Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Dean Farnsworth

Jeffrey Dean Farnsworth 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: 8262021
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for detecting obstructions, utilizing an obstruction detection system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a moveable assembly that includes a moveable structure moveable between a stowed and operational configuration and has a leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed and operational configurations. A protective panel is attached to the moveable structure and has an outer surface separated from the leading surface by an over-travel distance. A proximity sensor detects a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface. A control module is responsive to at least one proximity sensor, such that when the proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kevin S. Callahan, Jeffrey Dean Farnsworth
  • Publication number: 20110005137
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for detecting obstructions, utilizing an obstruction detection system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a moveable assembly that includes a moveable structure moveable between a stowed and operational configuration and has a leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed and operational configurations. A protective panel is attached to the moveable structure and has an outer surface separated from the leading surface by an over-travel distance. A proximity sensor detects a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface. A control module is responsive to at least one proximity sensor, such that when the proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin S. Callahan, Jeffrey Dean Farnsworth