Patents by Inventor Allen Halbritter
Allen Halbritter 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: 11938690Abstract: A pliable structure includes a first impermeable layer, a second impermeable layer opposed from the first impermeable layer to at least partially define an internal volume between the first impermeable layer and the second impermeable layer, and a flow media layer disposed in the internal volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Allen Halbritter, Luis F. Velasquez
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Publication number: 20230415432Abstract: An example method of forming a composite structure is described that includes applying a laminated charge onto an expandable pallet, moving the expandable pallet at a translation rate and relative to a die conveyor that comprises a plurality of die sections, and driving the plurality of die sections on the die conveyor at an angle relative to the expandable pallet so as to drive the plurality of die sections progressively deeper into a recess defined by the expandable pallet and shape the laminated charge into at least part of a shape of the composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Richard A. Prause, Allen Halbritter, Andrew E. Modin
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Patent number: 11787133Abstract: An example method of forming a composite structure is described that includes applying a laminated charge onto an expandable pallet, moving the expandable pallet at a translation rate and relative to a die conveyor that comprises a plurality of die sections, and driving the plurality of die sections on the die conveyor at an angle relative to the expandable pallet so as to drive the plurality of die sections progressively deeper into a recess defined by the expandable pallet and shape the laminated charge into at least part of a shape of the composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard A. Prause, Allen Halbritter, Andrew E. Modin
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Patent number: 11766841Abstract: Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Allen Halbritter
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Patent number: 11724465Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for manufacturing composite stringers using independently movable pallets with independent vacuum controls. Specifically, a stringer forming system comprises a base plate and a plurality of sets of pallets (e.g., two or more sets of pallets), slidably coupled to the base plate and forming an adjustable cavity. Each pallet comprises a primary vacuum zone, fluidly connected to a separate vacuum port. The system allows for independent application of a reduced pressure to the primary vacuum zone of each pallet. For example, a reduced pressure is applied only to pallets that are already covered with a composite layup and to pallets that are being covered. Any pallets that are exposed are kept at an ambient pressure and decoupled from a vacuum source, thereby reducing the vacuum leakage through the overall system. As the composite layup is being formed over new pallets, these new pallets are subjected to the reduced pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Allen Halbritter, Andrew J. Maass
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Publication number: 20230234307Abstract: An example method of forming a composite structure is described that includes applying a laminated charge onto an expandable pallet, moving the expandable pallet at a translation rate and relative to a die conveyor that comprises a plurality of die sections, and driving the plurality of die sections on the die conveyor at an angle relative to the expandable pallet so as to drive the plurality of die sections progressively deeper into a recess defined by the expandable pallet and shape the laminated charge into at least part of a shape of the composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Richard A. Prause, Allen Halbritter, Andrew E. Modin
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Publication number: 20230182412Abstract: A pliable structure includes a first impermeable layer, a second impermeable layer opposed from the first impermeable layer to at least partially define an internal volume between the first impermeable layer and the second impermeable layer, and a flow media layer disposed in the internal volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Allen Halbritter, Luis F. Velasquez
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Publication number: 20230182321Abstract: A gripping apparatus includes an impermeable layer defining a vacuum port, a first flow media layer associated with the impermeable layer, and a second flow media layer opposed from the first flow media layer to define a receiving space therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Allen Halbritter
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Patent number: 11654669Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vacuum handling of composite parts. One embodiment is a method for performing vacuum securement of an object. The method includes covering the object with an impermeable membrane, locating a vacuum port at the impermeable membrane, and applying a negative pressure to the vacuum port that offsets air leaks between the impermeable membrane and the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Allen Halbritter
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Publication number: 20220388256Abstract: An example method of forming a composite structure includes applying a laminated charge onto an expandable pallet, moving the expandable pallet in a linear motion relative to a plurality of rollers, and progressively urging the laminated charge into a continuously expanding recess defined by the expandable pallet using the plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers are oriented in a serial configuration so as to shape the laminated charge into at least part of a shape of the composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Richard A. Prause, Andrew E. Modin, Allen Halbritter, Richard E. Heath, Ivan G. Ramirez, John R. Nibe
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Publication number: 20210339516Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vacuum handling of composite parts. One embodiment is a method for performing vacuum securement of an object. The method includes covering the object with an impermeable membrane, locating a vacuum port at the impermeable membrane, and applying a negative pressure to the vacuum port that offsets air leaks between the impermeable membrane and the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventor: Allen Halbritter
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Publication number: 20210291466Abstract: Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventor: Allen Halbritter
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Publication number: 20210276274Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for manufacturing composite stringers using independently movable pallets with independent vacuum controls. Specifically, a stringer forming system comprises a base plate and a plurality of sets of pallets (e.g., two or more sets of pallets), slidably coupled to the base plate and forming an adjustable cavity. Each pallet comprises a primary vacuum zone, fluidly connected to a separate vacuum port. The system allows for independent application of a reduced pressure to the primary vacuum zone of each pallet. For example, a reduced pressure is applied only to pallets that are already covered with a composite layup and to pallets that are being covered. Any pallets that are exposed are kept at an ambient pressure and decoupled from a vacuum source, thereby reducing the vacuum leakage through the overall system. As the composite layup is being formed over new pallets, these new pallets are subjected to the reduced pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Allen Halbritter, Andrew J. Maass
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Patent number: 11097524Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vacuum handling of composite parts. One embodiment is a method for performing vacuum securement of an object. The method includes covering the object with an impermeable membrane, locating a vacuum port at the impermeable membrane, and applying a negative pressure to the vacuum port that offsets air leaks between the impermeable membrane and the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Allen Halbritter
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Patent number: 11052618Abstract: Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Allen Halbritter
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Publication number: 20210031465Abstract: Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventor: Allen Halbritter
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Patent number: 10730249Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for bi-directional cutters for Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machines. One embodiment includes a bi-directional cutter for Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) manufacturing. The cutter includes a cutter body that has an upper edge and a lower edge, and has an opening placed between the upper edge and the lower edge that is dimensioned to enable passage of a tow of fiber through the cutter body. The cutter also includes a first blade disposed on the lower edge of the cutter body that is oriented to cut the tow when the cutter is driven downward, and a second blade disposed on an edge of the opening in the cutter body that is oriented to cut the tow when the cutter is driven upward.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Andrew Elmer Modin, Allen Halbritter, Tu N. Hoang
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Publication number: 20200147822Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting machine including a support structure, a positioning device moveable relative to the support structure, a cutting blade connected to the positioning device and a blade cleaning system positioned proximate the support structure, the blade cleaning system including a basin defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, a solvent positioned in the internal volume, a cleaning surface positioned in the internal volume, wherein the cleaning surface is at least partially submerged in the solvent, and a lid positioned over the opening, wherein the lid is automatically displaced from the opening when the cutting blade approximates the basin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Emily E. McDonald, Amy E. Cooper, Allen Halbritter, Meredith P. Nix, Kevin W. Kaufman
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Patent number: 10549443Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting machine including a support structure, a positioning device moveable relative to the support structure, a cutting blade connected to the positioning device and a blade cleaning system positioned proximate the support structure, the blade cleaning system including a basin defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, a solvent positioned in the internal volume, a cleaning surface positioned in the internal volume, wherein the cleaning surface is at least partially submerged in the solvent, and a lid positioned over the opening, wherein the lid is automatically displaced from the opening when the cutting blade approximates the basin.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Emily E. McDonald, Amy E. Cooper, Allen Halbritter, Meredith P. Nix, Kevin W. Kaufman
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Publication number: 20180339413Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vacuum handling of composite parts. One embodiment is a method for performing vacuum securement of an object. The method includes covering the object with an impermeable membrane, locating a vacuum port at the impermeable membrane, and applying a negative pressure to the vacuum port that offsets air leaks between the impermeable membrane and the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventor: Allen Halbritter