Abstract: A method is provided for assessing accuracy of positioning a NC machine having a spindle that is movable along each of at least two mutually orthogonal translational axes. The method Includes creating a master flame of reference relative to the translational axes by moving the machine along first and second translational axes. For each translational axis, coordinates of a target mounted adjacent the spindle are determined at a number of points along the respective translational axis. A linear fit of the coordinates is then calculated so as to create a set of mutually orthogonal axes defining the master frame of reference. Accuracy of positioning the machine in the master frame of reference is checked by positioning the spindle at a number of locations, measuring the coordinates of the target for each location, and determining errors in positioning of the machine by based upon the measured coordinates and machine-determined coordinates.

Abstract: Positioning errors of a numerically controlled machine and a fixture are related through a mathematical model to the statistical total error in the position of the machine tool, and maximum allowable amounts are assigned for each of the individual contributing factors to the total error. The relationship between the machine and fixture is checked by a probe mounted in the machine spindle. Functioning and alignment of the probe are checked with the probe. Global positioning accuracy of the machine is checked throughout a working envelope of the machine using a laser measuring instrument. A master coordinate system relative to the ways of the machine is created within the laser instrument by calculating a linear fit of machine position coordinates acquired as the machine is moved along each of two perpendicular axes of the machine, and the master coordinate system is used for the global accuracy and fixture accuracy checks.

Abstract: A zipper pull tab comprises a U-shaped rod containing hooked ends, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly contains rod passageway cavities and rod engagement cavities that will accept the insertion and engagement of the U-shaped rod with the hooked ends. The U-shaped rod is connected to a zipper slider through the connection arch, and then the U-shaped rod and the handle assembly are forcibly joined using complimentary engagement features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure foot that applies a clamping pressure to an area undergoing drilling or fastening operations on a joint formed by a first panel and a second panel. The pressure foot includes a front clamp for pressing against a front side of the area undergoing the drilling or fastening operations, and a carriage for moving the front clamp along a length and width of the joint formed by the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool position detection assembly that aligns a tool relative to a feature within a lap joint of a first panel and a second panel. The detection assembly includes an indexing device engageable to the feature. The indexing device includes a reflecting member having a width. The assembly also includes an end-effector movable along at least one axis parallel to the lap joint for positioning the tool. The end-effector has a dual laser device for detecting when the device is aligned with the reflecting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum fastened guide that supports and facilitates movements of a machining device along at least one component to be operated upon. The guide includes a primary rail that is vacuum coupled to the component. The primary rail includes a primary tube portion for slideable engagement with the machining device, and a primary contact platform coupled to the primary tube portion for forming a vacuum between the primary rail and the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar that upsets a shank of a rivet. The bucking bar includes an L-shaped bucking die having a wide section and a thin angular section capable of sliding between an obstacle and the shank. The L-shaped bucking bar consists of Tungsten Carbide. The bucking bar also includes a bucking bar arm coupled to the wide section of the L-shaped bucking die for positioning the thin angular section of the bucking die between the obstacle and the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar assembly that positions a bucking bar for clamping a first panel and a second panel along a lap joint and upsets a rivet to fasten the first panel to the second panel at the lap joint. The assembly includes a lateral carriage system for moving the bucking bar along a length of the lap joint, and a rotational carriage system for rotating the bucking bar relative to the lateral carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable process for automated fastening of aircraft structures. The invention will employ two primary elements for locating and installing through-the-skin fasteners. Inside and outside units are attached onto an airframe and indexed to each other through coordination holes that have been pre-drilled through the structure. The aircraft structure is assembled with the pre-drilled coordination holes by aligning adjacent airframe parts and inserting alignment pins. The alignment pins will provide a degree of clamping to pull the parts together and provide indexing for inside and outside vacuum attachment track systems. The invention is equipped to traverse along the track system, accurately position itself, and drill only or countersink a hole, insert a fastener, and fasten, i.e., upset a rivet, or run down a threaded nut, then reposition itself to the next fastener location and repeat the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protrusion sensor that determines the acceptability of a rivet within a component. The sensor includes a baseline detector which remains stationary, a movable detector which moves with a bucking bar module and produces a first signal proportionate to a distance between the baseline detector and the movable detector, and a CPU electronically connected to the movable detector and receiving the first signal.

Abstract: An axial flow passageway includes a bulbous chamber (8) that is circular in cross section and has a smoothly curved sidewall that blends into the fluid line in which the fuse (2) is installed. The cross-sectional diameters of the chamber (8) increase from a predetermined diameter at the inlet and outlet ends to a maximum diameter at an intermediate portion of the chamber (8). A circular plug (12) is concentric with the axis of the flow passageway and has a maximum diameter equal to said predetermined diameter. The plug (12) moves in the axial direction between an intermediate equilibrium position and first and second closed positions in which the plug's periphery seats against the sidewall of the chamber (8). In the equilibrium position, there is an annular flow passageway between said periphery and said sidewall. A spring (22) biases the plug (12) in its equilibrium position.