公开(公告)号：US12196689B2

公开(公告)日：2025-01-14

申请号：US17571619

申请日：2022-01-10

Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Armando Xavier Membrila ,  Phillip Riste ,  Gregory James Sweers ,  Walter Joseph Jarecki

IPC: G01N21/958 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64U101/30

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an anomaly of an optically transparent or translucent object are disclosed. The system and method include a light source configured to emit light, a light transmission element having a textured surface, and an optical couplant configured to be disposed between the light transmission element and the object. At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source is configured to pass into the light transmission element through the textured surface and pass into the object through the optical couplant. At least a portion of the light that passes into the object internally reflects within the object and impinges on the anomaly to provide an illumination that indicates the location of the anomaly.

公开(公告)号：US20250001981A1

公开(公告)日：2025-01-02

申请号：US18886962

申请日：2024-09-16

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Tyler E. Berkey ,  Alexander J. Coco

IPC: B60S5/06 ,  B60L53/62 ,  B60L53/80 ,  B60W60/00

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated swapping of a charged replacement battery for a depleted battery onboard an electric vehicle using a battery delivery vehicle (BDV). The BDV may be configured to operate autonomously or under remote control. The electric vehicle which receives the replacement battery from a BDV may be configured to operate autonomously (e.g., an AGV) or non-autonomously (e.g., an electric passenger car). The BDV is loaded with a fully (or partially) charged battery, and then moved to a rendezvous place at which the BDV is underneath and aligned with the electric vehicle. The battery is uploaded to the electric vehicle while the aligned BDV moves in tandem with the electric vehicle. After the replacement battery has been installed, the power distribution system onboard the electric vehicle switches over to draw DC power from the replacement battery (instead of from a depleted battery) without interrupting vehicle operation.

公开(公告)号：US12157278B2

公开(公告)日：2024-12-03

申请号：US17551317

申请日：2021-12-15

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Marc J. Piehl

IPC: B29C65/48 ,  B29C65/54 ,  B29C65/56 ,  B29L31/30 ,  B64C3/26

Abstract: In an example, a method of sealing a bond cavity is described. The method comprises placing an adhesive around a perimeter of a first structure to be joined to a second structure. The method also comprises positioning the first structure relative to the second structure such that the adhesive is disposed between the first structure and the second structure. The method also comprises merging the first structure and the second structure until the first structure and the second structure are separated by a desired gap for bonding. The method also comprises heating the perimeter to at least partially cure the adhesive to form a leak-proof bond cavity perimeter between the first structure and the second structure.

公开(公告)号：US12136964B2

公开(公告)日：2024-11-05

申请号：US17953146

申请日：2022-09-26

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  James J. Troy ,  Gregory J. Sweers ,  Jeong-Beom Ihn

IPC: H02J50/80 ,  G01C9/00 ,  G01S17/08 ,  G05D1/00 ,  H02J7/02 ,  H04B5/26 ,  H04B5/72 ,  H04B5/73 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: A method for wirelessly coupling respective transducers of an automated motion platform and a sub-surface sensor node through a skin of a limited-access structure for the purpose of wireless power and data transfer. Coordinates of an as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node in a local coordinate system of the limited-access structure are retrieved from a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium. Then coordinates of a target position on an external surface of the skin of the limited-access structure are estimated. The target position is calculated to be aligned with the as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node. The motion platform is moved under computer control so that the transducer onboard the motion platform moves toward the target position. Movement ceases when the transducer onboard the motion platform is at the target position. Then wave energy is transferred between the aligned transducers.

公开(公告)号：US20240221385A1

公开(公告)日：2024-07-04

申请号：US18601595

申请日：2024-03-11

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Walter J. Jarecki ,  Gregory J. Sweers ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  James J. Troy ,  Phillip R. Riste ,  Armando X. Membrila

IPC: G06V20/56 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G06F18/2113 ,  G06V20/17 ,  G06V20/64 ,  B64U101/30

CPC classification number: G06V20/56 ,  B64C39/024 ,  G06F18/2113 ,  G06V20/17 ,  G06V20/64 ,  B64U2101/30

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using scan data converted into images of a target object. Scan images are formed by aggregating successive scan strips acquired using one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays. An image processor computes a change in location of the NDI scanner relative to a previous location based on the respective positions of common features in partially overlapping scan images. The performance of the NDI scanner tracking system is enhanced by: (1) using depth and intensity filtering of the scan image data to differentiate features for improved landmark identification during real-time motion control; and (2) applying a loop-closure technique using scan image data to correct for drift in computed location. The enhancements are used to improve localization, which enables better motion control and coordinate accuracy for NDI scan data.

公开(公告)号：US12005467B2

公开(公告)日：2024-06-11

申请号：US17494541

申请日：2021-10-05

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Marc J. Piehl ,  Joseph L. Hafenrichter

IPC: B05C11/00 ,  B05C5/02 ,  B25J15/00

CPC classification number: B05C11/00 ,  B05C5/02 ,  B25J15/0066

Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.

公开(公告)号：US11989033B2

公开(公告)日：2024-05-21

申请号：US16582870

申请日：2019-09-25

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Kenneth H. Griess ,  Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter

IPC: G05D1/00 ,  B60D1/01 ,  B62D63/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/0287 ,  B60D1/01 ,  B62D63/025

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density personalized transportation. An example system includes a transit carrier having a first movement system, first stacking couplers, first and second magnetic couplers, and a first location, a transit pod having a second movement system, second stacking couplers, and a second location, the second stacking couplers configured to couple to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to in response to obtaining a request to direct the transit carrier to move from the first location to the second location, invoke the transit pod to couple to the transit carrier by directing the transit pod to move on top of the transit carrier using the second movement system, and when the transit carrier is coupled to the transit pod, invoke the transit carrier to move the transit pod to a third location using the first movement system.

公开(公告)号：US11987015B2

公开(公告)日：2024-05-21

申请号：US17551320

申请日：2021-12-15

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Marc J. Piehl

IPC: B29C73/02 ,  B29C73/24 ,  B29L31/30

CPC classification number: B29C73/025 ,  B29C73/24 ,  B29L2031/3085

Abstract: In an example, a method is described. The method comprises forming a single hole into a bond gap repair area. The method also comprises evacuating, via an adhesive injection apparatus attached to the single hole, the bond gap repair area and an injection channel of the adhesive injection apparatus. The method also comprises forcing adhesive through the evacuated injection channel and into the evacuated bond gap repair area.

公开(公告)号：US11969960B2

公开(公告)日：2024-04-30

申请号：US17682487

申请日：2022-02-28

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Xiaoxi Wang ,  Jonathan Santiago

IPC: B29C70/44 ,  B29C45/72 ,  B29C65/00 ,  B29C70/54

CPC classification number: B29C70/446 ,  B29C45/7207 ,  B29C66/0326 ,  B29C66/727 ,  B29C66/816 ,  B29C70/54

Abstract: Composite fabrication system and associated methods. In one embodiment, a composite fabrication system comprises a molding tool that includes a forming surface at least partially disposed within a constrained space, and a foamable material that expands inside of the constrained space to form an expanded material that presses a layup of one or more composite layers against the molding tool. The composite fabrication system further comprises a curing device configured to cure the layup to form a composite part, and a cutting wire embedded in the constrained space that is heated and configured to cut the expanded material into pieces that are removable from the constrained space.

公开(公告)号：US20240083577A1

公开(公告)日：2024-03-14

申请号：US18389374

申请日：2023-11-14

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  Gregory J. Sweers

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B05B1/28 ,  B05B14/30 ,  B05D5/00 ,  B64D1/18 ,  B64F5/40

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B05B1/28 ,  B05B14/30 ,  B05D5/005 ,  B64D1/18 ,  B64F5/40 ,  B05D1/02

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing repair operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The methods are enabled by equipping the UAV with tools for rapidly repairing a large structure or object (e.g., an aircraft or a wind turbine blade) that is not easily accessible to maintenance personnel. In accordance with various embodiments disclosed below, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be equipped with an easily attachable/removable module that includes an additive repair tool. The additive repair tool is configured to add material to a body of material. For example, the additive repair tool may be configured to apply a sealant or other coating material in liquid form to a damage site on a surface of a structure or object (e.g., by spraying liquid or launching liquid-filled capsules onto the surface). In alternative embodiments, the additive repair tool is configured to adhere a tape to the damage site.