The Boeing Company

John Robert Linn

Joseph Frank Floyd

Jeffrey Reyner Kollgaard

Brent Louis Hadley

Gary E Georgeson

James J Troy

Scott Wesley Lea

Daniel James Wright

Jeffrey G Thompson

Karl Edward Nelson

A system in accordance with one embodiment comprises a marking device attached to a holonomic-motion crawler vehicle capable of movement on non-horizontal surfaces. Modular attachment and motion control interfaces on the platform allow attachment of various types of marking and non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor modules. The crawling vehicle marks the location of sub-surface features on an aircraft skin or overlaid patch (doubler) using a pen or sticker or tape applicator that is guided based on either a 3-D CAD model or NDI data collected as the vehicle crawls. A second embodiment utilizes an automated NDI scanner to collect 2-D image data of the substructure to enable manual or automated feature/edge selection for marking. Location tracking of the marking device can be implemented using a local positioning system or a motion capture system.

Location tracking and motion control of automated marking device

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for transferring data over a network include communicating with a user via a portable communication device over the network, receiving a request for at least one instruction sequence related to a particular repair task of a machine from the user via the portable communication device over the network, processing the request from the user by accessing and retrieving the at least one instruction sequence from a database component, and transferring the at least one instruction sequence from the database component to the portable communication device.

System and method for point-of-use instruction

An apparatus for evaluating layers, including interlayer gaps, in a multi-layer structure; the multi-layer structure presenting a plurality of edges generally aligned athwart an axis; the apparatus includes: (a) a sensing unit configured for sensing at least one parameter; (b) a positioning unit coupled with the sensing unit; the positioning unit being configured to effect moving the sensing unit generally along the axis; and (c) a control unit coupled with at least one of the positioning unit and the sensing unit. The control unit provides an electrical signal to the sensing unit. The control unit monitors changes in the at least one parameter as the sensing unit moves past the plurality of edges. The control unit employs the changes in the at least one parameter to effect the evaluating.

Apparatus and method for evaluating layers in a multi-layer structure

In accordance with one or more embodiments, systems and methods for exchanging data over a network include communicating with a user via a portable communication device over the network, interacting with the user via an interactive software application, receiving a request for service bulletin data related to at least one aircraft from the user via the portable communication device, accessing service bulletin data related to the at least one aircraft from a database component based on a registry number associated with the at least one aircraft passed with the request from the user, and transferring service bulletin data related to the at least one aircraft from the database component to the portable communication device via the network for viewing by the user on the portable communication device.

System and method for service bulletin data exchange

Detecting inconsistencies proximate a panel splice joint involves trimming a portion of a first panel overlapping a second panel to expose a previously overlapped region of the second panel. The previously overlapped region of the second panel may be inspected to detect any inconsistencies present thereon after trimming the portion.

Detecting and reworking inconsistencies proximate aircraft splice joints

An eddy current detection system configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention employs a high frequency rotary eddy current probe that is capable of detecting very shallow surface imperfections, including imperfections originating at scribe lines located near lap joints on an aircraft fuselage. The rotary eddy current probe includes a differential sensing coil arrangement surrounded by a reflection coil, both of which are located within the probe tip housing of the rotary eddy current probe. The differential sensing coil arrangement and the reflection coil are positioned off-axis within the rotary eddy current probe. In addition, the rotary eddy current probe employs a partial electromagnetic shield that does not completely surround the differential sensing coil arrangement.

High frequency rotary eddy current probe device

A system for inspecting a surface of a beam covered by at least one structure. The system includes at least one nut clip attached to the beam used to couple the structure to the beam, and at least one spacer inserted between the beam and the structure for creating a gap between the structure and the beam. A micro fiber-optic borescope is used to view the surface of the beam covered by the structure without removing the structure. The surface is viewed by inserting a micro fiber-optic thread of the borescope into the gap. The system eliminates the need for costly and time consuming disassembly and removal of components mounted on the structure before an inspection of the condition of the beam can be made.

Growing community of inventors

Maple Valley, WA, United States of America

John Robert Linn