Abstract: Embodiments herein provide drill hole location transfer between remote components. One embodiment is an apparatus for replicating drill holes of a first workpiece on a second workpiece remotely located from the first workpiece. The apparatus includes an interface to receive coordinate data of first alignment pins installed to first template holes of a first drill plate, and a receptacle to receive a second drill plate having second template holes that match a pattern of the first templates holes of the first drill plate. A pin setting device moves a reference member in a plane over the receptacle, and positions the reference member with respect to the second drill plate based on the coordinate data of the first alignment pins, thus indicating locations within the second template holes to position drill bushings for replicating the first holes of the first workpiece on the second workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide drill hole location transfer between remote components. One embodiment is an apparatus for replicating drill holes of a first workpiece on a second workpiece remotely located from the first workpiece. The apparatus includes an interface to receive coordinate data of first alignment pins installed to first template holes of a first drill plate, and a receptacle to receive a second drill plate having second template holes that match a pattern of the first templates holes of the first drill plate. A pin setting device moves a reference member in a plane over the receptacle, and positions the reference member with respect to the second drill plate based on the coordinate data of the first alignment pins, thus indicating locations within the second template holes to position drill bushings for replicating the first holes of the first workpiece on the second workpiece.

Abstract: Ergonomic puncture-resistant pads are disclosed. An example disclosed herein includes a first layer configured to be adjacent a person and to conform to the person; a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer configured to resist puncture; and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer including a flexible support structure extending away from the second layer, the third layer configured to support the person and to conform to a shape of a surface supporting the person, the flexible support structure configured to contact the surface, the flexible support structure including cavities to receive at least one object protruding from the surface to isolate the person from the at least one protruding object.

Abstract: A method, automated workstation, and computer system for automatically adjusting a workpiece to suit a particular operator is provided. An operator can be identified by scanning an identification badge, using facial recognition, or voice recognition. A physiological profile for the identified operator is then retrieved. A work station holding a workpiece is then automatically adjusted to set the workpiece at a height and/or orientation that is ergonomically beneficial for the operator.

Abstract: Ergonomic puncture-resistant pads are disclosed. An example disclosed herein includes a first layer configured to be adjacent a person and to conform to the person; a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer configured to resist puncture; and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer including a flexible support structure extending away from the second layer, the third layer configured to support the person and to conform to a shape of a surface supporting the person, the flexible support structure configured to contact the surface, the flexible support structure including cavities to receive at least one object protruding from the surface to isolate the person from the at least one protruding object.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fastener holes of two components. An alignment fixture includes two mating fixtures. Each mating fixture includes a reference plate that is aligned to the fastener holes of one of the components. Each mating fixture also includes an alignment device. The alignment devices can be aligned with the respective reference plates such that the alignment between the reference plates and the fastener holes are transferred to the alignment devices. Once aligned, the alignment devices can be temporarily attached to the respective components at locations away from the fastener holes. The reference plates can then be removed. Thereafter, the components can be brought together such that mating features on the alignment devices engage. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.

Abstract: A method, automated workstation, and computer system for automatically adjusting a workpiece to suit a particular operator is provided. An operator can be identified by scanning an identification badge, using facial recognition, or voice recognition. A physiological profile for the identified operator is then retrieved. A work station holding a workpiece is then automatically adjusted to set the workpiece at a height and/or orientation that is ergonomically beneficial for the operator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning fastener holes of two components. An alignment fixture includes two mating fixtures. Each mating fixture includes a reference plate that is aligned to the fastener holes of one of the components. Each mating fixture also includes an alignment device. The alignment devices can be aligned with the respective reference plates such that the alignment between the reference plates and the fastener holes are transferred to the alignment devices. Once aligned, the alignment devices can be temporarily attached to the respective components at locations away from the fastener holes. The reference plates can then be removed. Thereafter, the components can be brought together such that mating features on the alignment devices engage. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a flexible electromagnetic clamp that may be utilized to provide an adjustable clamping force to a wide variety of non-planar surfaces. One embodiment comprises an electromagnetic clamp that includes a pair of electromagnetic members and a current source. The electromagnetic members are disposed on opposing sides of an assembly to be clamped. Each electromagnetic member includes a flexible bladder that includes ferromagnetic filings, an electrical winding wrapped around the bladder, and a flexible sleeve wrapped around the electrical winding and the bladder. The electrical winding generates a magnetic field across the bladder that is based on an applied current. The current source is electrically coupled to each electrical winding and controls a clamping force applied by the electromagnetic members to the assembly based on the applied current.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a flexible electromagnetic clamp that may be utilized to provide an adjustable clamping force to a wide variety of non-planar surfaces. One embodiment comprises an electromagnetic clamp that includes a pair of electromagnetic members and a current source. The electromagnetic members are disposed on opposing sides of an assembly to be clamped. Each electromagnetic member includes a flexible bladder that includes ferromagnetic filings, an electrical winding wrapped around the bladder, and a flexible sleeve wrapped around the electrical winding and the bladder. The electrical winding generates a magnetic field across the bladder that is based on an applied current. The current source is electrically coupled to each electrical winding and controls a clamping force applied by the electromagnetic members to the assembly based on the applied current.