Patents by Inventor Donald B. Eckstein

Donald B. Eckstein 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: 8640623
    Abstract: A multiple-purpose projectile assembly includes an anti-personnel projectile, an armor-penetrating projectile, a propellant, a base bleed gas, and a primer. The anti-personnel projectile includes a cavity having a scored surface and is made out of a soft metal. The armor-penetrating projectile is made from a hard metal and is housed partially within the cavity of the anti-personnel projectile prior to firing from a weapon. The propellant and the primer are both housed within the cavity. The firing of the projectile assembly causes the armor-penetrating projectile to drive into the primer, thereby detonating the primer, causing the detonation of the propellant, thereby increasing the pressure of the cavity and causing the two projectiles to separate after the projectile assembly leaves the bore of the weapon. The burning of the propellant releases a base bleed gas that reduces the drag experienced by the anti-personnel projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8640622
    Abstract: A projectile assembly 10 includes an individual projectile 20 and a composite projectile 30. The individual projectile 20 has a communicating portion 22. The composite projectile 30 includes at least one flechette 32. Prior to the projection of the projectile assembly 10, the composite projectile 30 is located adjacent to the communicating portion 22 of the individual projectile 20. The individual projectile 20 and the composite projectile 30 are structured and disposed for separating from one another after the initial projection of the projectile assembly 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Publication number: 20120266773
    Abstract: A multiple-purpose projectile assembly includes an anti-personnel projectile, an armor-penetrating projectile, a propellant, a base bleed gas, and a primer. The anti-personnel projectile includes a cavity having a scored surface and is made out of a soft metal. The armor-penetrating projectile is made from a hard metal and is housed partially within the cavity of the anti-personnel projectile prior to firing from a weapon. The propellant and the primer are both housed within the cavity. The firing of the projectile assembly causes the armor-penetrating projectile to drive into the primer, thereby detonating the primer, causing the detonation of the propellant, thereby increasing the pressure of the cavity and causing the two projectiles to separate after the projectile assembly leaves the bore of the weapon. The burning of the propellant releases a base bleed gas that reduces the drag experienced by the anti-personnel projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Publication number: 20120266772
    Abstract: A projectile assembly 10 includes an individual projectile 20 and a composite projectile 30. The individual projectile 20 has a communicating portion 22. The composite projectile 30 includes at least one flechette 32. Prior to the projection of the projectile assembly 10, the composite projectile 30 is located adjacent to the communicating portion 22 of the individual projectile 20. The individual projectile 20 and the composite projectile 30 are structured and disposed for separating from one another after the initial projection of the projectile assembly 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Publication number: 20020117857
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage and regeneration system uses the electricity generated by the dynamic brakes of a diesel-electric locomotive to convert water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by hydro-electrolysis. The gases are compressed, cooled and stored in tanks for subsequent use to supply fuel cells. Electricity generated by an electro-chemical reaction in the fuel cells is used to power the locomotive traction motors when needed. Alternatively, the regenerated electricity can be used to supplement a local or regional power supply, particularly in times of shortage. The water by-product from the fuel cell electricity generation is collected and stored for use in hydro-electrolysis during a subsequent power storage/regeneration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 6347567
    Abstract: A system for launching precision guided munitions (PGMs), artillery rockets/missiles, and cruise missiles from an aircraft includes a mobile unit having a storage compartment provided with a rack assembly arranged to define multiple tiers for storing munition ejection containers (MECs) therein. An elevator apparatus raises and lowers a tray between the tiers in order to load and remove the MECs from predetermined storage positions on the multiple tier rack assembly. Each MEC is structured to encapsulate one or more PGMs, artillery rockets/missiles, or cruise missiles and includes forward and rear end plates attached to longitudinal side panels. Pre-formed packing inserts protectively surround and stabilize the missile(s) contained in the MEC. An ejection ramp extends from the aft end of the mobile unit for individually directing the MECs through a cargo door of the aircraft for ejection therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 6012375
    Abstract: A defense missile system for an aircraft to provide protection against hostile attack on the aircraft, the system including an aerodynamically shaped launch housing structured for external mounting on the aircraft, and a missile assembly fitted within an interior launch chamber of the launch housing. The missile assembly includes at least one, and preferably several infrared guided missiles each contained within an elongate tube and having a propulsion engine at one end and a seeker head at the opposite end. A missile support structure holds each of the missiles within the launch chamber such that the missile seeker heads are at least partially exposed through an open aft end of the launch housing. A cylinder containing pressurized coolant gas is supported within the launch chamber and is interconnected to each of the missiles for providing coolant gas to the respective seeker heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein