The Boeing Company

Stanley W Richardson

Gary E Georgeson

Daniel James Wright

Michael D Fogarty

Martin L Freet

Richard Henry Bossi

Kin Yip Wong

Gary F Dokken

A method for using an end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

End effector inspection apparatus and method

An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes may include a fluid bearing, such as a water bearing or an air bearing, for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. The fluid of a fluid bearing may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and a structure. A flow moderating skirt may be used to with a probe employing a fluid bearing for support.

Magnetically attracted inspecting apparatus and method using a fluid bearing

An end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

There is provided an ultrasonic inspection device that provides a locking mechanism for inspecting components at preset angles. The inspection device can inspect a component along an arc by inspecting the component at each preset angle, which provides complete and repeatable inspection results. The inspection device comprises a housing with a channel for the passage of an ultrasonic signal and an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive the ultrasonic signals. The housing also includes a rotating reflector to reflect the ultrasonic signal. Using a handle on the housing rotatably attached to the rotating reflector, a technician can rotatably position and lock the rotating reflector at a preset angle. The rotating reflector can be rotatably locked by a spring-loaded ball that is selectively received in detents defined by the rotating reflector or handle.

Ultrasonic inspection device for inspecting components at preset angles

A measurement device and apparatus for measuring the out-of-roundness of a circular part. The apparatus includes a base on which a travel assembly is mounted within an elongated channel formed in the base. A recirculating ball bearing slide assembly is operatively coupled to a flat strip force spring, which is in turn coupled to ball bearing slide assembly, and which provides a constant contact force, regardless of distance, to bias the travel assembly into a 90-degree corner portion of the base assembly. A generally circular part is placed in the 90-degree corner and manually rotated while the travel assembly is in contact with an outer surface thereof. The linear movement of the travel assembly is detected by a measurement device which provides an indication of the out-of-roundness of the part.

Apparatus and method for measuring circularity of circular parts

An ultrasonic scanner for inspection of radiused regions having scanner supports which include pivoted fingers containing the transducers and hands supporting the fingers attached to vertical arms by pins. The angle of the hands are controlled by the vertical position of the arms.

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Lake Stevens, WA, United States of America

Stanley W Richardson