Importance

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to a tool storage carousel assembly for use in a tool change system of a vertical lathe or the like. The tool storage carousel assembly generally comprises a rotatable turntable having a plurality of radially projecting tool block supporting elements. Each of the tool blocks to be stored in the carousel assembly is provided with a top surface having an upwardly opening, clamping slot extending completely across the top surface. Each of the projecting tool block supporting elements of the rotatable turntable is arranged and configured for slidable reception in the clamping slot of one of the tool blocks to be stored in the carousel assembly whereby the particular tool block is supported by the tool block supporting element for storage on the carousel assembly. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, each of the radially projecting elements of the rotatable turntable includes a recess means formed therein. Each of the recess means is arranged to cooperate with the upwardly opening clamping slot when the radially projecting tool block supporting element is received in the clamping slot of one of the tool blocks to define an open space within the upwardly opening clamping slot whereby each of the upwardly opening clamping slots may selectively accommodate the simultaneous presence in the clamping slot of the radially projecting tool block supporting element and other tool block engaging means for engaging and transporting the tool block to and from the rotatable turntable.

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First Claim