The Boeing Company

Electroimpact, Inc.

Russell DeVlieg

Robert Arthur Kisch

Kenneth Paul Zaballos

Peter Vogeli

Kyle Jeffries

James Arthur Hammond, Jr

Kip Ryan Kuldell

Christian E Schaefer

Trevor A Hartnagel

Joseph A Kaufman

Patrick Dunn

A robotic forming system and method for forming a tapered hole in a workpiece include a housing and a nose extending from the housing. The housing defines an internal chamber. A vacuum gate is in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the nose. A seal is within the nose. A first spindle includes a first operative head. The first spindle is retained within the internal chamber. The first spindle is configured to be moved between a first stowed position within the housing and a first operating position in which the first operative head extends into the nose. The first operative head is configured to form an initial hole within the workpiece. A second spindle includes a second operative head. The second spindle is retained within the internal chamber. The second spindle is configured to be moved between a second stowed position within the housing and a second operating position in which the second operative head extends into the nose. The second operative head is configured to modify the initial hole to form a tapered hole.

Systems and methods for forming tapered holes in workpieces

A robot mechanism for controlling the position of a machine tool in a large-scale manufacturing assembly includes six rotary axes and one linear axis. Secondary feedback systems are included on at least several of the axes. A controller receives secondary feedback information and uses it to control the position of the machine tool within an accuracy of &#xb1;0.3 mm.

Robotic manufacturing system with accurate control

A cutting apparatus to cut a tow includes a tow support, a first blade, and a tow support deflector. The tow support deflector is disposed in cooperative alignment with the first blade to exert a deflecting force upon the tow support. The deflecting force substantially preventing the first blade from striking the tow support.

Tow cutting apparatus

An end effector constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.

End effector  for constructing composite members

A cutting apparatus to cut a tow includes a tow support, first blade, and tow support deflector. The tow support supports the tow. The first blade cuts the tow. The tow support deflector is disposed in cooperative alignment with the first blade to exert a deflecting force upon the tow support. The deflecting force substantially prevents the first blade from striking the tow support.

Method of cutting tow

An end effector, and methods for constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.

Growing community of inventors

Woodinville, WA, United States of America

Russell DeVlieg