The Boeing Company

Peter N Steele

Martin Alexander Szarski

Andrew Klimovski

Ashleigh Raoul Nesbit

Luke Fletcher

Richard James Bain

Phillip John Crothers

David Michael Bain

Peter J Lockett

Andrew K Glynn

Manning James Scarfe

Phillip Haeusler

Dominic Wierzbicki

Geoffrey King Shun Lam

A method of positioning a braided fibre sleeve relative to a tool surface, the braided fibre sleeve comprising a longitudinal axis and biaxially oriented tows arranged at acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis, the method comprising; applying tension to a plurality of axial threads disposed along the longitudinal axis, such tension forming a tensioned braided fibre sleeve; positioning the tensioned braided fibre sleeve relative to a tool surface; and releasing tension on the plurality of axial threads.

Method of positioning a braided fibre sleeve

Systems and methods are provided for utilizing enhanced vacuum gripping techniques. One embodiment is a method that includes locating an array of valves for an end effector, selectively switching valves within the array between open states and closed states based on a shape of a work piece that the end effector will transport, selectively applying vacuum through a plurality of valves in a shape that corresponds with the shape of the work piece, disposing the end effector at the work piece while the vacuum is applied to grip the work piece, and picking up the work piece by moving the end effector while the vacuum is applied.

High resolution vacuum grippers that utilize bi-stable flow valves

A method and apparatus for performing an automated validation of a condition of assembly for a structure. A plurality of images of the structure are registered to a computer model of the structure in which an image in the plurality of images captures a portion of the structure. Each image in the plurality of images is segmented based on registration of the plurality of images to the computer model to form a plurality of image sections. A final score is generated for the condition of assembly of the structure based on whether each image section in the plurality of image sections meets a corresponding condition in which the final score indicates whether the condition of assembly is valid.

Automated validation of condition of assembly

A method for drawing a flexible sleeve over an elongated mandrel includes placing a ring within a lumen of the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is fixed against movement relative to a first end of the mandrel. A first end portion of the sleeve is inverted over a first end portion of the mandrel so as to define a circumferential cuff in the sleeve, and the ring is positioned concentrically within the circumferential cuff. Using, e.g., a magnet, the ring is then urged longitudinally along the mandrel and toward an opposite, second end thereof, such that the sleeve is inverted over at least an outer surface of the mandrel.

Automated braided sleeve placement and tensioning

A method and apparatus may be present for inspecting an object. A plurality of locations associated with a plurality of operations performed by a tool on the object may be tracked. The plurality of locations is tracked while the plurality of operations is performed on the object. A path for the tool may be mapped using the plurality of locations to form a tool path. The tool path may be compared to a model of the object.

Geometric inspection of machined objects

Growing community of inventors

Warranwood, Australia

Peter N Steele