Machining apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

The present invention comprises a machining apparatus including a work piece holder having an adapter body with an axial bore and a translating portion located within the axial bore of the adapter body. The translating portion has a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet of a spindle and a distal end for attaching to a collet. The work piece holder includes a retaining piece coupling the adapter body and the translating portion allowing the translating portion to move axially within the adapter body. The apparatus facilitates a rotating spindle grasping and rotating a work piece to be brought into contact with a processing tool held stationary on a work table. The present invention also includes a fixture block for attaching milling tools and other devices to a work table and a method of operating a milling machine utilizing the fixture block and work piece holder.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A machining apparatus having a machine table that moves along a first and second axis located in a plane and a rotating spindle including a spindle that moves along a third axis perpendicular to the plane, the machining apparatus comprising: 
 a fixture block coupled to the machine table; and    a work piece holder coupled to the spindle, wherein said work piece holder utilizes the spindle drawbar to actuate a work piece engaging portion.    
   
   
       9 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the machining apparatus is a vertical milling machine.  
   
   
       10 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said work piece holder comprises: 
 an adapter body having an axial bore;    a translating portion located within said axial bore of said adapter body, said translating portion having a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet and a distal end for attaching to a collet; and    a retaining piece coupling said adapter body and said translating portion while allowing said translating portion to translate along the axis of said adapter body.    
   
   
       11 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said work piece holder further comprises a drawbar actuated lathe chuck.  
   
   
       12 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said fixture block includes holders for securing processing tools to said fixture block.  
   
   
       13 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said fixture block includes a work piece transfer device attached to said fixture block.  
   
   
       14 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said translating portion includes a vent hole.  
   
   
       15 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said fixture block includes a work piece pad.  
   
   
       16 . The machining apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising an incoming conveyor located adjacent to a first side of the work table and an outgoing conveyor located adjacent to a second side of the work table.  
   
   
       17 . A method of machining a work piece on a machining apparatus having a machine table and a spindle comprising the steps of: 
 coupling a work piece holder to the spindle;    coupling a fixture block to the machine table, said fixture block having a machining tool secured thereto;    providing a work piece;    mounting said work piece to said work piece holder;    rotating said work piece; and    bringing said rotating work piece into contact with said machining tool.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said work piece holder comprises: 
 an adapter body having an axial bore;    a translating portion located within said axial bore of said adapter body, said translating portion having a proximal end for coupling with a retention knob collet and a distal end for attaching to a collet; and    a retaining piece coupling said adapter body and said translating portion while allowing said translating portion to translate along the axis of said adapter body.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said fixture block includes a work piece transfer device attached to said fixture block.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said fixture block includes a work piece pad.