Responsive To Work Patents (Class 408/12)
  • Patent number: 10898962
    Abstract: A thread milling system includes a thread milling machine having a spindle; and a combination tool having a body and a reaming insert, the body having a first end and a second end, the body defining a securing pocket, the reaming insert secured proximate to the second end of the body and within the securing pocket, the second end of the body attached to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Anvil International, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Keith Gunter, Steven Douglas Hampton, Anthony Mack Ford, James Paul Birkholz, Ed Hayes
  • Patent number: 10732604
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a CNC machine including providing instructions for machining a surface of a distortion-free object, selecting a true axis of movement of a toolhead of the machine using the instructions, instructing the toolhead to travel on an object to be machined along the true axis of movement, but where the toolhead actually travels along an actual axis that is deviated from the true axis as a result of the surface distortions on the object to be machined, selecting multiple points along the actual axis traveled by the toolhead on the object to be machined, comparing the distance of the multiple points along the actual axis from the true axis to determine offset amounts from the true axis corresponding to a lack of straightness of the object to be machined, and modifying the instructions to compensate for the offset amounts before uploading the instructions to a CNC controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Owens
  • Patent number: 10596647
    Abstract: A method for producing a threaded hole in a workpiece with a thread tapping tool bit, which, at its drill bit tip, has a main cutting edge and a thread profile that trails in a thread tapping direction with at least one thread cutting tooth, wherein, in a thread tapping stroke, the main cutting edge produces a core hole, and, at the same time, the thread profile forms an internal thread at the inner wall of the core hole until a target thread depth is reached, and this is conducted with a thread tapping advance in the thread tapping direction and at a thread tapping rotational speed of the thread tapping tool bit synchronized therewith. After the thread tapping stroke, an oppositely directed reversing stroke is produced, in which the thread tapping tool bit is withdrawn out from the threaded hole in a reversing direction and, in fact, this is conducted with an opposite reversing feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Peter Kopton
  • Patent number: 10131065
    Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for assisting reductive shaping of an object into a desired 3D-shape by removing material. The system comprises a tool and a localization means. The tool is configured to remove material from an object by means of a cutting function or a grinding function performed by a working head of the tool. The localization means determines a position of the working head relative to the desired 3D-shape. Each time the grinding function or cutting function would remove material from an inside of the desired 3D-shape the cutting or grinding function is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Mathias Franzius
  • Patent number: 9277789
    Abstract: A method of bonding or debonding objects includes providing a first object including a first substrate with moveable features thereon which provide an actuated and a non-actuated state having different protrusion from the first substrate or a different curvature. A second object has an array of loops thereon. The moveable features while in one of the actuated state and non-actuated state are positioned, sized and shaped to fit within the loops. The moveable features include or are mechanically coupled to a material which responds to application of an actuating condition including electrical current, temperature, or an electromagnetic field by changing between the actuated state and the non-actuated state. Electrical current, temperature, or an electromagnetic field is automatically applied or changed to trigger a state change between the actuated state and non-actuated state that results in a bonding event or a debonding event between the first object and the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James Joseph Galu, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9089942
    Abstract: In a device for protecting a work spindle (2) that is rotatably supported in a spindle head (4A, 4B) of a processing machine and/or a tool (3) clamped in the work spindle (2) from collisions with obstacles in the processing chamber (1) of the processing machine, a plurality of distance sensor modules (6) are arranged on or in a spindle nose (4B) that forms the termination of the spindle head (4A, 4B) toward the processing chamber (1) such that they point toward the processing chamber (1) and are connected to a common signal processing unit (8). When an obstacle is present in a predetermined area of the processing chamber (1), this signal processing unit generates a warning signal based on the measuring signals delivered by the individual distance sensor modules (6). An output (15) of the signal processing unit, at which the warning signal is generated, is connected to the machine control (16) of the processing machine. The distance sensor modules (6) preferably consist of radar or ultrasonic sensor modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: OTT-JAKOB SPANNTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Bonerz, Wolfgang Bechteler, Josef Greif
  • Publication number: 20150078848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a PCB drilling method including: performing a drilling motion from an initial location, and generating a first electrical signal when coming into contact with a first conductive layer of the PCB, determining a first conductive location according to the first electrical signal, and obtaining first Z-coordinate information continuing to perform the drilling motion after drilling through the first conductive layer, and generating a second electrical signal when coming into contact with a second conductive layer, determining a second conductive location according to the second electrical signal, and obtaining second Z-coordinate information; continuing to perform the drilling motion and drilling through the PCB to obtain a through hole; and performing backdrilling in the location of the through hole according to a preset depth, and the preset depth is a medium thickness between the second conductive layer and the first conductive layer plus a compensation depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yongxing Yang, Jian Zhang, Shandang Liu
  • Publication number: 20130336736
    Abstract: A cutting resistance analysis device is adapted to calculate cutting resistance at a plurality of machining points along a path of movement of a multi-blade rotary cutting tool in cutting and machining of a workpiece using the multi-blade rotary cutting tool. The cutting resistance analysis device includes a data storage section, a cutting resistance calculating section, a contact blade count calculating section and a per-blade cutting resistance calculating section. The contact blade count calculating section is configured to calculate a number of blades of the multi-blade rotary cutting tool that are simultaneously in contact with a machining face of the workpiece. The per-blade cutting resistance calculating section is configured to calculate the cutting resistance per blade of the multi-blade rotary cutting tool based on the amount of cutting resistance and a calculation result of the contact blade count calculating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kataoka, Ryo Yamaguchi, Noriaki Kojima
  • Patent number: 8511945
    Abstract: A drill assembly and method for reducing plunge of a drill bit upon breaking through a workpiece. The drill assembly contains a motor to advance and retract the drill bit, the motor is controlled by a control unit in a feedback loop to achieve a desired stiffness. The control unit determines when the drill bit breaks through the workpiece and stops or retracts the movement of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Quanser Consulting Inc.
    Inventors: J. G. Agop Apkarian, Paul Karam, Don Gardner
  • Publication number: 20130170919
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OPTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: NATIONAL OPTRONICS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8317437
    Abstract: An apparatus for a drilling operation. In one advantageous embodiment, the drilling operation includes a motor, a rotary sensor, and a controller connected to the rotary sensor. The rotary sensor may be capable of generating a signal in response to rotary movement of the drill motor. The controller may be capable of monitoring a speed of the air motor from the signal generated by the rotary sensor and may be capable of identifying a change from a current layer in a stackup to a new layer in the stackup using the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan R. Merkley, Ronald W. Outous
  • Patent number: 8226336
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a material interface between two dissimilar materials in intimate contact with one another include a detection circuit to detect the interface via changes in electrical conditions in the circuit during a drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven K. Brady
  • Patent number: 7669321
    Abstract: A test site is incorporated on a circuit board having a set of test connections passing through a test via on respective test connection layer, the test connection layers including (1) a first layer adjacent to a target layer, and (2) a second layer spaced apart from the target layer with the first layer therebetween. The test via is back-drilled from the direction of the second layer to remove undesired via metallization, breaking the test connections of all the layers through which it passes, and the continuity of the test connections is measured to determine a pattern of broken and non-broken test connections resulting from the back-drilling. The pattern of broken and non-broken test connections is examined to ascertain the actual depth of the back-drilling in relation to the target layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Levy, John Martin, Farhad Pakravan
  • Patent number: 7625158
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for clamping a product to allow drilling and/or cutting of the product by a drilling or cutting assembly, the clamping assembly including control means, activation means, moving means and clamp foot means being operatively connected whereby the control means controls the activation means to control the torque and distance moved on the activation means and moving means such that any movement of the drilling or cutting or clamp assembly relative to each other can be controlled such that the depth of and timing of drilling or cutting and or clamping by the drilling or cutting or clamping assembly can be adjusted accordingly such that if the product being clamped by the clamp foot means is moved during any additional forces that occur during drilling or cutting, then the control means can compensate and ensure the drilling or cutting depth is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Murray Houlton Forlong
  • Publication number: 20090022555
    Abstract: A tool, such as a pneumatic tool, includes a casing, tool-holder spindle extending along an axis, and a drive mechanism for the tool-holder spindle. The mechanism uses a first member for driving the spindle in rotation about its axis and a second member for driving the spindle in translation along its axis. The second drive member is screwed onto a threaded portion of the spindle so that the spindle advances or returns as a function of the relative rate of rotation of the drive members. The second drive member is displaced along the axis between an advanced position and a returned position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Power Tools SAS
    Inventors: Jean Oehninger, Jacques Jaillon
  • Patent number: 7374373
    Abstract: A pocket-hole drilling apparatus for drilling pocket-holes in a workpiece is disclosed. In one embodiment, an initiation switch actuates clamping the workpiece and the movement of a drilling module to cut a pocket-hole. The drilling module has a motor and a step-drill mounted thereon, which is slidably mounted on a guide module. The axis of the drilling module movement intersects work surface. In another embodiment, a movable fence provides the adjustability of pocket-hole depth. In yet another embodiment, two actuator tips are disposed in a fence to prevent the drilling of a pocket-hole through the sidewall of a workpiece. In still another embodiment, a short stroke clamping actuator is used to prevent human finger injury. In still another embodiment, a blower or an ejector pump is used to remove wood chips, wherein the blower is either attached to a drilling motor or to a separate blower motor; the ejector pump is mounted near the drill guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Joon Park
  • Patent number: 7367087
    Abstract: An engraving and marking device, usable in machine tools and the like, includes a supporting member provided with a coupling which is engaged by a spindle of a machine tool and supports a toolbit by means of an elastic support. The device is adapted to engrave and mark a piece being machined in a fully automatic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: FICEP, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian Colombo, Alessandro Pirovano
  • Patent number: 7252466
    Abstract: A CNC machining center has a table-mounted referencing device having two pedestals, each separately engageable by a tool in a Z-axis drive tool holder to establish a zero reference for vertical machining operations on a work-piece mounted on the table. The first of the pedestals has a relatively soft top so that rapid Z-axis advance of the tool onto the pedestal will not damage the tool tip. A spring load on the pedestal also accommodates limited downward movement from a rest position for the pedestal to operate a Z-axis drive stop switch to further avoid tool damage and to save in the computer controller memory, the height of the tool tip from the table. The second pedestal is provided with a hard top so that when the tool tip is touched on it and moves the hard pedestal to operate the switch 34, the Z-axis drive recorder records in controller memory a number that is precisely related to the height of the tool tip from the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald V. Roch
  • Patent number: 7210878
    Abstract: A process for controlling and a core drilling machine (1) having an electrical motor (2) for rotational drive of a core drill bit (3) having cutting edges (5) oriented axial to a work piece (4), a feeding means (6) for generating the feed of the core drill bit (3) against the work piece (4) and having a controller (7) for controlling, relative to a first one-to-one control parameter, detected by a sensor (8, 8?) for electrical power consumption (P) or torque (M). A force sensor (9, 9?) is connected to the controller (7) for detecting the contact pressing force (FN) of the core drill bit (3) as the second control parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Koslowski, Konrad Lieb
  • Patent number: 7104866
    Abstract: According to a machining device for machining a conductive workpiece (W) by a conductive (T), when the tool (T) contacts the workpiece (W) in machining, there is formed a closed-circuit (C) connecting the tool (T), the workpiece (W), a brush (315), a conductor (311), a main spindle housing (12), a main spindle (11) and again the tool (T in that order. Alternating-current is inducted to the closed-circuit (C) by a high-frequency generator (314) and an exciting coil (312). As a contact state between the tool (T) and the workpiece (W), impedance of the closed-circuit (C) is changed and then the alternating-current is changed, so that induction current is generated at a detector coil (313), thus monitoring and controlling the contact state by way of the induction current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamane, Masahiko Fukuta, Osamu Shirane
  • Patent number: 7096555
    Abstract: A multilayer circuit board is provided with at least one signal layer, at least one feedback layer, and at least one dielectric layer positioned between the signal layer and the feedback layer. The signal layer is connected to at least one plated hole. The feedback layer has a contact pad, which is positioned adjacent to the plated hole, but is electrically isolated from the plated hole. The contact pad is connected to a measurement unit. The dielectric layer is positioned between the signal layer and the contact pad of the feedback layer. A portion of the plated hole forms a stub portion, which extends a distance away from the signal layer and typically extends a distance away from the contact pad of the feedback layer. To remove the stub portion, a hole is bored or routed into the multilayer circuit board until electrical feedback is received by the measurement unit upon contact of a portion of the boring device with the contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Viasystems Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. A. M. Tourne, Patrick P. P. Lebens
  • Patent number: 7080431
    Abstract: System, including apparatus and method, involves processing materials in opposite directions between two machines along a processing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip P. Sawyer, David A. Morgan, David Lee
  • Patent number: 6979288
    Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Laurance N. Hazlehurst, Bobby C. Philpott, Jr., James N. Buttrick, Darrell D. Jones, Kostadinos D. Papanikolaou, David P. Banks, Terrence J. Rowe, Ronald Outous, Charles H. Glaisyer, Harry E. Townsend, Mark Boberg, Paul Elfes Nelson, John R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6855099
    Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Laurance N. Hazlehurst, Bobby C. Philpott, Jr., James N. Buttrick, Darrell D. Jones, Kostadinos D. Papanikolaou, David P. Banks, Terrence J. Rowe, Ronald Outous, Charles H. Glaisyer, Harry E. Townsend, Mark Boberg, Paul Elfes Nelson, John R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6561238
    Abstract: A door preparation station includes a data processing control system that drives a display for presenting sequential series of menu selections that illicit operator information that is used as control data to configure the station for preparing a door for receipt of predetermined door hardware (e.g., locks, hinges, etc.) of one type or another. Based upon responses received at the menu selections, the processing system positions and operates various door preparation cutting and drilling elements for the door preparation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Norfield Industries
    Inventor: Charles A. Knighten
  • Patent number: 6438446
    Abstract: A programmable command module for inputting a surface foot rating parameter into a device for controlling the spindle speed of a cutting tool. Based upon the surface foot rating, the proper speed of the spindle is determined with respect to a particular cutting tool parameter, such as the tool's diameter. The spindle speed setting is transmitted to an AC inverter which in turn controls the operation of an AC motor for rotating the spindle at its proper speed. Alternatively, a second embodiment of the present invention would include a programmed memory provided with the surface foot rating of a plurality of materials. Once the type of material, the type of tool operation, as well as the diameter of the cutting tool is inputted into this embodiment, the proper RPM speed of the spindle would be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Fredrick J. Trachier
  • Publication number: 20010033777
    Abstract: A rotary tool (10) is provided having a tool holder (16) including a socket (22) adapted to receive a reversible bit assembly (18). The bit assembly (18) having a storage cavity (44, 46) extending in each end. Each storage cavity (44, 46) adapted to receive a bit driver (54, 56) having a driver configuration (58, 60) formed on each end. Each driver configuration (58, 60), as well as the storage cavity (44, 46) and the socket (22) adapted to function as a drive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael P. Peters
  • Patent number: 5486746
    Abstract: A positioning rule stopper apparatus used use in a numerical control router, includes a supporting bed; first and second rails mounted on the bed at right angles to each other; a head structure including a process head having a motor with a rotary shaft on which a tool can be fixed; a suction table with short and long outer sides, mounted on the second rail for holding a sacrifice board and a process board thereon; a first stopper holder fixed to the bed at one short outer side of the suction table; first rule stoppers for the sacrifice and process boards in common; first cylinders mounted on the first stopper holder for moving the rule stoppers to position short sides of the sacrifice and process boards with respect to the suction table; first confirming contact limit switches for confirming the position of the short sides of the boards; a second stopper holder fixed to the bed at one longer outer side of the suction table; second and third rule stoppers for the sacrifice board and process board, respectivel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Heian Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5277523
    Abstract: A precision depth spindle is mounted to rotate within a cartridge but is restrained against axial movement with respect to the cartridge. The cartridge is mounted for axial sliding movement within a housing, but cannot rotate with respect to the housing. A tool chuck is fixed to one end of the spindle for movement with the spindle, the tool chuck supporting a cutting tool. A spindle stop is mounted to the tool chuck and can rotate with respect to the chuck. This allows the spindle stop to be maintained stationary while the tool chuck and the cutting tool rotate. The spindle stop is finely adjustable axially with respect to the tool chuck, thus determining the depth to which the cutting tool will enter a workpiece. The cartridge has a limited axial motion range with respect to the housing, and both the spindle and cartridge are urged toward the workpiece with respect to the housing by a suitable spring or pressure means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Tri-Way Machine Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel Jones
  • Patent number: 5094574
    Abstract: A spot facing method and apparatus for processing a printed circuit board incorporates a sensing device having a sensor probe capable of sensing the level of the surface of a printed circuit board, another sensing device for sensing the position of the end of a tool, measuring circuits for measuring the distance between the sensing probe and the end of the tool and the distance between the surface of the printed circuit board and the end of the tool in accordance with the signals from the sensing devices, and a controller connected to the measuring circuits so as to control the feed of the tool thereby attaining a high dimensional precision in the depthwise direction in the spot facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi Seiko Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Nishigai, Tamio Otani, Yasuhiko Kanaya
  • Patent number: 5081763
    Abstract: An automated drilling station for use in a computer controlled manufacturing system comprising an adjustable frame structure for releasably clamping a work piece in a planar work position, a chuck assembly adapted to operatively receive a selected drill bit, a drive train for selectively moving the chuck assembly on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the work position, feed racks for storing a plurality of drill bits of various predetermined sizes, a robot assembly for transferring a selected drill bit between the feed racks and the chuck assembly at a transfer station remote from the work position, a drive train for selectively translating the chuck assembly between the transfer station and work position and between locations on one side of the work piece aligned with predetermined drilling locations in the work position and a selectively rotatable turret having bushings of various sizes disposed about the periphery thereof for selective disposition in opposed relation to the chuck assembly at each predet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Everett E. Jones
  • Patent number: 5028176
    Abstract: A glass drilling machine for drilling holes in a sheet of glass in which each hole is partly drilled from one side of the sheet and is then finish drilled from the opposite side. The machine is made up of aligned first and second drilling devices which are attached near the ends of first and second pivotable arms, respectively, the first and second arms being periodically pivoted toward and away from the sheet to bring the drilling devices into and out of drilling engagement with the sheet. The first and second arms are releasably clamped to first and second spindles, respectively, which pivot about first and second axes, respectively, the first and second axes being spaced apart but close to one another and positioned remote from the drilling devices. The position of the first arm is adjustable along its longitudinal axis and the position of the second arm is adjustable along the axis of the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Toledo Automated Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Delventhal, Kenith E. Grosjean
  • Patent number: 5022798
    Abstract: A positive feed drill and method of operation is disclosed for drilling through a workpiece consisting of a softer overlay material on a harder base material. The positive feed drill includes a high-speed air motor and a low-speed air motor and will start and drill through the softer overlay material at the high speed but will shift to the low speed when the drill senses that the thrust on the drill bit has increased because the drill bit has contacted the harder base material. After drilling through the harder base material, the drill bit will shift to the high speed because the drill senses that the thrust on the drill bit has decreased. The drill will retract from the workpiece at high speed and will shut off. Control apparatus is provided to control the flow of air to the high-speed and low-speed air motors. Sensing apparatus senses the thrust on the drill bit and sends a signal to the control apparatus to switch between the air motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Eckman
  • Patent number: 5002440
    Abstract: In a cutting machine having a spindle drive motor, a die head which holds at least one cutting tool, and an automatic tool retracting means on the die head for detecting the completion of the cutting operation of a pipe to be cut by the cutting tool to automatically retract the cutting tool to its inoperative position, an automatic operation stopping apparatus including a detecting unit for detecting the operation of the automatic tool retracting unit and a switch for automatically breaking the electrical connection of the spindle drive motor in response to the detection by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Rex Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiki Tamaoki, Makoto Sakaguchi, Norio Usui
  • Patent number: 4867619
    Abstract: A high speed spindle has a motor and tool adjustment mechanism which aligns spaced bearing means to rigidly support the spindle shaft at high speed operation and to prevent excessive lateral loading of a bearing unit of the tool adjustment mechanism. The unitary motor and tool adjustment mechanism are joined together as a single unitary assembly which is mountable on a machine tool base without requiring alignment and pre-assembly of the motor and tool adjustment mechanism at field locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Colonial Tool Operations Division of Textron Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Godfrey T. Briggs
  • Patent number: 4807587
    Abstract: In a process using a hand-held drilling device for forming openings in a construction material containing steel reinforcing members, during the drilling step the electrical resistance between the drill bit and the reinforcing members is continuously measured. If the drill bit contacts the reinforcing member the measuring circuit is shorted out and the electrical resistance drops. The drop in resistance can be used as a signal for cutting power to the drilling device or for declutching or braking the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Baetschmann, Hansjorg Nipp, Karl Blaas
  • Patent number: 4745557
    Abstract: A machine tool setting device and control system are provided. The machine tool setting device sets the machine tool tip at a predetermined distance above a work piece by detecting when the machine tool tip intercepts an optical beam. The control system allows for the drilling of multi-ply work pieces wherein the multi-plies comprise different thicknesses and hardnesses. The drill bit translational velocity and rotational velocity are continuously controlled for optimization depending upon the type of material and thickness as a hole is drilled through the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: LTV Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Gary W. Pekar, Billy R. Sewell, Michael Blanc
  • Patent number: 4721172
    Abstract: A method of apparatus for controlling in a wellbore the force applied to a rotating drill bit of the type having fluid circulating through an opening in the lower end thereof. One aspect of the method comprises sensing the torque in the drill bit and varying the flow of the circulating fluid through the drill bit responsive to the torque. Apparatus is provided for maintaining constant torque in the drill bit by varying the fluid flow through the bit, which varies in turn the weight applied to the bit and therefore bit torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: J. Ford Brett, Tommy M. Warren, Warren J. Winters
  • Patent number: 4704689
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece by feeding a cutting tool into the workpiece in a series of discrete steps wherein a constant value is stored for each of those steps, a calculation is performed responsive to the value of a variable factor affecting operation of the cutting tool, such as cutting tool diameter and/or workpiece material coefficient, to calculate for each of the discrete steps a feed value as a function of the corresponding constant value for that step and as a function of the value of that factor. Control means is provided for feeding the cutting tool into the workpiece as a function of the feed values thus calculated for a plurality of steps. Upon completion of feeding for any one step, the cutting tool is at least partially withdrawn from the workpiece and the cutting tool is subsequently feed into the workpiece as a function of the feed value of the next step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Asakura
  • Patent number: 4694871
    Abstract: A process is described, with the aid of which panel-type workpieces to be manufactured from a panel blank may also be provided with flat face and/or end face bores in the course of their manufacture. For this purpose, the panel blank is displaced transversely to the cutting plane into a stop position, the flat face bores pertaining to one of the workpieces to be manufactured are subsequently made in the one flat side of the panel blank. To make the further flat face bores for the workpiece, the panel blank is then transported further in a clocked manner through predetermined paths in the same direction and bored after each advance. Upon completion of all of the flat face bores, the panel blank is displaced in a clocked manner in the opposite direction into predetermined positions, fixed after each advance, and lastly severed.For the end face boring, the panel blank is displaced in the direction of advance through a path corresponding to a side length of a workpiece and subsequently clamped and severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Erwin Jenkner
  • Patent number: 4688456
    Abstract: An apparatus for punching of an angular steel profile comprises a feed conveyor and a discharge conveyor for the angular steel profile, a rigid frame portion, two punch carriages and at least one punch carriage positioning motor for moving the punch carriages mounted on the frame portion and a servomechanism for positioning at least one of the punch carriages according to the tolerances, particularly the angular tolerances, of the angular steel profile to be worked. The servomechanism for positioning the punch carriage has a compressively loaded roller sensor contacting on a reference surface of the angular steel profile and a signaling member operated by the roller sensor. The feed conveyor, the discharge conveyor and the punches are equipped for feeding and working a vertically oriented V-shaped angular steel profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Carl Ullrich Peddinghaus
    Inventor: Bernd Stursberg
  • Patent number: 4688970
    Abstract: A power drill and automatic control system includes a drill spindle for mounting a rotary cutter, a spindle rotation drive including a drive motor and an associated rotation drive mechanism operably connected to the spindle to rotate it; a spindle feed drive includes a feed motor and an associated feed drive mechanism operably connected to the spindle to feed it in a forward direction toward a workpiece and in a reverse direction retracting it away from the workpiece. Control is provided to start and stop the spindle rotation drive motor and the spindle feed motor independently. Control is provided for the spindle rotation drive to vary the rotational speed. Control is provided with the spindle feed drive to vary the rate of feed of the spindle. A sensor with the spindle rotation drive senses operational torque of the spindle. Another sensor with the spindle feed drive senses thrust force on the spindle and the associated cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Eckman
  • Patent number: 4687563
    Abstract: A drilling rate and depth monitor is provided for determining the rate in which apertures are formed in a workpiece using an electro-chemical machining process. The drilling rate and depth monitor is particularly useful where the rate of aperture formation is extremely slow, i.e., less than one-thousandths of an inch per second. The drilling rate includes a position sensor coupled between a workholder and a movable member supporting a plurality of cathodic drilling tubes which yields a depth signal proportional to the distance between the drilling tubes and the surface of the workpiece. Differentiation means are responsive to the depth signal for producing a drilling rate signal and display means are provided for both the drilling rate and drilling depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Corning Glass Works
    Inventor: David V. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4685294
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a downhole sidewall coring tool having first and second power hydraulic systems in which changes in pressure drop in a portion of the first hydraulic system adjusts a control valve to change the pressure in a part of the second hydraulic system. Means are provided to adjust the operation of the control valve as a function of viscosity change in the hydraulic fluid caused by change in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Houston B. Mount, II
  • Patent number: 4681489
    Abstract: For locating steel reinforcing members in construction materials, a galvanic cell is formed between an electrode and the reinforcing members by placing the electrode in electrically conducting contact with the construction material. When drilling an opening into the construction material using a hand-held drilling device and the drilling bit in the device contacts a reinforcing member, the potential difference between the electrode and the drill bit can be utilized as a signal for controlling the operation of the drilling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Millauer, Dieter Raab
  • Patent number: 4669927
    Abstract: A deep hole drilling machine having a drill headstock and a drilling carriage, and a drill guide carriage disposed between them, at least two of these three units being displaceable on the machine bed, and the workpiece and/or the drill tube being rotatable. This machine is designed such that differences in workpiece or drill lengths, workpiece inaccuracies and different hole starting and hole finishing movements can be provided for automatically. This is accomplished by providing a length measuring system on each of the displaceable units; the reading made by each measuring system will depend on the position of its unit with respect to a reference point on the fixed unit. A comparator compares the relative positions of the displaceable units, while an evaluating circuit is provided for controlling the movement of at least one of the units on the basis of the readings made after the workpiece and the drill have been inserted into the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Oberlikon-Boehringer GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Zeller
  • Patent number: 4648757
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatic radial adjustment of a boring tool in a machine tool spindle to accurately size a bore in a workpiece within extremely close tolerances over a wide range of bore sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: AMCA International Corporation
    Inventor: Harvey R. Plummer
  • Patent number: 4648756
    Abstract: An automatic shift drill for rotationally driving a bit into a laminated workpiece at one of two speeds according to the depth of the bit in the workpiece is disclosed. A cam block element has flag sections and gap sections corresponding to the various layers of the workpiece. The cam block element is mounted on a spindle of the drill to move in translation with the bit. A vent element has an orifice which is adapted to be closed when it is adjacent to one of the flag sections and open when it is adjacent to one of the gap sections. Shifting means responsive to pneumatic pressurization changes the rotational speed of the bit from one speed to the other speed. The orifice vents the shifting means when it is adjacent to a gap section to drive the bit at the appropriate speed through the corresponding layer and seals the shifting means when it is adjacent to a flag section to drive the bit at the other speed appropriate for the layer corresponding to the flag section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Alexander, John R. Lawson, Ronald C. Falter
  • Patent number: RE34623
    Abstract: A high speed spindle has a motor and tool adjustment mechanism which aligns spaced bearing means to rigidly support the spindle shaft at high speed operation and to prevent excessive lateral loading of a bearing unit of the tool adjustment mechanism. The unitary motor and tool adjustment mechanism are joined together as a single unitary assembly which is mountable on a machine tool base without requiring alignment and preassembly of the motor and tool adjustment mechanism at field locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Colonial Tool Operations Div. of Textron Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Godfrey T. Briggs
  • Patent number: RE44289
    Abstract: A pocket-hole drilling apparatus for drilling pocket-holes in a workpiece is disclosed. In one embodiment, an initiation switch actuates clamping the workpiece and the movement of a drilling module to cut a pocket-hole. The drilling module has a motor and a step-drill mounted thereon, which is slidably mounted on a guide module. The axis of the drilling module movement intersects work surface. In another embodiment, a movable fence provides the adjustability of pocket-hole depth. In yet another embodiment, two actuator tips are disposed in a fence to prevent the drilling of a pocket-hole through the sidewall of a workpiece. In still another embodiment, a short stroke clamping actuator is used to prevent human finger injury. In still another embodiment, a blower or an ejector pump is used to remove wood chips, wherein the blower is either attached to a drilling motor or to a separate blower motor; the ejector pump is mounted near the drill guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Allen IP Inc.
    Inventor: Joon Park