Patents by Inventor John A. Baumann

John A. Baumann 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).

  • Publication number: 20110068150
    Abstract: A method of mitigating distortion in a friction stir weld joint as well as an associated friction stir weld assembly for mitigating distortion in a friction stir weld joint are provided. In this regard, a workpiece having a friction stir weld joint and associated distortion may be provided. Force may then be selectively applied to the workpiece along at least a portion of friction stir weld joint. The application of force induces plastic deformation along at least the portion of the friction stir weld joint in order to reduce the distortion of the workpiece. Force may be applied, for example, by moving a roller, such as a hardened cylindrical roller having chamfered edges, along at least a portion of the friction stir weld joint in order to apply a compressive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Richard J. Lederich, Michael P. Matlack, Christopher M. Weingart, Keith A. Young
  • Patent number: 7865384
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying and reducing costs of information technology actions in real time. Initiation of an information technology (IT) action by a user is detected. An actual cost to perform the IT action is determined in real time prior to a completion of the IT action. A target cost (e.g., average cost) to perform the IT action is obtained. The actual cost is determined to be greater than the target cost. Recommended actions for reducing the actual cost are obtained. A notification is presented to the user in real time and prior to the completion of the IT action. The notification includes a description or a link to a description of the recommended actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Merrill Anderson, Warren John Baumann, Gregory James Fischer, Kevin C. McConnell
  • Publication number: 20100254778
    Abstract: A method for performing operations on a structure. A moveable platform may be positioned in an area relative to the structure to define a working envelope. The moveable platform may be connected to a tool that may be moved around a plurality of axes within the working envelope using the moveable platform. The tool may be moved to a plurality of locations within the working envelope using the moveable platform. An operation may be performed with the tool through the working envelope at each of the plurality of locations using the moveable platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric Whinnem, Gary A. Lipczynski, John A. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20100252172
    Abstract: A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Herb Bommer, Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack
  • Publication number: 20100232894
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a machine module and an instrument module. The machine module is capable of being connected to a power tool. The instrument module is capable of being connected to the machine module and capable of generating a number of signals containing information about a number of operating conditions during operation of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Kurt A. Burton, Michael P. Matlack, Herbert L. Bommer, John A. Baumann
  • Patent number: 7774910
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece includes a clamping assembly mounted on a tool support for movement along at least one axis independent of the axes along which the tool moves. The clamping assembly includes clamping devices for applying clamping pressure to the workpiece, and a rotary drive mounted on the tool support for rotating the clamping devices around the independent axis. The clamping devices include clamping packs having a clamping roller mounted on a pneumatically driven slide for applying a programmed amount of clamping pressure to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Herb Bommer, Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack
  • Publication number: 20090113689
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a pin tool from a shoulder tool, after the pin tool and shoulder tool have become welded together during a friction stir welding operation. In one exemplary embodiment a frame is used to support the shoulder tool. A fluid pressure actuating assembly is used for gradually exerting a force on the pin tool while the shoulder tool is held stationary within the frame. The gradually increasing force gradually breaks the weld and separates the pin tool from the shoulder tool without damaging the pin tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Michael P. Matlack, Kurt A. Burton, John A. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20090048986
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying and reducing costs of information technology actions in real time. Initiation of an information technology (IT) action by a user is detected. An actual cost to perform the IT action is determined in real time prior to a completion of the IT action. A target cost (e.g., average cost) to perform the IT action is obtained. The actual cost is determined to be greater than the target cost. Recommended actions for reducing the actual cost are obtained. A notification is presented to the user in real time and prior to the completion of the IT action. The notification includes a description or a link to a description of the recommended actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy Merrill Anderson, Warren John Baumann, Gregory James Fischer, Kevin C. McConnell
  • Publication number: 20080230584
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method generally includes friction stir welding at least one structural member, selectively removing material from the surfaces of the workpiece at the location of a friction stir weld joint, and thereafter subjecting the workpiece to a solution treat, quench, and age treatment. By selectively removing regions from the surfaces of the workpiece that are defined by nonuniform material properties adapted to nucleate nonuniform grain growth during the solution treat, quench, and age treatment, a subsequent grain growth during the thermal treatment can be at least partially prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Richard J. Lederich, John A. Baumann
  • Patent number: 7404512
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for clamping around a manufacturing tool engaging a work piece are described. In one embodiment, a clamp includes a moveable support arranged to at least partially surround a circumference defining a work area. A friction reducing element is attached to the support to apply pressure to the surface when the clamp is engaged with the work piece, and to allow the clamp to be moved with the manufacturing tool. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the clamp co-annularly or partially surrounds the manufacturing tool. In another embodiment, the manufacturing tool is a friction stir welding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Richard J. Lederich
  • Patent number: 7356897
    Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying a materials processing path on a work piece are described. In one embodiment, a system for verifying a material process path on a work piece includes a processing unit operable to receive processing instructions to control a motion of a machine tool device relative to a work piece. A tool holder of the machine tool device retains a tool path tracing assembly that applies a mark to a surface of the work piece as the assembly is moved along the material process path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack, Raymond J. Slesinski, John A. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20080083817
    Abstract: A process control system for a friction stir welding machine employs a master set of parameters and subroutines to control multiple machine processes, including welding, drilling, milling and probing. Sub-sets of the master set comprising command parameters, limits parameters and measurement parameters are used to control the operation of a weld tip, a clamping system and a motion head that cooperate under computer control to carry out the multiple processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Herb Bommer, Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack
  • Publication number: 20080084018
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece includes a clamping assembly mounted on a tool support for movement along at least one axis independent of the axes along which the tool moves. The clamping assembly includes clamping devices for applying clamping pressure to the workpiece, and a rotary drive mounted on the tool support for rotating the clamping devices around the independent axis. The clamping devices include clamping packs having a clamping roller mounted on a pneumatically driven slide for applying a programmed amount of clamping pressure to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: John A. Baumann, Herb Bommer, Kurt A. Burton, Mike P. Matlack
  • Publication number: 20080084012
    Abstract: A clamping system can be reconfigured to clamp any of multiple workpieces having differing shapes. The system includes a retention assembly for retaining an inflatable bladder that applies a clamping force to the workpiece. The retention assembly includes a flexible chain of pivotally connected links that can be locked in place to form a rigid assembly that conforms to the shape of the workpiece. The links can be unlocked to allow reconfiguration of the retention assembly into shapes matching other workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mike P. Matlack, Kurt A. Burton, John A. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20080006031
    Abstract: A method for operating a diesel internal combustion engine having a compressed air source, a diesel particulate filter situated in the exhaust gas system, and a secondary air line and secondary air compressor for introducing secondary air into the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine, in which the compressed air source is used to drive the secondary air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Hedwig Schick, Helmuth Fischer, John Baumann
  • Publication number: 20070267462
    Abstract: A spindle head for performing friction stir welding includes concentric spindle shafts driven by stacked, coaxial motors contained within a spindle housing. The coaxial arrangement of the motors results in a more compact package. Each of the motors is concentrically arranged around one of the spindles by directly connecting a rotor of the motor to a spindle shaft. The stators of the motors are mounted on the housing and are concentrically arranged around the concentric spindle shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Kurt Burton, Mike Matlack, John Baumann, Herb Bommer
  • Publication number: 20060254038
    Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying a materials processing path on a work piece are described. In one embodiment, a system for verifying a material process path on a work piece includes a processing unit operable to receive processing instructions to control a motion of a machine tool device relative to a work piece. A tool holder of the machine tool device retains a tool path tracing assembly that applies a mark to a surface of the work piece as the assembly is moved along the material process path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kurt Burton, Mike Matlack, Raymond Slesinski, John Baumann
  • Publication number: 20060237888
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for clamping along a workpiece. In one embodiment, a clamping system includes an elongated member adapted to be positioned across a workpiece, and an elongated bladder adapted to be positioned between the member and the workpiece. The bladder applies a clamping force to the workpiece when the bladder is inflated. In another aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of clamp supports, supporting clamp bars. A high temperature hose is positioned between the clamp bar and the workpiece. The hose applies a clamping force to the workpiece when the hose is inflated. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a method of clamping includes bridging the skin and substructure with an elongated clamp support, and inflating an elongated bladder between the clamp support and the skin, thereby clamping the skin to the substructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Kurt Burton, Mike Matlack, John Baumann
  • Patent number: 6933057
    Abstract: A method of stir welding T-joints comprises assembling and stir welding first and second members. The first member comprises a sheet portion of material and also comprises restraining surfaces. The second member comprises a rib. The rib is stir welded to the sheet portion with the edge margin of the rib being positioned between the restraining surfaces of the first member. During stir welding, the restraining surfaces of the first member limit movement of the rib relative to the first member. A tooling portion is preferably formed as a contiguous portion of the material of one of the first and second members. The first and second members are secured to a stir welding apparatus via the tooling portion during the stir welding. The method yet further comprises a step of separating the tooling portion from the first and second members after forming the stir welded T-joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith A. Young, John A. Baumann, Kevin G. Waymack
  • Patent number: 6905060
    Abstract: A sealant for a weld joint and an associated weld joint and method are provided. The sealant includes aluminum and germanium and is characterized by a melting temperature that is lower than the melting temperature of the structural member that is joined. The sealant, which is disposed between faying surfaces of the structural members, can fill the spaces between the structural members to prevent the entry of chemicals, moisture, debris, and other substances, thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion of the joint or structural members at the interface. Further, the sealant can be diffusion bonded to the faying surfaces, for example, by the heat generated during the joining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignees: The Boeing Company, The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: David C. Van Aken, John A. Baumann, Richard J. Lederich, Rajesh Talwar