Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Willis

Kenneth E. Willis 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: 5587550
    Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit and method for generating sequential, multiple impulses for use in firing or initiating more than one output device. The invention permits the firing, or actuation, of multiple devices at different times. The disclosed invention is an improvement on existing designs for multiple output impulse cartridges. This multi-output impulse cartridge has self-contained an electrical circuit and electrical energy storage capacitors which allow a single, short pulse of input current to initiate a first output, time out a second or multiple later outputs, and fire the outputs from the remaining energy stored on the capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Willis, William D. Fahey, David S. Whang
  • Patent number: 5063846
    Abstract: A modular electronic safe arm device (MESAD) (10) for arming and igniting an explosive is universal in application and employs a standard circuit architecture which uses application specific logic modules (12) and (14), a standard voltage control module (16), and standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). In the preferred embodiment, the logic modules (12) and (14) are state machines using clocked sequential logic and having read-only-memories. The logic modules (12) and (14) generate dynamic arming signals at outputs (54) and (76) which cause the voltage control module (16) in conjunction with transformer (102), to convert a low voltage input (98) to a high voltage output (100). The high voltage output (100) is used to charge firing capacitors (112) and (138) in standard high energy firing modules (18) and (20). Logic module (14) generates two trigger signals at outputs (76) and (78) for activating the trigger modules (126) and (148).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Willis, Robert R. Durrell
  • Patent number: 4676436
    Abstract: A system for supporting and deploying a rocket motor nozzle extension that is stowed in concentric overlapping relationship with the nozzle. The system includes a plurality of articulated frames having first and second pairs of links pivotally connected, respectively, to the nozzle and to the nozzle extension. Articulation for each frame is provided by a knee hinge connecting the two pairs of links at their outer ends, thereby permitting the pairs of links to swing apart. A retractable cable looped around the knee hinges of each of the frames is capable of forcing the hinges inwardly toward the nozzle and nozzle extension to force the pairs of links of each frame apart and to move the nozzle extension to a deployed position at the end of the nozzle. Retraction of the cable is accomplished by a motor driven spool on which the cable is wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Unidynamics Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Willis
  • Patent number: 4643096
    Abstract: A set back weight is moved by inertial force from a first position to a second position during acceleration of a missile. The set back weight is biased toward its first position to preclude its movement to its second position until the missile undergoes the rate of acceleration which is normally associated with a successful launch of the missile. Upon reaching the second position the weight becomes connected to a piston disposed in a fluid containing reservoir so that when the missile undergoes a reduction in its rate of acceleration and the set back weight moves toward its first position that movement is transmitted to the piston to express fluid from the reservoir. Fluid from the reservoir flows into a working cylinder to move an arming piston therein. Movement of the arming piston is slowed to delay arming of the missile by a flow restricting orifice in the path of fluid flow from the reservoir to the working cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Unidynamics Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Durrell, Kenneth E. Willis