Hardinge, Inc.

Brian C Sheehan

Gary Comstock

Terrence Sheehan

Terry M Sheehan

Dan P Soroka

This invention relates to a belt drive system for a tool driving shaft of an indexing tool turret assembly. A plurality of toolholders are radially supported on a top plate assembly, which is rotatably supported on a hub connected to a turret housing. A housing is provided that supports a driven pulley connected to the tool driving shaft. A spindle motor connected to the turret housing is coupled to the live toolholder via a belt drive. The housing advantageously includes at least one removal portion that provides access to and replacement of the belt drive. Further, the tool driving shaft is supported on opposite sides of the driven pulley.

Belt-driven indexing tool turret assembly

The present invention is directed to an indexing tool turret assembly and method for operating the same. The indexing tool turret assembly includes a tool turret assembly rotatably supported on the machine tool, an indexing assembly for selectively rotating the tool turret assembly to a desired location. The indexing assembly includes a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the tool turret assembly during operation of either a stationary tool assembly or live tool assembly located on the tool turret assembly. A cushioning bearing assembly is provided for selectively separating the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism during an indexing operation. The cushioning bearing assembly provides a slight lift to separate the tool turret assembly from the locking mechanism to reduce friction and other potential damages forces between these components.

Three piece coupling arrangement for a turret indexing mechanism for a machine tool assembly and an air bearing assembly for the same

A spindle for gripping and closing a mounting member which includes a housing having a spindle assembly mounted therein including a first rotary member capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis and a second rotary member disposed about the first rotary member in coaxial relation and being capable of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The first rotary member has a gripping portion for gripping the mounting member and the second rotary member has a thrust surface and a contacting portion for contacting the mounting member. A radial bearing in the housing supports the second rotary member, and a fluid thrust bearing supports the thrust surface of the second rotary member. One of the first and second rotary members is capable of axial movement relative to the other rotary member and has an engagement surface engageable for causing axial movement of the axially moveable rotary member. An actuating assembly is provided to selectively engage the engagement surface to move the axially movable rotary member relative to the other rotary member to draw the mounting member against the contacting surface for closure.

Growing community of inventors

Elmira, NY, United States of America

Brian C Sheehan