Patents by Inventor Mark E. Howe

Mark E. Howe 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).

  • Publication number: 20190264617
    Abstract: Hybrid turbine engines and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. The hybrid turbine engines include a first thrust-generating device that includes a turbine with a turbine rotary shaft and a clutch, which includes a clutch input, which is operatively coupled to the turbine rotary shaft, and a clutch output. The clutch defines an engaged state and a disengaged state. The hybrid turbine engines also include a rotary electric machine including a machine rotary shaft that is operatively coupled to the clutch output, a second thrust-generating device that is operatively coupled to the machine rotary shaft, and an electric power system. The rotary electric machine is configured to selectively receive an electric power output from the electric power system, such as to selectively produce additional thrust, and to selectively receive in an input torque from the machine rotary shaft, such as to selectively produce additional electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Mark E. Howe, Stephen T. Brown
  • Patent number: 10378452
    Abstract: Hybrid turbine engines and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. The hybrid turbine engines include a first thrust-generating device that includes a turbine with a turbine rotary shaft and a clutch, which includes a clutch input, which is operatively coupled to the turbine rotary shaft, and a clutch output. The clutch defines an engaged state and a disengaged state. The hybrid turbine engines also include a rotary electric machine including a machine rotary shaft that is operatively coupled to the clutch output, a second thrust-generating device that is operatively coupled to the machine rotary shaft, and an electric power system. The rotary electric machine is configured to selectively receive an electric power output from the electric power system, such as to selectively produce additional thrust, and to selectively receive in an input torque from the machine rotary shaft, such as to selectively produce additional electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Mark E. Howe, Stephen T. Brown
  • Patent number: 8959889
    Abstract: A method of varying a fan duct nozzle throat area of a gas turbine engine includes pivoting a fan nozzle outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The fan nozzle is configured to move axially non-contemporaneously with the pivoting of the fan nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Publication number: 20120124963
    Abstract: A method of varying a fan duct nozzle throat area of a gas turbine engine includes pivoting a fan nozzle outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The fan nozzle is configured to move axially non-contemporaneously with the pivoting of the fan nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 8127532
    Abstract: A variable area nozzle system for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct inner wall, a fan duct outer wall disposed in radially spaced relation to the fan duct inner wall, and a fan nozzle. The fan nozzle defines at least a portion of the fan duct outer wall and includes a nozzle aft edge. The fan duct inner wall and the nozzle aft edge collectively define a fan duct nozzle throat area. The fan nozzle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that may be oriented transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The fan nozzle may be pivoted from a stowed position to a deployed position in order to vary the fan duct nozzle throat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Publication number: 20100126139
    Abstract: A variable area nozzle system for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct inner wall, a fan duct outer wall disposed in radially spaced relation to the fan duct inner wall, and a fan nozzle. The fan nozzle defines at least a portion of the fan duct outer wall and includes a nozzle aft edge. The fan duct inner wall and the nozzle aft edge collectively define a fan duct nozzle throat area. The fan nozzle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that may be oriented transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The fan nozzle may be pivoted from a stowed position to a deployed position in order to vary the fan duct nozzle throat area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7568660
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7357355
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7357149
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7083144
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an aircraft system interconnect member between a strut and an engine of the aircraft. The apparatus includes a disconnect panel near the engine through which the interconnect member is connected with the engine, and a support structure movably attached to the strut and that supports the interconnect member near the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Howe, George L. Huggins
  • Patent number: 7051979
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7040579
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 6889940
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 6802479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus contains and drains leakage from fluid system piping on a mobile platform such as an aircraft. A generally U-shaped channel is formed having outwardly oriented edge flanges and either integral or attached end plates. A pair of drain connections is disposed adjacent to each end plate. A group of fluid lines including at least one flammable fluid line is loaded within the U-shaped channel. A cover plate having outwardly oriented edge flanges aligning with the U-shaped channel edge flanges is positioned over the U-shaped channel. The edge flanges of both the cover plate and the U-shaped channel are joined with a seal such that a fluid-tight assembly results. Fluid leakage from any of the group of enclosed fluid lines discharges through the pair of drain connections. One of the end plates forms a firewall connectable to an engine firewall boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Howe, Kevin L. Loss, B. Kelly Sheahan
  • Publication number: 20030213871
    Abstract: A method and apparatus contains and drains leakage from fluid system piping on a mobile platform such as an aircraft. A generally U-shaped channel is formed having outwardly oriented edge flanges and either integral or attached end plates. A pair of drain connections is disposed adjacent to each end plate. A group of fluid lines including at least one flammable fluid line is loaded within the U-shaped channel. A cover plate having outwardly oriented edge flanges aligning with the U-shaped channel edge flanges is positioned over the U-shaped channel. The edge flanges of both the cover plate and the U-shaped channel are joined with a seal such that a fluid-tight assembly results. Fluid leakage from any of the group of enclosed fluid lines discharges through the pair of drain connections. One of the end plates forms a firewall connectable to an engine firewall boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Mark E. Howe, Kevin L. Loss, B. Kelly Sheahan