Apparatus for delivering vibratory energy

Claim 2

Apparatus comprising a vibratory generating means, a vibratory energy coupling system having one end coupled to said means, said system having a length corresponding to at least two or an integral number in excess thereof, of one-half wavelengths according to the material properties and geometry of said system and its intended operating frequency, a work-performing tool removably and adjustably supported between the ends of said system adjacent an antinode thereon, means for adjusting said tool in axial, angular, and rotative positions, means for moving the system and tool as a unit, and means for supporting the system at a node of vibratory energy in said system, said node being located between said tool and the other end of said system.

Claim 3

Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for moving the system and tool as a unit supports the system and tool for rotation about a vertical longitudinal axis of the system.

Claim 4

Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting the tool includes a spherical segment above the tool, a rocker base below the tool, said tool being clamped between flat surfaces of said segment and rocker base by components of said system.

Claim 5

Apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein the components of said system are removably coupled together at a joint located at said antinode in the system.

Claim 6

Apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein one of said components has one end engaging said segment and is hollow.

Claim 7

Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said hollow component is sculptured in accordance with its cross-sectional area so as to have a nonuniform wall thickness with the tHickness of the wall increasing in a direction away from said segment.

Claim 8

Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting angular and axial positions of said tool includes two coaxial components of said system removably coupled together at said antinode in the system, said tool extending through an opening in a support connected to one of said components.

Claim 9

In a lathe having a head stock means, a crossfeed table mounted for movement parallel and perpendicular to a horizontal axis of the lathe, a cutting tip supported by said table for movement therewith and effecting a cutting action on material rotating on said axis, a vibratory coupling system supported by said table, a vibratory energy generating means, said coupling system having one end coupled to said generating means for transmitting vibratory energy to said tip, said coupling system having a length corresponding to at least two, or an integral number in excess thereof, of one-half wavelengths according to the material properties and geometry of said coupling system at its intended operating frequency, means removably and adjustably supporting said tip adjacent an antinode on said coupling system for rotation about the axis of said system and for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of said system, with the longitudinal axis of said coupling system being generally perpendicular to said horizontal axis.

Claim 10

In a lathe having a head stock means, a crossfeed table mounted for movement parallel and perpendicular to a horizontal axis of the lathe, a cutting tip supported by said table for movement therewith and effecting a cutting action on material rotating on said axis, a vibratory coupling system supported by said table, a vibratory energy generating means, said coupling system having one end coupled to said generating means for transmitting vibratory energy to said tip, said coupling system having a length corresponding to at least two, or an integral number in excess thereof, of one-half wavelengths according to the material properties and geometry of said coupling system at its intended operating frequency, means removably and adjustably supporting said tip adjacent an antinode on said coupling system for rotation about the axis of said system and for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of said system, with the longitudinal axis of said coupling system being generally perpendicular to said horizontal axis.

Claim 11

In a lathe in accordance with claim 8 wherein said tool-supporting means includes coaxial components of said system threadedly coupled together for supporting said tool in a clamped position.

Claim 12

In a lathe in accordance with claim 9 wherein a support connected to one of said components has an opening adjacent one end through which the tool extends.

Claim 13

Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool overhangs to an extent so that it resonates flexurally with said system.

Claim 14

Apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein said tool overhang is in the range of 0.59 to 0.70 or 1.05 to 1.15 inches.