Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for performing a drilling operation. The drilling apparatus comprises a housing, a spindle, a spindle motor, a thrust motor, a load sensor, and a controller. The spindle may be capable of receiving a drill bit. The spindle motor may be capable of turning the spindle at a set of different speeds during the drilling operation. The thrust motor may be capable of moving the spindle in an axial direction. The load sensor may be capable of detecting a reaction thrust force during the drilling operation to form a detected reaction thrust force. The controller may be capable of controlling the spindle motor and the thrust motor to change a drilling speed in response to changes in the detected reaction thrust force.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for performing a drilling operation. The drilling apparatus comprises a housing, a spindle, a spindle motor, a thrust motor, a load sensor, and a controller. The spindle may be capable of receiving a drill bit. The spindle motor may be capable of turning the spindle at a set of different speeds during the drilling operation. The thrust motor may be capable of moving the spindle in an axial direction. The load sensor may be capable of detecting a reaction thrust force during the drilling operation to form a detected reaction thrust force. The controller may be capable of controlling the spindle motor and the thrust motor to change a drilling speed in response to changes in the detected reaction thrust force.

Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.

Abstract: A low-voltage electromagnetic riveter (LVEMR) including two opposed rivet guns (70, 72) for upsetting rivets during the assembly of structural parts is disclosed. Variable capacitor banks (64, 65 or 64', 65') are discharged to provide a variable current pulse which flows through a driver coil (131) and a mass-mounted coil (135) of each rivet gun (70, 72). Preferably, the mating faces of the coils are contoured to assist in the alignment of the coils. The driver coils are affixed to the ends of drivers (125) that drive rivet dies (121) into the ends of a rivet (75) to be upset. The LVEMR is controlled such that the net magnetic forces generated between the two pairs of coils actuate the rivet guns (70, 72) so that one end of the rivet is impacted slightly before the other end. The delay is controlled by a delay generator (44). Further, rapid-acting ground fault detection circuits (52 and 53) cause a power shutdown and capacitor bank discharge in the event of a ground fault.