Patents by Inventor Don Michael Clark

Don Michael Clark 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).

  • Methods for shimming flexible bodies
    Patent number: 10521551
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a first digital representation of a first member and a second digital representation of a second member. The first member and the second member are configured to be joined. The method also includes aligning the first digital representation and the second digital representation in a same coordinate system. Further, the method includes determining, in the coordinate system, a virtual deformation corresponding to at least one of the first digital representation or the second digital representation corresponding to an applied loading. Also, the method includes determining shim dimensions for a shim to be interposed between the first member and the second member based on the virtual deformation. The method further includes fabricating a shim having the shim dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Don Michael Clark, Joshua Gerritt Letendre, Steven Elsdon Larson
  • Mandrel configuration monitoring system
    Patent number: 9933247
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a mandrel. A first plurality of transmitting devices is positioned with respect to the mandrel. Signals from a portion of the first plurality of transmitting devices are received at a receiving device. The signals are processed to determine a configuration of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Don Michael Clark, Austin Michael Cangelosi, Li Chun Chang, Deborah E. Errazo
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHIMMING FLEXIBLE BODIES
    Publication number: 20170138385
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a first digital representation of a first member and a second digital representation of a second member. The first member and the second member are configured to be joined. The method also includes aligning the first digital representation and the second digital representation in a same coordinate system. Further, the method includes determining, in the coordinate system, a virtual deformation corresponding to at least one of the first digital representation or the second digital representation corresponding to an applied loading. Also, the method includes determining shim dimensions for a shim to be interposed between the first member and the second member based on the virtual deformation. The method further includes fabricating a shim having the shim dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Don Michael Clark, Joshua Gerritt Letendre, Steven Elsdon Larson
  • Mandrel Configuration Monitoring System
    Publication number: 20150198432
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a mandrel. A first plurality of transmitting devices is positioned with respect to the mandrel. Signals from a portion of the first plurality of transmitting devices are received at a receiving device. The signals are processed to determine a configuration of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Don Michael Clark, Austin Michael Cangelosi, Li Chun Chang, Deborah E. Errazo