Patents by Inventor Steve Esparza

Steve Esparza 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).

  • End effector for cleaning objects having multiple surfaces
    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
  • End Effector for Cleaning Objects Having Multiple Surfaces
    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
  • End effector for cleaning objects having multiple surfaces
    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
  • End Effector for Cleaning Objects Having Multiple Surfaces
    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