Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a drilling tool of a drilling apparatus relative to a workpiece includes a cage mounted to the drilling apparatus such that the cage at least partially surrounds the drilling tool. The cage includes an end portion that includes an alignment surface that is configured to be engaged in physical contact with a workpiece surface of the workpiece. The alignment surface of the cage is oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends approximately normal to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage is in contact with the workpiece surface. The positioning device also includes a laser projector mounted to the cage such that the laser projector is configured to project an illuminated dot onto the workpiece surface that indicates where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A gripping system for securing a work piece includes a clamp device, a rotary actuator, and a control circuit. The clamp device includes a ball screw mechanism and a jaw portion that has multiple grip fingers. The ball screw mechanism includes a shaft and a holder assembly. The shaft extends through the holder assembly and is configured for displacement along a central axis of the jaw portion. A distal tip of the shaft engages the grip fingers. The control circuit controls the rotary actuator to drive rotation of the shaft relative to the holder assembly, causing displacement of the shaft along the central axis. The displacement of the shaft causes the distal tip of the shaft to force the grip fingers to move in a radial direction away from the central axis to provide a clamp force on the work piece.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a drilling tool of a drilling apparatus relative to a workpiece includes a cage mounted to the drilling apparatus such that the cage at least partially surrounds the drilling tool. The cage includes an end portion that includes an alignment surface that is configured to be engaged in physical contact with a workpiece surface of the workpiece. The alignment surface of the cage is oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends approximately normal to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage is in contact with the workpiece surface. The positioning device also includes a laser projector mounted to the cage such that the laser projector is configured to project an illuminated dot onto the workpiece surface that indicates where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A gripping system for securing a work piece includes a clamp device, a rotary actuator, and a control circuit. The clamp device includes a ball screw mechanism and a jaw portion that has multiple grip fingers. The ball screw mechanism includes a shaft and a holder assembly. The shaft extends through the holder assembly and is configured for displacement along a central axis of the jaw portion. A distal tip of the shaft engages the grip fingers. The control circuit controls the rotary actuator to drive rotation of the shaft relative to the holder assembly, causing displacement of the shaft along the central axis. The displacement of the shaft causes the distal tip of the shaft to force the grip fingers to move in a radial direction away from the central axis to provide a clamp force on the work piece.