The Boeing Company

Farshad Forouhar

Gary Mark Buckus

Lorrie Sivich

Richard Henry Bossi

Marc Joel Piehl

Gregg W Podnar

Robert William Grube

Eric Sean Kamila

Jerry Dean Zayic

Joseph D Doyle

Christopher Wayne Fay

William Worden Cleary

Andrej Martin Savol

Gordon Dale Davis

Kevin M Uhl

Jim Gardiner

Thomas K Williams

Vicki Wu

Pamela J Manzer

John B Winn

Carrie Rule

Vincent E Engdahl

Curtis N Sovereen

Joshua Charles Modrzynski

Jim E Gardiner

A method includes receiving topic names from a metrology interface device, where the topic names correspond to data generated by metrology devices associated with a manufacturing operation. The method also includes accessing a data stream from the metrology interface device. The data stream includes converted metrology data (in a common format) from the metrology devices and corresponding topic names. The method further includes extracting first converted metrology data from the data stream based on a first topic name of the topic names. The first converted metrology data is generated by converting first metrology data from a first metrology device of the metrology devices to the first converted metrology data having the common format. The method also includes comparing the first converted metrology data to a specification, detecting a condition based on the comparison, and sending a command to a manufacturing device based on the condition.

Manufacturing device control based on metrology data

An inspection system is presented. The inspection system comprises a remotely controllable imaging assembly and a scale reticle. The remotely controllable imaging assembly includes a camera and a lens system. The lens system includes a tunable-focus lens and a magnifying lens between the camera and the tunable-focus lens. The scale reticle is positioned within a sight line of the camera of the imaging assembly such that the scale reticle is between the imaging assembly and a target.

Inspection system for alignment in restricted volumes

Automated dynamic manufacturing systems may provide for alignment of multiple components with respect to one another, such as an apparatus, a robot, and a supply of parts. The alignment may initially be performed roughly, using a global metrology device configured to track the apparatus, robot, and supply of parts, each of which may be movable with respect to the others, such as by being positioned on a respective automated guided vehicle. Alignment may then be performed to closer tolerances using a local metrology device coupled to the robot and configured to accurately position an end effector, such that the end effector may perform a manufacturing task on the apparatus, such as a pick-and-place process involving transporting an individual part from the supply of parts, transferring it to the apparatus, and coupling it thereto. Such systems and methods may be used to perform manufacturing processes on large apparatus, such as aircraft.

Automated dynamic manufacturing systems and related methods

Disclosed herein is a scissor lift comprising a passenger basket. The scissor lift also comprises a base that comprises wheels. The scissor lift further comprises a scissor extension mechanism between the passenger basket and the base. The scissor extension mechanism is configured to raise the passenger basket in a first direction relative to the base and lower the passenger basket in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the base. The scissor lift additionally comprises a through-beam sensor system co-movably coupled to the scissor extension mechanism. The through-beam sensor system moves in a third direction, perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, when the scissor extension mechanism raises the passenger basket and moves in a fourth direction, opposite the third direction, when the scissor extension mechanism lowers the passenger basket.

Collision avoidance system for scissor lift

A method for monitoring and verifying a manufacturing process performed by an operator on a workpiece in a work area. The method includes positioning one or more cameras in the work area, such that the operator and the workpiece are in a field of view of each of the cameras. The method includes using a computer system configured for controlling the cameras to record and process images of the workpiece and images of operator actions relating to the manufacturing process, all recorded by the cameras during or at completion of each of a plurality of tasks in the manufacturing process to obtain recorded images. The method includes storing the recorded images, comparing the recorded images against a reference image library comprising references images corresponding to each recorded image to detect any differences between the recorded image and the respective corresponding reference image, and generating a data record.

Method and system for monitoring and verifying a manufacturing process

Inclinometer devices and methods of manufacturing the same are provided herein. The inclinometer device includes an inclinometer for measuring attitude data of an object, a wireless communication interface for communicating the object attitude data, and a casing. The casing is configured to house the inclinometer and the wireless communication device, and is further configured for use in hazardous environments.

Inclinometer device and method of manufacture

Growing community of inventors

Lake Forest Park, WA, United States of America

Farshad Forouhar