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).
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Patent number: 11572199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
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Publication number: 20220111976Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
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Patent number: 11260412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
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Patent number: 11235893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
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Patent number: 10525603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Raul Tomuta, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens
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Patent number: 10183309Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Kaia Elena David, Mary Margaret Litwinski, Steffan Walker Brown, Leanne L. Lehman
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Publication number: 20180333732Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
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Patent number: 10105725Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Richard Philip Topf, Branko Sarh
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Patent number: 10086402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
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Patent number: 10076761Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
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Patent number: 9757759Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Angelica Davancens
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Publication number: 20170001209Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
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Patent number: 9439502Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
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Publication number: 20160175883Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
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Publication number: 20150223596Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Cris Howard Garcia, Ilya Sedler
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Patent number: 9095872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Guirguis
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Publication number: 20150158601Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Steve Esparza, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Raul Tomuta, Angelica Davancens, Steven E. Drenth
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Patent number: 9016530Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis
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Publication number: 20150064357Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Raul Tomuta, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Ilya Sedler, Cris Howard Garcia
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Publication number: 20150053787Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Raul Tomuta, Martin Hanna Guirguis, Don David Trend, Richard Philip Topf, Angelica Davancens