The illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a tangible three-dimensional structure as a fiducial mark, which structure is, at least partially, tolerant of dimensional variations in the article. The illustrative embodiment uses three such tangible three-dimensional structures: (1) a portion of a tangible conical surface, (2) a portion of a tangible spheroidal surface, and (3) a portion of a tangible pyramidal surface.

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a tangible three-dimensional structure as a fiducial mark, which structure is, at least partially, tolerant of dimensional variations in the article. The illustrative embodiment uses three such tangible three-dimensional structures: (1) a portion of a tangible conical surface, (2) a portion of a tangible spheroidal surface, and (3) a portion of a tangible pyramidal surface.

A combined gear cutting apparatus includes a workpiece drive portion, a first processing portion holding and moving a first tool to a processing position for a workpiece, a second processing portion holding and moving a second tool to a processing position for the workpiece, and a control portion which includes a storage portion storing workpiece information indicating a configuration of the workpiece before first processing is performed, first tool information, second tool information and relative position information. The control portion includes a tooth groove configuration calculation portion calculating tooth groove configuration information of the workpiece based on the first tool information, the workpiece information and the relative position information obtained when the first processing is completed. The second tool is configured to move to a start position of second processing for the workpiece based on the tooth groove configuration information, the second tool information and the relative position information.

A combined gear cutting apparatus includes a workpiece drive portion, a first processing portion holding and moving a first tool to a processing position for a workpiece, a second processing portion holding and moving a second tool to a processing position for the workpiece, and a control portion which includes a storage portion storing workpiece information indicating a configuration of the workpiece before first processing is performed, first tool information, second tool information and relative position information. The control portion includes a tooth groove configuration calculation portion calculating tooth groove configuration information of the workpiece based on the first tool information, the workpiece information and the relative position information obtained when the first processing is completed. The second tool is configured to move to a start position of second processing for the workpiece based on the tooth groove configuration information, the second tool information and the relative position information.

A contouring head includes a sleeve and coaxially mounted spindle connected by means of a yoke to a slide mounted by first and second sets of roller bearings to and between a slide track and a pair of keeper plates which hold the slide to the slide plate and within a slide track formed therein. A yoke interconnects the spindle to the slide to convert axial motion of the spindle into radial motion of the slide. A tool mount in the form of a pot is connected to the slide to control the radial position of a single edged cutting tool. A cover is mounted on the keeper plates and slide plate.

A contouring head includes a sleeve and coaxially mounted spindle connected by means of a yoke to a slide mounted by first and second sets of roller bearings to and between a slide track and a pair of keeper plates which hold the slide to the slide plate and within a slide track formed therein. A yoke interconnects the spindle to the slide to convert axial motion of the spindle into radial motion of the slide. A tool mount in the form of a pot is connected to the slide to control the radial position of a single edged cutting tool. A cover is mounted on the keeper plates and slide plate.

A tool including a pair of rails is attachable to the inside surface of the skin panel. A housing is pivotally and slidably connected between the pair of rails. The housing is pivotable about a first axis and is slidable along grooves in the pair of rails. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite each other. The tool includes a rod having a third end and a fourth end, the third end attached to and extending from the first end of the housing. The tool also includes a pressure foot attached to the fourth end of the housing. The pressure foot includes a curved ankle integrally formed with a flat flange, the curved ankle curving into the flat flange. The pressure foot is configured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface of the skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position.

A method and apparatus for manufacturing an aircraft structure. A drivable support may be driven from a first location to a second location to bring the drivable support together with at least one other drivable support to form a drivable support system. A structure may be held in a desired position using the drivable support system.

A method and apparatus for manufacturing an aircraft structure. A drivable support may be driven from a first location to a second location to bring the drivable support together with at least one other drivable support to form a drivable support system. A structure may be held in a desired position using the drivable support system.

A contouring head includes a sleeve and coaxially mounted spindle connected by means of a yoke to a slide mounted by first and second sets of roller bearings to and between a slide track and a pair of keeper plates which hold the slide to the slide plate and within a slide track formed therein. A yoke interconnects the spindle to the slide to convert axial motion of the spindle into radial motion of the slide. A tool mount in the form of a pot is connected to the slide to control the radial position of a single edged cutting tool. A cover is mounted on the keeper plates and slide plate.