Patents by Inventor Robert D. Fordice

Robert D. Fordice 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: 9417151
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to determine a center of gravity of a three dimensional object comprises positioning the object on a test platform in a first orientation, determining a position of the center of gravity along a first axis and a second axis when the object is in the first orientation, rotating the object with respect to a third axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, determining a position of the center of gravity along at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation, and using a change in the position of the center of gravity along the at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation to determine a position of the center of gravity along the third axis. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Fordice, Daniel J. Wright, Donald G. Morris, Nathan A. Fabro
  • Publication number: 20130138376
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to determine a center of gravity of a three dimensional object comprises positioning the object on a test platform in a first orientation, determining a position of the center of gravity along a first axis and a second axis when the object is in the first orientation, rotating the object with respect to a third axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, determining a position of the center of gravity along at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation, and using a change in the position of the center of gravity along the at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation to determine a position of the center of gravity along the third axis. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Fordice, Daniel J. Wright, Donald G. Morris, Nathan A. Fabro
  • Patent number: 7707915
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second coupling devices each having a lever end, a gripping end, and an elongated slot: an axle disposed within the elongated slot of each coupling device where the coupling devices may pivot relative to each other about the axle: a threaded shaft operatively attached to both a bushing pivotally disposed at the first coupling device lever end and a threaded seat pivotally disposed at the second coupling device lever end and configured to advance the lever ends toward each other as the threaded shaft is rotated in a first direction; and a pair of latches rotatably attached to a respective gripping end of a respective coupling device, each latch having a distal toe plate configured to engage a circumference of one of a pair of washers, the apparatus configured to tighten or loosen the pair of washers by imparting opposite rotational forces to the washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Fordice
  • Publication number: 20080216614
    Abstract: A wrench with the property of applying two opposing forces to a pair of spiral washers. The basic design for the wrench can be used to tighten or loosen the pair of spiral washers in a controlled, repeatable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert D. Fordice