Abstract: A system and method for drilling a hole in a vehicle structure and installing a fastener in the hole. A drill plate having openings and associated machine-readable elements is positioned on the structure. A drill gun is positioned in a particular opening and reads hole information from the associated element, and a computer determines whether the drill gun is properly set-up to drill the hole. A fastener insertion gun is positioned in the particular opening and reads fastener information from the element, and the computer determines whether the hole has been drilled and, if so, whether the fastener insertion gun is properly set-up to insert the fastener. A fastener delivery subsystem stores, tracks, and delivers fasteners to the fastener insertion gun. A system computer monitors the drilling of every hole, the insertion of every fastener, and the overall operation of the fastener delivery subsystem.

Abstract: A first example drill mount assembly includes a base assembly and a mast. The base assembly has a first mount, a second mount, and an adjuster plate. The second mount is extendable relative to the first mount. The adjuster plate is slidable relative to the second mount. The mast extends from the adjuster plate.

Abstract: A handheld drill press device includes a spine with a longitudinal section having a geared rack located thereon and a transverse section configured to receive and be coupled to a handheld drill. A carriage frame is slidably coupled to the spine and includes a workpiece connection interface located about the carriage. A gear and a lever handle are both rotatably coupled to the carriage frame wherein the gear is operable to mesh with the geared rack and the lever is configured to provide a torque to the gear and thereby move the carriage frame with respect to the spine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for angularly drilling during a tapping procedure into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.

Abstract: There is provided a deep hole processing device for forming a hole by rotational movement of a main spindle to which a tool is attached of a portal machine toward a workpiece, having, a bush having a hole diameter for guiding rotational movement of the tool, and a bush holding unit provided on a cross rail capable of moving on columns of the portal machine for holding the bush with respect to a spindle head on which the main spindle is mounted at a predetermined distance, wherein a position of the bush relative to the workpiece and a pressure at which the bush is pressed against the workpiece may be controlled by movement of the cross rail.

Abstract: There is provided a beveller for processing an edge of a member to be processed into a slanted surface (a bevel), and, more particularly, to a multi-purpose beveller which improves a level of completion of bevel process through thoroughly processes an edge positioned at a corner by using a beveling tool for a corner mounted onto the beveller and which expands the application fields of the beveller through processing a curved section by simply replacing a rotary cutter for a corner coupled to an adapter with a cutter for a curved section.

Abstract: A telescopic handle for a hand tool includes a main shank connected to a tool head at a distal end and insertable into an outer sleeve which a user grips. The main shank has a plurality of axially spaced retained regions such that a radially movable retaining member is engageable with a selected one of the retained regions. A key-and-keyway mechanism is disposed to guide axial movement of the outer sleeve and to guard against rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the main shank so as to permit delivery of an appropriate torque to the main shank. An operating member is disposed on and movable axially relative to the outer sleeve to radially move the retaining member.

Abstract: A reaming tool has a generally planar base with a base opening. A stand is coupled to the base and extends away from the base, the stand having at least one cross member. A guide opening extends through the cross member. An elongate reamer has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second, opposing end. The reamer extends through the guide opening and the base opening, with the second end of the reamer being proximal to the base opening. A set of reaming flutes are formed in the reamer proximate its second end. The reamer is slidable and rotatable in the guide opening and the base opening, and the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the reamer with respect to the base and the stand is fixed by the guide opening.

Abstract: In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a housing associated with a machine, a shaft, a sleeve, and a biasing system. The shaft is associated with the housing, and the shaft has an end configured to receive a tool. The shaft is configured to be rotated by the machine about an axis of rotation extending through the shaft. The sleeve is associated with the housing, and the sleeve has a channel that is configured to receive the shaft. The biasing system is associated with the housing and configured to move the sleeve along the axis of rotation against a workpiece on which a drilling operation is performed during which a sleeve end presses against the workpiece with a force while the shaft with the tool is rotated by the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a cutting tool system. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a carriage that is movable along an axis, a cutting tool, and a depth controller. The cutting tool may be capable of being removably attached to the carriage. The depth controller may be capable of controlling a cutting depth of the cutting tool with respect to a surface of a workpiece closest to a part.

Abstract: A large machining apparatus for working a substantially planar workpiece such as a metal plate in relation to which a set of work actions, such as machining grooves and holes, is required at one of a number of work zones on or in the workpiece, the apparatus including: a working assembly such as a drop down drill movably mounted on a beam for reciprocal linear movement along a first horizontal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; and an assembly rail movably mounted on the beam at right angles to the beam to carry the working assembly.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also he provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.

Abstract: A countersinking-carrier nozzle has a flat front surface with a central hole via which emerges a countersinking drill, such that said flat front surface establishes a limit to the penetration depth of the countersinking nozzle. The nozzle includes a flexible retainer for the nozzle front surface so that it swivels when making contact with a curved countersinking surface, adapting itself tangentially to it while the headstock presses against the countersinking surface. The flexible retainer is defined by a ball-and-socket joint including a curvo-concave retaining receptacle, with the possibility of swivelling, with a complementary curvo-convex portion provided in the rear part of the flat front surface. This portion projects with respect to the receptacle to allow it to swivel when pressed against the countersinking surface, at which moment the complementary curvo-convex portion of the rear part of the front surface swivels in the receptacle of the headstock.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for clamping a product to allow drilling and/or cutting of the product by a drilling or cutting assembly, the clamping assembly including control means, activation means, moving means and clamp foot means being operatively connected whereby the control means controls the activation means to control the torque and distance moved on the activation means and moving means such that any movement of the drilling or cutting or clamp assembly relative to each other can be controlled such that the depth of and timing of drilling or cutting and or clamping by the drilling or cutting or clamping assembly can be adjusted accordingly such that if the product being clamped by the clamp foot means is moved during any additional forces that occur during drilling or cutting, then the control means can compensate and ensure the drilling or cutting depth is maintained.

Abstract: A sheet material cutting machine includes a bristle bed with generally vertically extending bristles having free ends defining a support surface for supporting sheet material to be cut and a carriage movable over the bristle bed and carrying at least one cutting tool to selectively cut the sheet material. A vacuum cleaning system provides vacuum at the carriage to remove cutting debris as the cutting tool is cutting the sheet material. Illustrated embodiments include providing the vacuum through a passage in the cutting tool and providing the vacuum through a cavity in a presser foot.

Abstract: A printed board drilling method and a printed board machining apparatus capable of improving machining quality, such as improving positional accuracy of holes and true roundness of machined holes, and improving work efficiency by minimizing a runout of the tip of a drill. An extension of the drill extending out of a spindle when the drill is held by the spindle is defined in advance per type or mode of use of each drill. One drill is selected among a plurality of drills corresponding to a shape of holes to be drilled in the printed board and the spindle holds the drill so that the selected drill extends out of the spindle by the extension corresponding to the selected drill. Then, the move of the spindle with respect to the printed board is controlled and the selected drill is rotationally driven by the spindle to drill the printed board.

Abstract: A collet clamping nosepiece for a power feed drill is described which includes at least one clamping piston located along a centerline of the nosepiece, an expansion mandrel comprising a frusto-conical exterior surface, and an expandable collet. The expandable collet is configured to substantially surround the expansion mandrel and operatively connect to the at least one clamping piston. Operation of the at least one clamping piston causes the mandrel to move along the exterior surface of the expansion mandrel for engagement and disengagement of the collet with a bore configured for insertion of the collet.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable drill microstop apparatus is employed with a drill and a drill bit to limit the depth of a hole drilled into an object surface by the drill bit. The apparatus has a housing and a nose piece that is mounted for reciprocating axial movement in accordance with a plurality of user selectable depths of cut. The nose piece projects from one end of the housing and is positioned adjacent the object surface to receive the drilled hole. The nose piece has an opening into which the drill bit is inserted, and an engagement surface that engages with the object surface during the drilling operation. During the drilling operation, the drill pushes the nose piece into the housing as the drill bit performs the drilling operation. A pre-selected distance that the nose piece reciprocates in the housing limits the depth of the hole drilled by the drill bit into the object surface.

Abstract: A spindle unit having a pressure foot whose machining efficiency may be improved even when compressed air is used as means for pressing the pressure foot. The spindle unit having the pressure foot includes a rotor shaft provided within a base rotatably and movably along an axis, a collet chuck provided at one end of the rotor shaft, a linear motor for moving a movable element rotatably connected with the rotor shaft and movably provided within the base along the axis together with the rotor shaft to move a drill closer to or apart from the workpiece, a rotary motor for rotating the rotor shaft, a pressure foot disposed in front of the edge of the collet chuck and is capable of pressing down the workpiece, and air cylinders for connecting the movable element with the pressure foot so as to be relatively movable by a predetermined degree and for pressing the pressure foot in the direction separating from the collet chuck.

Abstract: A toolhead for use on a multi-axis machine tool consists of a support assembly equipped with a pivoting spindle designed to accept a removable tool-holder, and centered on a machining axis about which a tool clamped to the tool-holder can be driven in rotation. Also forming part of the toolhead is a depth stop affording an active surface substantially transverse to the machining axis and positionable against a surface of a workpiece. The depth stop is mounted to the support assembly and capable of movement along the machining axis between a first position, distanced from the spindle, and a second position of proximity to the spindle. Transducers incorporated into the toolhead are able to sense the position of the active surface relative to the support assembly, and thus used to control the depth to which the workpiece is penetrated by the tool.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a stationary base table for supporting a work piece under process at a fixed position at a drilling spindle station. A drilling spindle carries and applies rotational force to a drilling tool. A compound overhead guiding system carries the spindle above the work piece under process. The overhead guiding system includes a Y drive system for moving the spindle along a Y axis in relation to the base table, and an X drive system for driving the spindle along an X axis. The guiding system has a lightweight laminated crossbeam structure for carrying the spindle and X axis drive system.

Abstract: A toolhead intended for a multi-axis machine tool incorporates a tool-holder rotatable about the tool axis and attached to the spindle of a spindlehead, also a stop cage element mounted slidably to the tool-holder, which is furnished with a collar presenting an active surface set transversely to the tool axis and offered to the surface of a workpiece. The stop cage element alternates between a first operating position in which the active surface of the collar is located forward of a countersink portion presented by the tool, considered in relation to the feed direction of the spindlehead as it approaches the surface of the work, and a second operating position in which the countersink portion will be located forward of the active surface, at least in part. The axial position of the stop cage element relative to the tool-holder is monitored continuously by a sensing system.

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.

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: An adjustment device comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are adjustably engaging one another. The adjustment device has an overall length that is adapted to be adjusted by adjusting the first and second portions relative to one another. The overall length is adapted to be adjusted to vary a distance between the drill motor and the work piece. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a slip fit member and a threaded member opposite the slip fit member. The adjustment device has an overall length that is adjustable to vary a spatial relation between the drill motor and work piece. Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a drill motor, a support, and an adjustment device. The adjustment device comprises a slip fit member and a threaded member spaced apart from the slip fit member. One of the members is engageable with the drill motor and the other member is engageable with the support.

Abstract: A hand tool apparatus uses a cutting tool with a first width and a tool axis to machine a hole in an object. The hole has a second width at least as large as the first width of the cutting tool. The tool axis passes through a predetermined point on a surface of the object. The apparatus includes an actuating assembly including a housing. The housing contains an axial feed mechanism configured for moving the cutting tool in an axial direction, a spindle motor configured for rotating the cutting tool about the tool axis, and a radial offset mechanism. The radial offset mechanism is configured for moving the axial feed mechanism in a radial direction such that the tool axis is offset from a principal axis. A motor is configured for rotating said axial feed mechanism and the cutting tool about the principal axis.

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: Method and device to make holes for components of wings for doors or windows comprising a frame consisting of uprights (14) on which blinds (16) oscillating with respect to an axis are mounted. The method provides to calculate the number of blinds (16) which can be applied in the wing and the interaxis “p” of the assembly holes (17) by dividing the height of the wing gap by the height of said blinds (16), rounding up the result of the division to obtain a whole number, calculating the overlap value between each blind (16) relation to the number of blinds (16) to be applied and comparing the overlap value obtained from this calculation with a pre-defined minimum value.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for drilling holes in a shell of a paper machine cylinder, which is in its operating position. The process includes fixing a drilling apparatus to a cylinder adjacent to the cylinder to be drilled, and substantially eliminating influences of mechanical play due to structures of the adjacent cylinder prior to drilling, which includes coupling a support member to the adjacent cylinder to exert tangential forces on the adjacent cylinder, whereby the mechanical play is substantially eliminated.

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: An apparatus having a controllable dwell for drilling and or countersinking a hole in a workpiece is provided which generally comprises a feed mechanism, a retraction mechanism, and a dwell mechanism. The feed mechanism is configured to feed a spindle from a starting position to a predetermined feed limit during a feed cycle. The retraction mechanism is configured to retract the spindle from the feed limit to the starting position to complete the feed cycle. The dwell mechanism is in communication with the retraction mechanism and comprises a mechanical bias member that stores energy during at least a portion of the feed cycle, wherein the mechanical bias member releases at least a portion of the energy once the spindle reaches the feed limit. The retraction mechanism is only actuated once the spindle reaches the feed limit and the mechanical bias member releases at least a portion of the energy.

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: A vacuum attachment device for a nutplate drill motor having a footpiece and at least one cutting tool. The vacuum attachment device comprises a body portion and a nozzle portion. The body portion has a central aperture which engages the footpiece and an air chamber which extends through the body portion and intersects the central aperture to form a vacuum path. The nozzle portion is coupled to the body portion and is in fluid connection with the air chamber. The nozzle portion is coupled to a source of vacuum pressure. During the operation of the nutplate drill motor, dust and chips that are generated by the cutting tool are drawn by the source of vacuum pressure into the air chamber and through the nozzle portion.

Abstract: A method and materials for drilling through-holes in printed circuit boards with a drilling tool is disclosed. The method involves the use of a lubricating entry material placed on the top surface of a stack of printed circuit boards and a lubricating backup board placed beneath the bottom surface of the stack of printed circuit boards. The lubricating entry material has a core with skins attached on both sides by a lubricant/adhesive. Similarly, the backup board has a core with skins attached on both sides by a lubricant/adhesive. The skins are hard enough to support the top and bottom surfaces of the printed circuit boards and thereby reduce burring at the entry point and exit point of the through-hole. The lubricant/adhesive coats the drilling tool during the drilling operation to reduce friction and thereby reduce the temperature of the drilling tool.

Abstract: A multi-head drilling machine, for use in particular in the simultaneous drilling of a plurality of side frame components for shutters, the drilling machine having a machine frame, a support carriage moveable along the frame, a transverse drilling head bar mounted transversely of the carriage, and moveable to and fro with the carriage, a first pair of drills mounted on the transverse head bar on one side of the carriage and a second pair of drills mounted on the transverse head bar on the opposite side of the carriage and being moveable in unison along either side of the carriage, clamps for clamping work pieces on either side of the carriage, in registration with respective drills, a first drill of each pair being mounted at a first predetermined position on the transverse head bar, and a second one of the drills being mounted at a second predetermined position on the transverse head bar, the first and second drills being offset with respect to one another longitudinally and laterally along the path of movem

Abstract: A hand held router (2) includes a rotatable member (22) having screwthread engagement with the housing (4) of the router (2). Rotation of the rotatable member (22) causes adjustment of the depth of cut of the router bit (18) protruding through the rotatable member (22). A releasable detent means (30) engages with latching members (28) in the rotatable member (22) thereby to enable locking of the depth of cut mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes in multiple pieces of lumber of uniform width and which is capable of processing more than one width is disclosed. The drill bits are arranged in rows and the spacing between drill bits differs from row to row so as to permit the drilling of holes in more than one size of lumber. The header in which the drill bits are mounted is adapted to travel vertically along two parallel guides. Stabilizers prevent the lumber from buckling or shifting and help to ensure that the holes will be drilled in the same location in each piece of lumber. When a layer of lumber is conveyed to the apparatus, pistons lower the header which brings a spring-loaded horizontal stabilizer into contact with the lumber to stabilize the lumber. A second stabilizer pushes the lumber laterally to press the pieces of lumber together.

Abstract: The device includes an operating head movable by a control unit with respect to a board for machining; the operating head includes a board holder device and an electric motor for a tool spindle; the rotor of the motor rotates with respect to the stator on air-cushion supports, and the stator slides axially on a further air-cushion support and is insulated with respect to the operating head; a signal generator senses the capacitance between the rotor and the stator, and generates an electric signal upon the tool on the spindle contacting the upper surface of the board; and the signal is used to define a reference dimension relative to the upper surface, and to so condition the control unit as to feed the tool to a predetermined depth as of the upper surface.

Abstract: The apparatus for boring a web of a section. The apparatus is provided with a boring device which is opposed perpendicular to the web of a clamped section and arm plates for supporting the boring device. The apparatus further has a clamping mechanism for clamping the section from each side thereof along the direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the boring device.

Abstract: A paddle fitting tool for drilling a hole through a wing spar inserted into a paddle fitting where the paddle fitting has a top fork with a hole and a bottom fork also having a hole approximately aligned with the hole in the top fork. The paddle fitting tool couples a drill to a nut runner using a saddle. The nut runner is operable to clamp the paddle fitting to securably hold the paddle fitting and wing spar stationary during drilling. The drill is operable to hold a drill bit and to drill a hole in the wing spar. The saddle couples the nut runner to the drill such that the hole drilled through the wing spar is approximately concentric with the hole in the top fork and the hole in the bottom fork of the paddle fitting.

Abstract: A printed circuit board working machine includes a spindle which holds a cutting tool and is movable to bring the tool into contact with and away from a printed-circuit board to be worked. A device for pressing down the printed-circuit board comprises a support mechanism associated with the spindle of the working machine for relative movement thereto, a plurality of holding sections movably supported by the mechanism and a driving mechanism for the holding sections. The holding sections are formed with holes of different sizes, respectively. When working operation, after the support mechanism causes the holding sections to move away to a position free from interference with the tool, the driving mechanism moves the holding sections to align one of the through holes, corresponding to a size of the tool to be used, with the tool.

Abstract: An improved drilling device for drilling normal holes in a workpiece surface is carried and positioned by an automatic control arm. The improved drilling device includes a compliant drill head generally comprising a drill housing and a pressure foot. The pressure foot for contacting the workpiece surface is connected to the drill housing at a universally swiveling joint. The drill housing encloses a drill drive means that advances and rotates a drill tool about a drill axis. Both the pressure foot and the drill housing have axial chambers and holes for permitting the drill tool to advance to the workpiece surface. Linear gauges mounted to the drill housing probe the orientation of the pressure foot relative to the drill housing.

Abstract: A clamp for a drill press includes a perpendicular support which can be attached to the quill of the drill press. The perpendicular support holds a compression spring which in turn is connected to an extension having a foot for engaging the work piece. As the quill is moved toward the work piece, the foot engages the work piece and the spring exerts a holding force during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A device and method for boring pocket-holes in frame members having a miter joint to prepare them for final assembly. Two frame members are placed on the positioning frame of the invention and clamped against the positioning frame and together at the miter joint with a moveable clamp, which has a clamp member having resilient clamping pads to contact the face surfaces of the picture frame members. The clamp member also includes a guide assembly which causes the clamping pads to apply clamping force to each of the frame members to hold them securely and to urge them together at the miter joint. A drill assembly supports a drill bit and carries the drill bit along a path to drill a pocket-hole having a centerline passing through the frame member on the first surface, passing obliquely across the miter joint and into the frame member on the second surface.

Abstract: A compliant end effector particularly suited for use with a robotic arm for accurately cutting and trimming the edges of a hot molded sheet of flexible plastic. The compliant end effector includes a mount secured to the robotic arm, an adjustment assembly pivotally attached to the mount, a guide that engages the plastic sheet near the area to be cut and trimmed, a tool for cutting and trimming the flexible sheet, and a pneumatic cylinder that biases the guide into engagement with the flexible sheet and presses the sheet against a rigid surface. The pneumatic cylinder moves the guide and tool through a range of positions as the robotic arm moves along a single path of travel down the length of the flexible sheet. The guide remains in contact with the flexible sheet despite warping or other imperfections in the stabilizing surface. The tool is fixed a predetermined distance from the guide to ensure that the plastic sheet is cut and trimmed within specific tolerances.

Abstract: A line laser assisted alignment apparatus that uses two laser line generators to define a reference axis that is aligned to coincide with an axis of a drill bit or other rotational tool. The reference axis of the alignment apparatus is matched with a marked position on a lower surface of an object that is to be worked by the drill bit or other rotational tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for consistently machining a side bearing component for railroad cars such that the components produced all have similar performance characteristics.