The present invention relates to a transport device (100) for transporting one or more handling devices, each for handling a pallet (300) and/or a workpiece (1) on a machine tool (1000) which is set up on a base surface for machining the workpiece (1), wherein the transport device (100) is freely movable on the base surface for positioning the one or more handling devices relative to the machine tool (1000), in particular within a region in front and/or next to the machine tool (1000) and/or in front and/or next to a working space of the machine tool (1000).

The present invention relates to a transport device (100) for transporting one or more handling devices, each for handling a pallet (300) and/or a workpiece (1) on a machine tool (1000) which is set up on a base surface for machining the workpiece (1), wherein the transport device (100) is freely movable on the base surface for positioning the one or more handling devices relative to the machine tool (1000), in particular within a region in front and/or next to the machine tool (1000) and/or in front and/or next to a working space of the machine tool (1000).

A method of processing a workpiece with a first surface and a second surface facing away therefrom includes the following principal steps: (i) blocking the workpiece with the aid of a blocking material on a blocking member with the blocking material between blocking member and first surface, (ii) processing the workpiece by a geometrically defined cutting edge at the second surface for achieving the desired macrogeometry, (iii) processing the workpiece by a geometrically undefined cutting edge at the second surface for achieving the desired microgeometry and (iv) deblocking the workpiece from the blocking member. The principal step (ii) includes a plunge-cutting sub-step (ii.2) in which by a geometrically defined cutting edge an encircling plunge cut is produced which extends through the first surface as far as into the blocking material so that the workpiece with a predetermined edge profile remains on the blocking member radially within the plunge cut.

A method of processing a workpiece with a first surface and a second surface facing away therefrom includes the following principal steps: (i) blocking the workpiece with the aid of a blocking material on a blocking member with the blocking material between blocking member and first surface, (ii) processing the workpiece by a geometrically defined cutting edge at the second surface for achieving the desired macrogeometry, (iii) processing the workpiece by a geometrically undefined cutting edge at the second surface for achieving the desired microgeometry and (iv) deblocking the workpiece from the blocking member. The principal step (ii) includes a plunge-cutting sub-step (ii.2) in which by a geometrically defined cutting edge an encircling plunge cut is produced which extends through the first surface as far as into the blocking material so that the workpiece with a predetermined edge profile remains on the blocking member radially within the plunge cut.

A method and apparatus for radially compressing bodily tissue and performing medical procedures from a selected one of a plurality of circumferential positions and angles, a selected one of a plurality of different elevations and elevational angles. Some embodiments include a tissue-compression fixture having members that are configured to be moved to radially compress bodily tissue such that each of a plurality of areas of biological tissue are exposed between the plurality of members, and wherein the fixture is compatible with use in an MRI machine in operation; an actuator having a receiver for a medical-procedure probe; and a computer system operatively coupled to the actuator to move the probe. The computer receives user commands, and based on the commands, moves the actuator to a selected one of a plurality of different positions around the tissue-compression fixture and then extends the probe into the patient.

A machining centre, with a first machining unit formed in a Z-axis direction of a coordinate system formed by three mutually perpendicular axis directions X, Y, Z, and equipped with a machining tool arranged in a machining zone, and a first tool slide movable in an X-axis and Y-axis direction, which can be equipped with a clamping device. The first tool slide has a drive spindle, and the clamping device is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A second machining unit is operable independently of the first machining unit, and has a second tool slide movable independently of the first tool slide in the Z-axis direction, and a second workpiece positioning unit movable independently of the first workpiece positioning unit in the X-axis and Y-axis direction movable independently of the first tool slide in the Z-axis direction and a second workpiece positioning unit.

In order to be suitable for space-saving of a multi-functional processing machine in which a tool main spindle device is disposed at a center of an opposed biaxial lathe, there is provided an automatic tool exchanger provided in the multi-functional processing machine, the automatic tool exchanger including: a tool magazine that is disposed in a machine body front surface upper portion of the multi-functional processing machine and is configured to house multiple tools for exchange with respect to the tool main spindle device; a shift device configured to move the tool between the tool magazine and a tool exchanging position with respect to the tool main spindle device; and a tool changer configured to exchange the tool between the shift device and the tool main spindle device.