'US007992311B2 2) United States Patent (10) Patent No: US 7,992,311 B2 Cerwin 4s) Date of Patent: ‘Aug. 9, 2011 (54) ROTARY BORING TOOL ALIGNMENT AND AS40018 S197 Senin DEPTH INDICATION SYSTEM 4222175 A 911980 Beil Seb A Vion Sly” : 5 SS 2 Ue cass (76) taventor: Sohn Cerwin, Gurnee, I (US) peaeeeea We eeee Gasns% A$ 102000 Reiley 309 (©) Notice: Sujet o any disclaimer, the teem of tis S03 Bit 123001 Giie awe Patent is extended or adjusted under 35 342546 BI* "12000 Holaeia sso USC. 15806) by 169 days, Seon Bt” Ain aks (21) Appl. No.: 12/426,191 550185 (22) Filed: Ape. 17,209 5) Prior Publication Data sons ‘US 2009/0260239 Al Oct. 22, 2009 Dhar) i . te lation Data Tamera 25015593 Related US. Application Da 200470093749 AL wo (0) Provisional pplication No, 6045611 fed on Ape "BOUDIAGIS Ay 72001 Chen us 17,2008, provisional application No’ G1/080.289, 20040136796 AL Cen as5 posts AIS 62005 Soman Da filed on May 4, 2008. 2007/0030486 A1* 22007 Gelbart 356/399, Zourioossoe2 Al L200 Shadi al G1) mcr Guin ina7 (200601) POREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS, cure 1100 (2006.01) be reise 040 B28 1900 (2006.01) DE Signo at S938 (52) US.Cl. 33286;30D1G.21 2002-205285 7202 (58) Feld of Classiaton Search sw227, ‘ted by examiner 38263, 278, 279, 280,626, 38,642, G44 33/DIG, 21; 408/16; 356/399, 626, 631 cate Peuminer ‘evans Sih on See application le for complete war hi inorne, Agen, or Fitm — Christopher Woot; Danie ss e a ‘Fsenberg; Premier Law Group, PLLC 66) References Ched US. PATENT DOCUMENTS ASSET A LIIDSS Gibble 28nGIs A '9 1986. Dunster a Sais A 2 11064 Painghaus sisa0 Y 411964 Resse sso Gsoasae A 2197s Wolk ADRS A V1978 Honeyout on ABSTRACT A system fora rotary boring tol that enables auser of te oo! to alga the tool perpendicularly with respect to a work sur {ace ofa work pice: In one embodiment the system enables ‘user to pug distance or depth drilled into the work pice, 10 Claims, 28 Drawing SheetsU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 1 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 259 157 me ) ¢ , 17” “120 250 103 121 A oa 104 iy Ln 4 » 100 105\_ kere a 1065 | 117 AH I fi = “L200 151 FIG. 1AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 2 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 1BU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 3 of 28 249 Ce» N Z 1307 211~—} 4, 131 250°} j 249 LEN \; Z 1407 211 141 “Le A 250° 249 LN \, b 140 > 211 Z 1417 250° x K US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 2AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 4 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 c2 249 aie 4 st / 250 121-120 oS i ' ' \ \ 249 ia FIG. 3BU.S, Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 5 of 28 249 Loy N, 130 “ A i oer a Zz | 131 Ny N, 205 . . 140. 140 Za 211 ——7 414i 141 250 ~ x 249 CEN iN 141 140 Ze ior 141 Zz Zz 250™ L140 Xi Ni US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 4A FIG. 4B FIG. 4CU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 6 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 250U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 7 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 250 103 Lae 104 105 7 Si 200 ~151 FIG. 5AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 8 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 5BU.S, Patent Aug. 9, 2011 170 105 181b 181a 170 106 100 105 Sheet 9 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 6A 101U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 10 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 131 211 130 FIG. 7A 131 211 130 FIG. 7B 211 FIG. 7CU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 11 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 157 |449 122 250 109 i 105\__\ 117 151 FIG. 8U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 12 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 ef AL aad FIG. 9AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 13 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 105 FIG. 9BU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 14 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 121 122 FIG. 10U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 15 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 181a 103101 105 FIG. 11A 119 249 121 122 FIG. 11BSheet 16 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 249 250 109 10s a | FIG. 12 200U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 17 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 150 105 FIG. 13U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 18 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 157 259 121 249 ) ( 7" 120 ‘ot ese 110 ia 103. at out 109 100. 101 “try 105 | 117 200 151 FIG. 14AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 19 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 14BU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 20 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 IS SN 162 a =Kepr= a 162° 109 161 105 160 160 117 o \ LOW 200 Lass FIG. 15U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 21 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 249 at 250 105 “L200 151 FIG. 16AU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 22 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 160 \ 160 FIG. 16BU.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 23 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 FIG. 17U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 24 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 150 105 FIG. 18U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 25 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 150. 105 FIG. 19U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 26 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 157 249 259 i 250° ~ 103 / 109 i ! for K nh pf yn 105 \ (eee 106A Loo sor 117 fan FIG. 20U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 27 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 200 L451 FIC. 21U.S. Patent Aug. 9, 2011 Sheet 28 of 28 US 7,992,311 B2 259 103 109 Ky 104. \ 105 | Nal | 106 117 ue f 200 FIG. 22US 7,992,311 B2 1 ROTARY BORING TOOL ALIGNMENT AND DEPTH INDICATION SYSTEM (CROSS-REPERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS, Tis application claims the benefit of prorty from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/045,611 (ied Apt. 17, 2008) and 61/050,239 (filed May 4, 2008). Tho ‘contents of Provisional Patent Application Ser, Nos. 61/045, 611 and 61/050,239 are incorporated in thei entirety herein by reference. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY ‘SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION ‘This invention is directed 10 rotary boring to! alignment and depth indication systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DIY and even skilled craftsmen and women often experi- ‘ence difficulty in maintaining correct alignment of a rotary boring tool with a work surfice such as a work-piose being died hy a hand-held poser drill. Furthermore, DIY and ‘evenskilled craftsmen and womenolten experience difficulty Jn determining the depth ofa rotary boring instrument 3 it penerates a work surface sch as a work-picee being drilled by the bit ofa hand-held power dil “Theres acontinuing noed foran apparatus that helps user to maintain correct alignment ofa rotary boring tool with 3 ork surface at well as to indicate the depth of the boring instrument or cutting tol BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. FIGS, 1A and 17 show a first embodiment of the invention FIGS. 2 through 2C show visible projections on the sur- face of work piece sovordng to one aspect of the invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show the result of correct ‘and incorrect alignment with respect to a work surface ‘aeconting to one embodiment ofthe present invention, FIGS. 4A through 4D show the result of eoreet and incor. rect alignment with respect to a work surface aeconding t0 ‘another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B show how a frst light source can be adjusted in the vertical plane with respect to a cutting tool holder in the form of a chuck. FIGS. 68 and 62 show markings ona body (105) accom jing to one aspect ofthe invention, TFIGS. 7A through 7C show various circular light projec tions projected on a work piece surface according to the IG. 8 shows a split beam of Fight according to te inven~ FIGS. 94 and 9B show an sddtional light source accont> ing tothe invention. FIG. 10 demonstrates dil ip positioning on a work piece acconting othe invention IGS. ILA and 118 demonstrates drill tip positioning ona work picce according to the invention TG. 12 shoving light sources tilted at an angle according to the present invention. 0 o 2 FIG. 13 shows a persistence of vision setup according to the invention PIGS, 144 and 148 demonstrate the use of fist and second light sources acatedon opposite sides of acting tool holder ‘secording tothe inveation FIGS, 15 theough 168 show an aspect of the invention signed to remove debris. FIG. 17 shows an aspect of the invention involving the ployment of countersweights. TFIGS. 18 and 19 show an example of a Persistence of Vision POV) aspect ofthe invention FIG. 20 shows light sources located below a body member 05) FIG, 21 shows light sources integrated intoa body member (105), FIG, 22 shows a power drill modified according 0 an aspect of the invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system fora rotary boring tbol that enables a user ofthe tool to align the tool perpendicularly with respect to 8 work surlace of a work piece. In one embodiment the system ‘nables auser to gauge distance or depth drilled into the work piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION rected to rotary boring to! alignment ‘and depth indication systems Tn one embodiment of the invention a rotary paver too! alignment and depth indicationsystem is providedto improve both the fantionality and usability of rotary power tols. The system may be used on any ype of rotating power tool This includes, but is not limited to hand held-power drills of all sorts, stationary drill presses, smaller Dremel dill tools, as ‘wel as larger boring devices. Purthermors, the system can be used on other types of rotating machinery such as milling ‘machines and lathes Te willbe understood that seh tem as “upper and lower” “front and reae and “top and bottom” are ase fr conve” rience to deseribe relative directional reference in the com- ‘ion orientation of system as shown in FIG, TA. For purposes of simplicity, the system embodiments described elow are provided ia the contest of band-eld power drills Itshould be noted, however, that the advantages provided by the system are equally applicable to all types of rotary power tools. These advantages inelude, but are not Timited to, visual work suroce alignment, visual dil bit or cutting tool depth indication, and visual drill bit or cutting tool work surface positioning In one embodiment (Gee FIGS. 14 and 1B), the system ‘comprises of fist und second light sources 100 and 101, @ ertting too! holder such as, but not limited to, a chuck 103, and a power source 104. In this embodiment the fest and second Tight sources 100 and 101, and power source 104 are ‘mounted on a body 108 such asa eieular disk, withthe frst And second ight sources 100 and 101 essentially inline with ‘the center positon ofthe chuck 103, The body 108 is show in FIG. 1A connected (either permanently or temporarily) t0 ‘the power drill 200 so tha the rotational ouput ofthe drill is translated to the body 108, which thon rotates as well. When drill bits attached to the system chuck 108, the drill and the system can beused in unison to provide improved dling and boring operations. The power drill 200 defines a longitudinal axis ISI that passes through the rotary partsof the power dil TFIG. LA includes chek 103 a shaft 106, aad 9US 7,992,311 B2 3 il bit 157 extending from chuck 193. In FIG. 1A the body 10S is mountedina traverse plane (i, ata 90° angle) with respect to the longitudinal axis 181, The body 108 defines 2 top surface 109, «bottom surface 117, aid a circumference 119. It shoold be understood that the chock 103 ean be any stable cuting-tol older such a connector ableta secure the del bit 187 to the mary tool such as a power drill 200, Visual Work Surface Alignment ‘With regards o proper work surfice alignment, the system allows a power drill user to quickly visualize if the dil is aligned (both vertieally and horizontally) witha Work surface 280 of a work piece 249. This is important because proper horizontal and vertical alignment will provide fora bore-hole thats completely perpendicular to the Work surface. Purer- ‘more, the system is advantageous because it doesnot rely on vty, so the orientation ofthe work surfaces inconseqen wal In the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 1 and 1B, the sys- tem produces two essentially circular visible projections ona work surface 250 that provide a visual indication of dill jgnment or misdirection, More specifically, ist and second Tight sources 100 nd 101 respectively project inner and outer ‘concentric circles of ight 10 and 131 (see FIGS. 24 through 2C)on the work surface 250 when the power drill 200s being held at a perpendi 280, These laser projections are created by the rotation ofthe ‘embodiment in conjunetion with the rotating portion ofthe power drill 200. Tn one embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2C, a power dill 200 aligned perpendicular with respect fo awork surface 250 prodices two visible and essen tially concentric circular projections (in FIG. 24 shown as first and second concentric circles 130 and 131) on a work surface 280 with the position of the tip 259 of a dil bit 187 located at the center 211 of the concentric circular projec- tions. More specifically fistandsecond light sources 100d 1 respectively produce fist and second light beams 10 and 11, whieh in turn respectively projec frstand second visible projections 120 and 121 on the work surface 250, which spon rotation of the system in tur respectively generate fist and second concentric circle projections 130 and 131 onto the ‘work surface 250 when the power drill 20 is aligned perpen- cular with espect to the work surface 280. Conversely, 2 rovary boring ool such a, but aot limited vo, a power dil 200 that is misaligned with regards wo the work surface 250 (also pictured in FIGS. 2 and 2C) produces frst and second non-concentrie (non-centered) circles 140 and 141. These rnon-concentrie circles may also contain some elliptical dis- tortion. The combination of these factors makes it easy fora power drill user (i.., power drill operator) to visualize and ‘quickly comet for any dill misaligament Inthis embodiment rst light source 100, which may bea laser, LED, or other light source, produces a frst light beam 0 that satan acute angle of, for example, 45 degrees tothe sil bit 187. When the embodiment is ot rotating, the firs Fight beam 110 from first light source 100 produces a fist Visible projection 120 0a the work surface 250. Socond ight source 101 (which may also be a laser, LED or otber ight source) produces a second light beam 111 that is parallel t© the longitudinal axis 151 and hence parallel tothe illustrated sil bit 187. When the embodimeat is ot rtating, the second, Fight beam I11 from sccond light source 101 produces sccond visible projection 121 on the work surface 250, “The fist and second visible projections 120 and 121 are ‘ypically, but not necessarily, dot-shaped. For example, the first and second light sources 100 and 101 can optionally Include, orare operatively eoupled to, one or more lenses that lar angle with respeet othe work surface > 0 o 4 aipute the light output from the lt sources to provide visible projections that are not regular dot-shaped. Sueh ‘manipulations can include, but are not limited to projection shaping or focusing. The first and second light sources 100 and 101 could, for example, be laser light sources tht ineor- porte one o more difftctive optical elements (DOES). DOES are described, for example, in US. Pat. Nos. 5,151, 917, 4846,552 and 4,895,790. US. Pat. Nos. 5,151,917, 4,846,552and 4,895,790 areincorporated herein by reference in their eatirey inthis embodiment when the power dill 200 is aligned correctly against a work surface 260, the work surface 250 ‘becomes the third leg ofa right angle rangle, As depicted ia IG, 3A the fist and second light beams 110 and 111 com- bine with the work surface 250 to create a 45°-45°-90° right angle triangle, with fis ight beam 110 producing the hypot- ese, second light beam 111 producing the el leg. and the work surface 250 the e2 leg, In this non-limiting example, the cl legis equal in length to the 2 le, and the fist ad second dot-shaped visible projections 120 and 121 form the end points of leg 2. ‘When this embodiment i aligned perpendicularly against ‘work surface 280 and rotating with the output of Use poser rll 200, the distance between the first and second dot-sapod projections 120 and 121 (the c2 leg), is constant. In corect alignment the first and second light beams 110 and 111 pro- ‘ducing frst and second dotshaped projections 120 and 121 respectively produce fist and second concentric circle p= {ections 130 and 131 on the work surface 250, Conversely, ‘when the embodiment is misaligned apainst a work surface 280 and rotating, the distance between first and second dot Shaped projections 120 and 121 (the e2 leg) is diferent (see FIG. 3B). Since the embodiment is no longer producing @ right angle triangle, this produces the effect of v0 essentially ‘non-aligned, first ane second non-concentric (non-centered) circles 140 and 141 In another embodiment, the position of one or more of the light sources can be altered with reference to dheie linear stance from each other and the longitudinal axis 181, This thas the effect of ehanging the distance betwen the fst and second visible projections 120 and 12 (thee? leg length) on the work surface 20, andl thus the diameter of the fist and sovond concentric circles 130 and 1M, Such an adjustment is ‘optimal for drill its of different lengths andor for the eon- figuration of diferent visual alignment effects. FIGS. 44 ‘through 4D presents the ater-an example of adiferent ype of vishal ligament with regards toa work surface 250. In this ‘example, fist light source 100 is positioned so tha its frst circular projection 130 is equal in diameter to that of the second eieular projection 131 from light source 101 when the drill bit 157 is aligned perpendicularly with the work surface 25. ‘As depicted in FIG. 4, perfect alignment is indicated by the overlapping of the two projections 130 and 131, Con- versely, any misalignment is indicated by a deviation in shape ‘or position of the fist and second non-concentre circles 140 ‘and 141, This embodimeat and others may also include the ‘optional use of differnt colored lights so as to differentiate between the wo projections. An example would bes red light 100 anda green light 101 Referring specifically to FIGS, 4 and 4D, to ensure that the frst beam 110 prodoces frst circle 130 that coincides on the work surface 250 with second circle 131 produced by the second hears 11 the anglect the fist beam of ight 10 from first lightsource 100 ean be adjustable such that the fist beUS 7,992,311 B2 5 1110 produces a circle of Hight on the work surface 250 that ‘coincides withthe circle of light provides by the second light source 101 (see FIG. 4D), Tn one aspect ofthe invention the fis light source 100 can bbe moved up or down the cutting tool holder, such as chuck 103, hy meansof, for example, aslotor channel 181 mounted vertically on a chuck 103 (shown, eg, in FIG. 5A). In this ‘embodiment the frst light beam 110 prosiced by frst light source 100 is preferably projected at an acute angle away from the longitidinal exis 151, Channels or slots 181 can also belocatedon thebody 108 such asthe top sure 1090fboly 108, ¢.,.s60 FIG. HLA, “The body 105 can he made of tanspareat plastic oF is substantially transparent to the extent that the body 108 allows passage of light beams sufficient fora human eye 10 detect Visible projections such a¢ 120 and 121. For example, body 10S can be transparent fo frst and second light beams 110and 111 thereby allowing the corresponding light sources tw be located onthe bottom surface 117 of body 108. FIG. 20 iustrates a body 105 sullicently wansparent to allow pas- 2 sage of ist and second ight beams 110 and 11 through the body member such tat frst and second light sourees 100 and 101 are located onthe bottom surface 117 of body 105. The Tight sources can, if preferred, bent east party located inside the body 105 of located inside the body 108 as shown, for ‘example in FIG. 21 (0 give a flush or substantially Mush ft with respect to body 108 Selectively changing or adjusting the positions of one oF more of the light sources has the effect of changing the dis- tance benwoen thefts and second visible projections 120and 121 (the c? leg length), and thus the diameter ofthe circles when the system is rotating with the drill. For example, frst light source 100 can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis 151 with respect to chuck 108 or body 108 (see FIGS, $4 and $B).A slot, groove or track can be attached oF integrated into the cutting tol, For example, FIGS, 1A and SA show a slot 181 in vertical orientation and integrated into chuck 103. By ‘moving or positioning the fist fight source 100 at diferent Points along slot INT with respect to chuck 103 this has the ‘effect of changing the postion of frst visible projection 120, fon a work surface 250, and thus the diameter of the first ‘circular projection 130 that s produced when the system is rotating with the dail, In another embodiment (FIGS. 6 and 6B), dae body 108 ‘may’ have markings and/or indicators that provide the user ‘with guidance on how t position the adjustable Tights for different types of operations and dl bit lengths. The mark- ‘ngs could include, bu age not imited to ineremental pootsin ‘linear pattem 170 (similar ta ruler) oreven dil bit images {7 tat provide ausee 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 les, as depicted in FIG. 4A, with respect toa drill bit ofa socte length In another embodiment (FIGS. 144 and 14B), fist and second light sourees 100 and 10 are positioned (ether fined ‘or adjustably) on opposite sides of a cutting tot holder— shown as chuck 108. This allows forthe use of longer dill bits, andor fora body 108 that can be reduced in size, e2. reduction in the diameter of the body 105. Furthermore, since the ight sources are more evenly distributed on the body’ 105, this embodiment provides for more stability while rotating ‘The first and second ight sources 100 and 101 can be moved along slots 181 (generally denoted by "181", but if more than ‘one sot then represented by derivatives of181" eg. labels, "1810" and "1816" Itshould be understood that be siotscan take any suitable form such as, but not limited (0: tracks, 0 o 6 aarooves or channels; also, the Hight sources canbe located Jide thebody 105 asshown inF1G. 21 thereby rendering the Tight sourees lush or substantially ash with respect tothe op 109 andor bottom surface 117 ofthe body 10S. ‘The embodiment pictured in FIGS. 144 and 148 has first, light source 100 that produces a ist light beam 110 that i at 45 degree angle (orelose a a 45 degre angle) tothe dil bit 157 and longitudinal axis 151, and a second light source 101 that produces a second light beam 11 that i essentially parallel to the drill bit and longitudinal axis 181. a this ‘embodiment the ight souree 100 oF frst ight beam 110 can ‘bemodifiedso that the first visible projection 120s visibleon ‘the work surface 250 (and not the dil bit 187), For example, the first ight source 100 could be rotated in the transverse plane with respect fo the fongitdinal axis 181 by an amount just sufficient so that the fist light beam 110 misses or sub- Stantially misses orat feast pally avoids the del bit 187 and be projected the work surface 250, FIG. 148 depicts this ‘witha light source 100 tht issightly rotated. Further, the frst light source 100 could be manipulated so at to produce @ ‘ben that s visible on both sides of the dil bit 187, eg, via ‘a beam split spiting the single beam output of the first light source 100 fo pass either side ofthe drill bit 157. Its preferred that during normal operation ofthe system thatthe Tistand second light beams 110and 111 conibine witha work strlace 250 to ereate a 45°-45°.90 right angle triangle “Although the preferred embodiment includes» first light source 100 that proiuces frst ight beam 110 satis essen- tially at an acute angle of 45 degree angle to the drill it 187 (nd longitudinal axis 151, other embodiments may inelude ‘light source that seither fixed or adjustable to some acute ‘angle other than 4S degrees. Likewise although the preferred ‘embodiment includes a second light source 101 that praaces ‘second light beam 111 that is essentially parallel to the dil bit 187 (and longitudinal axis 181, other embodiments may include light source that either lixed or adjustable wo some Angle other than parallel othe drill bit 187 (and longitudinal axis ISD), ‘Viswal Drill Bit or Cutting Too! Depth Indication ‘With regards to drill bitoreutting too depth indiation the system (ce. the present invention) optionally provides a power drill user with the ability to quickly visualize the depth ‘of a dil bit a it bores into a work surface, This is important because the power drill user may need to limit or monitor the depth oftheir drilling operations, This feature may be used ia ‘combination with other features, such as work surfieealign- sea, ‘In one embodiment this i accomplished by watching the ‘outer circular laser projection (labeled as “130? in FIGS. 7A and 7) collapses onthe iner circular projection 191 as the Grills pressed forward into the work surface 250, FIGS. 7A throogh 7C demonstrate what a power dei user will sexs the ll 200i pressed forward into a work surface 250 ofa work piece 249, In this embodiment, the outer eieular projection 130 collapses on the inner eile 131 and produes a single circle; this indicates that the dl bit has moved forward by the spatial difference between the radius ofthe first and second circles inthe starting position. Itshould be understood that the work surface 250 of work piece 249 isnot limited toaspeciic work piewe. ‘As depicted in the fist embodiment (FIGS, 1A and 1B), a0 ‘optional feature allows the drill bit depth measurement to be set ahead of time by adjusting the distance between the frst And second visible projections 120 and 121 on the work strface 250, Sine various embodiments allow the postion oF first and scoond light sources lights 100 and 101 to be adjusted, this as the effect of changing the diameter oftheUS 7,992,311 B2 1 first and second circular projeetions 130 and 131 that are produced when the system is rotating with the drill. Thene- Jor, the starting positon of circular laser projection 130 on the work surface may be inside, outside, or equal to that of cirenlar laser projection 131. This peovides the power dill, taser with maximaim Hexbiity In another embodiment, second light source 101 may be split by a beam splitter 107 into two or more beams 111 and 112 thus producing visible projections on the work surface 250 in addition o lst and socond visible projections [20nd 121. An example is depicted in FIG. 8 which shows fist, second and third visual projections 120, 121 and 122. In this particular example, the split projections may be further Spaced at equal intervals such as. centimeter or inch, When the systom is rotating with the rotating parts of the poser dil 200, the pit beam rests in multiple ereular projections the work surface. Such projections provide forthe ability 10 Jncremestally monitor the progress of a drill bit 187 asit bores intoawork surface 250, Thiseflect may also beaccomplished through the wse of eddivonal light sources like 101 mounted at equal spaced distances ina linear pattern, Visual Drill Bit or Cutting Too! Work Surface Positioning “The system may also provide methods for a power dill, user (operator) to lize one or more of te light projec: tions as markers on the work surface 250 to position the dil it 187 (and thn the location ofthe borehole) with regards to ‘elements on the work surface 250 or adjacent surfaces. This positioning ability makes dell bic placement operations more precise, and prevents the need for “presmarking” the work surface prior to deiling, For example, ia power drill user is deiling knob holes in ‘series oF identical cabinet doors, the position ofthe dil bit 157 and more particularly the tip 259 of the dri it 187 (and tus the location ofthe associated bore hoe) shouldbe iden: tical and consistent on all cabinets. Normally the user would be forced to measure each cabinet, and mark the target bore- hole postion prior o driling operations. Tone embodiment, one oF more additional light sources are add to the system for del bit positioning on a work surface 250. As depicted in FIGS. 94 and 9B, an optional ditional light source 102 is added tothe 6 eck position ‘onthe system body 105 foreabinet (or comer) dilling opera tions. The additional light source 102b produces third light beam 128, which produces visible projection 123 onthe work surface 280, In this configuration, the fist and second visible projections 120 and 121, which ean be dot-shaped projec- tions, from first and second light sources 101 and 102 ean be used 10 position the dil bit 157 on the work surface with reference, for example to the comer ends of a cabinet. An ‘example ofthe effect ona cabinet dooris pictured in FIG. 10, i should be noted that dell bit work surface positioning is ‘done by manuslly rotating the system body 108 into the ‘correct crentation with regards othe work surface elements Prior to dailing operations Its also possible inthis and other ‘emboviments to turn off ist light source 100 fits not used Prior to illing operations In another embodiment, an optional third light source 102 {sadded tothe mounting body 105 such thatthe optional hid jaht source 102 is located on the opposite side of chuck or ‘cutting ool holder 103 from second light sour 101, wherein second and thir! light sourees 101 and 102 are equidistant from the circumference 119 of the mounting body 105 for ‘centring operations, Such centering operations can be used, to quickly find the enter of common work surfaces such as wooden studs, deck panels, downspouts, bricks, ete. An ‘example of the system and it clfect on a wooden stud is Inother embodiments, the 0 o 8 system may also include additional light sources in the son ‘combination of the 3, 6,9, and 12 0°elock positions In another embodiment, one or more of the light sources have the capability to tlt along their X or Y axis's. This provides furker capability for alignmeat with work surface (oradjacent surface) elements As depicted in FIG. 12, second Jight source 101i tile slong its X ans. In this embodiment, it could also it along its ¥ axis, or some combination of X and. Light Sources, Manipulation, and Positioning “The system and its various embodimeats ean we a variety of light sources, ight source manipulation, and Fight source positioning, These may be implemented alone or in various combinations Tn the one embodiment, the light sources or sources are laser fight 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 single embodiment, The Tight sources could, for example, be laser light sources that ‘incorporate one or more diffractive optical elements (DOES). Tnanother embodiment, the ight source oe sources may be integrated or combined directly with a power source a an independent unit. Such an embodiment allows light source {o essentially operate on its own without any direet intepr- ‘ion into the body's power source 104. Ifthe system does not require power for other system elements (besides light sources), then the use of such lights sourcetbattery embod ‘meats might eliminate the necessity for a body mounted power source 104 Tn another embodiment, the light source or sources may be coupled with one or more lenses that manipulate the light projections. Such manipulations can inelude, but are not im ited to projection shaping or focusing and may incorporate DOES. Tn another embodiment, the system may contain and use mierored or reflective surfaces to reorient the light projections in an optimal direction or directions. light source may, for ‘example, be mounted in sich a way that the projection isnot pointing in an optimal direction. In this case, a mirrored oF reflective surface may be used o reflect the light projection in ‘the optimal direction. ‘In another embodiment, one or more lights and/or one or mone reflective surfaces may be combined with one or more eam splitters ora similar mechanism knownin the art. Beam spliters are used to split a single beam of Tight into two or ‘more beams Anexample of such an embodiment includes the use of single laser projection that i split into two or more projections (FIG. 8), Tn another embodiment, the directions of the projected light or lights are fixed with respect to the drill bit 187 Conversely, in another embodiment, the diretons of the projected ight or lights are adjustable with respec tothe dil bit 187 and/or work surface 208 (see, for example, FIG. 12) Tn another embodiment, the mounting postion ofthe light source may be adjustable. Such adjustments may be horizon- fal with respect tothe distance from the il bit 157, vertical with respect tothe distance from the tp 259 of the drill bit 157, or some combination thereot. Specifically, the herizon- ‘al position fone or more of the light sources can be adjusted ‘on the body 108 such that the transverse distance of, for example the second souree of ight 101 from the longitudinal fis 151 (and hence the distance of the second ight source {rom the chuck 108 canbe varied) thereby selectively varying the position ofthe second visible projection 121 on the work surface 250; and with respect to FIGS. SA and SB, where theUS 7,992,311 B2 9 vertical postion or up/down position of the first Tight source 100 can be selectively varied with respect tothe elnck 103, ‘Any suitable mechanism ean be sed t aid positioning the Fight sources such as, but not Fimited o: slots, channels, and grooves, snap-ins wherein one oF more Tight sourees are ‘snapped into prodeermined locations onthe body 108, alone fr in combination. For example, in FIG. 1B a slot 181 is, shown whereby second light source 101 can be moved and Sletively positioned. In FIG. 5A, a slot or channel 181 is shown attached to the chuck 103 as an aid for scletively Positioning the first ight source 100 with respect thechuck 103. In one embodtiment the frst light source 100 prxtuces 2 frst ight beam 110 at a 45 degree angle with respect to the Jongitudinal axis 151. In this configuration ofthe invention citer orbotl ofthe fist and second light sources 100 nd 101 ate adjustable in terms of their position in order to selectively ‘contol the projection af the firs and second light beams 110 and 11 with ospeet to 2 work surface 280 In another embodiment, the lights may be added and removed individually. This provides the wer witha tremen- ‘dons amount of Nlexibliy with regards o system configura tion and customization, In another embodiment, the system has a single Tight source 100 or 101 that projets first and second visible pro- Jections 120 and 121 onto the work surface 280. In this ‘emboviiment, the st and second visible projections 120 and 121 generate first and second rotating light projections 130 and 131, which take the form of generate first and socond ‘concentric circle projections when the power drill 200 is, jane perpendictlariy with espect othe wark surface 250 The first and second rotating light projections 130 and 131 ‘can be used in conjunction with position andor orientation of the drill bit 187 on the work susface 250 to vsualy align the dil 200 both vertically and horizontally wih regards to the work surface 250. For example, ifthe drill bit 187 is not ‘essentially inthe center of circular projection 130 produced by light source 100, the del bit s misaligned with reference to the work surface 250, Body Configurations “The system includes body 105 on which a least some of the system elements are included, Given the wide array of features and implementations ‘offered by the system, the body 108 can 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 configura tions, ete In one embodiment, the body 108 is simply a standard power dil chuck 103 with oneor more light sources attached thereto. la this embodiment, the body itself 105 isthe chuck ‘or cutting tool holder 103 ‘The body 108 can ake any suitableformsuchasa disksueh as, but not limited to, a transparent or partially transparent «disk, preferably made from a light-weight, rigid, and strong material. It showld be noted that transparent body of some orm is prefered (eg, transparent plastic or substantially transparent when the body 108 i rotating), sit proves the treatest amount of work surface and dil bt visibility. ln this ‘embodiment, s ehuck or euting tool holder 103 is also nore smal included ‘In another embodiment (FIG. 18), the body 108 or some ‘other element of the system could be configured so that it produces an ar current while mating. This aircutrent 161 oF Air ow would be essentially projected towards the work picce during drilling operations, and have the effect of blem= ‘ng or pushing del bit debris 162 away Irom the operating 0 o 10 rll bit andor work surface 250, Such ar eurrensareadvan- fageous to the power dei user as it allows them to beter visualize the Work surface and drill hit during dling opera. ‘ions. In this embodiment, the elements that produce the air ‘low could be anything known in the art. This includes, but is ‘ot limite to acfils 160, surface projections, or other tech- niques that can create air currents that are generally projected ina specific direction. FIGS. 15 through 16B depiettbe useof airfoils 160 10 create ana eurent 164 that pushes debris 162 away fromthe work surface 250. The airfoils 160 ean be ited to the body 105 inal of the embodiments ofthe invention, In another embodiment, the body 105 can either rote in ‘conjunction with the tational portion of the rotary poser tool oF independently on its owa, The later configuration allows the user to position the drill bit against the work surface and ypin the body via a means other than that ofthe rotational force of the rotary power tol: this has the effet of producing circular projections on the work surface 250 with- ‘out the need to engage the rotary power tool, This ean be advantageous for a rotary power tool user since they ean evaluate and correct for Work surface misalignment prior to fand without the need to begin boring operations. In one ‘embodiment, the body can spin independently via manual ‘means. In another embodiment, an independent integrated rolational foree such as a clectsic motor or wind-up engine ‘ean beutilzed to rotate or spin the body without theneeessity ‘of engaging the rotary power too. ‘Mounting and Chieking “The system can be mounted 10 the rotating portion of 3 power dil in a varity of ways. The system ca be further Implemented as ether a permanent par ofthe tool or as an attachment tothe tool Tn one embodiment related to mounting, the system is ‘connected tothe drill through a standard means known inthe far. This includes, but isnt limited oa shaft 106 hat attaches to the power dril's existing chuck, a standard chuck socket that attaches t the power dril’s rotating output shaft (thus replacing the drill’s chuck), or quick change chock mecha- nism like those offered by San Ou Machinery Limited Com- pany of Zhejiang China The system canalso provide a means offocking the cil bit or euting tool into the rotating system. This can be done ‘through a variety of methods known i the at, including but ‘ot limited tothe integration ofa chuck 103 into the system, ‘g,, mechanism such asthe Craftsman Spoed-Lok® Quick Connector Tn another embodiment related to mounting, the system is connected to the drill by a chuck attachment mechanism Such # mechanism attaches to some portion of the power Gril’s existing chuck 103 without interfering with the ro ‘ional operation ofthe chuck 103 or the dil bit 187. Tayet another embodiment related 10 mounting, the system is attached to the dil bit 187. In this embodiment, the system is attached in such a Way as to not interfere with the rotational ‘operation of the chuck 103 or the dil bit 157, Power The system can use 2 varioty of power sources. These power sures provide electricity forthe lights and any other associated electrical components. In the one embodiment, the power source 104 is one or mone batteries that ae integrated in the system. The batteries ‘may be any ype known in the ae, including but not imited 10 isposable or rechargeable batteries. The batteries may be ‘mounted on or inthe body in. variety of positions. In another cembodinient, the power snutce may be theeletrcal source of the power dil itself In yet another embodiment, power mayUS 7,992,311 B2 u be obtained by converting the kinetic energy (obtained from the rotation of the system) into electiciy In one embodiment, the entire system can be powered on and offviaa single power switch, Inanother embodiment, the system funetions ean be powered on and offi groups via a single switch Tn another embodiment, the system may’ contain two oF more switches that contra individual system elements oF jroups of system elements. An example could be a set of power switches hat individually eontola group of ight that are used for a specific purpose, such as configuration for Visual work surface alignment (ight sources 100 and 101) versa confignation for visual dil bit of cuting tool work surface positioning light sources 101 and 102. In another embodiment, the system can be automatically tumed on by movement oF rotation, andor antomatically ‘ued off by some period of non-movement or inact In another embodiment, the light source mounting pos tions are configured so light power is easily obtained through the built-in connectors ‘In anather embodiment, each light source may be into- rated or combined directly with a poster source as an inde- Pendent unit, Such an embodiment allows alight source to ‘essentially operate on its own without any diet integration, Jno or need fora 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 supplicd 'o the user could incide, but is not Himited to elements sich as tational direction (onward or reverse), rotational RPMS, ‘ri bt temperature, sensor-based Visualization, microwave ‘or other types af imaging, ec In one embodiment, the display could be as simple as an LCD that ean be sen when the Drill Guide is not rotating. ln ‘another embodiment, the display eould be a Persistence of Vision (POV) system that can actually display text andor graphics during rotaionof the system (seeFIG. 13).The POV display is pictured asa series oF 7 LEDS lights 150, but may be anything known inthe ar In yet another embodiment, the display can be projected ‘onto wok surface 250 In another embodiment, the informational display ean be Implemented as a stand-alone system. FIG. 18 depiets an ‘eximple of this embodiment that includes a Persistence of Vision (POV) system 150 on a body 108 that is devoid of the fit and second light sources 100 and 104 “Microcontroller, Sensor, andr 1C Integration In one embodiment (FIG. 13), the system includes an accelerometer 1511 sensor or other rotational sensor that can measure the rotational characteristics of the system, ln other example (IG. 16), the system uses an inertial motion sensor 183 as a means of automatically tuning the power oa ‘nd off In another example (FIG. 13), the system may eom- bine one oF more sensors of electronic components with @ microcontroller 182 or other computing tit sch as com puter processor, This computing init could e used to add variety of features known in the art. These could ince, but ‘re not limited to, enhancing the eapabilitis ofthe seasor (or sensors), civing a user feeback or display system, regula Jing and managing the power system, turing te light sources ‘on and of, et. ‘The system may contain other sensors that are used for sub-surface visualization, Pxanmpes include the wseof miero- wave sensors, thermal imaging. sensors or funetionally ‘equivalent sensors to detect sub-surface obstructions or drill- bit positioning reference elements (located underneath the 0 o 12 work surface). Such sensors could be integrated with the system's body 108, powersource 104, microcontmller 152 0r computing unit, and informational feedhack elements. In another embodiment, the one or more sensors, one oF more microcontrollers, or one or more ICs, ean be imple- ‘mented as a stand-alone system. FIG. 19 depicts an example ‘of this embodiment that inchides a Persistence of Vision (POV) system 150 on a body 108 withan accelerometer 1511 ‘and a microcoateoller 152 that is dovoid of the light sources 100 and 101, Counter Balancing Since rotary power tols typically operate in the 0 10 3000+ [RPM range, the system will need to be properly balanced for stablerottion on the tool. Thesystem may accomplish this in several ways, In one embodiment, the system elements are distributed throughout the body ina generally balanced manner so that theakhoe adjustment or addition of lights s generally offset by the static weight distribution of the body 108, chuck or ctting tool holder 103, and power source 104, In another embodiment, the power source location may be altered to offset the ad-hoc adjustment or addition of light ‘Inanother embodiment (FIG. 17), the body may include or provide for the ability to add counter weiphts 115 that can be used to offset the ad-hoe adjustment or addition of Tights Slots or channels 181 (labeled as 181a through 181d in FIG. 1 7)can be used to move thecounterweights 11S aboutthe top 109 or bottom 117 surface of the body 108; in FIG. 17 the slots or channels are labeled as 18a trough 181 In yet another embodiment, the body contains a mecha- nism for dymamic counter-balancing. In this configuration, ‘any ad-hoe adjustment or addition of light sources is auto. ‘matically oflset by one or more counterbalance mechanisms “An operator ould choose to use the invention merely a a alignment system and ignore the depth indication system faspeets of the invention, This embodiment can apply to a ‘lary boring tool (such as, but not limited to: a power dil 200 oa stationary drill press ora smaller Dremel® dil too!) ‘having a rotatable dil bit 187, wherein the drill bit 157 is attached to acuting-too holder such as chuck 103, the too} ‘having longitudinal axis 181, wherein the tool isuset dil holes ina work surface 250 of a workpiece 249, comprising: Tirst and second ight sources 100 and 104; and ‘body 10S for operably coupling the frst and second light sources 100 and 101 tothe cuttng-tol holder such that the fistand seeond light sources 100 and 101 ae located inthe same transverse plane with espect to the long dlinal axis, wherein te ist and second light sources 100 land 101 respectively produce fist and second light beams 110 and 111, wherein the second fight beam 111 js projected parilel to the longitudinal axis, wherein daring normal operation of the alignment first and second light beams 110 and 111 combine with ‘a work surface 250 to create a 45°-45°-90" right angle ‘wiangle, ‘whereupon operation ofthe rary’ boring tool and when the rotary boring (00 is held perpendicular to a work surface 250 of a work piece 249 the first and second ‘beams Of Tight 110 and 111 project inner and outer ‘concentric eicles 130 and 131 of light onto the work Surface 250 thereby coafieming thatthe rovary boring tools being held ata perpencicwlarangle with respect 0 the Work surface 250, ‘wherein the First and socond light sources 100 and 101 are positioned on the same side of the cuting-tool holder asUS 7,992,311 B2 13 depicted, for example in FIG. SA oron opposite sides of theeutting-tool holder as depicted, forexample in FIG. 1A,and ‘wherein his embodiment may include airfoils 160 coupled to the body 108 for moving drill debris away from the ‘work surface 250 while dling into the work picee 249, as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 15 through 16B. ‘What is claimed: 1. Analignment and depth indication systom with respoct to a fool having a rotating means for rotating del bit, said rovating means having a longitudinal axis, comprising Tit and second light sources; and ‘ means for operably coupling sad fist and second Tight sources to said rotting means, whereby wherein said first and second light sources respectively produce and second light beams, wherein said fis ight beam is projected at an adjustable acute angle with respoct to said longitudinal axis, and said second light beam is projected parallel to said longitudinal axis, whereupon ratio of seid rotaing means od when suid ‘ating meansisheld perpendiculartoa work surface of work pieve said first and second beams of Fight project Jnner and obter concentric ercles of light on the work surface thereby confirming thatthe tool is being held at 8 perpendicular ange with respect othe work sure, ‘wherein said acute anple canbe selevted such that said fist Tight beam defines the outer concentec circle of light, and wherein the distance between the outer and inner circles of light coresponcls to a desired drill depth, ‘whereupon dling into the work surface the desited dell, depth is achieved when the outer concentric circle of Tight merges withthe inner circle of light to produce a single circle of light on the work surface 2, The alignment and depth indication system of elaim 1, ‘wherein said means for operably coupling suid first and sec- ‘ond light sources to said rotating means is aeireularsubstan- tally transparent disk mounted transversely to aid tool with respect to sail longitudinal axis 3 The alignment and depth indication system of claim 1 ‘wherein said means for operably coupling said frst and see ‘ond light sources to said rotting means isa eircular body of enerlly planar shape mounted symmettcally and trans- versely to said tool with respect to said longitudinal axis, said circular body having a top surface, wherein sai fist and econd light sources are mounted on said top surface of sid ‘circular Bol, wherein atleast one additional ight souree is ‘mounted on said top surface of sid body, wherein atleast one ‘of said additional ight sourees project a light beam parallel 1o said longitudinal axs to provide the tool with at least wo Tight beam parallel to said Fongituinal axis such that with respect to a workpiece having at leas two festres of interest atooloperstorean manually rotating said circular body to line ‘up parallel light beams with respect toa least wo features of interest on the work pigce to facilitate the tool operator in placing a dil bit ata desired point on the work piece. 4. The alignment and depth indication system of claim 1, wherein sad means for operably coupling sid frst and sec- ‘ond light sources o said rotating means is a disk having 3 means for producing air fow to blow dil bit debris away from the tool $. A tool having a rotating means for rotating a dell bit attached to. cutting tool holder, sai rotating means having @ 0 o 14 Jongitudinal axis, wherein std too is used to dill hoes in a work surface ofa work pise, said tool comprising: first and seeond! ight sourees; and ‘ means for operably coupling said frst and second light sourees fo said rotating means such that said first and Sccond light sources are located inthe same transverse plane with respect othe longitudinal axis, wherein said an! second light sources respectively procice first ‘and second light beams, wherein said second light beam is projected parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein ring normal operation of said alignment system the first and second light beams combine with a work sur- face wo ereatea 45°-45°-90" right ange triangle, wherein said means for operably coupling ssid frst and second Tight sourees to said rotating means isa disk having 3 means for producing ai flow to blow drill hit debs ‘away’ from the tool, and ‘whereupon rotation of said rotating means and when said rotating means is held perpendicular tow work surlace of ‘Work piove said frst and second beams of light project inner and outer concentric eitcles of light on the work surface thereby confirming tht the tools being held at ‘8 peependictlar angle with respect o the work sure 6. The alignment and depthsystem of claim, wherein said first and second ight sources are positioned on the same side ‘of the cuting-tool holder, wherein said first Hight source is orientated! such that said first light source is orientated t0 projec said firs liyht beam tot lest partly avoid te dil it 77-The alignment and depthsystem of claims, wherein said first and second light sources are positioned nthe same side of the eutting-tool bolder 8, Thealignmeat and depthsystem of claim, wherein said fist and second light sources are positioned on the same side of the cuting-tool holder, and wherein said eutting-tool bolder is chuck, 9. tool having rotating means for rotating a dil bit, said rotating means having longitudinal axis, said tool compris ing: first and second light sources; and means for operably coupling sad frst and second light, sources to said rotating means, whereby wherein said first and second light sources respectively produce frst ‘and second light beams, whercin ssid fist ight bea is projected at an acute angle with respect to said longitu- ‘inal axis, and said second light eum i projected par- allel to said longitudinal axis, whereupon rotation of said rotating means said fist and second light beams project fist and second circles of light on a work surface such that when the drill bitof the tools perpendiculartothe work surface the diametersof sti ist and second circles of light ar xual in size and therefore overlap thereby confirming to an operator tat the tool is drilling perpendicularly with respect to the ‘work surface. 10, The alignment and depth indication system of claim 9, ‘wherein said means for operably coupling sei fist and sec” ond light sources to said rotating means is a disk having @ ‘means for producing airflow to blow drill bit debris away {rom the tool