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US 11,079,063 B2Granted
Zero-G lift assist device
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKareem Shehab, Donald W. Coffland, Alexander de Marne, W. Tony Piaskowy, Cameron Fasola, Lance O. McCann
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Abstract
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing a zero-G condition to a part to assist in allowing an operator to weightlessly move a part and assist an operator in the installation of a part into an assembly. Present methods, systems, and apparatuses further provide a zero-G lift able to alter the lift velocity of a part, from first predetermined velocity to a second predetermined velocity.
Claims30
A method comprising:
- supporting a part onto a zero-G positioning device;
- providing a countering force to the part;
- establishing a zero-G condition on the part;
- applying a directional force to the part;
- sensing the directional force applied to the part;
- generating a directional force signal;
- delivering the directional force signal to a controller;
- actuating the drive mechanism;
- and
- moving the part at a first predetermined velocity in the direction of the directional force.
7 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a support configured to support a part;
- a weight measurement mechanism configured to sense a part present on the support, said weight measurement mechanism in communication with the support;
- a force sensor in communication with the support, said force sensor configured to sense a directional force;
- a controller in communication with the force sensor, and said controller further in communication with the weight measurement mechanism;
- a drive mechanism in communication with the controller;
- wherein the weight measurement mechanism is configured to send a signal to the drive mechanism;
- wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a countering force to the part;
- and
- wherein the drive mechanism is configured to move the part in response to the presence of the directional force.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.