Tool Having Shiftable Tool-axis Patents (Class 408/88)
  • Patent number: 11040431
    Abstract: A workpiece holder, which does not require actual parts matching as required in a related-art automatic pallet changer, and has higher maintainability than a related-art automatic pallet changer. The workpiece-side jig includes a workpiece-side fitting element provided on a surface opposed to the master-side jig. The master-side jig includes: a master-side fitting element to be fitted to the workpiece-side fitting element, which is provided on a surface opposed to the workpiece-side jig; a rotary pressing member to be brought into abutment against the workpiece-side fitting element fitted to the master-side fitting element to press the workpiece-side fitting element toward the master-side jig; and a rotational drive source configured to rotate the rotary pressing member. When the rotary pressing member is rotated by the rotational drive source, the rotary pressing member is brought into abutment against the workpiece-side fitting element to press the workpiece-side fitting element toward the master-side jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: LINE WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuji Tamura
  • Patent number: 10828737
    Abstract: A universal tool holder configured for use with a machine tool is provided. The universal tool holder may be used for securing the machine tool in a relatively fixed orientation; for mounting and dismounting modular tools for milling and lathe computer numerical controls (CNC); and for assembling extension adaptors, reduction adapters, front clamp adapters, cutters, and other similar tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Canine Clamps, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryszard Wawro
  • Patent number: 10669043
    Abstract: Ribs for working an aircraft component having an aircraft component surface, fixtures for the same, and methods for the same, are provided herein. The rib includes a rib surface configured to receive the aircraft component and to be in abutting contact with at least a portion of the aircraft component surface. The rib further includes an extension extending away from the rib and configured to couple to a worksurface. Orientation of the rib is configured to be adjustable relative to the worksurface for improving working of the aircraft component. The fixture includes a mount defining an aperture and configured to be coupled to the worksurface and the rib. The method includes providing the fixture including the rib. The method further includes coupling the extension to a worksurface. The method further includes disposing the aircraft component on the rib surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Bateham, Gloria King
  • Patent number: 9370828
    Abstract: An adjustable doweling jig is provided. The adjustable doweling jig has a pair of bore guide carriers that are symmetrically and simultaneously adjustable relative to a base structure of the doweling jig. The bore guide carriers carry a plurality of bore guides such that dowel holes can be placed using the bore guides at a broad range of locations, limited only by the size of the jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Nomis LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Adkins, Joe Karkosch, David R. Watermann
  • Patent number: 9352435
    Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeff Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
  • Publication number: 20150071719
    Abstract: A feeding device includes a sliding member, a saddle slidably assembled with the sliding member, a driving module for moving the saddle back and forth relative to the sliding member, a main shaft positioned on the saddle, a cutter positioned with the main shaft, at least one balancing cylinder fixedly coupled with the sliding member and the saddle for balancing the main shaft. The disclosure also supplies a machine tool using the feeding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: MING-LU YANG, TIAN-EN ZHANG, JING-SHUANG SUI, JIA-LIAN QI, JIAN-SHI JIA, YANG-MAO PENG
  • Publication number: 20150056031
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that accepts portable power feed drilling equipment and enables the mechanical determination of an existing hole vector and duplication of the hole on the same vector in a new production part. The system allows for extremely accurate match drilling of parts with multiple, variable hole vectors. In addition, the system is adjustable in the Z-axis, which allows infinite and precise drill tip positioning prior to drilling to increase accuracy and manage chip exit. Interchangeable drill adaptors internal to the quill sleeve allow for a wide size range of drills to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul R. Gehlsen
  • Patent number: 8956088
    Abstract: A device for drilling side portions of large section members, the device being arranged in a cutting system for cutting individual section member lengths, starting from a long section member, comprises a base thereon swinging support arms extend, the support arms being arranged with a V pattern enclosing an angle (?), each support arm including a plurality of sliding rollers for causing the section member to slide thereon, the swinging arms including guides slidably supporting a controllably driven carriage operatively connected to a threaded screw, each threaded screw being operatively connected to a controllable motor, each carriage having a movable arm which may be controllably displaced along guides and comprising parallel guides engaging a drilling assembly operatively coupled to a driving shaft, each driving shaft being operatively connected to a corresponding controllable motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ficep S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Pirovano
  • Patent number: 8702355
    Abstract: A bench slide drilling and tapping dual-purpose machine tool has a base, a column and a transverse arm sleeve. The transverse arm sleeve is sleeved around the column, which is vertically fixed on the base. A hydraulic cylinder body is arranged coaxially with the column is centered in the column. A bracket is connected to the upper end of the sleeve, and is connected to a telescopic rod of the hydraulic cylinder. A sliding track is connected to one side of the transverse arm sleeve. A sliding transverse arm is provided inside the sliding track. A main motor is provided on one end of the sliding transverse arm, and the other end of the sliding transverse arm is fixedly connected with a second transverse arm; a drilling driven shaft is arranged in the second transverse arm; the upper end of a main motor is connected with a main belt wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Jing Zhan, Feng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8568282
    Abstract: A circular glass article forming apparatus includes a supporting board, a slidable block and a circular glass article forming device. The supporting board has recesses for receiving glass plates to be treated, and two parallel first rails located at opposite sides of the recesses. The slidable block is slidable along the first rails. The slidable block has a second rail with a lengthwise direction substantially perpendicular to that of the first rails. The circular glass article forming device includes a supporting body slidable on the second rail, a first rotation motor and a second rotation motor both arranged on the supporting body, and a drill bit mounting device connected to the first rotation motor and having drill bits. The drill bit mounting device is capable of mounting a selected one of the drill bit to be connected to the second rotation motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Patent number: 8545138
    Abstract: A machine for boring spaced, axially-aligned surfaces of a part includes a frame and a boring apparatus associated with the frame. The boring apparatus is configured to bore at least one surface of the part and includes a boring bar associated with a cutting tool configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the boring bar. The machine further includes a mounting fixture associated with the frame configured to mount the part in a fixed relationship with respect to the frame. The machine also includes an alignment assembly including at least one pair of plates. At least one of the plates of the pair of plates is configured to pivot such that the longitudinal axis of the boring bar is aligned with an axis defined by the axially-aligned surfaces of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8464804
    Abstract: A robot for machining a part of structure under water, comprising a machine tool having a chamber receiving a machining element, a support and guiding structure of the machine tool fixable with respect to the part to be machined and having submersible mobile elements and corresponding submersible guiding elements defining axes along which the mobile elements are movable to position the machine tool with respect to the part to be machined, displacement units for displacement of the mobile elements along the axes, a gas supply connecting to the machine tool to inject gas in the chamber, and a programmable control unit for operating the displacement units and the machine tool based on a closed-loop control mode in order to achieve the machining of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Julien Beaudry, Pierre-Luc Richard, Dominique Thuot, Philippe Hamelin, Michel Blain
  • Publication number: 20130149055
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a crossbeam which is movably mounted on a column in an upright direction and on which a spindle carriage is transversely slidably mounted for mounting a spindle. The crossbeam extends transversely to terminate at a cantilever portion which extends rightwardly and beyond the column. A hydraulic bracing unit is mounted to brace the cantilever portion so as to stabilize the vertical movement of the crossbeam, while preventing the crossbeam from being subjected to bending stress even when the saddle is moved to the cantilever portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ALEX-TECH MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Peter T.H. Tsai
  • Patent number: 8403601
    Abstract: The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuteru Yano, Yuichi Douki, Hiroshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 8356961
    Abstract: The invention provides a machining apparatus, and its machining method, having machining tables whose weight do not increase so much even if a number of machining sections such as spindles is increased. One of the machining tables is a rectangular stationary table having a groove in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on its surface and the other is a rectangular movable table engaged with the groove. The machining apparatus machines a printed circuit board, whose area is larger than that of the movable table, on a mounting surface of the stationary table by changing position of the printed circuit board by moving the movable table and by determining machining position by moving a spindle at position facing the mounting surface of the stationary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Via Mechanics Ltd.
    Inventors: Norishige Kumagai, Tamio Otani, Katsuhiro Nagasawa, Jun Wakamatsu, Hiroyuki Kamata, Tomoaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8347470
    Abstract: Portable robot for carrying out the drilling process in the assembly of aeronautical components which are secured on a support known as a stand. The robot comprises a displaceable platform in order to permit it to be located close to the stand, and an arm, which supports a frame comprising a beam intended to support a drilling head that can be displaced in the three axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: Javier Gonzalez Sáinz, Juan Ramón Astorga Ramírez, Agustin J. Sáenz Fernández, Valentin Collado Jiménez
  • Publication number: 20120275872
    Abstract: A circular glass article forming apparatus includes a supporting board, a slidable block and a circular glass article forming device. The supporting board has recesses for receiving glass plates to be treated, and two parallel first rails located at opposite sides of the recesses. The slidable block is slidable along the first rails. The slidable block has a second rail with a lengthwise direction substantially perpendicular to that of the first rails. The circular glass article forming device includes a supporting body slidable on the second rail, a first rotation motor and a second rotation motor both arranged on the supporting body, and a drill bit mounting device connected to the first rotation motor and having drill bits. The drill bit mounting device is capable of mounting a selected one of the drill bit to be connected to the second rotation motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Patent number: 8100611
    Abstract: A self-contained crawler assembly is engageable to a stringer and is adapted to position a drill bushing along the stringer for performing machining operations. The crawler assembly includes a longitudinal slider, a lateral slider and a controller for regulating operation of the longitudinal and lateral sliders for positioning the drill bushing at a hole location. In a further embodiment, the crawler assembly may include a longitudinal friction drive which is directly engageable to the stringer and which is operative to move in a direction parallel to the stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Paul G. Kostenick, Jr., Jesus Sanchez, Dario I. Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 8087853
    Abstract: In the pocket hole apparatus of the present invention, a table reciprocates linearly relative to a base. An anvil is fixed relative to the base and holds the workpiece on a sloped top surface at the desired angle for the pocket hole. A drill spindle with a drill bit is fixed relative to the table. After the workpiece is mounted to the anvil, the table is moved to drill the pocket hole. Optionally, a second spindle on the opposite side of the anvil predrills the pocket hole when the table is first moved to a predrill position. The spindle is enabled or disabled by latching mechanism. The spindle is mounted to a rail that is slidably mounted to the table so that the rail can slide perpendicularly thereby adjusting the spacing between pocket holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Alfred Stukuls
  • Patent number: 8052358
    Abstract: A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. McDaniel, Sean D. Hill, Bruce A. Thorniley, Joseph C. King, IV
  • Patent number: 8029214
    Abstract: A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. McDaniel, Sean D. Hill, Bruce A. Thorniley, Joseph C. King, IV
  • Patent number: 7976252
    Abstract: A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. McDaniel, Sean D. Hill, Bruce A. Thorniley, Joseph C. King, IV
  • Patent number: 7967534
    Abstract: A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. McDaniel, Sean D. Hill, Bruce A. Thorniley, Joseph C. King, IV
  • Patent number: 7954681
    Abstract: A new and improved nailing bridge system which comprises a single nailing gun which is mounted for movement along a stud frame locus or a seam locus, defined by means of abutting sheets of wall sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, wherein the single nailing gun can be moved to any one of effectively an infinite number of positions so as to permit nails to be driven into the covering, sheathing, paneling, or the like, in order to fixedly secure the sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, to underlying stud frame members of a wall structure or wall panel member. Stitcher guns are also mounted upon a separate support beam so as to fixedly secure the sheathing, covering, paneling, or the like, to the upper and lower plate, header, or footer members of the wall structure or wall panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Aubrey Smith, Stephen Fleming, Robert Tucker, Douglas Dodd
  • Patent number: 7942614
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus contains a drilling tool and a platform. A flexible joint having three degrees of freedom connects the drilling tool to the platform. A clamping element may be provided proximate to an opening formed in the platform. The clamping element is attached to the platform and extends through an opening formed in the structure to fasten to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John J. Duran
  • Patent number: 7794183
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney S. Wright, Chris J. Erickson, John J. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7632047
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Lyle M. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7607870
    Abstract: A rotary tube notching apparatus capable of operable attachment to a powered rotational drive device such as a drill, is comprised of a surface mountable tube support assembly capable of alternately receiving straight or bent tubing; a height adjustable carriage assembly pivotally mounted to the tube support assembly to enable offset notching, and a shaft assembly rotatably mounted to said carriage assembly for receiving a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7578642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Fritsche, Thomas P. Von Minden
  • Publication number: 20090169316
    Abstract: A compact assembly for aligning a coring tool relative to a pipe sidewall. The coring tool includes a hollow, cylindrical hole saw mounted to an arbor that has an elongated pilot shaft centered in the hole saw. The assembly is made up of a base plate that is attachable to the pipe sidewall. A tubular sleeve is mounted to the base plate and has a bore diameter sized for receiving the pilot shaft as the hole saw is advanced toward and saws through the pipe wall, and the entire assembly is sized to fit inside the hole saw as the hole saw saws through the pipe sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SEWER TAP INC. DBA INSERTA FITTINGS CO.
    Inventors: Tracy F. WADLEY, Richard F. KIEF
  • Patent number: 7488144
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for track members having a neutral axis rack are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a manufacturing tool relative to a workpiece includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to the workpiece and including at least one rail, the rail having a longitudinally-extending neutral axis and a rack extending along a pitch line that at least approximately coincides with the longitudinally-extending neutral axis. In alternate embodiments, the rack includes a plurality of wedge-shaped apertures or a plurality of conically-shaped apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Darrell D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7406758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Darrell D. Jones, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Theodore Boyl-Davis, Roger Gage, Laurance N. Hazlehurst
  • Patent number: 7272882
    Abstract: A routing machine including a plurality of worktables for supporting at least a first workpiece and a second workpiece, a hold down assembly, and a toolhead assembly for machining the first workpiece on one of the worktables and then machining the second workpiece on another of the worktables. The hold down assembly traverses the worktables with the toolhead assembly to retain the first workpiece on the one worktable and then retain the second workpiece on the other of the worktables such that the first workpiece on the one worktable can be removed and replaced with a new workpiece while the toolhead assembly machines the second workpiece on the other table. A method of machining parts with the routing machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: C. R. Onsrud, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Onsrud
  • Patent number: 7273333
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Lyle M. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7137760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Darrell D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7070366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Reichenberger, Rudolf Reitberger, Stefan Hammerstingl
  • Patent number: 7066690
    Abstract: A boring apparatus and method for in-situ repair of motor vehicle axles includes a universal mounting plate assembly for attachment to a vehicle axle, both longitudinal (on-axis) and transverse (radial) adjustment assemblies, a bearing assembly and a boring bar and drive assembly having a pair of motor drive units for rotating (speed) and axially advancing (feed) the boring bar. The longitudinal and transverse adjustment assemblies facilitate use of the boring apparatus on a wide variety of vehicle and truck axles from virtually all manufacturers to repair broken axles or damaged bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Machining Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 7001117
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Keisuke Shimada, Takashi Chiba, Munenori Yamaguchi, Kenji Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 6979288
    Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Laurance N. Hazlehurst, Bobby C. Philpott, Jr., James N. Buttrick, Darrell D. Jones, Kostadinos D. Papanikolaou, David P. Banks, Terrence J. Rowe, Ronald Outous, Charles H. Glaisyer, Harry E. Townsend, Mark Boberg, Paul Elfes Nelson, John R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6869258
    Abstract: A drill stand (1) for a manually operable tool device (2) is formed of a fixedly mountable base plate (4) having a through passageway (5) extending perpendicularly therethrough for the passage of a clamping bolt (6) having at least one axially effective stop shoulder (7a, 7b), so that at least one detent means (8) with an axially effective counter shoulder (10a, 10b) for axial form-locking engagement of the shoulder stops (7a, 7b) of the clamping bolt (6). At least one manually operable eccentric cam (11a, 11b) affords axial clamping of the clamping bolt (6) locked by the detent means (8) and arranged relative to the through passageway (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Flock, Stefan Hammerstingl
  • Publication number: 20040265081
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: James N. Buttrick
  • Patent number: 6761511
    Abstract: A V-shaped frame 102 is attached to a pipe 100 to be drilled. The frame may be used with larger pipes by attaching a removable extension plates 120 to the arms 104 106 of the V-shaped frame, thereby increasing the size of the recess between the arms 104, 106. The apparatus may be fixed to the pipe 100 by a chain 110 which connects to the platform 102 and extends around the pipe 100, or by attaching clips to the frame and attaching the clips to the surface of the pipe by screws etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Gordon Henry Turner
  • Patent number: 6516842
    Abstract: A hollow chisel mortiser with a rotor for adjusting a working angle of the mortiser includes a base having a recess defined in a rear end of the base. The rotor rotatably abuts and is selectively secured on the rear end of the base. The rotor includes a protrusion extending from the rotor and rotatably received in the recess. A worktable is slidably mounted on the base. A tool support is perpendicularly mounted on the rotor. A drill is movably mounted on the support. The working angle of the drill can be easily adjusted by rotating the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 6416263
    Abstract: A piping structure of the present invention comprises an existing pipe and a seal-up housing. The existing pipe has a collection opening formed in the bottom thereof. The seal-up housing comprises two or more housing parts which are segmented circumferentially of the existing pipe. The seal-up housing encloses a part including the collection opening of the existing pipe. One of the housing parts is formed with a collection space and a drain port. The collection space serves to collect dirt or foreign substances through the collection opening. The drain port is provided for discharging the dirt or foreign substances stored in the collection space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 6334745
    Abstract: An apparatus for working on both sides of a flat workpiece includes a first support surface having a first axial line thereacross, a second support surface juxtaposed to and associated with the first support surface and having a second axial line thereacross which lies in a common plane with the first axial line, and a first carrying assembly operably connected to the first support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along the first axial line and having a first extending arm which is laterally displaced from one side of the common plane and a second extending arm which is laterally displaced from another side of the common plane. A second carrying assembly is operably connected to the second support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along the second axial line, wherein the second carrying assembly includes a workpiece removably mounted in a manner to position the workpiece in the common plane between the arms such that the arms extend about the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy J. Bennett, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6217266
    Abstract: A drilling guide or jig for guiding an elongated drill bit for drilling a long hole through a panel such as a door from one edge to a point adjacent another edge thereof. The guide is formed by a rigid, elongated, rectangular base plate defining an elongated slot and positionable along one edge of the door. A pair of arms are mounted one on each long side edge of the plate at about the midpoint thereof and extend generally perpendicularly to the plate. The arms define at one end a pair of spaced apart jaws extending from said plate and adapted to hold the plate on the door or panel. The arms further define a pair of spaced apart support members extending from the plate opposite to the jaws. A drill guide block is pivotally mounted between the free ends of the support members in spaced relation to the plate, and adjustably supports a drill guide tube extending between the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Roy E. Bowling
  • Patent number: 6050753
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a drill on the pipe comprises a platform carrying a mounting member for a drill stand. The mounting may slide along a frame which carries a plurality of elongate holes therein. The longitudinal movement allowed by this relative sliding permits a drill mounted on a drill stand to be selectively positioned in order to bore a hole in a pipe upon which the platform is rigidly clamped. By provision of such a facility, there is no need to loosen the clamping force of the platform upon the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Gordon Henry Turner
  • Patent number: 5943750
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a machine tool assembly is easily reconfigurable to perform single or multiple machining processes on a workpiece so that this machine has exactly the functionality required to perform a given set of machining tasks. The invention allows rapid changes in the machine structure and rapid conversion of the machine by relocating its basic building blocks. The assembly secures a raw workpiece to a table and includes support units that carry at least one single-axis spindle unit. The spindle units are easily attached to one of the support units and are easily movable thereon to perform machining processes from various positions and orientations relative the workpiece. A cutting tool, or other machining tool, is secured to each spindle, which is computer controlled to rotate the tool and stroke it linearly along its axis of rotation. The support units are reconfigurable and can be easily relocated to different positions and orientations about the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Yoram Koren, Sridhar Kota
  • Patent number: 5902077
    Abstract: One of two arms is mounted adjacent one end thereof for rotation and axial adjustment on a cylindrical column which projects vertically upwardly from a generally flat, rigid base. The second arm is rotatably connected adjacent one end to the opposite end of the first arm, and has mounted in its opposite end a rotatable spindle which is connected at its upper end to the drive shaft of a reversible electric motor that is secured on the second arm, and which is disposed to have a tool bit secured releasably to its lower end. The first arm is manually adjustable vertically on the column, and each arm can be releasably locked against rotation. The direction of rotation of the motor can be reversed by a switch mounted on the second arm and its speed can be adjusted by a potentiometer, the rotatable handle of which is mounted on the second arm adjacent the motor reversing switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Marking Methods, Inc.
    Inventor: Achyuta N. Halder
  • Patent number: 5885037
    Abstract: A pivoting drill press mount is provided for enabling the user to drill at a desired angle into a workpiece. The mounting system has a column base, an upper column, and a pivot attaching the two columns to allow the upper column to be rotated to either side. The upper column is supported by an angle adjustment ram and a positive slide lock for safety. The assembly is bolted to a support surface. The upper column provides for interchangeable drill press heads by means of a connecting column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael G. Heintzeman