Patents by Inventor William Talion Edwards
William Talion Edwards 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: 10591288Abstract: A method includes receiving three-dimensional (3D) measurement data based on a measurement of a first used component of a particular component type. The method also includes performing a comparison of the 3D measurement data to in-service tolerances associated with the particular component type, the in-service tolerances determined based on a measurement of at least a second used component of the particular component type and an evaluation of structural characteristics of the second used component. The method further includes generating, based on the comparison, an output indicating whether the first used component is acceptable for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Craig Martin Farniok, William Talion Edwards, Daniel Ray Trapp
-
Publication number: 20180372486Abstract: A method includes receiving three-dimensional (3D) measurement data based on a measurement of a first used component of a particular component type. The method also includes performing a comparison of the 3D measurement data to in-service tolerances associated with the particular component type, the in-service tolerances determined based on a measurement of at least a second used component of the particular component type and an evaluation of structural characteristics of the second used component. The method further includes generating, based on the comparison, an output indicating whether the first used component is acceptable for reuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Craig Martin Farniok, William Talion Edwards, Daniel Ray Trapp
-
Patent number: 9851312Abstract: Inspection systems employing radiation filters with different attenuation characteristics to determine specimen irregularities, and related methods are disclosed. An inspection system includes a radiation emitter configured to emit a radiation beam along a radiation trajectory. Some of the radiation may be reflected by the specimen as backscatter and received by at least one radiation detector of the inspection system along the radiation trajectory. Irregularities and various materials of the specimen may produce backscatter radiation at different energies and/or scatter angles which may be identified by employing radiation filters having different attenuation characteristics. By employing these filters in communication with the radiation emitter and the radiation detector, the backscatter radiation passed through the filters may be measured and integrated at different positions of the radiation beam to produce a composite image of the specimen.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: William Talion Edwards, Gary Georgeson, James E. Engel, Morteza Safai
-
Patent number: 9709514Abstract: A method for detecting discrepancies in an item is provided. The method comprises: directing energy waves at the item along at least one dimension, wherein a portion of the energy waves are reflected back from the item; detecting reflected energy waves from the item along at least one dimension and recording the intensity of the detected reflected energy waves, and forming a one-dimensional image of the item from the detected reflected energy waves.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: William Talion Edwards, Gary E. Georgeson, James E. Engel
-
Patent number: 9689813Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. X-rays are directed at a workpiece. The workpiece includes a fastener installed in an opening. Backscatter is received from the workpiece. It is determined if the fastener installed in the opening has an out of tolerance gap using the backscatter. An output is generated if the fastener installed in the opening has the out of tolerance gap.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Taisia Tsukruk Lou, William Talion Edwards, Gregory Paul Saguto
-
Publication number: 20160252468Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. X-rays are directed at a workpiece. The workpiece includes a fastener installed in an opening. Backscatter is received from the workpiece. It is determined if the fastener installed in the opening has an out of tolerance gap using the backscatter. An output is generated if the fastener installed in the opening has the out of tolerance gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2015Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Taisia Tsukruk Lou, William Talion Edwards, Gergory Paul Saguto
-
Patent number: 9303983Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting sealant on an object. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Gary Ernest Georgeson, William Talion Edwards
-
Publication number: 20150323477Abstract: Inspection systems employing radiation filters with different attenuation characteristics to determine specimen irregularities, and related methods are disclosed. An inspection system includes a radiation emitter configured to emit a radiation beam along a radiation trajectory. Some of the radiation may be reflected by the specimen as backscatter and received by at least one radiation detector of the inspection system along the radiation trajectory. Irregularities and various materials of the specimen may produce backscatter radiation at different energies and/or scatter angles which may be identified by employing radiation filters having different attenuation characteristics. By employing these filters in communication with the radiation emitter and the radiation detector, the backscatter radiation passed through the filters may be measured and integrated at different positions of the radiation beam to produce a composite image of the specimen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: William Talion EDWARDS, Gary GEORGESON, James E. ENGEL, Morteza SAFAI
-
Patent number: 9123450Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Liesenfelt, William Talion Edwards, Daniel Shedlock
-
Patent number: 9081914Abstract: A system and methods to record a configuration record for components of an asset is provided. The system includes a user interface device comprising a screen having a plurality of attributes and a plurality of link hotspots coupled to the plurality of attributes. A database is coupled to the user interface device, wherein the database includes an aspect associated with each of the plurality of attributes. The system includes a processor coupled to the user interface device and the database, wherein the processor configured to couple the aspect to the plurality of link hotspots.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William Talion Edwards, Timothy Joseph Josten, Scott Randall Greene, Michael L. Piasse, Andrew Wall, William E. Wojczyk, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9001121Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating a three-dimensional model of an object of interest in an aircraft. In response to transmitting a plurality of x-rays from a set of transmission points into the aircraft, backscatter x-ray data is received. The object identified from a two-dimensional diagram of the backscatter data. Points for the object are created from the identification of the object in the received data. The points are placed at a first distance from the transmission points to form a first curve. The points are placed at a second distance from the transmission points to form a second curve. A first surface is formed from the first and second curves. A second surface is formed that intersects the first surface to form an intersection. Three-dimensional data is generated for the three-dimensional model of the object from the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John William Finlayson, Kirk Douglas Skaggs, William Talion Edwards, David M. Siebenaler, Douglas David Gaj, Timothy John Suhr, Justin Thomas, Billy Punlap Tung, Kava Sirvan Crosson-Elturan, Thomas Harland Bluhm, Morteza Safai
-
Patent number: 8989342Abstract: Methods and systems for use in generating a volumetric reconstruction of an object using scattered X-ray radiography. An X-ray beam is directed towards a point within a target object. Scattered X-rays are measured by detectors and measurement data is stored. The X-ray beam is directed towards different points. Measurement data associated with each point is analyzed using a ray tracing methodology to assign contrast values to each point. A volumetric image is generated therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Liesenfelt, Dan Shedlock, William Talion Edwards
-
Publication number: 20130297633Abstract: A system and methods to record a configuration record for components of an asset is provided. The system includes a user interface device comprising a screen having a plurality of attributes and a plurality of link hotspots coupled to the plurality of attributes. A database is coupled to the user interface device, wherein the database includes an aspect associated with each of the plurality of attributes. The system includes a processor coupled to the user interface device and the database, wherein the processor configured to couple the aspect to the plurality of link hotspots.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: William Talion Edwards, Timothy Joseph Josten, Scott Randall Greene, Michael L. Piasse, Andrew Wall, William E. Wojczyk, JR.
-
Publication number: 20130287169Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Liesenfelt, William Talion Edwards, Daniel Shedlock
-
Publication number: 20130279645Abstract: Methods and systems for use in generating a volumetric reconstruction of an object using scattered X-ray radiography. An X-ray beam is directed towards a point within a target object. Scattered X-rays are measured by detectors and measurement data is stored. The X-ray beam is directed towards different points. Measurement data associated with each point is analyzed using a ray tracing methodology to assign contrast values to each point. A volumetric image is generated therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Michael Liesenfelt, Dan Shedlock, William Talion Edwards
-
Publication number: 20130260016Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting sealant on an object. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Gary Ernest Georgeson, William Talion Edwards
-
Publication number: 20130255385Abstract: A method for detecting discrepancies in an item is provided. The method comprises: directing energy waves at the item along at least one dimension, wherein a portion of the energy waves are reflected back from the item; detecting reflected energy waves from the item along at least one dimension and recording the intensity of the detected reflected energy waves, and forming a one-dimensional image of the item from the detected reflected energy waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: William Talion Edwards, Gary E. Georgeson, James E. Engel
-
Patent number: 8542876Abstract: A method for detecting an anomaly associated with a structure is described. The method includes obtaining a baseline scan of the structure, changing at least one condition associated with the structure which is intended to impart a movement of the structure or a movement of objects within the structure, obtaining a secondary scan of the structure, the secondary scan obtained from a same position, with respect to the structure, as the baseline scan, determining any differences between the baseline scan and the secondary scan, and identifying at least one of a foreign object proximate the structure and a structural anomaly associated with the structure based on any differences between the baseline scan and the secondary scan.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James E. Engel, Rodney Stephen Wright, Chin Hoi Toh, William Talion Edwards
-
Patent number: 8116529Abstract: Methods and systems for populating fleet maintenance data using 2D feature recognition are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of determining a configuration of a vehicle includes surveying the vehicle using an imaging device to generate 2D imagery of a configuration of the vehicle. The generated 2D imagery of the configuration may be compared to a survey library of 2D images to identify a part in the configuration. Existing data from legacy systems may be extracted for the part. The part may be added to a bill of materials and used to create a 3D model of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: William Talion Edwards
-
Patent number: 8094781Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting objects are disclosed. A portable X-ray backscatter imaging system includes a microfocus X-ray tube to emit X-rays at an object under inspection. A track system rasters the microfocus X-ray tube to inspect the object. A portable hood may enclose the microfocus X-ray tube and the track system against the object A rotation mechanism rotates the microfocus X-ray tube to angle the emitted X-rays at the object. A plurality of solid state detectors receive scattered X-rays to generate an image of the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Morteza Safai, William Talion Edwards, Gary E. Georgeson