Patents by Inventor Michael Thomas Fox
Michael Thomas Fox 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).
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Publication number: 20220298122Abstract: Improved methods and intermediates thereof for preparing carbamoyloxy methyl triazole cyclohexyl acid compounds are described. These compounds are useful as LPA antagonists. Formula (I).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2020Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Richard J. Fox, Carlos A. Guerrero, Michael Dummeldinger, Dimitri Skliar, Harshkumar Patel, Yichen Tan, David Thomas George
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Patent number: 11390375Abstract: Control surface actuator assemblies, aircraft hydraulic systems including the same, and associated aircraft and methods. A control surface actuator assembly includes a flight control surface operatively coupled to a support structure, a torque-generating hydraulic actuator configured to apply a torque to pivot the flight control surface, and a variable horn radius (VHR) hydraulic actuator configured to vary an actuator moment arm length for pivoting the flight control surface. In some examples, an aircraft hydraulic system includes such control surface actuator assemblies, and an aircraft includes such aircraft hydraulic systems. In some examples, a method of operating one or more flight control surfaces of an aircraft includes controlling a selected flight control surface by adjusting, with a VHR hydraulic actuator, an actuator moment arm length corresponding to the selected flight control surface and pivoting, with a torque-generating hydraulic actuator, the selected flight control surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 11286054Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is disclosed, and includes a first propeller, a second propeller, a first hybrid propulsion system, a second hybrid propulsion system, and a cross-connecting clutch. The first hybrid propulsion system includes a first motor coupled to a first engine by a first overrunning clutch, where the first hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the first propeller. The second hybrid propulsion system includes a second motor coupled to a second engine by a second overrunning clutch, where the second hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the second propeller. The cross-connecting clutch is operably coupled to both the first hybrid propulsion system and the second hybrid propulsion system and configured to actuate into an engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael Thomas Fox
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Patent number: 11180240Abstract: Inerters with friction disk assemblies, and aircraft hydraulic systems and aircraft including the same. An inerter comprises an inerter housing containing an inerter fluid, a threaded shaft extending within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the first terminal, and an inerter rod extending at least partially within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the second terminal. The inerter further includes a friction disk assembly that, together with the inerter fluid, is configured to damp a motion of the second terminal relative to the first terminal. The friction disk assembly includes a fixed portion and a rotating portion, and is configured such that rotation of the rotating portion generates a frictional torque that opposes the rotation of the rotating portion. In some examples, the inerter is a component of a hydraulic actuator, an aircraft hydraulic system including the hydraulic actuator, and/or an aircraft including the aircraft hydraulic system.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael Thomas Fox
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Publication number: 20210309348Abstract: Inerters with friction disk assemblies, and aircraft hydraulic systems and aircraft including the same. An inerter comprises an inerter housing containing an inerter fluid, a threaded shaft extending within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the first terminal, and an inerter rod extending at least partially within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the second terminal. The inerter further includes a friction disk assembly that, together with the inerter fluid, is configured to damp a motion of the second terminal relative to the first terminal. The friction disk assembly includes a fixed portion and a rotating portion, and is configured such that rotation of the rotating portion generates a frictional torque that opposes the rotation of the rotating portion. In some examples, the inerter is a component of a hydraulic actuator, an aircraft hydraulic system including the hydraulic actuator, and/or an aircraft including the aircraft hydraulic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventor: Michael Thomas Fox
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Publication number: 20210276695Abstract: Control surface actuator assemblies, aircraft hydraulic systems including the same, and associated aircraft and methods. A control surface actuator assembly includes a flight control surface operatively coupled to a support structure, a torque-generating hydraulic actuator configured to apply a torque to pivot the flight control surface, and a variable horn radius (VHR) hydraulic actuator configured to vary an actuator moment arm length for pivoting the flight control surface. In some examples, an aircraft hydraulic system includes such control surface actuator assemblies, and an aircraft includes such aircraft hydraulic systems. In some examples, a method of operating one or more flight control surfaces of an aircraft includes controlling a selected flight control surface by adjusting, with a VHR hydraulic actuator, an actuator moment arm length corresponding to the selected flight control surface and pivoting, with a torque-generating hydraulic actuator, the selected flight control surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 11072418Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircraft. The hydraulic system can include a hydraulic actuator that is operatively coupled to a flight control member. Hydraulic fluid is moved through the hydraulic system by an engine driven pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a first pressure, and a boost pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. The hydraulic system is configured such that the hydraulic fluid returning from the actuator to the engine driven pump can be delivered to the boost pump prior to reaching the engine driven pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20210101692Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is disclosed, and includes a first propeller, a second propeller, a first hybrid propulsion system, a second hybrid propulsion system, and across-connecting clutch. The first hybrid propulsion system includes a first motor coupled to a first engine by a first overrunning clutch, where the first hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the first propeller. The second hybrid propulsion system includes a second motor coupled to a second engine by a second overrunning clutch, where the second hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the second propeller. The cross-connecting clutch is operably coupled to both the first hybrid propulsion system and the second hybrid propulsion system and configured to actuate into an engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventor: Michael Thomas Fox
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Patent number: 10948365Abstract: A force balance sensor including a mechanical strain amplification system including a sensor torsion member having a first end and a second end spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis of the sensor torsion member, at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between the first and second ends, a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member, and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member, wherein the first torsional stiffening member and the second torsional stiffening member are coupled to a torque member.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey Michael Roach
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Patent number: 10947997Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include ports to receive and discharge hydraulic fluid. The dual spool valve may also include first and second valve sections that are selectively positionable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the actuator. One position provides for hydraulic fluid to move through closure lines. Method of controlling the dual spool valve may provide for selectively positioning the valve sections to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, and to position the valve sections to move hydraulic fluid through a closure line during certain circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10793261Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aircraft includes a support strut operatively coupled to a hinge axis of a flight control member of the aircraft, a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the flight control member via a pivot element, and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) having first and second opposing ends and a biasing member. The first end is operatively coupled to a support structure of the aircraft, and the second end is operatively coupled to both the support strut and the hydraulic actuator. The biasing member moves between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to a varying biasing load exerted on a surface of the flight control member, thereby reducing an amount of current needed to drive the EMA, as well as a number of high-pressure hydraulic cycles of the hydraulic actuator to control the flight control member.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10737764Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting a position of a flight control member relative to a base of an aircraft. The devices and methods include a joint that movably connects the flight control surface to the base. An extension member is connected to the flight control surface and extends through the joint. Adjustable linear members of the base are connected to the extension member and configured to adjust the position of the extension member. This adjustment results in re-orienting the flight control member relative to the base to adjust the flight of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10723441Abstract: A dual rack and pinion rotational inerter, configured to dampen the flutter of a flight control member of an aircraft, includes an inertial wheel and a brake member disposed on an inertial wheel. The brake member moves between a retracted position and a deployed position based on a rotational velocity of the inertial wheel. The brake member moves to the retracted position when the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is slower than a predetermined threshold velocity to allow the rotation of the inertial wheel. When the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is at least as fast as the predetermined threshold velocity, however, the brake member deploys to yieldingly resist the rotation of the inertial wheel. In either position, the inertial wheel causes the inerter to dampen the flutter.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10711809Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include first and second manifolds that each includes a movable spool. Multiple ports are positioned in each of the manifolds. The movable spools are positionable within their respective manifolds to control the movement of the hydraulic fluid that is supplied to and removed from the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10526071Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20190315456Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircraft. The hydraulic system can include a hydraulic actuator that is operatively coupled to a flight control member. Hydraulic fluid is moved through the hydraulic system by an engine driven pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a first pressure, and a boost pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. The hydraulic system is configured such that the hydraulic fluid returning from the actuator to the engine driven pump can be delivered to the boost pump prior to reaching the engine driven pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20190315450Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting a position of a flight control member relative to a base of an aircraft. The devices and methods include a joint that movably connects the flight control surface to the base. An extension member is connected to the flight control surface and extends through the joint. Adjustable linear members of the base are connected to the extension member and configured to adjust the position of the extension member. This adjustment results in re-orienting the flight control member relative to the base to adjust the flight of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20190315454Abstract: A dual rack and pinion rotational inerter, configured to dampen the flutter of a flight control member of an aircraft, includes an inertial wheel and a brake member disposed on an inertial wheel. The brake member moves between a retracted position and a deployed position based on a rotational velocity of the inertial wheel. The brake member moves to the retracted position when the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is slower than a predetermined threshold velocity to allow the rotation of the inertial wheel. When the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is at least as fast as the predetermined threshold velocity, however, the brake member deploys to yieldingly resist the rotation of the inertial wheel. In either position, the inertial wheel causes the inerter to dampen the flutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20190315455Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aircraft includes a support strut operatively coupled to a hinge axis of a flight control member of the aircraft, a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the flight control member via a pivot element, and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) having first and second opposing ends and a biasing member. The first end is operatively coupled to a support structure of the aircraft, and the second end is operatively coupled to both the support strut and the hydraulic actuator. The biasing member moves between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to a varying biasing load exerted on a surface of the flight control member, thereby reducing an amount of current needed to drive the EMA, as well as a number of high-pressure hydraulic cycles of the hydraulic actuator to control the flight control member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Publication number: 20190315457Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach