Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Eric R. Katz
  • Patent number: 4760992
    Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, at a location between a winch and the fairlead that guides the rope. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Peppel, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4759662
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a marine riser tensioner (10, 100, 200, 300) are disclosed for use in tensioning a marine riser (12) on a tension leg platform (14) by the use of elastomeric elements. In one embodiment, a plurality of elastomeric pads (60) are placed in pad shear to provide tension to the marine riser. In another embodiment, elastomeric disks (124) are placed in torsional shear to provide the tension to the marine riser. In other embodiments (200, 300) elastomeric cones (208) deform in ring shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Peppel
  • Patent number: 4756854
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble nonstaining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination means for preparing the indicator dye, means for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and means for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier and from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Wegrzyn
  • Patent number: 4746247
    Abstract: An improved keyhole latch is provided for securing offshore structures in place. The back flange of the flex joint and latch assembly has a male portion and the load ring of the receptacle has a female portion. By matching the male and female portions, rolling of the load ring and flex joint and latch assembly is minimized and the noncontinuous surface on the load ring is strengthened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Arlt, III, Frank J. Kovitch, Donald MacLachlan, Charles M. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 4745797
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble non-staining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination an apparatus for preparing the indicator dye, a spray apparatus for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and surface cleaning apparatus for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier and from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Wegrzyn
  • Patent number: 4738476
    Abstract: A fluid coupling accommodates misalignments of ducts to be connected in any one or any combination of three basic directions, these being axial, angular and radial. The coupling also provides for duct flexibility while minimizing the number of necessary sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Bertram A. Peaster
  • Patent number: 4736913
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device controllably maintains attached flow in the region of a body having a contour of rapid curvature utilizing tangential fluid discharge slots, positioned just upstream from the separation line, which issue a thin jet sheet to energize the boundary layer and entrain the surrounding flow. When applied to the aft fuselage of an aircraft, the device reduces separation and vortex drag at cruise and provides control forces and moments during low speed operation of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Bennett, Robert J. Englar, Andrew S. W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4733079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the non-destructive identification of coated and uncoated metal parts employing infrared thermography. The apparatus comprises a means for directing infrared radiation onto the surface of a part; a means for scanning the part surface for reflected infrared radiation; a means for capturing the reflected radiation and converting it into a signal representative of variations in radiation reflected from the surface of the part; means for etching an identifying code into the surface of the part; and means for displaying the signal as a video image. The method comprises altering the surface reflective characteristics of a part to produce an identifying code, irradiating the part with infrared radiation of a specific wavelength and detecting differences in the amount and intensity of radiation reflected from the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Adams, Elton M. Crisman, Jr., Asrar A. Khan
  • Patent number: 4729694
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a marine riser tensioner (10, 100, 200, 300) are disclosed for use in tensioning a marine riser (12) on a tension leg platform (14) by the use of elastomeric elements. In one embodiment, a plurality of elastomeric pads (60) are placed in pad shear to provide tension to the marine riser. In another embodiment, elastomeric disks (124) are placed in torsional shear to provide the tension to the marine riser. In other embodiments (200, 300) elastomeric cones (208) deform in ring shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Peppel
  • Patent number: 4725956
    Abstract: A voice command air vehicle control system for use by an operator with a remotely piloted vehicle utilizes a voice recognizer for converting spoken commands into machine compatible control signals which are transmitted to the vehicle. Also disclosed is the selection of particular verbal commands for use with the voice recognizer which increase the acceptance probability of the spoken command by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. M. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 4706998
    Abstract: A flexible connector for effecting fluid-tight flexible joints between fluid conduits which comprises a housing with a central bore, a pair of movable flanges extending one from each end of the central bore and means interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore so that a fluid tight seal is achieved therebetween and the flanges can undergo angular motion; additional means are also interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore which accommodates linear motion of the flanges along the axis of the housing while maintaining a fluid-tight seal therebetween; and means for holding the elements of the coupling in a functional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Peppel, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4689821
    Abstract: An active noise control system reduces cabin noise levels for a propeller or propfan aircraft due to the propeller noise signature by making the output from a secondary noise source identical in amplitude but opposite in phase to the propeller noise signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammed Salikuddin, Himatlal K. Tanna
  • Patent number: 4687158
    Abstract: A jump strut landing gear apparatus for providing an aircraft with a short takeoff and landing capability, utilizes incrementally fired, pyrotechnic charges to explosively generate the required compressed fluid to drive the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Charles W. Kettering
  • Patent number: 4682800
    Abstract: An adjustable over-center latching assembly (11) for securing aircraft panels (13A, 13B) is operated by a worm shaft (21) and segmental gear (25) in order to obtain the rotational directional change required to move a latching member (15) into and out of engagement with a keeper (17). A secondary locking feature is provided due to the irreversible nature of the gear and worm arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Charles B. Lovelace, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4682746
    Abstract: A control force generator for an aircraft using circulation control to a selectively produce lift on an otherwise non-lift surface. The generator employs a novel, double-slot single Coanda surface arrangement for selectively generating the aerodynamic lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew S. W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4682392
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for drilling, countersinking, inserting and forming the head of a rivet in a workpiece comprising a base which holds a lower anvil assembly in correct linear relationship with an upper ram assembly; a lower anvil body mounted on the base and a removable anvil insert having a common long axis with the anvil body, the upper ram assembly, and the rivet on which a head is being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Revere, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4674927
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nose piece for a power drill and hand drill with certain modifications made to nose piece and using telescopic bushing having a drill motor, a drill spindle and a drill bit attached to the spindle, the nose piece being capable of macro longitudinal adjustment with respect to the length of the drill bit and rotational adjustment of its position with respect to the drill motor and the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Lockhead Corporation
    Inventor: Sudershan K. Khurana
  • Patent number: 4674057
    Abstract: The invention combines a plurality of ultrasonic ranging transducers (11) arrayed proximate the end (12) of a movable robot arm (13), all transducers (11) being mounted to a common base so as to be pivotally movable both horizontally and vertically relative to the robot arm (13) by stepping motors (17 and 20). By controlling the pivotal movements of the transducer array (10) by a microcomputer (22) so as to look in the direction of intended travel of the robot arm end (13), and as to the robot arm end (13) moves, unexpected objects in the path of the robot (14) or aberrant motion by the robot (14) become easily detected. Upon the sensing of an obstruction to the direction of motion of the robot arm (13), or aberrant motion thereof, a signal from the microcomputer (22) to the robot (14) controls will halt further operation until the obstruction is removed or the problem corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Donald O. Caughman, Wallace J. Plumley
  • Patent number: 4671096
    Abstract: A flexible ball mandrel for bending tubes which have different diameters and walls of varying thickness consisting of a series of self-lubricating balls, the diameters of which may be adjusted, and which are equally spaced apart for maintenance of a constant separation during a bend cycle connected to a shank for securing the mandrel elements properly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Charlie P. Crosby, Jr.
  • Patent number: D292926
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Lionel D. Gillespie, Frank B. Golley, IV, Phillip J. Snoke, Kenneth D. Timmerman