The Boeing Company

Trent Rob Logan

Chin Hoi Toh

Branko Sarh

John Walter Pringle, Iv

Rodney Stephen Wright

David B Stanley

Steven Glenn Keener

A method and apparatus for applying a sealant material. A nozzle system may be positioned relative to a structure using a robotic device. The sealant material may be applied in a number of streams onto a structure using the nozzle system and the robotic device to form a sealant deposit having a desired shape in which the sealant material has a viscosity greater than a selected threshold.

High-viscosity sealant application system

A method and apparatus for depositing a fluid over an interface. A nozzle may comprise a body having a first end and a second end, an input located at the first end of the body, an output located at the second end of the body, and a plurality of channels located within the body. The input may be configured to receive a fluid. The plurality of channels may have a configuration that causes the fluid received through the input to flow through the plurality of channels and exit the output to form a deposition having a desired shape over an interface.

High viscosity fluid dispensing system

A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluid. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a housing comprising a chamber, a dispensing device, and a nozzle system. The housing may be configured to receive the fluid. The housing may be configured to increase a tendency of the fluid to flow within the chamber. The dispensing device may be configured to move the fluid in the chamber towards an exit of the chamber such that the fluid is dispensed through the exit of the chamber. The nozzle system may be configured to control an exit pressure of the fluid that is dispensed through the nozzle system.

An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal. The detector is operable to generate guidance information telling the person operating the hand-held tool where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the tool with the end effector of the automated machine. Once the hand-held tool is aligned with the end effector, the electromagnetic clamping device is activated to clamp the workpiece, and then the end effector tools are operated to drill a hole and to install a rivet or other fastener into the hole.

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Foothill Ranch, CA, United States of America

Trent Rob Logan