Patents by Inventor Michael L. Hestness

Michael L. Hestness 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).

  • Composite laminate thickness compensation
    Patent number: 9586367
    Abstract: A method is provided for the non-contact measurement of variations in thickness of composite materials and structures prepared from composite parts. Metrologic methods are employed to provide a 3D image of the structure or part. Variations that are greater than an acceptable amount can be corrected by adding a compensation layer to the surface of the structure or part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Drewett, Paul T. Briney, Grady L. White, Gary L. Kelly, Michael L. Hestness, Todd H. Ashton, Peter L. Morken
  • Aircraft skin surface planing
    Patent number: 9186768
    Abstract: A contoured surface planing apparatus for removing proud-standing material from a contoured surface without damaging the surface. The apparatus may include a tool comprising a motor-driven rotary cutter supported by a main body for rotation about a cutter axis, and orientation contact points spaced around the cutter and defining an orientation contact plane disposed parallel to the cutter axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Benjamin Warner, Michael L. Hestness, Richard A. Luepke
  • Aircraft Skin Surface Planing
    Publication number: 20140273755
    Abstract: A contoured surface planing apparatus for removing proud-standing material from a contoured surface without damaging the surface. The apparatus may include a tool comprising a motor-driven rotary cutter supported by a main body for rotation about a cutter axis, and orientation contact points spaced around the cutter and defining an orientation contact plane disposed parallel to the cutter axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Benjamin Warner, Michael L. Hestness, Richard A. Luepke
  • Method for epoxy application control overpresses
    Patent number: 7740910
    Abstract: A method for placing a resin layer or shim on a frame member uses an overpress. The overpress has an inner surface with protruding nubs. The operator places a bead of liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress, then clamps the overpress to the frame member. The clamps force the nubs of the overpress into contact with the frame member and allows the nubs to define a clearance between the overpress and the frame member. The liquid resin spreads throughout the clearance and cures. After the resin has cured, the overpress is removed from the frame member, leaving a layer of cured resin bound to the frame member. This layer is then machined to a desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Hestness, Richard A. Luepke, Gregory S. McKee, Allen D. Mader
  • COMPOSITE LAMINATE THICKNESS COMPENSATION
    Publication number: 20100112190
    Abstract: A method is provided for the non-contact measurement of variations in thickness of composite materials and structures prepared from composite parts. Metrologic methods are employed to provide a 3D image of the structure or part. Variations that are greater than an acceptable amount can be corrected by adding a compensation layer to the surface of the structure or part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Drewett, Paul T. Briney, Grady L. White, Gary L. Kelly, Michael L. Hestness, Todd H. Ashton, Peter L. Morken
  • Method for epoxy application control overpresses
    Publication number: 20080124471
    Abstract: A method for placing a resin layer or shim on a frame member uses an overpress. The overpress has an inner surface with protruding nubs. The operator places a bead of liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress, then clamps the overpress to the frame member. The clamps force the nubs of the overpress into contact with the frame member and allows the nubs to define a clearance between the overpress and the frame member. The liquid resin spreads throughout the clearance and cures. After the resin has cured, the overpress is removed from the frame member, leaving a layer of cured resin bound to the frame member. This layer is then machined to a desired thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Michael L. Hestness, Richard A. Luepke, Gregory S. McKee, Allen D. Mader