Patents by Inventor Scott Robert Huelskamp

Scott Robert Huelskamp 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).

  • Reconfigurable shape memory polymer tooling supports
    Patent number: 9073240
    Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Robert Huelskamp, Joel James Everhart, David E. Havens, Steven Fillmore Hanson, Jeffrey W. Priest, Carl Ray Fiegenbaum, Thomas Joseph Barnell
  • RECONFIGURABLE SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER TOOLING SUPPORTS
    Publication number: 20120119416
    Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Robert Huelskamp, Joel James Everhart, David E. Havens, Steven Fillmore Hanson, Jeffrey W. Priest, Carl Ray Fiegenbaum