Patents by Inventor James Means

James Means 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).

  • Publication number: 20070227132
    Abstract: A passive exhaust system is described that provides effective infrared signature suppression without affecting radar cross-section while maintaining stable function in crosswinds. A passive exhaust system may include an array of ducts with each duct having a primary and secondary nozzle. Central ducts draw in ambient cooling air to create a thick cooling film along exterior surfaces and cause plume dilution, stabilize the plume flow in a crosswind, and prevent heating of visible surfaces. Visible surfaces may incorporate radar absorbing materials and may be inclined at an angle or fabricated with a diffuse surface to prevent specular reflection. Visible surfaces may be constructed from or covered with low infrared emissivity materials. A variable passive flow controller ensures a sufficient velocity exhaust flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Means
  • Publication number: 20060179815
    Abstract: A passive exhaust system is described that provides effective infrared signature suppression without affecting radar cross-section while maintaining stable function in crosswinds. A passive exhaust system may include an array of ducts with each duct having a primary and secondary nozzle. Central ducts draw in ambient cooling air to create a thick cooling film along exterior surfaces and cause plume dilution, stabilize the plume flow in a crosswind, and prevent heating of visible surfaces. Visible surfaces may incorporate radar absorbing materials and may be inclined at an angle or fabricated with a diffuse surface to prevent specular reflection Visible surfaces may be constructed from or covered with low infrared emissivity materials. A variable passive flow controller ensures a sufficient velocity exhaust flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventor: James Means
  • Publication number: 20060071126
    Abstract: A multi-spectral shield and associated inlet structure is provided for reducing the signature of an air inlet port defined within an exterior wall of an aircraft, ship, or land-based vehicle across radar and infrared wavelengths. The multi-spectral inlet shield includes a plate disposed in front of the air inlet port. The plate is sized to visibly eclipse the air inlet port, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate. The plate is supported in this position by a plate mount or splitter that extends from within the air inlet port and attaches to the plate. A support may optionally combine with the splitter to support the plate in this position. Air passes behind the plate and into the air inlet port via a channel defined around at least a portion of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventor: James Means