Patents by Inventor Richard Philip Topf

Richard Philip Topf 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: 11572199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
  • Publication number: 20220111976
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
  • Patent number: 11260412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a viscous fluid onto a surface. An applicator associated with an extension member may be positioned over the surface using a robotic operator. The extension member may be configured to maintain a selected distance between the applicator and a fluid source for the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be dispensed from the fluid source to the applicator. The viscous fluid may be applied onto the surface using the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 11235893
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
  • Patent number: 10525603
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a nozzle to a fluid dispensing system and a tip to the nozzle. In one illustrative example, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a nozzle retaining structure having nozzle retaining areas holding nozzles. A nozzle may be selected for use based on a nozzle identifier element corresponding to each of the nozzles. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected to attach the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected. Further, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a tip retaining structure having tip retaining areas holding tips. A tip may be selected for use based on a tip identifier element corresponding to each of the tips. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the tip selected to attach the nozzle to the tip selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens
  • Patent number: 10183309
    Abstract: A continuous ceramic matrix composite strip is produced by passing a dry ceramic fiber strip through a ceramic slurry bath. Impregnation wheels within the bath guide the fiber strip through the bath and force the ceramic slurry into the fiber strip, thereby impregnating the strip. The impregnation wheels stir the ceramic slurry to maintain a homogeneous mixture. Air knives remove excess slurry from the strip. Thickness and width controls squeeze the impregnated strip to desired thickness and width dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Kaia Elena David, Mary Margaret Litwinski, Steffan Walker Brown, Leanne L. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20180333732
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a viscous fluid onto a surface. An applicator associated with an extension member may be positioned over the surface using a robotic operator. The extension member may be configured to maintain a selected distance between the applicator and a fluid source for the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be dispensed from the fluid source to the applicator. The viscous fluid may be applied onto the surface using the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 10105725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a viscous fluid onto a surface. An applicator associated with an extension member may be positioned over the surface using a robotic operator. The extension member may be configured to maintain a selected distance between the applicator and a fluid source for the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be dispensed from the fluid source to the applicator. The viscous fluid may be applied onto the surface using the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 10086402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
  • Patent number: 10076761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. The apparatus comprises a structure, an applicator associated with the structure, a first control device associated with the structure, and a second control device associated with the structure. Applying a first force to the first control device causes the applicator to move relative to a center axis of the applicator. Applying a second force to the second control device causes the fluid to be delivered from a fluid dispensing system to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
  • Patent number: 9757759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and shaping a fillet at an interface. A fluid may be dispensed from a nozzle onto the interface as the nozzle is moved along the interface to form the fillet. An exposed surface of the fillet may be worked using a fairing element associated with the nozzle, as the nozzle is moved along the interface and the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Angelica Davancens
  • Publication number: 20170001209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. The apparatus comprises a structure, an applicator associated with the structure, a first control device associated with the structure, and a second control device associated with the structure. Applying a first force to the first control device causes the applicator to move relative to a center axis of the applicator. Applying a second force to the second control device causes the fluid to be delivered from a fluid dispensing system to the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
  • Patent number: 9439502
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. The apparatus comprises a structure, an applicator associated with the structure, a first control device associated with the structure, and a second control device associated with the structure. Applying a first force to the first control device causes the applicator to move relative to a center axis of the applicator. Applying a second force to the second control device causes the fluid to be delivered from a fluid dispensing system to the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
  • Publication number: 20160175883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150223596
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. The apparatus comprises a structure, an applicator associated with the structure, a first control device associated with the structure, and a second control device associated with the structure. Applying a first force to the first control device causes the applicator to move relative to a center axis of the applicator. Applying a second force to the second control device causes the fluid to be delivered from a fluid dispensing system to the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
  • Patent number: 9095872
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a dispensing device. Sensor data about fluid that is being dispensed through the dispensing device may be received. A pressure of the fluid may be identified using the sensor data. A tool configured to move the fluid from a fluid source to the dispensing device based on the pressure identified to control a rate at which the fluid flows from the fluid source to the dispensing device may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Guirguis
  • Publication number: 20150158601
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
  • Patent number: 9016530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis
  • Publication number: 20150064357
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150053787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a nozzle to a fluid dispensing system and a tip to the nozzle. In one illustrative example, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a nozzle retaining structure having nozzle retaining areas holding nozzles. A nozzle may be selected for use based on a nozzle identifier element corresponding to each of the nozzles. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected to attach the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected. Further, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a tip retaining structure having tip retaining areas holding tips. A tip may be selected for use based on a tip identifier element corresponding to each of the tips. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the tip selected to attach the nozzle to the tip selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens