Patents by Inventor Donald Joe Best, III

Donald Joe Best, III 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).

  • Performing surface treatments using an automated guided vehicle
    Patent number: 9839986
    Abstract: A low-profile, automated guided vehicle (AGV) performs surface treatments over large areas of a structure having limited access, such as an aircraft underbelly. The AGV includes a movable gantry provided with automated robot. The robot has interchangeable end effectors for carrying out the surface treatments. Travel of the AGV relative to structure is controlled by a ground guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven A. Best, Eric M. Reid, Donald Joe Best, III, Daniel M. McDonagh, Paul Edward Jennerjohn, David McCaig, Paul G. Solecki, Eric J. Schaefer
  • Methods for sealing an internal composite vent stringer
    Patent number: 9725184
    Abstract: A method of sealing an aircraft wing vent stringer may include placing a movable sealant sled in a vent stringer cavity of an aircraft wing. The sealant sled may include a sealant source configured to apply sealant to a wing portion within the vent stringer. The sealant sled may be transported through the cavity in a longitudinal direction defined by the wing, thereby applying a layer of sealant to the wing. In some cases, vent stringer may be abraded and/or washed before sealing. In some cases, two or more layers of sealant may be applied, one of which may be a secondary fuel barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Donald Joe Best, III
  • METHODS FOR SEALING AN INTERNAL COMPOSITE VENT STRINGER
    Publication number: 20160368617
    Abstract: A method of sealing an aircraft wing vent stringer may include placing a movable sealant sled in a vent stringer cavity of an aircraft wing. The sealant sled may include a sealant source configured to apply sealant to a wing portion within the vent stringer. The sealant sled may be transported through the cavity in a longitudinal direction defined by the wing, thereby applying a layer of sealant to the wing. In some cases, vent stringer may be abraded and/or washed before sealing. In some cases, two or more layers of sealant may be applied, one of which may be a secondary fuel barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Donald Joe Best, III
  • Performing Surface Treatments Using an Automated Guided Vehicle
    Publication number: 20160130017
    Abstract: A low-profile, automated guided vehicle (AGV) performs surface treatments over large areas of a structure having limited access, such as an aircraft underbelly. The AGV includes a movable gantry provided with automated robot. The robot has interchangeable end effectors for carrying out the surface treatments. Travel of the AGV relative to structure is controlled by a ground guidance system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Steven A. Best, Eric M. Reid, Donald Joe Best, III, Daniel M. McDonagh, Paul Edward Jennerjohn, David McCaig, Paul G. Solecki, Eric J. Schaefer