Importance

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Abstract

An improved numerically controlled machine tool is provided by resiliently coupling an independent drive mechanism to a toolholder which in turn is fitted to the numerically controlled machine. The drive mechanism in turn is coupled to a working tool used for drilling, tapping, milling or other machine functions. The drive mechanism and the toolholder are resiliently coupled together so that they may be relatively displaced one with respect to each other depending upon the amount of vertical force being through the working tool applied to the drive mechanism tending to urge the drive mechanism either toward or away from the toolholder. The torque, power and/or rate of rotation of the working tool is controlled as a function of the relative displacement of the working tool with respect to the toolholder along a predetermined axis of coupling between them. A longitudinal force exerted on the working tool is a function of a spring constant of the resilient coupling between the drive mechanism and toolholder and their relative displacement. The vertical thrust of the working tool is hence both proportional and limited.

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First Claim