Patents by Inventor Curtis Ashford

Curtis Ashford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070024810
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a laser projection device can be used to establish the deviation of known measurement points from an approved digital model or reference condition. The apparatus includes a target having a reflective portion and a mask surrounding the reflective portion. The mask includes a material that changes appearance when excited by a laser. This target eliminates or minimizes user subjectivity in laser projection calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventor: Curtis Ashford
  • Publication number: 20060096351
    Abstract: Methods of measuring the amount of wear at a hole. In a first embodiment, the method includes measuring a first diameter of the hole at a portion of the hole wall that is subject to wear and measuring a second diameter of the hole at a portion of the wall not subject to the wear. The measured diameters are then used to determine the amount of the wear. An assumption may be made regarding a profile of the wear. To determine the amount of the wear from the measured diameters, the Pythagorean Theorem may be used. Further, the method may include determining how far a fastener will protrude from the hole based on the amount of the wear. Moreover, the hole may be used to calibrate ring or chamfer gages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventor: Curtis Ashford
  • Publication number: 20050280803
    Abstract: A system for certifying laser projection beam accuracy includes a certification fixture having a test pattern and a color background. The certification fixture is configured so that any portion of the laser projection beam reflected from the color background is reflected with a color contrasting to that of the laser beam or of the test pattern. Contrast can be further enhanced by making the pattern of a material that absorbs the laser beam color. Failure of the test is indicated by the presence of any of the laser beam light reflecting from the background. Passage of the test is indicated by the laser beam striking only the test pattern. A functional test pattern tests for both laser beam width and positioning accuracy. A method is provided to use a calibration test pattern to test laser beam width and length projection accuracy independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raymond Slesinski, Richard Steckel, Curtis Ashford, Jeffery Luner