Patents by Inventor John F. Witherspoon

John F. Witherspoon 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).

  • Shock-excursion apparatus for retracting the umbilical plug of a missile
    Patent number: 4092898
    Abstract: A flexible wire is secured at one end to the umbilical plug and at the ot to a sheave of a rotary actuator. The actuator is driven by launch-gas pressure to reel in the wire and retract the plug. A plug stop is mounted on the launch tube in the path of travel of the plug. Lift-off of the missile carries the plug into the stop to disengage and free it for retraction. The flexible wire coupling is provided with a slack portion to accommodate shock excursions and assure disengagement of the plug prior to retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John F. Witherspoon