Patents by Inventor Earl T. Layton

Earl T. Layton 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).

  • Patent number: 4932607
    Abstract: A universal spaceport for launching a space vehicle of any type. The spaceport includes a gantry crane, an erector, a launch pad launch mount adapter and an umbilical tower which is used for any type launch vehicle. The gantry is provided with drive trucks that drive the gantry as the erector is lifted about a pivot so that the crane lift is always vertical. The erector is adapted to support any launch vehicle so that the center line is common for each different type vehicle. The erector and umbilical tower are provided with vertically movable platforms which may be moved to any position along the launch vehicle. Further, a vertically movable support arm is provided for the umbilical. Unique launch mount adapters are provided to provide vehicle securing to common pad hold downs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Earl T. Layton, Colin A. Harrison