John Joseph Vandenkieboom

US Patent:

42881820, Sep 8, 1981

Filed:

Feb 15, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/121747

Inventors:

John Vandenkieboom - Troy MI
Douglas Myers - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

LaSalle Machine Tool, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B23B 4700

US Classification:

408129

Abstract:

Machining apparatus for machining a workpiece with a work-performing tool comprising a frame on which a tool carrier is mounted for reciprocal movement toward and away from the workpiece and a feed unit for moving the tool carrier between a partially retracted position and a fully retracted tool change position and for moving the tool carrier from the partially retracted position reciprocally through a machining stroke to machine a workpiece. The feed unit includes a drive transmitting assembly which is reciprocally mounted on the frame and which comprises extensible and contractible means connected to the tool carrier. A first drive means reciprocates the drive assembly while the extensible and contractible means remains fixed so as to move the tool carrier reciprocally through a machining stroke and a second drive means actuates extensible and contractible means to move the tool carrier between its partially and fully retracted positions.

US Patent:

42535590, Mar 3, 1981

Filed:

Jan 8, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/001729

Inventors:

Douglas Myers - Sterling Heights MI
John Vandenkieboom - Troy MI

Assignee:

LaSalle Machine Tool, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B65G 2120

US Classification:

198345

Abstract:

In transfer apparatus for advancing work-supporting pallets from one work station to a successive work station, a locating and clamping mechanism for precisely positioning a pallet at each work station and securing the pallet thereat so that an operation can be performed on work that is supported on the pallet. The locating and clamping mechanism consists of a plurality of lift-pin members, driven by an actuator assembly, and movable up and down into engagement with the underside of the pallet at the work station. At least one of the lift-pin members has a tapered head that is received in a correspondingly-tapered opening in the pallet so as to horizontally orient the pallet. Stop means overlie the pallet at the work station so as to be engaged by the pallet upon its upward movement by the lift-pin members to clamp the pallet at a predetermined position where the work performing operation can be carried out.