Patents by Inventor Hubert Kim

Hubert Kim 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).

  • Rigidizable insertion tool with position adjustment
    Patent number: 12759140
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to inspect aircraft engine. In some embodiments, a rigidizable insertion tool includes a plurality of links arranged in a sequence. The plurality of links includes at least one deformable link that is structurally deformable. The rigidizable insertion tool may include a tension assembly configured to apply a first tensioning force on the plurality of links to actuate the plurality of links from a relaxed state to a rigidized state having a first shape. The tension assembly may apply a second tensioning force greater than the first tensioning force on the plurality of links while in the rigidized state to cause structural deformation of the at least one deformable link and change a shape of the plurality of links from the first shape. The second tensioning force may change the shape from the first shape to a second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Oliver Crispin Robotics Limited
    Inventors: Younkoo Jeong, Zhen Liu, Hubert Kim, Emilie Renee Baker, Andrew Crispin Graham, Peter John Nisbet
  • RIGIDIZABLE INSERTION TOOL WITH POSITION ADJUSTMENT
    Publication number: 20260175409
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to inspect aircraft engine. In some embodiments, a rigidizable insertion tool includes a plurality of links arranged in a sequence. The plurality of links includes at least one deformable link that is structurally deformable. The rigidizable insertion tool may include a tension assembly configured to apply a first tensioning force on the plurality of links to actuate the plurality of links from a relaxed state to a rigidized state having a first shape. The tension assembly may apply a second tensioning force greater than the first tensioning force on the plurality of links while in the rigidized state to cause structural deformation of the at least one deformable link and change a shape of the plurality of links from the first shape. The second tensioning force may change the shape from the first shape to a second shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2024
    Publication date: June 25, 2026
    Inventors: Younkoo Jeong, Zhen Liu, Hubert Kim, Emilie Renee Baker, Andrew Crispin Graham, Peter John Nisbet