Patents by Inventor Robert A. Ayer
Robert A. Ayer 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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Patent number: 11577910Abstract: A container support for holding and closing a container includes a base assembly, a connector, a handle assembly, and a plurality of arms. The base assembly has a first side and a second side. The connector connects the container support to a frame, and the connector is attached to the first side of the base assembly. The handle assembly has a first side and a second side. The arms are attached to the second side of the base assembly and to the first side of the handle assembly. The arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The container is unsealed and open when the arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are in the open configuration, and the container is closed when the arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are in the closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Justin Joseph Ulle
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Publication number: 20210188542Abstract: A container support for holding and closing a container includes a base assembly, a connector, a handle assembly, and a plurality of arms. The base assembly has a first side and a second side. The connector connects the container support to a frame, and the connector is attached to the first side of the base assembly. The handle assembly has a first side and a second side. The arms are attached to the second side of the base assembly and to the first side of the handle assembly. The arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The container is unsealed and open when the arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are in the open configuration, and the container is closed when the arms, the base assembly, and the handle assembly are in the closed configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Justin Joseph Ulle
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Patent number: 10934044Abstract: A tool comprises housing, elongated member, trigger, first jaw, and second jaw. Housing comprises housing abutment surface. Elongated member comprises distal end, proximal end, and elongated-member abutment surface. Trigger is pivotally coupled to housing and is coupled to elongated member. Elongated member translates along axis when trigger is moved relative to housing. First jaw abuts housing abutment surface of housing and is configured to engage cable tie. First jaw is located between distal end of elongated member and housing abutment surface. Second jaw abuts elongated-member abutment surface and is configured to engage cable tie. Second jaw translates relative to first jaw along axis when trigger is pivoted with respect to housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Christine Mary Anderson, David Scott Wright, Donald Wayne Coffland
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Publication number: 20200395139Abstract: A pump leakage mitigation device includes one or more clamp arms on an outer surface of a pump that can be driven by a biasing element to seat against a shaft of the pump to seal or reduce fluid flow through a breakdown of the pump. The biasing element engages only at threshold temperatures, such as those associated with breakdown orifice failure when additional sealing may be necessary. Clamp arms of any number and shape can be used to achieve the desired seal and based on the pump geometry. A sealant surface and/or keeping mechanism are useable with the leakage mitigation device to enhance fluid flow blockage throughout a pump failure transient scenario. Pump leakage mitigation devices are installed on an outside of a variety of different pump types and can thus be installed, actuated, manipulated, disengaged, and/or removed without having to destroy or disassemble the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: John R. Bass, Robert A. Ayer, Robert J. Ginsberg, Curt J. Robert
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Patent number: 10814462Abstract: A tool comprises a chassis, a slider, a first jaw, a second jaw and a compression spring. The chassis comprises a distal end, a proximal end, opposite the distal end, and a distal interior wall, facing the proximal end of the chassis. The slider comprises a slider opening and is coupled to the chassis. The first jaw is coupled to the chassis and is located between the distal interior wall of the chassis and the slider. The second jaw is coupled to the chassis and is located between the first jaw and the slider. The compression spring is located between the first jaw and the second jaw. When the slider is moved relative to the chassis, the first jaw is stationary relative to the chassis, and the second jaw moves relative to the chassis and is stationary relative to the slider.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Christine Mary Anderson, David Scott Wright, Donald Wayne Coffland
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Patent number: 10777329Abstract: A pump leakage mitigation device includes one or more clamp arms on an outer surface of a pump that can be driven by a biasing element to seat against a shaft of the pump to seal or reduce fluid flow through a breakdown of the pump. The biasing element engages only at threshold temperatures, such as those associated with breakdown orifice failure when additional sealing may be necessary. Clamp arms of any number and shape can be used to achieve the desired seal and based on the pump geometry. A sealant surface and/or keeping mechanism are useable with the leakage mitigation device to enhance fluid flow blockage throughout a pump failure transient scenario. Pump leakage mitigation devices are installed on an outside of a variety of different pump types and can thus be installed, actuated, manipulated, disengaged, and/or removed without having to destroy or disassemble the pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: John R. Bass, Robert A. Ayer, Robert J. Ginsberg, Curt J. Robert
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Patent number: 10513043Abstract: A method of cutting a tie wrap, bound about at least one wire, using a cutting tool is provided. The method comprising steps of: applying a housing of the cutting tool to the tie wrap, positioning a portion of the tie wrap within a first groove of the housing between first two opposing sidewalls and second two opposite sidewalls of the housing, moving the at least one wire and maintaining the at least one wire a distance away from the tie wrap, moving a circular blade of the cutting tool against the portion of the tie wrap, positioned within the first groove, and at least partially cutting the tie wrap with the circular blade. In some examples, the method further comprises controlling a depth of the circular blade within the tie wrap while the circular blade at least partially cuts the tie wrap.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Patent number: 10224120Abstract: A nuclear reactor scram control system for a nuclear reactor includes a solenoid pilot valve (SSPV). The SSPV includes a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to an SSPV solenoid of the SSPV. The solenoid indicator light may be selectively activated based on an energization state of the SSPV solenoid, thereby providing an immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state. The immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state may enable quicker and more reliable verification of SSPV solenoid energization state. As a result, operator radiation exposure associated with verification may be reduced, and a risk of inadvertent nuclear reactor scram based on a de-energized SSPV solenoid may be reduced, thus streamlined nuclear reactor operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: John Robert Bass, Ted Gordon Bahensky, Sean Wilson Miers, Robert A. Ayer
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Publication number: 20180326608Abstract: A method of cutting a tie wrap, bound about at least one wire, using a cutting tool is provided. The method comprising steps of: applying a housing of the cutting tool to the tie wrap, positioning a portion of the tie wrap within a first groove of the housing between first two opposing sidewalls and second two opposite sidewalls of the housing, moving the at least one wire and maintaining the at least one wire a distance away from the tie wrap, moving a circular blade of the cutting tool against the portion of the tie wrap, positioned within the first groove, and at least partially cutting the tie wrap with the circular blade. In some examples, the method further comprises controlling a depth of the circular blade within the tie wrap while the circular blade at least partially cuts the tie wrap.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Patent number: 10118305Abstract: A tool for use in cutting a tie wrap that is bound about at least one wire is provided. The tool includes a housing having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are coupled together to define a cavity. The housing further includes a groove formed in the first side and in the second side, wherein the groove is in flow communication with the cavity. A blade is coupled to the first side and positioned with the cavity, wherein the blade includes a cutting surface partially extending into the groove. The tool also includes a spacer coupled to the housing and configured to maintain the wire a distance away from the cutting surface when the housing is applied to the tie wrap.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Publication number: 20180281161Abstract: A tool comprises housing 110, elongated member 120, trigger 170, first jaw 130, and second jaw 140. Housing 110 comprises housing abutment surface 112. Elongated member 120 comprises distal end 122, proximal end 124, and elongated-member abutment surface 128. Trigger 170 is pivotally coupled to housing 110 and is coupled to elongated member 120. Elongated member 120 translates along axis 121 when trigger 170 is moved relative to housing 110. First jaw 130 abuts housing abutment surface 112 of housing 110 and is configured to engage cable tie 200. First jaw 130 is located between distal end 122 of elongated member 120 and housing abutment surface 112. Second jaw 140 abuts elongated-member abutment surface 128 and is configured to engage cable tie 200. Second jaw 140 translates relative to first jaw 130 along axis 121 when trigger 170 is pivoted with respect to housing 110.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Christine Mary Anderson, David Scott Wright, Donald Wayne Coffland
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Publication number: 20180222024Abstract: A tool 100 comprises chassis 120, slider 110, first jaw 130, second jaw 140 and compression spring 190. Chassis 120 comprises distal end 125, proximal end 126, opposite distal end 125, and distal interior wall 111, facing proximal end 126 of chassis 120. Slider 110 comprises slider opening 113 and is coupled to chassis 120. First jaw 130 is coupled to chassis 120 and is located between distal interior wall 111 of chassis 120 and slider 110. Second jaw 140 is coupled to chassis 120 and is located between first jaw 130 and slider 110. Compression spring 190 is located between first jaw 130 and second jaw 140. When slider 110 is moved relative to chassis 120, first jaw 130 is stationary relative to chassis 120, and second jaw 140 moves relative to chassis 120 and is stationary relative to slider 110.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Aaron Robert Ayers, Christine Mary Anderson, David Scott Wright, Donald Wayne Coffland
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Patent number: 9902519Abstract: A cutting tool and method of operating cutting tool. The tool includes a support having a first side and a second side. The tool further includes a handle coupled to at least one of the first side and the second side. The handle includes a blade, wherein the handle is configured to move the blade between a first position and a second position. An alignment guide is coupled to the support. The alignment guide includes a channel configured to receive the blade positioned in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Publication number: 20170162279Abstract: A nuclear reactor scram control system for a nuclear reactor includes a solenoid pilot valve (SSPV). The SSPV includes a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to an SSPV solenoid of the SSPV. The solenoid indicator light may be selectively activated based on an energization state of the SSPV solenoid, thereby providing an immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state. The immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state may enable quicker and more reliable verification of SSPV solenoid energization state. As a result, operator radiation exposure associated with verification may be reduced, and a risk of inadvertent nuclear reactor scram based on a de-energized SSPV solenoid may be reduced, thus streamlined nuclear reactor operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: June 8, 2017Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: John Robert BASS, Ted Gordon BAHENSKY, Sean Wilson MIERS, Robert A. AYER
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Publication number: 20160118148Abstract: A method of transferring heat from a nuclear plant may include: connecting a heat transfer system to the nuclear plant; and using the heat transfer system to transfer heat from the nuclear plant. The heat transfer system may include: a piping system that includes first and second connectors; a heat exchanger; a pump; and a power source. The heat transfer system may not be connected to the nuclear plant during normal plant power operations. The power source may be independent of a normal electrical power distribution system for the nuclear plant. The power source may be configured to power the pump. The piping system may be configured to connect the heat exchanger and pump. The first and second connectors may be configured to connect the heat transfer system to a fluid system of the nuclear plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Robert A. AYER, Robert J. GINSBERG, John R. BASS
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Publication number: 20160059985Abstract: A cutting tool and method of operating cutting tool. The tool includes a support having a first side and a second side. The tool further includes a handle coupled to at least one of the first side and the second side. The handle includes a blade, wherein the handle is configured to move the blade between a first position and a second position. An alignment guide is coupled to the support. The alignment guide includes a channel configured to receive the blade positioned in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Patent number: 9186804Abstract: A cutting tool and method of operating cutting tool. The tool includes a support having a first side and a second side. The tool further includes a handle coupled to at least one of the first side and the second side. The handle includes a blade, wherein the handle is configured to move the blade between a first position and a second position. An alignment guide is coupled to the support. The alignment guide includes a channel configured to receive the blade positioned in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Scott Wright, Christine Mary Anderson, Curt Backman, Donald Wayne Coffland, Aaron Robert Ayers, Donald Richard Young
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Patent number: 8931056Abstract: A service accessible by a set of entities may be provided to each entity at a different service level (e.g., with a different set of privileges) based on the privilege level of the entity. However, many users may attempt to perform malicious activities through the service, and may do so with impunity if the penalties of detection are inconsequential. Instead, privilege levels of entities may be established based on the claims of assets having identifiable value. Such claims may be established by submitting an asset identifier to the service, such as proof of a software license identified by the submission of a license key purchased at a substantial cost. The penalties of malicious activities performed by such users may include the invalidation of such asset identifiers. Establishing the privilege levels of respective entities in this manner raises the penalties, and hence the deterrence, of attempted malicious use of the service.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric Fleischman, Eliot Gillum, Matthew Robert Ayers, Robert Edgar Fanfant, Hakki Tunc Bostanci
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Publication number: 20140072089Abstract: A method and apparatus for an alternative cooling system used to cool the suppression pool of a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) nuclear reactor. The cooling system includes a cooling coil in an isolation condenser located at an elevation that is above the suppression pool. The isolation condenser is connected to the suppression pool via inlet and outlet pipes. The system may provide a natural convection flow of fluids between the suppression pool and the cooling coils to passively cool fluid from the suppression pool without requiring external electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Robert J. GINSBERG, John R. BASS, Robert A. AYER, Richard M. ROGERS
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Publication number: 20130308738Abstract: A heat transfer system for a nuclear plant may include a piping system that includes first and second connectors, heat exchanger, pump, and power source. The heat transfer system may not be connected to the plant during normal power operations. The power source may be independent of a normal electrical power distribution system for the plant and may be configured to power the pump. The piping system may be configured to connect the heat exchanger and pump. The connectors may be configured to connect the heat transfer system to a fluid system of the plant. When the connectors connect the heat transfer system to the fluid system, the heat transfer system may be configured to receive fluid from the fluid system of the plant via the first connector, to pump the fluid through the heat exchanger, and to return the fluid to the fluid system via the second connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Robert A. AYER, Robert J. GINSBERG, John R. BASS