The Boeing Company

Carolyn L Kupper

Om Prakash

Megha Sahu

Kamaraj Kandhasamy

Sandeep Tripathi

Stephen P Gaydos

Andrew M Zweig

Waynie Mark Schuette

Eric Carlton Anderson

Sarah C Leung

Damien Stafford

The present disclosure provides coupling systems for use in industrial systems to removably couple one or more components to the industrial system. The coupling systems discussed herein employ a flexible sleeve in addition to one or more components. The flexible sleeve can have a component disposed therein. When pressure is applied to the flexible sleeve, the flexible sleeve constricts around the component, securing the component in the coupling system and thus to the industrial system. Once the component is secured, the industrial system executes one or more processes on the component. The coupling systems discussed herein can accommodate components of varying internal and external geometries as well as internal and/or external coatings and surface finishes.

Coupling systems and methods of use thereof

An apparatus for removing material from an object surface is disclosed, including a fluid source, a flexible carrier, and a tubular member. The tubular member is connected to the flexible carrier, which is configured to conform to the object surface. The tubular member is configured to carry fluid from the fluid source to the flexible carrier, and has an aperture configured to release fluid and generate cavitation bubbles proximate the object surface.

Flexible cavitation apparatus

The present disclosure provides a cleaning system, including a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber adjacent to the first sub-chamber, and a third sub-chamber adjacent to the second sub-chamber. A first divider is positioned between the first and the second sub-chambers. A second divider is positioned between the second and the third sub-chambers. A vacuum system is coupled to the third sub-chamber to generate a vacuum pressure in the third sub-chamber that is less than a pressure of the first sub-chamber to create a pressure differential to induce a pressurized flow of a first cleaning media from the first sub-chamber to the third sub-chamber through an internal passage of a component positioned in the second sub-chamber. A filtering system is coupled to the first sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber to remove and filter the first cleaning media from the third sub-chamber and return the first cleaning media to the first sub-chamber.

Cleaning systems and methods of use thereof

A method of using an ultrasonic system includes positioning at least one component to a ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic system including: an ultrasonic device, comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled to a flexible body; a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic device; a fluid vessel configured to supply fluid to the at least one component; and a waste vessel configured to collect the fluid supplied to the ultrasonic device from the fluid vessel. The method includes applying, via the power supply, a current to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to dislodge a plurality of contaminants from the at least one component. The method includes flushing, via fluid from the fluid vessel, the plurality of contaminants dislodged from the at least one component.

Systems including and methods of use of ultrasonic devices

Methods for cleaning surfaces are provided. Such a method may comprise contacting a surface with a fluid comprising a compound of Formula I for a period of time; and removing the fluid from the surface, thereby providing a cleaned surface. Vapor phase degreasing systems for cleaning a surface of a component are also provided. Such a system may comprise a boil sump comprising liquid comprising a compound of Formula I; and a holder configured to hold a component in a vapor formed from the liquid.

Methods for degreasing surfaces

Apparatus and methods for manually applying flexible noodles (e.g., noodles made of adhesive material) to a workpiece (e.g., a composite part) during production or construction. The noodle is fed out over a series of upright rolls and rollers to the target area. Those rolls and rollers are rotatably coupled to a platform that is designed to be worn on the forearm of the operator. In accordance with one example, the noodle applicator comprising an ergonomic handle and an ergonomic forearm brace that are positioned and attached to the platform to allow the weight of the platform to be centered higher up the forearm, protecting the wrist. The direction of application is in-line with the forearm of the operator, decreasing the strain involved.

Growing community of inventors

Summerville, SC, United States of America

Carolyn L Kupper