Ex-cello Machine Tools, Inc.

Robert B Raible

John W Graham

Johann S Klimach

A gear drive apparatus includes a first shaft and a second shaft concentric to the first shaft. First and second planetary gear systems are provided for driving the first and second shafts in synchronized rotation with respect to one another with a primary drive input and for selectively driving the first and second shafts in unsynchronized rotation with respect to one another in response to a secondary drive input. Each of the first and second planetary gear systems include a ring gear, a sun gear positioned within the ring gear, and a plurality of planetary gears positioned within the ring gear and between the ring gear and the sun gear. Each ring gear can include inwardly directed gear teeth portions identical to one another. Each plurality of planetary gears can be identical to one another, and each sun gear can be identical to one another. A control mechanism can be provided in communication with the primary and secondary drive inputs for coordinating the primary and secondary drive inputs to selectively produce synchronized and unsynchronized rotation of the first and second shafts with respect to one another. A third planetary gear system can be provided for driving the first shaft longitudinally in response to unsynchronized rotation of the first shaft with respect to a nut connected to a third sun gear operably engaged by the third planetary gear system. A third drive selectively produces synchronized and unsynchronized rotation of the nut with respect to the first shaft.

Coaxial gear box

An apparatus for elevating a workpiece includes a transfer bar movable between a first position and a second position, and a support member having a cam surface with a first end and a second end. The cam follower is engageable with the cam surface for supporting the transfer bar with respect to the support member as the cam follower moves along the cam surface between the first end and the second end. When the transfer bar is in the first position, the cam follower is adjacent the first end of the cam surface. When the transfer bar is in the second position, the cam follower is adjacent the second end of the cam surface. A driving mechanism is provided for moving one of the cam follower and the cam surface relative to one another between the first end and the second end of the cam surface. The elevating apparatus can be used in a multi-station machining line where at least one workpiece to be machined is transported on at least one transfer bar from one station to another. The transfer bar is elevated to a first position for transportation of the workpiece between the stations, and is lowered to a second position when the workpiece reaches a station.

Part elevator having a transfer bar with CAM follower and slot

An apparatus radially adjusts a position of a plurality of tool cartridges of a machine tool having rotatable, concentric, elongate, inner and outer drive spindles. A plurality of pockets are formed through the outer spindle to communication with a passage for the inner spindle. A wedge is disposed in each pocket for longitudinal movement in response to relative rotation of the inner spindle when the inner spindle is in a predetermined selectable position. A rotatable member is disposed in each pocket and has a threaded external surface operably engageable to move the rotatable member longitudinally in response to rotation of the rotatable member with respect to the outer spindle. A tool cartridge is operably engaged within each pocket for radial movement in response to relative movement of the corresponding wedge.

Compensator for multi-tool boring bar

An apparatus for radially adjusting a position of at least one tool cartridge includes a machine tool having rotatable, concentric, elongate, inner and outer drive spindles with at least one pocket formed in the outer drive spindle exposing at least one corresponding portion of the inner drive spindle. A wedge is disposed in each pocket for movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the inner drive spindle and is responsive to relative rotation of the inner drive spindle with respect to the outer drive spindle. Each wedge has a threaded surface operably engageable with either a threaded portion of the inner drive spindle, or a threaded portion of the outer drive spindle. A tool cartridge is operably engaged within each pocket of the outer drive spindle for radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer drive spindle in response to relative movement of the corresponding wedge. A ring spring is provided for urging each tool cartridge into operable engagement with the corresponding wedge with sufficient strength to maintain operable engagement at maximum rotational speed. A controller is provided for controlling the relative rotation of the inner spindle with respect to the outer spindle in response to at least one input signal. The controller can compensate for wear of a tool connected to the tool cartridge with relative rotation of the inner spindle with respect to the outer spindle. The controller can also adjustably position each tool cartridge with respect to the outer spindle during a machining operation.

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Ortonville, MI, United States of America

Robert B Raible