Rotary boring tool alignment and depth indication system

A system for a rotary boring tool that enables a user of the tool to align the tool perpendicularly with respect to a work surface of a work piece. In one embodiment the system enables a user to gauge distance or depth drilled into the work piece.

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to rotary boring tool alignment and depth indication systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

DIY and even skilled craftsmen and women often experience difficulty in maintaining correct alignment of a rotary boring tool with a work surface such as a work-piece being drilled by a hand-held power drill. Furthermore, DIY and even skilled craftsmen and women often experience difficulty in determining the depth of a rotary boring instrument as it penetrates a work surface such as a work-piece being drilled by the bit of a hand-held power drill.

There is a continuing need for an apparatus that helps a user to maintain correct alignment of a rotary boring tool with a work surface as well as to indicate the depth of the boring instrument or cutting tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for a rotary boring tool that enables a user of the tool to align the tool perpendicularly with respect to a work surface of a work piece. In one embodiment the system enables a user to gauge distance or depth drilled into the work piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to rotary boring tool alignment and depth indication systems.

In one embodiment of the invention a rotary power tool alignment and depth indication system is provided to improve both the functionality and usability of rotary power tools. The system may be used on any type of rotating power tool. This includes, but is not limited to hand held-power drills of all sorts, stationary drill presses, smaller Dremel® drill tools, as well as larger boring devices. Furthermore, the system can be used on other types of rotating machinery such as milling machines and lathes.

It will be understood that such terms as “upper and lower”, “front and rear”, and “top and bottom” are used for convenience to describe relative directional reference in the common orientation of system as shown inFIG. 1A.

For purposes of simplicity, the system embodiments described below are provided in the context of hand-held power drills. It should be noted, however, that the advantages provided by the system are equally applicable to all types of rotary power tools. These advantages include, but are not limited to, visual work surface alignment, visual drill bit or cutting tool depth indication, and visual drill bit or cutting tool work surface positioning.

In one embodiment (seeFIGS. 1A and 1B), the system comprises of first and second light sources100and101, a cutting tool holder such as, but not limited to, a chuck103, and a power source104. In this embodiment the first and second light sources100and101, and power source104are mounted on a body105such as a circular disk, with the first and second light sources100and101essentially inline with the center position of the chuck103. The body105is shown inFIG. 1Aconnected (either permanently or temporarily) to the power drill200so that the rotational output of the drill is translated to the body105, which then rotates as well. When a drill bit is attached to the system chuck103, the drill and the system can be used in unison to provide improved drilling and boring operations. The power drill200defines a longitudinal axis151that passes through the rotary parts of the power drill200which inFIG. 1Aincludes chuck103a shaft106, and a drill bit157extending from chuck103. InFIG. 1Athe body105is mounted in a transverse plane (i.e., at a 90° angle) with respect to the longitudinal axis151. The body105defines a top surface109, a bottom surface117, and a circumference119. It should be understood that the chuck103can be any suitable cutting-tool holder such as a connector able to secure the drill bit157to the rotary tool such as a power drill200.

Visual Work Surface Alignment

With regards to proper work surface alignment, the system allows a power drill user to quickly visualize if the drill is aligned (both vertically and horizontally) with a work surface250of a work piece249. This is important because proper horizontal and vertical alignment will provide for a bore-hole that is completely perpendicular to the work surface. Furthermore, the system is advantageous because it does not rely on gravity, so the orientation of the work surface is inconsequential.

In the embodiment pictured inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the system produces two essentially circular visible projections on a work surface250that provide a visual indication of drill alignment or misdirection. More specifically, first and second light sources100and101respectively project inner and outer concentric circles of light130and131(seeFIGS. 2A through 2C) on the work surface250when the power drill200is being held at a perpendicular angle with respect to the work surface250. These laser projections are created by the rotation of the embodiment in conjunction with the rotating portion of the power drill200.

In one embodiment of the invention as depicted inFIGS. 2A through 2C, a power drill200aligned perpendicular with respect to a work surface250produces two visible and essentially concentric circular projections (inFIG. 2Ashown as first and second concentric circles130and131) on a work surface250with the position of the tip259of a drill bit157located at the center211of the concentric circular projections. More specifically, first and second light sources100and101respectively produce first and second light beams110and111, which in turn respectively project first and second visible projections120and121on the work surface250, which upon rotation of the system in turn respectively generate first and second concentric circle projections130and131onto the work surface250when the power drill200is aligned perpendicularly with respect to the work surface250. Conversely, a rotary boring tool such as, but not limited to, a power drill200that is misaligned with regards to the work surface250(also pictured inFIGS. 2B and 2C) produces first and second non-concentric (non-centered) circles140and141. These non-concentric circles may also contain some elliptical distortion. The combination of these factors makes it easy for a power drill user (i.e., power drill operator) to visualize and quickly correct for any drill misalignment.

In this embodiment, first light source100, which may be a laser, LED, or other light source, produces a first light beam110that is at an acute angle of, for example, 45 degrees to the drill bit157. When the embodiment is not rotating, the first light beam110from first light source100produces a first visible projection120on the work surface250. Second light source101(which may also be a laser, LED or other light source) produces a second light beam111that is parallel to the longitudinal axis151and hence parallel to the illustrated drill bit157. When the embodiment is not rotating, the second light beam111from second light source101produces a second visible projection121on the work surface250.

The first and second visible projections120and121are typically, but not necessarily, dot-shaped. For example, the first and second light sources100and101can optionally include, or are operatively coupled to, one or more lenses that manipulate the light output from the light sources to provide visible projections that are not regular dot-shaped. Such manipulations can include, but are not limited to projection shaping or focusing. The first and second light sources100and101could, for example, be laser light sources that incorporate one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs). DOEs are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,151,917, 4,846,552 and 4,895,790. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,151,917, 4,846,552 and 4,895,790 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In this embodiment when the power drill200is aligned correctly against a work surface250, the work surface250becomes the third leg of a right angle triangle. As depicted inFIG. 3Athe first and second light beams110and111combine with the work surface250to create a 45°-45°-90° right angle triangle, with first light beam110producing the hypotenuse, second light beam111producing the c1leg, and the work surface250the c2leg. In this non-limiting example, the c1leg is equal in length to the c2leg, and the first and second dot-shaped visible projections120and121form the end points of leg c2.

When this embodiment is aligned perpendicularly against a work surface250and rotating with the output of the power drill200, the distance between the first and second dot-shaped projections120and121(the c2leg), is constant. In correct alignment the first and second light beams110and111producing first and second dot-shaped projections120and121respectively produce first and second concentric circle projections130and131on the work surface250. Conversely, when the embodiment is misaligned against a work surface250and rotating, the distance between first and second dot-shaped projections120and121(the c2leg) is different (seeFIG. 3B). Since the embodiment is no longer producing a right angle triangle, this produces the effect of two essentially non-aligned, first and second non-concentric (non-centered) circles140and141.

In another embodiment, the position of one or more of the light sources can be altered with reference to their linear distance from each other and the longitudinal axis151. This has the effect of changing the distance between the first and second visible projections120and121(the c2leg length) on the work surface250, and thus the diameter of the first and second concentric circles130and131. Such an adjustment is optimal for drill bits of different lengths and/or for the configuration of different visual alignment effects.FIGS. 4A through 4Dpresents the latter—an example of a different type of visual alignment with regards to a work surface250. In this example, first light source100is positioned so that its first circular projection130is equal in diameter to that of the second circular projection131from light source101when the drill bit157is aligned perpendicularly with the work surface250.

As depicted inFIG. 4A, perfect alignment is indicated by the overlapping of the two projections130and131. Conversely, any misalignment is indicated by a deviation in shape or position of the first and second non-concentric circles140and141. This embodiment and others may also include the optional use of different colored lights so as to differentiate between the two projections. An example would be a red light100and a green light101.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 4A and 4D, to ensure that the first beam110produces first circle130that coincides on the work surface250with second circle131produced by the second beam111the angle of the first beam of light110from first light source100can be adjustable such that the first beam110produces a circle of light on the work surface250that coincides with the circle of light provided by the second light source101(seeFIG. 4D).

In one aspect of the invention the first light source100can be moved up or down the cutting tool holder, such as chuck103, by means of, for example, a slot or channel181mounted vertically on a chuck103(shown, e.g., inFIG. 5A). In this embodiment the first light beam110produced by first light source100is preferably projected at an acute angle away from the longitudinal axis151. Channels or slots181can also be located on the body105such as the top surface109of body105, e.g., seeFIG. 11A.

The body105can be made of transparent plastic or is substantially transparent to the extent that the body105allows passage of light beams sufficient for a human eye to detect visible projections such as120and121. For example, body105can be transparent to first and second light beams110and111thereby allowing the corresponding light sources to be located on the bottom surface117of body105.FIG. 20illustrates a body105sufficiently transparent to allow passage of first and second light beams110and111through the body member such that first and second light sources100and101are located on the bottom surface117of body105. The light sources can, if preferred, be at least partly located inside the body105or located inside the body105as shown, for example inFIG. 21to give a flush or substantially flush fit with respect to body105.

Selectively changing or adjusting the positions of one or more of the light sources has the effect of changing the distance between the first and second visible projections120and121(the c2leg length), and thus the diameter of the circles when the system is rotating with the drill. For example, first light source100can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis151with respect to chuck103or body105(seeFIGS. 5A and 5B). A slot, groove or track can be attached or integrated into the cutting tool. For example,FIGS. 1A and 5Ashow a slot181in vertical orientation and integrated into chuck103. By moving or positioning the first light source100at different points along slot181with respect to chuck103this has the effect of changing the position of first visible projection120on a work surface250, and thus the diameter of the first circular projection130that is produced when the system is rotating with the drill.

In another embodiment (FIGS. 6A and 6B), the body105may have markings and/or indicators that provide the user with guidance on how to position the adjustable lights for different types of operations and drill bit lengths. The markings could include, but are not limited to incremental points in a linear pattern170(similar to a ruler), or even drill bit images171that provide a user with an easy system setup or guidance mechanism. For example, the markings could inform a user where to position the light sources to obtain overlapping circles, as depicted inFIG. 4A, with respect to a drill bit of a selected length.

In another embodiment (FIGS. 14A and 14B), first and second light sources100and101are positioned (either fixed or adjustably) on opposite sides of a cutting tool holder—shown as chuck103. This allows for the use of longer drill bits, and/or for a body105that can be reduced in size, e.g., reduction in the diameter of the body105. Furthermore, since the light sources are more evenly distributed on the body105, this embodiment provides for more stability while rotating. The first and second light sources100and101can be moved along slots181(generally denoted by “181”, but if more than one slot then represented by derivatives of “181”, e.g., labels “181a” and “181b”). It should be understood that the slots can take any suitable form such as, but not limited to: tracks, grooves or channels; also, the light sources can be located in inside the body105as shown inFIG. 21thereby rendering the light sources flush or substantially flush with respect to the top109and/or bottom surface117of the body105.

The embodiment pictured inFIGS. 14A and 14Bhas a first light source100that produces a first light beam110that is at a 45 degree angle (or close to a 45 degree angle) to the drill bit157and longitudinal axis151, and a second light source101that produces a second light beam111that is essentially parallel to the drill bit and longitudinal axis151. In this embodiment the light source100or first light beam110can be modified so that the first visible projection120is visible on the work surface250(and not the drill bit157). For example, the first light source100could be rotated in the transverse plane with respect to the longitudinal axis151by an amount just sufficient so that the first light beam110misses or substantially misses or at least partly avoids the drill bit157and be projected onto the work surface250.FIG. 14Bdepicts this with a light source100that is slightly rotated. Further, the first light source100could be manipulated so as to produce a beam that is visible on both sides of the drill bit157, e.g., via a beam splitter splitting the single beam output of the first light source100to pass either side of the drill bit157. It is preferred that during normal operation of the system that the first and second light beams110and111combine with a work surface250to create a 45°-45°-90° right angle triangle.

Although the preferred embodiment includes a first light source100that produces a first light beam110that is essentially at an acute angle of 45 degree angle to the drill bit157(and longitudinal axis151), other embodiments may include a light source that is either fixed or adjustable to some acute angle other than 45 degrees. Likewise, although the preferred embodiment includes a second light source101that produces a second light beam111that is essentially parallel to the drill bit157(and longitudinal axis151), other embodiments may include a light source that is either fixed or adjustable to some angle other than parallel to the drill bit157(and longitudinal axis151).

Visual Drill Bit or Cutting Tool Depth Indication

With regards to drill bit or cutting tool depth indication, the system (i.e., the present invention) optionally provides a power drill user with the ability to quickly visualize the depth of a drill bit as it bores into a work surface. This is important because the power drill user may need to limit or monitor the depth of their drilling operations. This feature may be used in combination with other features, such as work surface alignment.

In one embodiment this is accomplished by watching the outer circular laser projection (labeled as “130” inFIGS. 7A and 7B) collapses on the inner circular projection131as the drill is pressed forward into the work surface250.FIGS. 7A through 7Cdemonstrate what a power drill user will see as the drill200is pressed forward into a work surface250of a work piece249. In this embodiment, the outer circular projection130collapses on the inner circle131and produces a single circle; this indicates that the drill bit has moved forward by the spatial difference between the radius of the first and second circles in the starting position. It should be understood that the work surface250of work piece249is not limited to a specific work piece.

As depicted in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1A and 1B), an optional feature allows the drill bit depth measurement to be set ahead of time by adjusting the distance between the first and second visible projections120and121on the work surface250. Since various embodiments allow the position of first and second light sources lights100and101to be adjusted, this has the effect of changing the diameter of the first and second circular projections130and131that are produced when the system is rotating with the drill. Therefore, the starting position of circular laser projection130on the work surface may be inside, outside, or equal to that of circular laser projection131. This provides the power drill user with maximum flexibility.

In another embodiment, second light source101may be split by a beam splitter107into two or more beams111and112thus producing visible projections on the work surface250in addition to first and second visible projections120and121. An example is depicted inFIG. 8which shows first, second and third visual projections120,121and122. In this particular example, the split projections may be further spaced at equal intervals such as a centimeter or inch. When the system is rotating with the rotating parts of the power drill200, the split beam results in multiple circular projections on the work surface. Such projections provide for the ability to incrementally monitor the progress of a drill bit157as it bores into a work surface250. This effect may also be accomplished through the use of additional light sources like101mounted at equal spaced distances in a linear pattern.

Visual Drill Bit or Cutting Tool Work Surface Positioning

The system may also provide methods for a power drill user (i.e. operator) to utilize one or more of the light projections as markers on the work surface250to position the drill bit157(and thus the location of the bore hole) with regards to elements on the work surface250or adjacent surfaces. This positioning ability makes drill bit placement operations more precise, and prevents the need for “pre-marking” the work surface prior to drilling.

For example, if a power drill user is drilling knob holes in a series of identical cabinet doors, the position of the drill bit157and more particularly the tip259of the drill bit157(and thus the location of the associated bore hole) should be identical and consistent on all cabinets. Normally the user would be forced to measure each cabinet, and mark the target borehole position prior to drilling operations.

In one embodiment, one or more additional light sources are added to the system for drill bit positioning on a work surface250. As depicted inFIGS. 9A and 9B, an optional additional light source102is added to the 6 o'clock position on the system body105for cabinet (or corner) drilling operations. The additional light source102bproduces third light beam128, which produces visible projection123on the work surface250. In this configuration, the first and second visible projections120and121, which can be dot-shaped projections, from first and second light sources101and102can be used to position the drill bit157on the work surface with reference, for example to the corner ends of a cabinet. An example of the effect on a cabinet door is pictured inFIG. 10. It should be noted that drill bit work surface positioning is done by manually rotating the system body105into the correct orientation with regards to the work surface elements prior to drilling operations. It is also possible in this and other embodiments to turn off first light source100if it is not used prior to drilling operations.

In another embodiment, an optional third light source102is added to the mounting body105such that the optional third light source102is located on the opposite side of chuck or cutting tool holder103from second light source101, wherein second and third light sources101and102are equidistant from the circumference119of the mounting body105for centering operations. Such centering operations can be used to quickly find the center of common work surfaces such as wooden studs, deck panels, downspouts, bricks, etc. An example of the system and its effect on a wooden stud is depicted inFIGS. 11A and 11B. In other embodiments, the system may also include additional light sources in the some combination of the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions.

In another embodiment, one or more of the light sources have the capability to tilt along their X or Y axis's. This provides further capability for alignment with work surface (or adjacent surface) elements. As depicted inFIG. 12, second light source101is tilted along its X axis. In this embodiment, it could also tilt along its Y axis, or some combination of X and Y.

The system and its various embodiments can use a variety of light sources, light source manipulation, and light source positioning. These may be implemented alone or in various combinations.

In the one embodiment, the light sources or sources are laser light sources. In another embodiment, the light sources are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), or some other preferably low-power illumination source. Different types of light sources may also be combined in a single embodiment. The light sources could, for example, be laser light sources that incorporate one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs).

In another embodiment, the light source or sources may be integrated or combined directly with a power source as an independent unit. Such an embodiment allows a light source to essentially operate on its own without any direct integration into the body's power source104. If the system does not require power for other system elements (besides light sources), then the use of such lights source/battery embodiments might eliminate the necessity for a body mounted power source104.

In another embodiment, the light source or sources may be coupled with one or more lenses that manipulate the light projections. Such manipulations can include, but are not limited to projection shaping or focusing and may incorporate DOEs.

In another embodiment, the system may contain and use mirrored or reflective surfaces to reorient the light projections in an optimal direction or directions. A light source may, for example, be mounted in such a way that the projection is not pointing in an optimal direction. In this case, a mirrored or reflective surface may be used to reflect the light projection in the optimal direction.

In another embodiment, one or more lights and/or one or more reflective surfaces may be combined with one or more beam splitters or a similar mechanism known in the art. Beam splitters are used to split a single beam of light into two or more beams. An example of such an embodiment includes the use of a single laser projection that is split into two or more projections (FIG. 8).

In another embodiment, the directions of the projected light or lights are fixed with respect to the drill bit157. Conversely, in another embodiment, the directions of the projected light or lights are adjustable with respect to the drill bit157and/or work surface205(see, for example,FIG. 12).

In another embodiment, the mounting position of the light source may be adjustable. Such adjustments may be horizontal with respect to the distance from the drill bit157, vertical with respect to the distance from the tip259of the drill bit157, or some combination thereof. Specifically, the horizontal position of one or more of the light sources can be adjusted on the body105such that the transverse distance of, for example, the second source of light101from the longitudinal axis151(and hence the distance of the second light source from the chuck103can be varied) thereby selectively varying the position of the second visible projection121on the work surface250; and with respect toFIGS. 5A and 5B, where the vertical position or up/down position of the first light source100can be selectively varied with respect to the chuck103.

Any suitable mechanism can be used to aid positioning the light sources such as, but not limited to: slots, channels, and grooves, snap-ins wherein one or more light sources are snapped into predetermined locations on the body105, alone or in combination. For example, inFIG. 1Ba slot181is shown whereby second light source101can be moved and selectively positioned. InFIG. 5A, a slot or channel181is shown attached to the chuck103as an aid for selectively positioning the first light source100with respect to the chuck103.

In one embodiment the first light source100produces a first light beam110at a 45 degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis151. In this configuration of the invention either or both of the first and second light sources100and101are adjustable in terms of their position in order to selectively control the projection of the first and second light beams110and111with respect to a work surface250.

In another embodiment, the lights may be added and removed individually. This provides the user with a tremendous amount of flexibility with regards to system configuration and customization.

In another embodiment, the system has a single light source100or101that projects first and second visible projections120and121onto the work surface250. In this embodiment, the first and second visible projections120and121generate first and second rotating light projections130and131, which take the form of generate first and second concentric circle projections when the power drill200is aligned perpendicularly with respect to the work surface250. The first and second rotating light projections130and131can be used in conjunction with position and/or orientation of the drill bit157on the work surface250to visually align the drill200both vertically and horizontally with regards to the work surface250. For example, if the drill bit157is not essentially in the center of circular projection130produced by light source100, the drill bit is misaligned with reference to the work surface250.

Body Configurations

The system includes a body105on which at least some of the system elements are included.

Given the wide array of features and implementations offered by the system, the body105can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. Such shapes and sizes are often determined by factors such as: drill bit size, power drill physical form, chuck or cutting tool holder size and shape, light configurations, etc.

In one embodiment, the body105is simply a standard power drill chuck103with one or more light sources attached thereto. In this embodiment, the body itself105is the chuck or cutting tool holder103.

The body105can take any suitable form such as a disk such as, but not limited to, a transparent or partially transparent disk, preferably made from a light-weight, rigid, and strong material. It should be noted that a transparent body of some form is preferred (e.g., transparent plastic or substantially transparent when the body105is rotating), as it provides the greatest amount of work surface and drill bit visibility. In this embodiment, a chuck or cutting tool holder103is also normally included.

In another embodiment (FIG. 15), the body105or some other element of the system could be configured so that it produces an air current while rotating. This air current161or air flow would be essentially projected towards the work piece during drilling operations, and have the effect of blowing or pushing drill bit debris162away from the operating drill bit and/or work surface250. Such air currents are advantageous to the power drill user as it allows them to better visualize the work surface and drill bit during drilling operations. In this embodiment, the elements that produce the air flow could be anything known in the art. This includes, but is not limited to airfoils160, surface projections, or other techniques that can create air currents that are generally projected in a specific direction.FIGS. 15 through 16Bdepict the use of airfoils160to create an air current161that pushes debris162away from the work surface250. The airfoils160can be fitted to the body105in all of the embodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment, the body105can either rotate in conjunction with the rotational portion of the rotary power tool or independently on its own. The later configuration allows the user to position the drill bit against the work surface and spin the body via a means other than that of the rotational force of the rotary power tool; this has the effect of producing circular projections on the work surface250without the need to engage the rotary power tool. This can be advantageous for a rotary power tool user since they can evaluate and correct for work surface misalignment prior to and without the need to begin boring operations. In one embodiment, the body can spin independently via a manual means. In another embodiment, an independent integrated rotational force such as an electric motor or wind-up engine can be utilized to rotate or spin the body without the necessity of engaging the rotary power tool.

Mounting and Chucking

The system can be mounted to the rotating portion of a power drill in a variety of ways. The system can be further implemented as either a permanent part of the tool or as an attachment to the tool.

In one embodiment related to mounting, the system is connected to the drill through a standard means known in the art. This includes, but is not limited to a shaft106that attaches to the power drill's existing chuck, a standard chuck socket that attaches to the power drill's rotating output shaft (thus replacing the drill's chuck), or a quick change chuck mechanism like those offered by San Ou Machinery Limited Company of Zhejiang China.

The system can also provide a means of locking the drill bit or cutting tool into the rotating system. This can be done through a variety of methods known in the art, including but not limited to the integration of a chuck103into the system, e.g., a mechanism such as the Craftsman Speed-Lok® Quick Connector.

In another embodiment related to mounting, the system is connected to the drill by a chuck attachment mechanism. Such a mechanism attaches to some portion of the power drill's existing chuck103without interfering with the rotational operation of the chuck103or the drill bit157.

In yet another embodiment related to mounting, the system is attached to the drill bit157. In this embodiment, the system is attached in such a way as to not interfere with the rotational operation of the chuck103or the drill bit157.

Power

The system can use a variety of power sources. These power sources provide electricity for the lights and any other associated electrical components.

In the one embodiment, the power source104is one or more batteries that are integrated in the system. The batteries may be any type known in the art, including but not limited to disposable or rechargeable batteries. The batteries may be mounted on or in the body in a variety of positions. In another embodiment, the power source may be the electrical source of the power drill itself. In yet another embodiment, power may be obtained by converting the kinetic energy (obtained from the rotation of the system) into electricity.

In one embodiment, the entire system can be powered on and off via a single power switch. In another embodiment, the system functions can be powered on and off in groups via a single switch.

In another embodiment, the system may contain two or more switches that control individual system elements or groups of system elements. An example could be a set of power switches that individually control a group of lights that are used for a specific purpose, such as a configuration for visual work surface alignment (light sources100and101) versus a configuration for visual drill bit or cutting tool work surface positioning light sources101and102.

In another embodiment, the system can be automatically turned on by movement or rotation, and/or automatically turned off by some period of non-movement or inactivity.

In another embodiment, the light source mounting positions are configured so light power is easily obtained through the built-in connectors.

In another embodiment, each light source may be integrated or combined directly with a power source as an independent unit. Such an embodiment allows a light source to essentially operate on its own without any direct integration into or need for a body-mounted power source.

Informational Feedback

The system may also provide some sort of informational display or feedback for the user. Such feedback could be visual, audible, or tactile in nature. The information supplied to the user could include, but is not limited to elements such as rotational direction (forward or reverse), rotational RPMs, drill bit temperature, sensor-based visualization, microwave or other types of imaging, etc.

In one embodiment, the display could be as simple as an LCD that can be seen when the Drill Guide is not rotating. In another embodiment, the display could be a Persistence of Vision (POV) system that can actually display text and/or graphics during rotation of the system (seeFIG. 13). The POV display is pictured as a series of 7 LEDs lights150, but may be anything known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the display can be projected onto a work surface250.

In another embodiment, the informational display can be implemented as a stand-alone system.FIG. 18depicts an example of this embodiment that includes a Persistence of Vision (POV) system150on a body105that is devoid of the first and second light sources100and101.

In one embodiment (FIG. 13), the system includes an accelerometer1511sensor or other rotational sensor that can measure the rotational characteristics of the system. In another example (FIG. 16), the system uses an inertial motion sensor153as a means of automatically turning the power on and off. In another example (FIG. 13), the system may combine one or more sensors or electronic components with a microcontroller152or other computing unit such as a computer processor. This computing unit could be used to add variety of features known in the art. These could include, but are not limited to, enhancing the capabilities of the sensor (or sensors), driving a user feedback or display system, regulating and managing the power system, turning the light sources on and off, etc.

The system may contain other sensors that are used for sub-surface visualization. Examples include the use of microwave sensors, thermal imaging sensors or functionally equivalent sensors to detect sub-surface obstructions or drill-bit positioning reference elements (located underneath the work surface). Such sensors could be integrated with the system's body105, power source104, microcontroller152or computing unit, and informational feedback elements.

In another embodiment, the one or more sensors, one or more microcontrollers, or one or more ICs, can be implemented as a stand-alone system.FIG. 19depicts an example of this embodiment that includes a Persistence of Vision (POV) system150on a body105with an accelerometer1511and a microcontroller152that is devoid of the light sources100and101.

Counter Balancing

Since rotary power tools typically operate in the 0 to 3000+ RPM range, the system will need to be properly balanced for stable rotation on the tool. The system may accomplish this in several ways.

In one embodiment, the system elements are distributed throughout the body in a generally balanced manner so that the ad-hoc adjustment or addition of lights is generally offset by the static weight distribution of the body105, chuck or cutting tool holder103, and power source104.

In another embodiment, the power source location may be altered to offset the ad-hoc adjustment or addition of light sources.

In another embodiment (FIG. 17), the body may include or provide for the ability to add counter weights115that can be used to offset the ad-hoc adjustment or addition of lights. Slots or channels181(labeled as181athrough181dinFIG. 17) can be used to move the counter weights115about the top109or bottom117surface of the body105; inFIG. 17the slots or channels are labeled as181athrough181b.

In yet another embodiment, the body contains a mechanism for dynamic counter-balancing. In this configuration, any ad-hoc adjustment or addition of light sources is automatically offset by one or more counter-balance mechanisms.

An operator could choose to use the invention merely as an alignment system and ignore the depth indication system aspects of the invention. This embodiment can apply to a rotary boring tool (such as, but not limited to: a power drill200or a stationary drill press or a smaller Dremel® drill tool) having a rotatable drill bit157, wherein the drill bit157is attached to a cutting-tool holder such as a chuck103, the tool having a longitudinal axis151, wherein the tool is used to drill holes in a work surface250of a work piece249, comprising:first and second light sources100and101; anda body105for operably coupling the first and second light sources100and101to the cutting-tool holder such that the first and second light sources100and101are located in the same transverse plane with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second light sources100and101respectively produce first and second light beams110and111, wherein the second light beam111is projected parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein during normal operation of the alignment system the first and second light beams110and111combine with a work surface250to create a 45°-45°-90° right angle triangle,whereupon operation of the rotary boring tool and when the rotary boring tool is held perpendicular to a work surface250of a work piece249the first and second beams of light110and111project inner and outer concentric circles130and131of light onto the work surface250thereby confirming that the rotary boring tool is being held at a perpendicular angle with respect to the work surface250,wherein the first and second light sources100and101are positioned on the same side of the cutting-tool holder as depicted, for example, inFIG. 5Aor on opposite sides of the cutting-tool holder as depicted, for example, inFIG. 1A, andwherein this embodiment may include airfoils160coupled to the body105for moving drill debris away from the work surface250while drilling into the work piece249, as depicted, for example, inFIGS. 15 through 16B.