Patents by Inventor Mark L. Cloud

Mark L. Cloud 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: 11866176
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a backrest that is configured to recline over a reclination range, and a variable reclination range limiter that is configured to selectively adjust a limit of the reclination range limit. A variable reclination range limiting method for a seat assembly includes allowing a backrest of the seat assembly to recline over a reclination range, and selectively adjusting a limit of the reclination range by a variable reclination range limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Cloud, Christopher Edward Plass, Raymond Roeder, Dean Hettick, Anis Noorani
  • Patent number: 11560072
    Abstract: A seat track covering system and method are configured to cover a seat track and one or more cables within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat track covering system and method include a seat track cover that securely couples to the seat track, and at least one cover adjustment member moveably coupled to the seat track cover. The seat track cover and the cover adjustment member(s) cover at least a portion of the seat track and at least a portion of the cable(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachelle N. Ornan, Dean Hettick, Amy L. Wisch, Patrick William O'Neill, Mark L. Cloud
  • Patent number: 11427328
    Abstract: A seat indexing system and method for an internal cabin of a vehicle include a seat assembly, and an indexing wheel coupled to the seat assembly. The indexing wheel is configured to be moved between a stowed position, in which the indexing wheel is disengaged from a seat track, and a deployed position, in which the indexing wheel engages the seat track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachelle N. Ornan, Mark L. Cloud, Raymond Roeder, Dean Hettick
  • Publication number: 20220227491
    Abstract: A system for use in determining a capacity of a storage bin. The system includes a plurality of sensors positioned within the storage bin. Each sensor is configured to determine a used capacity within a portion of the storage bin, and generate a voltage output based on the determined used capacity, wherein the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an aggregate voltage output based on the voltage output of each sensor. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to receive the aggregate voltage output from the plurality of sensors, determine a minimum voltage output and a maximum voltage output of the plurality of sensors, and determine a total used capacity of the storage bin as a function of the aggregate voltage output, the minimum voltage output, and the maximum voltage output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Mark L Cloud, Christopher Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20220068531
    Abstract: A system includes a latch circuit configured to monitor a switch and to operate an electronic latch based on a position of the switch. The system also includes a power supply circuit configured to provide a first voltage level to the latch circuit during normal operations and a second voltage level to the latch circuit during power loss. The power supply circuit includes a primary power circuit configured to provide the first voltage level to the latch circuit and a plurality of supercapacitors configured to be charged by the primary power circuit and provide the second voltage level to the latch circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Mark L. Cloud, Erik Jon Haugen, Justin Rapozo
  • Patent number: 10906458
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an interior cabin, and a stowage bin control system. The stowage bin control system includes a plurality of stowage bin assemblies within the interior cabin. The plurality of stowage bin assemblies are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. A master control device is separate and distinct from the plurality of stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies through wireless connections and is configured to operate the at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10889376
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a strongback, and a pivot bin moveably coupled to the strongback. The pivot bin is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position. A bin drive system is configured to move the pivot bin from the open position to the closed position. The bin drive system includes a motor operatively coupled to a bin actuator through a motion link. The motor is configured move the bin actuator via the motion link to push the pivot bin from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark L. Cloud, Christopher L. Schwitters
  • Patent number: 10864849
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly of a vehicle includes one or more interior light-emitting elements that are configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly. The stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10793277
    Abstract: A stowage bin control system and method for a vehicle includes at least one stowage bin assembly that are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position, and a master control device that is separate and distinct from the stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to the stowage bin assemblies and is configured to operate the stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200307800
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a backrest that is configured to recline over a reclination range, and a variable reclination range limiter that is configured to selectively adjust a limit of the reclination range limit. A variable reclination range limiting method for a seat assembly includes allowing a backrest of the seat assembly to recline over a reclination range, and selectively adjusting a limit of the reclination range by a variable reclination range limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark L. Cloud, Christopher Edward Plass, Raymond Roeder, Dean Hettick, Anis Noorani
  • Publication number: 20200307417
    Abstract: A seat track covering system and method are configured to cover a seat track and one or more cables within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat track covering system and method include a seat track cover that securely couples to the seat track, and at least one cover adjustment member moveably coupled to the seat track cover. The seat track cover and the cover adjustment member(s) cover at least a portion of the seat track and at least a portion of the cable(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachelle N. Ornan, Dean Hettick, Amy L. Wisch, Patrick William O'Neill, Mark L. Cloud
  • Publication number: 20200307809
    Abstract: A seat indexing system and method for an internal cabin of a vehicle include a seat assembly, and an indexing wheel coupled to the seat assembly. The indexing wheel is configured to be moved between a stowed position, in which the indexing wheel is disengaged from a seat track, and a deployed position, in which the indexing wheel engages the seat track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachelle N. Ornan, Mark L. Cloud, Raymond Roeder, Dean Hettick
  • Patent number: 10772981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting a lavatory inside a vehicle in response to a set of criteria being met. A determination is made as to whether a set of criteria for activation of a disinfection system that emits far-ultraviolet radiation to perform a disinfection process inside a lavatory has been met. In response to a determination that the set of criteria has been met, the disinfection system is activated to perform the disinfection process inside the lavatory using the far-ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Childress, Mark L. Cloud, Karen Lee Hills
  • Patent number: 10672208
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly includes a latch that is configured to selectively lock and unlock the stowage bin assembly, and a sensor in communication with the latch. The sensor is configured to be engaged to lock, unlock, open, and/or close the stowage bin assembly without the latch or the sensor being touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10647429
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a weight sensor that is configured to detect the weight of the stowage bin assembly, and a stowage bin control unit in communication with the weight sensor. The stowage bin control unit is configured to automatically close the stowage bin assembly in response to a weight of the stowage bin assembly being within a predetermined range of a maximum weight threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190298875
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting a lavatory inside a vehicle in response to a set of criteria being met. A determination is made as to whether a set of criteria for activation of a disinfection system that emits far-ultraviolet radiation to perform a disinfection process inside a lavatory has been met. In response to a determination that the set of criteria has been met, the disinfection system is activated to perform the disinfection process inside the lavatory using the far-ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: James J. Childress, Mark L. Cloud, Karen Lee Hills
  • Publication number: 20190263525
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a strongback, and a pivot bin moveably coupled to the strongback. The pivot bin is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position. A bin drive system is configured to move the pivot bin from the open position to the closed position. The bin drive system includes a motor operatively coupled to a bin actuator through a motion link. The motor is configured move the bin actuator via the motion link to push the pivot bin from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark L. Cloud, Christopher L. Schwitters
  • Patent number: 10363329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting a lavatory inside a vehicle in response to a set of criteria being met. A determination is made as to whether a set of criteria for activation of a disinfection system that emits far-ultraviolet radiation to perform a disinfection process inside a lavatory has been met. In response to a determination that the set of criteria has been met, the disinfection system is activated to perform the disinfection process inside the lavatory using the far-ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Childress, Mark L. Cloud, Karen Lee Hills
  • Publication number: 20180257784
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a weight sensor that is configured to detect the weight of the stowage bin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180257555
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly of a vehicle includes one or more interior light-emitting elements that are configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly. The stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith