Patents by Inventor Lee Ward

Lee Ward 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: 20240109169
    Abstract: A system and method and fastening tool that utilizes ultrasonic or acoustic energy and a horn that focuses the energy into the fastener at a predetermined location in order to facilitate tightening or loosening the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: NEXTGEN AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lee Ward, David Scott Diwinsky, David Joseph Stone, Marc Alan Metz, Tom Lawrence Clutter
  • Patent number: 11890728
    Abstract: A system and method and fastening tool that utilizes ultrasonic or acoustic energy and a horn that focuses the energy into the fastener at a predetermined location in order to facilitate tightening or loosening the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: NEXTGEN AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lee Ward, David Scott Diwinsky, David Joseph Stone, Marc Alan Metz, Tom Lawrence Clutter
  • Patent number: 11845568
    Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a jet engine component and, more particularly, a system and process for cleaning the inside surfaces of a jet engine component comprising a frame having a turbine engine component support surface for supporting a turbine engine component; a drive motor mounted on the frame and having a driver. A cleaner assembly is coupled to the driver and adapted to rotate when the drive motor is energized. The cleaner assembly is adapted to be removeably mounted on the driver so that the cleaner assembly becomes positioned in operative relationship with the surface to be cleaned so that when the drive motor is energized, the cleaner assembly rotates and wipes, scrubs and/or polishes the surface to be cleaned and the cleaner assembly comprises a wiper comprising the cleaning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: CANYON RUN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Marc Alan Metz, Gary Lee Ward, Thomas Lawrence Clutter
  • Publication number: 20230373657
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for cleaning a jet engine component and, more particularly, a system and process for cleaning the inside surfaces of a jet engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Marc Alan Metz, Gary Lee Ward, Thomas Lawrence Clutter
  • Patent number: 11739695
    Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mehmet M. Dede, Byron Andrew Pritchard, Jr., David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne Ray Grady, Marc Metz, Gary Lee Ward
  • Publication number: 20230234722
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for cleaning a jet engine component and, more particularly, a system and process for cleaning the inside surfaces of a jet engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Marc Alan Metz, Gary Lee Ward, Thomas Lawrence Clutter
  • Publication number: 20230083901
    Abstract: A system and method and fastening tool that utilizes ultrasonic or acoustic energy and a horn that focuses the energy into the fastener at a predetermined location in order to facilitate tightening or loosening the fastener. The system, method and fastening tool comprise at least one flexible ultrasonic joint that permits a horn in the fastener tool to pivot in at least one or a plurality of planes and at least partially about at least one or a plurality of axes. The at least one flexible ultrasonic joint is adapted to facilitate transfer and focus of the ultrasonic energy through the tool and toward the fastener utilizing specially designed surfaces and a “dry” or “wet” environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventor: Gary Lee Ward
  • Publication number: 20220371163
    Abstract: A system and method and fastening tool that utilizes ultrasonic or acoustic energy and a horn that focuses the energy into the fastener at a predetermined location in order to facilitate tightening or loosening the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Gary Lee Ward, David Scott Diwinsky, David Joseph Stone, Marc Alan Metz, Tom Lawrence Clutter
  • Publication number: 20210354607
    Abstract: A deep draw trim member for use in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The deep draw trim member comprises a strip of hook material secured to a foam of the vehicle seat, The deep draw trim member also comprises a strip of loop material secured to a seat trim member, wherein the strip of loop material having a plurality of slits arranged throughout. The strip of loop material is engaged with the strip of hook material to create a seating surface that is aesthetically pleasing for the vehicle seat. The seat trim member is applied to the vehicle seat via a pressing of the vehicle seat trim. member to the vehicle seat foam such that the hook and loop materials attached thereto and interengage with one another to create a secure connection therebetween along with an improved and aesthetically pleasing outer surface for the vehicle seat assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: Irvin Automotive Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Lee Ward, Steven Michael Zabaroni, Michael Joseph Gregg
  • Publication number: 20210310415
    Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Mehmet M. Dede, Byron Andrew Pritchard,, Jr., David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne Ray Grady, Marc Metz, Gary Lee Ward
  • Patent number: 11067002
    Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mehmet M. Dede, Byron Andrew Pritchard, Jr., David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne Ray Grady, Marc Metz, Gary Lee Ward
  • Publication number: 20180156132
    Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Mehmet M. Dede, Byron Andrew Pritchard, JR., David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne Ray Grady, Marc Metz, Gary Lee Ward
  • Patent number: 9795087
    Abstract: A variable diameter discharge system for controlling the flow and distribution of a material being fed into a bin. The variable diameter discharge system generally includes a storage bin including a bin opening for receiving a material to be stored in the storage bin. A hopper is suspended beneath the bin opening such that materials fed into the bin opening pass through the hopper. A ring member is connected to the hopper which includes a plurality of guide members adjustable between a first position and a second position. An opening is defined between the guide members; with the opening enlarging as the guide members are adjusted toward the second position. Springs connected between the guide members and the ring member bias the guide members toward the first position. The guide members move from the first position to the second position when a material is flowing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Lee Ward
  • Patent number: 9758313
    Abstract: Aspects of a turn conveyor system are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor, where the first conveyor includes a lateral displacement mechanism configured to displace an article laterally between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The system also includes a lateral conveyor extending between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, a sensor configured to sense a position of an article on the first conveyor, an arm positioner configured to position a turn arm to one of a plurality of locations, and control logic. The control arm can be configured to control an operation of the arm positioner to position the turn arm for rotation of the article, and control an operation of the lateral displacement mechanism based in part on the position of the article to displace the article onto the lateral conveyor and into the turn arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Roger Hogan, John Dewayne Prather, Lee Ward Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20170247183
    Abstract: A variable diameter discharge system for controlling the flow and distribution of a material being fed into a bin. The variable diameter discharge system generally includes a storage bin including a bin opening for receiving a material to be stored in the storage bin. A hopper is suspended beneath the bin opening such that materials fed into the bin opening pass through the hopper. A ring member is connected to the hopper which includes a plurality of guide members adjustable between a first position and a second position. An opening is defined between the guide members; with the opening enlarging as the guide members are adjusted toward the second position. Springs connected between the guide members and the ring member bias the guide members toward the first position. The guide members move from the first position to the second position when a material is flowing through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Lee Ward
  • Publication number: 20160052724
    Abstract: Aspects of a turn conveyor system are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor, where the first conveyor includes a lateral displacement mechanism configured to displace an article laterally between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The system also includes a lateral conveyor extending between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, a sensor configured to sense a position of an article on the first conveyor, an arm positioner configured to position a turn arm to one of a plurality of locations, and control logic. The control arm can be configured to control an operation of the arm positioner to position the turn arm for rotation of the article, and control an operation of the lateral displacement mechanism based in part on the position of the article to displace the article onto the lateral conveyor and into the turn arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Roger Hogan, John Dewayne Prather, Lee Ward Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9205997
    Abstract: Aspects of a turn conveyor system are described. In one embodiment, the turn conveyor system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor adjacent to the first conveyor, a lateral conveyor extending between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, and a turn arm. The turn arm may extend across the second conveyor and be coupled to the second conveyor at a position corresponding to an end of the lateral conveyor. In one embodiment, the turn arm includes an extension bar, a rolling bumper having an angular degree of freedom, and an extension down shaft. According to various aspects, the turn conveyor system may displace an article in a first direction with the first conveyor, laterally displace the article in a second direction onto the lateral conveyor, laterally convey the article toward the turn arm, and rotate the article from a first orientation to a second orientation using the turn arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Roger Hogan, John Dewayne Prather, Lee Ward Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8892985
    Abstract: A plurality of columns for a check matrix that implements a distance d linear error correcting code are populated by providing a set of vectors from which to populate the columns, and applying to the set of vectors a filter operation that reduces the set by eliminating therefrom all vectors that would, if used to populate the columns, prevent the check matrix from satisfying a column-wise linear independence requirement associated with check matrices of distance d linear codes. One of the vectors from the reduced set may then be selected to populate one of the columns. The filtering and selecting repeats iteratively until either all of the columns are populated or the number of currently unpopulated columns exceeds the number of vectors in the reduced set. Columns for the check matrix may be processed to reduce the amount of logic needed to implement the check matrix in circuit logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Sandia Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Lee Ward, Anand Ganti, David R. Resnick
  • Publication number: 20140258807
    Abstract: A plurality of columns for a check matrix that implements a distance d linear error correcting code are populated by providing a set of vectors from which to populate the columns, and applying to the set of vectors a filter operation that reduces the set by eliminating therefrom all vectors that would, if used to populate the columns, prevent the check matrix from satisfying a column-wise linear independence requirement associated with check matrices of distance d linear codes. One of the vectors from the reduced set may then be selected to populate one of the columns. The filtering and selecting repeats iteratively until either all of the columns are populated or the number of currently unpopulated columns exceeds the number of vectors in the reduced set. Columns for the check matrix may be processed to reduce the amount of logic needed to implement the check matrix in circuit logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: Sandia Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Lee Ward, Anand Ganti, David R. Resnick
  • Patent number: 8756484
    Abstract: A plurality of columns for a check matrix that implements a distance d linear error correcting code are populated by providing a set of vectors from which to populate the columns, and applying to the set of vectors a filter operation that reduces the set by eliminating therefrom all vectors that would, if used to populate the columns, prevent the check matrix from satisfying a column-wise linear independence requirement associated with check matrices of distance d linear codes. One of the vectors from the reduced set may then be selected to populate one of the columns. The filtering and selecting repeats iteratively until either all of the columns are populated or the number of currently unpopulated columns exceeds the number of vectors in the reduced set. Columns for the check matrix may be processed to reduce the amount of logic needed to implement the check matrix in circuit logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Sandia Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Lee Ward, Anand Ganti, David R. Resnick