Patent ID: 6125982
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: B23Q,F16D

Abstract:
A threading clutch apparatus for a manufacturing operation of a multiple spindle machine, the apparatus comprising:a shaft operable to rotate in either a first or second direction;a first and a second hub, each of the hubs extending in a generally annular orientation with the shaft and in a generally surrounding relation and in operative connection with the shaft;a first housing in generally surrounding relation with the first hub and mounted to remain in relatively fixed relation with the first hub, the first housing having at least one port for receiving a fluid;a second housing in generally surrounding relation with the second hub and mounted to remain in relatively fixed relation with the second hub, the second housing having at least one port for receiving a fluid;a first piston positioned proximate to the first housing and in fluid communication therewith, and operable to expand and contract responsive to a flow of fluid from the first housing;a second piston positioned proximate to the second housing and in fluid communication therewith, and operable to expand and contract responsive to a flow of fluid from the first housing;a plurality of first friction disks radially extending about the first hub, the first friction disks each including driving disks and driven disks wherein each driving disk is separated from a driven disk by means for biasing one disk from the other, the plurality of first friction disks being compressed when the first piston is in an expanded position, the compressed first friction disks operatively engaging a first drive cup;a plurality of second friction disks radially extending about the second hub, the friction disks each including driving disks and driven disks wherein each driving disk is separated from a driven disk by means for biasing one disk from the other, the plurality of first friction disks being compressed when the second piston is in an expanded position, the compressed second friction disks operatively engaging a second drive cup;a first gear in engaged relation with the first drive cup and a second gear in engaged relation with the second drive cup, wherein the first gear has a speed different from the second gear;a threading tool position indicator device adapted to initiate a selected time interval; anda controller for selectively determining a desired speed from the first and second speed and for engaging the selectively determined speed, wherein the controller is operatively responsive to engage the selectively determined speed after the selected time interval.