Patents by Inventor Matthew W. Wilks

Matthew W. Wilks 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: 20040195454
    Abstract: A method for forming a blended wing body aircraft with a modular body. In one embodiment, the configuration or cargo capacity of the aircraft can be varied by adding or subtracting intermediate body structures rather than by adding or subtracting segments from the lateral sides of the aircraft body. Configuration in this manner preserves key aerodynamic parameters and permits several major components to be used in several aircraft configurations, each of which having a different cargo capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Page, Jennifer P. Whitlock, Matthew W. Wilks
  • Patent number: 6708924
    Abstract: A blended wing body aircraft having a modular body having a body that includes a plurality of laterally-extending body structures. Changes to the cargo capacity of the aircraft is accomplished through the employment of body structures that are wider or narrower. Configuration in this manner provides the aircraft with a structure that is relatively strong and efficient. While the body structures of this embodiment are not shared across a family of variously sized aircraft, the base design of the body structures is readily modifiable to adjust for an increase or decrease in width associated with a desired change to the aircraft's cargo capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Page, Jennifer P. Whitlock, Matthew W. Wilks
  • Publication number: 20030192986
    Abstract: A blended wing body aircraft having a modular body having a body that includes a plurality of laterally-extending body structures. Changes to the cargo capacity of the aircraft is accomplished through the employment of body structures that are wider or narrower. Configuration in this manner provides the aircraft with a structure that is relatively strong and efficient. While the body structures of this embodiment are not shared across a family of variously sized aircraft, the base design of the body structures is readily modifiable to adjust for an increase or decrease in width associated with a desired change to the aircraft's cargo capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Page, Jennifer P. Whitlock, Matthew W. Wilks
  • Patent number: 6568632
    Abstract: A blended wing body aircraft having a modular body. In one embodiment, the configuration or cargo capacity of the aircraft can be varied by adding or subtracting intermediate body structures rather than by adding or subtracting segments from the lateral sides of the aircraft body. Configuration in this manner preserves key aerodynamic parameters and permits several major components to be used in several aircraft configurations, each of which having a different cargo capacity. In another embodiment, the aircraft is formed from a plurality of laterally-extending body structures. Changes to the cargo capacity of the aircraft is accomplished through the employment of body structures that are wider or narrower. Configuration in this manner provides the aircraft with a structure that is relatively strong and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Page, Jennifer P. Whitlock, Matthew W. Wilks
  • Publication number: 20020145075
    Abstract: A blended wing body aircraft having a modular body. In one embodiment, the configuration or cargo capacity of the aircraft can be varied by adding or subtracting intermediate body structures rather than by adding or subtracting segments from the lateral sides of the aircraft body. Configuration in this manner preserves key aerodynamic parameters and permits several major components to be used in several aircraft configurations, each of which having a different cargo capacity. In another embodiment, the aircraft is formed from a plurality of laterally-extending body structures. Changes to the cargo capacity of the aircraft is accomplished through the employment of body structures that are wider or narrower. Configuration in this manner provides the aircraft with a structure that is relatively strong and efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Page, Jennifer P. Whitlock, Matthew W. Wilks