Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Lynn Duce

Jeffrey Lynn Duce 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).

  • Patent number: 11718051
    Abstract: A heat blanket system including a blanket including a first sub-area and a second sub-area. The heat blanket system also includes heating elements printed on the blanket. First spacings between first ones of the heating elements in the first sub-area varies relative to second spacings between second ones of the heating elements in the second sub-area. The first spacings and the second spacings vary according to a design. The design is configured for use on a uniquely defined rework area on a uniquely defined composite material object including a third area including a heat sink region and a fourth area including a non-heat sink region. The first sub-area is sized and dimensioned to be placed over the third area. The second sub-area is sized and dimensioned to be placed over the fourth area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Spalding, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Publication number: 20230035062
    Abstract: A heat blanket system including a blanket including a first sub-area and a second sub-area. The heat blanket system also includes heating elements printed on the blanket. First spacings between first ones of the heating elements in the first sub-area varies relative to second spacings between second ones of the heating elements in the second sub-area. The first spacings and the second spacings vary according to a design. The design is configured for use on a uniquely defined rework area on a uniquely defined composite material object including a third area including a heat sink region and a fourth area including a non-heat sink region. The first sub-area is sized and dimensioned to be placed over the third area. The second sub-area is sized and dimensioned to be placed over the fourth area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Spalding, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Patent number: 11498296
    Abstract: A method including receiving a model of a composite structure having an inconsistency. The model includes a pre-calculated heating model that specifies areas of the inconsistency for which corresponding different amounts of heating are applied to an uncured composite material that is applied to the inconsistency. A design for heating elements of varying density across the areas is generated from the model. The design is configured to cause the heating elements in a first sub-area of a heat blanket system to generate a first amount of heat in a third area in the areas, and to cause the heating elements in a second sub-area of the heat blanket system to generate a second, different amount of heat in a fourth area of the areas. The heating elements are printed according to the design on a blanket to manufacture the heat blanket system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Spalding, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Patent number: 11327221
    Abstract: A floor lighting assembly includes a luminous composite sheet and a light transmissive carpet. The luminous composite sheet has a top side, a bottom side, and an edge extending from the top side to the bottom side. The light sources are arranged in a row and are configured to emit light into the light guide film through the edge. The light transmissive carpet is disposed above the top side of the light guide film. The light transmissive carpet includes a backing structure and a pile mounted to and extending from the backing structure. The light guide film is configured to spread and redirect the light that is received therein through the edge for emitting the light through the top side of the light guide film such that some of the light is transmitted through the light transmissive carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Karen L. Hills
  • Publication number: 20210331433
    Abstract: A method including receiving a model of a composite structure having an inconsistency. The model includes a pre-calculated heating model that specifies areas of the inconsistency for which corresponding different amounts of heating are applied to an uncured composite material that is applied to the inconsistency. A design for heating elements of varying density across the areas is generated from the model. The design is configured to cause the heating elements in a first sub-area of a heat blanket system to generate a first amount of heat in a third area in the areas, and to cause the heating elements in a second sub-area of the heat blanket system to generate a second, different amount of heat in a fourth area of the areas. The heating elements are printed according to the design on a blanket to manufacture the heat blanket system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Spalding, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Publication number: 20210181406
    Abstract: A floor lighting assembly includes a luminous composite sheet and a light transmissive carpet. The luminous composite sheet has a top side, a bottom side, and an edge extending from the top side to the bottom side. The light sources are arranged in a row and are configured to emit light into the light guide film through the edge. The light transmissive carpet is disposed above the top side of the light guide film. The light transmissive carpet includes a backing structure and a pile mounted to and extending from the backing structure. The light guide film is configured to spread and redirect the light that is received therein through the edge for emitting the light through the top side of the light guide film such that some of the light is transmitted through the light transmissive carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Karen L. Hills
  • Patent number: 11022004
    Abstract: A method of integrating an electric motor or generator as part of an aircraft engine shaft. The motor is used to rotate the rotor so as to cool the rotor in a temperature gradient. The generator is used to provide power to the aircraft. In one or more examples, a power generation device includes a gas turbine engine including a rotor shaft and a first casing around the rotor shaft; a transmission connecting the rotor shaft to a gearbox, the transmission comprising a drive shaft and a second casing around the drive shaft; and a brushless DC motor integrated with the engine and including one or more permanent magnets and one or more coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Kent E. Karnofski, Stephen D. Oehler
  • Patent number: 10974467
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a selected location for placing the composite part on the tool, to direct the dispensers to apply a mold release agent onto the tool based on the selected location, to apply a sealant onto the tool proximate to the selected location, to lay up a ply of constituent material for the composite part atop the mold release agent at the selected location, to apply a pressure pad material atop the constituent material, to apply a breather material atop the pressure pad, and to apply vacuum bag material atop the ply proximate to the selected location to cover the ply as well as the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith Daniel Humfeld, Arthur August Rugtvedt, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Patent number: 10953575
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a location for placing the composite part on the tool, and to direct the dispensers to lay up a laminate of constituent material for the composite part at the location. The controller is also able to direct the dispensers to spray vacuum bag material atop the laminate to form a vacuum bag that covers the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith Daniel Humfeld, Arthur August Rugtvedt, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Publication number: 20210072457
    Abstract: A floor lighting assembly includes a luminous composite sheet and a light transmissive carpet. The luminous composite sheet has a top side, a bottom side, and an edge extending from the top side to the bottom side. The light sources are arranged in a row and are configured to emit light into the light guide film through the edge. The light transmissive carpet is disposed above the top side of the light guide film. The light transmissive carpet includes a backing structure and a pile mounted to and extending from the backing structure. The light guide film is configured to spread and redirect the light that is received therein through the edge for emitting the light through the top side of the light guide film such that some of the light is transmitted through the light transmissive carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Karen L. Hills
  • Patent number: 10921511
    Abstract: A floor lighting assembly includes a luminous composite sheet and a light transmissive carpet. The luminous composite sheet has a top side, a bottom side, and an edge extending from the top side to the bottom side. The light sources are arranged in a row and are configured to emit light into the light guide film through the edge. The light transmissive carpet is disposed above the top side of the light guide film. The light transmissive carpet includes a backing structure and a pile mounted to and extending from the backing structure. The light guide film is configured to spread and redirect the light that is received therein through the edge for emitting the light through the top side of the light guide film such that some of the light is transmitted through the light transmissive carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Karen L. Hills
  • Patent number: 10595428
    Abstract: A composite part comprising an electronic device and method for making the same. A primer is deposited on a surface of the composite part. An electronic device comprising a group of conductive elements is deposited on the primer. An embodiment may include the group of conductive elements within a layer of material co-bonded to the composite part. Power may be supplied to a device connected to the composite part through current flowing through the group of conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hardik Dalal, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Yelina Rosillo, Brent A. Robbins, Breana K. Merriweather
  • Publication number: 20190008065
    Abstract: A composite part comprising an electronic device and method for making the same. A primer is deposited on a surface of the composite part. An electronic device comprising a group of conductive elements is deposited on the primer. Power may be supplied to a device connected to the composite part through current flowing through the group of conductive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Hardik Dalal, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Yelina Rosillo, Brent A. Robbins, Breana K. Merriweather
  • Patent number: 10118712
    Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment an electrical conductor pathway system for diverting an electric charge. The electrical conductor pathway system includes a substrate having a first surface to be printed on and having one or more grounding points. The electrical conductor pathway system further includes a direct write conductive material pattern printed directly onto the first surface via a direct write printing process. The direct write conductive material pattern forms one or more electrical pathways interconnected with the one or more grounding points. The one or more electrical pathways interconnected with the one or more grounding points divert the electric charge from the first surface to the one or more grounding points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Victoria L. Garcia, Mark J. Gardner, Otis F. Layton, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Joseph A. Marshall, IV
  • Publication number: 20180283220
    Abstract: A method of integrating an electric motor or generator as part of an aircraft engine shaft. The motor is used to rotate the rotor so as to cool the rotor in a temperature gradient. The generator is used to provide power to the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Kent E. Karnofski, Stephen D. Oehler
  • Patent number: 10064303
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite part. Layers of composite material are cured to form the composite part. A primer is depicted on a surface of the composite part. A group of conductive elements is deposited on the primer to form an electronic device on the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hardik Dalal, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Yelina Rosillo, Brent A. Robbins, Breana K. Merriweather
  • Publication number: 20170232643
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a location for placing the composite part on the tool, and to direct the dispensers to lay up a laminate of constituent material for the composite part at the location. The controller is also able to direct the dispensers to spray vacuum bag material atop the laminate to form a vacuum bag that covers the laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Daniel Humfeld, Arthur August Rugtvedt, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Publication number: 20170232641
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a selected location for placing the composite part on the tool, to direct the dispensers to apply a mold release agent onto the tool based on the selected location, to apply a sealant onto the tool proximate to the selected location, to lay up a ply of constituent material for the composite part atop the mold release agent at the selected location, to apply a pressure pad material atop the constituent material, to apply a breather material atop the pressure pad, and to apply vacuum bag material atop the ply proximate to the selected location to cover the ply as well as the sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Daniel Humfeld, Arthur August Rugtvedt, Jeffrey Lynn Duce
  • Patent number: 9480163
    Abstract: Systems and methods of coupling digitizing sensors to a structure are disclosed. A particular system includes a digitizing sensor node. The system further includes a bus including a plurality of conductive elements applied to a substrate. A first conductive element of the bus is coupled to the digitizing sensor node using a direct-write technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Jeong-Beom Ihn, Christopher T. Dunn, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Michael G. Borgen
  • Patent number: 9413102
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body and a resilient spring contact configured to electrically contact a data trace formed on a structural surface. The resilient spring contact being enclosed within the connector body when the connector body is attached to the structural surface. The electrical connector assembly may also include a connector arrangement configured to electrically couple the resilient spring contact to a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Robert Nye, Jason Yim