The Boeing Company

Kareem Shehab

Barry Allen Fetzer

Donald Wayne Coffland

Paul Stanley Rutherford

Justin D Serrill

Lance O McCann

Kate Summers

Alexander H De Marne

W Tony Piaskowy

Cameron Fasola

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection. The apparatus comprises, in certain examples, a base, a lower coupler block slidably coupled to the base such that the base is translationally movable relative to the lower coupler block, and a pair of wings rotatably coupled to the lower coupler block at a wing pivot point and pivotable between a first angle and a second angle. In certain examples, the apparatus also includes a sensor carriage located within the base and slidably coupled to the base such that the sensor carriage is translationally movable relative to the base.

Apparatus, system, and method for ultrasonic inspection of a variable angle joint

A shear wave inspection tool has a housing with a rotatable top removably fixable over a fastener hole in a structure. An aperture is positioned through the rotatable top and operable to couple an ultrasonic transducer such that when rotatable top is rotated, the ultrasonic transducer transmits a shear wave into the structure around the fastener hole inspecting the fastener hole for an anomaly. A shear wave inspection system includes the inspection tool, an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic data instrument operable to acquire data from the ultrasonic transducer, the nature of the received data indicates the presence of an anomaly in the fastener hole. A method for detecting anomalies in a fastener hole includes removably fixing the inspection tool over a fastener hole and rotating the rotatable top such that the ultrasonic transducer transmits a shear wave in a controlled sweep around the fastener hole.

Apparatus and method for ultrasonic shear wave inspection

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection that comprises a base and a contact shoe that is located within the base and movably coupled to the base. The apparatus additionally comprises a sensor carriage located within the contact shoe and movably coupled to the contact shoe such that the sensor carriage is translationally movable relative to the contact shoe. The apparatus further comprises a linkage pivotably coupled to the base at a base pivot point, pivotably coupled to the contact shoe at a shoe pivot point, and pivotably coupled to the sensor carriage at a carriage pivot point. Translational movement of the contact shoe relative to the base causes the linkage to pivot about the base pivot point, the shoe pivot point, and the carriage pivot point and move the sensor carriage relative to the base and the contact shoe.

Apparatus, system, and method for ultrasonic inspection of a variable radius joint

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing a zero-G condition to a part to assist in allowing an operator to weightlessly move a part and assist an operator in the installation of a part into an assembly. Present methods, systems, and apparatuses further provide a zero-G lift able to alter the lift velocity of a part, from first predetermined velocity to a second predetermined velocity.

Zero-G lift assist device

A bit puller incorporates an inner element with a longitudinal axis and having a central shaft, a base with external threads and an engagement mechanism internal to the inner element adapted to engage a drill bit. An outer element is concentric with the inner element and has a foot portion for engaging a work piece. Internal threads in the outer element are adapted to engage the external threads of the base wherein rotation of the inner element with respect to the outer element withdraws the inner element along the longitudinal axis.

Bit puller

Disclosed herein is a non-destructive inspection apparatus that utilizes a biased probe housing to maintain ultrasonic coupling with a part. The apparatus includes an attachment body attached to a robotic arm that has a tool center point (TCP). The apparatus also includes a probe assembly coupled to the attachment body such that movement of the TCP results in a corresponding movement of the probe assembly, and a probe housing disposed around the probe assembly and moveably coupled to the attachment body. The apparatus also includes a biasing member disposed between the attachment body and the probe housing that urges the probe housing away from the attachment body. Also disclosed is a method that includes positioning a probe housing and a probe assembly adjacent a part, ultrasonically scanning the part for defects, and biasing the probe housing relative to the attachment body to maintain engagement of the part.

Apparatus and method for non-destructive inspection of variable angle manufacturing components

Apparatus and methods for ultrasonic inspection of elongated composite members in a single scan pass using pulse echo phased arrays operating in a bubbler method. The system concept is fully automated by integrating an inspection NDI probe assembly to a robot and using the robot to move the inspection NDI probe assembly along the part (i.e., outside of an inspection tank); and by integrating tooling fixtures that move out of the way as the inspection NDI probe assembly travels along the length of the part during the inspection. In addition, the system allows for generally elongated composite members having lengthwise variation in shape, curvature and dimensions.

Automated ultrasonic inspection of elongated composite members using single-pass robotic system

A fastening tool system includes a housing including a main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The main body defines an internal chamber extending between a proximal opening at the proximal end and a distal opening at the distal end. A plunger includes a stem that extends into the internal chamber through the proximal opening. The plunger is configured to be moved in relation to the main body between a retracted position and an extended position. A securing stud is in a collapsed position when the plunger is in the retracted position. The plunger is configured to move into the extended position to engage the securing stud to expand the securing stud into an expanded position.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Kareem Shehab