Patents by Inventor Jeffrey N. Zerbe

Jeffrey N. Zerbe 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: 8205829
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Patent number: 8205828
    Abstract: Embodiments of a submersible transport and launch canister are provided for use by a diver in the deployment of an airborne object. In one embodiment, the submersible transport and launch canister includes a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the airborne object therein. A diver-actuated cap is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the diver-actuated cap sealingly engages the open end portion. A propellant device is fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and is configured to propel the airborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion when the propellant device is actuated by the diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20120068010
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20120068009
    Abstract: Embodiments of a submersible transport and launch canister are provided for use by a diver in the deployment of an airborne object. In one embodiment, the submersible transport and launch canister includes a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the airborne object therein. A diver-actuated cap is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the diver-actuated cap sealingly engages the open end portion. A propellant device is fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and is configured to propel the airborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion when the propellant device is actuated by the diver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Patent number: 8056461
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20110253025
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method are provided for remotely deploying a waterborne object utilizing a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state, and positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water. In a further embodiment wherein the waterborne object assumes the form of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, the method includes the step of transmitting a wireless signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle after the submerged launch canister has been positioned on the seafloor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20110253026
    Abstract: Embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20110220001
    Abstract: Embodiments of a submersible transport canister, and embodiments of using a submersible transport canister, are provided. In one embodiment, the submersible transport canister includes a pressure vessel having a storage cavity configured to store at least one item therein, a cap movable to a closed position wherein the cap sealingly engages the pressure vessel, and a diver-adjustable buoyancy system configured to be coupled to the pressure vessel. When coupled to the pressure vessel, the diver-adjustable buoyancy system is configured to displace a volume of water to achieve a substantially neutral buoyancy during underwater transport of the item within the submersible transport canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Patent number: 7946241
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ray Sampson, David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe
  • Publication number: 20110073707
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: DAVID E. BOSSERT, Jeffrey N. Zerbe, Ray Sampson
  • Publication number: 20090107386
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Ray Sampson, David E. Bossert, Jeffrey N. Zerbe