Patents by Inventor Derek A. Townsend

Derek A. Townsend 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).

  • Launch vehicle stage integration device
    Patent number: 7748663
    Abstract: A mating and connection system for securing adjacent stages of a launch vehicle. The system includes a locking flange connected to each of a first vehicle stage and a second vehicle stage. A compression ring is positioned internal to the first and second vehicle stages. The compression ring is shaped to compress together the locking flanges of the first and second stages upon engagement with the locking flanges. A locking jack is capable of being activated from an exterior of the first and second stages and operates to selectively move the compression ring into and out of engagement with the locking flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis D. Craig, Derek A. Townsend, James P. Brady