Patents by Inventor Michael A. Sands

Michael A. Sands 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: 5168119
    Abstract: An ejection system for payload deployment in a low gravitation exoatmospheric environment. In its broadest aspects, the ejection system includes an elongated launch tube; a payload mountable within the launch tube; and, a plurality of equiangularly spaced, axially aligned spring members secured to an outer surface of the payload. The launch tube includes pre-deployment payload securing means for securely maintaining a payload within the launch tube prior to depolyment. Each spring member provides a forward and an aft dynamic interface between the payload and the launch tube. The utilization of a plurality of spring members provides payload alignment relative to the launch tube prior to and throughout payload ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Sands
  • Patent number: D257280
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Inventor: Michael A. Sands