shape allows a corresponding grayscale grating profile to be machined into a work piece with a single pass with high accuracy. Manufacture of grayscale gratings using this technique saves time compared to the situation where the profile is machined by a single-point diamond tool with multiple passes. Also, more time-saving is realized if more than one period is machined in the diamond tool. Such a tool can be manufactured using a high precision focused ion beam (FIB), which is a true nanomachining tool that can machine features on the order of tens of nanometers. The diamond tool made by FIB therefore has extremely fine resolution and features required by the grayscale grating.
Abstract:
A method for removing a weld crown from a weld joint between first and second work pieces includes steps of positioning a rotary milling tool proximate to the joint and at an offset angle to set a cutting arc relative to the joint. The milling tool is positioned so the cutting arc intersects the weld crown, weld toes, and parent metal on each side of the weld joint. As the milling tool traverses the joint to cut away the weld crown, the milling tool may tilt from side to side to compensate for misalignment between the work pieces along the weld joint. An apparatus for weld crown removal holds a milling tool at an offset angle, and provides a tracking mechanism to permit the milling tool to track misalignment between the work pieces, maintaining the cutting arc in intersection with the weld toes and parent metal along the weld joint.