Patents by Inventor Kirk Sneddon

Kirk Sneddon 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: 9505532
    Abstract: An article includes a vessel, a vent connected to the vessel, and a heat flux-responsive plug disposed in the vent and thermally isolated from the vessel. The heat flux-responsive plug has a material selected based on a phase change characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Kirk Sneddon, Estelle Anselmo
  • Publication number: 20150307242
    Abstract: An article includes a vessel, a vent connected to the vessel, and a heat flux-responsive plug disposed in the vent and thermally isolated from the vessel. The heat flux-responsive plug has a material selected based on a phase change characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Sneddon, Estelle Anselmo
  • Patent number: 8821667
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing materials under elevated pressures includes a metal liner and an adhesive layer, applied to the outer surface of the metal liner, where the adhesive layer is treated with a vacuum bag in order to secure the adhesive to the outer surface of the liner. An overwrap layer is applied on top of the adhesive on the outer surface of the metal finer, where the overwrap layer is formed by winding a filamentary material around the liner, such that the filamentary material adheres to the adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Arde, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Publication number: 20130276961
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing materials under elevated pressures includes a metal liner and an adhesive layer, applied to the outer surface of the metal liner, where the adhesive layer is treated with a vacuum bag in order to secure the adhesive lo the outer surface of the liner. An overwrap layer is applied on top of the adhesive on the outer surface of the metal finer, where the overwrap layer is formed by winding a filamentary material around the liner, such that the filamentary material adheres to the adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Patent number: 8481136
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing materials under elevated pressures includes a metal liner and an adhesive layer, applied to the outer surface of the metal liner, where the adhesive layer is treated with a vacuum bag in order to secure the adhesive to the outer surface of the liner. An overwrap layer is applied on top of the adhesive on the outer surface of the metal liner, where the overwrap layer is formed by winding a filamentary material around the liner, such that the filamentary material adheres to the adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Arde, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Publication number: 20090186173
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing materials under elevated pressures includes a metal liner and an adhesive layer, applied to the outer surface of the metal liner, where the adhesive layer is treated with a vacuum bag in order to secure the adhesive to the outer surface of the liner. An overwrap layer is applied on top of the adhesive on the outer surface of the metal liner, where the overwrap layer is formed by winding a filamentary material around the liner, such that the filamentary material adheres to the adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Patent number: 7497919
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel includes the steps of obtaining a metal liner and applying a first layer of adhesive to an outer surface of the metal liner. The metal liner is then placed into a vacuum bag and a vacuum is applied, thus securing the adhesive to the outer surface of the metal liner. After curing of the adhesive, a filamentary material is wound around the liner, where the filamentary material adheres to the first layer of adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Arde, Inc
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Publication number: 20070062959
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure vessel includes the steps of obtaining a metal liner and applying a first layer of adhesive to an outer surface of the metal liner. The metal liner is then placed into a vacuum bag and a vacuum is applied, thus securing the adhesive to the outer surface of the metal liner. After curing of the adhesive, a filamentary material is wound around the liner, where the filamentary material adheres to the first layer of adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Patent number: 5653358
    Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a main portion bounding an internal chamber for accommodating a pressurized fluid medium, and a hollow stem portion projecting from the main portion and bounding a passage communicating with the internal chamber. The vessel walls are formed by an inner liner that extends into the stem portion, and a fiber reinforced outer jacket overwrapping a main portion of the liner to confer structural strength to the main portion of the vessel. A fitting axially adjoins the stem portion and is secured thereto by a strengthening body that is situated externally of and engages the stem portion of the liner and an axial portion of the fitting, and the strengthening body being anchored to the outer jacket. The axial portion of the fitting has an external projection or ring that is firmly engaged by the strengthening body to prevent at least axial movement of the fitting relative to the stem portion of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Arde, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Patent number: 5598762
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank utilizing an isolation seal in which a leak proof isolation seal covers the entire head of the piston of the storage tank requiring only a single fluid tight seam to seal off the fluid storage chamber from the remainder of the storage tank. The isolation seal has a circumferential notch located proximate to its outer periphery which permits the isolation seal to rupture along a predetermined path. Elastomeric annular seals on the piston provide a dynamic seal to prevent the fluid from leaking while the piston is moving to eject the stored fluid. The isolation seal is welded or otherwise fastened to the interior surface of the tank at a location behind the elastomeric seals so that the latter need not pass over the weld during movement of the piston. The interior of the tank has a first or larger diameter section, a second or smaller diameter section, and a tapered transition section which is disposed therebetween just past the rupture zone of the isolation seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Arde Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon
  • Patent number: 5469701
    Abstract: A fluid storage and expulsion system having a rigid tank, the tank having two propellant chambers and two independently operable piston assemblies slidable in their propellant chambers for expelling propellant. In a first embodiment, a coaxial fluid storage expulsion system having inner and outer pistons is provided. Accordingly, the inner piston is provided which is slidable in an inner annular space for expelling fluid therein through a second opening. As well, an outer piston is provided which is slidable in an outer annular space for expelling a second fluid through a first opening. In a further embodiment, the pistons and tanks are positioned in series. As such, the rigid tank is provided with forward and aft propellant chambers as well as forward and aft piston assemblies. A piston guide, which extends the length of the rigid tank is positioned concentrically within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Arde, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Sneddon, Harold Brandmaier
  • Patent number: 5385081
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank utilizing a shear seal in which a leak proof static shear seal covers the entire head of the piston of the storage tank requiring only a single fluid tight seam to seal off the fluid storage chamber from the remainder of the storage tank. The shear seal has a circumferential notch located proximate to its outer periphery which permits the shear seal to rupture along a predetermined path. Elastomeric annular seals on the piston provide a dynamic seal to prevent the fluid from leaking while the piston is moving to eject the stored fluid. The head of the piston flattens any protruding portions of the ruptured shear seal against the walls of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Arde Incorporated
    Inventor: Kirk Sneddon