Patents by Inventor Robert M. Watson

Robert M. Watson 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: 10717242
    Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Stephen Howard Williams
  • Publication number: 20180117860
    Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Stephen Howard Williams
  • Patent number: 9849635
    Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Stephen Howard Williams
  • Publication number: 20160332394
    Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Stephen Howard Williams
  • Patent number: 8418740
    Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Patent number: 8303758
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Publication number: 20120180942
    Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Patent number: 8168023
    Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Publication number: 20090139641
    Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Patent number: 7503368
    Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Patent number: 7445900
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification, assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080171315
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification, assay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 7141377
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 6909459
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus to extend the signal range of a digital image beyond the nominal sensor or data format range. The method and apparatus automatically acquires a scaled series of source data, applies noise reduction to the source data, and constructs a scaled composite with usable signal ranges greater than that of the individual data sources. Applied to digital images, the invention permits presentation and analysis of all signals from a subject in a single composite or an image resulting from the method and apparatus of the present invention. The present invention overcomes two defects in prior art systems: increased noise in the resultant composite image arising from rescaling of component images and dependence on evaluating image content to determine image scaling. Because this invention can be automated, it can be applied in numerous fields requiring high throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Alpha Innotech Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Watson, Jr., John J. Kang
  • Publication number: 20040036775
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus to extend the signal range of a digital image beyond the nominal sensor or data format range. The method and apparatus automatically acquires a scaled series of source data, applies noise reduction to the source data, and constructs a scaled composite with usable signal ranges greater than that of the individual data sources. Applied to digital images, the invention permits presentation and analysis of all signals from a subject in a single composite or an image resulting from the method and apparatus of the present invention. The present invention overcomes two defects in prior art systems: increased noise in the resultant composite image arising from rescaling of component images and dependence on evaluating image content to determine image scaling. Because this invention can be automated, it can be applied in numerous fields requiring high throughput.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Alpha Innotech Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Watson, John J. Kang
  • Patent number: 6214979
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5′ to 3′ nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 5804375
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides uses the 5' to 3' nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 5491063
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the light emission of an oligonucleotide labeled with a light-emitting label that are useful in nucleic acid detection assays. A reaction that results in the cleavage of single-stranded oligonucleotide probes labeled with a light-emitting label is carried out in the presence of a DNA binding compound that interacts with the label to modify the light emission of the label. The methods utilize the change in light emission of the labeled probe that results from degradation of the probe. The methods are applicable in general to assays that utilize a reaction that results in cleavage of oligonucleotide probes, and, in particular, to homogeneous amplification/detection assays wherein hybridized probe is cleaved concomitant with palmer extension. A homogeneous amplification/detection assay is provided which allows the simultaneous detection of the accumulation of amplified target and the sequence-specific detection of the target sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Mary E. Fisher, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 5487972
    Abstract: A process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides which uses the 5' to 3' nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and thus releasing labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson
  • Patent number: 5210015
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of detecting a target nucleic acid using labeled oligonucleotides. This process uses the 5' to 3' nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed labeled oligonucleotide from hybridized duplexes and release labeled oligonucleotide fragments for detection. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Hoffman-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Gelfand, Pamela M. Holland, Randall K. Saiki, Robert M. Watson