Patent ID: 6019013
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
A machine tool comprising:a base,a rotatable member having a longitudinal axis and supported about a pivot on said base for rotation in one plane of movement,a gyroscopic mass rotatably supported by a gimbal, the gimbal having a gimbal rotation axis and the gyroscopic mass having a spin axis, said spin axis oriented about 90 degrees to the gimbal rotation axis, said gimbal rotatably supported on said rotatable member so that said gimbal rotation axis is generally parallel with a plane of rotation of said rotatable member, and said spin axis of said gyroscopic mass, in a null position, is generally parallel with said longitudinal axis of said rotatable member.means responsive to position of said rotatable member and a control signal, for developing a drive signal,an actuator responsive to said drive signal and coupled to said gimbal in order to rotate said gimbal about said gimbal rotation axis,whereby as said gimbal is rotated, precession of said gyroscopic mass moves said rotatable member in accordance with said control signal.