Patents by Inventor Randall Ray

Randall Ray 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: 12181302
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for enhanced navigation are provided. A method may include determining a current location based upon received location data. The method may also comprise receiving query data requesting a plurality of destination types. The method may further comprise determining a result set comprising a plurality of locations corresponding to destination types within a first threshold distance of the current location. The method may additionally comprise returning a result subset comprising a plurality of the result set destination types based upon a second threshold distance that differs from the first threshold distance, wherein the second threshold distance is a distance between each of the requested destination types within the result subset or a common location and each of the requested destination types within the result subset. The method updating the current location, the result set, and the result subset based upon receiving updated location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Inventor: Randall Ray Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20240409226
    Abstract: An engine support assembly for operatively connecting an engine to an aircraft, the aircraft, the aircraft having a support frame surrounded by opposing first and second skins. The engine support assembly broadly comprises first and second support structures. The first support structure is secured to the support frame and extends away from the first skin. The second support structure is releasably connected to the first support structure and releasably connected to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 12091181
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system configured to be supported from an aircraft wing having a leading edge and opposing upper and lower surfaces. The aircraft propulsion system broadly comprises an engine having a core, a fan case, and a nacelle including a plurality of access panels, and an attachment assembly for securing the engine to the aircraft wing. The attachment assembly broadly comprises an upper support section including a number of spars and a number of ribs connected between the spars, a lower support section, and an aft section. The attachment assembly aerodynamically melds the nacelle and the aircraft wing together via the upper support section so that air flowing over the engine flows over the aircraft wing along the upper surface and air flowing laterally alongside the nacelle flows under the aircraft wing along the lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11905025
    Abstract: A system for mounting an engine on an aircraft. The system includes a lower forward element, lateral linkages, an upper forward element, and an aft element. The lower forward element couples a forward portion of an engine core with a lower forward portion of a pylon. The linkages extend laterally between the lower forward element and the forward portion of the engine core. The upper forward element couples an outer portion of the fan case with an upper portion of the pylon. The aft element is spaced aftwardly apart from the lower and upper forward elements, and couples an aft portion of the engine core to an aft portion of the pylon. The system reacts all major moments acting on the engine, and the system does not extend beyond an outer periphery of the fan case, which eliminates the need for or minimizes the height of an aerodynamic fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20230398734
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-sided or otherwise relatively three-dimensional formed structure for, e.g., an aerospace vehicle. A relatively planar base structure is constructed using a first construction technique. Features (e.g., ribs) are incorporated into the base structure using a second construction technique (e.g., additive or subtractive manufacturing) to create an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure is folded along fold-lines or otherwise physically formed to create the formed structure, such that some of the features are located within an internal space defined by the formed structure. Joints between the sides of the formed structure are welded, fastened, or otherwise secured. Separately constructed additional elements (e.g., bulkheads) may be incorporated into the structure. A closeout element may be added to the formed structure to further define and close the internal space. Throughout the process, the structures, features, and elements may be refined to desired tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11767809
    Abstract: A cascade assembly for a thrust reverser of an aircraft engine. The cascade broadly comprises a number of vanes formed of a pliable material and shiftable between a collapsed position when the thrust reverser is in a stowed configuration and a distended position when the thrust reverser is in a deployed configuration to redirect fan duct flow in a reverse thrust flow opening created by the thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11766828
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-sided or otherwise relatively three-dimensional formed structure for, e.g., an aerospace vehicle. A relatively planar base structure is constructed using a first construction technique. Features (e.g., ribs) are incorporated into the base structure using a second construction technique (e.g., additive or subtractive manufacturing) to create an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure is folded along fold-lines or otherwise physically formed to create the formed structure, such that some of the features are located within an internal space defined by the formed structure. Joints between the sides of the formed structure are welded, fastened, or otherwise secured. Separately constructed additional elements (e.g., bulkheads) may be incorporated into the structure. A closeout element may be added to the formed structure to further define and close the internal space. Throughout the process, the structures, features, and elements may be refined to desired tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11708169
    Abstract: An assembly for reacting a thrust load from an engine, the assembly comprising a frame, a pin, an evener bar, and left and right thrust links. The frame includes an upper pin interface and a lower pin interface. The pin extends through the upper pin interface and the lower pin interface and includes an upper end and a lower end. The evener bar engages the lower end of the pin below the lower pin interface and connects the left and right thrust links to the pin. The pin is configured to react the thrust load at the lower pin interface and the upper pin interface thereby forming a distributed force couple between the lower pin interface and the upper pin interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20230182910
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system configured to be supported from an aircraft wing having a leading edge and opposing upper and lower surfaces. The aircraft propulsion system broadly comprises an engine having a core, a fan case, and a nacelle including a plurality of access panels, and an attachment assembly for securing the engine to the aircraft wing. The attachment assembly broadly comprises an upper support section including a number of spars and a number of ribs connected between the spars, a lower support section, and an aft section. The attachment assembly aerodynamically melds the nacelle and the aircraft wing together via the upper support section so that air flowing over the engine flows over the aircraft wing along the upper surface and air flowing laterally alongside the nacelle flows under the aircraft wing along the lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20220412288
    Abstract: A cascade assembly for a thrust reverser of an aircraft engine. The cascade broadly comprises a number of vanes formed of a pliable material and shiftable between a collapsed position when the thrust reverser is in a stowed configuration and a distended position when the thrust reverser is in a deployed configuration to redirect fan duct flow in a reverse thrust flow opening created by the thrust reverser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11459979
    Abstract: A cascade assembly for a thrust reverser of an aircraft engine. The cascade broadly comprises a number of vanes formed of a pliable material and shiftable between a collapsed position when the thrust reverser is in a stowed configuration and a distended position when the thrust reverser is in a deployed configuration to redirect fan duct flow in a reverse thrust flow opening created by the thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11444352
    Abstract: An exemplary traction battery assembly includes, among other things, a battery pack and a securing assembly. The securing assembly secures the battery pack to a structure of the vehicle. The securing assembly is disposed along a horizontally facing side of the battery pack and is configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to a load to permit movement of the battery pack relative to the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr., Hassen Hammoud, Randall Ray Roth, Brent Zapczynski, Michael E. Reibling, Christian Johan Owen Handley
  • Publication number: 20220274712
    Abstract: A system for mounting an engine on an aircraft. The system includes a lower forward element, lateral linkages, an upper forward element, and an aft element. The lower forward element couples a forward portion of an engine core with a lower forward portion of a pylon. The linkages extend laterally between the lower forward element and the forward portion of the engine core. The upper forward element couples an outer portion of the fan case with an upper portion of the pylon. The aft element is spaced aftwardly apart from the lower and upper forward elements, and couples an aft portion of the engine core to an aft portion of the pylon. The system reacts all major moments acting on the engine, and the system does not extend beyond an outer periphery of the fan case, which eliminates the need for or minimizes the height of an aerodynamic fairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20220243681
    Abstract: A cascade assembly for a thrust reverser of an aircraft engine. The cascade broadly comprises a number of vanes formed of a pliable material and shiftable between a collapsed position when the thrust reverser is in a stowed configuration and a distended position when the thrust reverser is in a deployed configuration to redirect fan duct flow in a reverse thrust flow opening created by the thrust reverser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20220185491
    Abstract: An assembly for reacting a thrust load from an engine, the assembly comprising a frame, a pin, an evener bar, and left and right thrust links. The frame includes an upper pin interface and a lower pin interface. The pin extends through the upper pin interface and the lower pin interface and includes an upper end and a lower end. The evener bar engages the lower end of the pin below the lower pin interface and connects the left and right thrust links to the pin. The pin is configured to react the thrust load at the lower pin interface and the upper pin interface thereby forming a distributed force couple between the lower pin interface and the upper pin interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20220127859
    Abstract: A remodel nail plate and installation system for a remodel nail plate adapted to protect wires, other utility support cables, and/or plumbing pipes from damage. The remodel nail plate is for insertion between a wall stud and an outer wall that is already attached to the stud, as may be the case when remodeling a home. The nail plate includes a contact edge which may be contacted with a hammer, or interstitially with an installation tool. The remodel plate is adapted to be inserted by hammering, or otherwise inserting, a plate surface between the exterior wall and the stud alongside a retrofitted cable insertion, such as a power cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventor: Randall Ray Newkirk
  • Patent number: 11273923
    Abstract: An engine support mount including an airframe structure having a first anchor surface and a length extending along an x-axis, with a second axis defined perpendicularly to the x-axis. A support member is fixed to the airframe structure and defines a first aperture and a second aperture. A mounting assembly includes an elongated arm and first and second primary attachment assemblies respectively attaching the arm to the support member at the first and second apertures, the arm having a second anchor surface. A moment arm reduction feature includes a lug fixed to one of the anchor surfaces and a corresponding fastener fixed to the other of the anchor surfaces. The first anchor surface is positioned on the airframe structure outside of the first and second apertures, and the second anchor surface is positioned on the arm outside of the first and second attachment assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20220016834
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-sided or otherwise relatively three-dimensional formed structure for, e.g., an aerospace vehicle. A relatively planar base structure is constructed using a first construction technique. Features (e.g., ribs) are incorporated into the base structure using a second construction technique (e.g., additive or subtractive manufacturing) to create an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure is folded along fold-lines or otherwise physically formed to create the formed structure, such that some of the features are located within an internal space defined by the formed structure. Joints between the sides of the formed structure are welded, fastened, or otherwise secured. Separately constructed additional elements (e.g., bulkheads) may be incorporated into the structure. A closeout element may be added to the formed structure to further define and close the internal space. Throughout the process, the structures, features, and elements may be refined to desired tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Patent number: 11072415
    Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle spoiler assembly including a number of spoilers and actuators. Each spoiler has a drag surface and a nacelle connection point. The spoilers are shiftable via the actuators between a stowed position and a deployed position such that the drag surfaces are substantially parallel with the direction of relative wind when the spoilers are stowed and exposed to the relative wind when the spoilers are deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20210070459
    Abstract: A system for mounting an engine on an aircraft. The system includes a lower forward element, lateral linkages, an upper forward element, and an aft element. The lower forward element couples a forward portion of an engine core with a lower forward portion of a pylon. The linkages extend laterally between the lower forward element and the forward portion of the engine core. The upper forward element couples an outer portion of the fan case with an upper portion of the pylon. The aft element is spaced aftwardly apart from the lower and upper forward elements, and couples an aft portion of the engine core to an aft portion of the pylon. The system reacts all major moments acting on the engine, and the system does not extend beyond an outer periphery of the fan case, which eliminates the need for or minimizes the height of an aerodynamic fairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West