Abstract: An apparatus comprises a magnetic target for generating a magnetic field that is uniform and concentric about a central axis of the target; an array of three-axis digital magnetic compasses for sensing the magnetic field; and a processor for finding intersection points of vectors from the compasses to the target. The vectors lie in a global X-Y plane that is normal to the central axis. Each vector indicates a direction of sensed magnetic field from one of the compasses to the magnetic target.

Abstract: A double eccentric positioning apparatus uses two equal offset eccentric bushings to accurately position a tool (such as a drill bushing) in two dimensions. Miniature servo motors and precise gearing control the rotation of each eccentric bushing, which controls the direction of the offset vectors. The offset vectors are used to determine the final position of the drill bushing. The desired rotation angles can be mathematically calculated based on desired position. The inner eccentric bushing is located concentric to the offset of the outer eccentric bushing. This allows any position, within a radius of two times the eccentric offset, to be achieved. The use of worm gearing on the eccentric bushings prevents back-driving of the servo motors, due to the lead angle of the worm gears, and the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Abstract: A double eccentric positioning apparatus uses two equal offset eccentric bushings to accurately position a tool (such as a drill bushing) in two dimensions. Miniature servo motors and precise gearing control the rotation of each eccentric bushing, which controls the direction of the offset vectors. The offset vectors are used to determine the final position of the drill bushing. The desired rotation angles can be mathematically calculated based on desired position. The inner eccentric bushing is located concentric to the offset of the outer eccentric bushing. This allows any position, within a radius of two times the eccentric offset, to be achieved. The use of worm gearing on the eccentric bushings prevents back-driving of the servo motors, due to the lead angle of the worm gears, and the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Abstract: A double eccentric positioning apparatus uses two equal offset eccentric bushings to accurately position a tool in two dimensions. Miniature servo motors and precise gearing control the rotation of each eccentric bushing, which controls the direction of the offset vectors. The offset vectors are used to determine the final position of the drill bushing. The desired rotation angles can be mathematically calculated based on desired position. The inner eccentric bushing is located concentric to the offset of the outer eccentric bushing. This allows any position, within a radius of two times the eccentric offset, to be achieved. The use of worm gearing on the eccentric bushings prevents back-driving of the servo motors, due to the lead angle of the worm gears, and the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a magnetic target for generating a magnetic field that is uniform and concentric about a central axis of the target; an array of three-axis digital magnetic compasses for sensing the magnetic field; and a processor for finding intersection points of vectors from the compasses to the target. The vectors lie in a global X-Y plane that is normal to the central axis. Each vector indicates a direction of sensed magnetic field from one of the compasses to the magnetic target.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a shim fittable between first and second bodies, comprising: (a) placing optical targets in respective sets of holes in the first and second bodies; (b) scanning respective surfaces of the first and second bodies using a three-dimensional scanner to acquire point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data; (c) processing the point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data to derive first deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the first body from a nominal surface of the first body and second deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the second body from a nominal surface of the second body; (d) correlating the first deviation values with the second deviation values based on a best fit position of the first body relative to the second body; and (e) computing shim gap values based on the correlated first and second deviation values.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a shim fittable between first and second bodies, comprising: (a) placing optical targets in respective sets of holes in the first and second bodies; (b) scanning respective surfaces of the first and second bodies using a three-dimensional scanner to acquire point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data; (c) processing the point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data to derive first deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the first body from a nominal surface of the first body and second deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the second body from a nominal surface of the second body; (d) correlating the first deviation values with the second deviation values based on a best fit position of the first body relative to the second body; and (e) computing shim gap values based on the correlated first and second deviation values.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a shim fittable between first and second bodies, comprising: (a) placing optical targets in respective sets of holes in the first and second bodies; (b) scanning respective surfaces of the first and second bodies using a three-dimensional scanner to acquire point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data; (c) processing the point cloud scan data, measured hole vector data and other discrete feature data to derive first deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the first body from a nominal surface of the first body and second deviation values representing the deviation of the surface of the second body from a nominal surface of the second body; (d) correlating the first deviation values with the second deviation values based on a best fit position of the first body relative to the second body; and (e) computing shim gap values based on the correlated first and second deviation values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a tracking system and a controller in communication with the tracking system. The tracking system is configured to identify characteristics about a group of portable machines configured to perform a number of manufacturing operations on a workpiece. The controller is configured to control performance of the number of manufacturing operations on the workpiece using the characteristics about the group of portable machines identified using the tracking system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a tracking system and a controller in communication with the tracking system. The tracking system is configured to identify characteristics about a group of portable machines configured to perform a number of manufacturing operations on a workpiece. The controller is configured to control performance of the number of manufacturing operations on the workpiece using the characteristics about the group of portable machines identified using the tracking system.

Abstract: One side of an access panel is trimmed while an opposite side of the panel is secured in an opening between skin sheets on the underside of an aircraft wing. The trimming apparatus includes a frame secured to one of the skin sheets with a rail extending along an edge of the opening and a trim saw assembly slideable along the rail. The frame can be secured in position by several vacuum cups, and can include index flanges engageable against an edge of the opening for precise positioning of the rail and the trim saw assembly carried thereby.