Patents by Inventor Keith D. Humfeld

Keith D. Humfeld 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: 10264191
    Abstract: A method of producing super resolution images includes a detector array capturing images of a scene in which detector array provides pixels for respective portions of the scene, and the detector array captures the images in increments in each of which a lens or the detector array is moved a length of an individual detector. The method also includes a processing unit determining light intensities of the pixels, and calibrating the pixels to a reference pixel based on the light intensities and thereby compensate for any differences in sensitivity of the individual detectors. This calibration is based on a comparison of light intensities of the reference pixel and an other pixel in respectively one and an other of the images in which the portion of the scene is the same for the reference pixel in the one of the images and the other pixel in the other of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Keith D. Humfeld
  • Patent number: 10228237
    Abstract: A method for determining a strain includes bonding first and second components together, at an elevated temperature, using a bonding agent. A strain is then measured in the first component using a strain measurement tool as the first component cools from the elevated temperature. The strain measurement tool is configured to detect movement the first component as the first component cools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Eileen Kutscha
  • Publication number: 20190045106
    Abstract: A method of producing super resolution images includes a detector array capturing images of a scene in which detector array provides pixels for respective portions of the scene, and the detector array captures the images in increments in each of which a lens or the detector array is moved a length of an individual detector. The method also includes a processing unit determining light intensities of the pixels, and calibrating the pixels to a reference pixel based on the light intensities and thereby compensate for any differences in sensitivity of the individual detectors. This calibration is based on a comparison of light intensities of the reference pixel and an other pixel in respectively one and an other of the images in which the portion of the scene is the same for the reference pixel in the one of the images and the other pixel in the other of the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventor: Keith D. Humfeld
  • Publication number: 20190017810
    Abstract: A method for determining a strain includes bonding first and second components together, at an elevated temperature, using a bonding agent. A strain is then measured in the first component using a strain measurement tool as the first component cools from the elevated temperature. The strain measurement tool is configured to detect movement the first component as the first component cools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Keith D. HUMFELD, Eileen KUTSCHA
  • Publication number: 20190016438
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first composite support structure and a second composite support structure. The first and second composite support structures are in a predetermined position relative to one another. The apparatus further includes an uncured pre-preg ply, wherein: the uncured pre-preg ply overlies at least a portion of the first composite support structure; the uncured pre-preg ply overlies at least a portion of the second composite support structure; and the first and second composite support structures are each stiffer than the uncured pre-preg ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Scott D. Hartshorn
  • Publication number: 20180356215
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic imaging of composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes providing an object having multiple layers of fibers and resin, inducing ultrasonic waves at locations along the object, and attenuating the ultrasonic waves at the regions due to regions interspersed among the layers that each exhibit an elastic modulus distinct from an elastic modulus of the fibers and distinct from an elastic modulus of the matrix. The method further includes receiving the attenuated ultrasonic waves, and analyzing the attenuated ultrasonic waves to determine depths of the regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Publication number: 20180313272
    Abstract: Multi-layer thermal insulator apparatus and methods are described. An example multi-layer thermal insulator includes a first thermally insulating layer, a second thermally insulating layer, and a thermally conductive layer positioned between and adjacent to the first thermally insulating layer and the second thermally insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott D. Hartshorn, Keith D. Humfeld
  • Publication number: 20180274387
    Abstract: An engine shaft assembly for an engine is provided. The engine shaft assembly includes a shaft and a thermal distribution layer. The thermal distribution layer is provided on the shaft, and is configured to minimize the effect of distortion of the shaft caused by asymmetric cooling on shutdown of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Hartshorn, Keith D. Humfeld
  • Publication number: 20180209938
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of inspecting a part for defects. The method includes applying an electromagnetic field to the part using a defect detection coil and one or more noise cancelation coils. The method also includes detecting feedback received in response to applying the electromagnetic field. The method includes adjusting settings corresponding to the one or more noise cancelation coils, in response to the feedback, to reduce electromagnetic noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Keith D. Humfeld
  • Patent number: 10006888
    Abstract: A plurality of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) transducers in a phased array are coupled to a flexible substrate using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for conformal ultrasound scanning. Each transducer comprises a cantilever, magnetic material deposited on the cantilever, and a solenoid positioned relative to the magnetic material. The carbon nanotubes are grown on the cantilever and mechanically couple the transducer to one side of the flexible substrate. The other side of the flexible substrate is applied to a surface of a part under inspection, and the transducers are electrically connected to a processer to cause movement of the cantilevers when the solenoids are energized by the processor. The movement of the cantilevers results in movement of the carbon nanotubes, which imparts a force to the flexible substrate that results in ultrasound waves, which permeate the part. Returns from the ultrasound waves are interpreted by the processor to generate images of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 9958145
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light-emitting diode (LED). A first carbon nanotube (CNT) is coupled to and extends from the LED. A second CNT is coupled to and extends from the LED. The first and second CNTs are configured to generate a voltage difference across the LED when the first and second CNTs are exposed to an electromagnetic (EM) field having a frequency within a predetermined range. The LED is configured to emit light when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Publication number: 20180090669
    Abstract: A micro electromechanical (mem) device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a shaped carbon nanotube with a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaped carbon nanotube is conductively connected to the first electrode and the second end is conductively connected to the second electrode. A system for making the device includes a plurality of electrodes placed outside the growth region of a furnace to produce a controlled, time-varying electric field. A controller for the system is connected to a power supply to deliver controlled voltages to the electrodes to produce the electric field. A mixture of gases is passed through the furnace with the temperature raised to cause chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon on a catalyst. The sequentially time-varying electric field parameterizes a growing nanotube into a predetermined shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Publication number: 20180031220
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light-emitting diode (LED). A first carbon nanotube (CNT) is coupled to and extends from the LED. A second CNT is coupled to and extends from the LED. The first and second CNTs are configured to generate a voltage difference across the LED when the first and second CNTs are exposed to an electromagnetic (EM) field having a frequency within a predetermined range. The LED is configured to emit light when the voltage difference is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Keith D. HUMFELD, Morteza SAFAI
  • Patent number: 9868638
    Abstract: In one aspect, methods of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes are described herein. In some implementations, a method of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes comprises providing a plurality of semiconducting nanotube seeds including (n,m) nanotube seeds and non-(n,m) nanotube seeds. The method further comprises illuminating the plurality of nanotube seeds with a first laser beam having a first wavelength and a second laser beam having a second wavelength, the second wavelength differing from the first wavelength. The first wavelength corresponds to an absorption maximum for a (n,m) carbon nanotube and the second wavelength corresponds to a photoluminescence emission frequency for the (n,m) carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Keith D. Humfeld
  • Patent number: 9816892
    Abstract: In one aspect, systems for detecting a fuel leak are described herein. In some implementations, a system for detecting a fuel leak described herein comprises a fuel-containing vessel having an exterior surface and a carbon nanotube coating layer comprising photoluminescent carbon nanotubes disposed on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the fuel-containing vessel. The system further comprises a fuel-sensitive coating layer substantially covering the carbon nanotube coating layer. The fuel-sensitive coating layer is optically opaque or substantially opaque to wavelengths of light absorbed and/or emitted by the photoluminescent carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Publication number: 20170307568
    Abstract: A plurality of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) transducers in a phased array are coupled to a flexible substrate using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for conformal ultrasound scanning. Each transducer comprises a cantilever, magnetic material deposited on the cantilever, and a solenoid positioned relative to the magnetic material. The carbon nanotubes are grown on the cantilever and mechanically couple the transducer to one side of the flexible substrate. The other side of the flexible substrate is applied to a surface of a part under inspection, and the transducers are electrically connected to a processer to cause movement of the cantilevers when the solenoids are energized by the processor. The movement of the cantilevers results in movement of the carbon nanotubes, which imparts a force to the flexible substrate that results in ultrasound waves, which permeate the part. Returns from the ultrasound waves are interpreted by the processor to generate images of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Publication number: 20170260053
    Abstract: In one aspect, methods of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes are described herein. In some implementations, a method of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes comprises providing a plurality of semiconducting nanotube seeds including (n,m) nanotube seeds and non-(n,m) nanotube seeds. The method further comprises illuminating the plurality of nanotube seeds with a first laser beam having a first wavelength and a second laser beam having a second wavelength, the second wavelength differing from the first wavelength. The first wavelength corresponds to an absorption maximum for a (n,m) carbon nanotube and the second wavelength corresponds to a photoluminescence emission frequency for the (n,m) carbon nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Keith D. Humfeld
  • Patent number: 9731453
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite assembly may include providing a first laminate and a second laminate respectively formed of first and second composite plies, and having a respective first and second cured section and a respective first and second uncured section. The method may further include interleaving the first composite plies in the first uncured section with the second composite plies in the second uncured section to form an interfacial region. The method may additionally include curing the interfacial region to join the first laminate to the second laminate and form a unitized composite assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Karl M. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20170205306
    Abstract: In one aspect, systems for detecting a fuel leak are described herein. In some implementations, a system for detecting a fuel leak described herein comprises a fuel-containing vessel having an exterior surface and a carbon nanotube coating layer comprising photoluminescent carbon nanotubes disposed on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the fuel-containing vessel. The system further comprises a fuel-sensitive coating layer substantially covering the carbon nanotube coating layer. The fuel-sensitive coating layer is optically opaque or substantially opaque to wavelengths of light absorbed and/or emitted by the photoluminescent carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 9688537
    Abstract: In one aspect, methods of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes are described herein. In some implementations, a method of making semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes comprises providing a plurality of semiconducting nanotube seeds including (n,m) nanotube seeds and non-(n,m) nanotube seeds. The method further comprises illuminating the plurality of nanotube seeds with a first laser beam having a first wavelength and a second laser beam having a second wavelength, the second wavelength differing from the first wavelength. The first wavelength corresponds to an absorption maximum for a (n,m) carbon nanotube and the second wavelength corresponds to a photoluminescence emission frequency for the (n,m) carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Keith D. Humfeld