The Boeing Company
Methods for removing residue from a nozzle

Abstract:

A method for removing a residue of a substance, extrudable through a nozzle of an automated end-effector, from an exterior of the nozzle, the method including steps of (1) establishing contact between the nozzle and a cleaning pad; (2) adhering the cleaning pad to the nozzle; (3) inserting the nozzle, with the cleaning pad adhered thereto, into a constricting device; (4) circumferentially squeezing the cleaning pad around the nozzle with the constricting device; (5) withdrawing the nozzle from the constricting device to separate the cleaning pad from the nozzle and remove the residue of the substance from the exterior of the nozzle; and (6) transferring the cleaning pad from the constricting device to a disposal receptacle.