Abstract: Spindle assemblies with inline direct drive feed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a manufacturing system includes a support structure configured to be positioned proximate a workpiece, a carriage moveably coupled to the support structure, and a head assembly coupled to the carriage. The head assembly includes a spindle assembly, comprising a feed unit and a spindle unit. The feed unit includes a feed motor coupled to a drive mechanism, the feed motor and the drive mechanism being disposed along a longitudinal axis of the spindle assembly. The spindle unit has an aft end operatively coupled to the drive mechanism of the feed unit, the spindle unit including a fluid-driven motor coupled to a tool collet chuck, the spindle unit being configured to translate along the longitudinal axis by actuation of the feed motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for concentric clamping for manufacturing assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drilling assembly includes a spindle assembly configured to perform a drilling operation at a drilling location on a workpiece, and a clamping assembly having an actuator concentrically disposed about the spindle assembly. A nosepiece is coupled to the actuator and is configured to apply a clamping force concentrically about the drilling location on the workpiece. The actuator may include an inner housing having an outwardly extending flange, and an outer housing disposed about the flange of the inner housing. Pressurization of a first chamber moves the inner housing forwardly and applies the clamping force of the nosepiece against the workpiece, and pressurization of a second chamber moves the inner housing aftwardly and retracts the nosepiece away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A collet clamping nosepiece for a power feed drill is described which includes at least one clamping piston located along a centerline of the nosepiece, an expansion mandrel comprising a frusto-conical exterior surface, and an expandable collet. The expandable collet is configured to substantially surround the expansion mandrel and operatively connect to the at least one clamping piston. Operation of the at least one clamping piston causes the mandrel to move along the exterior surface of the expansion mandrel for engagement and disengagement of the collet with a bore configured for insertion of the collet.

Abstract: An adjustable drill microstop apparatus is employed with a drill and a drill bit to limit the depth of a hole drilled into an object surface by the drill bit. The apparatus has a housing and a nose piece that is mounted for reciprocating axial movement in accordance with a plurality of user selectable depths of cut. The nose piece projects from one end of the housing and is positioned adjacent the object surface to receive the drilled hole. The nose piece has an opening into which the drill bit is inserted, and an engagement surface that engages with the object surface during the drilling operation. During the drilling operation, the drill pushes the nose piece into the housing as the drill bit performs the drilling operation. A pre-selected distance that the nose piece reciprocates in the housing limits the depth of the hole drilled by the drill bit into the object surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a video aid to assembly system and methods of using the system for providing production personnel access to manufacturing drawing information with minimum user intervention. The system scrolls manufacturing drawings automatically as a monitor is moved relative to a workpiece so that the manufacturing drawing corresponds with the identical location on the workpiece. The system also eliminates the need to store, retrieve, and maintain individual hardcopy drawings. In addition, the color capabilities of the system improve detailed part recognition and provide the ability to highlight items that require special attention. Moreover, mark-ups, such as build instructions or modifications, can be electronically overlaid on the drawing without modifying the original assembly drawing.

Abstract: The present invention is a video aid to assembly system and methods of using the system for providing production personnel access to manufacturing drawing information with minimum user intervention. The system scrolls manufacturing drawings automatically as a monitor is moved relative to a workpiece so that the manufacturing drawing corresponds with the identical location on the workpiece. The system also eliminates the need to store, retrieve, and maintain individual hardcopy drawings. In addition, the color capabilities of the system improve detailed part recognition and provide the ability to highlight items that require special attention. Moreover, mark-ups, such as build instructions or modifications, can be electronically overlaid on the drawing without modifying the original assembly drawing.