Patents by Inventor M. Keith Stephens

M. Keith Stephens 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).

  • Blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system
    Patent number: 8353238
    Abstract: A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system having a connector, a floating connector member, a cam, a connector cover, and a linkage between the cam and connector cover whereby the connector may mate with a second connector when the cam is displaced despite misalignments between the first and second connector. For the preferred embodiment, the floating connector member has multiple degrees of freedom with a reduced diameter portion and a lengthwise key whereby the connector is capable of mating with an aerodynamic hood of a rocket. The preferred embodiment biases and closes the connector cover upon the connector prior to a plume of the rocket passes the connector whereby exposure of the connector to the deleterious effects of the plume are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Arnold Defense and Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Montgomery, M. Keith Stephens, W. Noel McCormick, Paul D. Stevenson