Patents by Inventor Thomas K. McDonald
Thomas K. McDonald 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: 9616256Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith
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Publication number: 20130298910Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith
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Patent number: 8496005Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith
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Patent number: 8151796Abstract: The inflatable harness crew mask includes an inflatable harness with a compressed gas supply system connected to the inflatable harness independent of oxygen supplied to the mask from an oxygen regulator. The mask includes a valve connector with an exhalation and inhalation valve and an inflation valve connected to a pressurized gas inflation supply assembly including a container portion for a compressed gas cartridge, and a regulator portion connected to provide pressurized gas from the cartridge to an inflation gas supply tube connected to the inflation valve, which is manually operable by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Bryan N. Rogers, Kirsten Frogley, Mike W. Veach, Keith R. DeBald
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Patent number: 8028700Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Be Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Gary R Hannah, Kirsten S Frogley, Thomas K McDonald
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Publication number: 20110168182Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
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Publication number: 20110061655Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: B/E Intellectual PropertyInventors: Thomas K. McDONALD, Mark A. OSWALD, James C. CANNON, Bryan N. ROGERS, Raymond P. FEITH
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Patent number: 7836886Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: B/E Intellectual PropertyInventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith
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Publication number: 20080236586Abstract: The inflatable harness crew mask includes an inflatable harness with a compressed gas supply system connected to the inflatable harness independent of oxygen supplied to the mask from an oxygen regulator. The mask includes a valve connector with an exhalation and inhalation valve and an inflation valve connected to a pressurized gas inflation supply assembly including a container portion for a compressed gas cartridge, and a regulator portion connected to provide pressurized gas from the cartridge to an inflation gas supply tube connected to the inflation valve, which is manually operable by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Bryan N. Rogers, Kirsten Frogley, Mike W. Veach, Keith R. DeBald
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Patent number: 7278421Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hannah, Kirsten S. Frogley, Thomas K. McDonald
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Patent number: 7178526Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system includes a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
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Patent number: 6886559Abstract: A multi-phase headset (50) for aircraft crew members is provided which includes an inflatable gas mask unit (54) and a visor unit (56), supported on the head of a user (60) by mounting assembly (52). The overall headset (50) also has a selectively and/or automatically operable motive and control assembly (60). Preferably; the mounting assembly (52) includes a pair of ear pieces (62, 64) and a strap assembly (66) to allow positioning of the headset (50) on the user's head, with the mask and visor units (54, 56) adjacent the crown of the user's head. In the event of an emergency, the mask unit (54) is lowered and the mask body (124) is inflated for delivery of breathable gas to the user (60). Also, the visor unit (56) may be lowered to a use position atop mask unit (54). The pneumatically or electrically operated motive and control assembly (60) serves to move the mask and visor units (54, 56) between their retracted and deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Kirsten Frogley
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Publication number: 20040244801Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Gary R. Hannah, Kirsten S Frogley, Thomas K. McDonald
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Publication number: 20040060562Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
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Patent number: 6672307Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
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Patent number: 6567220Abstract: An aircraft crew vision mask (10) is provided which is especially designed to be used during emergency flight conditions where smoke is present in the cockpit. Preferably, the mask (10) includes a transparent lens (14) supported by a peripheral face seal (16), and has a breathable gas mask (18). In order to provide important aircraft flight information to the wearer (12), the mask (10) is equipped with a display device such as a retinal scanning display device (26) having an output (28). The device (26) is operably coupled to an aircraft information input (46) which supplies digital information such as airspeed, attitude, altitude, heading, vertical speed, navigation information, video inputs or flight manual information to the device (26). A smoke condition sensor (48) and manual input control (50) serve to initiate operation of the device (26) with selective on/off and channel select control capability.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah
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Patent number: 6526967Abstract: An improved crew oxygen mask and stowage assembly combination (10) is provided including a stowage box (12) equipped with a door (22), with a crew mask assembly (14) made up of a mask (48), gas-conveying tubing (50) and valve unit (46). The box (12) also includes a valve-controlling switch lever (44) for selective gas-on or gas-off operation of valve unit (46). In normal conditions, the mask (48) and tubing (50) are stowed within box (12) with lever (44) oriented in the gas-on position, so that the tubing (50) is pressurized and mask (48) may be quickly pulled from the box (12) and used. After such use, the switch lever (44) is shifted to the gas-off position, causing the tubing (50) to be depressurized; this allows easy restowage of the tubing (50) and mask (48) within the box (12). However, when door (22) is closed, the switch lever (44) is cammed back to the gas-on position, thereby repressurizing tubing (50) and returning the combination (10) to a full-ready condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Enrique A. Cordero, James P. Morris, Kirsten S. Frogley, Thomas K. McDonald
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Patent number: 6523539Abstract: A supplemental gas assembly (10) such as used for aircraft crews is provided which includes a mask (12) adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a wearer, together with a flexible, self-elongating hose assembly (14) and a stowage box (16) for receiving the mask (12) and hose assembly (14); the assembly (14) is designed so that when the mask (12) is pulled from the box (16), pressurized gas passing through the hose assembly (14) serves to inflate and axially expand the assembly (14) to a deployed length greater than the relaxed length thereof. The assembly (14) preferably includes an inflatable elastomeric inner tube (30) together with an exterior sheath (36) of woven or braided material which restricts radial expansion of the tube (30) while permitting axial expansion thereof. In preferred forms, the deployed length of the assembly (14) is up to three times greater than the relaxed length thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: BE Intellectual Property Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah
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Publication number: 20030000530Abstract: A supplemental gas assembly (10) such as used for aircraft crews is provided which includes a mask (12) adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a wearer, together with a flexible, self-elongating hose assembly (14) and a stowage box (16) for receiving the mask(12) and hose assembly (14); the assembly (14) is designed so that when the mask (12) is pulled from the box (16), pressurized gas passing through the hose assembly (14) serves to inflate and axially expand the assembly (14) to a deployed length greater than the relaxed length thereof. The assembly (14) preferably includes an inflatable elastomeric inner tube (30) together with an exterior sheath (36) of woven or braided material which restricts radial expansion of the tube (30) while permitting axial expansion thereof. In preferred forms, the deployed length of the assembly (14) is up to three times greater than the relaxed length thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah
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Publication number: 20030002164Abstract: An aircraft crew vision mask (10) is provided which is especially designed to be used during emergency flight conditions where smoke is present in the cockpit. Preferably, the mask (10) includes a transparent lens (14) supported by a peripheral face seal (16), and has a breathable gas mask (18). In order to provide important aircraft flight information to the wearer (12), the mask (10) is equipped with a display device such as a retinal scanning display device (26) having an output (28). The device (26) is operably coupled to an aircraft information input (46) which supplies digital information such as airspeed, attitude, altitude, heading, vertical speed, navigation information, video inputs or flight manual information to the device (26). A smoke condition sensor (48) and manual input control (50) serve to initiate operation of the device (26) with selective on/off and channel select control capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah