Patents by Inventor Erik F. Item

Erik F. Item has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11395064
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing vibration for an acoustic array. In an embodiment, an acoustic array includes a base structure having apertures and sensors supported by the base structure for providing an acoustic array. Vibration damping material is located in the apertures of the base structure and attachment mechanisms for secure the portions of vibration damping material to a vehicle. A mold material encapsulates the base structure, the sensors and the portions of vibration damping material. The structure and materials are selected to dampen vibration for certain frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Misulia, Erik F. Item
  • Publication number: 20220225020
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing vibration for an acoustic array. In an embodiment, an acoustic array includes a base structure having apertures and sensors supported by the base structure for providing an acoustic array. Vibration damping material is located in the apertures of the base structure and attachment mechanisms for secure the portions of vibration damping material to a vehicle. A mold material encapsulates the base structure, the sensors and the portions of vibration damping material. The structure and materials are selected to dampen vibration for certain frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Misulia, Erik F. Item
  • Patent number: 11168399
    Abstract: A composite structural component is disclosed. The composite structural component can include a lattice structure, a casing disposed about at least a portion of the lattice structure, and a skin adhered to a surface of the casing. The lattice structure and the casing can be formed of a polymeric material and the skin can be formed of a metallic material. A method of manufacturing a composite structural component is disclosed. The method can include creating a casing of a polymeric material and creating a lattice structure of a polymeric material disposed about at least a portion of the casing. The method can include sealing the porosity of the casing and lattice structure. The method can include adhering a skin of a metallic material to at least a portion of the casing. At least one of creating a lattice structure and creating a casing comprises utilizing an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Jonathan Murrow, Erik F. Item
  • Publication number: 20180265985
    Abstract: A composite structural component is disclosed. The composite structural component can include a lattice structure, a casing disposed about at least a portion of the lattice structure, and a skin adhered to a surface of the casing. The lattice structure and the casing can be formed of a polymeric material and the skin can be formed of a metallic material. A method of manufacturing a composite structural component is disclosed. The method can include creating a casing of a polymeric material and creating a lattice structure of a polymeric material disposed about at least a portion of the casing. The method can include sealing the porosity of the casing and lattice structure. The method can include adhering a skin of a metallic material to at least a portion of the casing. At least one of creating a lattice structure and creating a casing comprises utilizing an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Jonathan Murrow, Erik F. Item
  • Patent number: 9920429
    Abstract: A composite structural component is disclosed. The composite structural component can include a lattice structure, a casing disposed about at least a portion of the lattice structure, and a skin adhered to a surface of the casing. The lattice structure and the casing can be formed of a polymeric material and the skin can be formed of a metallic material. A method of manufacturing a composite structural component is disclosed. The method can include creating a casing of a polymeric material and creating a lattice structure of a polymeric material disposed about at least a portion of the casing. The method can include sealing the porosity of the casing and lattice structure. The method can include adhering a skin of a metallic material to at least a portion of the casing. At least one of creating a lattice structure and creating a casing comprises utilizing an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Jonathan Murrow, Erik F. Item
  • Publication number: 20160151965
    Abstract: A method of coupling components utilizing electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a first component having a first coupling portion, and obtaining a second component having a second coupling portion configured to interface with the first coupling portion. The method can also include disposing a hot melt adhesive on at least one of the first and second coupling portions, and disposing a susceptor proximate the hot melt adhesive. The method can further include mating the first and second coupling portions. In addition, the method can include applying electromagnetic energy to the susceptor. The susceptor can convert the electromagnetic energy to heat, which melts the hot melt adhesive into contact with the first and second coupling portions to couple the first and second components to one another upon solidification of the hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Erik F. Item
  • Publication number: 20160152314
    Abstract: A composite structural component is disclosed. The composite structural component can include a lattice structure, a casing disposed about at least a portion of the lattice structure, and a skin adhered to a surface of the casing. The lattice structure and the casing can be formed of a polymeric material and the skin can be formed of a metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Jonathan Murrow, Erik F. Item
  • Patent number: 9291438
    Abstract: A system includes a catamaran configured for use in a body of water and having twin hulls, the catamaran comprising an opening between the twin hulls, the opening having a size and shape substantially the same as a payload module. The system also includes the payload module removably coupled to the catamaran in the opening between the twin hulls. The system further includes a common interface coupled to the payload module and the catamaran, the common interface configured to exchange utilities between the payload module and the catamaran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Erik F. Item
  • Patent number: 9174713
    Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is disclosed. The UUV includes a body and a propulsion system for propelling and orienting the UUV. The propulsion system has an inlet formed in the body that facilitates fluid being drawn into the UUV from outside the body. The propulsion system also has a duct in fluid communication with the inlet. The duct is adapted to direct the fluid along a flow path. The propulsion system further includes a pump operable with the duct to increase the velocity of the fluid. In addition, the propulsion system includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the duct to receive the fluid at the increased velocity. The nozzle is supported about a side of the body and adapted to moveably redirect fluid out of the UUV. The propulsion system provides multi-axis control of the UUV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Erik F. Item, Mark S. Langelier, Curtis B. Carlsten, Daniel B. Minarik
  • Publication number: 20150144044
    Abstract: A system includes a catamaran configured for use in a body of water and having twin hulls, the catamaran comprising an opening between the twin hulls, the opening having a size and shape substantially the same as a payload module. The system also includes the payload module removably coupled to the catamaran in the opening between the twin hulls. The system further includes a common interface coupled to the payload module and the catamaran, the common interface configured to exchange utilities between the payload module and the catamaran.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Erik F. Item
  • Publication number: 20120114909
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a mold assembly to minimize voids in a molded product. The mold assembly can include a fill port aligned in relation to first surface feature of a part to be molded, a vent to provide an exit passage for bubbles associated with a second surface feature, and a fill angle scheme to minimize voids in the molded part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Christopher A. Leombruno, Erik F. Item, Curtis B. Carlsten