Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Method of making a portable programmable machine
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Application No.: US16238138Application Date: 2019-01-02
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Publication No.: US10773829B2Publication Date: 2020-09-15
- Inventor: Chris J. Erickson
- Applicant: The Boeing Company
- Applicant Address: US IL Chicago
- Assignee: The Boeing Company
- Current Assignee: The Boeing Company
- Current Assignee Address: US IL Chicago
- Agency: Miller, Matthias & Hull LLP
- Main IPC: B64F5/00
- IPC: B64F5/00 ; B25J11/00 ; B64F5/10 ; B64F5/40 ; B25J18/04 ; B25J19/02 ; B25J5/00 ; B25J18/02 ; B25J19/00 ; B25J15/00 ; B64F5/30 ; B25J18/00

Abstract:
A portable programmable machine enhances efficiency and ergonomics associated with conducting otherwise manual operations within confined spaces. A main body supports a programmable telescoping arm configured to extend through an access port to reach a confined space. The arm includes an articulating wrist for holding and manipulating tools for autonomously processing work parts. The machine can also act semi-autonomously to accommodate interventions of an operator for overriding and fine-tuning interaction of a tool with a work part for proper processing of the part. The arm communicates with a computer in the main body for processing numerical data, and the operator may use a reference camera to fine tune any particular process. The machine incorporates multiple processing functions, for example collar swaging, nut running, cleaning, and/or application of sealants, all through an aircraft wing access port. The main body has lockable wheels for securing the main body near the access port.
Public/Granted literature
- US20190135454A1 PORTABLE PROGRAMMABLE MACHINE Public/Granted day:2019-05-09
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