Patents by Inventor Joseph Appleton

Joseph Appleton 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: 7624488
    Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew K. Lum, David L. Wagner, Thomas D. Hall, Darrell D. Jones, Joseph A. Appleton, Vincent T. Olson, Noel A. Spishak
  • Patent number: 7103952
    Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Appleton, Timothy J. Busch, Keith E. Black, Kevin P. Wescott
  • Publication number: 20060118235
    Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew Lum, David Wagner, Thomas Hall, Darrell Jones, Joseph Appleton, Vincent Olson, Noel Spishak
  • Publication number: 20050198797
    Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Appleton, Timothy Busch, Keith Black, Kevin Wescott