Contour copying machine

In a contour copying machine having means for supporting at least one pattern and at least one workpiece rotatably about parallel respective pattern and workpiece longitudinal axes, means for synchronously rotating said pattern and said workpiece about said respective axes, at least one copying roller engageable with said pattern and at least one tool engageable with said workpiece, first and second guide means situated on opposite sides of the machine, first and second guide shears movably mounted on said first and second guide means, respectively, for supporting said copying roller and said tool, said copying roller and said tool being rigidly interconnected and synchronously movable, together with said first and second guide shears, along the longitudinal axis of said workpiece, and means for urging said copying roller and said tool against said pattern and said workpiece, respectively, for machining said workpiece accurately and reproducing therein the contours of said pattern, the improvement comprising:

• (a) a rigid support frame movably mounted on, and extending between, said first and second guide shears for supporting and rigidly interconnecting said copying roller and said tool in proximate relation to one another, said support frame being aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis of said workpiece;
• (b) traction means connected to said support frame at points thereon situated symmetrically with respect to said copying roller;
• and
• (c) biasing means operatively connected to said traction means, said means for urging said copying roller and said tool against said pattern and said workpiece, respectively, including said support frame, said traction means and said biasing means;
• the improvement further comprising a brace extending between and rigidly connecting said first and second guide shears, said biasing means being secured to said brace.