Patents by Inventor James Donn Hethcock
James Donn Hethcock 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: 11891172Abstract: A composite core assembly includes a composite core structure having internal material interfaces and an attachment rail coupled to the composite core structure. The attachment rail includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface adjoined with the first planar surface. The first planar surface is arranged parallel to an internal material interface plane of the composite core structure, and the first planar portion is at least partially integrated into the composite core structure in an internal material interface plane. At least a portion of the first planar surface extends beyond a perimeter surface of the composite core structure, and the second planar surface is configured to attach to the surrounding support member. The core material does not have net edge facets or flat edges positioned next to surrounding structure, and/or may not have a structure arranged parallel to the adjacent support structure to attach to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATIONInventor: James Donn Hethcock, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220161922Abstract: A composite core assembly includes a composite core structure having internal material interfaces and an attachment rail coupled to the composite core structure. The attachment rail includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface adjoined with the first planar surface. The first planar surface is arranged parallel to an internal material interface plane of the composite core structure, and the first planar portion is at least partially integrated into the composite core structure in an internal material interface plane. At least a portion of the first planar surface extends beyond a perimeter surface of the composite core structure, and the second planar surface is configured to attach to the surrounding support member. The core material does not have net edge facets or flat edges positioned next to surrounding structure, and/or may not have a structure arranged parallel to the adjacent support structure to attach to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventor: James Donn Hethcock, JR.
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Patent number: 11331556Abstract: A golfing apparatus for assisting a golfer in putting includes a guide member adapted to encourage only certain motions during the golf swing to improve the engagement of ball with club and subsequently improve ball control, trajectory and speed. Further the golfing apparatus includes a movable member configured to slide along a path defined by the guide member and coupled with the putter handle. The guide member is affixed to the waist of a golfer. The guide member is curved to follow a natural rotation of arms and shoulders of the golfer and can be adjusted for proper angle that best fits a golfer's stance and has a second planar back stop surface to further align and control the movement of the putter club head, thereby assisting the golfer in putting.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventor: James Donn Hethcock, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220104646Abstract: A system for the support and display of clothing and apparel that is amendable and adaptable to various configurations for the adherence of numerous clothing additions and orientations of clothing. The valet hanger that is the present invention is configured to extend a valet rod perpendicular to a hanger rod and towards the user to provide a convenient stable member on which to hang clothing in an orientation where the fronts or the backs of clothing may be viewed. Said hanger system is also configured to remain in a stable orientation by balancing against a back wall or brace behind said hanger or against a shelf or object directly over a hanger rod used to support the convertible hanger assembly vertically. The components of the convertible valet hanger being adaptable to various closet configurations as well as interchangeable between hanger conformations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Charlotte Ntreh, Jacob Andrew Hethcock, James Donn Hethcock, JR.
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Publication number: 20210354804Abstract: An aircraft designed to provide sustained G forces, with a relatively high steady angle of attack maneuverability using less thrust by balancing thrust and drag to sustain a high turn rate with dual low thrust engines using novel wing and fuselage designs. The aircraft includes a wing oriented laterally relative to the fuselage, at least one horizontal tail surface extending laterally from the fuselage and positioned rearward of the fixed wing, and at least one vertical tail surface extending upward from the fuselage. The first and second engines are mounted to the fuselage at locations positioned vertically below the fixed wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Luc Van Bavel, Michael Derman, Jeffrey A. Gamon, Ian Gilchrist, James Donn Hethcock, JR., Dieter Koehler, David W. Levy, Michael Matarrese, Luke A. Thompson, Robert David Wyatt
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Patent number: 11167836Abstract: A composite core assembly includes a composite core structure having internal material interfaces and an attachment rail coupled to the composite core structure. The attachment rail includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface adjoined with the first planar surface. The first planar surface is arranged parallel to an internal material interface plane of the composite core structure, and the first planar portion is at least partially integrated into the composite core structure in an internal material interface plane. At least a portion of the first planar surface extends beyond a perimeter surface of the composite core structure, and the second planar surface is configured to attach to the surrounding support member. The core material does not have net edge facets or flat edges positioned next to surrounding structure, and/or may not have a structure arranged parallel to the adjacent support structure to attach to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Sierra Nevada CorporationInventor: James Donn Hethcock, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210155337Abstract: Methods and related structures to splice two sizes of cores in a manner to directly interface the facets of the cells and avoid the common practice of using fillers, casting materials, and expanding adhesives is useful to optimize the specific strength of the design and minimize the weight while maximizing the load carrying capability of the structure and to allow the core to vent moisture and other gasses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2018Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATIONInventors: James Donn HETHCOCK, JR., Raymond Lester HUMPHRIES, Matthew BARCLAY
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Patent number: 10974115Abstract: A golfing appartaus for assisting a golfer in putting includes a guide member adapted to encourage only certain motions during the golf swing to improve the engagement of ball with club and subsequently improve ball control, trajectory and speed. Further the golfing apparatus includes a movable member configured to slide along a path defined by the guide member and coupled with the putter handle. The guide member is afixed to the waist of a golfer. The guide member is curved to follow a natural rotation of arms and shoulders of the golfer and can be adjusted for proper angle that best fits a golfer's stance and has a second planar back stop surface to further align and control the movement of the putter club head, thereby assisting the golfer in putting.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Inventors: Michael Luke Hatfield, Enrico G T Pianori, James Donn Hethcock, Jr.
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Patent number: 10668705Abstract: One aspect of a process of forming an aircraft component includes bonding a first end of a honeycomb structure to a surface of an aircraft skin member, the honeycomb structure including multiple connected cells. Foam is sprayed on a second end of the honeycomb structure opposite the first end. The process also includes curing the foam on the second end of the honeycomb structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: James Donn Hethcock, Dave Carlson, Paul K. Oldroyd
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Patent number: 10633084Abstract: In one embodiment, a method may comprise coupling a plurality of reinforcement fibers to a plurality of spherical components; inserting the plurality of spherical components into an enclosure; and heating the enclosure to cause the plurality of spherical components to expand, wherein the plurality of spherical components expands to form a geodesic structure, wherein the geodesic structure comprises a plurality of polyhedron components configured in a geodesic arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Dalton T. Hampton, Timothy Kent Ledbetter, Drew A. Sutton, Bryan W. Marshall, Paul Sherrill, Frank B. Stamps, James Donn Hethcock, Andrew Paul Haldeman, Paul K. Oldroyd
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Patent number: 10597143Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotor hub comprises a hub body, and a plurality of blade grips configured for attaching a plurality of rotor blades. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of centrifugal force bearings coupled to the plurality of blade grips, wherein a focus of the plurality of centrifugal force bearings is aligned with a centerline of a rotor mast. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of drive links configured to transfer torque to the plurality of rotor blades, wherein the plurality of drive links is positioned to correspond with a leading edge side of the plurality of rotor blades. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of pitch horns configured to adjust a pitch of the plurality of rotor blades.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Andrew Paul Haldeman, Frank B. Stamps, James Donn Hethcock
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Publication number: 20190389557Abstract: A composite core assembly includes a composite core structure having internal material interfaces and an attachment rail coupled to the composite core structure. The attachment rail includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface adjoined with the first planar surface. The first planar surface is arranged parallel to an internal material interface plane of the composite core structure, and the first planar portion is at least partially integrated into the composite core structure in an internal material interface plane. At least a portion of the first planar surface extends beyond a perimeter surface of the composite core structure, and the second planar surface is configured to attach to the surrounding support member. The core material does not have net edge facets or flat edges positioned next to surrounding structure, and/or may not have a structure arranged parallel to the adjacent support structure to attach to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATIONInventor: James Donn HETHCOCK, JR.
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Patent number: 10384771Abstract: A rotor hub comprises a gimbal assembly and an elastomeric centrifugal force bearing. The gimbal assembly is configured to transfer rotational movement of a mast to the rotor hub and to enable the rotor hub to flap relative to the mast. The elastomeric centrifugal force bearing is configured to withstand centrifugal force of a rotor blade when the mast is rotated and is configured to accommodate pitch changes of the rotor blade. A method comprises designing a gimbal assembly that enables a tail rotor hub to flap relative to a tail rotor mast. A centrifugal force bearing is selected that enables tail rotor blades to withstand centrifugal force and that allows for tail rotor blade pitch change articulation. Then, instructions are provided to use the gimbal assembly and the centrifugal force bearing in an in-plane tail rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Andrew Haldeman, Frank Bradley Stamps, Drew Alan Sutton, James Donn Hethcock
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Publication number: 20190185127Abstract: An aircraft designed to provide sustained G forces, with a relatively high steady angle of attack maneuverability using less thrust by balancing thrust and drag to sustain a high turn rate with dual low thrust engines using novel wing and fuselage designs. The aircraft includes a wing oriented laterally relative to the fuselage, at least one horizontal tail surface extending laterally from the fuselage and positioned rearward of the fixed wing, and at least one vertical tail surface extending upward from the fuselage. The first and second engines are mounted to the fuselage at locations positioned vertically below the fixed wing. The aircraft includes leading edge root extensions mounted to the fixed wing and the fuselage at a leading edge of the fixed wing, at least one dynamic slat mounted to a leading edge of the wing structure, and a chine formed in the fuselage along lateral sides thereof at a nose of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2018Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: FREEDOM AIRCRAFT VENTURES LLCInventors: Luc VAN BAVEL, Michael DERMAN, Jeffrey A. GAMON, Ian GILCHRIST, James Donn HETHCOCK, JR., Dieter KOEHLER, David W. LEVY, Michael MATARRESE, Luke A. Thompson, Robert David WYATT
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Publication number: 20190061930Abstract: In one embodiment, a method may comprise coupling a plurality of reinforcement fibers to a plurality of spherical components; inserting the plurality of spherical components into an enclosure; and heating the enclosure to cause the plurality of spherical components to expand, wherein the plurality of spherical components expands to form a geodesic structure, wherein the geodesic structure comprises a plurality of polyhedron components configured in a geodesic arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Dalton T. Hampton, Timothy Kent Ledbetter, Drew A. Sutton, Bryan W. Marshall, Paul Sherrill, Frank B. Stamps, James Donn Hethcock, Andrew Paul Haldeman, Paul K. Oldroyd
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Publication number: 20190061926Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotor hub comprises a hub body, and a plurality of blade grips configured for attaching a plurality of rotor blades. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of centrifugal force bearings coupled to the plurality of blade grips, wherein a focus of the plurality of centrifugal force bearings is aligned with a centerline of a rotor mast. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of drive links configured to transfer torque to the plurality of rotor blades, wherein the plurality of drive links is positioned to correspond with a leading edge side of the plurality of rotor blades. The rotor hub further comprises a plurality of pitch horns configured to adjust a pitch of the plurality of rotor blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Andrew Paul Haldeman, Frank B. Stamps, James Donn Hethcock
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Publication number: 20170291406Abstract: One aspect of a process of forming an aircraft component includes bonding a first end of a honeycomb structure to a surface of an aircraft skin member, the honeycomb structure including multiple connected cells. Foam is sprayed on a second end of the honeycomb structure opposite the first end. The process also includes curing the foam on the second end of the honeycomb structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: James Donn Hethcock, Dave Carlson, Paul K. Oldroyd
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Publication number: 20170266528Abstract: A soccer kicking tee is disclosed which is especially useful by soccer players to use as a training aid to learn a kicking technique known as kicking with the laces. The tee provides a support for a soccer ball at a prescribed height above the ground plane. A vertical support element interfaces with the bottom of the ball and prevents the ball from rolling or tipping over. This vertical element is supported by a base that spreads out the portion touching the ground and stabilizes the vertical element and the ball and prevents them from tipping over. The shape of the tee minimizes the likelihood that it will tip over when the ball is kicked or struck with the foot. The tee can be used on any surface and can be further secured to the ground with a golf tee or similar stake like element. The vertical support element is pliable enough to easily deflect if the foot comes into contact with it and is stiff enough to support the ball in a static position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: JAMES MICHAEL WESTROM, JAMES DONN HETHCOCK
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Patent number: D966446Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Inventors: James Michael Westrom, James Donn Hethcock, Jr., Jacob Hethcock
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Patent number: D972487Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Inventors: Luc Van Bavel, David Wyatt, Paul Collado, Sean James Fairchild, Jeffrey A. Gamon, Ian Gilchrist, James Donn Hethcock, Jr., Dieter Koehler, David W. Levy, Michael Mataresse