Patents by Inventor Keith M. Ferguson

Keith M. Ferguson 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: 11767905
    Abstract: A rack is made from a plurality of laminated layers. Each layer defines an alignment feature that allows all of the layers to be affixed to a base plate of an aircraft seat assembly and align the teeth of the rack to within five ten-thousandths of an inch. The rack includes a straight portion and a curved portion such that a pinion gear on the aircraft seat assembly can move the aircraft seat assembly along tracks with straight and curved portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11713123
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swivel stop comprising a rotating member, a first boss coupled to the rotating member and a second boss coupled to the rotating member, and a second plate having a first interference surface and a second interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface and the second boss and the second interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the second plate. The swivel stop may further comprise a rail wherein the second plate is configured to translate along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Stuart Porter, Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 11679883
    Abstract: A headrest adjusting bracket surrounds posts from the headrest. A screw displaces one side of the bracket to apply a frictional force to the headrest posts. Protrusions on the interior surface of the bracket, proximal to each post, increases the surface area contact between the bracket and the posts when the screw is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Anthony Calvillo Reveley, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11498685
    Abstract: An armrest is disclosed that includes an armrest subframe configured to couple to an arm of the seat that includes a slot within a face of the armrest subframe configured to receive a stop pin. The armrest further includes an arm pad translatably coupled to the armrest subframe and includes a plurality of grooves formed on one edge of the armrest subframe. The arm pad further includes the stop pin that restricts the translation of the arm pad and a spring anchor. The armrest further includes a lever rotationally coupled to the armrest that includes a locking pin configured to engage one or more grooves of the plurality of grooves, and an actuating end, wherein a movement of the actuating end at least one of engages or disengages the locking pin from the one or more grooves of the plurality of grooves. The armrest further includes a biasing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11459109
    Abstract: An armrest is disclosed that includes an armrest frame rotationally coupled to a seat frame, an armrest subframe pivotably couple to a second end of the armrest frame, and an arm pad laterally aligned and translatably coupled to the armrest subframe. The armrest further includes a tilting mechanism configured to pivot the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame. The armrest further includes a translation mechanism configured to translate the arm pad relative to the armrest subframe. The armrest further includes a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the armrest relative to the seat frame. At least one of the tilting mechanism, the translation mechanism, or the rotation mechanism includes a spring-loaded linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20220048631
    Abstract: A headrest adjusting bracket surrounds posts from the headrest. A screw displaces one side of the bracket to apply a frictional force to the headrest posts. Protrusions on the interior surface of the bracket, proximal to each post, increases the surface area contact between the bracket and the posts when the screw is tightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin Anthony Calvillo Reveley, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20220042589
    Abstract: A rack is made from a plurality of laminated layers. Each layer defines an alignment feature that allows all of the layers to be affixed to a base plate of an aircraft seat assembly and align the teeth of the rack to within five ten-thousandths of an inch. The rack includes a straight portion and a curved portion such that a pinion gear on the aircraft seat assembly can move the aircraft seat assembly along tracks with straight and curved portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210269162
    Abstract: An armrest is disclosed that includes an armrest subframe configured to couple to an arm of the seat that includes a slot within a face of the armrest subframe configured to receive a stop pin. The armrest further includes an arm pad translatably coupled to the armrest subframe and includes a plurality of grooves formed on one edge of the armrest subframe. The arm pad further includes the stop pin that restricts the translation of the arm pad and a spring anchor. The armrest further includes a lever rotationally coupled to the armrest that includes a locking pin configured to engage one or more grooves of the plurality of grooves, and an actuating end, wherein a movement of the actuating end at least one of engages or disengages the locking pin from the one or more grooves of the plurality of grooves. The armrest further includes a biasing spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210269161
    Abstract: An armrest is disclosed that includes an armrest frame rotationally coupled to a seat frame, an armrest subframe pivotably couple to a second end of the armrest frame, and an arm pad laterally aligned and translatably coupled to the armrest subframe. The armrest further includes a tilting mechanism configured to pivot the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame. The armrest further includes a translation mechanism configured to translate the arm pad relative to the armrest subframe. The armrest further includes a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the armrest relative to the seat frame. At least one of the tilting mechanism, the translation mechanism, or the rotation mechanism includes a spring-loaded linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210269160
    Abstract: A locking mechanism to prevent back-drive includes a locking shaft with guide grooves. Locking shaft guides engage the guide grooves to constrain lateral motion of the locking shaft. A nut includes corresponding grooves to the locking shaft, and engages the locking shaft to prevent linear translation. The locking mechanism may be incorporated into a aircraft seat armrest to create a positive lock in the armrest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210101684
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swivel stop comprising a rotating member, a first boss coupled to the rotating member and a second boss coupled to the rotating member, and a second plate having a first interference surface and a second interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface and the second boss and the second interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the second plate. The swivel stop may further comprise a rail wherein the second plate is configured to translate along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Stuart Porter, Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10882620
    Abstract: A seat for an aircraft may comprise a seat pan and a back support coupled to the seat pan. An upper thoracic support may be located proximate an end of the back support opposite the seat pan. The upper thoracic support may be configured to rotate relative to the back support. A headrest may be coupled to the upper thoracic support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Jason Michael Sharpe
  • Patent number: 10829225
    Abstract: A track fitting for securing a seat pedestal of an aircraft seat to a floor of an aircraft may comprise a strut and a lock assembly. The strut may include an aft section configured to attach to an aft foot of the seat pedestal, a forward section configured to attach to a forward foot of the seat pedestal, and a central section extending between the aft section and the forward section. The lock assembly may be located proximate the aft section of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle D. Doughty, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10822090
    Abstract: A cabin fixture comprising a pedestal having a cutout and an axle having a portion disposed within the cutout. The axle is configured to translate within the cutout. A rotating member is coupled to the axle. A first boss is coupled to the rotating member. A plate is proximate the rotating member and has a first interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Stuart Porter, Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20200180769
    Abstract: A track fitting for securing a seat pedestal of an aircraft seat to a floor of an aircraft may comprise a strut and a lock assembly. The strut may include an aft section configured to attach to an aft foot of the seat pedestal, a forward section configured to attach to a forward foot of the seat pedestal, and a central section extending between the aft section and the forward section. The lock assembly may be located proximate the aft section of the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle D. Doughty, Keith M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20200010199
    Abstract: A seat for an aircraft may comprise a seat pan and a back support coupled to the seat pan. An upper thoracic support may be located proximate an end of the back support opposite the seat pan. The upper thoracic support may be configured to rotate relative to the back support. A headrest may be coupled to the upper thoracic support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Jason Michael Sharpe
  • Patent number: 10214291
    Abstract: The energy absorbing assembly may include a seat frame having a base, a seat pan coupled to the seat frame, and a deformable member disposed substantially between the seat pan and the base of the seat frame. In various embodiments, the seat pan is configured to support a passenger in a seated position and the deformable member is configured to undergo plastic deformation in response to a first compressive load on the deformable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson, Jeff Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20180346126
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swivel stop comprising a rotating member, a first boss coupled to the rotating member and a second boss coupled to the rotating member, and a second plate having a first interference surface and a second interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface and the second boss and the second interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the second plate. The swivel stop may further comprise a rail wherein the second plate is configured to translate along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Stuart Porter, Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10071805
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a swivel stop comprising a rotating member, a first boss coupled to the rotating member and a second boss coupled to the rotating member, and a second plate having a first interference surface and a second interference surface. An interference between the first boss and the first interference surface and the second boss and the second interference surface tends to limit the rotation of the rotating member with respect to the second plate. The swivel stop may further comprise a rail wherein the second plate is configured to translate along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Stuart Porter, Keith M. Ferguson, Scott R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 10071661
    Abstract: A modular monocoque backrest is provided. The modular monocoque backrest may comprise a front shroud, a back shroud, and an at least one back spar. The front shroud may be coupled to the back shroud, and the back spar may be configured as a mounting point, enabling the modular monocoque backrest to mount to an aircraft floor. The front shroud and the back shroud may comprise a carbon fiber composite material, allowing the modular monocoque backrest to be modular in nature. The carbon fiber composite material may enable the modular monocoque backrest to have a lightweight design while also maintaining resistance to dynamic crash loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Douglas E. Hoover