Patents by Inventor Derek T. Betts

Derek T. Betts 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).

  • Method for reducing jet tab exposure during thrust vectoring
    Patent number: 11879416
    Abstract: A method of thrust vectoring a missile utilizing jet tabs is presented. Jet tabs are used to create lateral control moments on a missile by rotating tabs into the rocket exhaust plume and changing the thrust deflection angle. The method includes simultaneously rolling the missile during the thrust vector maneuver in order to reduce the maximum tab exposure to the rocket plume. The method enables aggressive pitchover maneuvers while reducing the risk of tab failure due to excessive exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon J. Napier, Scott R. Wells, Derek T. Betts, Kevin R. Albrecht