Steven H 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:

47612010, Aug 2, 1988

Filed:

May 29, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/869381

Inventors:

Steven C. Nichols - Woodinville WA

International Classification:

B32B 3500
B44C 706

US Classification:

156497

Abstract:

A self contained apparatus is utilized for direct movement on and across a roof surface to lay on the roof surface a continuous sheet or roofing material being removed from a roll guided at each of its ends by this apparatus, and being heated, before being removed, by a heating assembly pivotally supported by the apparatus and pivotally adjusted, so the distance between the roll and the heating assembly is maintained. An inclined A frame of the apparatus has a handle at its apex, and bottom opening slots at its lower ends to fit over the ends of a shaft on which the roll of roofing material is positioned. There is a depending wheel assembly below the handle serving to complete the triangular support of this self contained apparatus. The inclined A frame is pivoted about the wheel assembly to clear the bottom opening slots from the shaft ends and vice versa, when a roll of roofing material is being supplied, withdrawn, and/or adjusted to a different set of slots. Accessories, if required, are added such as a heat shield located on the inclined A frame between a gas tank and the burners or heaters.