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US 6,681,466 B2Granted
Router replacement method
AssigneeUnited Air Lines, Inc.
InventorsBruce R. David, William J. Rushin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for easily removing portions of aircraft skin damaged by pressure cycles and corrosion. The method includes inspecting both upper and lower portions of the skin. Using a special router and guide, the damaged skin is then removed and replaced. The method is particularly useful in that it is rapid and precise, and promises control over the process sufficient to insure that aircraft structure below the skins is not damaged. The method may also be used to remove and replace sheet metal used in other applications.
Claims11
A skin lap replacement method for an aircraft skin, comprising:
- providing a skin lap router apparatus having a guide, a platform, a router having a vertical adjustment and a vacuum fitting;
- mounting the router apparatus to the aircraft by fasteners drilled through the aircraft skin;
- removing a first skin portion and a second skin portion using said skin lap router to cut the skin portions;
- replacing said first and said second skin portions;
- installing a doubler and a tripler skin portions;
- and
- inspecting at least one of said first, second, doubler and tripler skin portions.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.