Chuck adapter assembly and related method for converting a fixed chuck to a compensating chuck

A chuck mechanism, comprising:

• a fixed chuck head including a plurality of drive jaws which move in unison with each other;
• a plurality of movable adapter jaws, each adapter jaw in contact with one of the fixed chuck head drive jaws for movement therewith, each adapter jaw including a movable clamping pin extending therefrom and a hydraulic displacement member which reacts to movement of the clamping pin;
• and
• a hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with each of the hydraulic displacement members.

A chuck adapter assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of movable adapter jaws, each adapter jaw including a movable clamping pin extending therefrom, each adapter jaw including a hydraulic displacement member which reacts to movement of the clamping pin;
• a self-contained hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with each of the hydraulic displacement members;
• and
• wherein movement of the hydraulic displacement member of a first of the adapter jaws causes displacement of hydraulic fluid to at least one other adapter jaw resulting in movement of the clamping pin of the one other adapter jaw.

A method for converting a fixed chuck head to a compensating head, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a plurality of adapter jaws, each of which includes a base portion and a clamping pin movable relative thereto, where the movement of the clamping pin causes movement of a hydraulic displacement member within the base portion;
• (b) providing a hydraulic circuit between the plurality of adapter jaws for providing a hydraulic clamping force on each of the clamping pins via the hydraulic displacement members;
• and
• (c) operatively connecting each of the adapter jaws for movement with a respective drive jaw of the fixed chuck.