The Boeing Company

Arlen Ray Pumphrey

Paul G Kostenick, Jr

Albert H Cha

James Niemann Buttrick

Dario I Valenzuela

Michael M Stepan

Daniel A Hendricks

Paul Gregory Kostenick, Jr

Robert Stephen Schempp

A method and apparatus for measuring diameters of holes and countersinks. A tip of a countersink measurement system may be moved to engage a countersink for a hole. A diameter of the countersink may be measured in response to the tip of the countersink measurement system engaging the countersink. A probe may be moved through the tip of the countersink measurement system into a channel for the hole, while the tip is engaged with the countersink. A number of diameters for the channel may be measured as the probe moves in the hole.

Hole and countersink measurement system

A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Tool evaluation system and method

To calibrate a tool evaluator having a first sensor, where this first sensor is operable to sense a force and transmit a first signal associated with the sensed force, a second sensor is disposed within the tool evaluator. This second sensor is operable to sense the force and transmit a second signal associated with the sensed force. In addition, the tool evaluator is controlled to apply the force to the second sensor and a calibration factor is determined in response to the first signal and the second signal.

Tool evaluation calibrator and method

Apparatus for assembling fasteners includes a fastening wrench operated by a first operator and having interchangeable sockets of different sizes for engaging nuts of different sizes. The nuts are required to be tightened to different torque values on their respective bolts. When the first operator removes a socket from a socket tray in preparation for attaching the socket to the fastening wrench, a signal is sent to a controller which determines the torque value associated with that socket size. When the fastening wrench reaches the specified torque value during the tightening operation, the controller automatically shuts the fastening wrench off. The apparatus also includes a second wrench, operated by a second operator, for engaging the heads of the bolts to prevent them from turning during the tightening process. During the tightening process the second operator may not be in communication with the first operator. The second wrench includes a safety switch which when not depressed by the second operator, prevents the fastening wrench from operating for the protection of the second operator.

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Lynnwood, WA, United States of America

Arlen Ray Pumphrey