Patents by Inventor Kinson D. Vanscotter
Kinson D. Vanscotter 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: 9551790Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Michael Anthony Lazar, Kinson D. Vanscotter, Barry Theophile Cooke, Leonard S. Bodziony, Richard M. Coleman, Michael Marcus Vander Wel, Andrew S. Olson, Douglas V. Dorsey, Orval Marion Nobles
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Publication number: 20150316649Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Michael Anthony Lazar, Kinson D. Vanscotter, Barry Theophile Cooke, Leonard S. Bodziony, Richard M. Coleman, Michael Marcus Vander Wel, Andrew S. Olson, Douglas V. Dorsey, Orval Marion Nobles
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Publication number: 20150268469Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive production illustration information are provided. One system includes a machine vision system configured to attach to a user, wherein the machine vision system when attached to the user is aligned with a line of sight of the user towards a physical location. The machine vision system controllable by the user and configured to acquire an image of an article. The system also includes an interactive production illustration system coupled to the machine vision system, wherein the interactive production illustration system has stored therein interactive production illustration. The interactive production illustration system is configured to select interactive production illustration information for an assembly process for the article at the physical location based at least in part on the acquired image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. Vanscotter, Adam R. Richardson, Douglas V. Dorsey, R.C. Richard M. Coleman, Steven L. Martin, David J. Hengy, Leonard S. Bodziony, Michael M. Vander Wel, Donald V. Heckendorf, Larry C. Jasper, Mark Wallis, Chieu Duong, Travis J. Huffine
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Patent number: 9075417Abstract: Methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a structure is supported at a number of support locations. An upward force is applied to the structure by the force application devices to counteract an equivalent downward force from the structure at each support location. The forces applied by the force application devices are monitored to detect whenever one or more of the upward forces deviates outside of a threshold range of force values, which includes a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure. Each force may be adjusted to ensure no deviation outside of the allowed threshold range.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Publication number: 20140222171Abstract: Methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a structure is supported at a number of support locations. An upward force is applied to the structure by the force application devices to counteract an equivalent downward force from the structure at each support location. The forces applied by the force application devices are monitored to detect whenever one or more of the upward forces deviates outside of a threshold range of force values, which includes a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure. Each force may be adjusted to ensure no deviation outside of the allowed threshold range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Patent number: 8774971Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Patent number: 8700191Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Publication number: 20110190941Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Patent number: 7957825Abstract: Fuselage sections of an aircraft are joined using splice elements that compensate for gaps caused by mismatches between mating surfaces on the fuselage sections. The fuselage sections are virtually assembled using computer models that are based on non-contact measurements of as-built fuselage sections. The virtually assembled fuselage sections are used to map the gaps between the mating surfaces. The mapped gaps are used to produce tool inserts having profiles that reflect the dimensions of the gaps. The tool inserts are used to manufacture splice elements having profiles that fill the gaps when the fuselage sections are assembled and joined, thereby eliminating the need for shims and spaces to fill the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter, Karen Malen-Hogle
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Publication number: 20100280648Abstract: Fuselage sections of an aircraft are joined using splice elements that compensate for gaps caused by mismatches between mating surfaces on the fuselage sections. The fuselage sections are virtually assembled using computer models that are based on non-contact measurements of as-built fuselage sections. The virtually assembled fuselage sections are used to map the gaps between the mating surfaces. The mapped gaps are used to produce tool inserts having profiles that reflect the dimensions of the gaps. The tool inserts are used to manufacture splice elements having profiles that fill the gaps when the fuselage sections are assembled and joined, thereby eliminating the need for shims and spaces to fill the gaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter, Karen Malen-Hogle
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Patent number: 7787979Abstract: Fuselage sections of an aircraft are joined using splice elements that compensate for gaps caused by mismatches between mating surfaces on the fuselage sections. The fuselage sections are virtually assembled using computer models that are based on non-contact measurements of as-built fuselage sections. The virtually assembled fuselage sections are used to map the gaps between the mating surfaces. The mapped gaps are used to produce tool inserts having profiles that reflect the dimensions of the gaps. The tool inserts are used to manufacture splice elements having profiles that fill the gaps when the fuselage sections are assembled and joined, thereby eliminating the need for shims and spaces to fill the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter, Karen Malen-Hogle
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Patent number: 7743660Abstract: Systems and methods can automatically inspect a workpiece. Non-destructive inspection sensors are mounted on a frame mounted on a transport device. Position of a first predetermined location of a workpiece is measured with a tracking system. The transport device is moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the first predetermined location of a workpiece. A first portion of a workpiece proximate the first predetermined location is non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors. Position of a second predetermined location of a workpiece can be measured with the tracking system. The transport device can be moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the second predetermined location of a workpiece, and a second portion of a workpiece proximate the second predetermined location can be non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. Vanscotter, Leonard S. Bodziony, Gary E. Georgeson
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Publication number: 20090138126Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
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Publication number: 20080307886Abstract: Systems and methods can automatically inspect a workpiece. Non-destructive inspection sensors are mounted on a frame mounted on a transport device. Position of a first predetermined location of a workpiece is measured with a tracking system. The transport device is moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the first predetermined location of a workpiece. A first portion of a workpiece proximate the first predetermined location is non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors. Position of a second predetermined location of a workpiece can be measured with the tracking system. The transport device can be moved to position the non-destructive inspection sensors proximate the second predetermined location of a workpiece, and a second portion of a workpiece proximate the second predetermined location can be non-destructively inspected with the non-destructive inspection sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. Vanscotter, Leonard S. Bodziony, Gary E. Georgeson
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Publication number: 20080223985Abstract: Fuselage sections of an aircraft are joined using splice elements that compensate for gaps caused by mismatches between mating surfaces on the fuselage sections. The fuselage sections are virtually assembled using computer models that are based on non-contact measurements of as-built fuselage sections. The virtually assembled fuselage sections are used to map the gaps between the mating surfaces. The mapped gaps are used to produce tool inserts having profiles that reflect the dimensions of the gaps. The tool inserts are used to manufacture splice elements having profiles that fill the gaps when the fuselage sections are assembled and joined, thereby eliminating the need for shims and spaces to fill the gaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Bobby J. Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter, Karen Malen-Hogle