Patents by Inventor Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter 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).
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Patent number: 11989033Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Patent number: 11939081Abstract: End effectors and systems may capture, release, and/or create a mating engagement between the end effector and a target object. Said end effectors are tolerant of positional and rotational misalignment of the target object, and include a plurality of roller wheels, one or more of which is arranged in a non-parallel plane with respect to one or more other roller wheels. A first roller wheel configured to rotate in a first plane, a second roller wheel configured to rotate in a second plane, and a third roller wheel configured to rotate in a third plane may be arranged such that the end effector is configured to engage a passive receptacle of the target object, to capture the target object. Rotating the roller wheels in the opposite direction may cause the target object to be released or launched, by urging the passive receptacle off of or away from the roller wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James J. Troy, Daniel M. Simunovic, Gary E. Georgeson, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Patent number: 11921085Abstract: Embodiments described herein utilize Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) scan data obtained during a process performed on a surface of a structure to update a location of an NDI scanner on the surface. A subsurface feature within the structure is detected based on the NDI scan data, which are correlated with pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature. A measured location of the NDI scanner on the surface is corrected based on the pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, James J. Troy
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Patent number: 11858219Abstract: Adhesive bondlines in a cell-based structural array are thermally cured using tooling blocks inserted into the cells. The tooling blocks have embedded susceptors that are inductively heated by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by an electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joseph A. Marshall, Gary Earnest Georgeson, David L. Banks, Robert James Miller, Paul B Mori
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Publication number: 20230213481Abstract: Embodiments described herein utilize Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) scan data obtained during a process performed on a surface of a structure to update a location of an NDI scanner on the surface. A subsurface feature within the structure is detected based on the NDI scan data, which are correlated with pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature. A measured location of the NDI scanner on the surface is corrected based on the pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, James J. Troy
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Publication number: 20230182922Abstract: End effectors and systems may capture, release, and/or create a mating engagement between the end effector and a target object. Said end effectors are tolerant of positional and rotational misalignment of the target object, and include a plurality of roller wheels, one or more of which is arranged in a non-parallel plane with respect to one or more other roller wheels. A first roller wheel configured to rotate in a first plane, a second roller wheel configured to rotate in a second plane, and a third roller wheel configured to rotate in a third plane may be arranged such that the end effector is configured to engage a passive receptacle of the target object, to capture the target object. Rotating the roller wheels in the opposite direction may cause the target object to be released or launched, by urging the passive receptacle off of or away from the roller wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: James J. Troy, Daniel M De Oliveira, Gary E. Georgeson, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Patent number: 11630083Abstract: Embodiments described herein utilize Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) scan data obtained during a process performed on a surface of a structure to update a location of an NDI scanner on the surface. A subsurface feature within the structure is detected based on the NDI scan data, which are correlated with pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature. A measured location of the NDI scanner on the surface is corrected based on the pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, James J. Troy
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Patent number: 11586222Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density transportation pathways. An example system includes a convoy moving at a first speed, the convoy including a first and second powertrain vehicle, a first land vehicle disposed between the first powertrain vehicle and the second powertrain vehicle, the first land vehicle including a first transit carrier, and a second land vehicle coupled to the first land vehicle, the second land vehicle including a second transit carrier having a first movement system and first stacking couplers, and a transit pod coupled to the second transit carrier, the transit pod having second stacking couplers, the second stacking couplers coupled to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to, in response to a request for a third transit carrier traveling at a second speed to join the convoy, instruct the third transit carrier to join the convoy at the first speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Patent number: 11414002Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density air transportation. An example system includes a land vehicle having a first location and a transit carrier having a movement system, first stacking couplers, a first and second magnetic coupler, and a transit pod having second stacking couplers configured to couple to the first stacking couplers, a UAV having UAV couplers and a second location, and a controller to, in response to obtaining a request to direct the land vehicle to move from the first location to a third location, invoke the UAV to move to the third location, and in response to the land vehicle and the UAV arriving at the third location, invoke the UAV to couple to the transit pod to facilitate transport of the transit pod from the third location to a fourth location by coupling the UAV couplers to the second stacking couplers.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Publication number: 20220072803Abstract: Adhesive bondlines in a cell-based structural array are thermally cured using tooling blocks inserted into the cells. The tooling blocks have embedded susceptors that are inductively heated by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by an electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joseph A. Marshall, Gary Earnest Georgeson, David L. Banks, Robert James Miller, Paul B. Mori
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Patent number: 11186046Abstract: Adhesive bondlines in a cell-based structural array are thermally cured using tooling blocks inserted into the cells. The tooling blocks have embedded susceptors that are inductively heated by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by an electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joseph A. Marshall, Gary Earnest Georgeson, David L. Banks, Robert James Miller, Paul B. Mori
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Publication number: 20210089050Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Publication number: 20210086683Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density air transportation. An example system includes a land vehicle having a first location and a transit carrier having a movement system, first stacking couplers, a first and second magnetic coupler, and a transit pod having second stacking couplers configured to couple to the first stacking couplers, a UAV having UAV couplers and a second location, and a controller to, in response to obtaining a request to direct the land vehicle to move from the first location to a third location, invoke the UAV to move to the third location, and in response to the land vehicle and the UAV arriving at the third location, invoke the UAV to couple to the transit pod to facilitate transport of the transit pod from the third location to a fourth location by coupling the UAV couplers to the second stacking couplers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Publication number: 20210089053Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density transportation pathways. An example system includes a convoy moving at a first speed, the convoy including a first and second powertrain vehicle, a first land vehicle disposed between the first powertrain vehicle and the second powertrain vehicle, the first land vehicle including a first transit carrier, and a second land vehicle coupled to the first land vehicle, the second land vehicle including a second transit carrier having a first movement system and first stacking couplers, and a transit pod coupled to the second transit carrier, the transit pod having second stacking couplers, the second stacking couplers coupled to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to, in response to a request for a third transit carrier traveling at a second speed to join the convoy, instruct the third transit carrier to join the convoy at the first speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter
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Patent number: 10773761Abstract: A method and apparatus for a walking robot. A first end effector connected to a first end of a robotic arm is moved relative to a surface of a structure and away from a second end effector connected to a second end of the robotic arm. The first end effector is secured relative to the surface of the structure after moving the first end effector relative to the surface. The second end effector connected to the second end of the robotic arm is moved relative to the surface of the structure and toward the first end effector.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary Ernest Georgeson
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Publication number: 20200200713Abstract: Embodiments described herein utilize Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) scan data obtained during a process performed on a surface of a structure to update a location of an NDI scanner on the surface. A subsurface feature within the structure is detected based on the NDI scan data, which are correlated with pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature. A measured location of the NDI scanner on the surface is corrected based on the pre-defined position data for the subsurface feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, James J. Troy
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Patent number: 10639857Abstract: A method and apparatus for reworking a structure. A compaction blanket comprising a number of magnets is placed on the structure. A heat source is applied on the compaction blanket, wherein the compaction blanket is between the heat source and a rework of the structure and heat is conducted from the heat source through the compaction blanket to heat the rework.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, John Ralph Hull
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Patent number: 10478999Abstract: Cells of a composite cell array are cured by placing tool blocks in the cells and inserting thermally conductive elements in each of the tool blocks. The thermally conductive elements are convectively heated by a flow of hot air. The heated conductive elements conduct heat to the tooling blocks, which then conduct heat to the cells to cure the composite and adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joseph A. Marshall, IV
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Patent number: 10232897Abstract: A method and apparatus for a walking robot. A first end effector connected to a first end of a robotic arm is moved relative to a surface of a structure and away from a second end effector connected to a second end of the robotic arm. The first end effector is secured relative to the surface of the structure after moving the first end effector relative to the surface. The second end effector connected to the second end of the robotic arm is moved relative to the surface of the structure and toward the first end effector.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Gary Ernest Georgeson
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Patent number: 10216237Abstract: The present disclosure describes one or more systems, methods, routines and/or techniques for thermal management. One or more systems, methods, routines and/or techniques may provide advice or guidance (e.g., to a repair technician) regarding how to perform a hot bond repair, for example, on an aircraft component that has been damaged. The thermal management advisor may provide advice or guidance regarding how to prepare a repair field prior to running a thermal survey. For example, thermal management advisor may recommend a particular heat blanket, a configuration of the heat blanket, placement of various temperature sensors and other preparation guidance. The thermal management advisor may provide advice or guidance regarding how to alter or manage the repair setup during a thermal survey and during the actual curing process. For example, thermal management advisor may recommend particular temperature sensors or areas of the repair field that should be insulated.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael W. Evens, Joseph Lawrence Hafenrichter, Joel Patrick Baldwin, Ronald G. Turner, Megan N. Watson