Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Bray

Kevin R. Bray 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).

  • Non-destructive ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 9664652
    Abstract: As described herein, a system for inspecting a component includes an ultrasonic inspection probe with a component surface interface, and a robotic device with an end effector coupled to the ultrasonic inspection probe. The robotic device is automatably controllable to move the ultrasonic inspection probe across a surface of the component. Additionally, the system includes an angle sensor subsystem coupled between the ultrasonic inspection probe and the end effector. The angle sensor subsystem is configured to operably detect an actual orientation of the end effector relative to a presently inspected portion of the surface of the component. The system includes a controller configured to receive orientation data from the angle sensor subsystem, the orientation data comprising the actual orientation of the end effector, compare the actual orientation to a desired orientation, and control the robotic device to adjust an orientation of the end effector to be in the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, Christopher R. Brown, Kevin R. Bray, Michael J. Duncan, Steven R. Walton
  • NON-DESTRUCTIVE ULTRASONIC INSPECTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20160123933
    Abstract: As described herein, a system for inspecting a component includes an ultrasonic inspection probe with a component surface interface, and a robotic device with an end effector coupled to the ultrasonic inspection probe. The robotic device is automatably controllable to move the ultrasonic inspection probe across a surface of the component. Additionally, the system includes an angle sensor subsystem coupled between the ultrasonic inspection probe and the end effector. The angle sensor subsystem is configured to operably detect an actual orientation of the end effector relative to a presently inspected portion of the surface of the component. The system includes a controller configured to receive orientation data from the angle sensor subsystem, the orientation data comprising the actual orientation of the end effector, compare the actual orientation to a desired orientation, and control the robotic device to adjust an orientation of the end effector to be in the desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, Christopher R. Brown, Kevin R. Bray, Michael J. Duncan, Steven R. Walton
  • Immersion ultrasonic test part holder, system and method for nondestructive evaluation
    Patent number: 7735369
    Abstract: A part holder for immersion ultrasonic testing having a solid buffer material with acoustic properties that match the immersion fluid is disclosed. Test systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Fred D. Young, Martin L. Freet, Kevin R. Bray
  • IMMERSION ULTRASONIC TEST PART HOLDER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
    Publication number: 20090049920
    Abstract: A part holder for immersion ultrasonic testing having a solid buffer material with acoustic properties that match the immersion fluid is disclosed. Test systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Fred D. Young, Martin L. Freet, Kevin R. Bray