Patents by Inventor Robert PAPKE
Robert PAPKE 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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Publication number: 20240034472Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin arrangement between at least one forward passenger seat and at least one aft passenger seat, includes a panel positioned adjacent to and rearwardly of the at least one forward seat. The panel has a contoured shape for receiving the back of the forward passenger seat in at least one of a reclined position and an upright position. The panel extends substantially from an underside of an overhead bin to a cabin floor. In embodiments, at least a portion of the panel is configured to deform or break during a crash event due to one or more of a head impact by a passenger in the aft passenger seat with the panel and/or inertial forces of the crash event acting on the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 11787544Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey M. McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Publication number: 20210347485Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey M. McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 11066171Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 10843799Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 10676194Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 10370106Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin according to a predetermined class arrangement and including a divider panel having a contour closely matching a contour of a forward-positioned seatback, and adapted for being positioned in closely spaced-apart relation to the seatback for providing additional space aft of the divider panel. At least one leg is provided for supporting the panel on an aircraft cabin deck. A viewing window is formed in the panel for providing the ability of a flight attendant to observe areas of the cabin.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly
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Patent number: 10207806Abstract: A method of installing an aircraft overhead stowage system includes installing a plurality of bin support rail fittings onto a plurality of bin support rails disposed above a ceiling of a cross-aisle galley complex; positioning a stowage compartment housing supported by a stowage support structure above the ceiling of the galley complex, the stowage compartment housing including a first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing; aligning the stowage compartment housing and the stowage support structure with the bin support rails; and fastening the stowage support structure to the bin support rails using the bin support rail fittings such that the stowage compartment housing is structurally supported above the ceiling of the galley complex.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Shawn A. Claflin, Robert Papke, James B. Hauser, Jefferey McKee
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Publication number: 20180265200Abstract: A method of installing an aircraft overhead stowage system includes installing a plurality of bin support rail fittings onto a plurality of bin support rails disposed above a ceiling of a cross-aisle galley complex; positioning a stowage compartment housing supported by a stowage support structure above the ceiling of the galley complex, the stowage compartment housing including a first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing; aligning the stowage compartment housing and the stowage support structure with the bin support rails; and fastening the stowage support structure to the bin support rails using the bin support rail fittings such that the stowage compartment housing is structurally supported above the ceiling of the galley complex.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Shawn A. Claflin, Robert Papke, James B. Hauser, Jefferey McKee
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Patent number: 10077111Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin
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Publication number: 20180222589Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Robert PAPKE, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Patent number: 10000287Abstract: An aircraft overhead stowage system for a cross-aisle galley complex. The aircraft overhead stowage system includes a stowage compartment housing disposed above a ceiling of the galley complex that is supported above the ceiling by a stowage support structure. A first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment are each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing, and each stowage compartment is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the stowage compartment housing using a vacuum system. A vacuum generator that creates a vacuum force is mounted on the stowage compartment housing, and a plurality of vacuum bellows connected to each stowage compartment are in fluid communication with the vacuum generator. The vacuum system causes the stowage compartments to move between the stowed position and the deployed position. Vacuum-driven and manually-driven latching assemblies and removable extensions for each stowage compartment are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Shawn A. Claflin, Robert Papke, James B. Hauser, Jefferey McKee
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Publication number: 20180022457Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Caflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
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Publication number: 20170283061Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Robert PAPKE, Shawn CAFLIN, Jefferey MCKEE, Trevor SKELLY, Mario DILIANI
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Publication number: 20170283058Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin
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Publication number: 20170283060Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin according to a predetermined class arrangement and including a divider panel having a contour closely matching a contour of a forward-positioned seatback, and adapted for being positioned in closely spaced-apart relation to the seatback for providing additional space aft of the divider panel. At least one leg is provided for supporting the panel on an aircraft cabin deck. A viewing window is formed in the panel for providing the ability of a flight attendant to observe areas of the cabin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Caflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly
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Publication number: 20170283065Abstract: An aircraft interior surface for partitioning, dividing, or establishing privacy within a cabin space includes a transparent material that provides for transmission of light within the aircraft cabin. A graphical design may be applied to the transparent material, the graphical design including indicia arranged in predetermined patterns based on a location or function of the transparent material. A light source located proximate to the transparent material may wash light across a surface of the transparent material such that the graphical design exhibits predetermined properties when illuminated by the light source. The transparent material may be selectively dimmable to increase opacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Stephanie Lightbody, Jefferey McKee
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Compact aircraft galley and lavatory arrangement and articulating lavatory partition for an aircraft
Patent number: 9714094Abstract: A combination lavatory and galley arrangement for aircraft includes a lavatory portion having adjacent inboard and outboard lavatories, and a galley portion, and can be located aft of aft aircraft aft doors, and can at least partially rearwardly extend into the aircraft's aft pressure dome. The inboard and outboard lavatories can be separated by a movable wall or partition to provide access for persons with restricted mobility, and can be provided in a modular housing to facilitate retrofit assembly within an aircraft. The movable wall can be an articulating movable lavatory partition movable between a first, linearly extended configuration and a second, folded configuration in a stowed position to provide entry for persons with restricted mobility.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Ivester, Jefferey McKee, Wade Johnson, James Brian Hauser, Robert Papke, David R. Benton, Frank E. Hashberger -
Publication number: 20170001726Abstract: An aircraft overhead stowage system for a cross-aisle galley complex. The aircraft overhead stowage system includes a stowage compartment housing disposed above a ceiling of the galley complex that is supported above the ceiling by a stowage support structure. A first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment are each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing, and each stowage compartment is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the stowage compartment housing using a vacuum system. A vacuum generator that creates a vacuum force is mounted on the stowage compartment housing, and a plurality of vacuum bellows connected to each stowage compartment are in fluid communication with the vacuum generator. The vacuum system causes the stowage compartments to move between the stowed position and the deployed position. Vacuum-driven and manually-driven latching assemblies and removable extensions for each stowage compartment are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Shawn A. Claflin, Robert Papke, James B. Hauser, Jefferey McKee
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Patent number: 9499269Abstract: An overhead equipment stowage pod comprises a base having a structural material surrounding a central opening. The central opening is open on top and bottom, and the base is fastened to a support structure proximate a ceiling. A replaceable stowage bin is at least partially inserted through the base into the ceiling, and a closeable door is suspended below the stowage bin.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Clarence Ivester, Robert Papke