Patents by Inventor Donald V. Drouin, Jr.
Donald V. Drouin, Jr. 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).
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Publication number: 20200269708Abstract: Structurally integrated energy supply systems for aircraft and methods of forming the structurally integrated energy supply systems. The structurally integrated energy supply systems include an aircraft structural component, a cell array, and a plurality of energy-producing inserts. The aircraft structural component at least partially defines an interior region. The cell array includes a plurality of cell walls that defies a plurality of elongate cell volumes and is positioned within the interior region. Each energy-producing insert in the plurality of energy-producing inserts is positioned within a corresponding elongate cell volume in the plurality of elongate cell volumes and is configured to produce a corresponding insert electric current. The cell array provides structural load distribution to the aircraft structural component via the plurality of cell walls and contributes to a structural stiffness of the aircraft structural component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Roger D. Bernhardt, Donald V. Drouin, JR.
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Patent number: 10543900Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling movement of an aircraft. An aerodynamic function desired for controlling the movement of the aircraft at a particular altitude is identified. The aerodynamic function identified is part of a group of aerodynamic functions used to control the movement of the aircraft at a number of different altitudes. A group of inflatable blades is filled with a fluid to a pressure that corresponds to the aerodynamic function. The group of inflatable blades at the pressure has a shape and a group of dimensions that provide the aerodynamic function.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Roger David Bernhardt, Donald V. Drouin, Jr.
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Patent number: 10415941Abstract: A visual obscurant system for obscuring object from an observer having a field of view (FOV) is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting characteristics that indicate a presence of the object, a light source for emitting light in an electromagnetic spectrum, a source, and a controller. The source releases an obscurant into atmosphere to create a cloud. The obscurant attenuates a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cloud is positioned within the FOV of the observer so as to obscure the object when the light emitted from the light source is directed towards the cloud. The controller is in communication with at least the sensor and the source. The controller modulates the light source at a frequency sufficient such that the observer interprets the light as being constant when energized.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark J. Clemen, Jr., Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Stephen N. Provost, Roger D. Bernhardt
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Patent number: 10257472Abstract: A method and system for a light source detection system, comprising an aircraft carrying at least one camera. The system includes a database for storing information about the aircraft's motion, direction, and position and ground location information, such as the onboard navigation system database or an remotely accessible database. The system also includes a processor that accesses the database and is connected to the camera. The processor uses image analysis and processing techniques to determine the ground location corresponding to the light source from an image of that light captured by the camera. It determines the path traveled by that light and estimates its location as being a pre-selected distance vertically above the ground along the path traveled by the light to the aircraft when the image of the light was captured.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark J. Clemen, Jr., Donald V. Drouin, Jr., James A. Grossnickle
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Publication number: 20180105257Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling movement of an aircraft. An aerodynamic function desired for controlling the movement of the aircraft at a particular altitude is identified. The aerodynamic function identified is part of a group of aerodynamic functions used to control the movement of the aircraft at a number of different altitudes. A group of inflatable blades is filled with a fluid to a pressure that corresponds to the aerodynamic function. The group of inflatable blades at the pressure has a shape and a group of dimensions that provide the aerodynamic function.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Roger David Bernhardt, Donald V. Drouin, JR.
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Publication number: 20180045497Abstract: A visual obscurant system for obscuring object from an observer having a field of view (FOV) is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting characteristics that indicate a presence of the object, a light source for emitting light in an electromagnetic spectrum, a source, and a controller. The source releases an obscurant into atmosphere to create a cloud. The obscurant attenuates a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cloud is positioned within the FOV of the observer so as to obscure the object when the light emitted from the light source is directed towards the cloud. The controller is in communication with at least the sensor and the source. The controller modulates the light source at a frequency sufficient such that the observer interprets the light as being constant when energized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Mark J. Clemen, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR., Stephen N. Provost, Roger D. Bernhardt
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Patent number: 9862481Abstract: A computer-implemented method for protecting a vehicle from a directed energy attack is provided. The method includes receiving, at the vehicle, a beam of directed energy, determining a threat level of the beam of directed energy, and causing the vehicle to automatically execute at least one evasive maneuver when the threat level of the beam of directed energy is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Mark J. Clemen, Jr.
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Patent number: 9846016Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems may protect a target from undesirable electromagnetic radiation by detecting electromagnetic radiation (including coherent radiation such as laser beams) aimed at a target from a source; calculating a first release position to disrupt the electromagnetic radiation thereby protecting the target; launching a projectile that may include a disruptive medium or a disruptive-medium precursor; directing the projectile to the first release position; and releasing the disruptive medium from the projectile at the first release position, such that the releasing of the disruptive medium forms a cloud of the disruptive medium.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Mark J. Clemen, Jr.
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Patent number: 9835914Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrically switchable mirror includes: a first electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the first electrically switchable layer having a first state in which right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; a second electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the second electrically switchable layer having a first state in which left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; and a first electrically switchable wave plate disposed between the first and second electrically switchable layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark J. Clemen, Jr., John R. Hull, Philip E. Johnson, Rick L. McGann, George A. Perry, Alan F. Stewart, Mark S. Wilenski, Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Le Li, Yongxin Tang, Haiping Yu, Jiangbin Zhao, Jie Yang, Shenggang Wang
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Publication number: 20170284780Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems may protect a target from undesirable electromagnetic radiation by detecting electromagnetic radiation (including coherent radiation such as laser beams) aimed at a target from a source; calculating a first release position to disrupt the electromagnetic radiation thereby protecting the target; launching a projectile that may include a disruptive medium or a disruptive-medium precursor; directing the projectile to the first release position; and releasing the disruptive medium from the projectile at the first release position, such that the releasing of the disruptive medium forms a cloud of the disruptive medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark J. Clemen, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR.
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Publication number: 20170248811Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrically switchable mirror includes: a first electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the first electrically switchable layer having a first state in which right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; a second electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the second electrically switchable layer having a first state in which left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; and a first electrically switchable wave plate disposed between the first and second electrically switchable layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark J. Clemen, JR., John R. Hull, Philip E. Johnson, Rick L. McGann, George A. Perry, Alan F. Stewart, Mark S. Wilenski, Donald V. Drouin, JR., Le Li, Yongxin Tang, Haiping Yu, Jiangbin Zhao, Jie Yang, Shenggang Wang
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Publication number: 20170237947Abstract: A method and system for a light source detection system, comprising an aircraft carrying at least one camera. The system includes a database for storing information about the aircraft's motion, direction, and position and ground location information, such as the onboard navigation system database or an remotely accessible database. The system also includes a processor that accesses the database and is connected to the camera. The processor uses image analysis and processing techniques to determine the ground location corresponding to the light source from an image of that light captured by the camera. It determines the path traveled by that light and estimates its location as being a pre-selected distance vertically above the ground along the path traveled by the light to the aircraft when the image of the light was captured.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Mark J. Clemen, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR., James A. Grossnickle
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Patent number: 9725159Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for mitigating undesired effects of a vehicle traveling at a speed greater than a critical Mach number for the vehicle. Ultraviolet energy is generated using a plurality of ultraviolet energy sources associated with an interior structure of the vehicle that travels at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle. The ultraviolet energy is transported from the plurality of ultraviolet energy sources past an exterior of the vehicle around a selected location of the vehicle. A plasma is created around the selected location to mitigate the undesired effects of the vehicle traveling at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark Joseph Clemen, Jr., Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Alan F. Stewart
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Publication number: 20170129592Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for mitigating undesired effects of a vehicle traveling at a speed greater than a critical Mach number for the vehicle. Ultraviolet energy is generated using a plurality of ultraviolet energy sources associated with an interior structure of the vehicle that travels at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle. The ultraviolet energy is transported from the plurality of ultraviolet energy sources past an exterior of the vehicle around a selected location of the vehicle. A plasma is created around the selected location to mitigate the undesired effects of the vehicle traveling at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Mark Joseph Clemen, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR., Alan F. Stewart
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Patent number: 9643716Abstract: An air vehicle, an actuator assembly and a method of manufacture are provided in order to incorporate the actuator assembly within the outer mold line of the air vehicle. In regards to an air vehicle, the air vehicle includes a primary structure and a movable structure configured to be controllably moved relative to the primary structure. The air vehicle also includes an actuator assembly configured to cause the movable structure to be positioned relative to the primary structure. The actuator assembly includes an actuator housing and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is at least partially disposed within the actuator housing and is configured to provide for relative movement between the primary structure and the movable structure. At least a portion of the actuator assembly is built into at least one of the primary structure and the movable structure so as to be within an outer mold line of the air vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James Joseph Sheahan, Jr., Donald V. Drouin, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170113785Abstract: A computer-implemented method for protecting a vehicle from a directed energy attack is provided. The method includes receiving, at the vehicle, a beam of directed energy, determining a threat level of the beam of directed energy, and causing the vehicle to automatically execute at least one evasive maneuver when the threat level of the beam of directed energy is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Donald V. Drouin, JR., Mark J. Clemen, JR.
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Patent number: 9446840Abstract: Systems and methods for alleviating aircraft loads with plasma actuators are disclosed. A method for operating an aircraft in accordance with a particular embodiment includes receiving an input corresponding to an aircraft component structural response to an aerodynamic load. The method can further include, based at least in part on the input corresponding to the aircraft component's structural response, reducing the structural response to the aerodynamic load by activating at least one plasma actuator carried by the aircraft, in accordance with one or more activation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Donald V. Drouin, Jr., Scott Lee Schwimley
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Patent number: 9321521Abstract: An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Christopher P. Henry, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Robert E. Doty, Richard Lee Clemons, Donald V. Drouin, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150274280Abstract: An air vehicle, an actuator assembly and a method of manufacture are provided in order to incorporate the actuator assembly within the outer mold line of the air vehicle. In regards to an air vehicle, the air vehicle includes a primary structure and a movable structure configured to be controllably moved relative to the primary structure. The air vehicle also includes an actuator assembly configured to cause the movable structure to be positioned relative to the primary structure. The actuator assembly includes an actuator housing and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is at least partially disposed within the actuator housing and is configured to provide for relative movement between the primary structure and the movable structure. At least a portion of the actuator assembly is built into at least one of the primary structure and the movable structure so as to be within an outer mold line of the air vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James Joseph Sheahan, JR., Donald V. Drouin, JR.
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Publication number: 20130292367Abstract: An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Christopher P. Henry, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Robert E. Doty, Richard Lee Clemons, Donald V. Drouin, Jr.