The Boeing Company

Larry Earl Gross

Sayata Ghose

William Thomas Kline

David K Brooks

Cindy M Waun

A method and apparatus for forming a stack of composite layers into a desired shape is present. The stack of composite layers may be positioned on a tool and a number of compressible supports such that the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the tool and the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the number of compressible supports. A flexible sheet may be placed on top of the stack of composite layers. A vacuum load may be applied on the stack of composite layers on the tool and the number of compressible supports using the flexible sheet such that consolidation of the stack of composite layers occurs to form a desired shape on the tool and the number of compressible supports compress during forming of the desired shape.

Composite layer forming system

An integrated aircraft system for funtionally testing the components and subsystems of an aircraft during its manufacture and subsequent maintenance. A central control unit serves as a repository for test applications and instruction sets that comprise the individual steps of the functional tests performed on the aircraft. In response to receiving indications of work performed on the aircraft, the central control unit displays an indication of the functional tests that should be performed on the aircraft. The system includes a plurality of automated test equipment carts (ATEs). Each of the ATEs contains a number of processor-controllable instruments for performing functional tests on specific components and subsystems that comprise a specific aircraft system. A system controller on each of the ATEs controls the operation of the test instruments associated therewith. The system controllers are also capable of directing the broadcast of simulation data to aircraft components so that the response of the components to the stimulation data can be tested. Test application from the central control unit are run on the system controller of each ATE contain instructions that direct the system controller to perform specific functional tests on the aircraft using test instruments and to store the test results in a system controller memory associated therewith. The ATEs are selectiively connected to the central control unit having a main memory so that the test results results stored in the system controller memory may be unloaded and permanently archieved. A remote access terminal also connectable to the central control unit is also provided so that personnel can receive instructions for manual tests and be provided with a means for entering the test results into the system. The central control unit reviews the results of the functional tests performed on the aircraft and broadcasts appropriate messages if functional tests were missed or failed, or the aircraft passed functional testing.

Growing community of inventors

Auburn, WA, United States of America

Larry Earl Gross