Patents by Inventor Kent W. Benner

Kent W. Benner 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: 10421533
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an airfoil includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The airfoil also includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The airfoil includes a continuous panel coupled to the first side of the airfoil. The continuous panel includes a first edge having a first uneven edge pattern. The first edge has at least four vertices disposed thereon. The continuous panel extends from the first end of the airfoil to a second end of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Neal David Domel, Dan Baruzzini, Kent W. Benner, Richard Scott Ely, II, Daniel N. Miller
  • Patent number: 9945483
    Abstract: A system includes a first surface, a second surface, and a sealing system operable to provide an aerodynamic seal between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface may be a surface to be sealed. The sealing system includes a first member and a base. The first member includes a first portion and a bulb coupled to the first portion. The first portion has one or more projections and is adapted to couple the first member to the first surface. The base includes a plurality of feet, a plurality of arms, and an arched portion. The plurality of feet are adapted to be positioned against the second surface. The plurality of arms are adapted to accept the bulb. The arched portion forms a preloaded seal adapted to seal against the second surface when air pressure is exerted against a side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kent W. Benner, Roland A. Creswell, James K. Lash, William Alfred Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9676469
    Abstract: A system includes an outer band, inner band, and a fastener. The outer band covers at least a portion of a first structure and has a first edge opposite a second edge. The second edge forms a first load redistribution ramp corresponding to a bend in the first structure. The inner band is positioned beneath a second structure and has a first surface opposite a second surface. The second surface forms a second load redistribution ramp corresponding to the bend in the first structure. A portion of the inner band adjacent to the second surface forms a curve around an edge of the second structure such that the second load redistribution ramp forms a wedge between the first structure and the second structure. The fastener couples the outer band, first structure, second structure, and inner band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Kent W. Benner
  • Publication number: 20170129593
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an airfoil includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and an apparatus coupled to the first side of the airfoil, the apparatus comprising a first edge having a first uneven edge pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Neal David Domel, Dan Baruzzini, Kent W. Benner, Richard Scott Ely, II, Daniel N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160138715
    Abstract: A system includes a first surface, a second surface, and a sealing system operable to provide an aerodynamic seal between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface may be a surface to be sealed. The sealing system includes a first member and a base. The first member includes a first portion and a bulb coupled to the first portion. The first portion has one or more projections and is adapted to couple the first member to the first surface. The base includes a plurality of feet, a plurality of arms, and an arched portion. The plurality of feet are adapted to be positioned against the second surface. The plurality of arms are adapted to accept the bulb. The arched portion forms a preloaded seal adapted to seal against the second surface when air pressure is exerted against a side of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Kent W. Benner, Roland A. Creswell, James K. Lash, William Alfred Thomas, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150291271
    Abstract: A system includes an outer band, inner band, and a fastener. The outer band covers at least a portion of a first structure and has a first edge opposite a second edge. The second edge forms a first load redistribution ramp corresponding to a bend in the first structure. The inner band is positioned beneath a second structure and has a first surface opposite a second surface. The second surface forms a second load redistribution ramp corresponding to the bend in the first structure. A portion of the inner band adjacent to the second surface forms a curve around an edge of the second structure such that the second load redistribution ramp forms a wedge between the first structure and the second structure. The fastener couples the outer band, first structure, second structure, and inner band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kent W. Benner
  • Patent number: 6349538
    Abstract: A pulse detonation engine has an inner tubular housing rigidly and concentrically mounted within a cylindrical bore of an outer tubular housing. The inner housing has a plurality of inner housing ports, and the outer housing has a plurality of outer housing ports. A detonation chamber is formed in the annulus between the inner housing and the outer housing. In one embodiment, an outer valve sleeve is rotatably mounted to the outer housing for selectively allowing air to enter the detonation chamber through the outer housing ports. A movable, inner protective sleeve is mounted to the inner housing for protecting a plurality of fuel injectors that supply liquid fuel to the detonation chamber through the inner housing ports. The air and liquid fuel mixture is detonated by several igniters located in the detonation chamber. In a second embodiment, an inner valve sleeve is rotatably mounted to the inner housing for selectively allowing air to enter the detonation chamber through the inner housing ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Louis G. Hunter, Jr., Kent W. Benner