Patents by Inventor James W. Fonda
James W. Fonda 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: 11563160Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James W. Fonda, John H. Belk
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Patent number: 11450190Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for avoidance of nearby subjects includes an article, a detector, an alert device and a controller. The article is for a user. The detector is configured to generate a detected value in response to sensing infrared radiation emitted from a subject in a vicinity of the article. The alert device is configured to generate an alert in response to a control signal. The controller is in communication with the detector and the alert device. The controller is configured to set a first predetermined value associated with a proximity condition of an unacceptable proximity range, configured to determine when the detected value exceeds the first predetermined value, and generate the control signal to the alert device to present the alert to inform the user that the subject is within the unacceptable proximity range.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Rebecca Leigh Cook, James W. Fonda, Stephen Eric Moyer
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Publication number: 20210327240Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for avoidance of nearby subjects includes an article, a detector, an alert device and a controller. The article is for a user. The detector is configured to generate a detected value in response to sensing infrared radiation emitted from a subject in a vicinity of the article. The alert device is configured to generate an alert in response to a control signal. The controller is in communication with the detector and the alert device. The controller is configured to set a first predetermined value associated with a proximity condition of an unacceptable proximity range, configured to determine when the detected value exceeds the first predetermined value, and generate the control signal to the alert device to present the alert to inform the user that the subject is within the unacceptable proximity range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Rebecca Leigh Cook, James W. Fonda, Stephen Eric Moyer
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Patent number: 11063199Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James W. Fonda, John H. Belk
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Patent number: 9645095Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable storage medium are provided to facilitate inspection of a composite part during manufacture. In the context of a system, a system for inspecting a composite part during manufacture is provided that includes an inspection system configured to detect an in-process anomaly with respect to a ply of the composite part during placement of the ply. The system also includes a computing system configured to determine part location coordinates of the in-process anomaly detected by the inspection system with respect to the ply of the composite part. The computing system is also configured to map the in-process anomaly to a digital part model based upon the part location coordinates. The system additionally includes a display, responsive to the computing system, configured to present a representation of the digital part model including an indication of the in-process anomaly relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Roger W. Engelbart, James W. Fonda, Allen Halbritter
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Patent number: 9606001Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring ultraviolet (UV) light exposure in an environment are disclosed herein. The methods include detecting a UV light intensity within an environment at a plurality of spaced apart node locations and calculating a UV light intensity map based upon the UV light intensity at the plurality of spaced apart node locations. The systems include a distributed UV light exposure monitoring system that includes a plurality of UV detection nodes, a receiver, and a data analysis system. Each of the plurality of UV detection nodes includes a UV sensor configured to detect a UV light intensity at a node location and a transmitter configured to generate a UV intensity signal that is indicative of the UV light intensity. The data analysis system is programmed to calculate a UV light intensity map of the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jonathan B. Vance, Ali Salour, James W. Fonda
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Patent number: 9595096Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and computer program products for inspecting composite items. Specifically, a method involves analyzing an image of or, more generally, data characterizing condition of a top layer, which is disposed over a bottom layer. The method also involves performing a structural integrity check based on any anomalies detected in the top layer during this analysis as well as based on any anomalies previously detected in the bottom layer. As such, this structural integrity check accounts for characteristics of multiple layers, in some embodiments, all layers applied up to point of this inspection. In addition to the detected anomalies, the structural integrity check may account for previously performed repairs. The structural integrity check may be performed on individual portions of a composite item while, for example, other portions continue receiving a new composite layer, which may be referred to as an inline inspection.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven A. Dorris, Arun Ayyagari, Jonathan Blake Vance, David E. Corman, James W. Fonda, Roger W. Engelbart, Philip L. Freeman
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Publication number: 20160276565Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James W. Fonda, John H. Belk
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Publication number: 20160268011Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James W. Fonda, John H. Belk
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Publication number: 20160195427Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring ultraviolet (UV) light exposure in an environment are disclosed herein. The methods include detecting a UV light intensity within an environment at a plurality of spaced apart node locations and calculating a UV light intensity map based upon the UV light intensity at the plurality of spaced apart node locations. The systems include a distributed UV light exposure monitoring system that includes a plurality of UV detection nodes, a receiver, and a data analysis system. Each of the plurality of UV detection nodes includes a UV sensor configured to detect a UV light intensity at a node location and a transmitter configured to generate a UV intensity signal that is indicative of the UV light intensity. The data analysis system is programmed to calculate a UV light intensity map of the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2015Publication date: July 7, 2016Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jonathan B. Vance, Ali Salour, James W. Fonda
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Patent number: 9356218Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James W. Fonda, John H. Belk
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Publication number: 20160097728Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable storage medium are provided to facilitate inspection of a composite part during manufacture. In the context of a system, a system for inspecting a composite part during manufacture is provided that includes an inspection system configured to detect an in-process anomaly with respect to a ply of the composite part during placement of the ply. The system also includes a computing system configured to determine part location coordinates of the in-process anomaly detected by the inspection system with respect to the ply of the composite part. The computing system is also configured to map the in-process anomaly to a digital part model based upon the part location coordinates. The system additionally includes a display, responsive to the computing system, configured to present a representation of the digital part model including an indication of the in-process anomaly relative thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Roger W. Engelbart, James W. Fonda, Allen Halbritter
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Publication number: 20150316049Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pneumatic system. A number of parameters are monitored using a monitoring device connected to the pneumatic system, an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a gas in the pneumatic system, and a controller. The monitoring device comprises a number of sensors configured to detect the number of parameters. The controller is in communication with the number of sensors and the energy harvesting unit and is configured to process measurements for the number of parameters detected by the number of sensors and control operation of the energy harvesting unit. The number of sensors and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The monitoring device is powered using the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: James W. Fonda, Raymond J. Slesinski
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Patent number: 9160169Abstract: A power utilization scheduling system and methods are disclosed. A prioritized energy consumption schedule is determined based on a prioritized energy consumption. A per-process energy consumption model is determined based on an energy consumption model, and an operation is scheduled based on the prioritized energy consumption schedule and the per-process energy consumption model.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Carl J. Hanks, James W. Fonda
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Patent number: 9146141Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pneumatic system. A number of parameters are monitored using a monitoring device connected to the pneumatic system, an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a gas in the pneumatic system, and a controller. The monitoring device comprises a number of sensors configured to detect the number of parameters. The controller is in communication with the number of sensors and the energy harvesting unit and is configured to process measurements for the number of parameters detected by the number of sensors and control operation of the energy harvesting unit. The number of sensors and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The monitoring device is powered using the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: James W. Fonda, Raymond J. Slesinski
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Publication number: 20150254835Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and computer program products for inspecting composite items. Specifically, a method involves analyzing an image of or, more generally, data characterizing condition of a top layer, which is disposed over a bottom layer. The method also involves performing a structural integrity check based on any anomalies detected in the top layer during this analysis as well as based on any anomalies previously detected in the bottom layer. As such, this structural integrity check accounts for characteristics of multiple layers, in some embodiments, all layers applied up to point of this inspection. In addition to the detected anomalies, the structural integrity check may account for previously performed repairs. The structural integrity check may be performed on individual portions of a composite item while, for example, other portions continue receiving a new composite layer, which may be referred to as an inline inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven A. Dorris, Arun Ayyagari, Jonathan Blake Vance, David E. Corman, James W. Fonda, Roger W. Engelbart, Philip L. Freeman
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Patent number: 9057686Abstract: A non-destructive inspection apparatus, system and associated method are provided to facilitate the inspection of a workpiece. The non-destructive inspection apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to be placed in operable contact with the workpiece. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit ultrasonic signals into the workpiece and to receive return signals from the workpiece. The non-destructive inspection apparatus also includes a grip operably connected to the ultrasonic sensor such that the grip and the ultrasonic sensor are movable in concert. The grip is configured to support an operator's palm, such as a majority of the operator's palm, such that force applied to the ultrasonic inspection apparatus by the operator is transferred via the grip to the ultrasonic sensor. The non-destructive inspection system may also include a computer in communication with the non-destructive inspection apparatus to receive information relating to the return signals received by the ultrasonic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James W. Fonda, Christopher S. Huskamp
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Patent number: 8994511Abstract: An electronic identification package and methods are disclosed. The electronic identification package comprises an electronic identifier operable to provide an identification. A ground conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to conductively couple to a conductive body. An insulator is operable to insulate the electronic identifier from the conductive body, and a reader conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to electronically couple to an electronic identification reader.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Carl J. Hanks, James W. Fonda
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Publication number: 20130125657Abstract: A non-destructive inspection apparatus, system and associated method are provided to facilitate the inspection of a workpiece. The non-destructive inspection apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to be placed in operable contact with the workpiece. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit ultrasonic signals into the workpiece and to receive return signals from the workpiece. The non-destructive inspection apparatus also includes a grip operably connected to the ultrasonic sensor such that the grip and the ultrasonic sensor are movable in concert. The grip is configured to support an operator's palm, such as a majority of the operator's palm, such that force applied to the ultrasonic inspection apparatus by the operator is transferred via the grip to the ultrasonic sensor. The non-destructive inspection system may also include a computer in communication with the non-destructive inspection apparatus to receive information relating to the return signals received by the ultrasonic sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James W. Fonda, Christopher S. Huskamp
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Publication number: 20130063254Abstract: An electronic identification package and methods are disclosed. The electronic identification package comprises an electronic identifier operable to provide an identification. A ground conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to conductively couple to a conductive body. An insulator is operable to insulate the electronic identifier from the conductive body, and a reader conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to electronically couple to an electronic identification reader.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Carl J. Hanks, James W. Fonda