Patents by Inventor William Arthur Sommer

William Arthur Sommer 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).

  • Retractable sensor system for an aircraft
    Patent number: 5918834
    Abstract: A retractable sensor system (12) for an aircraft has a sensor (16) coupled to an actuation mechanism (18). The sensor (16) moves from a retracted position to an expanded position. A reinforced elastomer section (14) in an exterior surface (48) of the aircraft covers the sensor (16) and the actuation mechanism (18). The reinforced elastomer section (14) has an interior surface and an exterior surface and the sensor (16) has a portion adjacent to the interior surface. The reinforced elastomer section (14) has a flush position and an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas
    Inventors: William Arthur Sommer, Robert Henry Wille