Patents by Inventor Edward Sommer
Edward Sommer 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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Patent number: 10232463Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20180297295Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Derek Paul Vetter, Drew Edward Sommer
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Patent number: 10065366Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Derek Paul Vetter, Drew Edward Sommer
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Patent number: 10029413Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Derek Paul Vetter, Drew Edward Sommer
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Publication number: 20170057004Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: ROHR, INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Patent number: 9517528Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20160144558Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Derek Paul Vetter, Drew Edward Sommer
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Publication number: 20140090773Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: ROHR, INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Patent number: 8584726Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Patent number: 8474684Abstract: A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20130133820Abstract: A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Patent number: 8245750Abstract: A tool for use in bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20090199959Abstract: A tool for use in bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20090199946Abstract: A tool and method for bonding layers of a shell by the differential pressure bonding process. The tool and method includes a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface. The inner surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape having complex curvature. In this embodiment, the tool further includes a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the hollow body. The retort includes at least one vacuum port. The tool is configured to facilitate the compression of a plurality of layers of a multi-layer shell having complex curvature as the shell layers and an interdisposed bonding material are heated to an elevated bonding temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Sommer, Mark Alan Ramsey, David Dwain Rishel
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Publication number: 20070030953Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2006Publication date: February 8, 2007Inventors: Edward Sommer, Charles Roos, David Spencer, R. Conley
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Publication number: 20060273257Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the articles to be screened as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects within the articles displayed on the screen to be identified on coupled interactive screens thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Inventors: Charles Roos, Edward Sommer
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Publication number: 20060239401Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Applicant: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward Sommer, Robert Parrish, David Spencer, Charles Roos
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Publication number: 20060171504Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Edward Sommer, Charles Roos, David Spencer
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Publication number: 20060013360Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Edward Sommer, Robert Parrish, David Spencer, Charles Roos
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Publication number: 20050111618Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles such as baggage, utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. Baggage is eletromagnetically (i.e., x-ray) scanned while traveling on a conveyer and an electronic image is taken of each article and stored in a computer. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the articles to be screened as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects within the articles displayed on the screen to be identified on coupled interactive screens thereby registering the objects selected within the computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: Edward Sommer, Richard Hill, Charles Roos