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US 2009/0255698 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for self-aligning swivel foot power feed drill
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorJohn J. Duran
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
A drilling apparatus for drilling holes in a structure, the drilling apparatus comprising:
- a drilling tool;
- a platform;
- and
- a flexible joint having three degrees of freedom connecting the drilling tool to the platform.
1 more element
A method for drilling holes through a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a structure;
- applying a drilling tool and a platform to a surface of the structure, wherein the platform is attached to the drilling tool by a first flexible joint;
- fastening a clamping element to the structure, wherein the platform is attached to the clamping element by a second flexible joint;
- adjusting the drilling tool to place the drilling tool in a predefined positional relationship to the surface;
- and
- drilling a hole in the structure.
3 more elements
A drilling apparatus for drilling holes in a structure, the drilling apparatus comprising:
- a drilling tool;
- a platform having an opening formed therein;
- a ball-and-socket joint connecting the drilling tool to the platform, and
- a clamping element attached to the platform adjacent the opening.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.