Patents by Inventor Russell M. Sylvia
Russell M. Sylvia 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).
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Patent number: 11897592Abstract: A propeller pitch adjustment assembly is provided with a base hub operatively connected by blade shafts to propeller blades in which each blade rotates about an axis of each shaft. Each blade shaft is radially disposed about a propeller drive shaft and parallel to a pressure flange of a base hub spring plate. The spring plate counterforces the blade rotation with a lever screw that impacts the plate. An opposing spring transfers a load to the plate. The equilibrium position of the plate is determined by the spring force on the lever and a counteracting force exerted on the lever by a lift force generated by fluid flow over a propeller blade. A capping mechanism can provide a preload to the spring. A force exerted by the lift of the blade on the lever screw results in a blade pitch change.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventor: Russell M Sylvia
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Patent number: 10464693Abstract: A payload launch system that uses an inflatable air bag ram to launch a payload, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, from a launch chamber of a launch tube. The air bag ram seals with the interior surface of the launch tube to isolate a dump valve that controls the flow of compressed gas from a gas storage chamber into the air bag ram. The air bag ram sealing with the interior surface of the launch tube isolates the dump valve, both pre-launch and post-launch, from any water or debris carried in with water in which the payload launch system is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Russell M. Sylvia
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Patent number: 10196117Abstract: Autonomous underwater vehicles are described that are stackable with other like autonomous underwater vehicles on a suitable launch platform, such as within a vertical missile launch tube of a submarine, waiting to be deployed into the water. The underwater vehicles can be deployed or launched individually, in groups, or all together into the water. While stacked together, the stacked autonomous underwater vehicles can connect to one another or to external structure of the launch platform. In addition, the underwater vehicles can be positively buoyant or can be made to have controllable buoyancy to allow the underwater vehicles to float up and out of the launch platform during deployment without an external deployment force.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Harry J. Lichter, Wayne A. Baker, Russell M. Sylvia
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Patent number: 10106233Abstract: Autonomous underwater vehicles are described that are stackable with other like autonomous underwater vehicles on a suitable launch platform, such as within a vertical missile launch tube of a submarine, waiting to be deployed into the water. The underwater vehicles can be deployed or launched individually, in groups, or all together into the water. While stacked together, the stacked autonomous underwater vehicles can connect to one another or to external structure of the launch platform. In addition, the underwater vehicles can be positively buoyant or can be made to have controllable buoyancy to allow the underwater vehicles to float up and out of the launch platform during deployment without an external deployment force.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Harry J. Lichter, Wayne A. Baker, Russell M. Sylvia
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Patent number: 10065716Abstract: An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Robert P. Gordon, Jr., Martin C. Lewis
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Patent number: 10065720Abstract: A canister that acts as a pressure vessel that contains a payload and that can withstand pressures that may be generated by the payload internal to the canister in order to contain the payload contents. The canister can be launched from a submarine, with the canister being located internal to the pressure hull of the submarine prior to launch and the canister being launchable from the submarine into the surrounding water. After launching, the canister is designed to release or deploy the payload permitting the payload to perform its intended function(s). The payload contained in the canister can be an unmanned underwater vehicle such as an acoustic training target that is powered by one or more lithium batteries.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Martin C. Lewis
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Patent number: 9906857Abstract: An underwater acoustic projector for projecting acoustic energy through water is described. The acoustic projector includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a plurality of apertures in the housing that place the internal cavity in fluid communication with an external environment, an acoustic baffle disposed in the internal cavity at a first end that fluidly seals the first end of the internal cavity from the external environment, and a projector face that is disposed in the internal cavity at a second end of the internal cavity. The projector face includes a movable piston disposed between outer and inner diaphragms. A magnet is fixed within the internal cavity between the acoustic baffle and the projector face, and a moving coil is connected to the piston and arranged relative to the magnet so as to be driven by the magnet thereby driving the piston.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Patrick J. Kelly, Martin C. Lewis
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Patent number: 9853360Abstract: An inflatable RADAR signal device that is capable of rising above the surface of the water when deployed and that reflects RADAR emissions. The signal device is a self-contained, small, independent system that can withstand being present in a maritime environment, including being submerged in the water and/or being located on a vessel in the water, for an extended amount of time. The device includes a housing that houses one or more deflated balloons that are constructed of a material that, when inflated, rise above the level of the water and that reflect RADAR emissions. The device includes at least one gas cylinder for inflating the balloon(s), and a mechanism to trigger release of the balloon(s) from the housing including a mechanism to trigger release of the gas from the gas cylinder(s) to inflate the balloon(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Robert P. Gordon, Jr., Martin C. Lewis, Mark E. Whalen
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Publication number: 20170274970Abstract: An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Russell M. SYLVIA, Robert P. GORDON, JR., Martin C. LEWIS
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Patent number: 9701378Abstract: An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Robert P. Gordon, Jr., Martin C. Lewis
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Publication number: 20170183069Abstract: A canister that acts as a pressure vessel that contains a payload and that can withstand pressures that may be generated by the payload internal to the canister in order to contain the payload contents. The canister can be launched from a submarine, with the canister being located internal to the pressure hull of the submarine prior to launch and the canister being launchable from the submarine into the surrounding water. After launching, the canister is designed to release or deploy the payload permitting the payload to perform its intended function(s). The payload contained in the canister can be an unmanned underwater vehicle such as an acoustic training target that is powered by one or more lithium batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Russell M. SYLVIA, Martin C. LEWIS
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Publication number: 20170081004Abstract: Autonomous underwater vehicles are described that are stackable with other like autonomous underwater vehicles on a suitable launch platform, such as within a vertical missile launch tube of a submarine, waiting to be deployed into the water. The underwater vehicles can be deployed or launched individually, in groups, or all together into the water. While stacked together, the stacked autonomous underwater vehicles can connect to one another or to external structure of the launch platform. In addition, the underwater vehicles can be positively buoyant or can be made to have controllable buoyancy to allow the underwater vehicles to float up and out of the launch platform during deployment without an external deployment force.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Harry J. LICHTER, Wayne A. BAKER, Russell M. SYLVIA
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Publication number: 20170081002Abstract: Autonomous underwater vehicles are described that are stackable with other like autonomous underwater vehicles on a suitable launch platform, such as within a vertical missile launch tube of a submarine, waiting to be deployed into the water. The underwater vehicles can be deployed or launched individually, in groups, or all together into the water. While stacked together, the stacked autonomous underwater vehicles can connect to one another or to external structure of the launch platform. In addition, the underwater vehicles can be positively buoyant or can be made to have controllable buoyancy to allow the underwater vehicles to float up and out of the launch platform during deployment without an external deployment force.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Harry J. LICHTER, Wayne A. BAKER, Russell M. SYLVIA
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Publication number: 20170066543Abstract: A payload launch system that uses an inflatable air bag ram to launch a payload, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, from a launch chamber of a launch tube. The air bag ram seals with the interior surface of the launch tube to isolate a dump valve that controls the flow of compressed gas from a gas storage chamber into the air bag ram.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventor: Russell M. SYLVIA
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Patent number: 9453705Abstract: A payload launch system is described that provides one launch solution suitable for multiple applications. A payload, such as a UAV, is launched from a sealed launch tube using compressed gas or other energy source. The launch tube can be used to transport and protect the payload from harsh environments for extended periods prior to launch.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Martin C. Lewis, Mark E. Whalen, Robert P. Gordon, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160176485Abstract: An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Russell M. SYLVIA, Robert P. GORDON, JR., Martin C. LEWIS
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Publication number: 20160054097Abstract: A payload launch system is described that provides one launch solution suitable for multiple applications. A payload, such as a UAV, is launched from a sealed launch tube using compressed gas or other energy source. The launch tube can be used to transport and protect the payload from harsh environments for extended periods prior to launch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Russell M. SYLVIA, Martin C. LEWIS, Mark E. WHALEN, Robert P. GORDON, JR.
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Publication number: 20150372391Abstract: An inflatable RADAR signal device that is capable of rising above the surface of the water when deployed and that reflects RADAR emissions. The signal device is a self-contained, small, independent system that can withstand being present in a maritime environment, including being submerged in the water and/or being located on a vessel in the water, for an extended amount of time. The device includes a housing that houses one or more deflated balloons that are constructed of a material that, when inflated, rise above the level of the water and that reflect RADAR emissions. The device includes at least one gas cylinder for inflating the balloon(s), and a mechanism to trigger release of the balloon(s) from the housing including a mechanism to trigger release of the gas from the gas cylinder(s) to inflate the balloon(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Robert P. Gordon, JR., Martin C. Lewis, Mark E. Whalen
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Patent number: 9205902Abstract: An external payload module or body that is mechanically attached to the exterior of a standard production AUV. The module expands the applications for which the AUV can be utilized and/or enhances an existing application(s), enabling current single or limited use AUV's to have multi-mission capability or enhancing existing capability without requiring complete redesign of the AUV. This approach capitalizes on the advantages of high-volume small AUV production to maintain low manufacturing and handling costs, while enabling greatly improved AUV mission flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Russell M. Sylvia, Martin C. Lewis, Robert P. Gordon, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150302843Abstract: An underwater acoustic projector for projecting acoustic energy through water is described. The acoustic projector includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a plurality of apertures in the housing that place the internal cavity in fluid communication with an external environment, an acoustic baffle disposed in the internal cavity at a first end that fluidly seals the first end of the internal cavity from the external environment, and a projector face that is disposed in the internal cavity at a second end of the internal cavity. The projector face includes a movable piston disposed between outer and inner diaphragms. A magnet is fixed within the internal cavity between the acoustic baffle and the projector face, and a moving coil is connected to the piston and arranged relative to the magnet so as to be driven by the magnet thereby driving the piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: Russell M. SYLVIA, Patrick J. KELLY, Martin C. LEWIS