Patents Assigned to Centuri Corporation
  • Patent number: 5509354
    Abstract: An igniter holder is designed for use with a model rocket engine for temporarily fixing the igniter in the ignition cavity of the model rocket engine in preparation for launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Centuri Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dorffler, Ronald L. McClaren
  • Patent number: 5413514
    Abstract: A recoverable aerial toy having a gyro-rotating recovery system that includes a main body which extends along a longitudinal axis, a rotor hub element mounted on the main body and rotatable relative thereto about the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of rotor blades. The rotor blades are hingedly coupled to the rotor hub element for rotation therewith about the axis and for hinged movement relative thereto between a closed position and an open position, such that the rotor blades extend along the longitudinal axis when disposed in the closed position and extend radially relative to the axis and outward from the main body when disposed in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Centuri Corporation
    Inventor: Tim V. Milligan
  • Patent number: 5410966
    Abstract: A reusable, semi-flexible molded model rocket engine igniter holder is used to hold an electrically activated igniter in intimate contact with the exposed surface of the model rocket engine propellant until the rocket engine propellant is ignited by passing electrical current through the igniter. The igniter holder, which is inserted in the throat cavity of the rocket engine, is preferably molded with a series of ribs around its periphery which impart a holding force keeping the electrical igniter in place in the engine throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Centuri Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Dorffler, Ronald L. McClaren
  • Patent number: 5267885
    Abstract: Apparatus in kit form for the assembly of a model rocket having a body tube, fins, and propellant mount, wherein each fin has a root portion at a radially inner-most end for mountingly extending through slots apertured in the body tube and for mounting engagement with the propellant mount. The body tube is apertured with slots for mountingly receiving the root portions of respective fins. The propellant mount telescopically mounts within the body tube and mountingly seats the fin roots. In one embodiment, a plurality of mounting brackets is arranged for assembly with one another for forming the propellant mount. The mounting brackets have radially-extending mounting recesses for engaging and positioning a fin root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Centuri Corporation
    Inventors: Keith W. Niskern, Michael K. Dorffler