The Boeing Company

Theboeing Company

Kyle Lee Oberst

Mark Eduard Pflum

Henry Thomas Youngblood

Kyle Steven Biondich

Zachary David Talus

Brian M Hansen

A method and apparatus for automated engagement of a fitting coupled to a structure. A first member of a first engagement device is moved relative to a base in a first direction substantially parallel to an x-axis such that a tapered end portion of the first member passes through a hole in the fitting and moves towards a channel within a second member of a second engagement device. The tapered end portion of the first member is secured within the channel of the second member to thereby engage the fitting between the first engagement device and the second engagement device.

Automated engagement of and disengagement from a fitting

A method and apparatus for automated handling a structure. A handler system comprises a plurality of towers and a plurality of end effectors coupled to the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors is movably coupled to a tower of the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors comprises an arm coupled to the tower and a coupling device for use in automated engagement of a corresponding fitting coupled to the structure.

Automated engagement and handling of a structure

A collapsible and mobile lifting apparatus. The apparatus includes a mobile base, a lifting mechanism mounted to the mobile base, suspension members extending from the lifting mechanism for operatively engaging an object to be lifted, and a counterweight system that is automatically moveable relative to the mobile base. Helical band actuators provide the lifting force. A lower counterweight at the base is moveable to variable positions in response to the load of an object on the suspension members. An upper counterweight is mounted proximate to the upper end of the lifting mechanism to resist the load on the suspension members as well. A tension cable extending from the base proximate to the upper end of the lifting mechanism provides additional force to balance the load of the object.

Growing community of inventors

Everett, WA, United States of America

Kyle Lee Oberst