Patents by Inventor Lance Cutler
Lance Cutler 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).
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Patent number: 9976599Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an outer race, an inner race, a bearing interface, and a nut. The outer race has a head end and a base end. The head end includes a flange having a countersink lip formed on an underside of the flange. The outer race includes an externally threaded portion terminating at the base end. The inner race is circumscribed by the outer race. The bearing interface is located between and rotatably couples the inner race to the outer race. The nut is configured to be threadably engaged to the externally threaded portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Forrest E. Richardson, Lance A. Cutler
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Publication number: 20170370417Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an outer race, an inner race, a bearing interface, and a nut. The outer race has a head end and a base end. The head end includes a flange having a countersink lip formed on an underside of the flange. The outer race includes an externally threaded portion terminating at the base end. The inner race is circumscribed by the outer race. The bearing interface is located between and rotatably couples the inner race to the outer race. The nut is configured to be threadably engaged to the externally threaded portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Forrest E. Richardson, Lance A. Cutler
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Patent number: 9266620Abstract: A braking apparatus of an aerial refueling boom system is provided to reduce the likelihood of or to prevent anomalous boom extension. The braking apparatus includes a pulley about which a cable wraps. The pulley is configured to be operably mounted to a first tube of the boom system and to rotate in response to movement of a second tube relative to the first tube as a result of the connection of the cable to the second tube. The braking apparatus also includes a lock, such as a brake or a pin lock, having open and actuated positions. In the actuated position, rotation of the pulley and movement of the second tube relative to the first tube are prevented. The lock is configured to be actuated by a reduction in performance of an actuation source that otherwise controls the relative positions of the first and second tubes.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Lance A. Cutler, Forrest Richardson
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Publication number: 20150353202Abstract: A braking apparatus of an aerial refueling boom system is provided to reduce the likelihood of or to prevent anomalous boom extension. The braking apparatus includes a pulley about which a cable wraps. The pulley is configured to be operably mounted to a first tube of the boom system and to rotate in response to movement of a second tube relative to the first tube as a result of the connection of the cable to the second tube. The braking apparatus also includes a lock, such as a brake or a pin lock, having open and actuated positions. In the actuated position, rotation of the pulley and movement of the second tube relative to the first tube are prevented. The lock is configured to be actuated by a reduction in performance of an actuation source that otherwise controls the relative positions of the first and second tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Lance A. Cutler, Forrest Richardson
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Patent number: 9102412Abstract: A braking apparatus of an aerial refueling boom system is provided to reduce the likelihood of or to prevent anomalous boom extension. The braking apparatus includes a pulley about which a cable wraps. The pulley is configured to be operably mounted to a first tube of the boom system and to rotate in response to movement of a second tube relative to the first tube as a result of the connection of the cable to the second tube. The braking apparatus also includes a lock, such as a brake or a pin lock, having open and actuated positions. In the actuated position, rotation of the pulley and movement of the second tube relative to the first tube are prevented. The lock is configured to be actuated by a reduction in performance of an actuation source that otherwise controls the relative positions of the first and second tubes.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Lance A. Cutler, Forrest Richardson
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Patent number: 8905355Abstract: A refueling boom is described. The refueling boom includes a non-telescoping portion configured to be coupled to a fuel tanker vehicle and a telescoping portion that is extendable and retractable relative to the non-telescoping portion. The telescoping portion includes a fuel nozzle. The refueling boom also includes a wireless communication system operable to enable wireless communication between a first location of the telescoping portion to a second location of the non-telescoping portion. The refueling boom also includes a control unit coupled to the telescoping portion. The control unit is operable to send first information to the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system and to receive second information from the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Forrest E. Richardson, Carl W. Beck, Lance A. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
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Patent number: 8485474Abstract: Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a boom/receiver-type aerial refueling system having a pressure regulator integrated into the system at the tanker boom nozzle. During refueling operations, pressure of the fuel at the interface between the nozzle at the distal end of the boom assembly and the fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft is maintained by an integrated pressure regulator integrated into the nozzle or located inline of the fuel flow between the boom assembly and the nozzle. The integrated pressure regulator maintains the pressure of the fuel at the nozzle within a defined range regardless of the elevation azimuth of the boom assembly, the extended length of the telescoping extension, the temperature of the outside air or surfaces of the boom, and other factors that may affect the flow of fuel through the boom.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Lance A. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
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Publication number: 20130068889Abstract: A refueling boom is described. The refueling boom includes a non-telescoping portion configured to be coupled to a fuel tanker vehicle and a telescoping portion that is extendable and retractable relative to the non-telescoping portion. The telescoping portion includes a fuel nozzle. The refueling boom also includes a wireless communication system operable to enable wireless communication between a first location of the telescoping portion to a second location of the non-telescoping portion. The refueling boom also includes a control unit coupled to the telescoping portion. The control unit is operable to send first information to the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system and to receive second information from the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Forrest E. Richardson, Carl W. Beck, Lance A. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
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Publication number: 20120049004Abstract: Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a boom/receiver-type aerial refueling system having a pressure regulator integrated into the system at the tanker boom nozzle. During refueling operations, pressure of the fuel at the interface between the nozzle at the distal end of the boom assembly and the fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft is maintained by an integrated pressure regulator integrated into the nozzle or located inline of the fuel flow between the boom assembly and the nozzle. The integrated pressure regulator maintains the pressure of the fuel at the nozzle within a defined range regardless of the elevation azimuth of the boom assembly, the extended length of the telescoping extension, the temperature of the outside air or surfaces of the boom, and other factors that may affect the flow of fuel through the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Lance A. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
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Publication number: 20120037757Abstract: A braking apparatus of an aerial refueling boom system is provided to reduce the likelihood of or to prevent anomalous boom extension. The braking apparatus includes a pulley about which a cable wraps. The pulley is configured to be operably mounted to a first tube of the boom system and to rotate in response to movement of a second tube relative to the first tube as a result of the connection of the cable to the second tube. The braking apparatus also includes a lock, such as a brake or a pin lock, having open and actuated positions. In the actuated position, rotation of the pulley and movement of the second tube relative to the first tube are prevented. The lock is configured to be actuated by a reduction in performance of an actuation source that otherwise controls the relative positions of the first and second tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Lance A. Cutler, Forrest Richardson
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Patent number: 7617585Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeremy R. W. James, Lance A Cutler
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Publication number: 20080203728Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeremy R.W. James, Lance A. Cutler
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Patent number: 7380754Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeremy R. W. James, Lance A. Cutler
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Patent number: 7028740Abstract: An apparatus for providing a smoke barrier through a doorway comprising a door coupled to a doorframe and a threshold on the floor between the doorframe. A movable seal assembly is coupled to the threshold and a first seal is coupled to the doorframe for contacting a top and two sides of the door when the door is in the closed position. A bottom seal is coupled to the movable seal assembly for contacting a bottom of the door when the door is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael J. Clarady, Lance A. Cutler, John A. Bitker
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Publication number: 20060071475Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2004Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Jeremy James, Lance Cutler
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Publication number: 20050028462Abstract: An apparatus for providing a smoke barrier through a doorway comprising a door coupled to a doorframe and a threshold on the floor between the doorframe. A movable seal assembly is coupled to the threshold and a first seal is coupled to the doorframe for contacting a top and two sides of the door when the door is in the closed position. A bottom seal is coupled to the movable seal assembly for contacting a bottom of the door when the door is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Clarady, Lance Cutler, John Bitker