# US 10,766,303 B2 · Positioning systems > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,766,303 B2 - Document ID: US10766303B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/896,113 - Filed: 2018-02-14 - Published: 2018-06-28 - Granted: 2020-09-08 - Earliest claimed: 2014-12-12 - Assignees: The Boeing Company - Applicants: The Boeing Company - Inventors: Theodore Martin Boyl-Davis - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10766303B2 ## CPC - B60B 33/0044: {Roller type wheels, i.e. extra wide wheels} - B60B 33/0018: {in the form of a flat mounting plate} - B62B 3/001: {Steering devices} - B62B 3/02: involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible - B60B 33/04: adjustable {, e.g. in height; linearly shifting castors} - B60B: VEHICLE WHEELS (making wheels or wheel parts by rolling B21H1/00, by forging, hammering or pressing B21K1/28); CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION - B62B: HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES (characterised by animal propulsion B62C; propulsion of sledges by driver or engine B62M) ## Abstract A method and apparatus for positioning a manufacturing tool. A wheel assembly comprises a wheel plate and rollers. The wheel plate has a perimeter and an axis of rotation that is tiltable about a tilt axis. The rollers are arranged near the perimeter of the wheel plate, each of the rollers having an axis of rotation parallel to the tilt axis. An apparatus comprises an upper frame, a lower frame associated with the upper frame, a wedge slideably located between the upper frame and the lower frame, and a force applicator associated with the wedge. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus comprising: an upper frame; a lower frame associated with the upper frame; a wedge slideably located between the upper frame and the lower frame; a force applicator associated with the wedge; an upper air bearing coupled to the upper frame; and a lower air bearing coupled to the lower frame, wherein the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are configured to suspend the wedge substantially frictionless. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a bias system connected to the upper frame and the lower frame and biasing the upper frame and lower frame towards each other. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are formed of at least one of sintered bronze, porous carbon, or steel. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wedge comprises a roughened metal. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a spherical bearing associated with the lower frame; and a foot associated with the spherical bearing. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the force applicator is associated with at least one of a pneumatic force, a hydraulic force, an electro-mechanical force, or a mechanical force. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are formed of a metal with micro-holes. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bias system comprises a spring. ### Claim 9 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bias system comprises one of a dashpot or a polymeric material. ### Claim 10 An apparatus comprising: an upper frame; a lower frame; a bias system connected to the upper frame and the lower frame and biasing the upper frame and lower frame towards each other; an upper air bearing coupled to the upper frame; a lower air bearing coupled to the lower frame; a foot associated with the lower frame; a wedge slideably located between the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing; and a force applicator associated with the wedge. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are configured to suspend the wedge substantially frictionless. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a position of the wedge relative to the upper frame and the lower frame is maintained by friction when the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are not activated. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing are formed of a metal with micro-holes. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bias system comprises a spring. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bias system comprises one of a dashpot or a polymeric material. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a spherical bearing associated with the lower frame, wherein the foot is associated with the spherical bearing. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the force applicator is associated with at least one of a pneumatic force, a hydraulic force, an electro-mechanical force, or a mechanical force. ### Claim 18 A method comprising: determining a desired height for an apparatus, the apparatus comprising an upper frame, a lower frame associated with the upper frame, a wedge slideably located between the upper frame and the lower frame, and a force applicator associated with the wedge; activating an upper air bearing coupled to the upper frame and a lower air bearing coupled to the lower frame to suspend the wedge substantially frictionless prior to applying the force to the wedge; and applying a force to the wedge using the force applicator to slide the wedge between the upper frame and the lower frame such that the apparatus increases in height to the desired height. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, further comprising: deactivating the upper air bearing and the lower air bearing after applying the force to the wedge. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19 further comprising: applying a force to the upper frame and the lower frame to bias the upper frame and lower frame towards each other.