Michael Preston McKown

Title: Michael Preston McKown: Innovator in Composite Manufacturing

Introduction

Michael Preston McKown is a notable inventor based in Wichita, Kansas. He has made significant contributions to the field of composite manufacturing, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative approaches have paved the way for advancements in the production of composite structures.

Latest Patents

One of McKown's latest patents is focused on the nested manufacturing of composite structures. This manufacturing tool includes at least one interchangeable mold template that has a plurality of incorporated part shapes. It features a backbone that connects to and supports the mold template during the process of laying up prepreg composite material. The method allows for the simultaneous manufacture of multiple composite structures by providing an interchangeable mold template with various three-dimensional part shapes. The process involves fastening the mold template to a backbone structure, laying up prepreg material to form a material layer, and curing the layers to create structures corresponding to the part shapes.

Career Highlights

Michael McKown is currently employed at Textron Innovations Inc., where he continues to develop and refine his innovative ideas. His work has been instrumental in enhancing manufacturing processes and improving efficiency in composite production.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McKown has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Lawrence Arthur Gintert and Larry Gene Stephens. These partnerships have contributed to the success of his projects and the advancement of technology in their field.

Conclusion

Michael Preston McKown is a distinguished inventor whose work in composite manufacturing has led to significant advancements in the industry. His innovative patents and collaborations reflect his commitment to improving manufacturing processes.