Patents Assigned to The Boeing Company
  • Optical nanowire antenna with directional transmission
    Patent number: 8687978
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a signal generator and wires. The signal generator is configured to generate electrical signals. The electrical signals have amplitudes and first phases. The wires are connected to the signal generator. The wires are configured to emit photons having phases in response to receiving the electrical signals. The photons have frequencies based on the amplitudes of the electrical signals and second phases based on the first phases of the electrical signals. The first phases of the electrical signals are selected such that the photons have a desired radiation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Hunt, John Huntley Belk
  • Frequency selective imaging system
    Patent number: 8686346
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective imager. In particular, the frequency selective imager includes an array of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. Each pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective imager is a frequency selective optical imager that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the frequency selective imager is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Hunt
  • Rigid tipped riblets
    Patent number: 8684310
    Abstract: A multilayer construction for aerodynamic riblets includes a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material exhibiting a first characteristic having long-term durability and a second layer composed of a material, exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, Kevin R. Malone
  • Durable UV blocking transparent coating
    Patent number: 8685544
    Abstract: A coating and associated method for coating is disclosed. The coating provides a hard, transparent, UV blocking coating for a substrate. A UV blocking layer is first deposited upon the substrate, and a hard coating is deposited above the UV blocking layer. A soft coating layer may be deposited between the UV blocking layer and the hard coating. The soft and hard coating layers may both have the general composition SiOxCy. the soft and hard coating layers may be deposited by a plasma vapor deposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kjersta L. Larson-Smith, Vasan S. Sundaram, David A. Bowen
  • Methods and systems for loading data into a temporal data warehouse
    Patent number: 8688622
    Abstract: A system disclosed includes a temporal data warehouse and a platform independent temporal data warehouse load application operable to run on the system. The load application uses timestamp data from incoming data in conjunction with a relational algebra of set operators to identify and sequence net changes between the incoming data and data previously stored within the data warehouse. The load application loads the identified and sequenced net changes into the data warehouse with relatively little intrusion into normal operation of the data warehouse. Optimizations, including but not limited to, distinct partitioning of the workload into parallel streams are selectable via metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ian Alexander Willson
  • Synchronous rectifier bi-directional current sensor
    Patent number: 8687386
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional current sensing for a synchronous rectifier bi-directional converter system is disclosed. A first current is measured through a first synchronous rectifier via a first transformer to provide a first signal. A second current is measured through a second force synchronous rectifier via a second transformer to provide a second signal. The first signal and the second signal are DC restored to provide a first DC restored signal and a second DC restored signal respectively. A first correction current is added to the first DC restored signal to produce a first corrected signal, and a second correction current is added to the second DC restored signal to produce a second corrected signal. The first corrected signal and the second corrected signal are added to produce a combined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert Matthew Martinelli
  • Method for swaging components
    Patent number: 8683667
    Abstract: A method for practicing a swaging operation is described. A swaging apparatus comprises a housing, a holding unit, and a moveable member. The holding unit on the housing is capable of receiving and holding an inflexible tube and a swage fitting. The moveable member is capable of moving axially along the housing with respect to an axis for the inflexible tube and the swage fitting to connect the swage fitting to the inflexible tube and create a seal between the swage fitting and the inflexible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Peter K. Hwang
  • Aircraft flap mechanism having compact large fowler motion providing multiple cruise positions
    Patent number: 8684316
    Abstract: A trailing edge flap mechanism incorporates a support beam, a flap carrier beam supporting an aerodynamic flap, a first link interconnecting a first and second rotation points and a second link interconnecting third and fourth rotation points. The support beam has a ground connection on a first fixed axis of rotation. A connecting link has a ground connection on a second fixed axis of rotation and is connected to the first link intermediate the first and second rotation points. An actuator is connected with a drive link pivotally engaged to the first link for initial forward and aft movement of a nose profile of the Fowler flap substantially parallel to the wing lower surface with extending aft movement providing a rapidly changing angle of the flap with respect to the wing upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Seiya Sakurai, James M. Wheaton, Stephen J. Fox, Sharon Xiangdong Che
  • Bonded splice joint
    Patent number: 8684311
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an aircraft structure. In one embodiment, the aircraft structure may have first and second stringers, each having a vertical stringer portion defining a lengthwise gap. The embodiment may include a cruciform fitting having a central rib attachment member and first and second extensions extending in opposite directions from said central rib attachment member. Stringer attachment portions extending up from said first and second extensions are inserted into the lengthwise gaps of the first and second stringer portions, respectively. The rib attachment member may be attached to a side-of-body rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Nordman, Paul Nelson
  • System and method for forming optimized perimeter surveillance
    Patent number: 8686854
    Abstract: A software module apparatus for enabling a user to generate a virtual tripwire through a geographic area of interest using a plurality of sensors. The apparatus may make use of an input for allowing a user to input a digital elevation model (DEM) of the area of interest. An input responsive to a user controlled device may also be used for defining a swath of the area of interest, the swath representing a subregion laying over, or adjacent to, a border to be monitored. A display may be generated for illustrating computed locations of a plurality of independent sensors used to form the virtual tripwire through the swath of the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raju S. Mattikalli, Robert W. Grube, Paul Z. Thunemann
  • Monitoring fastener preload
    Patent number: 8683869
    Abstract: The health of a structural joint clamped by fasteners is monitored by directly measuring the preload of the fasteners. The preload is measured by a transducer on the fastener and electronically transmitted to a monitoring station where the preload values may be analyzed to assess the health of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter E. Herley, Bruce W. Blayden, Thomas J. Lowe
  • Method for remote rework imaging for part inconsistencies
    Patent number: 8687872
    Abstract: A method for remote rework imaging a part for an inconsistency is provided. The part is scanned with a nondestructive inspection device. An image of a part inconsistency is communicated from the nondestructive inspection device to a programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is viewed with the programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is edited with the programmable device using an input device in communication with the programmable device. The edited image is communicated from the programmable device to a visible light projector. The edited image is projected onto the part inconsistency using the visible light projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger W. Engelbart, Richard J. Steckel
  • Directionally filtered indicator light
    Patent number: 8686877
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a directionally filtered indicator light, wherein a directional filter is applied to a light source that is controlled to emit light when a condition or series of conditions are met. The directional filter, in turn, regulates the transmission of light from the light source so that a first group of individuals, located within a viewing angle, are the only individuals able to see the transmitted light. In one example, the directionally filtered indicator light of the present disclosure allows an indicator light on the interior of a passenger aircraft to be viewed from outside the aircraft in direct sunlight while substantially eliminating the presence of transmitted light from a passenger seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jagdish T. Madhav
  • Method of surface charge distribution
    Patent number: 8687342
    Abstract: A lightning strike protection system for protecting composite structures, an improved lightning strike appliqué (LSA) for such a lightning strike protection system, and a method of protecting composite structures, such as an aircraft fuselage. The LSA is electrically connected to adjacent conductive surfaces, e.g., by a fuzz button or a wire bond inserted in the bottom of the LSA. An adjacent conductive surface may be another LSA, a lightning diverter overlay, or a current return network. Charge, e.g., from a lightning strike to the LSA, flows to the conductive layer through the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, J. Scott Bauman
  • Method and system for generating digital fingerprint
    Patent number: 8689300
    Abstract: A method and system for authenticating the identity of a client device that is calling a remotely located server over a network. A client device inputs information pertaining to a hardware characteristic and a network address thereof into a cryptographic hash function stored on the client device. The hash function computes a unique registration ID hash code and presents it to the system server during a registration process. The system server then generates a digital certificate having a system-side key (i.e., public key). A client-side key (i.e., private key) is provided to the client device. For all future calls to the system server, the client device re-computes its registration ID hash code and then digitally signs it using its client-side key. The system server then uses its system-side key to examine the digitally signed registration ID hash code to authenticate the identity of the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John B. Sims, Jeffrey W. Calog
  • Compliant Layer for Matched Tool Molding of Uneven Composite Preforms
    Publication number: 20140083155
    Abstract: A method for consolidating a preform made of composite material. The preform and a compliant metal alloy sheet are placed between less compliant matched confronting forming/molding surfaces with the preform being sandwiched between the metal alloy sheet and a matched confronting surface. The matched confronting surfaces and compliant metal alloy sheet are heated until the preform reaches at least its consolidation temperature. During heating, force is applied so that the matched confronting surfaces exert sufficient compressive force on the preform and metal alloy sheet to cause the composite material to consolidate at the consolidation temperature. The metal alloy sheet has a tensile yield point in a range of 25-300 psi at the consolidation temperature at a strain rate of about 1% to 10% strain per minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Erika L. Carter, Panagiotis E. George
  • GROUP V DOPING OF GaAs-BASED LAYERS TO IMPROVE RADIATION TOLERANCE OF SOLAR CELLS
    Publication number: 20140084146
    Abstract: Methods for improving the performance and lifetime of irradiated photovoltaic cells are disclosed, whereby Group-V elements, and preferably nitrogen, are used to dope semiconductor GaAs-based subcell alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Boisvert, Christopher M. Fetzer
  • HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AIRFLOW COOLING
    Publication number: 20140083106
    Abstract: Heat exchanger systems and methods for controlling airflow cooling are provided. One system includes a bypass pre-cooler having a housing, an inlet configured to receive core engine airflow into the housing from one or more aircraft ducts, a heat exchanger within the housing and a bypass section within the housing having an airflow path separate from the heat exchanger. The bypass pre-cooler also includes a valve coupled to the inlet and configured to switch airflow between the heat exchanger and the bypass section and an outlet coupled to the heat exchanger and the bypass section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steve G. Mackin, Eric Landre
  • Optical Connector
    Publication number: 20140086537
    Abstract: An optical connector comprising a connecting structure, an optical receiver located within the connecting structure, an optical transmitter located within the connecting structure, and a heat sink located within the connecting structure. The heat sink is configured to conduct heat away from the optical receiver and the optical transmitter. The optical receiver and the optical transmitter are thermally connected to the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric Y. Chan, Dennis Gary Koshinz
  • METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE ARTICLE USING FIBERS HAVING OPTIMIZED SHAPES FOR IMPROVED OPTICAL PERFORMANCE
    Publication number: 20140087172
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite article may include providing a plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the plurality of fibers may be substantially optically transparent. The method may further include forming the fibers with at least one base surface and a pair of side surfaces oriented in non-perpendicular relation to the base surface. The method may additionally include positioning the fibers in a layer in side-by-side relation to one another such that the side surfaces overlap one another when viewed along a direction normal to a plane of the layer. The method may also include embedding the fibers at least partially in a substantially optically transparent polymeric matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith J. Davis, Michael P. Kozar, Mark S. Wilenski