Patents by Inventor Felipe Garcia

Felipe Garcia 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: 6247410
    Abstract: A detonating cord has a core of highly brisant PBXN-8 explosive surrounded by an inner braided layer of polyamide yarn, a flexible sealing sleeve of silicone rubber coated with glue, and an outer braided layer of polyamide yarn adhered to the sealing sleeve. Booster cups may be crimped to opposite ends of detonating cord to place booster charges adjacent the core to assure more reliable detonation of associated ordnance. The method of manufacture of detonating cord calls for providing a core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry, weaving an inner braided layer of polyamide yarn on the core, squeezing moisture out of the core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry during the weaving of the inner braided layer, applying a flexible sleeve of silicone rubber on the inner braided layer, coating glue on the flexible sleeve, and weaving an outer braided layer of polyamide yarn on the glue. Optionally, squeezing the core of explosive PBXN-8 slurry between rollers may be desirable to further remove excess moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 6227095
    Abstract: Migration of Di-Octyl Adipate (DOA) from PBXN-9 main charge into an adjacent PBXN-5 booster charge is the leading cause for unreliable and inefficient detonations when these two insensitive munition explosives are in close proximity. A hermetic seal of metal foil is interposed between the booster and main charges to block migration of DOA chemicals between the charges. This prevents plasticizing and/or desensitizing the booster charge and possible catastrophic accidental detonations or highly undesirable explosive desensitization which might create unexploded ordnance. The hermetic seal may also have a first portion of metal foil covering the surface of a bore in the booster charge and second portions of metal foil covering the surface of bores in the main charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 6223659
    Abstract: A line storage device prevents a line from becoming entangled. A channel formed in a piece of material defines a non-overlapping zigzag pattern. The line is laid in the channel and extends from opposing ends of the piece of material. The material supports the line in the channel until the line attains a threshold tension at which point the piece ruptures sequentially along the zigzag pattern from each opposing end. The channel can be formed in or on one or more surfaces of the piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 6222794
    Abstract: An underwater noise generator has a submerged housing containing a receiver section responsive to remotely originating acoustic signals or magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range. The submerged housing contains a composition that reacts with water to produce gas. The signals initiate an explosive squib that blows a lid off the housing and penetrates a wall that covers the composition. Water floods into the housing and onto the composition which produces gas that creates bubbles. The bubbles are buoyed from the noise generator to the surface and, in so doing, they produce noise. Underwater noise generators can be used singularly, in multiples, or in various patterns as needed to conceal activities or otherwise deceive remote listeners. Appropriately coded magneto-inductive control signals in the ELF to VLF range are transmitted from a variety of remote sources through the sea, air, vegetation, and sediment or any combination of these conditions to activate the underwater noise generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 6220168
    Abstract: An underwater intelligence gathering weapon system accurately places a weapon underwater and then communicates therewith from other platform(s). The weapon is equipped to maneuver through the air to a destination at the water's surface. A first transceiver, mounted onboard the weapon and coupled to the mine's logic portion, is activated after the weapon is in the water. The first transceiver can send and receive magneto-inductive signals. A second transceiver that sends and receives magneto-inductive signals is remotely located with respect to the first transceiver. Once deployed, the weapon can be controlled from a safe distance and can report any intelligence information collected by onboard sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, John Sojdehei
  • Patent number: 6205903
    Abstract: A line charge has a series of spaced-apart warheads coupled to strength members and a detonating cord freely extends through bores in the warheads. A rocket motor at one end of the strength members pulls the line charge across an obstacle laden area. An anchored tether or drogue chute at the other end arrests flight of the line charge and it drops across the area. The thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members provide strain management to withstand the severe deployment forces and to preclude damage to the detonating cord. Strain is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the strength members coupled to the warheads. Strain also is reduced through direct dissipation of energy by dynamic frictional losses created between strength members, coupling components, and anchoring devices during deployment when slippage occurs between the strength members and coupling components and anchoring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 6152010
    Abstract: A wide-area mine clearance device having a flexible hose that is extended rough a suspected area of mines. An explosive composition slurry is pumped into and through the extended hose. A detonator is attached to the hose, after which the explosive composition in the hose may be detonated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Larry Mixon, Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 6145441
    Abstract: A frangible payload-dispensing projectile has a spherical capsule filled h a dispersible fill material. The exterior surface of the capsule has a plurality of spaced-apart dimples formed therein. Thickness at the base of each dimple is insufficient to withstand impact forces delivered thereto upon contact with a target whereas thickness between dimples is sufficient to withstand launch forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 6130642
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for improving the navigation accuracy of a vehicle guided by the global positioning system (GPS). The system can be ermanent or can be delivered "on station" by delivery vehicles dropped from a host aircraft. If delivered, each delivery vehicle travels to a destination at the earth's surface on land or at sea. At each destination, an antenna and a GPS receiver use GPS signals and determine the position of the antenna. A transmitter coupled between the GPS receiver and the antenna transmits the determined position of the antenna over the air waves via the antenna. In this way, a plurality of earth-bound GPS positions can be used by a GPS-guided vehicle to improve its navigation accuracy thereby eliminating the atmospheric errors associated with satellite-transmitted signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Woodall, Jr., Felipe A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6112668
    Abstract: A limpet and method for control thereof have a receiver section responsive o magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range that arm and fire a main charge. A swimmer places the limpet and enables it for control by remotely transmitted magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range. ELF to VLF frequencies provide safe and reliable communications from a remote control platform such as a land-based command station, an aircraft, surface craft, or submarine. The appropriately coded magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range are transmitted through the sea, air, beach, buildings, vegetation and sediment or any combination of these conditions to arm and fire or disarm the limpet as called for in the battle plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, John Sojdehei
  • Patent number: 6082675
    Abstract: A standoff delivery system is responsive to GPS coordinate signals and inight GPS signals to deliver and emplace a sonobuoy at a remote location that otherwise would be hazardous for full size aircraft conventionally deploying the sonobuoy. A flying platform, such as a drone or gliding guided wing, carries the sonobuoy to a remote location. A GPS receiver on the platform enters GPS coordinate signals representative of the remote location and receives GPS signals representative of the location of the platform. A control signal generator produces control signals in response to both of the GPS signals and feeds control signals to servos that displace control surfaces to pilot the platform. The sonobuoy is released from the platform in response to GPS signals that are representative of at least the proximity of the remote location. This system provides for clandestine deployment and activation of the sonobuoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Woodall, Jr., Felipe A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6058071
    Abstract: A magneto-inductive submarine communication system and buoy provide two-way signal communications between a submerged craft, such as a submarine and remote command station that may be airborne, on the surface, or on land. A buoy released from the submarine and floating on the surface of the ocean and a satellite is included to complete the bidirectional communications. Messages and commands between the submerged craft and the buoy are communicated by magneto-inductive message signals and magneto-inductive command signals in the extremely low frequency (ELF) to very low frequency (VLF) range of less than 3000 Hz. Message and command communications between the buoy and the satellite (or aircraft, or helicopter, or surface ship), and the satellite to the station are transferred via radio frequency (RF) signals or laser emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, John Sojdehei
  • Patent number: 5996503
    Abstract: A reusable gas-powered hand grenade is provided. A hand-held housing defi one or more launch tubes. A projectile is loaded in each launch tube with an obturator being positioned therein between the projectile and the launch tube's muzzle end. A sealed reservoir is maintained in the housing for storing a gas under pressure. A rupturing device is mounted in the housing for breaking the reservoir's seal upon impact therewith. A triggering mechanism coupled to the rupturing device maintains separation between the rupturing device and the seal until the triggering mechanism is activated. Once activated, the triggering mechanism moves the rupturing device to impact the seal so that gas pressure propels the projectile and obturator from the launch tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 5969608
    Abstract: An intrusion detector has buried sensor modules arranged along a perimeter o sense seismic vibrations caused by intrusions within the area defined by the perimeter. The sensor modules transmit data representative of the intrusions via magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range through ground, air, and/or water to at least one buried relay module within the area. The relay modules transmit RF signals representative of the intrusion data via a camouflaged RF antenna to mobil or fixed stations for appropriate action. Transmission of magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range is clandestine and reliable, and locations of buried sensor modules and relay modules are not revealed to intruders to reduce the possibility of evasion or tampering. The sensor modules may have sensor elements sensitive to humans, vehicles, and low flying aircraft to give enforcement officers the opportunity to better utilize their resources where the intrusions are occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Sojdehei, Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall
  • Patent number: 5959233
    Abstract: An elongate fabric sleeve functions as the load bearing strength member for rocket deployed line charge of explosive charges. The fabric sleeve is contoured by seams sewn to form pockets that separate and snugly cradle the explosive charges and to form passageways between adjacent charges which permit free, unhindered motion of a detonating cord in it. The fabric sleeve strength member flexes as the line charge is launched and emplaced to withstand the severe forces associated with deployment of the line charge and prevents damage to the detonating cord to assure reliable deployment and detonation of the explosive charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 5947579
    Abstract: A lighting device has light stick(s) housed in a hand-held receptacle. The nternal surface areas of the hand-held receptacle are reflective. An opening is formed in the hand-held receptacle such that illumination generated by the light stick(s) is transmitted via the opening. The device can be made entirely of non-magnetic materials for use in clandestine underwater operations. The opening can be sealed with an optically transparent cover. Valves can be included to provide an air-filled or evacuated medium surrounding the light stick(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John D. Horton, Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 5932835
    Abstract: A warhead has a pair of shells, each having an annular rim at one end and opening at the other end. The rims abut one another and are fastened together to define a chamber filled with explosive having a bore aligned with the openings. The explosive has sensitivity to detonation that requires axial detonation in the bore by a detonating cord to initiate explosion thereby preventing detonation by lesser stimuli. A tube extends through the openings and bore and is sized to receive the detonating cord. Opposite ends of the tube are crimped to hold the shells together. A line charge provided with a plurality of such warheads has significant pressure, shock, fragmentation energy, wire cutting ability and mine neutralization capacity as compared to contemporary devices. These improved capabilities are directly attributed to the explosive type and density of this design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia, Gilberto Irizarry
  • Patent number: 5877448
    Abstract: A reusable gas-powered war game land mine has at least one launch tube with ne or more projectile(s) loaded therein. A compressed gas reservoir and rupturing device are provided with the rupturing device being movable in relationship to the seal of the compressed gas reservoir. A triggering mechanism is coupled to the rupturing device to move the rupturing device so that it impacts the seal when the triggering mechanism is activated. The rupturing device can define a channel through which the compressed gas is directed to the breech end of the launch tube(s) when the seal is broken. As a result, the compressed gas enters the breech end of the launch tube(s) to propel the projectile(s) therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Denton, Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 5792978
    Abstract: A barge strike system for clearing an obstacle-filled region of water inces a floating barge having at least one hollow region defined therein. The barge is equipped to move under its own power to the obstacle-filled region at various speeds, including speeds in excess of minimum planing speed. Explosive material is contained in the barge's hollow region(s). A plurality of detonators are coupled to a top surface of the explosive material and are initiated to generate a coalesced planar wave downward through the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Woodall, Jr., Felipe A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5750489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid detergent compositions comprising substantially linear, water soluble, highly salt-tolerant non-adsorbing, ionic polymers of MW 10,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons which, when added in defined minimum levels to structured heavy duty liquids, make the liquids highly shear thinning without decreasing pour viscosity of the composition or increasing it to a point where it is too thick. The compositions are also stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Rigoberto Felipe Garcia, Tirucherai Varahan Vasudevan, Albert Joseph Post, Feng-Lung Gordon Hsu