Blake Rafferty

Title: **Innovator Spotlight: Blake Rafferty**

Introduction

Blake Rafferty is an accomplished inventor based in Seattle, Washington. With a focus on advancements in composite materials, she has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative designs and methods. Her dedication to improving manufacturing processes has led her to secure a patent that showcases her ingenuity and expertise.

Latest Patents

Blake Rafferty holds a patent titled "Apparatus and method for automated layup of composite structures." This innovative apparatus involves the formation of a material layer onto a form tool. Key features include a nosepiece that is designed to laterally sweep a ply carrier onto a form tool contour and a pair of tension arms that support both lateral sides of the ply carrier. The apparatus is equipped with actuators to position the tension arms, allowing for the sensing and control of lateral tension in the ply carrier, thereby optimizing the forming process.

Career Highlights

Blake is affiliated with The Boeing Company, where she leverages her skills in engineering and design to contribute to advanced aviation technologies. Her work at Boeing reflects her commitment to enhancing composite material applications in aerospace, demonstrating the impact of her innovations within a leading multinational corporation in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Blake has collaborated with skilled professionals such as Matthew R Desjardien and Michael Karas. This collaboration fosters an environment of creativity and knowledge-sharing, significantly enriching the innovative landscape at Boeing.

Conclusion

Blake Rafferty exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the aerospace sector. Her patented methods and apparatus for composite structures not only advance manufacturing processes but also highlight the crucial role of inventors in driving technological progress. With her continued contributions, Blake is set to make an even greater impact in the field of aviation.