Patents by Inventor Grant M. Thomas

Grant M. Thomas 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: 9444394
    Abstract: A modular deployable structure that includes at least two panels, one of which is configured to be pivotably attached to a further structure for deployment therefrom and return thereto. Interfaces pivotably interconnect each two panels, and are in the form of a pin clevis joint arrangement. Dogbone links are pivotably attached to the interfaces to effect pivoting of the panels. Linkage members extend adjacent to the panels and are pivotable relative to the dogbone links. The linkage members pivotably interengage one another, for example via gears. A drive mechanism effects pivoting of one of the linkage members to in turn effect synchronized pivoting of all of the linkage members and the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
    Inventors: Grant M. Thomas, Thomas W. Murphey