Patents by Inventor Morteza Safai

Morteza Safai 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).

  • Systems and methods for aligning an aperture
    Patent number: 9739727
    Abstract: An alignment system for aligning apertures in an X-ray backscatter system is provided. Additionally, a method for aligning apertures in an X-ray backscatter system is provided. Further, a computer-readable storage device including computer-executable instructions for aligning apertures in an X-ray backscatter system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Chopped fiber composite sorting and molding systems and methods
    Patent number: 9731455
    Abstract: Chopped fiber composite systems and methods are disclosed. Sorting systems include a conveyor, an imager, a plurality of receptacles, a pneumatic device, and controller. Molding systems include a conveyor, an imager, a mold, a pneumatic device, and a controller. The controller directs the pneumatic device to alter the freefall of chopped fiber composite pieces based on characteristics of the chopped fiber composite pieces as they drop from the conveyor and into a receptacle or a mold. Sorting and molding methods include dropping chopped fiber composite pieces, detecting characteristics of the dropping pieces, and directing the pieces based on the detected characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kimberly D. Meredith, Morteza Safai, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, William B. Avery
  • System and Method for Quantifying X-Ray Backscatter System Performance
    Publication number: 20170227478
    Abstract: A system for quantifying x-ray backscatter system performance may include a support; a plurality of rods mounted on the support; the rods of the plurality of rods arranged parallel to each other, having generally curved outer surfaces, and being arranged in groups of varying widths, each group of the groups having at least two of the rods of a same width; and a user interface configured to be connected to receive a backscatter signal from an x-ray backscatter detector associated with an x-ray tube, apply a transfer function to generate a transfer curve representing x-ray backscatter for each rod of the plurality of rods from x-rays transmitted by the x-ray tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew T. Grimshaw, Talion Edwards, Gary E. Georgeson, Daniel J. Wright, James E. Engel, Morteza Safai, Yuan-Jye Wu, Taisia Tsukruk Lou, Rodney S. Wright
  • SOLID-STATE MOTOR AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20170218928
    Abstract: Described herein is a motor comprising a first rotatable member and an anchor, spaced apart from the first rotatable member. The motor also comprises a belt, in tension about the first rotatable member and the anchor. The belt is co-rotatably engaged with the first rotatable member. Further, the belt is made from a shape-memory alloy. Additionally, the motor comprises a thermal regulation device, positioned between spaced-apart first and second portions of the belt. The thermal regulation device is also configured to concurrently cool the first portion of the belt to contract the first portion of the belt and heat the second portion of the belt to expand the second portion of the belt. Concurrent contraction and expansion of the first and second portions of the belt cause rotation of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Kimberly D. Meredith
  • Systems and methods for use in authenticating an object
    Patent number: 9715613
    Abstract: A system for use in authenticating an object is provided. The system includes a radio-frequency identification tag coupled to the object and an interrogation system. The interrogation system includes a backscatter x-ray source configured to discharge backscatter x-ray beams towards the object. The backscatter x-ray source is calibrated such that the backscatter x-ray beams cause the radio-frequency identification tag to emit a signal. The system also includes a radio-frequency detector configured to receive the signal from the radio-frequency identification tag and a computing device in communication with the radio-frequency detector. The computing device is configured to obtain first identifying information of the object from the signal and authenticate the object from the first identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Dallas Steven Scholes
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL LEAK DETECTION
    Publication number: 20170205306
    Abstract: In one aspect, systems for detecting a fuel leak are described herein. In some implementations, a system for detecting a fuel leak described herein comprises a fuel-containing vessel having an exterior surface and a carbon nanotube coating layer comprising photoluminescent carbon nanotubes disposed on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the fuel-containing vessel. The system further comprises a fuel-sensitive coating layer substantially covering the carbon nanotube coating layer. The fuel-sensitive coating layer is optically opaque or substantially opaque to wavelengths of light absorbed and/or emitted by the photoluminescent carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • LASER INSPECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
    Publication number: 20170167969
    Abstract: A method of laser bond inspection is provided. The method includes applying a thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to an inspection site of a test article. The method includes delivering a first amount of energy to the inspection site using a laser. The first amount of energy generates stresses in the test article. The method includes absorbing the first amount of energy into the thermochromatic energy-absorbing material to produce an observable thermal response that correlates to the first amount of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
  • LIGHTWEIGHT FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20170167925
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a heat detection system includes a graphene conductor, a housing containing the graphene conductor; and, a signal wire connected in electrical communication with the graphene conductor, the signal wire having a length that extends from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Kimberly D. Meredith
  • Multiple pixel pitch super resolution
    Patent number: 9672594
    Abstract: A camera system for producing super resolution images is disclosed. The camera system may include a target scene, a first detector configured to capture a first image of the target scene, and a second detector configured to capture a second image of the target scene. The first detector may include a first pitch, and the second detector may include a second pitch different from the first pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Morteza Safai
  • X-RAY SCATTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING STRUCTURAL VARIATIONS
    Publication number: 20170153188
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for detecting one or more thermal and/or mechanical properties of a structure. The method may include forming one or more test structures from a material that forms the structure, generating and storing calibration data determined from the one or more test structures, emitting X-ray radiation into the structure, detecting X-ray scatter from the structure, and determining the one or more properties of the structure based on the detected X-ray scatter and the calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James E. Engel, Gary Georgeson, Morteza Safai
  • Integrated high thermal conductive fiber as cooling fin for SMA actuator with expandable sleeve
    Patent number: 9664183
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an SMA actuator that includes a cooling device disposed within a torque tube. In one aspect, the cooling device includes a sliding sleeve, an expandable sleeve, and plurality of cooling fins coupled to the expandable sleeve. Axial movement of the sliding sleeve relative to the expandable sleeve facilitates radial expansion of the expandable sleeve and urges the cooling fins into contact with the torque tube. The cooling fins function as heat sinks when in contact with the torque tube to facilitate the removal of heat from the torque tube to increase the cooling rate of the torque tube. During heating of the torque tube, the cooling fins may be spaced apart from the torque tube to reduce the thermal mass that is heated, thus increasing the heating rate of the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Moushumi Shome, Kimberly D. Meredith, Waeil M. Ashmawi, Morteza Safai, Frederick T. Calkins
  • Methods and systems for non-destructive testing via hybrid spectral sensors
    Patent number: 9664616
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for non-destructive testing of parts while these parts are being fabricated and/or operated. A part has hybrid spectral sensors embedded within and bonded to one or more other components of the part. A hybrid spectral sensor may include two different structures. A first structure of the sensor provides a first spectral response when exposed to an excitation radiation. A second structure forms a Faraday cage around the first structure and blocks the excitation radiation to the first structure and/or blocks the first spectral response emitted by the first structure if the first structures gets exposed to the excitation radiation. The second structure may be bonded to one or more components of the part, such as a matrix resin, and may change its coverage of the first structure during fabrication and/or operation of the part thereby altering its blocking characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
  • CONTROLLING OPTICAL DELAY
    Publication number: 20170146791
    Abstract: Aspects herein describe an optical delay controller which introduces a desired delay into an optical signal. To do so, the optical delay controller includes multiple reflective surfaces (e.g., mirrors) that establish a closed loop on which an input signal propagates. The optical delay controller includes an output interface that outputs a delayed version of the input optical signal where the delay corresponds to the circumference of the closed loop. For example, the optical delay loop may use a Brewster window as the output interface which permits the optical signal propagating in the closed loop to exit the loop. Moreover, the optical delay loop may include one or more actuators that move the reflective surfaces forming the closed loop relative to each other. Changing the distance between two mirrors changes the delay introduced by the optical delay loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Morteza SAFAI, Gary E. GEORGESON
  • Portable x-ray backscattering imaging system including a radioactive source
    Patent number: 9658173
    Abstract: A portable x-ray backscattering imaging system for creating a backscatter image representing an object is disclosed. The portable x-ray backscattering imaging system may include a drum, a radioactive source, a plurality of backscatter detectors, and a portable exterior shield. The drum may be rotatable about an axis of rotation at a rotational speed. The radioactive source may be connected to the drum and configured to generate x-rays. The plurality of backscatter detectors may be configured to detect backscattering radiation created as the x-rays generated by the radioactive source scatter back from the object. The portable exterior shield may enclose the drum. The exterior shield may be constructed of a material that substantially blocks the x-rays and defines a window that allows for the x-rays to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary Georgeson, Morteza Safai
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
    Publication number: 20170122866
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for non-destructive testing of parts while these parts are being fabricated and/or operated. A part has hybrid spectral sensors embedded within and bonded to one or more other components of the part. A hybrid spectral sensor may include two different structures. A first structure of the sensor provides a first spectral response when exposed to an excitation radiation. A second structure forms a Faraday cage around the first structure and blocks the excitation radiation to the first structure and/or blocks the first spectral response emitted by the first structure if the first structures gets exposed to the excitation radiation. The second structure may be bonded to one or more components of the part, such as a matrix resin, and may change its coverage of the first structure during fabrication and/or operation of the part thereby altering its blocking characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING BACKSCATTER THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGING FROM ONE SIDE OF A STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20170052125
    Abstract: An imaging system for generating three dimensional image data using X-ray backscattering from one side of a structure is provided. The imaging system includes at least one X-ray source, at least one rotating collimator coupled to the at least one X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a controller coupled to the at least one X-ray source, the at least one rotating collimator and the X-ray detector. The controller is configured to emit X-rays from the at least one X-ray source through the at least one rotating collimator towards the one side of the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to detect backscattered X-rays from the one side of the structure, using the X-ray detector, at a plurality of depths within the structure. Additionally, the controller is configured to generate three dimensional image data of the structure based on the detected backscattered X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Morteza Safai
  • Aircraft window heating system
    Patent number: 9578686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing heating of a window system. The apparatus comprises a dimmable window panel and a heating system. The dimmable window panel has an inner portion and an outer portion around the inner portion. The heating system is thermally connected to the outer portion of the dimmable window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Kimberly D. Meredith, Morteza Safai
  • Water and ice detection and quantitative assessment system for ingression prone areas in an aircraft
    Patent number: 9546004
    Abstract: A water and ice detection and quantitative assessment system (“WIDQAS”) for moisture detection and assessment of water accumulation on an aircraft having an airframe that has at least one enclosed space within the airframe is described. The WIDQAS may include a plurality of sensors and a data measurement device. The plurality of sensors may be arranged in the at least one enclosed space within the airframe and each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect a presence of moisture in the at least one enclosed space and generate a data measurement that is responsive to the detection of moisture in the at least one enclosed space. The data measurement device is in signal communication with the plurality of sensors and may be configured to record the data measurement for each sensor and record identifying information about the measurement during a flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Kimberly D. Meredith, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem
  • LASER ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTION OF A CONTOURED STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20170010242
    Abstract: A method including ultrasonically scanning a structure with a laser ultrasound testing system where the structure is provided with an array of nanoscopic structures, the nanoscopic structures having a predetermined directional orientation, the nanoscopic structures disposed on a scanned surface of the structure, and determining if the structure meets a predetermined threshold. Aspects of this invention apply certain high emissivity coatings to structures for the purpose of significant improvement laser ultrasound inspection of those structures. The nanotechnology-based material in the coatings rapidly draws heat away, for maximum laser energy absorption while preventing surface heat damage to the composite surface from the laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Morteza SAFAI, Gary E. GEORGESON
  • Composite material moisture detection
    Patent number: 9535022
    Abstract: A system for detecting moisture characteristics of a material of a complex structure while the material is in situ or forms part of the complex structure. The system includes at least one moisture detection sensor positioned proximate the material of the complex structure while the material is in situ. The system also includes a controller in data receiving communication with the moisture detection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kimberly D. Meredith, Morteza Safai, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem