Patents by Inventor Michael A. Butcher

Michael A. Butcher 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).

  • Automated Fiber Placement Mandrel Joint Configuration
    Publication number: 20100276085
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machine mandrel configuration where the lap joint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user may shim the mandrel segments without otherwise affecting the integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrel segments are split at the stringer centerline through the middle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint is preferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrel segments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. The seal plane is thus protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Russell Cleary, JR., Brian K. Fling, Michael A. Butcher
  • AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT MANDREL JOINT CONFIGURATION
    Publication number: 20090033040
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machine mandrel configuration where the lap joint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user may shim the mandrel segments without otherwise affecting the integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrel segments are split at the stringer centerline through the middle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint is preferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrel segments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. The seal plane is thus protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Russell Cleary, JR., Brian K. Fling, Michael A. Butcher