Colt Industries Operating Corporation

Richard I Latzko

George H Marsland

Adolf E Peiser

Johann F Reuteler

A machine tool (10) with a rotating cutting tool (24) has a spindle assembly (20,48) mounted for rotation in a longitudinally movable headstock (18). The spindle assembly includes a spindle (48), driven by a motor (50) and an integral machining head (20) having a rotatably mounted drive screw (62). The drive screw carries a radially positionable follower (72) to which is connected a tool block (22) to define a radial slide for supporting the cutting tool. A drive shaft (82) extending through the spindle is in driving engagement with the drive screw such that rotation of the drive shaft relative to the spindle produces rotation of the drive screw and consequential radial movement of the follower and tool block. A motor (76) mounted on the spindle for rotation with the spindle is connected to the drive shaft for rotating it either a clockwise or counterclockwise sense to produce radial movement of the follower and tool block. A counterbalance block (70) is in threaded engagement with a threaded shaft (142) mounted in the machining head in driving connection with the drive shaft for providing dynamic balance. A tool changer assembly (38) is secured to a floor mounted support (46) for changing tools in the tool block.

Machine with rotating cutting tool

A tool changer mechanism for a vertical spindle machining center has a remotely positioned tool storage magazine. Tools are transferred between the magazine and the spindle by a tool transfer assembly which is mounted for reciprocating sliding movement along the side of the machining center. The tool transfer assembly incorporates a pivotally mounted support adapted for vertical movement and a rotatable transfer arm, having two grippers, carried by the support. During reciprocating movement of the tool transfer assembly, the support undergoes a pivoting movement with respect to the assembly while the angular position of the arm with respect to the support remains fixed. As the tool transfer assembly reaches the end of its movement toward the spindle, an empty gripper secures the old tool. The support is then lowered so that the arm may be rotated to place a new tool in the other gripper in alignment with the spindle. When the support is raised, the new tool is inserted in the spindle. The tool transfer assembly is then moved back toward the magazine leaving the new tool in the spindle and carrying the old tool to the magazine.

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Glastonbury, CT, United States of America

Richard I Latzko