Patents by Inventor Mary Billman

Mary Billman 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).

  • Dynamic bumps for drag reduction at transonic-supersonic speeds
    Patent number: 8016245
    Abstract: A system for reducing overall drag of a mobile platform includes a surface on which an airflow forms a boundary layer and a generally normal shockwave. The airflow is at a first velocity that is one of transonic and supersonic. An oscillating jet injects and extracts a jet flow through the surface. The jet flow is at a second velocity that is substantially less than the first velocity. A recirculation region is upstream of the normal shockwave and is disposed at least partially in the boundary layer. The recirculation region is established at least by the oscillating jet. A generally oblique wave is established by the recirculation region and weakens the normal shockwave to reduce the overall drag experienced by the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ahmed A. Hassan, Bradley A. Osborne, Scott Schwimley, Garry Billman, Mary Billman, legal representative
  • Dynamic bumps for drag reduction at transonic-supersonic speeds
    Publication number: 20090084906
    Abstract: A system for reducing overall drag of a mobile platform includes a surface on which an airflow forms a boundary layer and a generally normal shockwave. The airflow is at a first velocity that is one of transonic and supersonic. An oscillating jet injects and extracts a jet flow through the surface. The jet flow is at a second velocity that is substantially less than the first velocity. A recirculation region is upstream of the normal shockwave and is disposed at least partially in the boundary layer. The recirculation region is established at least by the oscillating jet. A generally oblique wave is established by the recirculation region and weakens the normal shockwave to reduce the overall drag experienced by the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ahmed A. Hassan, Bradley A. Osborne, Scott Schwimley, Garry Billman, Mary Billman