Patents by Inventor William Clayton Hester, Jr.

William Clayton Hester, Jr. 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).

  • Methods and systems for retrieving personnel
    Patent number: 9688401
    Abstract: A method for retrieving personnel is provided. The method includes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to the real-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to be retrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating the unmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Clayton Hester, Jr., William J. Gray, III, Deon Austin Harkey
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RETRIEVING PERSONNEL
    Publication number: 20150166176
    Abstract: A method for retrieving personnel is provided. The method includes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to the real-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to be retrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating the unmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: William Clayton Hester, JR., William J. Gray, III, Deon Austin Harkey
  • Methods and systems for retrieving personnel
    Patent number: 8979032
    Abstract: A method for retrieving personnel is provided. The method includes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to the real-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to be retrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating the unmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Clayton Hester, Jr., William J. Gray, III, Deon Austin Harkey
  • Attachable/detachable segmented ordnance dispenser
    Patent number: 8893605
    Abstract: Attachable/detachable segmented ordnance dispenser systems and methods are presented. A control module targets, fuses, and releases ordnance, and at least one ordnance dispenser segment comprises a rack mount ordnance assembly and a segment enclosure. The rack mount ordnance assembly mounts and releases ordnance under control of the control module, and the segment enclosure comprises a segment door that opens under control of the control module. An aerodynamic shell aerodynamically enhances and protects the ordnance dispenser segment and the control module, and can be coupled to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Clayton Hester, Jr., Deon Austin Harkey, William J. Gray, III, Lea Cozort
  • Laser surveillance system
    Patent number: 8395779
    Abstract: A laser surveillance system includes a housing positioned generally at or below a water line and a laser and detector mechanism positioned within the housing. The mechanism includes a laser source and a sensor. The laser source is configured to project a laser beam towards a vessel being inspected. The sensor is configured to receive a reflection of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Deon Austin Harkey, William Clayton Hester, Jr., William J. Gray, III
  • LASER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120314221
    Abstract: A laser surveillance system includes a housing positioned generally at or below a water line and a laser and detector mechanism positioned within the housing. The mechanism includes a laser source and a sensor. The laser source is configured to project a laser beam towards a vessel being inspected. The sensor is configured to receive a reflection of the laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Deon Austin Harkey, William Clayton Hester, JR., William J. Gray, III