Patents by Inventor Charles M. Richards
Charles M. Richards 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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Publication number: 20230030042Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a fastener is described. The apparatus includes a base, including a first aperture including a central axis; and a sidewall extending outward from the base and surrounding the central axis, where the sidewall is configured to hold on to a socket; an arm extending outward from the base, including a biasing mechanism connecting a first end of the arm to the base, where the biasing mechanism configured to relieve stress between the base and the arm when the arm is actuated; and a lip disposed at a second end of the arm, where the second end is at an opposite end of the arm than the first end, and where the lip is configured to retain the fastener or a wrenching element of the fastener; and a finger flange configured to actuate the arm, where the finger flange is attached to the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Hannah G. GILLESPIE, Daniel M. DE OLIVEIRA, Andrei V. AREVALO, Charles M. RICHARDS, James E. WILDER, James J. TROY
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Publication number: 20220324688Abstract: The system includes a drive vehicle configured to attach to the platform at a pivot point and to move the platform relative to the target object. One or more distance sensors are positioned to sense the target object, and one or more rotation angle sensors acquire an angular position of the drive vehicle relative to the platform. A processing circuit is configured to calculate one or more distances between the platform and the target object based on inputs from the one or more distance sensors. The processing circuit receives a command to move the drive vehicle in one or more forward, reverse, or rotational directions. The processing circuit allows motion in one or more directions in which the platform will not contact the target object and prevents motion in one or more directions that would cause the platform to contact the target object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: James J. Troy, Katherine L. Varela, Charles M. Richards, Nicholas Gholdoian
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Patent number: 11161282Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Robert L. Anderson
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Patent number: 11066838Abstract: A mover system that moves a work platform relative to a target object. The mover system includes a drive vehicle configured to be attached to the work platform. Sensors are attached to the work platform that detect a distance between the sensors and the target object. Signals from the sensors are used to determine an alignment angle used for the operation of the drive vehicle to move the work platform into alignment and spacing relative to the work object.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Charles M. Richards, James J. Troy, Stephen G. Moore, Kurt F. Webster
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Patent number: 10902979Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a susceptor coil assembly ribbon. An apparatus comprising a tensioning section 100 that provides a predetermined amount of tension to a plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20, a collimating section 200 that receives the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 from the tensioning section 100 and aligns the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20. An impaling section 300 receives the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 aligned by the collimating section 200 and impales the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 into a matrix material 320 so as to fabricate a susceptor coil assembly ribbon 30.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Christopher John Hottes, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Charles M. Richards
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Publication number: 20200018079Abstract: A mover system that moves a work platform relative to a target object. The mover system includes a drive vehicle configured to be attached to the work platform. Sensors are attached to the work platform that detect a distance between the sensors and the target object. Signals from the sensors are used to determine an alignment angle used for the operation of the drive vehicle to move the work platform into alignment and spacing relative to the work object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Charles M. Richards, James J. Troy, Stephen G. Moore, Kurt F. Webster
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Publication number: 20200016797Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Robert L. Anderson
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Patent number: 10456960Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Robert L. Anderson
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Patent number: 10071429Abstract: A magnet sensing portable autonomous device includes a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. In some embodiments, a drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
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Publication number: 20180050395Abstract: A magnet sensing portable autonomous device includes a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. In some embodiments, a drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
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Patent number: 9782836Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeff Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
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Publication number: 20170094729Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a susceptor coil assembly ribbon. An apparatus comprising a tensioning section 100 that provides a predetermined amount of tension to a plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20, a collimating section 200 that receives the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 from the tensioning section 100 and aligns the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20. An impaling section 300 receives the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 aligned by the collimating section 200 and impales the plurality of susceptor coil assemblies 20 into a matrix material 320 so as to fabricate a susceptor coil assembly ribbon 30.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Christopher John Hottes, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Charles M. Richards
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Publication number: 20170021534Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Robert L. Anderson
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Publication number: 20160271705Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeff Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
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Patent number: 9435636Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium stores instructions executable by a processor to determine, based on information comprising a length measurement from a beginning of a hole on a first side of a structure to either a second side of the structure at which the hole ends or to a portion of a fastener nut disposed on the second side of the structure over the hole, at least one of: a fastener length comprising a length of a non-threaded portion of a fastener to be installed into the hole of the structure; a thread distance comprising a distance between the second side of the structure and a beginning of a fastener thread of the fastener when the fastener is installed into the hole of the structure; a number of washers to be used with the fastener; or a washer thickness to be used with the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark D. Bumgardner, Charles M. Richards, Christopher M. Gorsh
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Patent number: 9352435Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. Spishak, Charles M. Richards, Jeff Hansen, Stephen G. Moore, Dan D. Day
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Patent number: 9296156Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Robert L. Anderson, Charles M. Richards, Barry P. VanWest, Jeffrey M. Hansen
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Patent number: 9067628Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Jeffrey Hansen, Karl Edward Nelson, Gary Georgeson, Charles M. Richards, Scott Lea, Daniel J. Wright
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Publication number: 20150003927Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noel A. SPISHAK, Charles M. RICHARDS, Jeff HANSEN, Stephen G. MOORE, Dan D. DAY
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Publication number: 20140339002Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Jeffrey Hansen, Karl Edward Nelson, Gary Georgeson, Charles M. Richards, Scott Lea, Daniel J. Wright