A key cutting and decoding apparatus positions a key blank relative to two distinct, independently movable key cutters and decoding probes. A frame includes a reference axis extending longitudinally from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame. Two locking slots hold removable key blank holders upon a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is arranged for movement along both an X-axis, generally axial direction of the reference axis, and a Y-axis, generally transverse to the reference axis of the frame. A first cutting assembly moves a cutting drill vertically, along a Z-axis generally orthogonal to each of the reference axis, the X-axis and the Y-axis. A second cutting assembly moves a cutting wheel rotationally, about a rotational axis orthogonal to the Z-axis.

A key cutting and decoding apparatus positions a key blank relative to two distinct, independently movable key cutters and decoding probes. A frame includes a reference axis extending longitudinally from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame. Two locking slots hold removable key blank holders upon a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is arranged for movement along both an X-axis, generally axial direction of the reference axis, and a Y-axis, generally transverse to the reference axis of the frame. A first cutting assembly moves a cutting drill vertically, along a Z-axis generally orthogonal to each of the reference axis, the X-axis and the Y-axis. A second cutting assembly moves a cutting wheel rotationally, about a rotational axis orthogonal to the Z-axis.

In one aspect, a swiss-type machine tool is provided that includes a workpiece holding shaft, a workpiece supporting shaft, and a tool holder associated with the workpiece supporting shaft for holding at least one tool. The machine tool includes a drive operable to rotate the workpiece holding shaft and the workpiece supporting shaft around an axis. The workpiece holding shaft has a work holder configured to secure a workpiece to the workpiece holding shaft. The workpiece holding shaft is axially shiftable relative to the workpiece supporting shaft to adjust a position of the workpiece relative to the workpiece supporting shaft. The machine tool further includes a removable workpiece support, such as a guide bushing, configured to be releasably connected to the workpiece supporting shaft and rotate therewith. The workpiece support slidably contacts the workpiece and permits axial movement of the workpiece relative to the workpiece support.

In one aspect, a swiss-type machine tool is provided that includes a workpiece holding shaft, a workpiece supporting shaft, and a tool holder associated with the workpiece supporting shaft for holding at least one tool. The machine tool includes a drive operable to rotate the workpiece holding shaft and the workpiece supporting shaft around an axis. The workpiece holding shaft has a work holder configured to secure a workpiece to the workpiece holding shaft. The workpiece holding shaft is axially shiftable relative to the workpiece supporting shaft to adjust a position of the workpiece relative to the workpiece supporting shaft. The machine tool further includes a removable workpiece support, such as a guide bushing, configured to be releasably connected to the workpiece supporting shaft and rotate therewith. The workpiece support slidably contacts the workpiece and permits axial movement of the workpiece relative to the workpiece support.

Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to precise rotary motion control systems. More specifically, some embodiments relate to systems, methods, and means for providing pressure to a non-contact rotary system. In some embodiments, the rotary system comprises a rotary shaft that can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees continuously. In order for the rotary system to be entirely non-contact with any surfaces of surrounding components or housing, pressure must be supplied to a rotary air bearing that floats the rotary unit above a surface. In some examples, the bottom air bearing is a vacuum preloaded (VPL) air bearing. As such, the VPL air bearing requires a supply of positive pressure and a supply of negative pressure to stabilize the rotary unit. The present technology provides a mechanism for providing pneumatic air to the air bearing without a physical connection to the rotary shaft or air bearing.

A work positioner includes a first work retaining portion for retaining a first workpiece, a first drive portion for outputting a first rotational force about a first rotation axis and imparting a first angular movement about the first rotation axis to the first work retaining portion, a bearing portion supporting the first work retaining portion in cooperation with the first drive portion, a base arranged away from the first rotation axis, a first support column extending along a first support axis extending from the base toward the first rotation axis and supporting the first drive portion, and a second support column extending along a second support axis extending between the base and the first rotation axis so as to be parallel to the first support axis and supporting the bearing portion. The first support column includes a plurality of first support column pieces arranged along the first support axis.

A work positioner includes a first work retaining portion for retaining a first workpiece, a first drive portion for outputting a first rotational force about a first rotation axis and imparting a first angular movement about the first rotation axis to the first work retaining portion, a bearing portion supporting the first work retaining portion in cooperation with the first drive portion, a base arranged away from the first rotation axis, a first support column extending along a first support axis extending from the base toward the first rotation axis and supporting the first drive portion, and a second support column extending along a second support axis extending between the base and the first rotation axis so as to be parallel to the first support axis and supporting the bearing portion. The first support column includes a plurality of first support column pieces arranged along the first support axis.

In the internal milling machine according to the invention for milling a work piece that rotates during machining with an annular internal milling cutter (5) on the one hand side the Z slide (4a, b) of each tool support (3a, b) includes a pass through opening and on the other hand side the transversal slide (7) supporting the internal milling cutter (5) is move able in the X-direction, the running direction of the mounting surface (1a) of the bed (1) wherein the mounting surface slopes downward in a forward direction. Based on this general configuration and in particular the arrangement of the Z-slides (6a, b) for the at least one tool support (3a, b) outside of the Z-supports (16a, b) for the opposite spindle stock (2′) yields advantageous centers of gravity in particular of the move able components and a high level of stability of the machine and therefore high level of machining precision of the machine.

The current invention provides apparatus and a method for use with a drill bit to form a hole in a workpiece, said apparatus including a clamping means to clamp a workpiece in which the hole is to be formed in position with the apparatus, a drill bit holder assembly and drive means for rotating the drill bit and moving the same into the workpiece so as to drill the hole at a required angle and depth into the workpiece. Typically the depth of the hole is set in relation to the thickness of the workpiece which is clamped in position at that time and the apparatus includes a first part which is held by a first hand of the user and movable by the user with respect to a second part which is held by a second hand of the user and the relative movement is translated into movement of the drill bit holder to move the rotating drill bit into the workpiece.

A machining center configured for machining workpieces includes at least one column, a beam, at least one slider, a first driving member, a second driving member, a first main shaft and a second main shaft. The column can be configured for supporting the beam. The slider can be disposed on the beam and slidable along a length direction of the beam. Both the first main shaft and the second main shaft can be arranged on the slider and located on two opposite sides of the beam. The first driving member can be configured for driving the slider to slide relative to the beam. The second driving member can be configured for driving the first main shaft and the second main shaft to operate. The first main shaft and the second main shaft can be configured for synchronously or asynchronously machining the workpieces.