Importance

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Abstract

The instant invention relates to the manufacture and/or repair of trailer and truck decks or similar. In particular, the invention relates to the installation of self tapping screws into pre-drilled holes or the installation of self drilling, self tapping screws where no hole yet exists. The machine has a cross beam with rails for a wheeled carriage which supports a linear actuator for an automatic screwdriver or, in another variation, a screw driving machine with an integral linear actuator. This wheeled carriage facilitates the movement of the screwdriver in a straight line in the X direction, laterally, across the deck, while wheeled trucks on the cross beam allow it, along with the carriage, to be moved in the Y direction, longitudinally, down the length of the deck. The actuator moves the screwdriver axially (Z direction) with each installation of a screw. Said movement is facilitated by a linear actuating device, such as a pneumatic cylinder. Because the cross beam is positioned parallel to a row of holes which have been drilled by a drilling device on the same or a similar cross beam, the operator, or other facility for X or lateral positioning, is relieved of the need to position the screw driver in the Y or longitudinal direction. The instant invention positions the screw driver in a plumb orientation, advances the automatic screwdriver to the work surface and resolves the torque and thrust which results from the application of the screws. It also supports the screw driver the correct height above the deck and facilitates proper countersinking, where desired.

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First Claim