Patents by Inventor James M. Cobb
James M. Cobb 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: 10725478Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a number of measurement systems to a reference coordinate system. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprise a number of robotic vehicles and a number of monuments associated with the number of robotic vehicles. The number of robotic vehicles may be configured to move into an environment.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, Peter Frederick Trautman, Paul Frederic Sjoholm
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Patent number: 10501209Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a selected configuration for a structure. Metrology data for a support system is received while the support system holds the structure. A determination is made as to whether a current configuration of the structure is within selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure based on the metrology data. The support system is moved to move the structure held by the support system into the selected configuration in response to a determination that the current configuration of the structure is not within the selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, Clayton Lynn Munk, Dan Dresskell Day, Eric M. Reid, Matthew Ray DesJardien, Steven A. Best
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Publication number: 20180312277Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a selected configuration for a structure. Metrology data for a support system is received while the support system holds the structure. A determination is made as to whether a current configuration of the structure is within selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure based on the metrology data. The support system is moved to move the structure held by the support system into the selected configuration in response to a determination that the current configuration of the structure is not within the selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: James M. Cobb, Clayton Lynn Munk, Dan Dresskell Day, Eric M. Reid, Matthew Ray DesJardien, Steven A. Best
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Patent number: 10000298Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a selected configuration for a structure during a manufacturing process for forming a product using the structure. Metrology data for a support system is received. The support system holds the structure during the manufacturing process. A determination is made as to whether a current configuration of the structure is within selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure based on the metrology data. The support system is reconfigured to move the structure into the selected configuration in response to a determination that the current configuration of the structure is not within the selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, Clayton Lynn Munk, Dan Dresskell Day, Eric M. Reid, Matthew Ray DesJardien, Steven A. Best
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Patent number: 9969131Abstract: An automated ply layup system uses a robot and an end effector for selecting plies from a kit and placing the plies at predetermined locations on a tool by further employing cameras for ply location detection, a laser scanner for detection and ply placement within a location on the tool, and compact sensors for compacting plies onto the tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Samra Samak Sangari, Kurtis S. Willden, James M. Cobb, Gary M. Buckus, Carlos Crespo, Samuel F. Pedigo
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Publication number: 20150314891Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a selected configuration for a structure during a manufacturing process for forming a product using the structure. Metrology data for a support system is received. The support system holds the structure during the manufacturing process. A determination is made as to whether a current configuration of the structure is within selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure based on the metrology data. The support system is reconfigured to move the structure into the selected configuration in response to a determination that the current configuration of the structure is not within the selected tolerances of the selected configuration for the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: James M. Cobb, Clayton Lynn Munk, Dan Dresskell Day, Eric M. Reid, Matthew Ray DesJardien, Steven A. Best
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Patent number: 9067690Abstract: An anomaly detection and cataloging system is described that includes a handheld probe having a probe tip, a user interface, and a communications interface. The system further includes a system controller and a probe locating device. The probe is operable, via the user interface, for transmitting, via the communications interface, a user selected anomaly type to the system controller, the anomaly type being associated with a manufactured part or airplane on the ground (AOG). The probe locating device is operable to provide to the system controller a location associated with the probe tip, and the system is programmed to associate the user selected anomaly type with the location associated with the probe tip.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Samuel Francis Pedigo, Brice A. Johnson, Craig Farris Battles, Donald L. Kaiser, Kimberly Jyl Kaiser, Richard Neil Blair, Winfeng Li, James M. Cobb, Matthew W. Smith
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Publication number: 20150012162Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a number of measurement systems to a reference coordinate system. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprise a number of robotic vehicles and a number of monuments associated with the number of robotic vehicles. The number of robotic vehicles may be configured to move into an environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: James M. Cobb, Peter Frederick Trautman, Paul Fredric Sjoholm
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Patent number: 8620470Abstract: A system for assembling aircraft is disclosed. An example system for moving components of an airplane into assembly alignment includes a jacking system including assembly jacks for supporting and moving components of the airplane into assembly alignment; a measurement system independent of the jacking system for determining locations of a plurality of features the components of the airplane while the components are supported on the assembly jacks; and a computer system for determining the relative positions of the components in a coordinate system of the airplane and for controlling the movement of the assembly jacks to bring the components into assembly alignment.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Patent number: 8606388Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Publication number: 20130054176Abstract: An anomaly detection and cataloging system is described that includes a handheld probe having a probe tip, a user interface, and a communications interface. The system further includes a system controller and a probe locating device. The probe is operable, via the user interface, for transmitting, via the communications interface, a user selected anomaly type to the system controller, the anomaly type being associated with a manufactured part or airplane on the ground (AOG). The probe locating device is operable to provide to the system controller a location associated with the probe tip, and the system is programmed to associate the user selected anomaly type with the location associated with the probe tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Samuel Francis Pedigo, Brice A. Johnson, Craig Farris Battles, Donald L. Kaiser, Kimberly Jyl Kaiser, Richard Neil Blair, Winfeng Li, James M. Cobb, Matthew W. Smith
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Publication number: 20120330453Abstract: An automated ply layup system uses a robot and an end effector for selecting plies from a kit and placing the plies at predetermined locations on a tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Samra Samak Sangari, Kurtis S. Willden, James M. Cobb, Gary M. Buckus, Carlos Crespo, Samuel F. Pedigo
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Publication number: 20110276172Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Publication number: 20110270571Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Patent number: 8025460Abstract: A method for containing and cleaning up oil or other contaminants from an area of water containing mixture of ice and water is disclosed. A net having at least one folded extension is deployed into an area of water and ice to encircle at least a portion of the contaminant spill. The ends of the net are attached to each other in contaminant resistant way to contain the contaminant in the net. The folded extension is deployed to an unfolded configuration. The net is the then pursed up using the extension to control the contaminant in the net. The contaminant is pumped out of the net as needed to allow the net to continue to be pursed up to a smaller and smaller area.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: James M. Cobb
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Patent number: 8005563Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Publication number: 20100143038Abstract: A method for containing and cleaning up oil or other contaminants from an area of water containing mixture of ice and water is disclosed. A net having at least one folded extension is deployed into an area of water and ice to encircle at least a portion of the contaminant spill. The ends of the net are attached to each other in contaminant resistant way to contain the contaminant in the net. The folded extension is deployed to an unfolded configuration. The net is the then pursed up using the extension to control the contaminant in the net. The contaminant is pumped out of the net as needed to allow the net to continue to be pursed up to a smaller and smaller area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: James M. Cobb
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Patent number: 7614154Abstract: In non-limiting, illustrative embodiments, methods, systems, and manufacturing facilities are provided for locating components of a structure. Locations of features of components of a structure are simultaneously determined. Relative positions of the components are determined in a coordinate system of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: James M. Cobb
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Publication number: 20090106988Abstract: In non-limiting, illustrative embodiments, methods, systems, and manufacturing facilities are provided for locating components of a structure. Locations of features of components of a structure are simultaneously determined. Relative positions of the components are determined in a coordinate system of the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: James M. Cobb
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Publication number: 20090112349Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone