Metal working – Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for... – Type of machine
Patent
1997-12-23
1999-08-31
Howell, Daniel W.
Metal working
Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for...
Type of machine
29 50, 29 53, 408 88, 408237, 409202, 409212, 409213, 409217, 409235, B23B 3900
Patent
active
059437502
ABSTRACT:
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a machine tool assembly is easily reconfigurable to perform single or multiple machining processes on a workpiece so that this machine has exactly the functionality required to perform a given set of machining tasks. The invention allows rapid changes in the machine structure and rapid conversion of the machine by relocating its basic building blocks. The assembly secures a raw workpiece to a table and includes support units that carry at least one single-axis spindle unit. The spindle units are easily attached to one of the support units and are easily movable thereon to perform machining processes from various positions and orientations relative the workpiece. A cutting tool, or other machining tool, is secured to each spindle, which is computer controlled to rotate the tool and stroke it linearly along its axis of rotation. The support units are reconfigurable and can be easily relocated to different positions and orientations about the workpiece.
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Koren Yoram
Kota Sridhar
Howell Daniel W.
Kirkman Christopher
The Regents of the University of Michigan
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