Patents by Inventor Jerell L. Smith

Jerell L. Smith 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: 7188807
    Abstract: Refueling booms with multiple couplings, and associated methods and systems, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a deployable boom carrying a refueling passage. A first coupler carried by the boom can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage. The first coupler can be configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. A second coupler can be carried by the boom and can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage, with the second coupler being configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. In particular embodiments, the first and second couplers can have different configurations so as to be compatible with aircraft having different refueling arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jerell L. Smith