Abstract: A burrless, flexible track drilling system employing a counterweight tool balancing subsystem. The counterweight tool balancing subsystem provides essentially a “weightless” feel to a machining subassembly of the system that carries a drill and an electromagnet. This enables an operator to move the machining subassembly vertically with only a very minimal degree of effort being required. The machining subassembly also includes a plurality of lifting subassemblies that aid the user in lifting and lowering the electromagnet away from and toward a pair of panels on which a drilling operation is being performed. This also significantly reduces operator fatigue and contributes to a highly ergonomic system.

Abstract: A drilling machine, in particular a core hole drilling machine, having a mount on which an electromagnet is provided for attachment to a metal part on which a drilling unit is supported in displaceable fashion, wherein the drilling unit has a housing that accommodates an electric motor for driving a tool, is provided. There is provided a controller having at least one switch for switching on and off the electric motor and the electromagnet. The controller includes an operating and supervisory panel that is supported on an end of the housing opposite the tool. The switch for switching on and off the electromagnet and for switching off the electric motor is designed so that in the activated condition of the electric motor any operation of the controller will first cause the electric motor to be switched off before the electromagnet can be switched off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counterbalanced manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a base, a tool support assembly, and a biasing device. The tool support assembly includes a first component coupled to the base and a second component moveable along a translation axis relative to the first component. The second component is configured to be coupled to a tool operable to perform the manufacturing operation on a workpiece. The biasing device includes a first portion coupled to the first component, a second portion coupled to the second component, and a control component. The first and second portions are moveably coupled and configured to apply a biasing force to the second component to at least partially counterbalance a force exerted on the second component along the translation axis by a weight of the tool support assembly and the tool during performance of the manufacturing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus having a single, elongated flexible rail with a plurality of attachment devices connected to the rail and spaced at intervals therealong for releasably affixing the rail to a surface of a work piece by vacuum. The rail bends and twists as needed to substantially follow the surface of the work piece. An X-axis carriage is coupled to the rail and adapted to traverse the rail along an X-axis, wherein the X-axis is parallel to a length of the rail. A Y-axis carriage is coupled to the X-axis and adapted to traverse the X-axis carriage along a Y-axis, wherein the Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis. A fastening device clamps the X-axis carriage to the Y-axis carriage. A laser associated with the X-axis carriage facilitates precise locating of a drill carried by the apparatus relative to a spot where a hole is to be drilled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use are disclosed for coordinating a hole of one part with a hole of another part. The apparatus may include a base member, a pin member defined by a slot having a first length in one direction which is greater than a second length in a second direction, and an index member extending beyond an end of the base member. The index member may be adapted to position the first length of the slot in a position parallel to a datum of a part being joined by the apparatus. During operation, a portion of the pin member may be inserted in a hole of one part. The slot may be at least partially aligned with a second, smaller hole in another part.

Abstract: A chip evacuation device for evacuating chips from a workpiece is disclosed. The chip evacuation device includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween. The sidewall defines an interior between the first end and the second end and has a moveably biased portion. The first end is structured to contact the workpiece, and defines at least one vent hold extending through the sidewall adjacent the workpiece. The second end of the sleeve is structured to receive at least a portion of the cutting tool therethrough. The chip evacuation device also includes a vacuum apparatus in flow communication with the interior of the sleeve. A machine tool having a tool bit and a chip evacuation device surrounding the tool bit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A section member cutting or drilling machine tool comprises a bearing or supporting surface for bearing a metal section member work piece thereon, a sliding guide extending parallel to the feeding, cutting and unloading surface of the machine tool and slidably supporting a contact plate in the form of a controllably energizable, respectively disenergizable magnet, the magnet plate being controllably driven by a controllable motor which, through a geared unit, drives a pinion-rack assembly arranged parallel to the sliding guide.

Abstract: A rotary cutting machine 10, if inclined at large angles, provides positive supply of a cutting oil and avoids leakage of the cutting oil. The machine 10 has a machine body 14 and an arbor 18. An oil tank 50 is mountable to the machine body 14 so that the oil tank 50 is oriented at a given angular position about the central axis of the arbor 18. The tank body 54 has an interior space. The interior space is divided into a first interior part and a second interior part by an imaginary plane containing the central axis of rotation of the arbor. The first interior part is less in volume than the second interior part.

Abstract: A portable boring machine for cutting holes in a cutting surface is provided. The portable boring machine includes a vacuum system to secure a front end of the portable boring machine to a cutting surface, a hydraulic boring sub-assembly, which includes a hole saw to cut holes in the cutting surface, a water cooling/lubrication system to provide cooling and/or lubrication to the hole saw during the cutting process, and a control system to control the operation of the portable boring machine. The portable boring machine also includes multiple power-driven wheels. The wheels are attached to a bottom portion of a frame and are powered by an engine, which is mounted within the frame.

Abstract: A drill press includes a housing and a motor assembly, with a motor carriage attached to the housing. The motor assembly includes an electric motor and drill bit, and the motor carriage is operable for moving the motor assembly relative to the housing. A base, coupled to a portion of the housing, is operable for magnetically coupling the tool to a workpiece. The drill press also includes a DC power source and an AC power input for providing power to the motor. A power supply switching unit, electrically coupled to DC power source and the AC power input, selectively electrically couples the motor with one of the DC power source and the AC power input for providing power to the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes in a glass plate has a supporting member for sucking and supporting a glass plate which is used for an automobile window or the like, as described later, and the supporting member is comprised of a suction pad for sucking the glass plate and a pair of supports for supporting the glass plate on an outer side of the suction pad. The supports are detachably mounted on the outer side of the suction pad, and the supporting member is adapted to rotate about the suction pad in an R direction. The apparatus for drilling holes in a glass plate further includes a hole forming means for forming in the glass plate holes shown in FIG. 7; a supporting means having the supporting member and for supporting the glass plate in which the holes are to be formed by the hole forming means; and a transporting means for transporting onto the supporting means the glass plate in which the holes are to be formed.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of drilled holes, cut-outs, plane surfaces or the like, includes an attachment structure, which is designed for the attachment of the device to at least one component to be machined, a feed device, which is designed to track a drill of a drilling machine, and a control device for controlling the feed device and a drilling machine. In one example, the feed device includes a support for the drilling machine, which is arranged substantially in the center of a crossbeam.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vacuum cup assembly includes a housing having a vacuum generator formed therein, and a compliant sealing member coupled to the housing. The vacuum generator is coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid and is adapted to generate a reduced pressure region. The sealing member forms an enclosable region in fluid communication with the reduced pressure region. In another embodiment, a method of performing a manufacturing operation includes installing a coordinating pin into an indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. The quantum of indexing information is sensed, and a manufacturing operation is performed based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.

Abstract: A burrless, flexible track drilling system employing a counterweight tool balancing subsystem. The counterweight tool balancing subsystem provides essentially a “weightless” feel to a machining subassembly of the system that carries a drill and an electromagnet. This enables an operator to move the machining subassembly vertically with only a very minimal degree of effort being required. The machining subassembly also includes a plurality of lifting subassemblies that aid the user in lifting and lowering the electromagnet away from and toward a pair of panels on which a drilling operation is being performed. This also significantly reduces operator fatigue and contributes to a highly ergonomic system.

Abstract: A drill press is magnetically mounted on a steel plate which is clamped to a manhole cover by three L-shaped clamps. The L-shaped clamps are mounted in slots defined by brackets located on the periphery of the steel plate. Enlargements are provided on the L-shaped clamps to keep the L-shaped clamps from falling out of the slots.

Abstract: An edge finishing system for items such as polycarbonate panels. The system includes a multi-purpose edge-finishing tool which trims and smoothes the edges of a workpiece. The tool includes a contour cutter portion having a concave toroidal surface and a straight cutter portion having a cylindrical shape. A flute extends generally along with the tool's axis and defines a straight cutting edge and contour cutting edge. The system may include a fixture with vacuum cups nested within a platform so as to secure a contoured workpiece by static friction, permitting edges of the workpiece to be both trimmed and smoothly finished using a multi-purpose edge finishing tool, without marring or disfiguring the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging and removing contaminants from a surface of a machine tool. The apparatus includes an arbor, a vacuum source, a tube, and a cleaning member disposed proximate a distal end of the tube. The cleaning member contacts a surface of the machine tool to dislodge contaminants. The contaminants are drawn through the tube by the vacuum source.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning and holding a tool (3) relative to a workpiece (35) comprising a carriage (1) for conveying the tool over the surface of the workpiece (35) and means (7, 9, 11, 13) for holding the carriage (1) onto the surface of the workpiece (35), the holding means being selectively switchable between a low grip state in which the carriage (1) is held against the workpiece surface whilst remaining capable of movement relative thereto and a high grip state in which the carriage (1) is held substantially fixedly to the workpiece surface for the tool (3) in use to operate thereon. Such an arrangement provides a robot capable of “crawling” over a workpiece (35) and carrying out precise manufacturing operations thereon.

Abstract: A laser-guided coordination hole tool for precisely drilling holes in large parts includes a positioning table, a bushing cavity for receiving drill bushings, a clamping device, and a laser target. A laser-guided coordination hole tool may include a software interlock to prevent drilling in an improper location on the part. A method of drilling coordination holes includes probing a part to determine its reference frame, rigidly affixing a laser-guided coordination hole tool to the part, probing a target on the laser-guided coordination hole tool to determine the reference frame for the laser-guided coordination hole tool, accurately positioning a drill bushing over the hole location, and drilling a hole. A system for drilling coordination holes includes a laser-guided coordination hole tool, a bushing, a tooling, a drill motor, a laser tracker, and a computer running a coordination-hole drilling program.

Abstract: A guide assembly for use with a rotating bit when forming an opening in a stone countertop. The assembly includes a base unit having an annular, resiliently flexible body with a ring-shaped suction cup at its lower end. The suction cup forms a seal about the bottom of the base unit that forms a reservoir for holding water during the cutting operation. A rigid ring-shaped insert is mounted in the resilient body and includes a plurality of upwardly projecting mounting pegs. Flat, disk-shaped guide bushings are interchangeably mountable to the pegs atop the base unit, and have central guide openings of different sizes for different sizes of bits. The guide bushings are formed of a rigid, low-friction material, such as a low-friction polymeric material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counterbalanced manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tool relative to a surface of a workpiece includes a base adapted to be attached to the workpiece, a tool support coupled to the base, and a biasing device coupled to both the base and the tool support. The tool support is moveable relative to the base along a translation axis, and the biasing device is biasable along a biasing axis that is at least partially along the translation axis. The biasing device is adapted to at least partially counterbalance a force (e.g. a gravitational force) exerted on the tool support along the translation axis.

Abstract: A power assisted drill press having a feed cylinder fed by a variable pressure regulator which allows a user to controllably feed a bit and work material together while activating a drill motor to rotate the bit. An embodiment of the power assisted drill press utilizes a suction cup and venturi system for attachment of the press to a surface work material. The drill press uniquely allows a person to variably activate the feed cylinder and also activate the drill motor with a single hand.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for servo-controlled manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, a drive platform spaced apart from the base member by a separation distance, and a plurality of guide members extending between the drive platform and the base member. At least one of the drive platform and the base member are moveable along the guide members to increase or decrease the separation distance. The apparatus also includes a drive member operatively coupled between the drive platform and the base member, and a servo motor operatively coupled to the drive member. As the servo motor drives the drive member, the separation distance is varied. In an alternate embodiment, a manufacturing tool may be coupled to at least one of the drive platform and the base member.

Abstract: A flexible rail machine tool couples temporarily to a structure by vacuum cups and positions a tool head at any desired point over an area. The toolhead can perform operations such as drilling, bolt insertion, and acquisition of dimension data. The flexible rail can conform to surface curvature in one or more axes. Tool head perpendicularity to the structure can be sensed and adjusted as needed. The as-attached position of the rail may be compensated for through coordinate transformation, allowing holes, for example, to be placed with substantial precision.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, and a carriage moveably coupled to the track assembly. The carriage includes a tool support adapted to receive and support a manufacturing tool. An opposing-force support assembly is operatively coupled to the carriage and is adapted to be secured to the workpiece. The opposing-force support assembly at least partially counterbalances a manufacturing force exerted on the workpiece by the manufacturing tool.

Abstract: An automatic position-locking tool carrier apparatus and method include a carriage that rides on a first rail and a second rail translatably connected to the carriage perpendicular to the first rail. Pinion gears that engage with the two rails are attached to the carriage and coupled to position encoders which transmit position signals to a controller. The controller produces control signals to control brake mechanisms coupled to the pinion gears. Translational motion of the carriage and the second rail are limited or prevented when the position of the carriage and the second rail are within predetermined limitations from a predetermined location, fixing the position of an end-effector head attached at one end of the second rail. The carriage and the second rail are propelled by forces external to the system.

Abstract: A power assisted drill press having a feed cylinder fed by a variable pressure regulator which allows a user to controllably feed a bit and work material together while activating a drill motor to rotate the bit. An embodiment of the power assisted drill press utilizes a suction cup and venturi system for attachment of the press to a surface work material. The drill press uniquely allows a person to variably activate the feed cylinder and also activate the drill motor with a single hand.

Abstract: A drill stand for a core drilling machine (1) for driving an annular core bit (2) rotatable about a rotational axis (A) has a base plate formed of a post plate (3) and a vacuum plate (6) securable with each other with a possibility of displacement relative to each other in a plane (E) separating the post and vacuum plates (3,6), at least one post (5), an attachment element (4) for securing the post (5) on the post plate (3); and a vacuum planar attachment element (7) for mounting the base plate on a surface.

Abstract: A rotary cutting apparatus comprises a rotary shaft assembly having an axis and adapted to hold a cutting tool coaxial with the axis and, a feed mechanism for moving the cutting tool held by the rotary shaft assembly along the axis of the rotary shaft assembly. The rotary shaft assembly comprises a proximal rotary shaft, an intermediate, a distal rotary shaft which are successively telescopically connected, and a cylindrical housing rotatably holding the distal rotary shaft and movable along the axis together with the distal rotary shaft. The feed mechanism comprises a first rack mounted on the cylindrical housing and extending in parallel with the axis of the rotary shaft assembly, a second rack securely mounted on the body in parallel with the first rack; and, a pinion positioned between and engaged with the first and second racks.

Abstract: A cutter driving apparatus has a spindle, a base, and a transmission shaft. The spindle has a cutter attached thereto. The base moves along the axis of the spindle. The spindle moves integrally with the base along the axis of the spindle. The base has a pair of support rods. The support rods are disposed apart from the spindle. The transmission shaft transmits a power to the base through the support rods so as to move the base along the axis of the spindle. This structure provides the cutter driving apparatus that facilitates boring operations by boring machines.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: A hole cutting tool (10) configured for cutting an accurately located and precisely shaped hole in a surface, such as a wall (W) of a finished residential or commercial building is disclosed. The tool (10) provides a frame assembly (12) which is self-adhering to the surface (W) and carries removable templates (14, 146-152) for handsfree use in cutting an accurately located and precisely shaped hole. The unique frame assembly (12) provides multiple selectable, pneumatically isolated suction chambers (50,52) that enable the self-adhesion function even when the frame assembly (12) is placed over existing holes in the surface (W). The suction chambers (50,52) are formed in part by a unique corrugated gasket (56) that enables the frame assembly (12) to self-adhere to porous surfaces. The removable template (14) enables dust particles created during the cutting process to be simultaneously vacuumed away regardless of the orientation of the template (14) relative to the frame assembly (12).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for servo-controlled manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, a drive platform spaced apart from the base member by a separation distance, and a plurality of guide members extending between the drive platform and the base member. At least one of the drive platform and the base member are moveable along the guide members to increase or decrease the separation distance. The apparatus also includes a drive member operatively coupled between the drive platform and the base member, and a servo motor operatively coupled to the drive member. As the servo motor drives the drive member, the separation distance is varied. In an alternate embodiment, a manufacturing tool may be coupled to at least one of the drive platform and the base member.

Abstract: A drilling device includes a barrel slid ably received in a conduit of a housing and movable up and down relative to the conduit of the housing, and a shank rotatably secured in the barrel and movable up and down relative to the conduit of the housing in concert with the barrel. A motor is arranged to rotate the shank and to move the barrel up and down relative to the conduit of the housing simultaneously, to allow the barrel and the shank to be actuated simultaneously by the motor. The housing includes an electromagnetic member for securing onto objects. A control circuit may be used to control the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups and a clamp assembly. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to a first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto a second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. An optional tool may be included to perform a desired operation and an optional conveyance mechanism may be employed to selectively position the tool relative the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling holes and optionally inserting fasteners of the present invention provide for efficiently drilling holes through a multiple-layer structure because the layers are securely held together during the drilling by an electromagnet and a clamp, each on opposite sides of the structure. The electromagnet and clamp hold the layers together so tightly that burrs do not form within the holes and debris does not accumulate between the layers and, therefore the layers do not have to be disassembled after drilling. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention provide for initially drilling the hole with a countersink and for inserting a fastener into the hole, through the electromagnet, immediately after drilling the hole, such that the hole does not have to be revisited after reassembly and drying of the sealant in order to drill a countersink and/or insert a fastener.

Abstract: A drill plate of the present invention includes a concave body and a vacuum manifold. The concave body defines a plurality of drill ports which act as a drill guides to ensure accurate drill hole placement. The concave body collects, and the vacuum manifold removes, debris from the drilling process. Individual magnetic seals cover each of the drill ports to prevent the escape of debris from the concavity. The drill plate further includes a plurality of tooling pins that allow the drill plate to be affixed to the structure being drilled to improve the accuracy of hole placement and for “hands free” operation. The tooling pins allow the drill plate to be used with composite structures that are held together by hard tooling, such as aluminum parts.

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames are moved and pad frames are fixed on long support members, or rule stopper frames are fixed and pad frames are moved on long support members, and the long support members are moved according to the length and width of a process board.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning and holding a tool (3) relative to a workpiece (35) comprising a carriage (1) for conveying the tool over the surface of the workpiece (35) and means (7,9, 11, 13) for holding the carriage (1) onto the surface of the workpiece (35), the holding means being selectively switchable between a low grip state in which the carriage (1) is held against the workpiece surface whilst remaining capable of movement relative thereto and a high grip state in which the carriage (1) is held substantially fixedly to the workpiece surface for the tool (3) in use to operate thereon. Such an arrangement provides a robot capable of “crawling” over a workpiece (35) and carrying out precise manufacturing operations thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a first structure to a second structure and performing an operation on the first and second structures. The apparatus includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups, a clamp assembly, a conveyance mechanism and a tool. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to the first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto the second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. The tool is configured to perform the operation. The conveyance mechanism is coupled to both the frame structure and the tool and enables the tool to be selectively positioned relative to the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.

Abstract: Long support members are mounted on a table and are moved in the direction of a width of the table, rule stopper frames and pad frames are moved on long support members, such that a rectangular process board or a process board having a curved edge are positioned and held by suction on suction pads on the long support members.

Abstract: A portable multi-axis drilling machine includes a drill mounted between a pair of 2-axis positioning devices each of which translates along X and Y axes. The positioning devices are spaced apart along a Z axis of the machine and are mounted in a frame that has a workpiece-engaging side provided with a pair of index cylinders that receive spherical tool balls mounted on the workpiece surface so as to fix the position and orientation of the machine relative to the workpiece. The frame also has swiveling feet on the workpiece-engaging side that pivot as needed to accommodate complex contoured workpiece surfaces. Rotational movement of the drill is effected by differentially translating the two positioners, and translational X and Y movements are effected by synchronously translating the positioners.

Abstract: A tool fixture 10 includes a body 12 and a plurality of attachment devices 14 connected to the body 12. A passageway 22 is connected to the body 12 and in communication with at least two of the attachment devices 14. A connector is in communication with the passageway 22 and the body 12 and is for attachment to a vacuum system such that when the vacuum system draws a vacuum the attachment devices 14 are urged against a work surface to hold the tool fixture 10 in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a low profile self-adhering drill having a feed mechanism having an axis of rotation, which is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drill motor. The feed mechanism includes a quill housing which houses a quill. A spindle is disposed within the quill for holding the tool. The spindle is in engagement with the quill and rotates about the travel axis of the quill relative to the quill and is moveable along the axis with the quill. A rack on the quill is parallel to the travel axis and engages a feed gear such than when the feed gear is rotated the rack and quill move along the travel axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capture and containment canister which reduces the risk of radiation and other biohazard exposure to workers, the need for a costly containment hut and the need for the extra manpower associated with the hut. The present invention includes the design of a canister having a specially designed magnetic ring that attracts and holds the top of the canister in place during modifications to gloveboxes and other types of radiological and biochemical hoods. The present invention also provides an improved hole saw that eliminates the need for a pilot bit.

Abstract: Equipment for making a hole or cavity formation in a curved or planar wall element, and for cutting out a disc-shaped piece of material fitting the hole or cavity formation, includes a frame with devices for fixing it on the wall element, and a carriage displaceably mounted in a first linear direction. A slide is mounted to be displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the first linear direction and carries a tool unit. The carriage has wheel sets which are biased against the wall element. The wheel sets are pivotable and displaceably mounted on a respective guide slide, which is mounted to be displaceable in the first linear direction.

Abstract: A feed system for a drill press. The drill press comprises a base for supporting the drill press on a surface, a housing supported on the base and defining an opening, a telescoping spindle assembly positioned for movement relative to the housing along an axis and for rotation about the axis, a motor operable to rotatably drive the spindle assembly, a drive system connected between the motor and the spindle assembly, and a feed system for moving the spindle assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. The feed system is supported by the housing so that a portion of the feed system is exposed through the opening. The drill press also comprises a flexible barrier member to cover the exposed portion of the feed system. The feed system includes a sprocket rotatably supported by the housing and a flexible member movably engaging the sprocket and connected to the spindle assembly such that rotation of the sprocket moves the spindle assembly between the lowered position and the raised position.

Abstract: A device for establishing a seal between a pair of articles, has a first resilient member arranged to be positioned between the articles, so that the first resilient member and the articles collectively form a first chamber. A vacuum supply is provided for supplying a vacuum to the first chamber. A pressure supply is also provided for applying a pressure to the first resilient member to force the first resilient member against both of the articles.

Abstract: A feed system for a drill press. The drill press comprises a base for supporting the drill press on a surface, a housing supported on the base and defining an opening, a telescoping spindle assembly positioned for movement relative to the housing along an axis and for rotation about the axis, a motor operable to rotatably drive the spindle assembly, a drive system connected between the motor and the spindle assembly, and a feed system for moving the spindle assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. The feed system is supported by the housing so that a portion of the feed system is exposed through the opening. The drill press also comprises a flexible barrier member to cover the exposed portion of the feed system. The feed system includes a sprocket rotatably supported by the housing and a flexible member movably engaging the sprocket and connected to the spindle assembly such that rotation of the sprocket moves the spindle assembly between the lowered position and the raised position.