Patents by Inventor John E. HERBERT

John E. HERBERT 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: 12460913
    Abstract: Some variations provide a cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, comprising: a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition; a first manipulator arm to manipulate the docking platform onto the munition; a high-pressure waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into the docking platform; a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in the docking platform, wherein the washout tool generates waste from the munition; a bladder that stores munition waste; a second manipulator arm to manipulate the cutting tool and the washout tool into the docking platform; an abrasive feed subsystem that delivers an abrasive to the cutting tool; and a system control module with electrical and hydraulic control hardware, to control the docking platform, cutting tool, abrasive feed subsystem, the washout tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: GRADIENT TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: John T. Thomalla, John E. Herbert, Nathan F. Nodland, Drew A. Strombeck, Ryan M. Smith, Steve J. Schmit
  • Publication number: 20250164225
    Abstract: Some variations provide a cut-and-capture system configured for demilitarization of an underwater munition, comprising: a docking platform that is sealably positionable onto an underwater munition; a first manipulator arm to manipulate the docking platform onto the munition; a high-pressure waterjet cutting tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed into the docking platform; a washout tool configured to be reversibly sealably placed in the docking platform, wherein the washout tool generates waste from the munition; a bladder that stores munition waste; a second manipulator arm to manipulate the cutting tool and washout tool into the docking platform; an abrasive feed subsystem that delivers an abrasive to the cutting tool; and a system control module with electrical and hydraulic control hardware, to control the docking platform, cutting tool, abrasive feed subsystem, the washout tool. Other variations utilize a multifunctional device that contains the cutting tool, the washing tool, and other tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2024
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: John T. THOMALLA, John E. HERBERT, Nathan F. NODLAND, Drew A. STROMBECK, Ryan M. SMITH, Steve J. SCHMIT