Patents by Inventor Jeffrey A. Wilkerson

Jeffrey A. Wilkerson 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).

  • Publication number: 20230218066
    Abstract: A carrying frame assembly includes a frame that is longitudinally elongated to extend along a full length of a user's back when the frame is worn on the user's back. The frame has a pair of load supports to support a pack of shingles on the frame thereby facilitating the user to carry the pack of shingles up a ladder. A pair of waist straps is each coupled to the frame for extending around the user's waist. The pair of waist straps is matable to each other to secure the frame to the user's back. A plurality of shoulder straps is provided and each of the shoulder straps is coupled to the frame for wearing the frame on the user's back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10960967
    Abstract: A wing includes a wing box including interconnected spars, an interior system installed within the wing box, an opposed pair of skins fastened to and covering the wing box, wherein one of the skins closes out the wing, and a plurality of fastening systems configured to fasten the skins to the spars and provide protection from electromagnetic effects, wherein each one of the fastening systems includes a threaded fastener, a nut plate including a body and a cover, and a nut enclosed within the nut plate between the body and the cover, wherein the nut is restricted from rotation within the nut plate about a nut plate axis and is free to move linearly within the nut plate orthogonal to the nut plate axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10752377
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing damage to a metal component that is susceptible to damage by electro-magnetic effects or reduce manufacturing assembly steps. An initial channel is formed through the metal component and is defined by an inner surface. A bushing is placed into the initial channel. An interference fit is created between the outer surface of the bushing and the inner surface of the initial channel through the metal component. A final channel is formed through the bushing. A fastener is placed into the final channel to attach the metal component to a second component, wherein electrical magnetic effects occur between the fastener and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, Tanni Sisco, Paul E. Ffield
  • Patent number: 10641307
    Abstract: An assembly comprising first and second structural elements having aligned holes, an fastener that occupies at least respective portions of the holes without a surrounding sleeve, and a mating part that is coupled to the fastener. The fastener comprises: a head; a circular cylindrical shank extending from the head; a mating portion comprising external projections; and a transition portion disposed between the shank and the mating portion. The transition portion comprises a first radiused lead-in section that meets the shank at a shank/lead-in intersection and a second radiused lead-in section that meets the first radiused lead-in section. The first radiused lead-in section curves gradually in a first axial direction toward the mating portion and has a first profile that is a circular arc having a first radius, while the second radiused lead-in section curves abruptly in the first axial direction and has a second profile that is a circular arc having a second radius which is much smaller than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Blake A. Simpson, Tanni Sisco, Todd E. Hubbell, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10574018
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20190106195
    Abstract: A wing includes a wing box including interconnected spars, an interior system installed within the wing box, an opposed pair of skins fastened to and covering the wing box, wherein one of the skins closes out the wing, and a plurality of fastening systems configured to fasten the skins to the spars and provide protection from electromagnetic effects, wherein each one of the fastening systems includes a threaded fastener, a nut plate including a body and a cover, and a nut enclosed within the nut plate between the body and the cover, wherein the nut is restricted from rotation within the nut plate about a nut plate axis and is free to move linearly within the nut plate orthogonal to the nut plate axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10186788
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method are described. The fastener assembly includes a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10179640
    Abstract: A wing includes a wing box including interconnected spars, an interior system installed within the wing box, an opposed pair of skins fastened to and covering the wing box, wherein one of the skins closes out the wing, and a plurality of fastening systems configured to fasten the skins to the spars and provide protection from electromagnetic effects, wherein each one of the fastening systems includes a threaded fastener, a nut plate including a body and a cover, and a nut enclosed within the nut plate between the body and the cover, wherein the nut is restricted from rotation within the nut plate about a nut plate axis and is free to move linearly within the nut plate orthogonal to the nut plate axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20180238370
    Abstract: An assembly comprising first and second structural elements having aligned holes, an fastener that occupies at least respective portions of the holes without a surrounding sleeve, and a mating part that is coupled to the fastener. The fastener comprises: a head; a circular cylindrical shank extending from the head; a mating portion comprising external projections; and a transition portion disposed between the shank and the mating portion. The transition portion comprises a first radiused lead-in section that meets the shank at a shank/lead-in intersection and a second radiused lead-in section that meets the first radiused lead-in section. The first radiused lead-in section curves gradually in a first axial direction toward the mating portion and has a first profile that is a circular arc having a first radius, while the second radiused lead-in section curves abruptly in the first axial direction and has a second profile that is a circular arc having a second radius which is much smaller than the first radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Blake A. Simpson, Tanni Sisco, Todd E. Hubbell, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10014593
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly includes a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20180057142
    Abstract: A wing includes a wing box including interconnected spars, an interior system installed within the wing box, an opposed pair of skins fastened to and covering the wing box, wherein one of the skins closes out the wing, and a plurality of fastening systems configured to fasten the skins to the spars and provide protection from electromagnetic effects, wherein each one of the fastening systems includes a threaded fastener, a nut plate including a body and a cover, and a nut enclosed within the nut plate between the body and the cover, wherein the nut is restricted from rotation within the nut plate about a nut plate axis and is free to move linearly within the nut plate orthogonal to the nut plate axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20170137146
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing damage to a metal component that is susceptible to damage by electro-magnetic effects or reduce manufacturing assembly steps. An initial channel is formed through the metal component. The initial channel is defined by an inner surface. A bushing is placed into the initial channel, wherein the bushing has an outer surface and an inner channel. An interference fit is created between the outer surface of the bushing and the inner surface of the initial channel through the metal component. A final channel is formed through the bushing. In forming the final channel, material is removed from the bushing to increase a size of the inner channel to one that is suitable to receive a fastener and such that the inner surface of the metal component remains unexposed within the final channel. The final channel extends through a second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, Tanni Sisco, Paul E. Ffield
  • Patent number: 9533771
    Abstract: Preventing damage to a metal component or reducing manufacturing assembly steps. An initial channel, defined by an inner surface, is formed through the metal component. A bushing is placed into the initial channel, the bushing having an outer surface and an inner channel. An interference fit is created between the outer surface and the inner surface. A final channel is formed through the bushing. In forming the final channel, material is removed from the bushing to increase a size of the inner channel to be suitable to receive a fastener and such that the inner surface of the metal component remains unexposed within the final channel. The final channel extends through a second component. A fastener is placed into the final channel to attach the metal component to a second component, wherein electrical magnetic effects occur between the fastener and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, Tanni Sisco, Paul E. Ffield
  • Publication number: 20160261052
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method are described. The fastener assembly includes a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20160240939
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly includes a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Russell J. HEETER, Thu A. NGUYEN, John A. WARD, John R. PORTER, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9343824
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J Heeter, Thu A Nguyen, John A Ward, John R Porter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9331402
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J Heeter, Thu A Nguyen, John A Ward, John R Porter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20150298820
    Abstract: Preventing damage to a metal component or reducing manufacturing assembly steps. An initial channel, defined by an inner surface, is formed through the metal component. A bushing is placed into the initial channel, the bushing having an outer surface and an inner channel. An interference fit is created between the outer surface and the inner surface. A final channel is formed through the bushing. In forming the final channel, material is removed from the bushing to increase a size of the inner channel to be suitable to receive a fastener and such that the inner surface of the metal component remains unexposed within the final channel. The final channel extends through a second component. A fastener is placed into the final channel to attach the metal component to a second component, wherein electrical magnetic effects occur between the fastener and the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, Tanni Sisco, Paul E. Ffield
  • Publication number: 20150200517
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9003650
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thu A Nguyen, Michael G Parent, Russell Joe Heeter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson