Provided are methods for verifying sequences of different operations and controlling processing order in accordance with these sequences. Also provided are apparatuses for executing these methods. A method may involve determining a current configuration of an indicator positioned on a part. This operation may be performed using a tester coupled to a processing portion. If the current configuration of the indicator corresponds to this particular processing portion, then the part is processed using this processing portion. The indicator is then changed to a new configuration corresponding to another processing portion for performing the next operation in the sequence. The processing is only performed if the indicator has the current configuration corresponding to the processing portion. Otherwise, the operation is not performed, and the current configuration of the indicator not changed retained. The indicator may be a mechanical device or an electronic device.

Provided are methods for verifying sequences of different operations and controlling processing order in accordance with these sequences. Also provided are apparatuses for executing these methods. A method may involve determining a current configuration of an indicator positioned on a part. This operation may be performed using a tester coupled to a processing portion. If the current configuration of the indicator corresponds to this particular processing portion, then the part is processed using this processing portion. The indicator is then changed to a new configuration corresponding to another processing portion for performing the next operation in the sequence. The processing is only performed if the indicator has the current configuration corresponding to the processing portion. Otherwise, the operation is not performed, and the current configuration of the indicator not changed retained. The indicator may be a mechanical device or an electronic device.

A tool holder (100) comprising: an outside section (10) connected and fixed to a main shaft housing; a rotation input section (20) that is gripped by the main shaft and caused to rotate at a first rotation speed r1; a rotation output section (40) that has the rotational force from the rotation input section (20) transmitted thereto and rotates at a second rotation speed r2 that is different from the first rotation speed r1; a slider (60) that is moved in a first direction that intersects the rotational axis (Os) of the main shaft, as a result of the force from the rotation output section (40); a cutting edge (70) that is moved in the first direction by the slider (60) and is rotated by the rotation input section (20); and a detection mechanism (90) for detecting that the cutting edge (70) is at the origin position.

A tool holder (100) comprising: an outside section (10) connected and fixed to a main shaft housing; a rotation input section (20) that is gripped by the main shaft and caused to rotate at a first rotation speed r1; a rotation output section (40) that has the rotational force from the rotation input section (20) transmitted thereto and rotates at a second rotation speed r2 that is different from the first rotation speed r1; a slider (60) that is moved in a first direction that intersects the rotational axis (Os) of the main shaft, as a result of the force from the rotation output section (40); a cutting edge (70) that is moved in the first direction by the slider (60) and is rotated by the rotation input section (20); and a detection mechanism (90) for detecting that the cutting edge (70) is at the origin position.

A countersinking device includes an internal bore positioner adapted for receipt by a bore defined by a workpiece. A driver rod engaged with the internal bore positioner extends outwardly of the bore through a bore opening. A centering chuck, engaged about and axially movable along the driver rod, is configured to engage the bore opening to cooperate with the internal bore positioner to align the driver rod along a longitudinal axis of the bore. A counterbore is engaged about the driver rod, opposite the centering chuck from the internal bore positioner. The counterbore is rotatable about and is configured to be axially advanced along the driver rod to engage the bore opening and countersink the bore. A countersink depth control arrangement is associated with the counterbore and cooperates therewith to countersink the bore to a predetermined depth. An associated method is also provided.

The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.

The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.

The different advantageous embodiments may provide an apparatus comprising a vision system, a drilling tool, and a system controller. The vision system may be configured to generate data about a number of laser signatures on a surface of a workpiece. The drilling tool may be configured to drill a number of holes in the surface of the workpiece. The system controller may be configured to generate drilling instructions for the drilling tool using the data generated by the vision system.

The different advantageous embodiments may provide an apparatus comprising a vision system, a drilling tool, and a system controller. The vision system may be configured to generate data about a number of laser signatures on a surface of a workpiece. The drilling tool may be configured to drill a number of holes in the surface of the workpiece. The system controller may be configured to generate drilling instructions for the drilling tool using the data generated by the vision system.

A clamp comprises first and second jaws that provide contact surfaces. The first jaw is elongated and has a longitudinal bore. The jaws are transversely hinged to maintain bore perpendicularity.