Patents by Inventor Stephen T. Brown
Stephen T. Brown 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: 11549383Abstract: A variable geometry aerodynamic blade system employs a blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least one shape memory alloy component is integrated in the blade for aerodynamic repositioning of one or both of the leading and trailing edges. At least one heating element interacts with the at least one shape memory alloy component to provide heating for transition between an austenitic and a martensitic phase. The at least one shape memory alloy component is responsive to the at least one heating element to alter one of a camber and twist of the blade responsive to a control signal. A control system is operatively engaged to the at least one heating element, the control system receiving a command signal and outputting the control signal responsive to the command signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Frederick T. Calkins, Sergey D. Barmichev, Matthew Naimi
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Publication number: 20210131295Abstract: A variable geometry aerodynamic blade system employs a blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least one shape memory alloy component is integrated in the blade for aerodynamic repositioning of one or both of the leading and trailing edges. At least one heating element interacts with the at least one shape memory alloy component to provide heating for transition between an austenitic and a martensitic phase. The at least one shape memory alloy component is responsive to the at least one heating element to alter one of a camber and twist of the blade responsive to a control signal. A control system is operatively engaged to the at least one heating element, the control system receiving a command signal and outputting the control signal responsive to the command signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Stephen T. Brown, Frederick T. Calkins, Sergey D. Barmichev, Matthew Naimi
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Publication number: 20190264617Abstract: Hybrid turbine engines and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. The hybrid turbine engines include a first thrust-generating device that includes a turbine with a turbine rotary shaft and a clutch, which includes a clutch input, which is operatively coupled to the turbine rotary shaft, and a clutch output. The clutch defines an engaged state and a disengaged state. The hybrid turbine engines also include a rotary electric machine including a machine rotary shaft that is operatively coupled to the clutch output, a second thrust-generating device that is operatively coupled to the machine rotary shaft, and an electric power system. The rotary electric machine is configured to selectively receive an electric power output from the electric power system, such as to selectively produce additional thrust, and to selectively receive in an input torque from the machine rotary shaft, such as to selectively produce additional electric power.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Mark E. Howe, Stephen T. Brown
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Patent number: 10378452Abstract: Hybrid turbine engines and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. The hybrid turbine engines include a first thrust-generating device that includes a turbine with a turbine rotary shaft and a clutch, which includes a clutch input, which is operatively coupled to the turbine rotary shaft, and a clutch output. The clutch defines an engaged state and a disengaged state. The hybrid turbine engines also include a rotary electric machine including a machine rotary shaft that is operatively coupled to the clutch output, a second thrust-generating device that is operatively coupled to the machine rotary shaft, and an electric power system. The rotary electric machine is configured to selectively receive an electric power output from the electric power system, such as to selectively produce additional thrust, and to selectively receive in an input torque from the machine rotary shaft, such as to selectively produce additional electric power.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Mark E. Howe, Stephen T. Brown
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Patent number: 9725153Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising a rack and a translation mechanism. The rack may be configured to hold components. The rack may comprise movable rack segments that are movable independently of each other. The translation mechanism may be configured to move a portion of the movable rack segments relative to another portion of the movable rack segments inside a platform such that internal access to at least a portion of the components is provided inside the platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Andrew John Bayliss, Stephen T. Brown, Perry Nicholas Rea, Kevin Matthew Retz
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Patent number: 9457895Abstract: A traction-on-demand landing gear tire control system and methods are presented. An outer tire of an aircraft wheel is depressurized to a depressurized state in response to a non-optimal aircraft landing condition. An inner tire of the aircraft wheel contacts the outer tire in response to the depressurized state, and a plurality of traction studs are deployed to protrude from the outer tire in response to the inner tire contacting the outer tire.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sergey Barmichev, Kelly L. Boren, Stephen T. Brown
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Patent number: 9187169Abstract: A structural support assembly for a high-wing aircraft may include a plurality of columns extending through a passenger compartment of the aircraft having a pair of wings mounted proximate a top of a fuselage. A column upper end of at least one of the columns may be coupled to a center wing box structure adjacent to a rear spar thereof. A column lower end of at least one of the columns may be coupled to a floor substructure.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Sergey Barmichev
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Publication number: 20150195947Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising a rack and a translation mechanism. The rack may be configured to hold components. The rack may comprise movable rack segments that are movable independently of each other. The translation mechanism may be configured to move a portion of the movable rack segments relative to another portion of the movable rack segments inside a platform such that internal access to at least a portion of the components is provided inside the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Andrew John Bayliss, Stephen T. Brown, Perry Nicholas Rea, Kevin Matthew Retz
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Patent number: 8998135Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising a rack and a translation mechanism. The rack may be configured to hold components. The rack may comprise movable rack segments that are movable independently of each other. The translation mechanism may be configured to move a portion of the movable rack segments relative to another portion of the movable rack segments inside a platform such that internal access to at least a portion of the components is provided inside the platform.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Andrew John Bayliss, Stephen T. Brown, Perry Nicholas Rea, Kevin Matthew Retz
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Publication number: 20150069178Abstract: An aircraft comprises at least one wing comprising a trailing edge flap that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. The aircraft also includes a fuselage comprising a first gear door on a side of the fuselage and a second gear door on a bottom of the fuselage. The first gear door is moveable in a gear door envelope between a closed position and an open position. The wing is coupled to the fuselage in a low-wing configuration. A landing gear assembly is coupled to the fuselage and is selectively moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The trailing edge flap may be extended simultaneously with, before, or after deployment of the landing gear assembly and opening of the first gear door.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Michael Lane Drake, Christopher R. Holtorf, Justin Cottet
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Patent number: 8973871Abstract: There is provided a box structure for carrying load having upper and lower composite integrated sandwich panels. The panels have facesheets sandwiching one or more core portions and adjacent dense packs oriented in an axial direction. The box structure further has a plurality of spars. Each spar has a web and web attachments and has a spar length in the axial direction. The plurality of spars are connected to the panels with the web attachments located at the dense packs. The facesheets are configured to carry primarily torsion and pressure loads in shear and no significant axial loads. The dense packs are configured to carry all significant box bending in axial tension and compression loads.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeffery L. Marcoe, Paul S. Nordman, Stephen T. Brown, William G. Roeseler, Terry K. Isomura, Willard N. Westre
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Patent number: 8876999Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for providing a flexible shape low volume autoclave are disclosed. In one embodiment, an autoclave includes an elongated pressure vessel that is sealed on both ends and has a circumferential joint between a first portion and a second portion. The autoclave further includes the portions defining an interior configured for accepting an elongated part, the joint being configured to create an angle between the portions and further creating an opening with a seal, the opening facilitating an insertion of the part into the interior, and the seal enabling pressurization of the interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Max U. Kismarton, Stephen T. Brown
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Patent number: 8104714Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining composite members and other structural members in aircraft wings and other structures. An aircraft wing box structure configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first composite member having a first surface portion positioned at an angle relative to a second surface portion of a second composite member. The wing box structure of this embodiment further includes at least one metallic joining member having an upstanding leg portion extending from a base portion. The base portion of the joining member is bonded to the first surface portion of the first composite member with a first portion of adhesive, and the upstanding leg portion of the metallic joining member is bonded to the second surface portion of the second composite member with a second portion of adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Max U. Kismarton
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Patent number: 7744040Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
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Publication number: 20100032524Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining composite members and other structural members in aircraft wings and other structures. An aircraft wing box structure configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first composite member having a first surface portion positioned at an angel relative to a second surface portion of a second composite member. The wing box structure of this embodiment further includes at least one metallic joining member having an upstanding leg portion extending from a base portion. The base portion of the joining member is bonded to the first surface portion of the first composite member with a first portion of adhesive, and the upstanding leg portion of the metallic joining member is bonded to the second surface portion of the second composite member with a second portion of adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Max U. Kismarton
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Patent number: 7575194Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining composite members and other structural members in aircraft wings and other structures. An aircraft wing box structure configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first composite member having a first surface portion positioned at an angel relative to a second surface portion of a second composite member. The wing box structure of this embodiment further includes at least one metallic joining member having an upstanding leg portion extending from a base portion. The base portion of the joining member is bonded to the first surface portion of the first composite member with a first portion of adhesive, and the upstanding leg portion of the metallic joining member is bonded to the second surface portion of the second composite member with a second portion of adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Max U. Kismarton
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Publication number: 20090146017Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
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Patent number: 7475854Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Lacy, Kevin W. Beyer, Stephen T. Brown, Paul W. Dees, Neal V. Huynh, Jan A. Kordel, Clayton A. Prow, Seiya Sakurai
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Publication number: 20080308224Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for providing a flexible shape low volume autoclave are disclosed. In one embodiment, an autoclave includes an elongated pressure vessel that is sealed on both ends and has a circumferential joint between a first portion and a second portion. The autoclave further includes the portions defining an interior configured for accepting an elongated part, the joint being configured to create an angle between the portions and further creating an opening with a seal, the opening facilitating an insertion of the part into the interior, and the seal enabling pressurization of the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Sergey D. Barmichev, Max U. Kismarton, Stephen T. Brown
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Publication number: 20080128553Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining composite members and other structural members in aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. An aircraft wing box structure configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first composite member having a first surface portion positioned at an angel relative to a second surface portion of a second composite member. The wing box structure of this embodiment further includes at least one metallic joining member having an upstanding leg portion extending from a base portion. The base portion of the joining member is bonded to the first surface portion of the first composite member with a first portion of adhesive, and the upstanding leg portion of the metallic joining member is bonded to the second surface portion of the second composite member with a second portion of adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Stephen T. Brown, Max U. Kismarton