Steven A Nichols

US Patent:

7277811, Oct 2, 2007

Filed:

May 11, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/432011

Inventors:

Bobby J. Marsh - Lake Stevens WA, US
Steven H. Nichols - Auburn WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01L 25/00
G01C 21/00

US Classification:

702105, 702 94, 702 95

Abstract:

The invention discloses differing embodiments of calibration apparatus, and methods of use. In one embodiment, the calibration apparatus may be used to calibrate a tool, positioning system, robot, machine, or device. The calibration apparatus may include a first member adapted to be attached to a tool, positioning system, robot, machine, or device, and two or more reflectors attached to the first member. The reflectors may be adapted to reflect one or more laser beams emitted from a laser tracker system. In such manner, a laser tracker system may be used to determine spatial X, Y, and Z coordinates of the reflectors, and/or to determine angular orientation of the first member. Using the spatial X, Y, and Z coordinate and angular orientation data, a tool, positioning system, robot, machine, or device may be calibrated.

US Patent:

7536271, May 19, 2009

Filed:

Jun 4, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/757739

Inventors:

Bobby J. Marsh - Lake Stevens WA, US
Steven H. Nichols - Auburn WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

702150

Abstract:

Methods and systems for fabricating a composite structure are provided. The method includes receiving data representing a portion of a surface of the structure, measuring a surface of the structure, the measured surface corresponding to the received surface wherein the measuring is performed with the structure in a flexed condition, and determining a difference in a first and a second direction between the measured surface and the received surface at areas that correspond to the measured surface. The method also includes determining a difference in a third direction, transmitting to a morphing algorithm the determined differences in the first, second, and third directions, and determining a position in the first, second, and third directions of a point on the surface in the flexed condition that corresponds to a respective point on the received surface when the structure is placed in the nominal condition.

US Patent:

7587258, Sep 8, 2009

Filed:

Sep 8, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/518471

Inventors:

Bobby J. Marsh - Lake Stevens WA, US
Steven H. Nichols - Renton WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

700195, 700166, 702159, 356 3

Abstract:

The surface of a part is measured using a combination of laser tracking and Photogrammetry processes. Cameras used in the Photogrammetry process are mounted on a carriage for movement to positions along a predetermined path where images of the part surface are recorded and then converted to surface measurements. Laser tracking is used to both measure the part surface and track the position of the cameras. The measurements made by Photogrammetry and laser tracking processes are combined with the camera position to produce highly accurate part surface measurements.