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:
Jan. 23, 2007
Filed:
Jun. 23, 2005
Paul R. Arnston, Bothell, WA (US);
Ronald W. Outous, Shoreline, WA (US);
Theodore M. Boyl-davis, Snohomish, WA (US);
James N. Buttrick, Jr., Marysville, WA (US);
Paul R. Arnston, Bothell, WA (US);
Ronald W. Outous, Shoreline, WA (US);
Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, Snohomish, WA (US);
James N. Buttrick, Jr., Marysville, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.