Stanley P Richardson

US Patent:

7114406, Oct 3, 2006

Filed:

Sep 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/943045

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01B 5/28

US Classification:

738665

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7320249, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Sep 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/943135

Inventors:

Gary E. Georgeson - Federal Way WA, US
Michael D. Fogarty - Auburn WA, US
Stanley W. Richardson - Lake Stevens WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01N 9/24

US Classification:

73634, 73639, 73643, 73644

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes may include a fluid bearing, such as a water bearing or an air bearing, for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. The fluid of a fluid bearing may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and a structure. A flow moderating skirt may be used to with a probe employing a fluid bearing for support.

US Patent:

7328630, Feb 12, 2008

Filed:

Jan 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/328869

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01D 21/00

US Classification:

738665

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.