Patents by Inventor Todd B. Brouwer
Todd B. Brouwer 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: 10493930Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Patent number: 10282340Abstract: A pin-configurable bus termination system may include a bus connector attached to an end of a bus. The bus connector may be configured for electrically connecting the bus to an input connector of a node. The node may include a bus termination resistance. The bus connector may include a first bus output pin, a second bus output pin and configurable first and second termination resistor pins. The configurable first and second termination resistor pins may be configurable to provide a first termination configuration and a second termination configuration. The first termination configuration may electrically interconnect the first and second bus output pins and the configurable first and second termination resistor pins to electrically connect the bus termination resistance for terminating the bus. The second termination configuration may include an open electrical circuit between the first and second bus output pins and the configurable first and second termination resistor pins.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Sean M. Ramey, Timothy E. Jackson, Edgar L. von Trotha, III
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Publication number: 20170286350Abstract: A pin-configurable bus termination system may includes a bus connector attached to an end of a bus. The bus connector may be configured for electrically connecting the bus to an input connector of a node. The node may include a bus termination resistance. The bus connector may include a first bus output pin, a second bus output pin and configurable first and second termination resistor pins. The configurable first and second termination resistor pins may be configurable to provide a first termination configuration and a second termination configuration. The first termination configuration may electrically interconnect the first and second bus output pins arid the configurable first and second termination resistor pins to electrically connect the bus termination resistance for terminating the bus. The second termination configuration may include an open electrical circuit between the first and second bus output pins and the configurable first and second termination resistor pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2014Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Sean M. Ramey, Timothy E. Jackson, Edgar L. von Trotha, III
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Publication number: 20170274847Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Mark S. SHANDER, N. Evan LURTON, Thomas F. CURRIER, Todd B. BROUWER, Mark E. LIFFRING, Jon J. DHONDT, Carolyn KERR, Robert D. HOLLEY, Lowell W. SCHAFFNER, Eugene V. SOLODOVNIK, Terrance L. THOMAS
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Patent number: 9676351Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Patent number: 9561761Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Patent number: 9533636Abstract: A plurality of remote module equipment centers (RMECs) distributed throughout a vehicle to aggregate sensor and control information into localized areas of the vehicle. The RMECs provide power and bidirectional communications to vehicle subsystems thereby localizing the computing and networking functions close to the associated electrical components of the subsystem. In one or more configurations, the RMECs are utilized outside the pressure vessel of an aircraft to minimize the routing distance and size of the wire bundle passing through the pressure vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas R Hasenoehrl
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Patent number: 9511728Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, Mark E. Liffring, Todd B. Brouwer, Robert T. Johnson, Carolyn Kerr, John T. Peters, Timothy E. Jackson, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Steven M. Walstrom, Arnold W. Nordsieck, Robert L. Springgay
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Patent number: 9413162Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20160179737Abstract: A pin-configurable bus termination system may includes a bus connector attached to an end of a bus. The bus connector may be configured for electrically connecting the bus to an input connector of a node. The node may include a bus termination resistance. The bus connector may include a first bus output pin, a second bus output pin and configurable first and second termination resistor pins. The configurable first and second termination resistor pins may be configurable to provide a first termination configuration and a second termination configuration. The first termination configuration may electrically interconnect the first and second bus output pins arid the configurable first and second termination resistor pins to electrically connect the bus termination resistance for terminating the bus. The second termination configuration may include an open electrical circuit between the first and second bus output pins and the configurable first and second termination resistor pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Sean M. Ramey, Timothy E. Jackson, Edgar L. von Trotha, III
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Publication number: 20150102663Abstract: A plurality of remote module equipment centers (RMECs) distributed throughout a vehicle to aggregate sensor and control information into localized areas of the vehicle. The RMECs provide power and bidirectional communications to vehicle subsystems thereby localizing the computing and networking functions close to the associated electrical components of the subsystem. In one or more configurations, the RMECs are utilized outside the pressure vessel of an aircraft to minimize the routing distance and size of the wire bundle passing through the pressure vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl
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Publication number: 20150103447Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20150102662Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Publication number: 20150103457Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20150102661Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Shander, Mark E. Liffring, Todd B. Brouwer, Robert T. Johnson, Carolyn Kerr, John T. Peters, Timothy E. Jackson, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Steven M. Walstrom, Arnold W. Nordsieck, Robert L. Springgay
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Publication number: 20090210105Abstract: A method to detect if an aircraft is airborne or on the ground may include detecting at least one of a truck tilt of each main landing gear and a strut compression of each main landing gear. The method may also include detecting the aircraft being airborne or substantially on the ground in response to at least one of the truck tilt of each main landing gear and the strut compression of each main landing gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2006Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Brock D. Lusby, Todd B. Brouwer, Thanh-Ha N. Herter
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Patent number: 7541944Abstract: Systems and methods for collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a proximity warning system operatively coupled to the aircraft and adapted to monitor a scanning area proximate a selected portion of the aircraft. The scanning area is monitored using the proximity warning system. A ground-based device within the scanning area is detected using the proximity warning system, and a distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion on the aircraft is determined using the proximity warning system. If the distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion does not exceed a selected minimum distance, then a warning signal is provided. In alternate embodiments, the proximity warning system provides a second warning signal distinguishable from the warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kazuhide Konya, Todd B. Brouwer
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Patent number: 6845944Abstract: Multi-positional tail skid assemblies and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a multi-positional tail skid assembly includes a skid member and a skid deployment system operably connected to the skid member. The skid member can include a first portion attachable to an aft portion of a fuselage and a second portion movable relative to the aft portion of the fuselage. The second portion can support a skid surface configured to contact a surface of a runway. The skid deployment system can be configured to move the skid surface between first and second positions. When the skid surface is in the first position, the skid surface is closer to the aft portion of the fuselage than when the skid surface is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: C. Byram Bays-Muchmore, Todd B. Brouwer, Malcolm S. Bryant, Warren D. Burggraf, Daniel S. Little, Douglas G. Miller, Stanley E. Tolzmann, Martin M. Withington, Thomas A. Zierten
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Publication number: 20040200930Abstract: Multi-positional tail skid assemblies and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a multi-positional tail skid assembly includes a skid member and a skid deployment system operably connected to the skid member. The skid member can include a first portion attachable to an aft portion of a fuselage and a second portion movable relative to the aft portion of the fuselage. The second portion can support a skid surface configured to contact a surface of a runway. The skid deployment system can be configured to move the skid surface between first and second positions. When the skid surface is in the first position, the skid surface is closer to the aft portion of the fuselage than when the skid surface is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: C. Byram Bays-Muchmore, Todd B. Brouwer, Malcolm S. Bryant, Warren D. Burggraf, Daniel S. Little, Douglas G. Miller, Stanley E. Tolzmann, Martin M. Withington, Thomas A. Zierten
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Patent number: 6633239Abstract: A warning indication system and method of using the same in conjunction with a cargo door of an aircraft. The cargo door is positionable in an opened position; a closed position; a closed and latched position; and a closed, latched, and locked position. The method includes outputting first and second closed signals when the cargo door is in the closed position; outputting first and second latched signals when the cargo door is in the closed and latched position; and outputting first and second locked signals when the cargo door is in the closed, latched, and locked position. All of the signals are then analyzed to positively determine the position of the cargo door, while minimizing the probability of false indications. Various warnings are generated in response to the combination of signals received. The apparatus employs a dual logic system and redundant sensors to provide differing warnings dependent on the phase of flight.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Leo W. Plude, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Brighton, Donald E. Ham