Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

Abstract: An aircraft inspection system is configured to inspect one or more components of an aircraft before a flight. The aircraft inspection system includes an inspection robot that is configured to inspect the component(s) of the aircraft. The inspection robot includes a conveying sub-system that is configured to efficiently move the inspection robot to different locations, and a sensing sub-system including one or more sensors that are configured to sense one or more characteristics of the component(s) during an inspection. The sensing sub-system is configured to record the characteristic(s) as inspection data.

Abstract: An aircraft inspection system is configured to inspect one or more components of an aircraft before a flight. The aircraft inspection system includes an inspection robot that is configured to inspect the component(s) of the aircraft. The inspection robot includes a conveying sub-system that is configured to efficiently move the inspection robot to different locations, and a sensing sub-system including one or more sensors that are configured to sense one or more characteristics of the component(s) during an inspection. The sensing sub-system is configured to record the characteristic(s) as inspection data.

Abstract: An aircraft inspection system is configured to inspect one or more components of an aircraft before a flight. The aircraft inspection system includes an inspection robot that is configured to inspect the component(s) of the aircraft. The inspection robot includes a conveying sub-system that is configured to efficiently move the inspection robot to different locations, and a sensing sub-system including one or more sensors that are configured to sense one or more characteristics of the component(s) during an inspection. The sensing sub-system is configured to record the characteristic(s) as inspection data.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotary actuator, a reservoir, containing a hydraulic fluid, a piston, movable inside the reservoir, a linear actuator, coupled to the piston, a gear train, coupling the rotary actuator with the linear actuator, and a flowable-material dispenser, hydraulically coupled with the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a viscous fluid onto a surface. An applicator associated with an extension member may be positioned over the surface using a robotic operator. The extension member may be configured to maintain a selected distance between the applicator and a fluid source for the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be dispensed from the fluid source to the applicator. The viscous fluid may be applied onto the surface using the applicator.

Abstract: An attachment for an end effector. The attachment may include a clamp and a foot adhesively bonded to an edge of the clamp and having a set of interlocking features that form a mechanical interlock with the clamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an end effector relative to a fuselage assembly. The end effector is positioned relative to an expected reference location for a reference point on the fuselage assembly using data from a first metrology system. After positioning the end effector relative to the expected reference location, an actual reference location for the reference point on the fuselage assembly is identified using data from a second metrology system. The end effector is positioned at an operation location based on the actual reference location identified.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a substance in a form of a bead on a surface in a progression direction includes a dispenser having: a leading edge, a contact portion comprising two contact points with the surface, and a trailing edge that extends between the two contact points and terminates therein. The system is configured to move the dispenser along a virtual travel plane, which is parallel to the path and passes through the two contact points, while maintaining the contact portion in communication with the surface as the substance is being dispensed. The system is also configured to monitor a leading portion of the bead and to generate a signal responsive to at least one characteristic of the leading portion, wherein the leading portion is located ahead of a portion of the leading edge in the progression direction along the path.

Abstract: A combination cutting and burnishing orbital drilling tool may include an elongate tool body including a cutting end and extending along a longitudinal axis. The tool body may include a burnishing portion spaced from the cutting end and configured to induce residual stress in a side wall of a hole without removing material. The tool body may further include a cutting portion interposed between the cutting end and the burnishing portion. The cutting portion may be configured to remove material from a workpiece, thereby creating the hole, during an orbital drilling process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an adjustable retaining structure. The adjustable retaining structure may be rotated, passively, about a spherical interface as a panel applies a load to the adjustable retaining structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building an assembly fixture for holding a fuselage assembly. A number of cradle fixtures may be driven across a floor to an assembly area. The number of cradle fixtures may be configured to form the assembly fixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a fastener. A reactive structural force is generated in a first direction during installation of the fastener. A new reactive structural force is generated in a second direction opposite to the first direction during the installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing a number of utilities. The number of utilities may be coupled between a number of utility sources and a utility fixture. The number of utilities may be coupled between the utility fixture and a mobile system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotary actuator, a reservoir, containing a hydraulic fluid, a piston, movable inside the reservoir, a linear actuator, coupled to the piston, a gear train, coupling the rotary actuator with the linear actuator, and a flowable-material dispenser, hydraulically coupled with the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The method comprises holding a hydraulic fluid in a reservoir at a negative pressure, inserting a cartridge tube, having an interior, into a cartridge housing, locking an over-center mechanism relative to the cartridge housing so that a hermetic seal is created between a plunger and an interior of the cartridge tube and between an end-cap and the interior of the cartridge tube, and turning a rotary actuator in a rotational direction so that a linear actuator advances a piston within the reservoir to transfer at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to a flowable-material dispenser through the end-cap and into the interior of the cartridge tube, causing the plunger to advance within the cartridge tube in a forward plunger direction, away from the end-cap.

Abstract: A robot includes an actuator assembly, first and second parallel telescoping lead screw assemblies cantilevered from the actuator assembly, and an end effector supported by ends of the lead screw assemblies. The actuator assembly causes each lead screw assembly to independently deploy and retract.

Abstract: Provided are self-retractable centering assemblies and methods of using these assemblies for alignment of parts having determinant assembly alignment holes. An assembly includes a center pin having a threaded portion threadably engaging a drive component. The assembly also includes a puller bushing rotatably coupled to the drive component. The center pin protrudes through the puller bushing and can slide with respect to the puller bushing when the drive component is rotated relative to the center pin. The sliding distance is controlled by a limiter disposed within the cavity of the puller bushing. During operation, a portion of the center pin extends from the puller bushing and is inserted into alignment holes of parts being aligned. The drive component is rotated relative to the center pin resulting in the center pin being pulled out of the alignment holes while the puller bushing is being pressed against the parts.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for dispensing a flowable material (308) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a rotary actuator (120), a reservoir (140), containing a hydraulic fluid (155), a piston (145), movable inside the reservoir (140), a linear actuator (130), coupled to the piston (145), a gear train (125), coupling the rotary actuator (120) with the linear actuator (130), and a flowable-material dispenser (160), hydraulically coupled with the reservoir (140).