Patents by Inventor Donald Chester Darrow

Donald Chester Darrow 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).

  • Composite stiffener positioning and vacuum bag installation device
    Patent number: 10155347
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brennan, Donald Chester Darrow, Kenneth M. Dull, William S. Hollensteiner, Jennifer Sue Noel, Brian G. Robins, Darrell D. Jones
  • COMPOSITE STIFFENER POSITIONING AND VACUUM BAG INSTALLATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160243768
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brennan, Donald Chester Darrow, Kenneth M. Dull, William S. Hollensteiner, Jennifer Sue Noel, Brian G. Robins, Darrell D. Jones
  • Method of fabricating a curved composite structure using composite prepreg tape
    Patent number: 9387657
    Abstract: A method is provided of fabricating a composite stiffener having a curved web and at least one curved flange. A substantially straight length of unidirectional prepreg tape is placed on a carrier. The at least one curved flange is formed by using the carrier to steer a first portion of the tape onto a first curved tool surface. The curved web is formed by using the carrier to form a second portion of the tape onto a second curved tool surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Smith, Jr., Andrew E. Modin, Edoardo Depase, Donald Chester Darrow, Mark Klewiada
  • Composite stiffener positioning and vacuum bag installation
    Patent number: 9346221
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brennan, Donald Chester Darrow, Kenneth M. Dull, William S. Hollensteiner, Jennifer Sue Noel, Brian G. Robins, Darrell D Jones
  • COMPOSITE STIFFENER POSITIONING AND VACUUM BAG INSTALLATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20100154990
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brennan, Donald Chester Darrow, Kenneth M. Dull, William S. Hollensteiner, Jennifer Sue Noel