Patents by Inventor John Walter Pringle, IV

John Walter Pringle, IV 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).

  • Patent number: 11850619
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises a chassis (110), a static mixer (101), and cartridge bays (122), extending from the chassis (110). Each of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104). Fluidic communication between the selected one of the two-part cartridges (104) and the static mixer (101) is established when the cartridge bays (122) are moved to a predetermined position with respect to the chassis (110). The robot end effector (100) comprises a dispensing valve (130), attached to the chassis (110), and a head assembly (150), comprising pairs of fittings (152). Each of the pairs of fittings (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Ryan Vutha Touch
  • Patent number: 11759828
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface includes steps of: urging brushes of a cleaning device against the surface; providing solvent to the surface via a solvent supply that passes through a housing of the cleaning device; rotating a drive gear about a drive-gear rotational axis to drive driven gears about corresponding driven-gear rotational axes inside the housing to rotate the brushes; and evacuating material from the surface via a vacuum tube, passing through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Nicholas Ryan Farrell, Raul Tomuta
  • Patent number: 11701784
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis, cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges, and a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet, manifold inlets, and a valve inlet. When the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, the manifold inlets are in fluidic communication with corresponding ones of the two-part cartridges via static mixers, attached to cartridge outlets of the two-part cartridges. The robot end effector additionally comprises a head assembly, comprising pairs of fittings, configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source to the two-part cartridges when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, so that contents of the two-part cartridges are concurrently extruded through the cartridge outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Derek Adam Nelson
  • Patent number: 11642694
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis and cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges. Robot end effector also comprises a dispensing valve, attached to the chassis and comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, in selective fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector further comprises a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets. The manifold outlet is in fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector additionally comprises a plunger assembly, comprising pairs of plungers. Plunger assembly is arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays. Robot end effector also comprises a non-rotating linear pneumatic actuator, configured to selectively move the plunger assembly relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Ryan Vutha Touch, Dehwei Oliver Hsu
  • Patent number: 11583876
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises cartridge bays (122). Each one of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive one of two-part cartridges (104). Each of the two-part cartridges (104) comprises a cartridge outlet (109). The robot end effector (100) also comprises a head assembly (150), comprising pairs of fittings (152). Each pair of the pairs of fittings (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of one of the two-part cartridges (104) when the two-part cartridges (104) are received by the cartridge bays (122) and the cartridge bays (122) are translated along a first axis (190) and along a second axis (192) so that the cartridge outlet (109) of the corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104) is in fluidic communication with the mixer inlet (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Derek Nelson
  • Patent number: 11583886
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises a chassis (110), a static mixer (101), and cartridge bays (122), extending from the chassis (110). Each of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104). Fluidic communication between the selected one of the two-part cartridges (104) and the static mixer (101) is established when the cartridge bays (122) are rotated about an axis (190) to a predetermined orientation with respect to the chassis (110). The robot end effector (100) also comprises a dispensing valve (130), attached to the chassis (110), and a head assembly (150), comprising an inlet manifold (152). The inlet manifold (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Dehwei Hsu, Derek Nelson, Steve Andres Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20220288614
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises cartridge bays (122). Each one of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive one of two-part cartridges (104). Each of the two-part cartridges (104) comprises a cartridge outlet (109). The robot end effector (100) also comprises a head assembly (150), comprising pairs of fittings (152). Each pair of the pairs of fittings (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of one of the two-part cartridges (104) when the two-part cartridges (104) are received by the cartridge bays (122) and the cartridge bays (122) are translated along a first axis (190) and along a second axis (192) so that the cartridge outlet (109) of the corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104) is in fluidic communication with the mixer inlet (103).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Derek Nelson
  • Publication number: 20220288621
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises a chassis (110), a static mixer (101), and cartridge bays (122), extending from the chassis (110). Each of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104). Fluidic communication between the selected one of the two-part cartridges (104) and the static mixer (101) is established when the cartridge bays (122) are rotated about an axis (190) to a predetermined orientation with respect to the chassis (110). The robot end effector (100) also comprises a dispensing valve (130), attached to the chassis (110), and a head assembly (150), comprising an inlet manifold (152). The inlet manifold (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: The Boeig Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle IV, Angelica Davancens, Dehwei Hsu, Derek Nelson, Steve Andres Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20220288613
    Abstract: A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises a chassis (110), a static mixer (101), and cartridge bays (122), extending from the chassis (110). Each of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104). Fluidic communication between the selected one of the two-part cartridges (104) and the static mixer (101) is established when the cartridge bays (122) are moved to a predetermined position with respect to the chassis (110). The robot end effector (100) comprises a dispensing valve (130), attached to the chassis (110), and a head assembly (150), comprising pairs of fittings (152). Each of the pairs of fittings (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Ryan Vutha Touch
  • Patent number: 11440192
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis and cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges. Robot end effector also comprises a dispensing valve, attached to the chassis and comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The valve outlet is in selective fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector further comprises a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets, which are in fluidic communication with the manifold outlet. Robot end effector additionally comprises a plunger assembly, comprising pairs of plungers and arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets. Robot end effector also comprises an electric motor, attached to the chassis and configured to selectively move the plunger assembly relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Dehwei Oliver Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210362349
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis, cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges, and a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet, manifold inlets, and a valve inlet. When the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, the manifold inlets are in fluidic communication with corresponding ones of the two-part cartridges via static mixers, attached to cartridge outlets of the two-part cartridges. The robot end effector additionally comprises a head assembly, comprising pairs of fittings, configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source to the two-part cartridges when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, so that contents of the two-part cartridges are concurrently extruded through the cartridge outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Derek Adam Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210362339
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis and cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges. Robot end effector also comprises a dispensing valve, attached to the chassis and comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The valve outlet is in selective fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector further comprises a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets, which are in fluidic communication with the manifold outlet. Robot end effector additionally comprises a plunger assembly, comprising pairs of plungers and arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets. Robot end effector also comprises an electric motor, attached to the chassis and configured to selectively move the plunger assembly relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Dehwei Oliver Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210362348
    Abstract: A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis and cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges. Robot end effector also comprises a dispensing valve, attached to the chassis and comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet in selective fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector further comprises a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets. The manifold outlet is in fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector additionally comprises a plunger assembly, comprising pairs of plungers. Plunger assembly is arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays. Robot end effector also comprises a non-rotating linear pneumatic actuator, configured to selectively move the plunger assembly relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Angelica Davancens, Ryan Vutha Touch, Dehwei Oliver Hsu
  • Publication number: 20210237125
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface includes steps of: urging brushes of a cleaning device against the surface; providing solvent to the surface via a solvent supply that passes through a housing of the cleaning device; rotating a drive gear about a drive-gear rotational axis to drive driven gears about corresponding driven-gear rotational axes inside the housing to rotate the brushes; and evacuating material from the surface via a vacuum tube, passing through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Nicholas Ryan Farrell, Raul Tomuta
  • Patent number: 11020773
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a housing. The cleaning device also comprises a drive gear that rotates about a drive-gear rotational axis. The cleaning device further comprises driven gears, driven by a drive gear and rotatable about corresponding driven-gear rotational axes inside the housing. The cleaning device further comprises brushes, located outside the housing and each rotatable together with a corresponding one of the driven gears. The cleaning device also comprises a vacuum tube, passing through the drive gear. The cleaning device additionally comprises a solvent supply, passing through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Nicholas Ryan Farrell, Raul Tomuta
  • Patent number: 10987767
    Abstract: A receiver-fastener apparatus comprises a receiver-fastener housing, a receiver-fastener turret, an indexing-collet assembly, an anvil, a receiver-fastener delivery assembly, and a swager assembly. The receiver-fastener turret is selectively rotatable relative to the receiver-fastener housing about a receiver-fastener-turret rotation axis (Z). The indexing-collet assembly is selectively movable relative to the receiver-fastener housing between an indexing-collet-assembly extended position and an indexing-collet-assembly retracted position along an indexing-collet-assembly axis (Y) that is parallel to the receiver-fastener-turret rotation axis (Z). The anvil is selectively movable relative to the receiver-fastener turret along an anvil axis (X) that is parallel to the receiver-fastener-turret rotation axis (Z). The receiver-fastener delivery assembly is configured to operatively position receiver fasteners for operative placement on shank fasteners, corresponding to the receiver fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Chris J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10987693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant to a structure. The method comprises scanning a surface of the structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines a sealant application path for the structure using the scanned data. The method also controls movement of an application tip along the sealant application path using a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Chris J. Erickson, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Angelica Davancens, Frederick B. Frontiera
  • Patent number: 10981277
    Abstract: A shank-fastener apparatus comprises a shank-fastener housing, a shank-fastener turret, an indexing-pin assembly, a drill, and a shank-fastener delivery assembly. The shank-fastener turret is supported by the shank-fastener housing and is selectively rotatable relative to the shank-fastener housing about a shank-fastener-turret rotation axis (A). The indexing-pin assembly is supported by the shank-fastener housing and is selectively movable relative to the shank-fastener housing between an indexing-pin-assembly extended position and an indexing-pin-assembly retracted position along an indexing-pin-assembly axis (B) that is parallel to the shank-fastener-turret rotation axis (A). The drill is supported by the shank-fastener turret and is selectively movable relative to the shank-fastener turret along a drill axis (C) that is parallel to the shank-fastener-turret rotation axis (A). The shank-fastener delivery assembly also supported by the shank-fastener turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Chris J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10792816
    Abstract: A portable work module includes a combination of prismatic and revolute joints for positioning and orienting a robotic end effector for performing a task within confined space. For example, the portable work module may include telescoping arm integrated with wrist having a plurality of degrees of freedom with respect to telescoping arm. The portable work module includes an insert that is secured with respect to an access port of confined space, said access port serving as a reference location for calculating the position of the robotic end effector within confined space. The portable work module is configured to have a compacted configuration for insertion into confined space, and an extended configuration for performing tasks within confined space. In some examples, the portable work module is modular, such that the robotic end effector or other components may be selectively removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Chris J. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20200206785
    Abstract: A cleaning device (100) comprises a housing (112). The cleaning device (100) also comprises a drive gear (114) that rotates about a drive-gear rotational axis (115). The cleaning device (100) further comprises driven gears (116), driven by a drive gear (114) and rotatable about corresponding driven-gear rotational axes (117) inside the housing (112). The cleaning device (100) further comprises brushes (140), located outside the housing (112) and each rotatable together with a corresponding one of the driven gears (116). The cleaning device (100) also comprises a vacuum tube (120), passing through the drive gear (114). The cleaning device (100) additionally comprises a solvent supply (130), passing through the housing (112).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Nicholas Ryan Farrell, Raul Tomuta