Abstract: A machining tool incorporates a shaft having a first end configured to fit into a machining collet. A cutting portion extends from a second end of the shaft. A residual stress inducer is located between the first and second ends and includes a torsion element joined to the shaft at a connection end. A carbide tip is present on a free end opposite the connection end and the torsion element is configured such that a selected rotational speed, altered from a normal cutting speed, causes the carbide tip of the torsion element to contact a workpiece surface.

Abstract: A machining tool incorporates a shaft having a first end configured to fit into a machining collet. A cutting portion extends from a second end of the shaft. A residual stress inducer is located between the first and second ends and includes a torsion element joined to the shaft at a connection end. A carbide tip is present on a free end opposite the connection end and the torsion element is configured such that a selected rotational speed, altered from a normal cutting speed, causes the carbide tip of the torsion element to contact a workpiece surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions and an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.

Abstract: A robotic system comprises an end effector including an electromagnetic clamp, a force sensor attached to the end effector for measuring force exerted by the clamp against a work piece surface, and a plurality of normality sensors. The normality sensors are positioned about the force sensor to determine whether the clamp is normal to the surface before the force sensor makes contact with the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a fastener system. A fastener installation tool may be placed on a surface of an object. An elongate structure may be attached to the fastener installation tool and may have a length. A camera may be associated with the fastener installation tool in which the camera may be configured with a focal length corresponding to the length of the elongate structure. The camera also may be configured to capture an image at least a portion of the fastener system when the elongate structure is placed against the surface of the object on which the fastener system is located. The image of the at least a portion of fastener system may be captured.

Abstract: A robotic system comprises an end effector including an electromagnetic clamp, a force sensor attached to the end effector for measuring force exerted by the clamp against a work piece surface, and a plurality of normality sensors. The normality sensors are positioned about the force sensor to determine whether the clamp is normal to the surface before the force sensor makes contact with the surface.

Abstract: A system for removing debris generated by a cutting tool draws the debris into a mixing chamber formed in a workpiece clamp where the debris is combined with a high velocity airflow. A vacuum source draws the debris-air mixture into a cyclonic airflow extraction chamber where the mixture is accelerated before being extracted from the clamp through an exhaust channel. A clamping ring seals the area surrounding the cutting site so that air velocity in the mixing chamber is increased and debris is accelerated into the extraction chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.

Abstract: A system for removing debris generated by a cutting tool draws the debris into a mixing chamber formed in a workpiece clamp where the debris is combined with a high velocity airflow. A vacuum source draws the debris-air mixture into a cyclonic airflow extraction chamber where the mixture is accelerated before being extracted from the clamp through an exhaust channel. A clamping ring seals the area surrounding the cutting site so that air velocity in the mixing chamber is increased and debris is accelerated into the extraction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a containment chamber, a foam inlet, a vacuum port, and an air inlet. The containment chamber is a walled structure having a foam inlet. The surrounding of the foam inlet is shaped to correspond to the internal dimensions or surface structure of an aircraft fuselage or other aerospace structure. Because the surrounding of the foam inlet corresponds to the shape of the insulated structure, the containment apparatus may be mated with the portion of the structure having the insulation removed or captured. The vacuum port of the apparatus is connectable to a vacuum source, and the apparatus is utilized to suction particulate foam material from the insulated structure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a containment chamber, a foam inlet, a vacuum port, and an air inlet. The containment chamber is a walled structure having a foam inlet. The surrounding of the foam inlet is shaped to correspond to the internal dimensions or surface structure of an aircraft fuselage or other aerospace structure. Because the surrounding of the foam inlet corresponds to the shape of the insulated structure, the containment apparatus may be mated with the portion of the structure having the insulation removed or captured. The vacuum port of the apparatus is connectable to a vacuum source, and the apparatus is utilized to suction particulate foam material from the insulated structure.