Patents by Inventor William J. Sweet

William J. Sweet 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: 9354203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a test object. A stress wave is generated in a fluid within a cavity in a structure. The stress wave is directed through the fluid within the cavity into the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William J. Sweet, Kevin Richard Housen, Richard Henry Bossi
  • Publication number: 20150355062
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for evaluating a bond between structures. The system includes an assembly of at least two bonded structures. The assembly has a front surface, a back surface, a thickness, and a bond disposed between the front surface and the back surface. At least one delay component is attached to the front surface of the assembly having a body having a front face, a back face, and a thickness. The system further includes a laser source capable of depositing laser energy onto a front face of the delay component, where a first portion of the laser energy is absorbed by the front face of the delay component to generate a first compression wave that propagates through the body of the delay component. A second portion of the laser energy is absorbed by the back face of the component to generate a second compression wave that reflects off of the back surface of the assembly to produce a tensile wave that stresses the bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin R. Housen, William J. Sweet
  • Patent number: 8596178
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eldon C. Rogers, Timothy L. Williams, Dennis Yee, William J. Sweet, Charles G. Bloch
  • Publication number: 20120192707
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Eldon C. Rogers, Timothy L. Williams, Dennis Yee, William J. Sweet, Charles G. Bloch