Combined boring, drilling and milling machine

Claim 2

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable by power to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, magazine means having a plurality of compartments each adapted for holding a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said magazine means for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool spindle and one of said compartments in said magazine means, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with a selected one of said compartments in said magazine means to position said tool spindle adjacent to said selected compartment, and means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle while adjacent to said selected compartment in said magazine means.

Claim 3

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable by power to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, magazine means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle and having a plurality of compartments each adapted for including a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool attaching means of said tool spindle with one of said compartments in said magazine means, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool attaching means is aligned with a selected one of said compartments in said magazine means to position said tool attaching means adjacent to a tool device in said selected compartment, and means for actuating said tool attaching means to grab the tool device in said selected tool compartment in said magazine means.

Claim 4

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable by power to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, magazine means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle and having a plurality of compartments each adapted for including a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool attaching means of said tool spindle with one of said compartments in said magazine means, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool attaching means is aligned with a selected one of said compartments in said magazine means to position said tool attaching means adjacent to a tool device in said selected compartment, and means for actuating said tool attaching means to grab the tool device in said selected tool compartment in said magazine means.

Claim 5

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool binding means operable by power to selectively grip and release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, a plurality of tool holding means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle and each adapted to hold a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool binding means with one of said tool holding means on said work carrier, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool binding means is aligned with a selected one of said tool holding means on said work carrier to position an end of a tool device in said tool holding means in said tool spindle, and means for actuating said tool binding means on said tool spindle to grip the tool device in the selected one of said tool holding means while the end of the tool device is in said tool spindle.

Claim 6

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool binding means operable by power to selectively grip and release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, a plurality of tool holding means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle and each adapted to hold a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool binding means with one of said tool holding means on said work carrier, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool binding means is aligned with a selected one of said tool holding means on said work carrier to position an end of a tool device in said tool holding means in said tool spindle, and means for actuating said tool binding means on said tool spindle to grip the tool device in the selected one of said tool holding means while the end of the tool device is in said tool spindle.

Claim 7

In a machine tool, an tool spindle having tool binding means operable by power to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for automatically stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, a plurality of tool holding means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle for supporting a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool spindle with one of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while aligned with a selected one of said tool holding means to position said tool spindle adjacent to said tool holding means, means for automatically actuating said tool binding means of said tool spindle to release a tool device held thereby while said tool spindle is at the selected one of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to move said tool spindle from adjacent said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to align said tool spindle with another of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with said another of said tool holding means to position said tool spindle adjacent to said another of said tool holding means, and means for actuating said tool binding means to grab a tool device in said another of said tool holding means while said tool spindle is at said another of said tool holding means.

Claim 8

In a machine tool, an tool spindle having tool binding means operable by power to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for automatically stopping said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, a work carrier having a work supporting area, a plurality of tool holding means on said work carrier offset from said work supporting area transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle for supporting a tool device, means supporting said tool spindle and said work carrier for relative movement both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool spindle with one of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while aligned with a selected one of said tool holding means to position said tool spindle adjacent to said tool holding means, means for automatically actuating said tool binding means of said tool spindle to release a tool device held thereby while said tool spindle is at the selected one of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to move said tool spindle from adjacent said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to align said tool spindle with another of said tool holding means, means for automatically effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said work carrier lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with said another of said tool holding means to position said tool spindle adjacent to said another of said tool holding means, and means for actuating said tool binding means to grab a tool device in said another of said tool holding means while said tool spindle is at said another of said tool holding means.

Claim 9

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, magazine means for holding a plurality of tool devices in a predetermined angular position relative thereto, first means for aligning one of a plurality of tool devices in said magazine means with said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with said one of said plurality of devices to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of said tool devices, and second means for disengaging said tool attaching means of said tool spindle for facilitating returning said one of said plurality of tool devices to said magazine means in said predetermined angular position in which said one of said plurality of tool devices was held in said magazine means prior to the gripping of said one of saiD plurality of tool devices by said attaching means of said tool spindle.

Claim 10

In a machine tool, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, magazine means for holding a plurality of tool devices in a predetermined angular position relative thereto, first means for aligning one of a plurality of tool devices in said magazine means with said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with said one of said plurality of devices to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of said tool devices, and second means for disengaging said tool attaching means of said tool spindle for facilitating returning said one of said plurality of tool devices to said magazine means in said predetermined angular position in which said one of said plurality of tool devices was held in said magazine means prior to the gripping of said one of saiD plurality of tool devices by said attaching means of said tool spindle.

Claim 11

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for removably supporting a tool for engagement with said spindle, and power actuated means for producing relative movement between said spindle and said tool support means to engage a tool supported by said support means with said spindle.

Claim 12

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for removably supporting a tool for engagement with said spindle, and power actuated means for producing relative movement between said spindle and said tool support means to engage a tool supported by said support means with said spindle.

Claim 13

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for receiving a tool from said spindle, and power actuated means for producing relative movement between said tool receiving means and said spindle to cause a tool carried by said spindle to be engaged by said tool receiving means.

Claim 14

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for receiving a tool from said spindle, and power actuated means for producing relative movement between said tool receiving means and said spindle to cause a tool carried by said spindle to be engaged by said tool receiving means.

Claim 15

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for supporting a tool for engagement with said spindle and for receiving a used tool from said spindle, and means for producing relative movement of said spindle and said support means during a tool changing operation, said spindle and said support means being relatively movable toward one another in one part of said tool changing operation to cause a tool carried in said spindle to be returned to said support means and in another part of said tool changing operation to engage a tool supported by said support means with said spindle.

Claim 16

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, means for rotating said spindle, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, means for supporting a tool for engagement with said spindle and for receiving a used tool from said spindle, and means for producing relative movement of said spindle and said support means during a tool changing operation, said spindle and said support means being relatively movable toward one another in one part of said tool changing operation to cause a tool carried in said spindle to be returned to said support means and in another part of said tool changing operation to engage a tool supported by said support means with said spindle.

Claim 17

Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said support means comprise a magazine for removably supporting a plurality of tools.

Claim 18

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, tool magazine means for removably supporting a plurality of tools in predetermined angular positions, means for rotating said spindle, and means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position for a tool changing operation so that a tool in said spindle can be returned to said magazine means in the same predetermined angular position in which the tool was previously supported therein and so that another tool in said magazine means can be engaged with said spindle in a predetermined angular position.

Claim 19

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools, a rotatable tool spindle, means for securing a tool engaged with said spindle, tool magazine means for removably supporting a plurality of tools in predetermined angular positions, means for rotating said spindle, and means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position for a tool changing operation so that a tool in said spindle can be returned to said magazine means in the same predetermined angular position in which the tool was previously supported therein and so that another tool in said magazine means can be engaged with said spindle in a predetermined angular position.

Claim 20

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools on a workpiece, a rotatable tool spindle, tool storage means for removably supporting a plurality of tools in predetermined angular positions, means for causing a selected one of said tools to be engaged and gripped with said spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said spindle and said workpiece to engage the workpiece with said tool; means for rotating said spindle with the selected tool, means for stopping the spindle in a single predetermined angular position, and means for returning the selected tool to said storage means in the same predetermined angular position in which it was previously supported therein.

Claim 21

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools on a workpiece, a rotatable tool spindle, tool storage means for removably supporting a plurality of tools in predetermined angular positions, means for causing a selected one of said tools to be engaged and gripped with said spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said spindle and said workpiece to engage the workpiece with said tool; means for rotating said spindle with the selected tool, means for stopping the spindle in a single predetermined angular position, and means for returning the selected tool to said storage means in the same predetermined angular position in which it was previously supported therein.

Claim 22

In apparatus for performing machining operations on a workpiece: a plurality of tools having a member thereon; a rotatable tool spindle having a complementary member thereon; tool storage means for removably supporting said plurality of tools; means for causing a selected one of said tools to be engaged and gripped with said spindle with said member and complementary member in alignment; means for effecting relative movement between said spindle and said workpiece to engage the workpiece with said tool; means for rotating said spindle with the selEcted tool, means for stopping the spindle in a single predetermined angular position and thereby stopping said tool in a known position, and means for returning the selected tool to said storage means.

Claim 23

In apparatus for performing machining operations on a workpiece: a plurality of tools having a member thereon; a rotatable tool spindle having a complementary member thereon; tool storage means for removably supporting said plurality of tools; means for causing a selected one of said tools to be engaged and gripped with said spindle with said member and complementary member in alignment; means for effecting relative movement between said spindle and said workpiece to engage the workpiece with said tool; means for rotating said spindle with the selEcted tool, means for stopping the spindle in a single predetermined angular position and thereby stopping said tool in a known position, and means for returning the selected tool to said storage means.

Claim 26

An apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said tool storage means comprises means for positively maintaining the tools in a single annular orientation so that the spindle always receives the tool in the same angular position.

Claim 27

An apparatus as recited in claim 13 which further comprises: means for supporting said workpiece, said means also supporting the tool storage means immediately adjacent to said workpiece.

Claim 28

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position, magazine means holding a plurality of tool devices, means for placing one of said tool devices in said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle while said one of said tool devices is in said tool spindle to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of tool devices, and means for returning said one of said tool devices to said magazine means.

Claim 29

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position, magazine means holding a plurality of tool devices, means for placing one of said tool devices in said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle while said one of said tool devices is in said tool spindle to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of tool devices, and means for returning said one of said tool devices to said magazine means.

Claim 30

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven tool spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions and having a rearward end and an operating end; a tool carrying magazine selectively movable to a plurality of positions for presenting a tool at a predetermined position preparatory to engaging with the spindle any one of the tools in the magazine or returning to the magazine a tool carried in the spindle, and means carried within the spindle for movement between the two ends of the spindle and for cooperating with said magazine to engage with the spindle a tool from the magazine and to release the tool from the spindle to the magazine.

Claim 31

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven tool spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions and having a rearward end and an operating end; a tool carrying magazine selectively movable to a plurality of positions for presenting a tool at a predetermined position preparatory to engaging with the spindle any one of the tools in the magazine or returning to the magazine a tool carried in the spindle, and means carried within the spindle for movement between the two ends of the spindle and for cooperating with said magazine to engage with the spindle a tool from the magazine and to release the tool from the spindle to the magazine.

Claim 32

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a rotatable spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions; a tool carrying magazine selectively movable to a plurality of positions for presenting a tool at a predetermined position preparatory to engaging said spindle with a selected tool in said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine; and, releasable tool engaging means carried in said spindle for movement relative to said spindle for engaging a selected tool in said magazine and moving it to an operative position in said spindle and for releasing the selected tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 33

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a rotatable spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions; a tool carrying magazine selectively movable to a plurality of positions for presenting a tool at a predetermined position preparatory to engaging said spindle with a selected tool in said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine; and, releasable tool engaging means carried in said spindle for movement relative to said spindle for engaging a selected tool in said magazine and moving it to an operative position in said spindle and for releasing the selected tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 34

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven rotatable tool spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools and being selectively movable to a plurality of positions, means for relatively moving said spindle and said magazine to a predetermined position relative to each other preparatory to placing a Selected tool from said magazine into operative engagement with said spindle or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means movably carried by said spindle for engaging the selected tool and moving it axially into an operating position with said spindle and for releasing a tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 35

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven rotatable tool spindle selectively movable to a plurality of positions, means for stopping said spindle in a single predetermined angular position, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools and being selectively movable to a plurality of positions, means for relatively moving said spindle and said magazine to a predetermined position relative to each other preparatory to placing a Selected tool from said magazine into operative engagement with said spindle or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means movably carried by said spindle for engaging the selected tool and moving it axially into an operating position with said spindle and for releasing a tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 36

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven rotatable tool spindle, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools; said spindle and said magazine being relatively movable along X, Y and Z axes to a selected position preparatory to securing to said spindle any one of the tools from said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means in said spindle for securing thereto a selected tool presented to said spindle by relative movement of said spindle and magazine and for releasing a tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 37

In apparatus for performing machining operations with different tools: a power driven rotatable tool spindle, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools; said spindle and said magazine being relatively movable along X, Y and Z axes to a selected position preparatory to securing to said spindle any one of the tools from said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means in said spindle for securing thereto a selected tool presented to said spindle by relative movement of said spindle and magazine and for releasing a tool from said spindle to said magazine.

Claim 38

In apparatus for performing machining operations: a rotatable tool spindle; said spindle comprising releasable tool gripping means operable to grip or release a tool, means for stopping rotation of said spindle in the same predetermined angular position, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools, means for relatively moving said magazine and said spindle to a predetermined relative position preparatory to securing in said spindle a selected tool taken from said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means for actuating said tool gripping means when said spindle and said magazine are in said predetermined position.

Claim 39

In apparatus for performing machining operations: a rotatable tool spindle; said spindle comprising releasable tool gripping means operable to grip or release a tool, means for stopping rotation of said spindle in the same predetermined angular position, a tool magazine for holding a plurality of tools, means for relatively moving said magazine and said spindle to a predetermined relative position preparatory to securing in said spindle a selected tool taken from said magazine or returning a tool from said spindle to said magazine, and means for actuating said tool gripping means when said spindle and said magazine are in said predetermined position.

Claim 40

In apparatus for performing machine operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, magazine means for holding a plurality of tool devices, means for placing one of the plurality of tool devices in position to be attached to said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle with the tool so positioned to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of said tool devices, and means for returning said one of said plurality of tool devices to said magazine means.

Claim 41

In apparatus for performing machine operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grip or release a tool, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, means for stopping the rotation of said tool spindle in the same predetermined angular position upon discontinuation of its rotation, magazine means for holding a plurality of tool devices, means for placing one of the plurality of tool devices in position to be attached to said tool spindle, means for actuating said tool attaching means of said tool spindle with the tool so positioned to grip said tool device, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and a workpiece to engage a workpiece with said one of said tool devices, and means for returning said one of said plurality of tool devices to said magazine means.

Claim 42

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, magazine means having a plurality of compartments for holding a tool device, said tool spindle and said magazine means being relatively movable both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool spindle and one of said compartments in said magazine means, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with a selected one of said compartments in said magazine means to position said tool spindle at said selected compartment, and means for causing said tool attaching means of said tool spindle to engage or release a tool device while at said selected compartment in said magazine means.

Claim 43

In apparatus for performing machining operations, a tool spindle having tool attaching means operable to grab or release a tool device, means for selectively rotating said tool spindle, magazine means having a plurality of compartments for holding a tool device, said tool spindle and said magazine means being relatively movable both transversely and axially of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means transversely of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle to selectively align said tool spindle and one of said compartments in said magazine means, means for effecting relative movement between said tool spindle and said magazine means lengthwise of the axis of rotation of said tool spindle while said tool spindle is aligned with a selected one of said compartments in said magazine means to position said tool spindle at said selected compartment, and means for causing said tool attaching means of said tool spindle to engage or release a tool device while at said selected compartment in said magazine means.