Patents by Inventor Stephen G. Dame

Stephen G. Dame 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: 11364992
    Abstract: Described herein is an example method for aligning an aircraft with a centerline of a runway during takeoff. The method includes accessing a first image captured by a first camera mounted on a first side of the aircraft; accessing a second image captured by a second camera mounted on a second side of the aircraft that is opposite the first side; determining a first angle between a first marked line on the runway in the first image and a first reference line in the first image; determining a second angle between a second marked line on the runway in the second image and a second reference line in the second image; and based on the first angle and the second angle, moving a control surface of the aircraft such that the aircraft moves closer to the centerline of the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame
  • Patent number: 10906458
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an interior cabin, and a stowage bin control system. The stowage bin control system includes a plurality of stowage bin assemblies within the interior cabin. The plurality of stowage bin assemblies are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. A master control device is separate and distinct from the plurality of stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies through wireless connections and is configured to operate the at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10864849
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly of a vehicle includes one or more interior light-emitting elements that are configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly. The stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10793277
    Abstract: A stowage bin control system and method for a vehicle includes at least one stowage bin assembly that are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position, and a master control device that is separate and distinct from the stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to the stowage bin assemblies and is configured to operate the stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10672208
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly includes a latch that is configured to selectively lock and unlock the stowage bin assembly, and a sensor in communication with the latch. The sensor is configured to be engaged to lock, unlock, open, and/or close the stowage bin assembly without the latch or the sensor being touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10647429
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a weight sensor that is configured to detect the weight of the stowage bin assembly, and a stowage bin control unit in communication with the weight sensor. The stowage bin control unit is configured to automatically close the stowage bin assembly in response to a weight of the stowage bin assembly being within a predetermined range of a maximum weight threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200122820
    Abstract: Described herein is an example method for aligning an aircraft with a centerline of a runway during takeoff. The method includes accessing a first image captured by a first camera mounted on a first side of the aircraft; accessing a second image captured by a second camera mounted on a second side of the aircraft that is opposite the first side; determining a first angle between a first marked line on the runway in the first image and a first reference line in the first image; determining a second angle between a second marked line on the runway in the second image and a second reference line in the second image; and based on the first angle and the second angle, moving a control surface of the aircraft such that the aircraft moves closer to the centerline of the runway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame
  • Publication number: 20180261026
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly includes a latch that is configured to selectively lock and unlock the stowage bin assembly, and a sensor in communication with the latch. The sensor is configured to be engaged to lock, unlock, open, and/or close the stowage bin assembly without the latch or the sensor being touched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180257784
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly includes a weight sensor that is configured to detect the weight of the stowage bin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180257783
    Abstract: A stowage bin control system and method for a vehicle includes at least one stowage bin assembly that are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position, and a master control device that is separate and distinct from the stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to the stowage bin assemblies and is configured to operate the stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180257555
    Abstract: A stowage bin assembly of a vehicle includes one or more interior light-emitting elements that are configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly. The stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180257554
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an interior cabin, and a stowage bin control system. The stowage bin control system includes a plurality of stowage bin assemblies within the interior cabin. The plurality of stowage bin assemblies are configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. A master control device is separate and distinct from the plurality of stowage bin assemblies. The master control device is communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies through wireless connections and is configured to operate the at least one of the plurality of stowage bin assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard K. Simms, Stephen G. Dame, Mark L. Cloud, Todd D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170332148
    Abstract: A distributed digital projection system is disclosed which includes a plurality of smart projectors coupled to a head end server computer via a network. Each smart projector has a first network interface coupled to the network. Each smart projector is configured to receive commands and digital content, to process the received commands, and to convert the received digital content into a projection light signal for output. Each smart projector may include a second network interface to allow a daisy-chain network configuration. The head end server computer is configured to issue commands and to forward digital content to each of the at least one smart projectors, the commands specifying at least a time for display of the digital content. The digital content is stored on either network attached storage device coupled to the network or on a storage device directly coupled to or integrated with the head end server computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: James A. Fullerton, Stephen G. Dame, Yakentim M. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 9794346
    Abstract: A method for monitoring systems of a vehicle may include determining relevant information used by at least one of a plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least a function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer with respect to an associated one of a multiplicity of components of the systems of the vehicle. The method may also include formulating a customized information message for the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least the relevant information used and the function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer. The method may further include transmitting the customized information message to the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Followell, Kevin Swearingen, Jeanne C. Maggiore, Bradley Mitchell, Erik B. Fries, Stephen G. Dame
  • Patent number: 9571378
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a synchronized wireless data concentrator are provided for facilitating a precisely synchronized system of nodes in a wireless sensor network for airborne data systems. The wireless data concentrator contains a plurality of IEEE 802.15.4 radio/micro-processor subsystems, which are connected to a local host microprocessor, which is in turn connected to an aircraft data network. The airplane data network also contains a precision clock source and a plurality of specialized network switches, which have a low-jitter data-path routing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame
  • Patent number: 9521678
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for a four-channel Wireless Data Concentrator (WDC) for a data network of an aircraft. One embodiment of a WDC includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to a top surface of the PCB and is proximate to a centerline of the PCB. The WDC further includes four Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers electrically coupled to the top surface of the PCB that are disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller. Each RF transceiver communicates with at least one wireless sensor that measures an environment of the aircraft. The WDC further includes four inverted-F PCB trace antennas fabricated along the top surface of the PCB. Each inverted-F PCB trace antenna is electrically coupled to one of the RF transceivers and is disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen G. Dame, Yakentim M. Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20160270052
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for a four-channel Wireless Data Concentrator (WDC) for a data network of an aircraft. One embodiment of a WDC includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to a top surface of the PCB and is proximate to a centerline of the PCB. The WDC further includes four Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers electrically coupled to the top surface of the PCB that are disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller. Each RF transceiver communicates with at least one wireless sensor that measures an environment of the aircraft. The WDC further includes four inverted-F PCB trace antennas fabricated along the top surface of the PCB. Each inverted-F PCB trace antenna is electrically coupled to one of the RF transceivers and is disposed orthogonally to each other around the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen G. Dame, Yakentim M. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 9083549
    Abstract: A structure and a first panel are operably disposed with respect to the structure. A first plurality of nodes is disposed within the first panel, including a first plurality of power distribution network nodes in a first power distribution network, and wherein the first plurality of nodes further comprises a first group of nodes. A second panel is operably disposed with respect to the structure. A second plurality of nodes is disposed within the second panel, including a second plurality of power distribution network nodes in a second power distribution network isolated from the first power distribution network. The second plurality of nodes further comprises a second group of nodes. A bus guardian, separate from the two panels, electrically connects the first panel and the second panel. The bus guardian is configured to network the first group of nodes and the second group of nodes in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame
  • Publication number: 20150003229
    Abstract: A structure and a first panel are operably disposed with respect to the structure. A first plurality of nodes is disposed within the first panel, including a first plurality of power distribution network nodes in a first power distribution network, and wherein the first plurality of nodes further comprises a first group of nodes. A second panel is operably disposed with respect to the structure. A second plurality of nodes is disposed within the second panel, including a second plurality of power distribution network nodes in a second power distribution network isolated from the first power distribution network. The second plurality of nodes further comprises a second group of nodes. A bus guardian, separate from the two panels, electrically connects the first panel and the second panel. The bus guardian is configured to network the first group of nodes and the second group of nodes in a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame
  • Patent number: 8797842
    Abstract: A structure and a first panel are operably disposed with respect to the structure. A first plurality of nodes is disposed within the first panel, including a first plurality of power distribution network nodes in a first power distribution network, and wherein the first plurality of nodes further comprises a first group of nodes. A second panel is operably disposed with respect to the structure. A second plurality of nodes is disposed within the second panel, including a second plurality of power distribution network nodes in a second power distribution network isolated from the first power distribution network. The second plurality of nodes further comprises a second group of nodes. A bus guardian, separate from the two panels, electrically connects the first panel and the second panel. The bus guardian is configured to network the first group of nodes and the second group of nodes in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Stephen G. Dame