Patents by Inventor Erika L. Berhardt

Erika L. Berhardt 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).

  • Patent number: 11885770
    Abstract: A measurement probe edge guide tool includes an edge follower comprising two edge contact pins that spin around the outside of the measurement probe using a ball bearing. The edge contact pins hug the corner of a contoured edge of the workpiece or in-service part to provide a consistent distance of the center of the probe from the edge. The edge follower enables the tool to inspect the marginal portion bounded by a contoured (machined) edge of a workpiece or part. The edge follower is removable so that the tool may also be adapted for use in general acreage inspection. The tool features a spring-loaded mechanism with a positive probe protrusion relative to a roller-supported cage. The tool has either a handle which is coupled to the cage by means of a universal joint or a hand grip that is affixed to the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Schnoebelen, Wallace Kwan, Brandon J. Steffensmeier, Luis A. Perla, Erika L. Berhardt, John R. Aubin
  • Publication number: 20220236231
    Abstract: A measurement probe edge guide tool includes an edge follower comprising two edge contact pins that spin around the outside of the measurement probe using a ball bearing. The edge contact pins hug the corner of a contoured edge of the workpiece or in-service part to provide a consistent distance of the center of the probe from the edge. The edge follower enables the tool to inspect the marginal portion bounded by a contoured (machined) edge of a workpiece or part. The edge follower is removable so that the tool may also be adapted for use in general acreage inspection. The tool features a spring-loaded mechanism with a positive probe protrusion relative to a roller-supported cage. The tool has either a handle which is coupled to the cage by means of a universal joint or a hand grip that is affixed to the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Schnoebelen, Wallace Kwan, Brandon J. Steffensmeier, Luis A. Perla, Erika L. Berhardt, John R. Aubin