Patents by Inventor Scott M. Wierenga

Scott M. Wierenga 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: 8185983
    Abstract: A sink system includes a sink coupled to a storage area. The storage area is coupled to a bypass line and a common line, and a vacuum blower may apply pressure to the common line. First and second valves control the flow of fluids between the bypass line, storage area and common line, for operation of the system in a drain mode and a disposal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga
  • Publication number: 20110308010
    Abstract: A sink system includes a sink coupled to a storage area. The storage area is coupled to a bypass line and a common line, and a vacuum blower may apply pressure to the common line. First and second valves control the flow of fluids between the bypass line, storage area and common line, for operation of the system in a drain mode and a disposal mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga
  • Patent number: 8011033
    Abstract: A sink system includes a sink and a storage area receiving and storing matter from the sink. The storage area receives air from the bypass line during a flush. Also, matter from the storage area and sink is vacuumed through a common line during the flush. A valve limits an amount of air supplied by the bypass line such that increased suction is applied to the sink through the common line. The valve may be manually operated or operated by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga
  • Patent number: 5850757
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank mounted within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a tank-mount mechanically coupled to and surrounding the tank to prevent translational movement of the tank, The tank-mount has a plurality of pivoting members allowing only rotational movement of the tank. The members pivot about a common axis, defined by an orifice of each of a plurality of fixed members coupled to the vehicle. The tank-mount also has an extended end positioned on a side opposite to the plurality of pivoting members which extends outwardly from the tank. The apparatus also includes a load cell in contact with the extended end for providing a signal proportional to the load placed on the load cell by the extended end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga