Patents by Inventor Richard W. Baird

Richard W. Baird 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: 8152260
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, James N. Buttrick, Glenn R. Dalby, Silas L. Studley
  • Publication number: 20110199431
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, James N. Buttrick, Glenn R. Dalby, Silas L. Studley
  • Patent number: 7922272
    Abstract: There is provided a method of applying an accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface using an apparatus comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, James N. Buttrick, Glenn R. Dalby, Silas L. Studley
  • Publication number: 20090257070
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, James N. Buttrick, Glenn R. Dalby, Silas L. Studley
  • Publication number: 20080152807
    Abstract: Techniques for applying graphic images to a surface are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an image file from an image source and generating a surface model that describes geometrical contours of the surface. An applicator is then controlled according to the surface model, and the graphic image is applied that corresponds to the image file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, Glenn R. Dalby, William J. Postl
  • Patent number: 7350890
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying graphic images to a surface are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes an applicator to direct a droplet pattern of a pigmented ink towards the surface, an motivating device coupled to the applicator to move the applicator in at least one transverse direction relative to the surface and also in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and a controller coupled to the motivating device that is configured to receive data corresponding to the graphics image and to control at least the motion of the motivating device to apply the graphic image to the surface. In another aspect, a method includes receiving an image file from an image source and generating a surface model that describes geometrical contours of the surface. An applicator is then controlled according to the surface model, and the graphic image is applied that corresponds to the image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Baird, Glenn R. Dalby, William J. Postl