Patent ID: 8646370

Claim:
A machine for modifying a workpiece oriented lengthwise along an X-axis, said machine comprising: a support frame having aligned tracks arcuate about the X-axis, wherein said arcuate tracks are configured in an upwardly open semicircle; rails supported on said arcuate tracks for selective rotation together about the X-axis, said rails having aligned linear tracks; a pressing mechanism having a workpiece tool and an associated support block, said pressing mechanism being: adapted to press said workpiece tool and said associated support block together along a pressing axis to modify a portion of a workpiece located therebetween, and supported on said linear tracks for selective linear motion along said rails substantially transverse to said X-axis, and supported on said linear tracks with said support block between said rails and said workpiece tool; wherein said pressing mechanism includes rods extending in the direction of the pressing axis, with both of the said workpiece tool and said associated support block being movable in the direction of the pressing axis relative to said rods; a first drive adapted to selectively position said rails on said arcuate track by selectively rotating said rails about said arcuate tracks; a second drive adapted to selectively position said pressing mechanism on said linear tracks by selectively moving said pressing mechanism relative to said linear tracks; a third drive adapted to press said workpiece tool and said associated support block together by forces applied through said rods.