Patents by Inventor Robert A. Cullen

Robert A. Cullen 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).

  • Apparatus and method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface
    Patent number: 7164474
    Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Arntson, Christopher D. Condliff, Robert A. Cullen, David P. Himmel, Darrell D. Jones, Ronald W. Outous, David W. Princehouse
  • Apparatus and method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface
    Publication number: 20040004712
    Abstract: The apparatus for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes a light source, a beam splitter, and a screen. The beam splitter directs and the screen receives at least a portion of the light reflected off of the work surface. When the received light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen, then the drilling tool is normal to the work surface. The method for normalization of a drilling tool to a work surface includes positioning the drilling tool proximate the work surface, transmitting light toward the work surface, creating an image of the light that has reflected off of the work surface upon a screen, thereby permitting the orientation of the drilling tool to be adjusted until the image of the reflected light is located in a predetermined portion of the screen that is indicative of proper alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Arntson, Christopher D. Condliff, Robert A. Cullen, David P. Himmel, Darrell D. Jones, Ronald W. Outous, David W. Princehouse