Quick change adaptor for rotary machines

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus including an adaptor body having a first end to be coupled to a rotary device and a second end having a tapered portion, and a tool adaptor dimensioned to fit within the tapered portion, the tool adaptor having a receiving end to receive a tool, such as a bit.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a body having a first end and a second end to be coupled to a collet for a rotary machine, the first end having an opening to receive a tool; and    a spring constrained within the body to spring lock the tool.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the body has a first threaded portion for coupling to the collet and a second threaded portion for receiving the spring.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the spring is tapered.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the rotary machine comprises a router.  
   
   
       22 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a body having a first end and a second end to be coupled to an output shaft of a rotary machine;    a spring coupled to the first end of the body; and    a cap mounted around the spring and tensioned thereby, the cap fitted in movable relation to the body, the cap having an opening to receive a tool.    
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the tool is inserted in a first rotational direction and removed in a second rotational direction.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the body comprises a collet nut screwed onto the output shaft.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the spring is threaded onto a mating thread on the first end of the body.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein a portion of the spring extends above the first end of the body.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the cap is axially constrained via a groove in the body.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the spring is axially tensioned when the tool is inserted and axially relaxed when the tool is removed.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the spring includes a tang to fit within a groove within the cap.  
   
   
       30 - 34 . (canceled)  
   
   
       35 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a nut having a first end and a second end to be coupled to a collet shaft of a rotary machine, the first end having an opening to receive a tool; and    a spring having a first end threaded onto the nut to spring lock the tool.    
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the nut has a first internal thread to mate with the collet shaft and a second internal thread to mate with the spring.  
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first end of the spring is tapered.  
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the tool is locked via rotation while being inserted into the nut.  
   
   
       39 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the nut is to constrain the spring when the nut is coupled to the collet shaft.