Patents by Inventor Scott Rethorst

Scott Rethorst 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: 7861966
    Abstract: A method and system to optimize the process a spreading the weight of supersonic aircraft downstream over a large area to reduce the pressure and intensity on the ground as function of air flow velocity, temperature, and/or pressure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Vehicle Research Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Publication number: 20090206207
    Abstract: A method and system to optimize the process a spreading the weight of supersonic aircraft downstream over a large area to reduce the pressure and intensity on the ground as function of air flow velocity, temperature, and/or pressure is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Patent number: 5676333
    Abstract: This invention outlines excitation means to transform the linear momentum of an underwing energized jet into rotational form in a selective manner to provide an asymmetric shear layer to increase compression wave reflection from the forward undersurface of a supersonic wing. The wing compression energy is thereby recovered into useful work as an increase in pressure on the upward reflexed wing backside. The upper surface of the shear layer is comprised of an array of vortices whose rotation is opposite to the wing circulation, providing the required angular momentum reaction. The upper wing surface is flat to avoid generation of waves and an adverse angular momentum reaction above the wing. The vortices below the wing are compressed by the underwing pressure, comprising a pressure shield to enhance the reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Patent number: 5582123
    Abstract: The Multiple Concavity Surfing Ship and Transition System is an improvement for a surfing ship that generates a singular water wave and rides on its crest efficiently at high speeds. The improved system now adds provisions to aid in the ship's transition in lifting the ship upwards from its low speed displacement mode deep in the water to its high speed surfing mode on top of the ocean surface and to enhance stability and control during transition and cruise. Two complementary features to assist in this transition are provided, the first comprising one or more pairs of hydrofoils on either side of the ship near its bottom to increase surface area and span to lift the ship upwards at the low speed beginning of its transition, and second, one or more sets of concavities preferably symmetric nested concavities, of increasing camber on the bottom of the ship itself to reduce the wetted area in a controlled manner as the ship approaches its cruise mode at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pioneer Engineering
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Patent number: 5398628
    Abstract: A surfing ship that generates a singular water wave and rides on its crest efficiently at high speeds. Two complementary features to assist in the transition from displacement mode to high speed surfing mode comprise a pair of hydrofoils on either side of the ship near its bottom to increase surface area and span to lift the ship upwards at the low speed beginning of its transition, and a set of symmetric nested concavities of increasing camber on the bottom of the ship itself to reduce the wetted area in a controlled manner as the ship approaches its cruise mode at high speeds. The hydrofoils are retractable, enabling their extension for transition and cruise and their retraction for high speed cruise. Intermediate positions of the hydrofoils also offer the possibility of dihedral to aid in roll stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Vehicle Research Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Patent number: 5358156
    Abstract: This invention outlines excitation means to transform the linear momentum of an underwing energized jet into rotational form in a selective manner to provide an asymmetric shear layer to increase compression wave reflection from the forward undersurface of a supersonic wing. The wing compression energy is thereby recovered into useful work as an increase in pressure on the upward reflexed wing backside. The upper surface of the shear layer is comprised of an array of vortices whose rotation is opposite to the wing circulation, providing the required angular momentum reaction. The upper wing surface is flat to avoid generation of waves and an adverse angular momentum reaction above the wing. The vortices below the wing are compressed by the underwing pressure, comprising a pressure shield to enhance the reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Vehicle Research Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst
  • Patent number: 4699340
    Abstract: Streamwise ridges on a lifting wing intercept local flow consisting of free stream and spanwise crossflow to create a pattern of vortices over the wing and aligned with the ridge axes; the vortices act as suction pumps collecting low energy boundary layer fluid, ingesting such fluid into the core of the vortices, transporting it in the streamwise direction, and discharging it into the wake. Fresh fluid from the outer, free stream flow replaces the spent fluid withdrawn by the vortex array. This produces a favorable pressure gradient that maintains laminarity, avoiding the onset of boundary layer transition leading to turbulence. The favorable pressure gradient also suppresses separation on the back side of the wing, where the pressure gradient is normally positive and adverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Vehicle Research Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Rethorst