Patents by Inventor John M. Betz

John M. Betz 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 and apparatus for a lifeboat safety strop
    Patent number: 5078073
    Abstract: An apparatus provides additional safety during the launching of survival craft from a ship or platform by which it is attached. A safety strop is comprised of a connecting line which is attached at its upper end to a means for lowering a launch pendant and a lifeboat. the lifeboat is equipped with an on load release means for launching it. The lower end of the connecting line is attached to a released means such as a shackle or a pelican hook. The connecting line release means is releaseably connected to a hang off lug assembly, which is attached to the on load release means. The connecting line has a longer length than the launch pendant, so that no load is carried by the connecting line unless the lifeboat is prematurely released from the launch pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: John M. Betz, John D. Vitkauskas