Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120320372 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 12-20-2012 |
20130041544 | Beam Directed Motion Control System - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 02-14-2013 |
20130260016 | Sealant Analysis System - 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. | 10-03-2013 |
20140116146 | System and Method for Testing a Composite Structure Using a Laser Ultrasound Testing System - A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances. | 05-01-2014 |
20140200832 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 07-17-2014 |
20140360289 | Nondestructive Inspection System for Difficult to Access Areas - A method for inspecting an object. A support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor is moved to an area for inspection. The support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration. The support structure is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration. | 12-11-2014 |
20140365063 | BEAM DIRECTED MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 12-11-2014 |
20150013463 | Ultrasonic Inspection System for Non-Planar Surfaces - A method and apparatus for inspecting a test object. A sound signal is sent from a first portion of a curved transducer array through the test object in a direction towards a second portion of the curved transducer array. The curved transducer array has a shape that is configured to cover a non-planar surface of the test object. A response signal in response to the sound signal is received at the second portion of the curved transducer array. | 01-15-2015 |
20150024160 | Composite Structures having Composite-to-Metal Joints and Method for Making the Same - A composite structure comprises stacked sets of laminated fiber reinforced resin plies and metal sheets. Edges of the resin plies and metal sheets are interleaved to form a composite-to-metal joint connecting the resin plies with the metal sheets. | 01-22-2015 |