Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the speed and efficiency of a drilling machine during the drilling of holes in printed circuit boards includes automatically setting a dwell time according to one or more predefined drilling parameters. A plurality of dwell times which vary in accordance with the predefined parameters are stored in a computer memory device. A drilling machine controller automatically selects an optimal dwell time from the memory device according to the drilling conditions of a particular drilling operation so that the shortest feasible dwell time is used for obtaining a desired degree of hole placement accuracy and hole quality for the drilling operation. The apparatus is a drilling machine system that includes a controller which contains dwell times that vary in accordance with the diameter of a drill tool.

Abstract: In a drilling machine having a movable worktable and a spindle assembly having a pressure foot, a spindle, and a removable pressure foot insert in the pressure foot, an insert changer is provided for automatically removing and reinserting the insert from the pressure foot to permit a drill tool change to be effected in the spindle. The insert changer has a gripper for gripping the insert and disengaging the insert from the pressure foot. A vacuum is preferably provided on the gripper for creating a vacuum seal region between the gripper and insert to create a gripping force on the insert. A lifter is provided on the insert changer to move the gripper into and out of contact with the insert.

Abstract: A method of precisely calibrating a spindle position with respect to a drilling apparatus worktable. The drilling apparatus includes a control device, which calculates an expected relative position of the spindle and the worktable based upon predetermined information, and the controlled movement of the spindle relative to the worktable. The method includes positioning the spindle in a first position, empirically determining the position of the spindle with respect to the worktable in both a first and a second direction, and determining a "correction factor" between the expected spindle position relative to the worktable at the first position and the empirically determined spindle position relative to the worktable in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A non-contact, laser detection system for detecting the extended state of an object in continuous motion such as a drill bit. In the drill bit embodiment, the detected states are clean, clogged and broken In the laser detection system, a first signal, indicative of energy reflected from the surface of the drill bit, is digitized and compared to a first threshold A second signal, indicative of amplified energy reflected from the drill bit, is digitized and compared to a second threshold. The digital signals are analyzed by a computer to detect the state of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drilling machine and method of operation for drilling through holes in a workpiece while minimizing penetration of the drill tool into a back-up material which supports the workpiece. Before placing the workpiece on the machine, the vertical position of the back-up material is mapped. After selection of the drill site, the mapped position of the backup material proximate the drill site is retrieved. Using this information, a computer controller determines an absolute vertical position for a lower limit of the drill stroke. This lower limit is independent of the top of the workpiece or the thickness of the workpiece, thus eliminating the need to determine either of those values. The drill stroke is terminated once the drill tool reaches the lower limit, which is a nominal depth below the mapped position of the back-up material, insuring that a hole is completely drilled through the workpiece, while minimizing penetration of the back-up material.

Abstract: A guided member is engaged with a guiding member and the guided member and guiding members are movable relative to each other. A pair of planar, parallel guide surfaces on the guide member are engaged by a pair of bearings mounted on the guided member. One of the bearings is resiliently biased into engagement with the guide surface which is less precisely formed so that irregularities in that guide surface or lack of parallelism between the guide surfaces is accommodated by displacement of the biased bearing. The bearings are mounted on bearing supports which depend from either side of a cross piece. The cross piece is secured to the guided member such that a portion of the cross piece is uncoupled from the guided member and is free to be deflected, thus providing the biasing for the biased bearing without transmitting stress to the guided member. Preferably, the apparatus is employed in a machine tool to guide the movement of a worktable.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a plurality of components comprising a vibrating feed tray, having a plurality of interchangeable modular troughs, each sized to receive a component of a particular size. The troughs are removably and slidably secured to the tray, and can be used in any combination. One end of each trough is characterized by only one side wall. A second, parallel side wall is provided each trough by means of sharing the side wall of the adjoining trough. In the event that there is no directly adjacent trough, a side stop is positioned adjacent the open side of the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the orientation of a plurality of components advancing toward a first location comprises a trough, secured to a vibrating feed tray, and a component cover plate for preventing the components from being canted within the trough. The cover plate exhibits a flap which at least partially overhangs a component disposed at the first location. The flap is adapted to have a flexibility sufficient to allow the component to be lifted from the tray, yet have a rigidity which prevents the component from canting at the first location.