US Patent: 5,459,915
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| High Accuracy Machining Station for a Multiple Spindle Rotary Indexing Machine Tool
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Patentee:
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| Jesse W. Mendenhall (exact or similar names) - Fairfield, Fairfield County, CT |
| Manufacturer: |
| Not known to have been produced |
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Patent Dates:
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| Applied: |
Apr. 15, 1994 |
| Granted: |
Oct. 24, 1995 |
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Joel Havens
"Vintage Machinery" entry for DeVlieg Machine Co.
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Description: |
| Abstract:
The invention relates to improvements in the multiple spindle rotary indexing machine tool systems of the prior art. Traditionally, such machine tool systems include a base and an upstanding vertical column which houses a plurality of machining stations each equipped with two-axis tool slides. In addition, the base supports a rotatable worktable, which carries a number of work-holding spindles. As the worktable rotates, these spindles are indexed through successive machining stations where a variety of operations are performed. In accordance with the invention, a spindle position measurement unit is provided to dynamically measure the exact location of each spindle indexed to position at a modified machining station. A computerized numerical control system calculates spindle position errors based on the position information provided by the measurement unit and offsets tool slide position commands to compensate for those errors. As a result, the control unit compensates for both fixed and variable spindle position variations, thus improving the machining tolerances of the machine tool apparatus. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a high accuracy finishing station is provided which includes spindle position variation measurement and compensation in combination with an independent X and Y axis tool slide positioning system. The tool slide positioning system is responsive to CNC commands for speed control and position offset due to spindle errors. |
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