Patents by Inventor Sean Auffinger
Sean Auffinger 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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Patent number: 11788573Abstract: A protection cap assembly for enclosing an end portion of a fastener which extends through a structure of an aircraft includes a cap member having a sidewall defining an opening and an interior space wherein the opening is aligned with the interior space for receiving the end portion of the fastener through the opening and into the interior space and an end surface for abutting the structure. The protection cap assembly further includes a projection secured to and which extends from the end surface of the sidewall of the cap member.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sean Auffinger, Terrell Riley
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Patent number: 11732743Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure, which includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a nut member of the metallic fastener assembly, wherein the first securement mechanism comprises a plurality of continuous grooves which extend about the periphery of the nut member. The cap system further includes a cap member which includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the nut member and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism positioned about the periphery of the nut member. The cap system also includes an end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the nut member to have access into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bart Stevens, Daniel J. Cowan, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan
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Patent number: 11725687Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure, which includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a washer of the metallic fastener assembly wherein the first securement mechanism includes a first tab member extending in a direction transverse to a plane of a surface of the washer and a second tab member extending in a direction transverse to the plane of the surface of the washer spaced apart from the first tab member about the periphery of the washer. Cap system further includes a cap member which includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the washer and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism; and an end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the washer to have access into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Cowan, Bart Stevens, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan, Carl A. Weeks
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Publication number: 20230072353Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods provides for technology that applies, with a printhead of a printing system, ink to a substrate as the substrate remains stationary and the printhead moves across the substrate. The technology determines, with a distance encoder, a distance that the printhead has moved, and controls application of the ink from the printhead to the substrate based on the distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Terrell Diane Riley, Edward Greene, Frederick B. Frontiera, Sean Auffinger
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Patent number: 11379627Abstract: A method for certifying a design of a liquid container onboard a vehicle for manufacture of the liquid container is provided. The method includes generating a computer geometric model of the liquid container according to the design, and executable code to reproduce dynamics and operational parameters of the vehicle, with the dynamics of the vehicle including dynamics during a vehicle maneuver that is selectable from a database of vehicle dynamics for a plurality of vehicle maneuvers. The method includes executing a simulating application to perform a simulation of liquid sloshing in the liquid container onboard the vehicle is performed subject to the dynamics and operational parameters, and iterate the simulation to refine a prediction of loads and stresses on the liquid container from the simulation produced thereby. Locations within the liquid container more vulnerable to fatigue-risk are identified based on the prediction, and output for certification of the design.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Daniel ReMine, Richard Joel Thompson, Sean Auffinger
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Patent number: 11236777Abstract: A protective seal cap assembly for enclosing an end portion of a fastener extending through a structure, which includes a cap member. The cap member includes a sidewall which defines an opening and defines an interior space within the sidewall and aligned with the opening, wherein the sidewall defines a central axis. The cap member further includes at least one rib which extends away from an interior surface of the sidewall within the interior space and extends in a direction along the central axis of the cap member.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Bart Stevens, Daniel J. Cowan, Sean Auffinger
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Patent number: 11208317Abstract: Systems and methods for a flexible container for transport and storage of a working material are described herein. The material can be a viscous or liquid material when dispensed. The flexible container can be configured to move between a first shape and a second shape. The first shape can allow for efficient transport of the flexible container while the second shape can allow for the flexible container to couple to a dispenser. In certain examples, the flexible container can be cooled for transport and heated for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Caitlin E. Auffinger, Sean Auffinger, Katherine L. Frank, Kevin D. Gordon, Thomas G. Lawton, Chunxing She, Conor J. Van Camp
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Patent number: 11059055Abstract: Systems and methods for a container for decreasing the thawing time for a liquid, gel or other fluid material is described herein. The systems can include a container with a body. The body can include a cavity with a dispensing nozzle and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The body can further include one or more channels separate from the cavity. The channel(s) increases the rate of heat transfer associated with the container and, thus, increases the cooling or heating rate of the material within the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Sean Auffinger, Caitlin E. Auffinger, Thomas G. Lawton, Chunxing She, Katherine L. Frank, Conor J. Van Camp, Kevin D. Gordon
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Publication number: 20210190124Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure, which includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a nut member of the metallic fastener assembly, wherein the first securement mechanism comprises a plurality of continuous grooves which extend about the periphery of the nut member. The cap system further includes a cap member which includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the nut member and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism positioned about the periphery of the nut member. The cap system also includes an end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the nut member to have access into the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Bart Stevens, Daniel J. Cowan, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan
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Publication number: 20210164513Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure, which includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a washer of the metallic fastener assembly wherein the first securement mechanism includes a first tab member extending in a direction transverse to a plane of a surface of the washer and a second tab member extending in a direction transverse to the plane of the surface of the washer spaced apart from the first tab member about the periphery of the washer. Cap system further includes a cap member which includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the washer and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism; and an end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the washer to have access into the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Daniel J. Cowan, Bart Stevens, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan, Carl A. Weeks
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Patent number: 10989244Abstract: A cap assembly for enclosing a metallic fastener which extends through a structure. The assembly includes a housing having an inner wall and an outer wall which extends about and is spaced apart from the inner wall defining a space positioned between the inner wall and outer wall. The assembly further includes a plunger member with a side wall portion secured to an end wall portion. The side wall portion of the plunger member has a thickness dimension smaller than a distance between the inner wall and the outer wall to position the sidewall portion of the plunger member within the space. With the side wall portion positioned within the space, the end wall portion is positioned in alignment with the inner wall and with an opening defined by and through the inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Sean Auffinger, Bart Stevens
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Patent number: 10982704Abstract: A containment cap assembly for enclosing a metallic fastener extending through a structure includes an inner cap with a projection extending from an outer surface of the inner cap and an outer cap includes a first end which defines an opening and includes an inner surface which defines a first space within the outer cap in communication with the opening. A dimension of the opening and of the first space defined by the inner surface of the outer cap are each greater than a dimension defined by the outer surface of the inner cap such that with positioning the inner cap within the outer cap, a second space is defined between the outer cap and the inner cap. A slot of the outer cap extends first curvilinear direction such that the projection positioned within the slot moves along first curvilinear direction with moving the inner cap into the outer cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Sean Auffinger, Bart Stevens
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Patent number: 10962043Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a nut member of the metallic fastener assembly, wherein the first securement mechanism comprises threads which are interrupted as the threads extend about the periphery of the nut member and a cap member. The cap member includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the nut member and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism positioned about the periphery of the nut member and an end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the nut member to have access into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Bart Stevens, Daniel J. Cowan, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan
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Patent number: 10948004Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic bolt fastener extending through a structure which includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a bolt head of the metallic bolt fastener. The cap system further includes a cap member which includes a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the bolt head and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism positioned about the periphery of the bolt head. The cap system further includes an end of the sidewall of the cap member which defines an opening which provides the bolt head access into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Sean Auffinger, Bart Stevens, Brandon Mulligan, Daniel J. Cowan
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Publication number: 20210060584Abstract: Systems and methods for a container for decreasing the thawing time for a liquid, gel or other fluid material is described herein. The systems can include a container with a body. The body can include a cavity with a dispensing nozzle and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The body can further include one or more channels separate from the cavity. The channel(s) increases the rate of heat transfer associated with the container and, thus, increases the cooling or heating rate of the material within the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Sean AUFFINGER, Caitlin E. AUFFINGER, Thomas G. LAWTON, Chunxing SHE, Katherine L. FRANK, Conor J. VAN CAMP, Kevin D. GORDON
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Patent number: 10920818Abstract: A cap system for enclosing a metallic fastener assembly extending through a structure includes a first securement mechanism positioned about a periphery of a washer of the metallic fastener assembly wherein the first securement mechanism includes threads. The cap system further includes a cap member including a sidewall having an inner surface which defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the washer and defines a second securement mechanism complementary configured to engage the first securement mechanism positioned about the periphery of the washer. An end of the sidewall of the cap member defines an opening which provides the washer to have access into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Daniel J. Cowan, Bart Stevens, Sean Auffinger, Brandon Mulligan, Carl A. Weeks
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Publication number: 20210039944Abstract: Systems and methods for a flexible container for transport and storage of a working material are described herein. The material can be a viscous or liquid material when dispensed. The flexible container can be configured to move between a first shape and a second shape. The first shape can allow for efficient transport of the flexible container while the second shape can allow for the flexible container to couple to a dispenser. In certain examples, the flexible container can be cooled for transport and heated for dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Caitlin E. Auffinger, Sean Auffinger, Katherine L. Frank, Kevin D. Gordon, Thomas G. Lawton, Chunxing She, Conor J. Van Camp
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Publication number: 20200370590Abstract: A protection cap assembly for enclosing an end portion of a fastener which extends through a structure of an aircraft includes a cap member having a sidewall defining an opening and an interior space wherein the opening is aligned with the interior space for receiving the end portion of the fastener through the opening and into the interior space and an end surface for abutting the structure. The protection cap assembly further includes a projection secured to and which extends from the end surface of the sidewall of the cap member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2019Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Sean Auffinger, Terrell Riley
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Publication number: 20200355215Abstract: A protective seal cap assembly for enclosing an end portion of a fastener extending through a structure, which includes a cap member. The cap member includes a sidewall which defines an opening and defines an interior space within the sidewall and aligned with the opening, wherein the sidewall defines a central axis. The cap member further includes at least one rib which extends away from an interior surface of the sidewall within the interior space and extends in a direction along the central axis of the cap member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Bart Stevens, Daniel J. Cowan, Sean Auffinger
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Publication number: 20200217348Abstract: A containment cap assembly for enclosing a metallic fastener extending through a structure includes an inner cap with a projection extending from an outer surface of the inner cap and an outer cap includes a first end which defines an opening and includes an inner surface which defines a first space within the outer cap in communication with the opening. A dimension of the opening and of the first space defined by the inner surface of the outer cap are each greater than a dimension defined by the outer surface of the inner cap such that with positioning the inner cap within the outer cap, a second space is defined between the outer cap and the inner cap. A slot of the outer cap extends first curvilinear direction such that the projection positioned within the slot moves along first curvilinear direction with moving the inner cap into the outer cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Sean Auffinger, Bart Stevens