Indexable Table

Abstract

A continuous tool rotation tool turret is comprised of a turret head, a plurality of spindles and a motor. The spindles are attached to the turret head. Each spindle is adapted to secure and rotate a cutting tool. The motor simultaneously rotates each spindle. The spindles rotate at an operational speed while the turret head is being indexed. A bevel gear operationally connected to the motor simultaneously rotates a bevel gear attached to each spindle. Air pressure separates the turret head from its rest surface during indexing. The turret head rotates around a manifold which supplies coolant and pressurized air to the turret head. Optionally, a mating wedge and wedge receptacle attached to the turret head and its housing provide for more precise indexing of the turret head. The continuous tool rotation minimizes the time needed to index the turret from one position to another.

1 . An indexable table comprising:
 (a) a housing providing a support surface and having an axis of rotation for a table;   (b) a post fixed to the housing, said post extending perpendicularly from the support surface along said axis of rotation;   (c) a table positioned upon the support surface such that said table rotates about the post;   (d) said table being mechanically clamped to the support surface;   (e) said support surface being adapted to receive pressurized air; and   (f) said support surface being adapted to direct the pressurized air to the interface between the table and the support surface such that the pressurized air unclamps the table from the support surface to permit low friction rotation of the table about the axis of rotation of the support surface.   
   
   
       2 . The indexable table of  claim 1  wherein the pressurized air is directed to the interface between the table and the support surface by one or more air grooves within the support surface, said air grooves being open at the table interface surface of the support surface. 
   
   
       3 . The indexable table of  claim 1  wherein the air grooves are segmented.