The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 29, 2005
Filed:
Sep. 11, 2002
Terence F. W. Hall, Santa Monica, CA (US);
Terence F. W. Hall, Santa Monica, CA (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A Z-form position detector useful for ascertaining the position of Z-forms with respect to underlying composite structure. The device comprises an oscillating laser that generates a line projected onto the Z-form and composite structure at an angle. The line appears discontinuous due to the topography of the Z-form and composite structure. For example, the line is discontinuous at the edges of the Z-form. The device further comprises a sensor sensitive to the frequency of the laser. The sensor scans along the line until a discontinuity (i.e., a break in the line) is detected. Since the discontinuity corresponds to the edge of the Z-form, detection of the discontinuity allows the device to ascertain precise coordinates of a point on the edge of the Z-form. The device thus allows Z-pins to be driven into composite structure automatically for savings on time and cost.