Patents by Inventor Robert L. Avery

Robert L. Avery 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: 10552802
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20160042325
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20160034858
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney, Matthew C. Bueser, John C. Hoover, Grant H. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8629800
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a vehicle. An apparatus comprises a proximity detection system, a vehicle management system, and a notification system. The proximity detection system is associated with an aircraft and operably connected to a transducer. The proximity detection system is configured to determine a distance of a vehicle from a surface of the aircraft and a velocity of the vehicle relative to the aircraft. The vehicle management system operably connected to the proximity detection system. The vehicle management system is configured to determine a time the vehicle will be a threshold distance from the surface of the aircraft and an threshold amount of time to bring the vehicle to a predetermined velocity. The notification system is associated with the proximity detection system and configured to generate a notification signal in response to a determination that the time is less than the threshold amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David L. Banks, Robert L. Avery, Aydin Akdeniz
  • Patent number: 8423430
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Margaret Nomi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Patent number: 8296197
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Margaret Nomi, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney, Matthew Bueser, Grant T. Thacker, Stephen T. Lane
  • Patent number: 8036955
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Margaret Nomi, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney, Matthew Bueser
  • Publication number: 20110087417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a vehicle. An apparatus comprises a proximity detection system, a vehicle management system, and a notification system. The proximity detection system is associated with an aircraft and operably connected to a transducer. The proximity detection system is configured to determine a distance of a vehicle from a surface of the aircraft and a velocity of the vehicle relative to the aircraft. The vehicle management system operably connected to the proximity detection system. The vehicle management system is configured to determine a time the vehicle will be a threshold distance from the surface of the aircraft and an threshold amount of time to bring the vehicle to a predetermined velocity. The notification system is associated with the proximity detection system and configured to generate a notification signal in response to a determination that the time is less than the threshold amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David L. Banks, Robert L. Avery, Aydin Akdeniz
  • Patent number: 7869305
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David L. Banks, Robert L. Avery, Aydin Akdeniz, William J. Renton
  • Patent number: 7761200
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Margaret Nomi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Patent number: 7761201
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Moloney, Grant T. Thacker
  • Publication number: 20100125468
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Margaret Nomi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Patent number: 7689329
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney, Margaret Nomi, Matthew Bueser
  • Publication number: 20090295622
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, David L. Banks, Robert L. Avery, Aydin Akdeniz, William J. Renton
  • Publication number: 20090248459
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney, Margaret Nomi, Matt Bueser
  • Patent number: 7579980
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, Aydin Akdeniz, David L. Banks, William J. Renton, Robert L. Avery
  • Patent number: 7548802
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Margaret L. Nomi, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Moloney, Matthew C. Bueser, Grant H. Thacker
  • Publication number: 20080172178
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, Aydin Akdeniz, David L. Banks, William J. Renton, Robert L. Avery
  • Patent number: 7379165
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, Aydin Akdeniz, David L. Banks, William J. Renton, Robert L. Avery