Eric M Reid

US Patent:

7596843, Oct 6, 2009

Filed:

Jun 16, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/153482

Inventors:

Noel A. Spishak - Bellevue WA, US
Paul E. Nelson - University Place WA, US
Thomas J. Hagman - Seattle WA, US
Jeffrey D. Schwindt - Sumner WA, US
Matthew J. Masters - Puyallup WA, US
Michael G. Sanders - Federal Way WA, US
Alan R. Merkley - Greenbank WA, US
Eric M. Reid - Bothell WA, US
James C. Murphy - Kirkland WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B25B 27/14

US Classification:

292814, 29559, 298972, 29466, 29428, 269 481, 269 482, 269 50, 269 51, 269 52, 269 28, 269909, 526531

Abstract:

A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

US Patent:

8087145, Jan 3, 2012

Filed:

Mar 17, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/377548

Inventors:

Brent F. Craig - Seattle WA, US
Eric M. Reid - Bothell WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23Q 3/00

US Classification:

29468, 29559, 292816, 292815, 269 21, 269 27, 269 37

Abstract:

An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.

US Patent:

8365376, Feb 5, 2013

Filed:

Nov 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/272952

Inventors:

Eric M. Reid - Bothell WA, US
Brent F. Craig - Seattle WA, US
Riley Harrison HansonSmith - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B23P 11/00
B23P 19/04
B25B 27/15
A62B 3/00

US Classification:

2924354, 254 93 R, 292435, 29244, 292811

Abstract:

An apparatus may comprise a rail system, a multi-axis carriage, a tool module, and a controller. The rail system may be capable of being attached to a surface on a structure. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the rail system and moving a riveting tool in axes relative to the surface. The tool module may be capable of being removably coupled to the multi-axis carriage. The tool module may comprise a frame and may be capable of receiving the riveting tool. The controller may be capable of controlling movement of the riveting tool to a number of locations on the surface of the structure and may be capable of causing the riveting tool to install a number of rivets in the number of preselected locations in response to a signal.

US Patent:

20060277751, Dec 14, 2006

Filed:

May 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/124069

Inventors:

Noel Spishak - Bellevue WA, US
Paul Nelson - University Place WA, US
Thomas Hagman - Seattle WA, US
Jeffrey Schwindt - Sumner WA, US
Matthew Masters - Puyallup WA, US
Michael Sanders - Federal Way WA, US
Alan Merkley - Greenbank WA, US
Eric Reid - Bothell WA, US
James Murphy - Kirkland WA, US

International Classification:

B23P 21/00

US Classification:

029721000

Abstract:

A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

US Patent:

20100037444, Feb 18, 2010

Filed:

Aug 15, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/192248

Inventors:

Eric M. Reid - Bothell WA, US
Alan R. Merkley - Greenbank WA, US
James C. Murphy - Kirkland WA, US

International Classification:

B21D 39/03

US Classification:

29 33 R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for performing operations on a work piece comprises a flexible rail system and a multi-axis carriage. The flexible rail system may be capable of being attached to a work surface. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the flexible rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the flexible rail system and may be capable of moving a tool in axes relative to the work surface. The tool may be single use or multi use and may be removably coupled to the frame and or carriage

US Patent:

20120330448, Dec 27, 2012

Filed:

Jun 24, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/167879

Inventors:

Eric M. Reid - Bothell WA, US
Alan Ray Merkley - Greenbank WA, US

Assignee:

THE BOEING COMPANY - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G05B 19/418

US Classification:

700 96

Abstract:

A method and apparatus comprising a tracking system and a controller in communication with the tracking system. The tracking system is configured to identify characteristics about a group of portable machines configured to perform a number of manufacturing operations on a workpiece. The controller is configured to control performance of the number of manufacturing operations on the workpiece using the characteristics about the group of portable machines identified using the tracking system.

US Patent:

20130158697, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/326996

Inventors:

Paul Reed Stone - Federal Way WA, US
Clayton Lynn Munk - Maple Valley WA, US
Eric M. Reid - Kenmore WA, US

Assignee:

THE BOEING COMPANY - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G06F 19/00
B65G 49/00
B23P 19/00
B23Q 41/02
B23P 15/00

US Classification:

700114, 29897, 298972, 29791, 41422201

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a structure. A part for the structure may be supported on a plurality of mobile fixtures configured to control an orientation of the part. The part for the structure may be moved using the plurality of mobile fixtures to a number of stations for performing a number of operations for manufacturing the structure using the part. The plurality of mobile fixtures may be configured to move in a coordinated manner and substantially maintain a desired orientation for the part while moving the part to a station in the number of stations. The number of operations for manufacturing the structure may be performed at the number of stations while the plurality of mobile fixtures supports the part.

US Patent:

20210118126, Apr 22, 2021

Filed:

Oct 21, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/658751

Inventors:

- Chicago IL, US
Eric M. Reid - Kenmore WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G06T 7/00
G01B 11/14
H04N 5/225
H04N 5/247
H04N 5/232

Abstract:

A scanning apparatus for predictive shimming includes a scanning platform. The scanning apparatus also include a first scanner, coupled to the scanning platform, and a second scanner, coupled to the scanning platform. The scanning platform is configured to move the first scanner and the second scanner together along an X-axis and a Z-axis. The scanning platform is also configured to move the first scanner and the second scanner independent of and relative to each other along a Y-axis and a Z-axis. A first field of view of the first scanner and a second field of view of the second scanner at least partially overlap when the first scanner and the second scanner move in opposite directions along the Y-axis.