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).

  • Publication number: 20030038713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Leo W. Plude, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Brighton, Donald E. Ham
  • Patent number: 6499005
    Abstract: A system for enabling an operator to select a signal indicative of an air mode and a ground mode of an airplane is provided. The air mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is in the air, and the ground mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is on the ground. The system includes a plurality of sensors that sense parameters indicative of whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground. Sensed mode logic that determines whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground is provided, The sensed mode logic generates a signal indicative of a sensed ground mode when at leant two sensors indicate the airplane is sensed on the ground. The sensed mode logic generates a signal indicative of a sensed air mode when less than two sensors indicate the airplane is sensed on We ground. An operator interface is also provided. A simulated air mode and a simulated ground mode are selectable via the operator interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Denis P. Gunderson, Todd B. Brouwer, Launa B. Molsberry
  • Publication number: 20010012989
    Abstract: A system for simulating an air mode and a ground mode of an airplane is provided. The air mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is in the air, and the ground mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is on the ground. The system includes means for sensing parameters indicative of whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground. Means for determining whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground is provided. The determining means is responsive to the sensing means, and the determining means outputs a signal that is indicative of a sensed air mode or a sensed ground mode. Means for interfacing with an operator is also provided. A simulated air mode and a simulated ground mode are selectable via the interface means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: DENIS P. GUNDERSON, TODD B. BROUWER, LAUNA B. MOLSBERRY
  • Patent number: 5984234
    Abstract: An aircraft locking system (11) is provided that avoids inadvertent or deliberate operation of an aircraft exit opening means (50) during take-off roll, in-flight, or during landing. The aircraft locking system includes means for determining whether engines of the aircraft are running (12), means for determining thrust lever position (14), means for determining whether the aircraft is in an air mode or a ground mode (16), and means for determining whether a predetermined number of service/entry doors are closed (18). Means for generating a lock/unlock signal (32, 40) are responsive to the engine running determining means, the thrust lever position determining means, and the service/entry door-closed determining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Donald E. Ham, Taiboo Song