Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations using non-contact position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the track assembly and moveable relative to the workpiece, and a position sensor. The position sensor includes a sensor element adapted to detect at least one edge of an index feature on the workpiece from a distance away from the index feature. In an alternate embodiment, the position sensor may include a sensing circuit that receives an analog signal from the sensing element and provides both analog and digital output signals. In another embodiment, a controller that controls manufacturing operations may be mounted directly on the carriage assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 25, 2003
Date of Patent:
August 9, 2005
Assignee:
The Boeing Company
Inventors:
Paul R. Arntson, Ronald W. Outous, Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, James N. Buttrick, Jr.