Abstract: A cutting tool for use in an orbital drilling machine may include a cutting-tool body having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cutting edges supported on the cutting-tool body and distributed circumferentially around the cutting-tool body. Each cutting edge may extend along the longitudinal axis in a respective helix. A circumferential spacing may be defined between each pair of circumferentially adjacent cutting edges for each position of the longitudinal axis along which the cutting edges extend. The circumferential spacing between at least first and second cutting edges of the plurality of cutting edges may be different at spaced-apart first and second positions along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a cutting tool for forming a final opening in a stack that includes at least two layers and a pilot opening having a pilot-opening dimension and extending through at least one of the at least two layers. The cutting tool includes a shank. The cutting tool also includes a first portion including at least one of a first coating or the first coating and a second coating, wherein the first coating at least partially covers the first portion. The cutting tool also includes a second portion between the shank and the first portion, wherein the second portion includes the second coating, and wherein the second coating at least partially covers the second portion.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use in an orbital drilling machine may include a cutting-tool body having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cutting edges supported on the cutting-tool body and distributed circumferentially around the cutting-tool body. Each cutting edge may extend along the longitudinal axis in a respective helix. A circumferential spacing may be defined between each pair of circumferentially adjacent cutting edges for each position of the longitudinal axis along which the cutting edges extend. The circumferential spacing between at least first and second cutting edges of the plurality of cutting edges may be different at spaced-apart first and second positions along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a cutting tool for forming a final opening in a stack that includes at least two layers and a pilot opening having a pilot-opening dimension and extending through at least one of the at least two layers. The cutting tool includes a shank. The cutting tool also includes a first portion including at least one of a first coating or the first coating and a second coating, wherein the first coating at least partially covers the first portion. The cutting tool also includes a second portion between the shank and the first portion, wherein the second portion includes the second coating, and wherein the second coating at least partially covers the second portion.

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 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 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 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: One embodiment of a fastening apparatus may include at least one of a fastener and a collar having a code with information regarding the fastener and/or collar. The code may be communicated to one or more databases of a computer. The fastener and/or collar may be tightened, located, maintained, and/or inspected according to the code and/or database information.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fastening apparatus may include at least one of a fastener and a collar having a code with information regarding the fastener and/or collar. The code may be communicated to one or more databases of a computer. The fastener and/or collar may be tightened, located, maintained, and/or inspected according to the code and/or database information.