Rotating internal support apparatus and method for large hollow structures

US7596843B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Noel A. Spishak · Bellevue, US
• Paul E. Nelson · University Place, US
• Thomas J. Hagman · Seattle, US
• Jeffrey Schwindt · Bonney Lake, US
• Matthew J. Masters · Puyallup, US
• Michael Sanders · Houston, US
• Alan Ray Merkley · Langley, US
• Eric M. Reid · Kenmore, US
• James C. Murphy · Burley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 16, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 6, 2009
• Expiry date: May 5, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/53974
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.