Patents by Inventor Terrance L. Thomas

Terrance L. Thomas 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: 10753979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for battery monitoring. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves injecting at least one test signal into a battery, and receiving at least one response signal from the battery. In one or more embodiments, the response signal(s) comprises at least one reflected signal. The method further involves comparing, with at least one processor, the response signal(s) with at least one baseline signal to produce at least one comparison signal. Also, the method involves detecting, with at least one processor, at least one anomaly within the battery by using the comparison signal(s). Further, the method involves determining, with at least one processor, a location at least one anomaly within the battery by using the comparison signal(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mori M. Borumand
  • Patent number: 10493930
    Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20170274847
    Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mark S. SHANDER, N. Evan LURTON, Thomas F. CURRIER, Todd B. BROUWER, Mark E. LIFFRING, Jon J. DHONDT, Carolyn KERR, Robert D. HOLLEY, Lowell W. SCHAFFNER, Eugene V. SOLODOVNIK, Terrance L. THOMAS
  • Patent number: 9676351
    Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9678488
    Abstract: A system and method for performing build verification of equipment systems after being installed in a partially constructed vehicle portion. After installing one or more of prerequisite equipment systems during a current build stage of a vehicle build plan, the installed equipment systems are tested during the current build stage to determine whether the installed equipment systems are electrically connected correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jon J. Dhondt, Michael B. McAvoy, Terrance L. Thomas, Mark S. Shander, Alberto Ferrer, Steven M. Walstrom
  • Patent number: 9658271
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for illuminating faults in a wiring system. The wiring system is monitored for a fault during operation of the wiring system. In response to detecting the fault, a location of the fault within the wiring system is estimated. A wiring diagram is presented for the wiring system with an indication of the location of the fault within the wiring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, John Henry Boose
  • Patent number: 9413162
    Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Publication number: 20150103447
    Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Publication number: 20150103457
    Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140300363
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for battery monitoring. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves injecting at least one test signal into a battery, and receiving at least one response signal from the battery. In one or more embodiments, the response signal(s) comprises at least one reflected signal. The method further involves comparing, with at least one processor, the response signal(s) with at least one baseline signal to produce at least one comparison signal. Also, the method involves detecting, with at least one processor, at least one anomaly within the battery by using the comparison signal(s). Further, the method involves determining, with at least one processor, a location at least one anomaly within the battery by using the comparison signal(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mori M. Borumand
  • Patent number: 8836160
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for providing electrical isolation in vehicle power systems. The method comprises placing linear optimized isolation transformers in structures of a vehicle at positions that minimize the propagation of energy spikes into internal electronic systems, for example in the wing root of an aircraft where electrical cables from a generator associated with an engine enter the fuselage. The system includes a linear optimized isolation transformer with a core that has primary side winding isolated from a secondary side winding by an isolation dielectric. The isolation dielectric maintains a high value isolation independent of pressure differences due to operation at different altitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John T. Paterson, Donald B. Lee, Terrance L. Thomas, Richard W. Berman, George Liang
  • Patent number: 8423305
    Abstract: The advantageous embodiments provide a method, a computer program product, and an apparatus for monitoring a wiring system. A number of responses to signals transmitted in a portion of the wiring system are measured to form a measured signature. Design data for the portion of the wiring system is retrieved. A number of expected responses for the signals in the portion of the wiring system are identified using the design data to form a computed signature. The measured signature is compared with the computed signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, Camron Ravell Call, Monica C. Rosman LaFever, Carey Chaplin
  • Patent number: 8043452
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multifunctional shielding mat for an interior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one sheet of dampening material, coupling at least one sheet of electromagnetic shielding material to the at least one sheet of dampening material, and configuring the multifunctional shielding mat to cover a predetermined area of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ty A. Larsen, Terrance L. Thomas, John T. Paterson, Henry V. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20110153235
    Abstract: The advantageous embodiments provide a method, a computer program product, and an apparatus for monitoring a wiring system. A number of responses to signals transmitted in a portion of the wiring system are measured to form a measured signature. Design data for the portion of the wiring system is retrieved. A number of expected responses for the signals in the portion of the wiring system are identified using the design data to form a computed signature. The measured signature is compared with the computed signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, Camron Ravell Call, Monica C. Rosman LaFever, Carey Chaplin
  • Publication number: 20100063754
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for illuminating faults in a wiring system. The wiring system is monitored for a fault during operation of the wiring system. In response to detecting the fault, a location of the fault within the wiring system is estimated. A wiring diagram is presented for the wiring system with an indication of the location of the fault within the wiring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Terrance L. Thomas, John Henry Boose
  • Publication number: 20090117322
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multifunctional shielding mat for an interior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one sheet of dampening material, coupling at least one sheet of electromagnetic shielding material to the at least one sheet of dampening material, and configuring the multifunctional shielding mat to cover a predetermined area of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Ty A. Larsen, Terrance L. Thomas, John T. Paterson, Henry V. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6932621
    Abstract: A connector pad is provided having a base, a top opposite the base, and tapered sidewalls therebetween. The tapering minimizes stress concentrations when the connector pad is bonded into, or on the surface of a structure. The connector pad consists of a plurality of structural load carrying plies suitable for sandwiching a flat structurally integrated wiring array therebetween. A plurality of plated through holes formed in the connector pad enable access to the wiring array therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David R. Gladish, Robert T. Johnson, Matthew C. Malkin, Simon D. Senibi, Terrance L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040185688
    Abstract: A connector pad is provided having a base, a top opposite the base, and tapered sidewalls therebetween. The tapering minimizes stress concentrations when the connector pad is bonded into, or on the surface of a structure. The connector pad consists of a plurality of structural load carrying plies suitable for sandwiching a flat structurally integrated wiring array therebetween. A plurality of plated through holes formed in the connector pad enable access to the wiring array therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David R. Gladish, Robert T. Johnson, Matthew C. Malkin, Simon D. Senibi, Terrance L. Thomas