Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A machine for forming spherical surfaces, said machine having a first table, means for positioning said first table in its plane, a second table parAllel to and mounted on said first table for movement therewith, a post having an axis which is perpendicular to the second table, means mounting said post so that it can be shifted along said axis toward and away from the second table, means for rotating said second table about an axis parallel to the axis of said post, means for lineally positioning said second table relative to the first table, a tool mount on said second table and shiftable with respect thereto, a tool carried by said tool mount, a workpiece support for mounting a workpiece for rotation about an axis parallel to said second table for cutting by said tool, drive means for rotating said workpiece, and means for moving the first and second tables in a direction parallel to the axis of said post.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A machine for forming spherical surfaces, said machine having a first table, means for positioning said first table in its plane, a second table parAllel to and mounted on said first table for movement therewith, a post having an axis which is perpendicular to the second table, means mounting said post so that it can be shifted along said axis toward and away from the second table, means for rotating said second table about an axis parallel to the axis of said post, means for lineally positioning said second table relative to the first table, a tool mount on said second table and shiftable with respect thereto, a tool carried by said tool mount, a workpiece support for mounting a workpiece for rotation about an axis parallel to said second table for cutting by said tool, drive means for rotating said workpiece, and means for moving the first and second tables in a direction parallel to the axis of said post.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The machine of claim 1 wherein said workpiece support is suspended above said second table, the latter being horizontal, and said second table is movable beneath said support for cutting workpieces mounted by the support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a machine having a frame mounting a spindle which is shiftable along its axis toward the surface of a first table, and means for positioning said first table in an X-Y frame of reference perpendicular to said spindle, the improvement comprising, a second table parallel to and mounted on said first table for movement therewith, means for rotating said second table about an axis parallel to said spindle, means for positioning said second table in an X-Y frame of reference relative to the first table, a tool mount on said second table and a tool carried by said mount and shiftable with respect to the second table, a post mounted axially by said spindle and shiftable therewith to a position at which the post can be touched by said tool thereby to provide a reference position for aligning said tool, a workpiece carrier for mounting a workpiece for rotation about an axis parallel to the surface of said first table, for cutting by said tool, and drive means for rotating said workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a machine having a frame mounting a spindle which is shiftable along its axis toward the surface of a first table, and means for positioning said first table in an X-Y frame of reference perpendicular to said spindle, the improvement comprising, a second table parallel to and mounted on said first table for movement therewith, means for rotating said second table about an axis parallel to said spindle, means for positioning said second table in an X-Y frame of reference relative to the first table, a tool mount on said second table and a tool carried by said mount and shiftable with respect to the second table, a post mounted axially by said spindle and shiftable therewith to a position at which the post can be touched by said tool thereby to provide a reference position for aligning said tool, a workpiece carrier for mounting a workpiece for rotation about an axis parallel to the surface of said first table, for cutting by said tool, and drive means for rotating said workpiece.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein said machine is a milling machine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement of claim 4 wherein said post is vertically oriented, and the first and second tables are horizontal tables.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein the means for rotating the second table comprise an index head between the first table and the second table, for rotating the second table with respect to the first table.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 6 wherein the means for positioning the second table are mounted to and carried by the means for rotating the second table.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein the tool is shiftable with respect to the second table in a direction parallel to the means for positioning the second table in one of the X-Y directions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein the means for positioning the first table, and the means for positioning the second table each comprise a pair of feed screws at right angles to one another.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein the machine is a vertical milling machine and the workpiece support is suspended from an arm projecting outwardly from said frame and overhanging said second table.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The improvement of claim 10 wherein said spindle is adapted for receiving a rotary cutter for milling, and said post is mounted to said spindle in place of a rotary cutter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improvement of claim 11 wherein said spindle is shiftable between a raised position remote from said tool, and a lowered position in which said tool can be moved relative to said second table to engage the side of said post, thereby to position said tool at known position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement of claim 3 which further includes means for moving said first table along the axis of said spindle, toward and away from the axis of said workpiece support.