Patent ID: 7462143

Claim:
An exchangeable spindle assembly for a machine tool, said assembly comprising: a first end and a second end; an assembly attachment coupling being connectable to said machine tool; a tool spindle having a predetermined spindle diameter and having a connection for supporting a grinding wheel or cutting tool, a spindle drive coupling being selectively connectable to a drive mechanism of said machine tool, said drive coupling being in communication with said tool spindle whereby rotation of said drive coupling effects rotation of said tool spindle about an axis; wherein said first end and second end are axially spaced in the direction of the tool spindle axis, and wherein said connection and said spindle drive coupling are located on said first end of said assembly; at least one coolant distribution manifold, said manifold being connectable with a coolant supply source on said machine tool via a coolant connection on said assembly; whereby upon mounting said spindle assembly on said machine tool, said assembly attachment coupling, said spindle drive coupling and said coolant connection are concurrently connectable to said machine tool.