Tool changer

Claim 2

A tool changer to change tool adapters between an operating spindle and a tool storage magazine having sockets, comprising, in combination, a first part mounted for movement in a first path in a first plane, a second part mounted for movement in a second plane in a second path at an angle to said first path, one of said parts being carried by the other, a tool adapter grip mounted on the carried part for movement in a third path at an angle to said first and second paths, grip means to cause movement of said grip in said third path to grip an adapter in the operating spindle, power means to cause movement of said second part and the tool adapter in said second path, motive means to cause movement of said first part in said first path to move the tool adapter adjacent to a socket in the tool storage magazine, and means to control said power means to move the tool adapter in a fourth path located in a plane which is different from the planes containing said first, second and third paths.

Claim 3

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first path is in a horizontal first plane.

Claim 4

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second path is in a vertical second plane.

Claim 5

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third path is in a vertical third plane at an angle to said second plane.

Claim 6

A tool changer as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second path is in a vertical second plane, and said third path is in a third plane at an angle to said second plane.

Claim 7

A tool changer as set forth in claim 5, wherein said third plane is perpendicular to said second plane.

Claim 8

A tool changer as set forth in claim 5, wherein said third plane is a vertical plane perpendicular to each of said first and second planes.

Claim 9

A tool changer as set forth in claim 5, wherein said means to control said power means moves the tool adapter in said fourth path to deposit a tool adapter in a socket in a tool storage magazine.

Claim 10

A tool changer as set forth in claim 8, wherein said fourth path is in a vertical fourth plane at an angle to the second and third planes.

Claim 11

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first path is an arcuate path.

Claim 12

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second path is an arcuate path.

Claim 13

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third path is an arcuate path.

Claim 14

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first path is an arc of a circle around a first axis.

Claim 15

A tool changer as set forth in claim 13, wherein said first axis is vertical.

Claim 16

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second path is an arc of a circle around a second horizontal axis.

Claim 17

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third path is about a horizontal third axis at an angle to said second horizontal axis.

Claim 18

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second and third paths are arcuate paths.

Claim 19

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first part carries said second part.

Claim 20

A tool changer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sockets in the tool storage magazine are upwardly directed, and said power means moves the tool adapter to a position above the level of a socket in the tool storage magazine.

Claim 21

A tool changer to change tool aDapters between an operating spindle and a tool storage magazine having sockets, comprising, in combination, a first part mounted for movement in a first path, a second part mounted for movement in a second path at an angle to said first path, one of said parts being carried by the other, a tool adapter grip mounted on the carried part for movement in a third path at an angle to said first and second paths, grip means to cause movement of said grip in said third path to grip an adapter in the operating spindle, power means to cause movement of said second part and the tool adapter in said second path, motive means to cause movement of said first part in said first path to move the tool adapter adjacent to a socket in the tool storage magazine, means to control said power means to move the tool adapter in a fourth path different from said first, second and third paths, said power means including an adjustable stop to establish said fourth path movement of shorter length than said second path movement, and said power means including a fluid piston and cylinder and including a floating piston as said adjustable stop.

Claim 22

A tool changer to change tool aDapters between an operating spindle and a tool storage magazine having sockets, comprising, in combination, a first part mounted for movement in a first path, a second part mounted for movement in a second path at an angle to said first path, one of said parts being carried by the other, a tool adapter grip mounted on the carried part for movement in a third path at an angle to said first and second paths, grip means to cause movement of said grip in said third path to grip an adapter in the operating spindle, power means to cause movement of said second part and the tool adapter in said second path, motive means to cause movement of said first part in said first path to move the tool adapter adjacent to a socket in the tool storage magazine, means to control said power means to move the tool adapter in a fourth path different from said first, second and third paths, said power means including an adjustable stop to establish said fourth path movement of shorter length than said second path movement, and said power means including a fluid piston and cylinder and including a floating piston as said adjustable stop.