# US 8,739,378 B2 · Portable magnetic positioning tool > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,739,378 B2 - Document ID: US8739378B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/657,197 - Filed: 2012-10-22 - Published: 2013-03-07 - Granted: 2014-06-03 - Earliest claimed: 2008-12-23 - Applicants: Will Harris; Gerald L. Dasbach - Inventors: Will Harris; Gerald L. Dasbach - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8739378B2 ## CPC - B25B 11/002: {Magnetic work holders} - B23K 37/0408: {for planar work} - B25B 5/061: {with fluid drive (B25B5/087, B25B5/122 take precedence)} - B23K 2101/18: Sheet panels - Y10T 29/49826: Assembling or joining - Y10T 29/49895: Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"] - Y10T 29/53843: Tube, sleeve, or ferrule inserting or removing - Y10T 29/53961: with work-holder for assembly - Y10T 408/03: Processes - Y10T 408/892: with work-engaging structure detachable from cutting edge - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - B23K: SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A portable tool for performing work on a work piece, comprising: a frame; a support member extending from the frame; at least one extendable member disposed on the support member, wherein the extendable member is adapted to move in a linear direction; and at least one magnet disposed on the frame, wherein the magnet has at least one contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, and wherein the magnet comprises a housing, at least two permanent magnets disposed within the housing, and a switch extending from the housing for causing relative rotation of the permanent magnets. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the extendable member comprises a drill bit. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the extendible member comprises a drill bit, and wherein the drill bit is rotatable by an electric motor. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the extendable member comprises a drill bit, and the portable tool further comprises a handle that when actuated causes the extendable member to move in the linear direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the support member is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the support member is linearly adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the frame between a first end and a second end thereof. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the support member is disposed on the frame between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the magnet is disposed on or about the second end of the frame. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the support member is disposed on the frame between a first end and a second end thereof, wherein the magnet is disposed on or about the second end of the frame, and wherein the extendible member is adapted to move toward a plane perpendicular to the second end of the frame. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the extendable member comprises a hydraulically actuated bit or a pneumatically actuated bit. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The portable tool of claim 9, wherein the hydraulically actuated bit or the pneumatically actuated bit comprises a chisel, a cutter, a punch, or a hammer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the support member is substantially parallel to the contact side of the magnet. ### Claim 12 A method for performing work on a work piece, comprising: positioning a portable tool on or adjacent to a work surface to be worked, the tool comprising: a frame; a support member extending from the frame; at least one extendable member disposed on the support member, wherein the extendable member is adapted to move in a linear direction; and at least one magnet disposed on the frame, wherein the magnet has at least one contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, and wherein the magnet comprises a housing, at least two permanent magnets disposed within the housing, and a switch extending from the housing for causing relative rotation of the permanent magnets. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising actuating the magnet to the magnetized state. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, further comprising extending the extendable member to engage against the work surface. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, further comprising actuating the magnet to the non-magnetized state. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the extendable member comprises a drill bit and the method further comprises extending the extendable member to contact the work surface. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the extendable member comprises a hydraulically actuated ram, a pneumatically actuated ram, an electrically actuated ram, or a drill bit, and the method further comprises extending the extendable member to contact the work surface. ### Claim 18 A portable tool for performing work on a work piece, comprising: a frame; a support member disposed between a first end and a second end of the frame and extending therefrom, wherein the support member is linearly adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the frame between the first and second thereof; at least one extendable member disposed on the support member, wherein the extendable member is adapted to move in a linear direction, and wherein the extendible member comprises a drill bit that is rotatable by an electric motor; and at least one magnet disposed on the frame, wherein the magnet has at least one contact side that is switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state, and wherein the magnet comprises a housing, at least two permanent magnets disposed within the housing, and a switch extending from the housing for causing relative rotation of the permanent magnets. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The portable tool of claim 18, wherein the support member is substantially parallel to the contact side of the magnet. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The portable tool of claim 18, wherein a contact surface of the extendable member is substantially parallel to the contact side of the magnet.