Patents by Inventor Paul S. Rutherford
Paul S. Rutherford 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: 10976244Abstract: An apparatus for surface inspection comprises a terahertz emitter, a detector, and a computing device. The terahertz emitter is oriented to emit energy toward a surface having a surface layer disposed on the surface in a proximity of a surface feature. The detector is positioned to receive the energy from the terahertz emitter that is reflected by the surface. The computing device is in signal communication with the detector and is configured to detect the surface feature using a signal from the detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Keith L. McIver, Paul S. Rutherford
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Patent number: 10788455Abstract: An extended reach inspection apparatus may include a scanner device and a robotic manipulator arm. The robotic manipulator arm may include a plurality of arm segments including a distal end arm segment and a proximal end arm segment. A movable joint may couple the distal end arm segment to the robotic manipulator arm. A telescoping extension mechanism may be coupled to the distal end arm segment. The scanner device is mounted to the telescoping extension mechanism for moving the scanner device between a retracted position proximate the robotic manipulator arm and an extended position at a distance from the robotic manipulator arm. A control handle may be coupled to the proximal end arm segment of the plurality of arm segments for manipulating the robotic manipulator arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Nathan R. Smith, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
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Patent number: 10537986Abstract: A tracking-enabled extended-reach tool system acting upon a workpiece. The tool system includes a gimbal positioned adjacent an opening in a surface, a sensor system, a computer control, and a display. The extended-reach arm has a first end, a second end, an end effector including a tool adjacent the first end. The extended-reach arm engages the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening positioning the end effector and the tool on a side of the surface opposite the second end. The sensor system is configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach arm relative to the gimbal. The computer control receives signals from the sensor system indicative of the linear position of the extended-reach arm relative to the gimbal. The display is connected to the computer control and displays a representation of the workpiece and the tool relative to each other in real time.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James J. Troy, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Nathan R. Smith
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Publication number: 20190293552Abstract: An apparatus for surface inspection comprises a terahertz emitter, a detector, and a computing device. The terahertz emitter is oriented to emit energy toward a surface having a surface layer disposed on the surface in a proximity of a surface feature. The detector is positioned to receive the energy from the terahertz emitter that is reflected by the surface. The computing device is in signal communication with the detector and is configured to detect the surface feature using a signal from the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Keith L. McIver, Paul S. Rutherford
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Patent number: 10336019Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Karl Edward Nelson, Michael W. Evens, John F. Spalding, Jr., James D. Chanes, Joel P. Baldwin, Paul S. Rutherford
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Publication number: 20190084148Abstract: A tracking-enabled extended-reach tool system acting upon a workpiece. The tool system includes a gimbal positioned adjacent an opening in a surface, a sensor system, a computer control, and a display. The extended-reach arm has a first end, a second end, an end effector including a tool adjacent the first end. The extended-reach arm engages the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening positioning the end effector and the tool on a side of the surface opposite the second end. The sensor system is configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach arm relative to the gimbal. The computer control receives signals from the sensor system indicative of the linear position of the extended-reach arm relative to the gimbal. The display is connected to the computer control and displays a representation of the workpiece and the tool relative to each other in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: James J. Troy, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Nathan R. Smith
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Patent number: 10105837Abstract: An extended-reach tool system may include a gimbal positioned adjacent a surface opening; an extended-reach arm having a tool and engaging the gimbal; a sensor system for measuring a position of the arm relative to the gimbal and a position and spatial orientation of the tool relative to the opening; a computer control that converts one or both of the rotational and linear measurements from the sensor system into spatial location representations for virtual representations of 3-D models of the workpiece and tool, determines a position and orientation of the tool relative to the opening and workpiece, and adjusts the virtual representations of the 3-D models of the workpiece and tool as the arm and tool move relative to the workpiece, representing a real-time orientation of the tool relative to the workpiece; and a display for displaying the virtual representations of the 3-D models of the workpiece and tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James J. Troy, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Nathan R. Smith
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Publication number: 20180202974Abstract: An extended reach inspection apparatus may include a scanner device and a robotic manipulator arm. The robotic manipulator arm may include a plurality of arm segments including a distal end arm segment and a proximal end arm segment. A movable joint may couple the distal end arm segment to the robotic manipulator arm. A telescoping extension mechanism may be coupled to the distal end arm segment. The scanner device is mounted to the telescoping extension mechanism for moving the scanner device between a retracted position proximate the robotic manipulator arm and an extended position at a distance from the robotic manipulator arm. A control handle may be coupled to the proximal end arm segment of the plurality of arm segments for manipulating the robotic manipulator arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Nathan R. Smith, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
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Patent number: 9939411Abstract: An extended reach inspection apparatus may include a scanner device and a robotic manipulator arm. The robotic manipulator arm may include a plurality of arm segments including a distal end arm segment and a proximal end arm segment. A movable joint may couple the distal end arm segment to the robotic manipulator arm. A telescoping extension mechanism may be coupled to the distal end arm segment. The scanner device is mounted to the telescoping extension mechanism for moving the scanner device between a retracted position proximate the robotic manipulator arm and an extended position at a distance from the robotic manipulator arm. A control handle may be coupled to the proximal end arm segment of the plurality of arm segments for manipulating the robotic manipulator arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Nathan R. Smith, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
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Publication number: 20170072557Abstract: An extended-reach tool system may include a gimbal positioned adjacent a surface opening; an extended-reach arm having a tool and engaging the gimbal; a sensor system for measuring a position of the arm relative to the gimbal and a position and spatial orientation of the tool relative to the opening; a computer control that converts one or both of the rotational and linear measurements from the sensor system into spatial location representations for virtual representations of 3-D models of the workpiece and tool, determines a position and orientation of the tool relative to the opening and workpiece, and adjusts the virtual representations of the 3-D models of the workpiece and tool as the arm and tool move relative to the workpiece, representing a real-time orientation of the tool relative to the workpiece; and a display for displaying the virtual representations of the 3-D models of the workpiece and tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: James J. Troy, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Nathan R. Smith
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Patent number: 9513231Abstract: A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Nathan R. Smith, James J. Troy, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford
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Publication number: 20150323501Abstract: An extended reach inspection apparatus may include a scanner device and a robotic manipulator arm. The robotic manipulator arm may include a plurality of arm segments including a distal end arm segment and a proximal end arm segment. A movable joint may couple the distal end arm segment to the robotic manipulator arm. A telescoping extension mechanism may be coupled to the distal end arm segment. The scanner device is mounted to the telescoping extension mechanism for moving the scanner device between a retracted position proximate the robotic manipulator arm and an extended position at a distance from the robotic manipulator arm. A control handle may be coupled to the proximal end arm segment of the plurality of arm segments for manipulating the robotic manipulator arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Nathan R. Smith, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
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Patent number: 9086386Abstract: An inspection apparatus for nondestructive inspection/evaluation. The inspection apparatus may include a probe, and sensor, and a biasing spring. The probe may have a first end and a second, free end defining an opening. The sensor may be received in the opening. The biasing spring may be received in the opening in between the first end of the probe and the sensor to urge the sensor away from the first end of the probe. The probe may include a gimbal joint or ball and socket type joint and a spindle, where the joint provides for deflection of the probe relative to the spindle. A blocking pin for limiting the range of movement of the sensor retains part of the sensor in the opening. The sensor may have a position extending out of the opening, and a position where an end of the sensor is substantially flush with the end of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Paul S. Rutherford, Gary E. Georgeson
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Publication number: 20150158258Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Karl Edward Nelson, Michael W. Evens, John F. Spalding, JR., James D. Chanes, Joel P. Baldwin, Paul S. Rutherford
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Patent number: 8986479Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael W. Evens, Karl Edward Nelson, John F. Spalding, Jr., James D. Chanes, Joel P. Baldwin, Paul S. Rutherford
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Patent number: 8973441Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and technologies to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transducer is positioned to transmit a shear ultrasonic signal through a region of a fastener which is subject to stress when the fastener experiences an interference fit. The shear ultrasonic signal is transmitted through a region of the fastener subject to the stress. As the transmitted ultrasonic signal encounters the region, it is mode converted corresponding to a degree of interference which the fastener is experiencing. A return ultrasonic signal from the fastener is received with the transducer. From the return ultrasonic signal, a processor determines the degree of interference fit which the fastener is experience and outputs an indication of the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Karl E. Nelson, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Mark McKenna
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Patent number: 8578778Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and technologies to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transducer is positioned to transmit a shear ultrasonic signal through a region of a fastener which is subject to stress when the fastener experiences an interference fit. The shear ultrasonic signal is transmitted through a region of the fastener subject to the stress. As the transmitted ultrasonic signal encounters the region, it is mode converted corresponding to a degree of interference which the fastener is experiencing. A return ultrasonic signal from the fastener is received with the transducer. From the return ultrasonic signal, a processor determines the degree of interference fit which the fastener is experience and outputs an indication of the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Karl E. Nelson, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Mark McKenna
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Publication number: 20120080135Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael W. Evens, Karl Edward Nelson, John F. Spalding, JR., James D. Chanes, Joel P. Baldwin, Paul S. Rutherford
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Publication number: 20110088473Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and technologies to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transducer is positioned to transmit a shear ultrasonic signal through a region of a fastener which is subject to stress when the fastener experiences an interference fit. The shear ultrasonic signal is transmitted through a region of the fastener subject to the stress. As the transmitted ultrasonic signal encounters the region, it is mode converted corresponding to a degree of interference which the fastener is experiencing. A return ultrasonic signal from the fastener is received with the transducer. From the return ultrasonic signal, a processor determines the degree of interference fit which the fastener is experience and outputs an indication of the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Karl E. Nelson, Gary E. Georgeson, Paul S. Rutherford, Mark McKenna