Patents by Inventor Thomas Fox

Thomas Fox 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: 11072418
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircraft. The hydraulic system can include a hydraulic actuator that is operatively coupled to a flight control member. Hydraulic fluid is moved through the hydraulic system by an engine driven pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a first pressure, and a boost pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. The hydraulic system is configured such that the hydraulic fluid returning from the actuator to the engine driven pump can be delivered to the boost pump prior to reaching the engine driven pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20210101692
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft is disclosed, and includes a first propeller, a second propeller, a first hybrid propulsion system, a second hybrid propulsion system, and across-connecting clutch. The first hybrid propulsion system includes a first motor coupled to a first engine by a first overrunning clutch, where the first hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the first propeller. The second hybrid propulsion system includes a second motor coupled to a second engine by a second overrunning clutch, where the second hybrid propulsion system is operably coupled to drive the second propeller. The cross-connecting clutch is operably coupled to both the first hybrid propulsion system and the second hybrid propulsion system and configured to actuate into an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Fox
  • Patent number: 10947997
    Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include ports to receive and discharge hydraulic fluid. The dual spool valve may also include first and second valve sections that are selectively positionable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the actuator. One position provides for hydraulic fluid to move through closure lines. Method of controlling the dual spool valve may provide for selectively positioning the valve sections to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, and to position the valve sections to move hydraulic fluid through a closure line during certain circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10948365
    Abstract: A force balance sensor including a mechanical strain amplification system including a sensor torsion member having a first end and a second end spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis of the sensor torsion member, at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between the first and second ends, a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member, and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member, wherein the first torsional stiffening member and the second torsional stiffening member are coupled to a torque member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey Michael Roach
  • Publication number: 20200358313
    Abstract: Technologies for dynamic forecasting, aggregation, and validation may include circuitry configured to collect data indicative of power flows at multiple locations in an electrical grid, to receive one or more parameters for generation of a customized forecast indicative of predicted power flows associated with one or more of the multiple locations over a defined time period, to select a subset of the collected data that satisfies the one or more parameters, to produce a model to predict power flows in the electrical grid associated with the one or more locations, to determine whether the model is validated by determining whether a predicted production of power minus predicted losses is within a predefined range of a predicted consumption of power at the one or more locations, and to produce the customized forecast of predicted power flows associated with the one or more locations for the defined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Fox, Karl Eric Harper
  • Publication number: 20200317575
    Abstract: The present application discloses various cementitious compositions that incorporate waste materials therein. In some embodiments, the waste materials incorporated in the compositions are mixed construction and demolition fines, including but not limited to small pieces of glass, wood, metal, drywall, cardboard, masonry, and other architectural material and waste materials. Various methods for using said compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Brian M. Hilliard, Michael C. Ciccone, SR., Steven J. Kolbe, Deborah Staas-Haught, John Thomas Fox, Pan Ni, Kun Yang
  • Patent number: 10793261
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aircraft includes a support strut operatively coupled to a hinge axis of a flight control member of the aircraft, a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the flight control member via a pivot element, and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) having first and second opposing ends and a biasing member. The first end is operatively coupled to a support structure of the aircraft, and the second end is operatively coupled to both the support strut and the hydraulic actuator. The biasing member moves between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to a varying biasing load exerted on a surface of the flight control member, thereby reducing an amount of current needed to drive the EMA, as well as a number of high-pressure hydraulic cycles of the hydraulic actuator to control the flight control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10737764
    Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting a position of a flight control member relative to a base of an aircraft. The devices and methods include a joint that movably connects the flight control surface to the base. An extension member is connected to the flight control surface and extends through the joint. Adjustable linear members of the base are connected to the extension member and configured to adjust the position of the extension member. This adjustment results in re-orienting the flight control member relative to the base to adjust the flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10723441
    Abstract: A dual rack and pinion rotational inerter, configured to dampen the flutter of a flight control member of an aircraft, includes an inertial wheel and a brake member disposed on an inertial wheel. The brake member moves between a retracted position and a deployed position based on a rotational velocity of the inertial wheel. The brake member moves to the retracted position when the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is slower than a predetermined threshold velocity to allow the rotation of the inertial wheel. When the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is at least as fast as the predetermined threshold velocity, however, the brake member deploys to yieldingly resist the rotation of the inertial wheel. In either position, the inertial wheel causes the inerter to dampen the flutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10711809
    Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include first and second manifolds that each includes a movable spool. Multiple ports are positioned in each of the manifolds. The movable spools are positionable within their respective manifolds to control the movement of the hydraulic fluid that is supplied to and removed from the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20200056678
    Abstract: A wire strainer including a drive means having a mounting block with a drum mounted for rotation relative thereto, and an actuation means connected to the drum for selectively causing the drum to rotate relative to the mounting block. A line member is operatively connected to the drum in a manner such that rotation of the drum in one direction causes the drum to pull the line member relative to the mounting block. Locking means is operatively connected to the mounting block and adapted to selectively lock the drum against rotation in the opposite direction. Gripping means is operatively connected to the mounting block, wherein the gripping means is adapted to be releasably attached to a wire to be strained. The line member includes securing means for releasably securing the line member to a strainer post or similar anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Thomas FOX
  • Patent number: 10526071
    Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190316606
    Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include first and second manifolds that each includes a movable spool. Multiple ports are positioned in each of the manifolds. The movable spools are positionable within their respective manifolds to control the movement of the hydraulic fluid that is supplied to and removed from the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190315455
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aircraft includes a support strut operatively coupled to a hinge axis of a flight control member of the aircraft, a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the flight control member via a pivot element, and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) having first and second opposing ends and a biasing member. The first end is operatively coupled to a support structure of the aircraft, and the second end is operatively coupled to both the support strut and the hydraulic actuator. The biasing member moves between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to a varying biasing load exerted on a surface of the flight control member, thereby reducing an amount of current needed to drive the EMA, as well as a number of high-pressure hydraulic cycles of the hydraulic actuator to control the flight control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190315456
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircraft. The hydraulic system can include a hydraulic actuator that is operatively coupled to a flight control member. Hydraulic fluid is moved through the hydraulic system by an engine driven pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a first pressure, and a boost pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the actuator at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. The hydraulic system is configured such that the hydraulic fluid returning from the actuator to the engine driven pump can be delivered to the boost pump prior to reaching the engine driven pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190315450
    Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting a position of a flight control member relative to a base of an aircraft. The devices and methods include a joint that movably connects the flight control surface to the base. An extension member is connected to the flight control surface and extends through the joint. Adjustable linear members of the base are connected to the extension member and configured to adjust the position of the extension member. This adjustment results in re-orienting the flight control member relative to the base to adjust the flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190316607
    Abstract: A dual spool valve and methods of controlling hydraulic fluid that is moved to a hydraulic actuator of an aircraft. The dual spool valve may include ports to receive and discharge hydraulic fluid. The dual spool valve may also include first and second valve sections that are selectively positionable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the actuator. One position provides for hydraulic fluid to move through closure lines. Method of controlling the dual spool valve may provide for selectively positioning the valve sections to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, and to position the valve sections to move hydraulic fluid through a closure line during certain circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190315454
    Abstract: A dual rack and pinion rotational inerter, configured to dampen the flutter of a flight control member of an aircraft, includes an inertial wheel and a brake member disposed on an inertial wheel. The brake member moves between a retracted position and a deployed position based on a rotational velocity of the inertial wheel. The brake member moves to the retracted position when the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is slower than a predetermined threshold velocity to allow the rotation of the inertial wheel. When the rotational velocity of the inertial wheel is at least as fast as the predetermined threshold velocity, however, the brake member deploys to yieldingly resist the rotation of the inertial wheel. In either position, the inertial wheel causes the inerter to dampen the flutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Publication number: 20190315457
    Abstract: The hydraulic system can include a control member that is operatively coupled to a member. The control member can include a hydraulic control member and an integrated inerter. Hydraulic fluid at variable pressures is moved through the hydraulic system by pumps. The hydraulic system can be configured for hydraulic fluid returning from the control member to the first pump to be delivered to the second pump prior to reaching the first pump. A dual-spool valve is positioned between the pumps and the control member to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. The dual-spool valve is movable to move the hydraulic fluid at variable pressures into and out of first and second chambers of the control member. The dual spool valve can also be configured to operate the control member when a spool is not operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: D875493
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Rural Innovations Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Fox