Patents by Inventor Kwok Tung Chan
Kwok Tung Chan 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: 11731787Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting installation of a fastener. One method includes monitoring hydraulic pressure of a tool that is installing the fastener, detecting that the hydraulic pressure has dropped by more than a threshold amount within a period of time, determining that a pintail of the fastener has snapped in response to the detecting, and reducing the hydraulic pressure in response to the determining.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Skye Jenkins, Jeff Devlin
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Patent number: 11571735Abstract: A method for installing a fastener system. A position on a structure relative to an overhang on the structure is automatically sensed for installing a fastener system in a hole using an offset collar installer. The offset collar installer is moved about a rotation axis to the position such that a collar in the fastener system is held in the position over the hole. The offset collar installer is connected to a platform and rotatable about the rotation axis. The collar is fastened to an engagement feature for a bolt in the hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Eric M. Reid, Jeffrey Martin Devlin, John Hartmann
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Patent number: 11511887Abstract: A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, John Hartmann, Scott Charles Tomchick, Frank Charles Mestemacher
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Patent number: 11507048Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Mark Albrecht
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Patent number: 11358211Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One embodiment is a method for fastening via a swage tool. The method includes steps of selecting a hole located at a part, aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole, placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole, and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole. This securely fastens the lockbolt collar to the lockbolt.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Jeff Devlin, Brendan Elmore
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Patent number: 11346644Abstract: A plug gauge includes a housing defining an internal volume and a longitudinal axis AH. The housing includes an opening into the internal volume. The plug gauge also includes a contact element at least partially received in the opening. The plug gauge further includes a plunger at least partially received in the internal volume. The plunger is biased into engagement with the contact element to urge the contact element radially outward from the housing through the opening. The plug gauge additionally includes a sealing member between the contact element and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark Albrecht, Kwok Tung Chan, Gary Backhaus
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Publication number: 20220153432Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying fasteners to a structure. One embodiment is a method that includes disposing a first set of end effectors along a fixed inner track that follows an Inner Mold Line (IML) of a structure, disposing a second set of end effectors along a fixed outer track that follows an Outer Mold Line (OML) of the structure, aligning a first end effector at the fixed inner track with a second end effector at the fixed outer track, clamping the structure between the first end effector and the second end effector, by pressing the first end effector and the second end effector into the structure, and applying a fastener to the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Farahnaz Sisco, Daniel R. Smith, Darrell D. Jones, Eric M. Reid, Riley HansonSmith
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Publication number: 20220153451Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting installation of a fastener. One method includes monitoring hydraulic pressure of a tool that is installing the fastener, detecting that the hydraulic pressure has dropped by more than a threshold amount within a period of time, determining that a pintail of the fastener has snapped in response to the detecting, and reducing the hydraulic pressure in response to the determining.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Skye Jenkins, Jeff Devlin
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Publication number: 20220153436Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assembling aircraft fuselages. One embodiment is a method for assembling a fuselage of an aircraft. The method includes indexing an arcuate section of a fuselage to a frame installation station, feeding a frame at the frame installation station into a concavity defined by the arcuate section, placing the frame against an Inner Mold Line (IML) of the arcuate section while the frame is within the concavity, and affixing the frame to the arcuate section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Daniel R. Smith, Darrell D. Jones, Farahnaz Sisco, Kwok Tung Chan, Riley HansonSmith
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Patent number: 11273931Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting installation of a fastener. One method includes monitoring hydraulic pressure of a tool that is installing the fastener, detecting that the hydraulic pressure has dropped by more than a threshold amount within a period of time, determining that a pintail of the fastener has snapped in response to the detecting, and reducing the hydraulic pressure in response to the determining.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Skye Jenkins, Jeff Devlin
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Patent number: 11225989Abstract: An indexing pin comprises a central axis. The indexing pin further comprises a threaded portion, extending along the central axis. The indexing pin also comprises a stem, extending along the central axis opposite the threaded portion. The indexing pin further comprises a cylindrical surface, extending along the central axis between the threaded portion and the stem. The indexing pin further comprises a tapered surface, extending between the threaded portion and the cylindrical surface. The indexing pin further comprises a flange, located between the stem and the cylindrical surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Monica J. Brockway
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Patent number: 11168968Abstract: A plug gauge including a probe housing defining an internal volume and a longitudinal axis, the probe housing includes a first and second openings, a first contact element having a portion extending through the first opening, a first cam member defining a first axis of rotation, the first cam member being in camming engagement with the first contact element such that movement of the first contact element relative to the probe housing causes corresponding rotation of the first cam member about the first axis of rotation, a second contact element having a portion extending through the second opening, and a second cam member defining a second axis of rotation, the second cam member being in camming engagement with the second contact element such that movement of the second contact element relative to the probe housing causes corresponding rotation of the second cam member about the second axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Everette D. Gray, Mark Albrecht, Kwok Tung Chan
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Patent number: 11168971Abstract: A method for evaluating a surface of a bore formed in a structure, where the bore defines a bore axis. The method includes moving a probe at least partially through the bore in a first lineal direction about the bore axis while simultaneously rotating the probe about the bore axis. The probe includes a contact element contacting the surface of the bore at a plurality of first contact points as the probe moves in the first lineal direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark Albrecht, Kwok Tung Chan, Everette D. Gray
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Patent number: 11148208Abstract: A vibration assisted drilling system is presented. The vibration assisted drilling system comprises a drill feed motion system having a drill feed axis, an oscillation motion system having an oscillation axis, a drill spindle having a drill bit, and a mounting system configured to connect the drill spindle to the oscillation motion system. The drill feed axis is substantially parallel to and offset from the oscillation axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tobias Weber
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Publication number: 20210276072Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One embodiment is a method for fastening via a swage tool, the method including selecting a hole located at a part; aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole; placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole; and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Jeff Devlin, Brendan Elmore
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Patent number: 11110525Abstract: Provided is cutting tool. The tool, in certain examples, includes a drill body that defines a drill axis, and a tool window formed in the drill body. The tool also includes a drill bit extending from the drill body, and a material reworking attachment (“MRA”) coupled to the drill body and storable within the tool window. The MRA is extendable from a stored position into either a surface-finishing position or a material-removal position. The MRA includes a first chamfering blade, a second chamfering blade, and a finishing surface interposed between the chamfering blades. The tool also includes a position manager to detect a position of the cutting tool with reference to a workpiece, and an actuator to transition the MRA from the stored position to the material-removal position, followed by a transition to the surface-finishing position, and followed by a transition to material-removal position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark Albrecht, Kwok Tung Chan
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Publication number: 20210237172Abstract: A vibration assisted drilling system is presented. The vibration assisted drilling system comprises a drill feed motion system having a drill feed axis, an oscillation motion system having an oscillation axis, a drill spindle having a drill bit, and a mounting system configured to connect the drill spindle to the oscillation motion system. The drill feed axis is substantially parallel to and offset from the oscillation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tobias Weber
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Patent number: 11052454Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting fastener installation. One embodiment is a method for inspecting installation of a fastener. The method includes determining an initial distance between a nose of a swage tool and an Inner Mold Line (IML) of a part, operating the swage tool to swage a collar onto a fastener that protrudes through the IML of the part, determining a terminal distance of the nose to the IML during swaging, prior to a pintail of the fastener breaking, and arriving at a conclusion indicating a state of a fastener installation, based on the terminal distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Farahnaz Sisco, Skye Jenkins, Jeffrey Devlin, Nathan Christopher McRae
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Publication number: 20210181708Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Mark Albrecht
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Patent number: 11033952Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One embodiment is a method for fastening via a swage tool, the method including selecting a hole located at a part; aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole; placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole; and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kwok Tung Chan, Tanni Sisco, Jeff Devlin, Brendan Elmore