Patents by Inventor Thao Hoang
Thao Hoang 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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Publication number: 20190345705Abstract: A toilet bowl system for use on-board an aircraft includes a toilet bowl body comprising a toilet bowl and a shroud. The toilet bowl has a rim. A removable splash guard is positioned between the toilet bowl and the shroud, and comprises a generally flat, flexible, planar shield having a central opening. The shield includes a top portion and a rear portion, the top portion faces the shroud and the lower portion faces the toilet bowl, and the lower portion is shaped to correspond with an upper portion of the rim of the toilet bowl and is configured to secure the removable toilet splash guard to the toilet bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky
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Publication number: 20190277014Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the waste outlet of a toilet includes, according to an implementation, a motor comprising a Hall effect sensor that detects the rotation of the motor and generates a position signal in response thereto; a mechanical actuator coupled to the motor; a door coupled to the mechanical actuator, wherein the door is disposed at the waste outlet of the toilet; logic circuitry that receives the position signal, generates a control signal to move the door based at least in part on the position signal, and transmits the control signal to the motor. The motor operates according to the control signal to drive the mechanical actuator to move the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick
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Patent number: 10301805Abstract: A toilet bowl system for use on-board an aircraft includes a toilet bowl body comprising a toilet bowl and a shroud. The toilet bowl has a rim. A removable splash guard is positioned between the toilet bowl and the shroud, and comprises a generally flat, flexible, planar shield having a central opening. The shield includes a top portion and a rear portion, the top portion faces the shroud and the lower portion faces the toilet bowl, and the lower portion is shaped to correspond with an upper portion of the rim of the toilet bowl and is configured to secure the removable toilet splash guard to the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky
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Patent number: 10208468Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a toilet system on-board an aircraft is disclosed. The toilet system includes a toilet bowl, a fluid valve controlling input of fluid into the toilet bowl, a flush switch configured to be activated by a user, and a controller configured to operate the fluid valve. The method includes detecting an activation of the flush switch, monitoring a flush switch activation time period, and determining whether the flush switch activation time period exceeds a preset threshold time period. In response to determining that flush switch activation time period does not exceed the preset threshold time period, a standard flush cycle is initiated. In response to determining that the flush switch activation time period exceeds the preset threshold time period, a maintenance mode is initiated allowing a larger volume of fluid to fill the toilet bowl for maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky, William Pedersen
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Patent number: 10202747Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the waste outlet of a toilet includes, according to an implementation, a motor comprising a Hall effect sensor that detects the rotation of the motor and generates a position signal in response thereto; a mechanical actuator coupled to the motor; a door coupled to the mechanical actuator, wherein the door is disposed at the waste outlet of the toilet; logic circuitry that receives the position signal, generates a control signal to move the door based at least in part on the position signal, and transmits the control signal to the motor. The motor operates according to the control signal to drive the mechanical actuator to move the door.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick
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Patent number: 10041241Abstract: A method of installing a toilet system on board an aircraft is generally described. The toilet system includes a base support having a right base support and a left base support, a toilet bowl, a right side support and a left side support each supporting the toilet bowl. The method comprises lowering the toilet bowl on to the base supports to at least partially engage a first locking mechanism; sliding the toilet bowl in a forward direction to engage a second locking mechanism; and inserting a first pin to couple the right base support to the right side support and a second pin to couple the left base support to the left side support in order to completely engage the first locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick, Gregory E. Sund
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Publication number: 20180163457Abstract: A pump-out tube for evacuating a space between two sheets of glass, the pump out tube being receivable in a hole formed in at least one of the sheets of glass, the pump out tube formed as a separate element comprising a tubular member and a seal formed around the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2016Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: The University of SydneyInventors: Cenk Kocer, Tom Vu, Clara Thao Hoang Tran
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Patent number: 9951504Abstract: A toilet system configured for operation on-board an aircraft includes, according to an implementation, a toilet bowl, a left side support bracket supporting the toilet bowl, a right side support bracket supporting the toilet bowl, a control box including a first set of pins, and a harness connector configured to electrically couple the toilet to the aircraft. The harness connector includes a set of pins, where the first set of pins of the control box are configured to be connected to the set of pins included in the harness connector, and the control box is configured to determine a platform of the aircraft based on the presence or absence of a pin in the set of pins included in the harness connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick
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Publication number: 20160289939Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a toilet system on-board an aircraft is disclosed. The toilet system includes a toilet bowl, a fluid valve controlling input of fluid into the toilet bowl, a flush switch configured to be activated by a user, and a controller configured to operate the fluid valve. The method includes detecting an activation of the flush switch, monitoring a flush switch activation time period, and determining whether the flush switch activation time period exceeds a preset threshold time period. In response to determining that flush switch activation time period does not exceed the preset threshold time period, a standard flush cycle is initiated. In response to determining that the flush switch activation time period exceeds the preset threshold time period, a maintenance mode is initiated allowing a larger volume of fluid to fill the toilet bowl for maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky, William Pedersen
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Publication number: 20160289940Abstract: A toilet bowl system for use on-board an aircraft includes a toilet bowl body comprising a toilet bowl and a shroud. The toilet bowl has a rim. A removable splash guard is positioned between the toilet bowl and the shroud, and comprises a generally flat, flexible, planar shield having a central opening. The shield includes a top portion and a rear portion, the top portion faces the shroud and the lower portion faces the toilet bowl, and the lower portion is shaped to correspond with an upper portion of the rim of the toilet bowl and is configured to secure the removable toilet splash guard to the toilet bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky
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Publication number: 20160289938Abstract: A toilet system configured for operation on-board an aircraft includes, according to an implementation, a toilet bowl, a left side support bracket supporting the toilet bowl, a right side support bracket supporting the toilet bowl, a control box including a first set of pins, and a harness connector configured to electrically couple the toilet to the aircraft. The harness connector includes a set of pins, where the first set of pins of the control box are configured to be connected to the set of pins included in the harness connector, and the control box is configured to determine a platform of the aircraft based on the presence or absence of a pin in the set of pins included in the harness connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick
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Publication number: 20160289942Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the waste outlet of a toilet includes, according to an implementation, a motor comprising a Hall effect sensor that detects the rotation of the motor and generates a position signal in response thereto; a mechanical actuator coupled to the motor; a door coupled to the mechanical actuator, wherein the door is disposed at the waste outlet of the toilet; logic circuitry that receives the position signal, generates a control signal to move the door based at least in part on the position signal, and transmits the control signal to the motor. The motor operates according to the control signal to drive the mechanical actuator to move the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Christian C. Kurshinsky, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick
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Publication number: 20160289943Abstract: A method of installing a toilet system on board an aircraft is generally described. The toilet system includes a base support having a right base support and a left base support, a toilet bowl, a right side support and a left side support each supporting the toilet bowl. The method comprises lowering the toilet bowl on to the base supports to at least partially engage a first locking mechanism; sliding the toilet bowl in a forward direction to engage a second locking mechanism; and inserting a first pin to couple the right base support to the right side support and a second pin to couple the left base support to the left side support in order to completely engage the first locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Bradley J. Buniak, Stephen M. Niznik, William Pedersen, Mark A. Pondelick, Gregory E. Sund
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Patent number: 9422706Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle. The rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path. The rinse valve also comprises a solenoid-driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly, permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve, the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick
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Publication number: 20140048160Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle. The rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path. The rinse valve also comprises a solenoid-driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly, permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve, the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick
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Patent number: 8607370Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a flush valve for controlling the vacuum evacuation of waste from a receptacle. The flush valve comprises an inlet port for receiving the waste from the receptacle, an outlet port opposite the inlet port and in fluid communication therewith, a source of vacuum connected to the outlet port and a uniquely designed discharge disk disposed between the inlet and outlet ports for interrupting the flow of fluid therebetween. In the preferred embodiment the flush valve is integral with a latticed panel of the waste receptacle stand.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Robin Whitt, Greg King
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Patent number: 8578959Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle. The rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path. The rinse valve also comprises a solenoid-driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly, permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve, the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thao Hoang, Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick
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Patent number: 8291525Abstract: A vacuum waste system for use in a vehicle, such as a aircraft. The vacuum waste system includes a lightweight base assembly and a lightweight toilet bowl assembly mounted to the top of the base assembly. The toilet bowl assembly has downwardly extending members that engage in a sliding manner with horizontally extending members at the top of the base assembly to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly. A fastener, such as a nut and bolt assembly, can be coupled to the toilet bowl assembly and base assembly using a tool to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Thao Hoang, Steven Whisler
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Patent number: 7998250Abstract: A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Derek Vaughan, Thao Hoang, Michael Funk
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Patent number: 7998251Abstract: A vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and preferably a filter unit with an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator includes a removable filter unit cartridge positioned within the outer cone and a helix isolator to respectively make use of the separator more convenient to use and more efficient.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Pondelick, Christopher Hardwick, Derek Vaughan, Thao Hoang, Michael Funk