US 5,711,196 A · Tooling apparatus and methodology for machining a blank having multiple spin centers

Abstract

A tooling apparatus and method for machining a blank having a first surface portion with a first spin center and a second surface portion with a second spin center offset from the first spin center. The improved tooling apparatus includes a turning fixture connectable to a rotatable spindle in one of a first position and a second position. The first spin center of the blank aligns with the axis of rotation of the spindle when the turning fixture is in its first position and the second spin center of the blank aligns with the axis of rotation when the turning fixture is in its second position. In the preferred embodiment, the rotatable spindle includes a dowel cooperative with first and second bores formed in the turning fixture to position the turning fixture relative to the spindle. The first and second bores are separated a distance equal to the distance between the first spin center and the second spin center of the blank. The method for machining the blank includes the steps of connecting the blank to the turning fixture, coupling the turning fixture in its first position for rotation with the spindle, machining the first surface portion, relocating and connecting the turning fixture in its second position for rotation with the spindle, and machining the second surface portion of the blank.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A tooling apparatus for machining a blank having a first surface portion with a first spin center and a second surface portion with a second spin center offset from said first spin center, said tooling apparatus comprising:

a spindle having a rotational axis;
a turning fixture;
coupling means for connecting the blank for rotation with said turning fixture;
locating means for selectively positioning said turning fixture in one of a first position and a second position relative to said spindle, the first spin center of the blank aligning with said rotational axis of said spindle when said turning fixture is in said first position, the second spin center of the blank aligning with said rotational axis of said spindle when said turning fixture is in said second position;
connecting means for securing said turning fixture for rotation with said spindle;
and
a counterbalance coupled for rotation with said turning fixture when said turning fixture is in said second position, said counterbalance aligning a center of rotation of the combined turning fixture and counterbalance with the rotational axis of said spindle.

4 more elements

A tooling apparatus for machining an optical member having an optical surface with an optical axis and a mounting structure with a spin center offset from said optical axis, said tooling apparatus comprising:

a spindle having a rotational axis;
a turning fixture;
coupling means for connecting the optical member for rotation with said turning fixture;
locating means for selectively positioning said turning fixture in one of a first position and a second position relative to said spindle, the optical axis aligning with said rotational axis of said spindle when said turning fixture is in said first position, the spin center of the mounting structure aligning with said rotational axis of said spindle when said turning fixture is in said second position;
connecting means for securing said turning fixture for rotation with said spindle;
and
a counterbalance coupled for rotation with said turning fixture when said turning fixture is in said second position, said counterbalance aligning a center of rotation of the combined turning fixture and counterbalance with the rotational axis of said spindle.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tooling apparatus and methodology for machining a blank having multiple spin centers

Life of this patent

Tooling apparatus and methodology for machining a blank having multiple spin centers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18