Patent ID: 6435783
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B23C,Y10T

Abstract:
A notching machine that uses a tool to form a notch in a workpiece, said notching machine comprising:a workpiece positioning assembly having a gripping device adapted to grip and hold the workpiece in a desired position; a hub and spindle assembly having a hub and spindle, said hub carrying said spindle and said spindle carrying the tool, said hub, spindle and tool having a common axis, and said spindle and tool being rotatable about said common axis; a rotation assembly for rotatably supporting said hub, said rotation assembly having a central axis of rotation, said rotation assembly being adapted to allow said hub and spindle to rotate about said central axis, said common axis being substantially parallel to said central axis; an offset mechanism having a portion that engages one of either said hub and said spindle, said offset mechanism selectively offsetting said common axis a predetermined offset distance from said central axis, said offset mechanism offsetting said common axis in a substantially linear manner relative to said central axis; a spindle drive mechanism adapted to engage and rotate said spindle and tool about their said common axis; and, a hub drive mechanism adapted to rotate said hub, spindle and tool about said central axis of said rotation assembly, said hub, spindle and tool orbiting around said central axis, and said tool engaging and forming a notch in the workpiece as said hub is rotated about said central axis.