Patents by Inventor David J. Reyes

David J. Reyes 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).

  • Fin buzz system and method for assisting in unlocking a missile fin lock mechanism
    Patent number: 8975566
    Abstract: By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Black, David J. Reyes, Robert W. Von Mayr, Erik A. Fjerstad, John D. Willems
  • FIN BUZZ SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN UNLOCKING A MISSILE FIN LOCK MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20140042266
    Abstract: By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas A. Black, David J. Reyes, Robert W. Von Mayr, Erik A. Fjerstad, John D. Willems