With Work Supported Guide Means Patents (Class 409/178)
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Patent number: 11724345Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Schroeder, Todd B. Jaramillo, John Adam Price, John Robert Dye, III, Kaleb Aaron Kimball
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Patent number: 11577352Abstract: A functional unit, in particular for a tool, a tool accessory and/or a lighting apparatus, that includes a housing, a suction region, which is arranged on the housing and with which the fastening apparatus can be fastened releasably to a substrate, and an electrically operated negative-pressure unit, which is arranged in the housing and to provide a negative pressure in the suction region. The fastening apparatus also includes at least one fastening interface for fastening the functional unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the fastening apparatus includes the functional unit. The functional unit includes a guide device, in particular a guide rail, a router guide, a routing template, a rolling guide rail, a drilling apparatus, a lamp and/or a grazing light.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Festool GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Spengler, Jonathan Weik
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Patent number: 10941527Abstract: A portable rail weld milling machine apparatus comprises a metal frame that incorporates a motor with a rotary carbide tool that is able to lock to a rail or rails for stability. The apparatus houses the required guides and motors to maneuver the tool on a plurality of axes with computer numerical control (“CNC”). The CNC programming is able to control the carbide tool such that the welded rail can be milled to proper profile on the entire running surface, including the top, the field side, and the gauge side of the ball of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Holland, L.P.Inventors: Kristopher Koski, Kelly Steck
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Patent number: 10876517Abstract: A system for slew ring repair includes a drive mechanism and a tool coupled thereto. The tool may include a fixture structurally configured to secure the tool to a frame on a top end of a wind tower, and a rotatable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is coupled to the drive mechanism and the distal end is structurally configured to insert within a housing on the top end of the wind tower that contains a slew ring of a wind turbine disposed on the wind tower. The tool may further include a grinder disposed on the distal end of the rotatable shaft, where the grinder is structurally configured to engage the slew ring while being rotated by the drive mechanism for repair or maintenance of the slew ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Wind Solutions, LLCInventor: Christopher James Winslow
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Patent number: 10874407Abstract: An instrument can comprise an instrument body, a cross-pin, and a ring. The instrument body can be configured to be partially inserted into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone resection. The cross-pin can extend through the instrument body, and the ring can be movably coupled to the cross-pin and positionable on the bone resection. The ring can be configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the cross-pin such that an angle of the ring relative to the instrument body approximates a surface angle of the bone resection relative to the instrument body. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Hopkins
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Patent number: 10556310Abstract: A method for cutting machining of turbine blades (1) on a multi-axis machine tool, the turbine blade (1) is held by a rotatable blade-root clamping device and a rotatable blade-tip clamping device (2) and is machined by means of a tool which is chucked in a tool spindle. A first profile section (4) which is adjacent to the blade tip is first of all machined by the tool and the tool is then removed. The tool spindle then grabs an already horizontal additional clamping device (5) which has clamping jaws (6.1, 6.2) adapted to the first profile section (4). The additional clamping device (5) is positioned on the blade-tip clamping device (2) in such a way that the clamping jaws (6.1, 6.2) rest in the first profile section (4). The tool spindle then grabs a tool and machines the remaining profile section with it.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: GF Machining Solutions AGInventor: Martin Starek
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Patent number: 10352001Abstract: A method of milling a profile of a railway rail comprises: rotating a milling cutter including a plurality of face mounted cutting inserts mounted about a periphery thereof; milling a railway rail with cutting edges of the cutting inserts rotating in a predetermined plane corresponding to at least a portion of a desired rail profile while controlling the depth of cut of the cutting inserts; traversing the railway rail with the milling cutter while milling the railway rail; and controlling the speed of traverse of the milling cutter along the railway rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: GREENLEAF TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Donald R. Hughes, Charles D. Grabowski
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Patent number: 10227733Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a milling device for finishing the running surface of track rails during the travel of the rail vehicle along the track rails. The rail vehicle has a chassis frame having wheel sets. The milling device is provided with a milling head, and includes a framework arranged on the chassis frame having a milling head receptacle, which is displaceable vertically and transversely in relation thereto. The milling head receptacle can be supported for the vertical guiding via a guide shoe on the running surface and for transverse guiding in parallel to the milling head shaft via a guide stop laterally on the railhead. The milling head receptacle forms a transverse carriage, which supports the guide shoe and the guide stop, and the guide path of which, which is vertically displaceable, is provided on the side of the milling head receptacle facing toward the guide shoe.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK LIEZEN UND GIESSEREI GES.M.B.H.Inventor: Helmut Rungger
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Patent number: 9955984Abstract: A system for augmenting a glenoid in preparation for implantation of a glenoid implant includes an augment guide block. The augment guide block includes a body having a guide slot angularly extending from a first surface to a second surface at an angle ?, a plurality of alignment members extending from the first surface of the body that couple the body to the glenoid at locations that correspond to locations where a central peg and a peripheral peg will couple the glenoid implant to the glenoid. The system also includes an augmenting device that is configured to be received within the slot, and that is operable to augment the glenoid at the angle ?, wherein the angle ? corresponds to a surface of the glenoid implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Thomas M. Vanasse
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Patent number: 9834891Abstract: A method of milling a profile of a railway rail comprises: rotating a milling cutter including a plurality of face mounted cutting inserts mounted about a periphery thereof; milling a railway rail with cutting edges of the cutting inserts rotating in a predetermined plane corresponding to at least a portion of a desired rail profile while controlling the depth of cut of the cutting inserts; traversing the railway rail with the milling cutter while milling the railway rail; and controlling the speed of traverse of the milling cutter along the railway rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: GREENLEAF TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Donald R. Hughes, Charles D. Grabowski
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Publication number: 20150016912Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening a beet knife has a plurality of roof-shaped blades next to each other on a knife body has a centering device carrying a centering piece and movable in a Y-direction, a milling device with a mechanically rotatable side miller with a roof-like milling edge movable in the Y-direction toward and away from the centering device, and a guide extending in an X-direction substantially perpendicular to the Y-direction. A grab shiftable in the X-direction on the guide is designed to hold the knife to be sharpened, and respective drives are connected to the centering and milling devices for moving same toward and away from each other in the Y-direction and to the grab for moving same along the guide in the X-direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Michele LODICO, Ruediger LENZ
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Patent number: 8801346Abstract: A chamfering machine for both handheld and stationary use includes: a base having two arms extending toward one side; a motor provided on the base and having a driving shaft; a cutter provided on the driving shaft; a cutting seat consisting essentially of first and second panels; a first handle located between the arms and having two ends respectively provided at the arms; a second handle having one end provided at a bottom portion of the base and a body portion extending in a direction opposite the direction in which the arms extend; and at least one fixing element located below and connected to the arms and having a bottom end lower than the bottom end of the base, wherein the bottom end of the at least one fixing element has at least one connecting portion with at least one fixing hole for connecting to a tabletop.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Yen Shen Electric Inc. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wei-Chung Su
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Publication number: 20140178142Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a machine housing and a support device configured to guide the hand-held power tool in a plane-parallel manner on a workpiece. The support device has a substantially hollow-cylindrical carrier element configured to at least portionally receive the machine housing. The carrier element has a longitudinal slot and a foot plate. The foot plate is disposed at a defined angle at an axial end facing toward the workpiece. The foot plate has a recess for an insert tool. The carrier element is clampable to the machine housing by a swivelable clamping lever and/or a rotatable clamping knob. The clamping lever and the clamping knob are connected to each other by a clamping screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: YenTiong Tan
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Publication number: 20140105700Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a workpiece or template from wood, plastic, or other media. The apparatus is a flexible cutting rail guide comprising a length of elastomer stock having a cross-section with at least one ninety-degree angle, the elastomer stock being securable to a workpiece or template media. Preferably, the elastomer stock is square in cross-section and has a durometer rating in the range of about 75 to 90. The method teaches the use of a flexible cutting rail guide, workpiece media, and a router to cut a workpiece, comprising the steps of a) defining the desired design shape on the template media; b) removably securing the flexible cutting rail guide to the template media; and, c) cutting the template media by guiding the router along the flexible cutting rail guide. The invention further provides a method for cutting two or more identically shaped workpieces using the pattern or template.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Michael J. Gunderson
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Patent number: 8668410Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steve L. Arana, Ike C. Schevers, David L. Fritsche
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Patent number: 8651780Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael D. Katzenberger, Ike C. Schevers, Anthony P. Slade, Steve L. Arana
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Publication number: 20130189045Abstract: A milling system for milling a track surface with at least one rotatable milling plate. A modular blade system for each milling plate allows individual blades to be removed and replaced when an individual blade becomes dull or broken. The blade system also allows the milling plates to be oriented in both Type 2 and Type 3 configurations depending upon track surroundings and the presence of encumbrance. The milling plates can be mounted to a positioning assembly for adjusting the relative distance between the milling plate and the track surface as well as the angle at which the milling plate engages the track surface. The milling system can include a depth guide so as to physically prevent the milling plate from cutting too deeply into the track surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: LORAM MAINTENANCE OF WAY, INC.Inventor: LORAM MAINTENANCE OF WAY, INC.
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Patent number: 8393834Abstract: A machining method for machining a superficial portion of a laminate using machine tool having a depth limiter which restricts a maximum depth of the machine tool. A guide frame having an inner guide contour restricts a maximum dimension of the superficial portion, and is secured over the superficial portion. The superficial portion is machined while the machine tool is guided by the guide contour. From another point of view, a machining apparatus for machining a superficial portion of a material is provided. The machining apparatus comprises a guide frame, an inner guide contour for guiding a machine tool, an attachment member for securing the guide frame to an attachment member, adjacent to the superficial portion, of the material.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Willem Brugman
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Patent number: 8347470Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.Inventors: Javier Gonzalez Sáinz, Juan Ramón Astorga Ramírez, Agustin J. Sáenz Fernández, Valentin Collado Jiménez
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Publication number: 20120251327Abstract: A process of preparing a turbine rotor wheel, a repair tool for machining a turbine rotor wheel, and a turbine rotor wheel are disclosed. The process includes providing the turbine rotor wheel, the turbine rotor wheel having a dovetail slot, a cooling slot, and a dovetail acute corner formed by the dovetail slot and the cooling slot and removing a stress region from the dovetail acute corner. The repair tool permits removal of strained material while also reducing the operating stress of the feature. The turbine rotor wheel includes a machined portion resulting in lower stress for the turbine rotor wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: John H. DIMMICK, III
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Publication number: 20120014761Abstract: A device for finishing spot welding electrodes comprises a milling head that is suited for said finishing of spot welding electrodes. The device furthermore comprises a guide device for guiding the milling head relative to at least one spot welding electrode or relative to at least one spot welding electrode shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Stefan Fahnenstich
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Patent number: 8043033Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Gregory L. Clark
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Patent number: 7946318Abstract: A variable depth router and base assembly can include a ring-type, depth-adjustment mechanism. The base assembly can be a two-piece base wherein one piece is disposed inside the other. One of the pieces can include an annular lip or recess that can cooperate with levers on the adjustment ring to secure the router to the base assembly. The two-piece base assembly can facilitate the manufacture of the base assembly, can allow the use of different materials for different portions of the base assembly, and can provide a more economical base assembly. The use of differing materials can facilitate the using of more wear-resistant materials where needed while avoiding the costs of such materials in locations where it is not needed. The two-piece base assembly may allow various features to be economically incorporated into one of the pieces, thereby facilitating the manufacturing and assembly of the base assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Craig A. Carroll
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Publication number: 20100258215Abstract: A fixture includes a router guide portion having a router support surface and a workpiece support surface, a drill guide portion having a drill bit member, an opening adjacent the router guide portion and the drill guide portion for accepting a workpiece, and a clamping portion. The clamping portion includes a clamping member for securing the workpiece to the router guide portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Mark D. Garnett
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Patent number: 7785049Abstract: A fastening device (61) for fastening a hand router to the underside of a work platform (2) of a workbench (1) has radially outwardly extending projections which are associated with a base ring for the hand router and which may be introduced into associated fastening pockets by rotating the base ring in the work platform (2). The fastening pockets can be formed by fastening members (12) associated with the underside (2?) of the work platform (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbHInventor: Uwe Radermacher
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Patent number: 7632047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Lyle M. Wallace
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Patent number: 7621206Abstract: The multi-functional woodworking guide is a modular portable universal guide, adapted for guiding multiple hand held power tools, that is extendable with the use of multiple guide plates, side bars and edge bars in order to increase the size of the guide device to any length, thus being capable of cutting, grooving or sanding an unlimited length of material with the use of side extension clamps. The multi-functional woodworking guide is compact, portable and easy to transport, as it fits into the back seat or trunk of a car. The multi-functional woodworking guide is easy to secure to a work piece by various integrated clamps, which do not have to be move when cutting, grooving or sanding the material.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Dino Makropoulos
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Patent number: 7507060Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a cutting tool support that may provide supplemental support to a cutting tool when used with a cutting guide. In some embodiments, the cutting tool support may also include a dust collector that moves along the cutting tool support along with the cutting tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventor: Kenneth M. Grisley
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Patent number: 7494306Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keisuke Sihmada
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Patent number: 7488144Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Darrell D. Jones
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Publication number: 20080267728Abstract: Method and system for producing holes of various dimensions and configurations in a workpiece (42) using a portable orbital drilling machine (44), wherein said workpiece has attached thereto a template (10) with preformed guide holes (12-40) located in a pattern corresponding to the positions of the holes to be formed in the workpiece. Each guide hole (12-40) is provided with a readable information carrier (12i-40i) containing an identification of the respective guide hole. When fixating the drilling machine (44) in a guide hole, the latter is identified by a hole database (48) by sensing the respective information carrier. A control unit (50) associated with the hole database (48) controls the drilling machine (44) to perform a relevant hole-cutting process in the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Ingvar Eriksson, Erik Oden
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Publication number: 20080210338Abstract: Improvements in an adaptable router template guide are disclosed. The router guide is adjustable for door or door jam widths of 1?, 1¾ and 2¼ with simple spring loaded stops and detents. Interchangeable and adjustable routing templates are also provided to accommodate different size and shapes of striker plates, hinge plates and door jambs. The router template further includes debris ports for removal of sawdust. In operation the router guide is set for the width of the door and secured to the door or door frame. The correct plate is installed on into the guide and the pocket is routed. The combinations of door width and template plates allows the guide to be used with numerous styles of door hardware that are both currently manufactured and may be available in the future.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Felix C. Ponce
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Patent number: 7406758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Darrell D. Jones, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Theodore Boyl-Davis, Roger Gage, Laurance N. Hazlehurst
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Patent number: 7384220Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Gregory L. Clark
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Publication number: 20080118318Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a cutting tool support that may provide supplemental support to a cutting tool when used with a cutting guide. In some embodiments, the cutting tool support may also include a dust collector that moves along the cutting tool support along with the cutting tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Kenneth M. Grisley
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Publication number: 20080095590Abstract: An in situ fan case rub strip machining tool mounts to a LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly of a gas turbine engine. After a fan is removed therefrom such that the machining tool is rotatable about an engine axis of rotation in conjunction with rotation of the LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly. The machining tool permits machining of a rub strip within the fan case of the gas turbine engine without disassembly of the fan case from the core engine as heretofore required. As the machining tool is mounted to the LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly, the cutting tool is accurately locatable relative the engine axis of rotation such that the rub strip is evenly and precisely machined to be concentric with the engine axis to assure proper fan blade tip to rub strip interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Mark W. Costa, James E. Tracy, David E. Valentine, Raymond C. Ward, Dana H. Lewis
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Patent number: 7331740Abstract: An apparatus having a mounting body, a support having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support being pivotally secured to the mounting body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal primary pivot axis. A rail grooming head mounted to the second end of the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: David S. Fenton
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Patent number: 7273333Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Lyle M. Wallace
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Patent number: 7270505Abstract: A cutting tool and mounting system includes a tool carrier arranged to be mounted onto a workpiece, a cutting tool assembly carried by the tool carrier, and a tracking assembly connected to the cutting tool assembly and positioned to follow the contour of an outer surface of the workpiece. The cutting tool assembly includes a cutting tool arranged to be rotated about a longitudinal axis and a tool driving system connected to and arranged to transmit rotary input motion to the cutting tool. The cutting tool is secured by the tool driving system to be fed along its axis of rotation and transversely of its axis of rotation for cutting a workpiece through a wall thickness of the workpiece to impart a beveled surface to a severed end portion of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Tri Tool Inc.Inventors: Jerald W. VanderPol, Lane L. Larson
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Patent number: 7264426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: James N. Buttrick, Jr.
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Patent number: 7241091Abstract: A decoration-used mold unit for defining a border on a work piece to facilitate cutting or milling. The mold unit includes an elongated rectangular main body formed with a first window for processing a first sink and a second window for processing a second sink. A first chucking section protrudes from a first side of the main body. A second chucking section protrudes from a second side of the main body. At least one abutting member is adjustably arranged at the second chucking section. The first chucking section and the abutting member respectively abut against two opposite sides of the work piece to clamp the work piece. In the processing procedure, the blade is restricted within the first and second windows so that the work piece will not be over-milled and the borders of the sinks keep straight.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Kun-Ying Yang
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Patent number: 7216408Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Roger A. Gage, Darrell D. Jones, David P. Banks, Ronald Wayne Outous, Paul Reuben Arntson, James C. Murphy, Alan R. Merkley
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Patent number: 7195043Abstract: A router guide including a base member configured for attachment to a workbench in two different orientations. A clamping member is secured to the base member by threaded fasteners at each of its opposite ends so as to form a slot of variable height between the clamping member and the base member. In use, boards are positioned in the slot and held there by tightening threaded fasteners while a router bit is run along the free edge of the boards to make cuts. The router bit is steadied during cutting operations by pressing the associated router against a guide surface provided in either the clamping member or a guide plate attached to the base member remote from the clamping member.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Leslie A. Neff
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Patent number: 7182557Abstract: An apparatus having a mounting body, a support having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support being pivotally secured to the mounting body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal primary pivot axis. A rail grooming head mounted to the second end of the support.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: David S. Fenton
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Patent number: 7179027Abstract: A tool for positioning a plurality of templates with respect to a curved rail includes a flexible spine that carries a plurality of templates. Each of the templates defines an opening adapted to guide a cutting tool to form a picket hole in the rail. The templates are evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction of the flexible spine so that the picket holes are evenly spaced when cut. A clamp may be associated with each template to hold the tool with respect to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Roger E. Bugh
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Patent number: 7178217Abstract: A device 10 and method for forming a non-tapered end 12 of a gypsum board 14 into a tapered configuration or portion 16 includes a rotary drive tool 18 that imparts rotary motion to a tool bit 20 removably secured thereto, a pair of oppositely disposed angle members 22 having cooperating base portions 24 configured to promote attaching a dust collection collar 17 to the base portions 24, the angle members 22 disposing and guiding the rotating tool bit 20 between outer paper walls 28 of a non-tapered end 12 of the gypsum board 14 to ultimately severe portions of gypsum from the non-tapered end 12 thereby forming a recess 32 without damaging the outer paper walls 28 of the gypsum board 14.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Wayne B. Barnett
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Patent number: 7175376Abstract: The present invention mainly aims to provide cutting method and cutting apparatus for manufacturing a guide rail of a rolling guide device by efficiently cut-working a long scale hardened steel. In order to achieve such object, there is provided a cutting method of linearly cutting a work surface (3) of the long scale hardened steel (2) along the longitudinal direction thereof. In this process, it is desired to arrange a plurality of CBN tools (7) along the longitudinal direction of the long scale hardened steel (2) to thereby sequentially cut the work surface (3). Furthermore, a cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a fixing device (4) for fixing the long scale hardened steel (2), a tool rest (5) which is guided by a guide device (6) disposed along the longitudinal direction of the fixing device (4) and the CBN tool (7) cut-working the work surface (3) of the long scale hardened steel (2) held by the tool rest (5).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Suzuki, Takeki Shirai, Chandra Shekhar Sharuma
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Patent number: 7165300Abstract: A portable pocket cutter employs a shaping assembly and a boring assembly, connected via a frame and coupling assembly, for constructing a pocket joint in a workpiece. The frame is at least partially supported upon a workpiece. The shaping assembly is pivotally connected with the frame and further connects with a first bit for shaping a recess in a planar surface of the workpiece. The boring assembly is also connected with the frame and further connects with a second bit for boring a through aperture into an edge of the workpiece, the edge being generally perpendicular to the planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Alan Phillips, John W. Schnell, Daniel Paxton Wall
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Patent number: 7137760Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Darrell D. Jones
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Patent number: 7131898Abstract: A removable surface positioning guide for a rotary hand-held tool provides one or more adjustable features for selective positioning of a surface engaging bit driven by the rotary hand-held tool. The surface positioning guide may include a pivot joint between a guide base and a mounting adapter. The guide base pivots relative to the mounting adapter about the pivot joint between operable positions. The surface positioning guide may include at least one spring supported by the mounting adapter either directly or indirectly that biases a guide base axially away from the mounting adapter. The guide base is movable toward the mounting adapter against the biasing of the at least one spring to effect a plunging movement. The surface positioning guide may include a reversible or interchangeable base flange with differently configured faces that are adapted to be placed against a working surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Nomis LLCInventors: Edward Adkins, John Kochanski