The Boeing Company

Mark Albrecht

Kwok Tung Chan

Everette Desmond Gray

Tanni Sisco

Marcus Anthony Belcher

Monica Joy Brockway

Richard John Loftis

Gary Backhaus

Jeffrey R Dempsey

Kristofer Logan Peterson

Mirza Mustafayev

Collin William Childs

Ignas Sabet-Kazilas

Edwin John Smith

Doria Pei

Varun Suri

Robert N Jaeger

Benjamin David Walker

Jonathan William Udell

Sara Jane Lynn

Everette D Gray

There is provided an automated fastener system having fastener conductivity testing. The automated fastener system has an automated fastener holder assembly holding fastener(s); an automated fastener shuttle assembly having shuttle cup(s); an automated fastener inspection system having an inspection center shaft, and inspection gripper fingers; an automated delivery system having a delivery device; an automated fastener installation system having an end effector with an end effector center shaft, and end effector gripper fingers; an automated eddy current conductivity probe system; and a processing system. The eddy current conductivity probe system has an eddy current conductivity probe assembly integrated in one of, the one or more shuttle cups, the inspection center shaft, the inspection gripper fingers, the end effector center shaft, or the end effector gripper fingers. The eddy current conductivity probe assembly contacts a selected fastener to perform the fastener conductivity testing, and to obtain an electrical conductivity measurement.

Automated fastener system and method having fastener conductivity testing

An aircraft includes external structures, and one or more thermal emitters integrated with one or more of the external structures. The one or more thermal emitters are configured to generate heat to deice the one or more external structures. The one or more thermal emitters are configured to receive electrical power from one or more of an auxiliary power unit of the aircraft, a power distribution system of the aircraft, one or more engines of the aircraft, or an external power cart that is separate and distinct from the aircraft.

Systems and methods for deicing aircraft

Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).

Detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification

A signaling device that provides for passive radar detection. An incoming radar signal is reflected back outward away from the device with increased power. The incoming radar signal can also power a harmonic transceiver and generate a harmonic signal that is transmitted outward away from the device. The signaling device can also include one or more powered components to further transmit an outgoing signal.

Signaling device for passively transmitting signals

A plug gauge includes a housing defining an internal volume and a longitudinal axis AH. The housing includes an opening into the internal volume. The plug gauge also includes a contact element at least partially received in the opening. The plug gauge further includes a plunger at least partially received in the internal volume. The plunger is biased into engagement with the contact element to urge the contact element radially outward from the housing through the opening. The plug gauge additionally includes a sealing member between the contact element and the housing.

Plug gauge and associated method for sealing the same

A plug gauge including a probe housing defining an internal volume and a longitudinal axis, the probe housing includes a first and second openings, a first contact element having a portion extending through the first opening, a first cam member defining a first axis of rotation, the first cam member being in camming engagement with the first contact element such that movement of the first contact element relative to the probe housing causes corresponding rotation of the first cam member about the first axis of rotation, a second contact element having a portion extending through the second opening, and a second cam member defining a second axis of rotation, the second cam member being in camming engagement with the second contact element such that movement of the second contact element relative to the probe housing causes corresponding rotation of the second cam member about the second axis of rotation.

Plug gauges and associated systems and methods for taking multiple simultaneous diametric measurements

A method for evaluating a surface of a bore formed in a structure, where the bore defines a bore axis. The method includes moving a probe at least partially through the bore in a first lineal direction about the bore axis while simultaneously rotating the probe about the bore axis. The probe includes a contact element contacting the surface of the bore at a plurality of first contact points as the probe moves in the first lineal direction.

Systems and methods for evaluating a surface of a bore formed in a structure

Provided is cutting tool. The tool, in certain examples, includes a drill body that defines a drill axis, and a tool window formed in the drill body. The tool also includes a drill bit extending from the drill body, and a material reworking attachment ('MRA') coupled to the drill body and storable within the tool window. The MRA is extendable from a stored position into either a surface-finishing position or a material-removal position. The MRA includes a first chamfering blade, a second chamfering blade, and a finishing surface interposed between the chamfering blades. The tool also includes a position manager to detect a position of the cutting tool with reference to a workpiece, and an actuator to transition the MRA from the stored position to the material-removal position, followed by a transition to the surface-finishing position, and followed by a transition to material-removal position.

Active-pressure hole finishing tool

A plug gauge includes a housing, defining an internal volume, first openings, and second openings. The plug gauge includes first contact elements, each at least partially received in a respective one of the first openings. The plug gauge includes a first plunger in the internal volume and movable relative to the housing. The first plunger is biased to urge the first contact elements radially outward through the first openings. The plug gauge includes a first sensor sensing movement of the first plunger. The plug gauge includes second contact elements, each at least partially received in a respective one of the second openings. The plug gauge includes a second plunger in the internal volume and movable relative to the housing. The second plunger is biased to urge the second contact elements radially outward through the second openings. The plug gauge includes a second sensor sensing movement of the second plunger.

Plug gauge and associated system and method for taking multiple simultaneous diametric measurements

An apparatus for locational aiming of an overhead directional service unit includes a body including a first end configured to be matingly engaged with a housing assembly of the overhead directional service unit and a second end longitudinally opposed to the first end. A light source is disposed within the body and operable to project a light beam from the second end in a direction defined by a longitudinal axis of the body. With the first end matingly engaged with the housing assembly, pivotal movement of the body about a pivot axis relative to a mounting assembly of the overhead directional service unit applies a leverage force to the housing assembly to pivotally reposition the housing assembly relative to the mounting assembly so that the housing assembly is directionally aimed toward a target location visually indicated by the light beam.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Stevens, WA, United States of America

Mark Albrecht