Patents by Inventor Michael Leal

Michael Leal 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).

  • Publication number: 20080093498
    Abstract: The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Leal, Todd Baker, Kent Pflibsen
  • Patent number: 7287725
    Abstract: A missile includes a control system having divert and attitude control system thrusters with control valves. Each of the control valves has a nozzle plate having a plurality of small nozzles therein. The nozzle plate includes a pair of portions, one of which is rotatable relative to the other. Control of flow through the nozzle plate may be effected by relative positioning of the portions of the nozzle plate. An upstream convergent portion of the nozzle plate may be fixed relative to the missile, with a downstream throat and/or divergent portion of the nozzle plate moveable. Movement of the movable portion of the nozzle plate may be accomplished by use of an actuator that is external to the missile body. The control valve provides a simple, lightweight and compact way of controlling flow from a divert thruster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel B. Chasman, Michael Leal, Stephen D. Haight
  • Publication number: 20060284006
    Abstract: A missile includes a control system having divert and attitude control system thrusters with control valves. Each of the control valves has a nozzle plate having a plurality of small nozzles therein. The nozzle plate includes a pair of portions, one of which is rotatable relative to the other. Control of flow through the nozzle plate may be effected by relative positioning of the portions of the nozzle plate. An upstream convergent portion of the nozzle plate may be fixed relative to the missile, with a downstream throat and/or divergent portion of the nozzle plate moveable. Movement of the movable portion of the nozzle plate may be accomplished by use of an actuator that is external to the missile body. The control valve provides a simple, lightweight and compact way of controlling flow from a divert thruster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel Chasman, Michael Leal, Stephen Haight