Abstract: A multi-sensor omnidirectional camera or cameras where the virtual center of projections of the cameras are controlled using movable reflective surfaces. The virtual center of projections can be placed in closer proximity to one another than would otherwise be possible due to physical space limitations. In addition, the reflective surfaces can be controlled in such a way as to offset or compensate for different camera displacements and rotations in order to achieve a configuration where high fidelity to a natural field-of-view is attained. This proves beneficial in virtual reality applications where a high level of visual fidelity is necessary for full immersion.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided for removing the exposed pintail of a set fastener, such as blind fastener of the type commonly used in the aerospace industry. The tool comprises an air motor for rapidly rotating a relatively thin cutting disk made from a highly abrasive material. The tool is provided with an adjustment mechanism to control the distance of the cutting disk with respect to the surface in which the fastener is set. In operation, the cutting disk rapidly cuts through and removes the pintail so that it is substantially flush with the surrounding surface. A vacuum system also is provided inside the tool for collecting the severed pintails and related debris that results from the pintail cutting process.

Abstract: An installing tool having two way drive wrench portion particularly suited for installing wedge-locking type aircraft fasteners. The wrench portion is adapted to be installed on a driving tool. The wrench portion has at least a forwardly and a rearwardly mounted polygonally-shaped opening with a cage in each opening, each cage having a plurality of rollers mounted therein and loosely mounted within the polygonally shaped openings but retained therein. In operation, the wrench portion is placed over the fastener it is desired to install, the main body of the fastener, which may be cylindrical, entering the forward polygonally-shaped opening in the wrench portion and abutting against the rollers thereon which protrude inwardly toward the fastener. A nut portion of the fastener, which may be cylindrical, enters the rear opening. Rotation of the nut portion while holding the main body portion results in installation of the fastener without need for precise alignment of the wrench to the fastener.

Abstract: A blind fastener is provided for connecting two workpieces together, comprising an internally threaded fastener body and an externally threaded stem passing in threaded engagement therewith. A drive nut is mounted on the stem in contact with the fastener body for preventing rotation thereof upon turning of the stem to install the fastener. The outer end of the stem has a cap nut to enable turning of the stem. Both the drive nut and cap nut are engaged by wrench components of an installation tool to cause turning motion of the stem relative to the fastener body to deform a sleeve around the fastener body into contact with one surface of the two workpieces. Although the fastener may vary in size depending upon the nature of the two workpieces to be connected together, the outer dimensions of the drive nut and cap nut remain constant for all fasteners regardless of differing stem diameters of different size fasteners.

Abstract: A blind fastener is provided for connecting two workpieces together, comprising an internally threaded fastener body and an externally threaded stem passing in threaded engagement therewith. A drive nut is mounted on the stem in contact with the fastener body for preventing rotation thereof upon turning of the stem to install the fastener. The outer end of the stem has a cap nut to enable turning of the stem. Both the drive nut and cap nut are engaged by wrench components of an installation tool to cause turning motion of the stem relative to the fastener body to deform a sleeve around the fastener body into contact with one surface of the two workpieces. Although the fastener may vary in size depending upon the nature of the two workpieces to be connected together, the outer dimensions of the drive nut and cap nut remain constant for all fasteners regardless of differing stem diameters of different size fasteners.

Abstract: A tactile engaging wrenching tool adapted for use in the installation of blind bolt fasteners. The wrenching tool includes a wrench adaptor for engaging the fastener screw and a nose-piece for holding the fastener head while the screw is turned to set the fastener. A clutch assembly is provided which transmits a light torque load to the wrench adaptor while the nose-piece is engaging the nut head. The clutch assembly is designed to provide a high torque load to the wrench adaptor to turn the screw and seat the fastener only after the nose-piece has been biased into a secure engagement with the fastener. The wrenching tool mechanism is especially well-suited for use in systems for automatic installation of blind bolt fasteners.