Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Wittenberg

Thomas C. Wittenberg 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: 11286050
    Abstract: Apparatus for adapting aircraft floors and related methods are disclosed. An example floor of an aircraft includes a floor beam, a seat track, and a cap coupled to the seat track. The cap is disposed over the seat track and the floor beam. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Martin R. Grether, Thomas C. Wittenberg, Demi A. Coolen
  • Publication number: 20190248499
    Abstract: Apparatus for adapting aircraft floors and related methods are disclosed. An example floor of an aircraft includes a floor beam, a seat track, and a cap coupled to the seat track. The cap is disposed over the seat track and the floor beam. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Martin R. Grether, Thomas C. Wittenberg, Demi A. Coolen
  • Publication number: 20180266478
    Abstract: An attachment system and method that includes first and second fittings, a first eccentric bushing positioned within the first fitting, and a second eccentric bushing positioned within the second fitting. The system may include a first friction washer positioned between the first bushing and first fitting and a second friction washer positioned between the second bushing and the second fitting. A coating on the exterior of the friction washers prohibits rotation of the bushings with respect to the fittings. The coating may be a nickel-diamond coating that prohibits rotation even in the presence of a lubricant. The first fitting may be a frame fitting connected to a fuselage of an aircraft and the second fitting may be a beam fitting connected to the floor of the aircraft. The system may include lock plates that engage lock stops to prohibit rotation of the bushings in combination with the coated friction washers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: MARTIN R. GRETHER, TROY A. HAWORTH, THOMAS C. WITTENBERG
  • Patent number: 10001158
    Abstract: An attachment system and method that includes first and second fittings, a first eccentric bushing positioned within the first fitting, and a second eccentric bushing positioned within the second fitting. The system may include a first friction washer positioned between the first bushing and first fitting and a second friction washer positioned between the second bushing and the second fitting. A coating on the exterior of the friction washers prohibits rotation of the bushings with respect to the fittings. The coating may be a nickel-diamond coating that prohibits rotation even in the presence of a lubricant. The first fitting may be a frame fitting connected to a fuselage of an aircraft and the second fitting may be a beam fitting connected to the floor of the aircraft. The system may include lock plates that engage lock stops to prohibit rotation of the bushings in combination with the coated friction washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin R. Grether, Troy A. Haworth, Thomas C. Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20170045080
    Abstract: An attachment system and method that includes first and second fittings, a first eccentric bushing positioned within the first fitting, and a second eccentric bushing positioned within the second fitting. The system may include a first friction washer positioned between the first bushing and first fitting and a second friction washer positioned between the second bushing and the second fitting. A coating on the exterior of the friction washers prohibits rotation of the bushings with respect to the fittings. The coating may be a nickel-diamond coating that prohibits rotation even in the presence of a lubricant. The first fitting may be a frame fitting connected to a fuselage of an aircraft and the second fitting may be a beam fitting connected to the floor of the aircraft. The system may include lock plates that engage lock stops to prohibit rotation of the bushings in combination with the coated friction washers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: MARTIN R. GRETHER, TROY A. HAWORTH, THOMAS C. WITTENBERG
  • Patent number: 9120276
    Abstract: A laminated reinforced member that provides bending and stiffening support and that includes metal reinforcing sheets, and a method of making the member. Metal reinforcing sheets at connection locations eliminate the need for additional external connection reinforcements for engaging connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas C. Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20140030478
    Abstract: A laminated reinforced member that provides bending and stiffening support and that includes metal reinforcing sheets, and a method of making the member. Metal reinforcing sheets at connection locations eliminate the need for additional external connection reinforcements for engaging connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas C. Wittenberg