Zero reaction tools require no force application by workers in space. The tool accomplishes hole cutting by holding the workpiece and feeding the cutting blade into and through it by forces entirely absorbed within the tool

Holmes, A. E.

Riley, R. H., Jr.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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December 1966	 Brief 66-10604 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
a 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Hole Saw Drill Attachment Has Zero Force Reaction 
The problem: 
Workers in space, being weightless, will propel 
themselves away from any workpiece that they are 
trying to drill, cut, or machine by application of 
force against a surface. In practice, physical restraint 
systems have been found less than ideal solutions to 
this problem because of their restrictive impositions 
on free movement by the worker. 
The solution: 
Zero reaction tools that require no force application 
by the worker. The subject tool accomplishes hole 
cutting by holding the workpiece and feeding the 
cutting blade into and through it by forces entirely 
absorbed within the tool. 
How it's done: 
The drill attachment is connected to the output 
shaft of a standard electric drill. A "needle" at the 
forward end of the attachment is forced into the work-
pie e by a spring loaded striker that is released by the
operator. With the "needle" imbedded in the work-
piece, the drill is turned on and spring tension within 
the attachment draws the hole saw blade and im-
bedded "needle" together, resulting in the hole saw 
cutting a circular path through the workpiece. When 
the hole is made, the drill and attachment are retracted 
and the resultant slug is removed from the "needle". 
Torque forces within the attachment operate in op-
posite directions by means of springs, detent balls, 
and a planetary gear arrangement in such a manner 
that they cancel out and the result is a zero reaction 
tool. 
Note: 
Inquiries concerning this invention may be made to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B66-10604
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000602 2020-03-11T17:45:03+00:00Z
Patent status: 
Title to this invention has been waived under the 
provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Act [42 U.S.C. 2457 (f)). to the Black and Decker 
Mfg.', Co., Towson, Maryland.
Source: R. H. Riley, Jr.

of Black and Decker Mfg., Co.

and A. E. Holmes

of Martin-Marietta Corp.

under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-543) 
Brief 66-10604	 Category 05


Hole saw drill attachment has zero force reaction

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