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:
Feb. 12, 2008
Filed:
Jan. 10, 2006
Daniel J. Wright, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Gary E. Georgeson, Federal Way, WA (US);
Michael D. Fogarty, Auburn, WA (US);
Stanley W. Richardson, Lake Stevens, WA (US);
Daniel J. Wright, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Gary E. Georgeson, Federal Way, WA (US);
Michael D. Fogarty, Auburn, WA (US);
Stanley W. Richardson, Lake Stevens, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
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.