A fluid-powered high-speed spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end defined by a shank and a lower end accepting a tool. The spindle includes a body (120), a rotatable shaft (530) supported by at least one bearing (508) within the body (120), a seal housing (150) connected to the body (120) at the lower end thereof, a cover (180) connected to the seal housing (150) at the lower end thereof, a fluid channel system for directing fluid from an entry port (102) to a nozzle (576) for turning a turbine (570) attached to the shaft (530); and a flinger (660) attached to the shaft (530) and positioned above the turbine (570). The flinger (660) and the seal housing (150) combine to form a non-contact seal (900) configured to impede the flow of fluid toward the at least one bearing (508).

A live tool system having a live tool and a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of the live tool. The collar houses at least one sensor capable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cutting operation. Example operating conditions including temperature and vibration. The system also includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor for transmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

A live tool system having a live tool and a collar surrounding a rotating shaft or a rotating cutting tool of the live tool. The collar houses at least one sensor capable of monitoring an operating condition proximate to the cutting tool during a cutting operation. Example operating conditions including temperature and vibration. The system also includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor for transmitting a signal for use by a machining center controller.

In a pneumatic-powered tool, a flow of air along a first or second flow path may be controlled by a position of air inlet guide surfaces of a rotatable valve relative to air inlet guide slots of a fixed valve sleeve. Air flowing along the first flow path may rotate a motor in a first direction to operate the tool in a forward mode. Air flowing along the second flow path may rotate the motor in the second direction to operate the tool in a reverse mode. In the forward mode, as air flows along the first flow path, air may be discharged along a primary discharge path, with a portion of the second flow path providing a secondary discharge path. In the reverse mode, as air flows along the second flow path, air may be discharged along the primary discharge path, with a portion of the first flow path providing the secondary discharge path.

In a pneumatic-powered tool, a flow of air along a first or second flow path may be controlled by a position of air inlet guide surfaces of a rotatable valve relative to air inlet guide slots of a fixed valve sleeve. Air flowing along the first flow path may rotate a motor in a first direction to operate the tool in a forward mode. Air flowing along the second flow path may rotate the motor in the second direction to operate the tool in a reverse mode. In the forward mode, as air flows along the first flow path, air may be discharged along a primary discharge path, with a portion of the second flow path providing a secondary discharge path. In the reverse mode, as air flows along the second flow path, air may be discharged along the primary discharge path, with a portion of the first flow path providing the secondary discharge path.

A foot attachment for a pneumatic rotary tool is configured to be attached to a nose portion of the housing of the tool. The rotary tool includes a housing that defines an air flow channel. A nose portion of the housing defines an air flow inlet for the air flow channel. The foot attachment includes a shroud portion that extends from the nose portion of the housing and surrounds a working space in front of the nose portion of the housing. The shroud portion defines at least one tangential opening that directs air flow into the shroud portion along a tangent such that a vortex is generated within the working space.

A foot attachment for a pneumatic rotary tool is configured to be attached to a nose portion of the housing of the tool. The rotary tool includes a housing that defines an air flow channel. A nose portion of the housing defines an air flow inlet for the air flow channel. The foot attachment includes a shroud portion that extends from the nose portion of the housing and surrounds a working space in front of the nose portion of the housing. The shroud portion defines at least one tangential opening that directs air flow into the shroud portion along a tangent such that a vortex is generated within the working space.

An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes first and second sensors for sensing condition indicative of tool usage and wear, a battery disposed in the housing, a generator for recharging the battery, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus may include a baffle for guiding air past the generator. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

Disclosed is an oscillatingly driven machine tool including a tool spindle that is mounted pivotably about its longitudinal axis, further including a drive motor that is coupled to a hydraulic generator for generating an oscillating fluid flow which drives a hydraulic motor being configured as a rotor blade motor. The rotor blade motor drives the tool spindle in such a way that the tool spindle rotates oscillatingly about its longitudinal axis. The rotor blade motor includes symmetrically arranged rotor blades that are disposed at regular angular distances with respect to each other.

Disclosed is an oscillatingly driven machine tool including a tool spindle that is mounted pivotably about its longitudinal axis, further including a drive motor that is coupled to a hydraulic generator for generating an oscillating fluid flow which drives a hydraulic motor being configured as a rotor blade motor. The rotor blade motor drives the tool spindle in such a way that the tool spindle rotates oscillatingly about its longitudinal axis. The rotor blade motor includes symmetrically arranged rotor blades that are disposed at regular angular distances with respect to each other.