Patents by Inventor Michael S. Lewis

Michael S. Lewis 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: 10975901
    Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Sean R. Cysewski, Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20200032827
    Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Sean R. Cysewski, Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley
  • Patent number: 10502250
    Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Sean R. Cysewski, Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley
  • Patent number: 10322563
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Jessica Sakurai, Brad J. Reeves
  • Patent number: 10246285
    Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jesse P. Howard, Michael S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190002226
    Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: JESSE P. HOWARD, MICHAEL S. LEWIS
  • Patent number: 10155355
    Abstract: A panel having a layered structure including a core defining a first edge and a face sheet connected to the core, the face sheet including a protruding portion defining a second edge, wherein the second edge protrudes outward a distance from the first edge, and a trim piece connected to the layered structure, the trim piece including a trim member and a flange member extending from the trim member, the trim member defining a visible surface and a trim edge, wherein the trim member is positioned over the first edge, wherein the trim edge is connected to the protruding portion, and wherein the flange member is connected to the layered structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10071872
    Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jesse P. Howard, Michael S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9850927
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the installation of fasteners in a composite panel with a fastener insert. A fastener insert for a composite panel includes a body and a at least three arms extending from the body. The body has a top face and a central hub extending rearward from the top face. The top face has an outer dimension between opposing edges. The arms extend from the central hub on a rear side of the body. In a retracted configuration, the arms are folded inward toward the central hub so that the arms do not extend beyond the outer dimension of the top face. In an extended configuration, the arms extend outward from the central hub beyond the outer dimension of the top face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis, Brad J. Reeves
  • Patent number: 9803668
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20170305699
    Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: JESSE P. HOWARD, MICHAEL S. LEWIS
  • Patent number: 9731921
    Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jesse P. Howard, Michael S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20170204890
    Abstract: Provided are methods of attaching parts using slot cases and assemblies comprising these slot cases. A slot case is inserted into a slot or slid on a tab of a first part prior to attaching it to a second part. The first part may have pores that are partially open at the surface of the slot or tab. These pores may receive adhesive while attaching the two parts. The adhesive volume going into these partially open pores may vary among different first parts. To ensure that enough adhesive is supplied between the slot case and first part, the adhesive is introduced in between these components before attaching the second part and while the slot case and first part are more accessible. The adhesive may be supplied through the bottom of the slot case and continue until the adhesive appears at the top edges of the slot case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Sean R. Cysewski, Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20170080670
    Abstract: A panel having a layered structure including a core defining a first edge and a face sheet connected to the core, the face sheet including a protruding portion defining a second edge, wherein the second edge protrudes outward a distance from the first edge, and a trim piece connected to the layered structure, the trim piece including a trim member and a flange member extending from the trim member, the trim member defining a visible surface and a trim edge, wherein the trim member is positioned over the first edge, wherein the trim edge is connected to the protruding portion, and wherein the flange member is connected to the layered structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Michael S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20170037886
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the installation of fasteners in a composite panel with a fastener insert. A fastener insert for a composite panel includes a body and a at least three arms extending from the body. The body has a top face and a central hub extending rearward from the top face. The top face has an outer dimension between opposing edges. The arms extend from the central hub on a rear side of the body. In a retracted configuration, the arms are folded inward toward the central hub so that the arms do not extend beyond the outer dimension of the top face. In an extended configuration, the arms extend outward from the central hub beyond the outer dimension of the top face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis, Brad J. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20160368242
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: MICHAEL S. LEWIS, JESSICA SAKURAI, BRAD J. REEVES
  • Patent number: 9457540
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Lewis, Jessica Sakurai, Brad J. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20160186441
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9321533
    Abstract: Aircraft passageway storage units are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a storage assembly to be supported on a floor of an interior of a fuselage of an aircraft. The storage assembly has a corner to be adjacent a passageway of the interior of the fuselage, and the passageway is to extend around the corner. The example apparatus also includes a door coupled to the storage assembly. The door extends from a first side of the storage assembly to a second side of the storage assembly and defines a portion of the corner. The door is to cover an opening of a compartment of the storage assembly when the door is in a closed position, and the opening is to extend from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathanial C. Cuddy, Chris Gren McInelly, Roland Mair, Russell W. Keck, Michael S. Lewis, Daniel Rivera, Tushar Mayur Sampat, Derrick Joseph Hanratty, Harold Glenn Erickson, Mitchell Kotlik, Timothy Mark Jones
  • Patent number: 9284972
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis