Including Tool-guide (or Bushing) Patents (Class 408/97)
  • Patent number: 6644898
    Abstract: A repairing device for repairing a threaded port includes a housing for threading to the threaded port and having an inner thread for threading with a barrel. One or more machining tools may be changeably and rotatably secured in the barrel with bearings, each may include a cutting blade for engaging with the port and for machining and repairing one or more surfaces of the port. The machining tools may be detachably secured to the barrel with a retaining ring, for allowing the cutting blades of the machining tools to machine and, repair various surfaces or threads of the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Chu
  • Patent number: 6644897
    Abstract: A method of using a drilling end effector includes providing a drilling end effector having a plurality of photogrammetry targets secured thereto. The positional orientation of the drilling end effector along six degrees of freedom is detected using a photogrammetry sensor to determine the orientation of the plurality of photogrammetry targets and outputting a position signal to a controller. The drilling end effector is robotically manipulated adjacent to a part to be drilled in response to the position signal to accurately position a drill bit relative to the part to be drilled. The part is then drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Antonio B. Martinez, Eric Whinnem, Angelica Davancens, William Paul Zanteson
  • Publication number: 20030194285
    Abstract: A repairing device for repairing a threaded port includes a housing for threading to the threaded port and having an inner thread for threading with a barrel. One or more machining tools may be changeably and rotatably secured in the barrel with bearings, each may include a cutting blade for engaging with the port and for machining and repairing one or more surfaces of the port. The machining tools may be detachably secured to the barrel with a retaining ring, for allowing the cutting blades of the machining tools to machine and repair various surfaces or threads of the ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Chu
  • Patent number: 6629804
    Abstract: A nut cutter tool includes a cutter head rotatably driven by a driver. The cutter head may be detachable from the driver for sharpening or replacement of the cutter head. A chip guard may be attached to the tool for catching falling chips and debris. Also a locking mechanism may be provided for releasably locking the tool onto an externally threaded member on which the nut to be cut is threaded to hold the tool in axial alignment with the nut during the nut cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin W. Rosenbaum
  • Publication number: 20030185639
    Abstract: A trimmer is provided for trimming a newly-installed sleeve liner after the liner is positioned in a cylinder bore of a combustion engine component. The trimmer includes a trimming cutter adapted to shave off a protruding end of the newly-installed sleeve liner, and a tool holder shaped to stably engage the combustion engine component. The tool holder operably supports the trimming tool for rotation collinearly with a centerline of the cylinder bore and for limited longitudinal movement when the tool holder is attached to the combustion engine component. A tie-down device engages the tool holder and secures the trimmer to the engine component. A venture suction arrangement is connectable to shop compressed air to remove and includes a suction input adjacent the cutter for collecting all chips and debris from the trimming operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Dwain L. Kamphuis, Thomas W. Knowles
  • Publication number: 20030133764
    Abstract: An adjustment device comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are adjustably engaging one another. The adjustment device has an overall length that is adapted to be adjusted by adjusting the first and second portions relative to one another. The overall length is adapted to be adjusted to vary a distance between the drill motor and the work piece. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a slip fit member and a threaded member opposite the slip fit member. The adjustment device has an overall length that is adjustable to vary a spatial relation between the drill motor and work piece. Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a drill motor, a support, and an adjustment device. The adjustment device comprises a slip fit member and a threaded member spaced apart from the slip fit member. One of the members is engageable with the drill motor and the other member is engageable with the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Erickson, Thomas O. Muller, Michael A. Weisel
  • Patent number: 6588991
    Abstract: A method for repairing worn brake assembly holes on a highway trailer axle assembly including a cam shaft hole, and first and second anchor pin holes and including an axle stub extending from an end thereof, comprising the steps of aligning a boring tool, having a tool axis, with each brake assembly hole axis by aligning the tool axis parallel with the stub axis; positioning the tool axis at a distance from the stub axis equal to the distance of the brake assembly hole axis from the stub axis; and positioning the tool axis at an angular position relative to the brake assembly hole axis that is equal to the angular position of the brake assembly hole axis relative to the axis of another of the brake assembly holes. The aligned boring tool is then driven to bore an oversize hole through the worn brake assembly hole such that the worn brake assembly hole, including any worn extremities thereof, is consumed by the oversize hole, leaving a substantially cylindrical oversize hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon Clunie
  • Patent number: 6575673
    Abstract: A method of drilling and a drill motor are provided for use with a stationary template attached to a material to be drilled. The drill motor has a frame having a handgrip and surrounding a movable carriage or motor assembly. The motor assembly contains an air-powered motor for rotating a drill bit. At least two air cylinders are located in the motor assembly on opposite sides of the drilling axis and are used to move the motor assembly within the frame. The force that can be applied to move the motor assembly is adjusted by adjusting the airflow to the cylinders. Hydraulic restrictions control the maximum speed at which the motor assembly moves. An auto-return valve and adjustable pin provide means for automatically returning the motor assembly to its rearward position once a desired drilling depth has been reached. Controls are provided at the grip for operating the feed system and manually retracting the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn G. Born
  • Patent number: 6561738
    Abstract: The present invention accurately positions and affixes by a simple device and operations a drilling jig for processing non-through-holes from the edge of an edged spectacle lens toward the inside of the lens. The above-mentioned lens is held and positioned using a blocking jig, which is attached to an edged spectacle lens, and, in addition, a drilling jig is positioned using a feed-set guide base and guide stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hakaru Fujita, Yukihiro Izumitani
  • Publication number: 20030082019
    Abstract: A presser foot assembly for use with a machine tool for engaging a work material during a cutting process. The presser foot assembly having a guide rod for supporting a presser foot wherein the presser foot engages a work material during a cutting process. A bias means urges the guide rod in an extended position towards the work material such that the presser foot engages the work material before the cutting tool and exerts pressure on the work material during a cutting process. Following completion of the cutting process the cutting tool is first removed from the work material followed by the presser foot being disengaged therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Kuchta
  • Publication number: 20030068207
    Abstract: A pressure clamp assembly for clamping a plurality of overlapping members together. The pressure clamp includes a pair of compression members attached to a clamp body and driven together by a power source. The power source includes a fluid pressure cylinder that repeatably produces high clamping forces so as to inhibit the production of inter-laminate burrs during drilling. The compression members each include an elongated compression foot that distributes the clamping pressure over a wide area to allow drilling in a relatively wide range of locations. In addition, each compression foot defines a drill bit assembly guide that facilitates accurate hole drilling through multiple overlapping parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, Chin Hoi Toh, Chris Erickson, Scott W. Hall
  • Patent number: 6540456
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting a low density flexible material and passing through a semi-rigid base material simultaneously by means of a rotary milling cutter and simultaneously applying a compressive force to the flexible material to increase the rigidity of the flexible material while cutting the flexible material, the method includes passing the cutter through a part of the semi-rigid material. The compression force is applied by a partial cylindrical shaped compression head having the rotary milling cutter extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Conley
  • Publication number: 20030049082
    Abstract: A power feed attachment that has a coupling structure to couple it to a hand held drill. A double-acting cylinder, which has a piston and a rod, and is fixedly coupled to the coupling structure. A two-position valve assembly is configured for directing a pressurized fluid to the double-acting cylinder. When the two-position valve assembly is in a first position is directs a fluid to a first side of the piston moving the piston to a first position. When the two-position valve assembly is in the second position it directs the pressurized fluid to a second side of the piston to move the piston to a second position. An arm is coupled to the piston. A control mechanism having a housing and a control rod, wherein the control rod is movable within the housing of the control mechanism between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: James L. Morrison, Thomas O. Blankenship, David L. Fritsche, Jimmy Williams
  • Publication number: 20030044247
    Abstract: A system for boring a workpiece. The system has a spindle assembly for holding and rotating an elongate tool around a first axis to effect boring of a workpiece. The spindle assembly has a spindle that is movable from a retracted position along a first axis to an extended position through an operating range. The spindle assembly further has a guide assembly relative to which the spindle is guidingly rotatable. The system further includes a chip box having a housing defining a collection space and having first and second walls spaced axially relative to the first axis. The guide assembly and chip box are relatively movable along the first axis between first and second different relative positions, with the guide assembly and chip box being closer with respect to each other in the second relative position than in the first relative position. The guide assembly guides rotating movement of the spindle relative to the chip box with the guide assembly and chip box in the second relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jon A. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6527686
    Abstract: A movable spindle tool machine, such as a printed circuit board line drilling machine includes a base and a spindle mounted to the base. A magazine is mounted proximate the spindle for storing a supply of tools. A pitch independent tool changer is moveably mounted relative to the base for transferring tools from the magazine for insertion into the spindle. A tool locator is mounted in line with the spindle. The tool changer is operable to initially transfer a tool from the magazine to the tool locator to align the tool with the spindle and thereafter transfer the tool to the spindle for insertion into the spindle. The spindle is mounted to a nested outrigger guide. A positioning system can move two or more spindles simultaneously. A bit detector in a pressure foot button uses fiber optics to detect broken bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Erle Houser, Joseph Duane Kulesza, Candido Tiberia
  • Patent number: 6514020
    Abstract: A guide device for pilot hole drill bits for use with hardware items having countersunk screw holes, wherein the device provides a drill bit holder which is reciprocably mounted in a body member on a drill axis and which is formed with an abutment end portion, wherein axial position adjustment structure is provided for allowing the end portion to contact the angled wall surfaces of a countersunk screw hole on a plane which is oriented normal to the axis of a screw hole and the drill axis, wherein the body member lies flat on the upper surface of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: John J. Bandeian, III, John J. Bandeian, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6514018
    Abstract: An end effector having a platform and a motor coupled to the platform for driving a drilling member. A motor housing is coupled to the platform and includes a plurality of photogrammetry targets secured thereto. The photogrammetry targets are oriented so as to be readily detectable by a photogrammetry sensor for determining the orientation of the end effector and corresponding drilling member. A pressure foot member and pneumatic cylinders are operably coupled to the platform such that the pneumatic cylinders maintain a constant pressure upon the pressure foot member to provide material clamp up. A depth control device is also provided for accurately controlling the depth of the drilling member and preventing further drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Antonio B. Martinez, Eric Whinnem, Angelica Davancens, William Paul Zanteson
  • Patent number: 6511266
    Abstract: Holes can be cut squarely through obstructions hidden within a hollow wall by apparatus that may include a flexible guide tube having a work-engaging head at one end; a collared lead screw or other arrangement for bringing the work-engaging head into perpendicular engagement with an obstruction; and a cutting tool for cutting the hole. In a some versions of the invention, two work engaging heads are coaxially attached to the end of the guide tube, inserted into the wall through an access hole, and used to sequentially cut holes through two obstructions. An advantage of this arrangement is that the second, smaller, hole has a large enough diameter to be used for feeding most sorts of flexible lines through the wall. In addition, a panel protecting apparatus is provided so that extensive work can be done within the wall without damaging the margins of the access hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel J. Groot
  • Patent number: 6503029
    Abstract: A boring arrangement is connected to a boring machine equipped with a boring bit for boring a hole in overlapping workpieces. The boring arrangement includes a first sleeve connected to the boring machine, and a second sleeve that is movably connected to the first sleeve so as to allow a relative motion therebetween in a boring feed advance direction. Biasing elements such as springs apply a biasing force between the first and second sleeves so as to exert a pressing force through the second sleeve onto a pressing sleeve connected thereto. The boring bit moves through the interior of the pressing sleeve to bore the required hole in the workpiece. Thereby, the pressing sleeve surrounds the boring site and is seated and pressed against the workpiece with a pressing force that is greater than the boring feed advance force exerted by the boring bit onto the workpiece. A suction arrangement sucks away boring chips and other swarf material arising during the boring process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ende, Harald Schueler
  • Patent number: 6499918
    Abstract: A repair jig for drilling and retapping bores provided in a marine engine distributor is disclosed. The repair jig includes a frame having a plurality of alignment mechanisms operatively associated therewith. Bores formed in the alignment mechanisms are alignable with bores of the marine engine distributor. Once aligned, drill bits and taps can be sequentially inserted through the repair jig and into the distributor for removing broken fasteners and retapping the distributor bores, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6457919
    Abstract: A multi-purpose machine tool is provides for high volume secondary operations. Multiple machining heads and eight degrees of freedom provide for maximum versatility and adaptability for convenient set-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: William D. Sangster
  • Publication number: 20020136612
    Abstract: An end effector having a platform and a motor coupled to the platform for driving a drilling member. A motor housing is coupled to the platform and includes a plurality of photogrammetry targets secured thereto. The photogrammetry targets are oriented so as to be readily detectable by a photogrammetry sensor for determining the orientation of the end effector and corresponding drilling member. A pressure foot member and pneumatic cylinders are operably coupled to the platform such that the pneumatic cylinders maintain a constant pressure upon the pressure foot member to provide material clamp up. A depth control device is also provided for accurately controlling the depth of the drilling member and preventing further drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Antonio B. Martinez, Eric Whinnem, Angelica Davancens, William Paul Zanteson
  • Publication number: 20020131833
    Abstract: A method of drilling and a drill motor are provided for use with a stationary template attached to a material to be drilled. The drill motor has a frame having a handgrip and surrounding a movable carriage or motor assembly. The motor assembly contains an air-powered motor for rotating a drill bit. At least two air cylinders are located in the motor assembly on opposite sides of the drilling axis and are used to move the motor assembly within the frame. The force that can be applied to move the motor assembly is adjusted by adjusting the airflow to the cylinders. Hydraulic restrictions control the maximum speed at which the motor assembly moves. An auto-return valve and adjustable pin provide means for automatically returning the motor assembly to its rearward position once a desired drilling depth has been reached. Controls are provided at the grip for operating the feed system and manually retracting the motor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn G. Born
  • Publication number: 20020119018
    Abstract: A template guide and method of using the template for removing broken studs on a vehicle hub. The arcuate template guide has three apertures for placement on a hub over the broken stud and two neighboring studs, the template being secured by lug nuts on the neighboring studs. A metal bushing is inserted in the center aperture and has a hole having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a drill bit used for forming a hole in the broken stud face with a drill in order to guide the drill bit. An extraction tool with a left-hand spiral tip and a squared rear end is utilized with a tap wrench to extract the broken stud from the hub. The template guides may be provided in a kit of up to eight common sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6435781
    Abstract: A template guide and method of using the template for removing broken studs on a vehicle hub. The arcuate template guide has three apertures for placement on a hub over the broken stud and two neighboring studs, the template being secured by lug nuts on the neighboring studs. A metal bushing is inserted in the center aperture and has a hole having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a drill bit used for forming a hole in the broken stud face with a drill in order to guide the drill bit. An extraction tool with a left-hand spiral tip and a squared rear end is utilized with a tap wrench to extract the broken stud from the hub. The template guides may be provided in a kit of up to eight common sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020104207
    Abstract: The apparatus and method includes a spindle portion which holds a cutting tool. The drill is initially moved forwardly of a pressure foot portion of the apparatus. The pressure foot portion is then moved forwardly along with the spindle and drill to clamp the mechanical assembly. A thrust control arrangement produces a reduction of the thrust on the tool holder such that as the assembly is being clamped, the tool initially contacts the workpiece and then remains stationary while the pressure foot moves forward to complete clamp-up. The positions of the tip of the tool and the surface of the workpiece are recorded and compensation is then made to the apex position of the spindle stroke, using a previously determined reference position of the tool relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Scott O. Smith, Todd W. Rudberg
  • Publication number: 20020085890
    Abstract: A guide device for pilot hole drill bits for use with hardware items having countersunk screw holes, wherein the device provides a drill bit holder which is reciprocably mounted in a body member on a drill axis and which is formed with an abutment end portion, wherein axial position adjustment structure is provided for allowing the end portion to contact the angled wall surfaces of a countersunk screw hole on a plane which is oriented normal to the axis of a screw hole and the drill axis, wherein the body member lies flat on the upper surface of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: John J. Bandeian, John J. Bandeian
  • Patent number: 6413022
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a first structure to a second structure and performing an operation on the first and second structures. The apparatus includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups, a clamp assembly, a conveyance mechanism and a tool. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to the first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto the second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. The tool is configured to perform the operation. The conveyance mechanism is coupled to both the frame structure and the tool and enables the tool to be selectively positioned relative to the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 6371701
    Abstract: An apparatus having a controllable dwell for drilling and or countersinking a hole in a workpiece is provided which generally comprises a feed mechanism, a retraction mechanism, and a dwell mechanism. The feed mechanism is configured to feed a spindle from a starting position to a predetermined feed limit during a feed cycle. The retraction mechanism is configured to retract the spindle from the feed limit to the starting position to complete the feed cycle. The dwell mechanism is in communication with the retraction mechanism and comprises a mechanical bias member that stores energy during at least a portion of the feed cycle, wherein the mechanical bias member releases at least a portion of the energy once the spindle reaches the feed limit. The retraction mechanism is only actuated once the spindle reaches the feed limit and the mechanical bias member releases at least a portion of the energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas O. Blankenship, David L. Fritsche, James L. Morrison, Brian J. Martinek, Daniel C. King
  • Publication number: 20020041797
    Abstract: A drill gauge for the drilling of blind boreholes of a pre-determined depth in board-shaped parts, preferably into furniture parts, has end faces forming reference edges. An abutment body, which can be applied to the end faces and which is provided with devices for fastening to the board-shaped parts, is provided so as to be able to apply blind boreholes of a pre-determined depth at pre-determined points of board-shaped parts. The abutment body has a borehole flush with the blind borehole to be drilled for the insertion of the drill at whose outer rim an abutment part applied to the shaft of the drill is supported which determines the penetration depth of the drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Arturo Salice S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 6318937
    Abstract: A tool for milling and drilling where the rotating tool has a bearing surface provided to cooperate with another bearing surface to take up radial cutting forces. The two surfaces are mutually separated by a fluid and are essentially axially non-slidable when the cutting tool is engaging the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bjorn Lind Finance & Property
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Patent number: 6309147
    Abstract: A remotely operated drilling tool is configured to produce holes in a core shroud support plate inside of a nuclear reactor vessel. The tool includes a support base that is securely mounted directly above the location where the hole will be formed. In a first operation, a drilling tool is secured to the support base and drills a hole through about 90% of the shroud support plate. The drilling tool includes chip capturing structure to prevent chip created by the machining process from contaminating the water in the reactor vessel. After about 90% of the hole is drilled with the drilling tool, an EDM tool is secured to the support base to machine the remainder of the hole using an EDM process. The EDM tool includes structure for machining the remainder of the hole, removing the slug from the hole, and performing a spotface on the underside of the shroud support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jack T. Matsumoto, Benedict Kazirskis, Vernon W. Pence, James F. Kasik
  • Publication number: 20010033782
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting a low density flexible material and passing through a semi-rigid base material simultaneously by means of a rotary milling cutter and simultaneously applying a compressive force to the flexible material to increase the rigidity of the flexible material while cutting the flexible material, the method includes passing the cutter through a part of the semi-rigid material. The compression force is applied by a partial cylindrical shaped compression head having the rotary milling cutter extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: James A. Conley
  • Patent number: 6296426
    Abstract: A tool fixture 10 includes a body 12 and a plurality of attachment devices 14 connected to the body 12. A passageway 22 is connected to the body 12 and in communication with at least two of the attachment devices 14. A connector is in communication with the passageway 22 and the body 12 and is for attachment to a vacuum system such that when the vacuum system draws a vacuum the attachment devices 14 are urged against a work surface to hold the tool fixture 10 in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. King, Thomas O. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 6282852
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing door frames which comprises at least two template members and at least three apertures on each template member. To provide horizontal adjustment means between said at least two template members, at least one elongated member may be joined approximately normal to each of said at least two templates. Said at least one elongated member may comprise at least one tongue member and at least one groove member, said at least one tongue member may be slidably positioned within said at least one groove member. To provide means for plumbing said template members, at least one screw may be positioned within said at least one template member. To install a door frame, the apparatus is positioned within a doorway, said doorway composed of two trimmer studs joined by a header stud, such that the at least one template of the apparatus is juxtaposed one of the two trimmer studs, and said at least one aperture outlines the perimeter of at least one slot to be cut in the trimmer stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Vernon R. Walcker
  • Patent number: 6257808
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible guide tube with prongs or other work-engaging means at one end. These prongs may be stabbed into an obstruction in a hollow wall to set the position of a throughhole and to hold the tubular guide in a fixed position against the torsional, or other, forces of a drill or other cutting tool used to cut the hole. The drill may be rotated by means of a flexible shaft running within the guide tube. After a throughhole is cut in the obstruction, a line-fishing member may be inserted through the guide tube and the obstruction and into a space on the distal side of the obstruction. The line-fishing apparatus may comprise an end portion having a collapsed state in which it can pass through the guide tube and an expanded state in which it provides a visible target that can be readily engaged by tools operated by a worker on the distal side of the obstruction who is prohibited from getting any closer than a few yards from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Groot
  • Patent number: 6254321
    Abstract: An arrangement relating to high-speed tools includes a drive unit having a high-speed spindle, a drive-unit connected adapter that has a supportive part, and a tool that includes the cutting head. The tool is provided with a bearing surface in the close proximity of the cutting head, and the supportive part has a bearing which takes up cutting forces acting radially on the tool and which coacts with the tool-carried bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bjorn Lind Finance & Property
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Patent number: 6244795
    Abstract: A dowelling jig for preparing aligned bores in corresponding joint faces of two work pieces which are to be joined using dowels, includes a spacer plate having opposite flat sides against which the side faces of the work pieces are placed and held. First and second drill guide arms are removable secured by securing arrangements to the spacer plate and to extend away therefrom in opposite directions, each arm providing a flat surface against which a joint surface of one of the work pieces is to abut. At least one line of through-bores are provided in each of the drill guide arms for guiding a drill bit at right angles into the work piece. The thickness of each guide arm is such that each through-bore has an axial length sufficient for guiding a hand held drill to drill a work piece bore substantially at right angles to the joint surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Desmond Fenelon
  • Patent number: 6231280
    Abstract: A vibration-absorbing end effector of an automated drill and countersink machine having a shock to mitigate communications of vibrations to the drill tool, while simultaneously dampening the vibrations at their source, in order to increase control of a drill tool during drilling and countersinking operations. The end effector comprises a measurement scale to ensure that the depths of holes to be drilled and countersunk can be checked and corrected in accordance with corresponding ideal depths stored in a memory of the computer already interfaced to the end effector. Furthermore, the pressure foot of the end effector is upwardly rotatable to access the drill tool to the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: George Nicholas Bullen
  • Patent number: 6227773
    Abstract: A compact autofeed drill is provided and generally comprises an elongate housing having opposed ends, a motor disposed within the housing, an elongate drill bit, a drill bushing, an actuation device, and a resilient member. The motor is disposed within the housing intermediate the opposed ends. The drill bit is operably connected to the motor and is capable of extending from the housing through one end thereof. The drill bushing is operably connected to the housing and defines a bore, where the drill bushing at least partially surrounds the drill bit as the drill bit extends from the housing through the bore. The actuation device is remotely disposed with respect to the housing and is operably connected thereto, wherein the actuation device is capable of causing the motor to rotate the drill bit and is also capable of causing the drill bit to extend from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael David Farney, Richard Henry Miller
  • Patent number: 6220796
    Abstract: A multipurpose drilling jig comprises a jig body and a perpendicular stop. The jig body has a plurality of locating holes and a recessed section which is provided for the fitting of a cover plate pressing against a guide sleeve. The jig body and the perpendicular stop are provided with insertion slot mounts for inserting thereinto a plurality of replaceable locating bodies. The locating bodies are provided with a straddling slot. The jig body is provided in two sides with a threaded hole mount which is in turn provided with a locating rib serving as a support for a side locating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Vance Chiang
  • Patent number: 6217266
    Abstract: A drilling guide or jig for guiding an elongated drill bit for drilling a long hole through a panel such as a door from one edge to a point adjacent another edge thereof. The guide is formed by a rigid, elongated, rectangular base plate defining an elongated slot and positionable along one edge of the door. A pair of arms are mounted one on each long side edge of the plate at about the midpoint thereof and extend generally perpendicularly to the plate. The arms define at one end a pair of spaced apart jaws extending from said plate and adapted to hold the plate on the door or panel. The arms further define a pair of spaced apart support members extending from the plate opposite to the jaws. A drill guide block is pivotally mounted between the free ends of the support members in spaced relation to the plate, and adjustably supports a drill guide tube extending between the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Roy E. Bowling
  • Patent number: 6210084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure foot that applies a clamping pressure to an area undergoing drilling or fastening operations on a joint formed by a first panel and a second panel. The pressure foot includes a front clamp for pressing against a front side of the area undergoing the drilling or fastening operations, and a carriage for moving the front clamp along a length and width of the joint formed by the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David P. Banks, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Charles H. Glaisyer, Darrell D. Jones, Russell C. McCrum, Philip M. Wright
  • Patent number: 6196779
    Abstract: A fastener for temporarily securing together at least one part and a tool includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a part-engaging surface for bearing against the at least one part, and an outer surface that defines a guide bushing. A fastening mechanism projects axially from the body and is adapted to extend through the at least one part for securing the at least one part against the part-engaging surface. The fastener further includes an engaging member on the body and having a tool-engaging surface that is engageable with the tool for securing the tool to the at least one part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Randall G. Falk
  • Patent number: 6039518
    Abstract: The subject invention controls the penetration of a drill or router into a cutting surface by preventing excessive downward travel by a spindle once a preset depth is reached. This is achieved by placing a mechanical stop on the pressure foot linkage and providing a compression means to absorb the excessive downward travel. The compression can be absorbed within the select cylinder volume by reducing operating pressure appropriately, or within an added compression cylinder, or by a compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Michael E. Day
  • Patent number: 6012877
    Abstract: An end effector (30) adap ttachment to and accurate positioning by a robot is provided for positioning a channel-shaped workpiece (10) at a desired position and drilling an accurately located positioning hole in the work piece, even if the workpiece is curved or has a compound contour. The end effector (30) includes a conventional speeder assembly (68) with a taper that can be grasped by the robot and rotated for transfer of torque to the speeder assembly. A flange base (54) is attached to the speeder assembly (68) and has a central opening to accommodate a drill bit (67). A housing assembly (50) is slidably mounted around the flange base (54) through a linear bearing (109). An index shaft (32) is slidably mounted partially within the housing assembly (50) through a second linear bearing (110). A collet (36) is concentrically mounted slidably about the index shaft (32). The collet (36) is adapted to expand radially when it is forced over a wider portion (34) of the index shaft (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter D. McCowin, Dennis M. Cordy, Ronald J. Smith, David L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5993122
    Abstract: A drill or machine tool attachment for use with a vacuum debris extraction system, comprising a bar to which a vacuum extraction nozzle is attached, and a tube slidably mounted on the bar and connected to a drill or machine tool. The nozzle is located on the bar ahead of the drill or machine tool, with the tube biased toward an extended position by at least one spring. The limit of the extended position is set by a locking plate. In use, as the apparatus is offered up to a workpiece to perform a drilling or machining operation, the nozzle makes initial contact with the surface of the workpiece and as the operator applies pressure to the assembly, the drill or machine tool and associated bit or tool moves slideably against the action of the spring thereby guiding the bit or tool through an aperture in the nozzle to contact the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Anthony T Baker
  • Patent number: 5967708
    Abstract: A tool fixture device for positioning tools to repair defects adjacent to the sealing grooves in a pressure vessel head. The device includes a two pair of parallel, spaced apart, arcuate segments adapted to fit into one of the sealing grooves. A support plate is attached to the first and the second pair of parallel, spaced apart, arcuate segments. The fixture includes a plurality of threaded rods for expanding the ends of the parallel arcuate segments to engage the inside walls of one of the grooves to hold the fixture in place. In the preferred embodiment, a tool positioner is adapted to be attached to the support plate for positioning a repair tool to permit the repair tool to be used to repair defects adjacent to the sealing grooves. The tool positioner includes a planar table and a tool jig attached to the planar table for receiving the repair tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Adams, James E. McCann
  • Patent number: 5961257
    Abstract: A drill for drilling crossties, particularly for use in the railroad sector, comprising a protective enclosure which is formed by a movable portion and by a fixed portion and is suitable to completely cover a chuck of the drill and a drilling bit coupled to the chuck; sliding means which allow the sliding of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion when the movable portion is placed at an area to be drilled and at the beginning of the drilling operation; and resilient means adapted to bias the sliding of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion and suitable to be loaded by the penetration of the drilling bit and, at the end of the drilling operation, to be released for the quick disengagement of the bit from a hole formed during the drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cembre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Bettini, Ezio Degiacomi
  • Patent number: 5947656
    Abstract: A drilling template for carving into the lateral edge or the jamb of a door, a cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive either a flanged lock or its strikeplate has a series of drill bit bores at regular spaced-apart intervals along a central line, a pair of lateral legs with sharp ends, and mounting holes corresponding to those of the lock or strikeplate. The template is designed to be hammered into the door edge or jamb until the sharp edge-ended edges define the outline of the lock flange or of the strikeplate as well as the amount of wood to be removed to form the mortise necessary to nest those elements. The template can be screwed in place through mounting holes that correspond to those of the lock or strikeplate. A drill is used to rout the cavity through the drill bit bores. Guides in either side of the bores prevent lateral movement of the bit, but allow slight longitudinal swing to remove material that may remain between holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Anton K. Simson, Mark T. Bentley, Robert C. Bentley