Patent ID: 6141848
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B21J,B23B,B23P,B64F,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for placing a stringer clip at a predetermined location longitudinally along a stringer and at a predetermined orientation relative thereto, and for drilling holes laterally through sidewalls of said stringer and through said clip, comprising:a frame including a main plate and an attached structural post, said main plate having a coupling surface to which is attached a coupling device by which said frame is coupled to an arm of a positioning device, and an operating surface to which is attached operating structures for performing operations on said clip and said stringer;said structural post fastened rigidly to said operating surface of said main plate and projecting outward therefrom;a gripper arm mounted on said post for gripping and holding a stringer clip against a reference surface on said post;a clamp operatively mounted on said frame and having clamping faces for clamping said clip in said predetermined position to said stringer;a drill assembly operatively mounted on said frame and having drill heads for holding bits for drilling holes from opposite sides of said stringer;adjustment apparatus for moving said drill heads relative to said post to adjust the line of action of said drill assembly;whereby said drill heads are adjusted, depending on the position of said stringer clip lengthwise of said stringer, to drill said holes at said desired positions in said stringer.