Patents by Inventor Marc J. Piehl

Marc J. Piehl 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: 11738520
    Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support and a first nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle body, comprising a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate, extending from the first-nozzle body. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle body, comprising a second-nozzle-body inlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate, extending from the second-nozzle body. The end effector further comprises a roller, coupled to the support, rotatable relative to the support about a roller axis, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Hafenrichter
  • Patent number: 11718050
    Abstract: In an example, a method is described. The method comprises placing a repair patch over a repair area of a structure, the repair patch comprising a repair-patch hole. The method also comprises sealing the repair patch and repair area with a vacuum bag having a seal ring around a periphery of the vacuum bag. The method also comprises evacuating, via an adhesive injection apparatus attached to the repair-patch hole and the seal ring of the vacuum bag, the repair area and an injection channel of the adhesive injection apparatus. The method also comprises forcing adhesive through the evacuated injection channel and into the evacuated repair area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 11685508
    Abstract: A bonded structure is described. The bonded structure includes an outer structure including a close tolerance hole associated with a first accuracy level. The bonded structure includes an interior structure comprising an oversized hole associated with a second accuracy level that is different from the first accuracy level. The bonded structure includes an elastomeric grommet disposed in the oversized hole. The bonded structure includes one or more spacers between the outer structure and the interior structure providing a space between the outer structure and the interior structure. The bonded structure includes a fastener positioned in the close tolerance hole and in the oversized hole. The bonded structure includes a bonding media disposed in the space between the outer structure and the interior structure via one or more channels of the fastener. The bonding media, elastomeric grommet, and oversized hole collectively position the interior structure relative to the outer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20230107716
    Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Hafenrichter
  • Publication number: 20230107591
    Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support, translationally fixed relative to support, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support, translationally fixed relative to support, and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Hafenrichter
  • Publication number: 20230104898
    Abstract: An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support and a first nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle body, comprising a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate, extending from the first-nozzle body. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle body, comprising a second-nozzle-body inlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate, extending from the second-nozzle body. The end effector further comprises a roller, coupled to the support, rotatable relative to the support about a roller axis, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Hafenrichter
  • Publication number: 20230103740
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing adhesive between a first part and a second part comprises a nozzle body. The nozzle body comprises a first-part engagement surface. The nozzle body also comprises a second-part engagement surface, contiguous with the first-part engagement surface and defining an engagement-surface angle, greater than 0° and less than 180°, with a virtual plane, coincident with the first-part engagement surface. The nozzle body further comprises a nozzle-body outlet port, formed in the second-part engagement surface. The nozzle body additionally comprises a nozzle-body inlet port, formed in the first-part engagement surface. The nozzle also comprises a separator plate, coupled with and extending from the nozzle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20220194031
    Abstract: In an example, a method is described. The method comprises forming a single hole into a bond gap repair area. The method also comprises evacuating, via an adhesive injection apparatus attached to the single hole, the bond gap repair area and an injection channel of the adhesive injection apparatus. The method also comprises forcing adhesive through the evacuated injection channel and into the evacuated bond gap repair area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20220194032
    Abstract: In an example, a method is described. The method comprises placing a repair patch over a repair area of a structure, the repair patch comprising a repair-patch hole. The method also comprises sealing the repair patch and repair area with a vacuum bag having a seal ring around a periphery of the vacuum bag. The method also comprises evacuating, via an adhesive injection apparatus attached to the repair-patch hole and the seal ring of the vacuum bag, the repair area and an injection channel of the adhesive injection apparatus. The method also comprises forcing adhesive through the evacuated injection channel and into the evacuated repair area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20220194019
    Abstract: In an example, a method of sealing a bond cavity is described. The method comprises placing an adhesive around a perimeter of a first structure to be joined to a second structure. The method also comprises positioning the first structure relative to the second structure such that the adhesive is disposed between the first structure and the second structure. The method also comprises merging the first structure and the second structure until the first structure and the second structure are separated by a desired gap for bonding. The method also comprises heating the perimeter to at least partially cure the adhesive to form a leak-proof bond cavity perimeter between the first structure and the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20220196563
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser bond inspection system that comprises a high-power laser, configured to generate a high-power laser beam having a high energy, and a low-power laser, configured to generate a low-power laser beam having a low energy that is less than the high energy. The laser bond inspection system further comprises a target patch. The laser bond inspection system additionally comprises a beam-aiming optic, configured to receive the low-power laser beam from the low-power laser and redirect the low-power laser beam at the target patch when the target patch is affixed to the part. The laser bond inspection system also comprises an optical sensor, configured to detect a reflected portion of the low-power laser beam reflected off of the target patch. The beam-aiming optic is further configured to receive the high-power laser beam from the high-power laser and redirect the high-power laser beam at the target patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Steven K. Brady, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 11215552
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for laser bond inspection (LBI) of internal bonds in a composite structure with limited access. The technology solves the problem of access for an LBI process head through selection of optics, an articulated optical path and simplification of the method of collecting debris. A small-format process head is specifically designed for laser bond inspection in limited-access spaces. This process head allows access to locations within ½ inch of a nearby wall or structure and utilizes a laser beam that is much smaller (˜2-3 mm) in diameter. The apparatus incorporates articulated joints to improve access to locations in the structure being inspected. The process head may also be configured to protect the optical elements (e.g., the focusing lens) from blow-back of debris from the LBI inspection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Stewart, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20210316837
    Abstract: A bonded structure is described. The bonded structure includes an outer structure including a close tolerance hole associated with a first accuracy level. The bonded structure includes an interior structure comprising an oversized hole associated with a second accuracy level that is different from the first accuracy level. The bonded structure includes an elastomeric grommet disposed in the oversized hole. The bonded structure includes one or more spacers between the outer structure and the interior structure providing a space between the outer structure and the interior structure. The bonded structure includes a fastener positioned in the close tolerance hole and in the oversized hole. The bonded structure includes a bonding media disposed in the space between the outer structure and the interior structure via one or more channels of the fastener. The bonding media, elastomeric grommet, and oversized hole collectively position the interior structure relative to the outer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Gary E. Georgeson, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 10525639
    Abstract: A system for fabrication of an aerospace structure incorporates a mold having a surface and at least one unidirectional SFL head adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows in a predetermined laminated pattern on the mold surface to produce a fuselage skin. At least one cross plied laminate SFL head is adapted to lay down a cross plied laminate base interface on the fuselage skin to establish a lattice rib shape for each of a plurality of lattice ribs. The cross plied laminate SFL head has a band placement head steerable to avoid structural design features and to maintain spacing from adjacent steered lattice ribs. The unidirectional SFL head is further adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows on the base interface of each of the plurality of lattice ribs for a first plurality of unidirectional tow plies in each lattice rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Boris B. Sokolov, Mostafa Rassaian, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20190383727
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for laser bond inspection (LBI) of internal bonds in a composite structure with limited access. The technology solves the problem of access for an LBI process head through selection of optics, an articulated optical path and simplification of the method of collecting debris. A small-format process head is specifically designed for laser bond inspection in limited-access spaces. This process head allows access to locations within ½ inch of a nearby wall or structure and utilizes a laser beam that is much smaller (˜2-3 mm) in diameter. The apparatus incorporates articulated joints to improve access to locations in the structure being inspected. The process head may also be configured to protect the optical elements (e.g., the focusing lens) from blow-back of debris from the LBI inspection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Stewart, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20180305041
    Abstract: A system for fabrication of an aerospace structure incorporates a mold having a surface and at least one unidirectional SFL head adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows in a predetermined laminated pattern on the mold surface to produce a fuselage skin. At least one cross plied laminate SFL head is adapted to lay down a cross plied laminate base interface on the fuselage skin to establish a lattice rib shape for each of a plurality of lattice ribs. The cross plied laminate SFL head has a band placement head steerable to avoid structural design features and to maintain spacing from adjacent steered lattice ribs. The unidirectional SFL head is further adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows on the base interface of each of the plurality of lattice ribs for a first plurality of unidirectional tow plies in each lattice rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Boris B. Sokolov, Mostafa Rassaian, Marc J. Piehl
  • Publication number: 20180273206
    Abstract: A system for fabrication of an aerospace structure incorporates a mold having a surface and at least one unidirectional SFL head adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows in a predetermined laminated pattern on the mold surface to produce a fuselage skin. At least one cross plied laminate SFL head is adapted to lay down a cross plied laminate base interface on the fuselage skin to establish a lattice rib shape for each of a plurality of lattice ribs. The cross plied laminate SFL head has a band placement head steerable to avoid structural design features and to maintain spacing from adjacent steered lattice ribs. The unidirectional SFL head is further adapted to lay down a plurality of collimated tows on the base interface of each of the plurality of lattice ribs for a first plurality of unidirectional tow plies in each lattice rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Boris B. Sokolov, Mostafa Rassaian, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 9862175
    Abstract: A method of forming a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate is disclosed. The method includes treating a surface of each of a plurality of molybdenum foil layers. The method further includes interweaving the surface treated molybdenum foil layers with a plurality of composite material layers. The method further includes bonding with an adhesive layer each of the surface treated molybdenum foil layers to adjacent composite material layers to form a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate having improved yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Mark A. Negley, Marc J. Piehl, Kay Y. Blohowiak, Alan E. Landmann, Richard H. Bossi, Robert L. Carlsen, Gregory Alan Foltz, Geoffrey A. Butler, Liam S. Cavanaugh Pingree, Stephen G. Moore, John Mark Gardner, Robert A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9681527
    Abstract: According to an embodiment a current return network assembly, for an aircraft having a predetermined potential lightning strike zone, is mounted within the predetermined potential lightning strike zone. The current return network assembly includes an electrically conductive honeycomb central core that conducts electrical current both through the assembly and through the predetermined potential lightning strike zone. The electrical current is caused by a lightning strike on the aircraft at the predetermined potential lightning strike zone. According to an embodiment, an aircraft has a predetermined potential lightning strike zone. A current return network assembly is within the zone. An electrically conductive honeycomb central core is provided for conducting electrical current through the assembly and through the zone wherein the electrical current has been caused by a lightning strike on the aircraft at the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Foltz, Kirk B. Kajita, Paul S. Gregg, Arthur C. Day, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 9591273
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and verifying a manufacturing process performed by an operator on a workpiece in a work area. The method includes positioning one or more cameras in the work area, such that the operator and the workpiece are in a field of view of each of the cameras. The method includes using a computer system configured for controlling the cameras to record and process images of the workpiece and images of operator actions relating to the manufacturing process, all recorded by the cameras during or at completion of each of a plurality of tasks in the manufacturing process to obtain recorded images. The method includes storing the recorded images, comparing the recorded images against a reference image library comprising references images corresponding to each recorded image to detect any differences between the recorded image and the respective corresponding reference image, and generating a data record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vicki Wu, Richard H. Bossi, Marc J. Piehl, Andrej M. Savol, Farshad Forouhar, Pamela J. Manzer