Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a work piece comprises a flexible rail system and a multi-axis carriage. The flexible rail system may be capable of being attached to a work surface. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the flexible rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the flexible rail system and may be capable of moving a tool in axes relative to the work surface. The tool may be single use or multi use and may be removably coupled to the frame and or carriage.

Abstract: A back spotfacing system having a machining apparatus with a through-hole cutter tool. The tool has an elongate member movable to coaxially extend through a hole in a workpiece from a first side of the workpiece, the workpiece coupled to the apparatus. The tool has a cutter element pivotal between a stowed position on the elongate member, a contact position with an inner surface of the hole, and an extended position extending radially from the elongate member. In the extended position, the cutter element extends to machine and back spotface a surface on a second side of the workpiece opposite the first side. The system has a power system for powering the apparatus and tool, and a measurement system coupled to the apparatus for measuring one or more hole exit positions of the cutter element and one or more surface contact positions of the cutter element on the surface.

Abstract: A back spotfacing system having a machining apparatus with a through-hole cutter tool. The tool has an elongate member movable to coaxially extend through a hole in a workpiece from a first side of the workpiece, the workpiece coupled to the apparatus. The tool has a cutter element pivotal between a stowed position on the elongate member, a contact position with an inner surface of the hole, and an extended position extending radially from the elongate member. In the extended position, the cutter element extends to machine and back spotface a surface on a second side of the workpiece opposite the first side. The system has a power system for powering the apparatus and tool, and a measurement system coupled to the apparatus for measuring one or more hole exit positions of the cutter element and one or more surface contact positions of the cutter element on the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a work piece comprises a flexible rail system and a multi-axis carriage. The flexible rail system may be capable of being attached to a work surface. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the flexible rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the flexible rail system and may be capable of moving a tool in axes relative to the work surface.

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.

Abstract: A motor assembly including a body that includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of air channels and a conical shaped piston slidably coupled within each of said plurality of cylinders. The motor assembly also includes a rotatable timing shaft positioned concentric to and at least partially housed within the body and in flow communication with an air source and the plurality of air channels and a cam plate coupled to the timing shaft and configured to engage the pistons and generate torque.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a work piece comprises a flexible rail system and a multi-axis carriage. The flexible rail system may be capable of being attached to a work surface. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the flexible rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the flexible rail system and may be capable of moving a tool in axes relative to the work surface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for a drilling operation. In one advantageous embodiment, the drilling operation may comprise 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.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: A flexible rail machine tool couples temporarily to a structure by vacuum cups and positions a tool head at any desired point over an area. The toolhead can perform operations such as drilling, bolt insertion, and acquisition of dimension data. The flexible rail can conform to surface curvature in one or more axes. Tool head perpendicularity to the structure can be sensed and adjusted as needed. The as-attached position of the rail may be compensated for through coordinate transformation, allowing holes, for example, to be placed with substantial precision.