Sergeant at ASC awaits patent approval

Blackanthem.com, WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, August 29, 2005

An Air Force Reserve non-commissioned officer at the Aeronautical Systems Center's F-16 Systems Group is awaiting final patent approval for an invention he began designing and developing nearly 13 years ago.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Patillo designed and developed the fan induction blower box, or FIBB, as a cost-effective means for achieving the same increase in horsepower and preservation of fuel economy offered by the current belt-driven supercharger and gas-driven turbocharger options.

Sergeant Patillo's electric-driven device fits inside of the standard air filter compartment found in all vehicles and increases the amount of air pulled into the engine. This increases the power and reduces the car's dependency on both unleaded and diesel fuel.

The sergeant was able to produce and offer his performance-enhancing alternative for 27 to 33 percent less than the $1,500 to $3,000 super- and turbochargers.

He refers to his first stage of development as MACH 1. It has proven a 10 to 20 horsepower increase and a 7 percent reduction in fuel economy, less than what the other two options boast, the sergeant said. But there will be more development stages and upgrades to his invention, said Sergeant Patillo; in fact, he has already been work on MACH 2.

Sergeant Patillo said he is confident that with improvements the FIBB will soon exceed the capability of the alternative options. For now, he said the FIBB is compatible with both the supercharger and the turbocharger.

The sergeant submitted the FIBB for patent consideration in April, but said he was denied. After minor adjustments, he reapplied in June and received a notice of allowance June 27. Sergeant Patillo said the patent is currently pending and licensing opportunities are being offered to several automobile manufacturers.

The sergeant said his own company, Patillo Technologies Corporation, supported his efforts. Sergeant Patillo and a friend started the company, which specializes in patents, out of a passion to create new things and make them work.

Sergeant Patillo has been a Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee for 17 years and is currently activated as a program manager, specializing in weapons for the F-16 systems group.

By 1st Lt. Micah Gardner
Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs