(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1. A. J. OEHRING.

MULTIPLE DRILL.

N0. 560,171. Patented May 12, 1896.

M W x (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

A. J. OEHRING. MULTIPLE DRILL.

No. 560,171. Patented May 12, 1896.

AM, Min umow "Wm" (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

A. J. OEHRING.

' MULTIPLE DRILL.

No. 560,171. Patented May 12, 1896.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4,

A. J. OEHRING. MULTIPLE DRILL.

Patented May 12, 1896.

UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST J. OEHRING, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-THIRD TO THE PRATT & CADY COMPANY, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

M ULTIPLE DRILL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 560,171, dated May 12, 1896.

Application filed March 3, 1891.

T (NZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, AUGUST J. OEHRING, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Multiple Drills; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to multiple drills, and has for its object to provide a machine by means of which a plurality of holes arranged at regular or irregular intervals and extending to various depths maybe simultaneously drilled; and to this end it consists in certain features which will be hereinafter fully described, and then pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation, partly in section, of a machine embodying my invention in one form. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, partly in section. Fig. 3 is a plan view. Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the lower frame, in which the lower drill-spindles are mounted, the same being shown detached from the machine. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. Fig. 6 is a detail plan section of the top of one of the upper drill-spindles and its associated parts, taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a detail plan section taken on the line 7 7 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of one of the arms which hold the lower drill-spindles, the same being shown detached from the machine. Fig. 9 is a plan section of the same, taken on the line 0 0 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the same, taken on the line 10 10 of Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is an elevation, partly in section, of one of the lower drill-spindles detached.

A indicates the column or upright main frame of the machine, which carries and supports the remaining portions thereof, said column having mounted on it the upper and lower frames B and C, which carry, respectively, the upper and lower groups of drillspindles. The upper frame B has a rear extension B and downward extension B by means of whichitmaybe bolted to the column A. The frame Chas a rearward and upward extension C, which abuts against the exten- Serial No. 383,615. (No model.)

sion B and by means of which the frame C also may be bolted to the column A. The upper frame B is shown in the form of a plate provided with a suitable marginal strengthening-rib Z), and having suitable apertures and bearings to receive the various shafts and spindles which are mounted therein. The lower frame C will preferably take the form of an open frame, and has in its under face a T- shaped groove 0, extending entirely around the same, enlargements c of said groove beingformed at the corners of the frame, for the purpose hereinafter set forth. The frames B and C may be connected at their four corners by tie-bolts C which are inclosed in hollow columns C interposed between the frames, or in any other suitable manner; but obviously they may be cast in oneintegral piece, this latter construction being preferred in some of the styles of machines in which I embody the invention.

D represents a plate secured on the top of the column A, preferably by the same bolts Z2 which secure the extension B. From this plate rise diverging arms D, provided at their extremities with bearings (Z, in which is mounted a counter-shaft E, provided with a stepped pulley E, by means of which it may be driven from any suitable source, and hav- 8o ing also secured on it pulleys E and E The upper frame B is provided with a plurality of fixed shafts F F F F. (Shown in the present instance as four in number, although it is obvious that the number may be varied, as desired.) The shaft F is provided with a sleeve f, mounted to rotate thereon and provided at its lower end with a gear G, and at its upper end with a pulley II, as shown in Fig. 1. The shaft F has mounted on it a sleeve f, provided at its lower end with a gear G and having above said gear a pulley II. The shaft F is similarly provided with a gear G and pulley II and the shaft with a gear Cr and pulley I1 It will be observed that the pulleys II and H are arranged above the pulleys II and H and these respective pairs of pulleys are connected with each other by bolts I and I, the former passing over the pulleys H and H and the latter over the pul- 10o leys H and H". The shafts F and F, or, more strictly speaking, the sleeves thereon, are provided at their upper ends with pulleys H and H by means of which they are driven through the medium of belts E and E from the pulleys E and The several fixed shafts are similar in their mounting and general structure, and for the purpose of illustration I have shown in detail in Fig. 5 the shaft F. The frame B is provided with a boss or bearing Z1 extending both above and below the web thereof, and in which the shaft F is secured by means of a bolt f The sleeve f on said shaft has formed in one piece with it the pulleys II and 11*, a suflicient space being left between said pulleys for the passage of the belt I. The gear G is secured to the lower end of the sleeve f by means of bolts g passing through a combined washer and clamping-disk g, in-,

terposed between said gear and the top of the boss or bearing b The upper end of the shaft F is reduced and threaded externally to receive a nut 71, which in conjunction with an interposed washer 7L holds the sleeve in position on the shaft. An oil-cup 7L2, screwing into the end of the shaft, supplies lubricatin g material between the shaft and sleeve, the shaft being provided with suitable oilpassages f and being reduced circumferentially to form an oil-chamber f between the shaft and sleeve. Around each gear G, G, G and G are located a group-of spindles J, which are the upper drill-spindles. In the present instance I have shown six spindlesassociated with each central gear; but it is obvious that the number and arrangement may be varied as desired.

1 will now proceed to describe the construction and mounting of one of the spindles J, referring more particularly to Figs. 5, '6, and 7, it being understood that the same descrip tion is equally applicable to the remaining upper spindles. Each spindle J is provided with a longitudinal groove j and with a split collar J, which is adjustable on said spindle and which may be clamped thereon after adjustment by means of a screwj.

K represents a sleeve in which the spindle .I fits and may be moved longitudinally, the two rotating together. This sleeve is mounted in a suitable bearing b on the frame B and is provided at its lower end with an adjustable split collar K, clamped on it by a screw 71; to prevent upward movement of the sleeve. Above the bearing b there is placed on the spindle a loose collar K and above this collar the sleeve K is reduced, forming a shoulder W.

K is a nut mounted 011 the threaded upper end of the sleeve K and serving, in conjunction with the shoulder k to clamp upon the sleeve K a pinion L, which meshes with the central gear G. The gear L is longitudinally grooved internally, and a corresponding slot is formed through the sleeve K, and a spline or keyZ extends through the said groove and slot and into the groove j in the spindle J, thus so uniting the pinion, sleeve,

and spindle as to cause them to rotate together, while at the same time it allows the spindle to be moved vertically therein, as desired, its downward motion being limited by the collar J.

The lower drill-spindles M, which carry the drills,are all similarly constructed and mounted, and the following description of one of them applies equally well to all. Each spindle is connected with the frame 0 by means of a two-part supporting-bracket N, one member N of which is adjustably connected with the frame 0. This connection is effected by means of a bolt G which passes through a slot 01 in the horizontal portion of the member I the rectangular head of which bolt fits in the groove 0 of the frame 0, while its lower end receives a washer and a clamping nut 0 by which the said member N may be clamped against the under face of the frame C, so as to bring the spindle M into any position desired. The enlargements c of the groove 0 permit the introduction of the heads of the bolts 0 into said groove and also their removal therefrom in an obvious manner. It will be observed that not only may the bolt C be adjusted to any desired point in the grooved frame, but the member N may be adjusted radially around said bolt as a center and also adjusted in or out relatively thereto by reason of the slot 02, and its free end may therefore be laterally brought to any desired position in a plane parallel with the frame C. The member N has a vertical portion at its free end, grooved as shown at n, and the other member, N of the bracketfraine N is adj ustably mounted on this vertical portion and is provided with a rib or tongue 01 to fit the groove n. Clampingbolts N passing through a slot or in the member N and screwing into the member N, serve to clamp the two members of the bracket N together after adjustment. The member N is provided with bearings N to receive the spindle M, and by means of the vertical adjustment of the member N which carries the spindle, this latter may be vertically adjusted as desired. The spindle M is provided at its lower end with a socket in to receive a drill-chuck O and drill 0. Steel washers 0 may also be interposed between said socket and the lower bearing N to prevent excessive friction. The portion of the spindle M between the bearings N is shown as being threaded to receive adjusting and locking nuts M M arranged in pairs at the top and bottom of the said threaded portion, said nuts, in conjunction with pairs of steel washers m, interposed between them and the bearings N serving to hold the drill-spindle M in position without excessive friction and at the same time to give it the proper end shake.

Vhile I have shown two sets of adjusting and locking nuts M M I do not desire to be limited thereto, since it will be manifest to any skilled machine-builder that in many forms of a machine embodying my invention they will not be required and that a single nut may answer the purpose. In such event the single nut would most probably be placed on the spindle M at a point above the uppermost bearing N which when set would draw the steel washer 0 or the shoulder on the socket on of the spindle firmly against the under side of the lowermost bearing N, as will be readily understood without further elaboration.

The spindles M are connected with the cor responding spindles J by means of flexible shafts P, of any well-known type; but in most cases I prefer to use the style of flexible connection shown in United States Letters Patent No. 58,811, issued to me on the 12th day of July, 1802.. These flexible shafts permit the desired adjustment of the lower spindles M, being of sufficient length for this purpose and serving to transmit the rotary'motion of the upper spindles to the lower ones in whatever position these lat-tor may be arranged. Suitable sockets p are mounted on the ends of the spindles J and M to receive the ends of the flexible shafts and complete the connection.

Q represents the work-holdin g table, which in the present instance is of that type which both holds the work and feeds it to the drills, and which may be of any suitable construction and provided with any suitable mechanism for these purposes. These features, however, form no part of my present invention and therefore need no description here.

The machine thus organized operates in the following manner: A number of drills equal to the number of holes to be simultaneously drilled are employed, and the lower spindles are independentlyadjusted to the proper po sition horizontally by means of the connection described between the two-part bracket N and the frame 0, so as to form the holes at the desired intervals. Each lower spindle is also independently adjusted as to its vertical position by means of the relative adjustment of the two parts of the bracket Nto regulate the depth of the several holes to be drilled. The free vertical movement of the upper spindles permits the lower spindles to be freely moved and adjusted horizontally and verti cally without affecting the driving mechanism. Each change in the position of any one of the lower spindles varies its distance in a direct line from its driving-spindle, and the f rcedom of vertical movement of said drivingspindle is provided for the purpose of causin g it to adjust its position to these varying distances and thus prevent any binding or straining of the parts. The adjustable collars on the upper spindles serve, by limiting the downward movement of these spindles, to prevent their disengagement from their driving mechanism and to determine the amount of slack of the flexible shafts. The work is then secured on the work-holding table and fed to the drills, and these latter being actuated through the medium of the mechanism described the holes will be simultaneously drilled in the work at the desired intervals and to the desired depth in one. continuous operation and without rehandling the work. It is obvious that when a large number of similar articles are to be operated upon, the machine having been once adjusted, all the articles maybe operated on successively with great rapidity and the holes drilled at exact-1y the same intervals and to exactly the same depths in .each article. The range of adjustment of the spindles is only limited by the size of the machine, and the mechanism for imparting motion to the adjustable spindles is of great simplicity and efficiency.

Although I have shown apreferred form of mechanism which 1 have devised for imparting motion to the upper spindles, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise mechanism hereinbefore described, and shown in the drawings, as it is obvious that other means may be employed for this purpose without departing from the principle of my invention. The same is true of the adjustable supporting of the lower spindles, as other means may obviously be employed for firmly holding said spindles while at work and at the same time permitting their adjustment. Moreover, although I have shown my invention as embodiedin the present instance in a drill of that type in which the work is fed to the drills, it is not limited to such an application, but may be used in that type of machines in which the drills are fed to the work. I

lVhile, therefore, many modifications will suggest themselves to the skilled mechanic in embodying the principles of my invention in a machine designed for some special work, I distinctly desire to be understood that all such modifications are embraced within the scope of my invention as herein claimed. Nevertheless the form in which the invention is herein shown, both in its general aspect as well as in its various details, is recommended after a long experience with it in various uses as a commercial and practical embodiment of the invention.

I have illustrated herein a desirable form of driving mechanism for the upper spindles, as stated in claims 8 and 9 herein, but I desire to call attention to the mechanism shown in United States Letters Patent No. 5%,068, for driving mechanism for multiple drills, issued to me August 6, 1895, as illustrating one of several forms of driving mechanism that may be used in carrying out the invention herein described and claimed.

lVhat I claim is- 1. In a multiple drill, the combination, with the drill-carrying spindles, and flexible shafts for driving the same, of a frame arranged in a plane at right angles to the axes of the spindles, and bracket-supports for the said spindles, connected with said frame and independentlyadjustable in all directions in IIO the plane of the same, substantially as described.

2. In a multiple drill, the combination, withthe drillearryin g spindles, and flexible shafts for driving the same, of an open frame, and bracket-supports for the drill-carrying spindles adj ustably connected with said frame, substantially as described.

3. In a multiple drill,the combination with the drill-carrying spindles and their flexible driving-shafts, of a frame and a two-part bracket-support for each spindle, one member of which is horizontallyadjustable on the frame, and the other member of which is vertically adjustable on said first-mentioned member-and carries the spindle, substantially as set forth.

a. In a multiple drill, the combination, with the frame 0, having groove 0, and bolts of the two-part bracket-supports N, each composed of a member N having a horizontal portion slotted to receive a bolt and a vertical portion grooved at n, and amember N having a tongue 41 slot 02, and spindlebcarings N and clamping-bolts N substantially as set forth.

5. The combination, with a support having bearings N of a drill-spindle mounted in said bearings and having an intermediatelythreaded body portion, nuts on said threaded portion, and washers interposed between the nuts and bearings, substantially as described.

6. The combination, with the support N, having bearings N, of the spindle M mounted in the bearings N having an intermediately-,

threaded body portion an d provided with socket on, washers 0 interposed between said socket and the lower bearing, washers m on said intermediate portion and nuts M M for holding said washers in position, substantially as described.

'7. In amultiple drill, the combination with driving and drill-carrying spindles and flexible shafts connecting the driving-spindles with the drill-carrying spindles, in pairs, of

a frame-upright, a frame carrying the driving-spindles and a frame carrying the drillcarrying spindles, both said frames projectin g from said upright, and columns and tiebolts connecting the projecting portions of said spindle-carrying frames.

8. Inamultiple drill, the combination with the drill'carrying spindles and their flexible shafts, of an upper frame provided with a plurality of central shafts having gears anddriving-pulleys, and the upper drill-spindles arranged in groups around each central shaft, each spindle being provided with a pinion to mesh with the gear thereon and connected with one of the flexible shafts, substantially as described.

9. In a multiple drill, the combination, with the lower drill-carrying spindles and their flexible shafts, of the central shafts F, F, F and F having respectively gears G, G, G and and pulleys H, H, H and If, the upper spindles J connected with the flexible shafts and having pinions L to mesh with said gears, the belts I and I connecting the pulleys H, H and H II respectively, the pulleys II" and H on the shafts F and IF, the counter-shaft E having pulleys E E and the belts E and connecting said last-mentioned pairs of pulleys, substantially as described.

10. In a multiple drill, the combination of a plurality of driving-spindles which are severally movable longitudinally a plurality of drill-carrying spindles which are independently adjustable laterally, and flexible shafts each connecting a driving with a drill-carrying spindle, substantially as described.

ll. In a multiple drill, the combination of a plurality of longitudinally-movable drivingspindles, a plurality of drill-carrying spindles which are adjustable in all directions and flexible shafts connecting the driving and drill-carrying spindles in pairs, substantially as described.

12. In a multiple drill, the combination of a plurality of stationary drill-drivin g pinions, rotatively supported in a suitable frame and provided with axial openings, driving-spindles longitudinally adjustable in said openings, laterally and vertically adjustable drillcarrying spindles and non-telescopic shafts connecting the driving and drill-carrying spindles in pairs.

13. The combination, with the frame B, having bearing b of the sleeve K mounted in said bearing and having adjustable collar K, loose collar K and reduced threaded upper portion, the pinion L mounted on said sleeve, the nut K for clamping said pinion in place, the spindle J, free to move longitudinally in said sleeve and provided with groove j, and the key Z, connecting said pinion, sleeve and spindle, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

AUGUST 1. O'EI-IR'ING.

lVitnesses:

M. E. DAYTON, IRVINE MILLER.