Abstract: A portable, air powered drill has an automated feed system and an adjustable dwell for producing countersunk holes in a workpiece. The feed system uses hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic control logic to control the feed rate, and the dwell time of a countersink drill bit at the end of the drill stroke. A movable mechanical stop permits an operator user to adjust countersink depth. The control logic provides fully automatic feed of the drill bit, and adjustment of the dwell time to consistently produce identical countersunk holes in a variety of workpiece materials.

Abstract: A cutting tool lubrication system, suitable for use with portable, hand-held machine tools, automatically delivers single, pre-measured shots of oil to the cutting tool each time the operator powers up the machine tool. The lubrication system is carried on or with the tool and is operated by the same power source that drives the machine tool, such as compressed air. The lubrication system includes a lubricating fluid reservoir, a fluid pump, and a series of check valves for controlling the flow of fluid between the reservoir, the pump and a nozzle from which the fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: A feature of a countersink in a hole, such as the diameter, is measured by a gauge having a self centering, spherically shaped probe which shifts laterally upon engagement with the countersink side walls to as to align itself with the central axis of the hole. The gauge includes an outer tube gripped by a user during the measurement, and an axially displaceable shaft within the tube that drives an indicator dial. The shaft is coupled with the probe by a flexible connector which transmits axial displacement of the probe to the shaft but allows slight lateral movement of the probe relative to the shaft, permitting the probe to become centered within the countersink.

Abstract: A portable drill apparatus combines an air motor that drives a drill chuck in rotation, a linear actuator that drives the air motor and the drill chuck in linear reciprocating movements, and an electric motor that operates the linear actuator. The drill chuck, air motor, linear actuator, and electric motor are all connected together, end to end, enabling the apparatus to be easily manually transported and positioned. A separate programmable controller communicates with the electro-pneumatic drill apparatus and controls the operation of the apparatus to perform peck feed drilling on layers of different materials, and power feed drilling to drill and countersink to controlled depths.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thrust sensing valves are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing including an input port and an output port and further having a mounting portion adapted to be coupled to a manufacturing tool. A supply member is operatively coupled to the housing to provide a flow of the pressurized medium into the input port of the housing. Finally, an elongated body is operatively coupled to the housing and moveable along an axis between a first position corresponding to a first pressure output from the housing and a second position corresponding to a second pressure output from the housing. The elongated body is biased into the first position and moveable into the second position in the presence of a thrust force on the mounting portion.