Patents by Inventor Michael A. Fleming

Michael A. Fleming 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: 12172766
    Abstract: An aircraft engine cowling comprises a first cowling portion and a second cowling portion moveable relative to each other. A cowling latch secures the first cowling portion and the second cowling portion in a closed position. The aircraft engine cowling further comprises a deflection limiter band and a deflection limiter latch moveable between an engaged state and a disengaged state for the deflection limiter band. An interlock mechanism prevents disengagement of the cowling latch while the deflection limiter latch is in the engaged state. The interlock mechanism includes a lock element moveable between a first position that prevents disengagement of the cowling latch and a second position that enables disengagement of the cowling latch. The interlock mechanism also includes an indicator paddle movable to contact the deflection limiter latch. A linkage assembly coordinates movement of the lock element with movement of the indicator paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Fleming, Dale G. Frolander, Lauren Peter Yoshiba, Andrew R. Croskey, Albert P. Go, Rohith R. Birjay, Jeremiah D. Langston, Declan Foley, Ignacio J. Carrillo
  • Publication number: 20240367806
    Abstract: An aircraft engine cowling comprises a first cowling portion and a second cowling portion moveable relative to each other. A cowling latch secures the first cowling portion and the second cowling portion in a closed position. The aircraft engine cowling further comprises a deflection limiter band and a deflection limiter latch moveable between an engaged state and a disengaged state for the deflection limiter band. An interlock mechanism prevents disengagement of the cowling latch while the deflection limiter latch is in the engaged state. The interlock mechanism includes a lock element moveable between a first position that prevents disengagement of the cowling latch and a second position that enables disengagement of the cowling latch. The interlock mechanism also includes an indicator paddle movable to contact the deflection limiter latch. A linkage assembly coordinates movement of the lock element with movement of the indicator paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Michael A. Fleming, Dale G. Frolander, Lauren Peter Yoshiba, Andrew R. Croskey, Albert P. Go, Rohith R. Birjay, Jeremiah D. Langston, Declan Foley, Ignacio J. Carrillo
  • Patent number: 12037832
    Abstract: An access system for a vehicle includes a door moveably coupled to a portion of a fuselage. The door is configured to be moved between an open position in which an opening of an internal chamber is opened, and a closed position in which the opening of the internal chamber is closed. One or more actuators are secured to the door. The one or more actuators are configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Skilton, Michael A. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20230392428
    Abstract: An access system for a vehicle includes a door moveably coupled to a portion of a fuselage. The door is configured to be moved between an open position in which an opening of an internal chamber is opened, and a closed position in which the opening of the internal chamber is closed. One or more actuators are secured to the door. The one or more actuators are configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Skilton, Michael A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 11512512
    Abstract: An aircraft door translation hinge assembly connects a passenger door of an aircraft to the aircraft fuselage structure and enables the passenger door to move through a desired opening motion. The opening motion of the passenger door is controlled by a simplified mechanism that utilizes a pair of linkages connected by a cam surface follower that engages in sliding engagement with a cam surface. The simplified mechanism controls a pivoting movement of the passenger door as the passenger door is first opened, and then controls a translation movement of the passenger door as the passenger door is continued to be opened from a passenger door opening in the aircraft fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ryan M. Means, Kenny K. Huynh, Wayne H. Peterson, Michael A. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20210332624
    Abstract: An aircraft door translation hinge assembly connects a passenger door of an aircraft to the aircraft fuselage structure and enables the passenger door to move through a desired opening motion. The opening motion of the passenger door is controlled by a simplified mechanism that utilizes a pair of linkages connected by a cam surface follower that engages in sliding engagement with a cam surface. The simplified mechanism controls a pivoting movement of the passenger door as the passenger door is first opened, and then controls a translation movement of the passenger door as the passenger door is continued to be opened from a passenger door opening in the aircraft fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ryan M. Means, Kenny K. Huynh, Wayne H. Peterson, Michael A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 10719941
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system which uses one or more camera units with embedded processors to measure the relative translation and/or rotation between different members on an aerial device. Image data from each unit is processed and transmitted processing to the position control system of the aerial device, and used to determine the position of an aerial element of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Beck, Michael A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 10710736
    Abstract: There is provided a latch indication system for a fan cowl of an air vehicle. The system has a door movable between a closed position and an open position, and has a handle movable between a handle stowed position and a handle deployed position. The system has a linkage assembly mechanically connecting the handle to a cover assembly. The cover assembly has a movable member movable between a movable member stowed position and a movable member deployed position, such that when the door is in the closed position and the handle is in the handle stowed position, the system indicates that one or more latch assemblies of the fan cowl are in a latched condition, and when the door is in the open position and the handle is in the handle deployed position, the system indicates that one or more of the latch assemblies are in an unlatched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Fleming, James E. Cusworth
  • Publication number: 20190127075
    Abstract: There is provided a latch indication system for a fan cowl of an air vehicle. The system has a door movable between a closed position and an open position, and has a handle movable between a handle stowed position and a handle deployed position. The system has a linkage assembly mechanically connecting the handle to a cover assembly. The cover assembly has a movable member movable between a movable member stowed position and a movable member deployed position, such that when the door is in the closed position and the handle is in the handle stowed position, the system indicates that one or more latch assemblies of the fan cowl are in a latched condition, and when the door is in the open position and the handle is in the handle deployed position, the system indicates that one or more of the latch assemblies are in an unlatched condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Michael A. Fleming, James E. Cusworth
  • Patent number: 9873514
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid mechanical/reactive pressure prevention system that includes a passive pressure control device operably coupled to a door that allows air within a pressurized vehicle to flow out of the pressurized vehicle. An event module detects a door event in the pressurized vehicle. The door event indicates that a door is not secure and air within the pressurized vehicle is being released through the passive pressure control device. An altitude module determines an altitude of the pressurized vehicle in response to detecting the door event. An electronic pressure control device one or more of reduces air inflow into the pressurized vehicle and increases air outflow out of an active pressure control device of the pressurized vehicle in response to the altitude of the pressurized vehicle being below a cutoff altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wayne H. Peterson, Michael E. McDonald, Michael A. Fleming, Sun Gil Kim
  • Publication number: 20170057640
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid mechanical/reactive pressure prevention system that includes a passive pressure control device operably coupled to a door that allows air within a pressurized vehicle to flow out of the pressurized vehicle. An event module detects a door event in the pressurized vehicle. The door event indicates that a door is not secure and air within the pressurized vehicle is being released through the passive pressure control device. An altitude module determines an altitude of the pressurized vehicle in response to detecting the door event. An electronic pressure control device one or more of reduces air inflow into the pressurized vehicle and increases air outflow out of an active pressure control device of the pressurized vehicle in response to the altitude of the pressurized vehicle being below a cutoff altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Wayne H. Peterson, Michael E. McDonald, Michael A. Fleming, Sun Gil Kim
  • Patent number: 5931415
    Abstract: A door assembly for covering an opening (12) formed in the body (26) of an aircraft including a door (10) with two gooseneck hinge arms (28) are rotatably connected at one end to the aircraft body above the door opening and rotatably connected at their other end to the door. An actuator (30) is provided to pivot the hinge arm about its rotatable connection to the body. Two mounting panels (106) are located between the two gooseneck hinge arms. A torque tube (104) is supported by the door and rotates by turning an interior door handle (100) that is located between the two mounting panels. The door assembly further includes a latching assembly (32), hinge guide assembly (34), and frame guide assembly (36) that cooperate to give the door a desired motion. The latching, hinge guide, and frame guide assemblies each include various rollers that engage with tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: George F.D. Lingard, Donald R. Noble, Michael A. Fleming, Robert A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5337977
    Abstract: A vent-latch interlock assembly (22) for installation to an aircraft door (20) that is provided with a latch assembly (32) that controls the opening and closing of the aircraft door. The vent-latch interlock assembly includes a pressure vent door (40) that is positioned to be seated in an opening (42) formed in the aircraft door (20). The pressure vent door (40) is rotatably attached to a shaft (44) that is rotatably mounted to the aircraft door (20). A set of springs (68) normally biases the pressure vent door (40) away from the opening (42). A drive rod (45) connected between the latch assembly (32) and the shaft holds the pressure vent door (40) in the closed position when the aircraft door (20) is closed. An interlock cable (46) is connected between the pressure vent door and an interlock follower (48) and is located next to the latch assembly (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Fleming, Michael C. Sturm
  • Patent number: 5255876
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for vertically lifting a main entry door in an aircraft in order to clear stop fittings and open outward. A hollow shaft having a counterbalance spring and piston therein, which shaft is mounted in a hinge arm and is rotated via a drive chain. The shaft functions to rotate the door by means of splines on the shaft. A door attachment fitting is secured to the top of the piston and slides on the splines during vertical movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Fleming