Patents by Inventor Ralph David Hooper

Ralph David Hooper 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: 12728969
    Abstract: The multiple embodiments of the present invention involve a watercraft payload carrying system for which a payload can be carried and moved in a liquid such as water. The system includes a hydrofoil that when the system is accelerated, the hydrofoil lifts the system and the payload is raised relative to the waterline. In an embodiment the watercraft payload carrying system can have multiple interconnected modules where each module has a hydrofoil and receiver for carrying a payload. In an embodiment, the watercraft payload carrying system is modularly designed where the hydrofoil and receiver are removably attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Abbot Chambers, Christopher Zirkle, Taylor Doolittle, Karl Anders Lindman, Joshua James Erick, Jeffrey Towns Gilchrist, Kelly Krueger, Nigel Holman
  • Patent number: 12722745
    Abstract: A remote launcher includes a base frame, a cradle, a cradle actuator, and a launch control system. The cradle is pivotably coupled to the base frame and includes one or more skids that are configured to receive and support an unmanned water-based deployable. The cradle actuator is coupled to the base frame and to the cradle. The launch control system includes a communication interface, a processor, and memory having instructions. The instructions direct the launch control system to receive, via the communication interface, one or more wireless launch signals and then, in response thereto, generate at least one cradle control signal to enable the cradle actuator to incline the cradle to a launch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Chambers, Christopher Zirkle, Taylor Doolittle, Kelly Fisher, Karl Anders Lindman, Joshua James Erick, Kelly Krueger
  • Publication number: 20260116680
    Abstract: A mobile jettison rack includes a base frame, a lift jack, and a ramp. The lift jack is coupled to the base frame and includes a wheel that is configured to contact a deck of a ship to elevate and mobilize the base frame over the deck when the lift jack is extended. The ramp includes a fixed ramp portion and an adjustable ramp portion. The fixed ramp portion is inclined towards a jettison side of the mobile jettison rack and is configured to receive and support a container that is to be emergently jettisoned towards the jettison side and over an outboard side of the ship. The adjustable ramp portion is coupled to the fixed ramp portion and is inclined towards the jettison side. The adjustable ramp portion has a length that is selectively adjustable to adjust a total length of the ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2024
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Chambers, Christopher Zirkle, Taylor Doolittle, Karl Anders Lindman, Joshua James Erick, Nigel Holman, Kelly Krueger
  • Publication number: 20260084787
    Abstract: A remote launcher includes a base frame, a cradle, a cradle actuator, and a launch control system. The cradle is pivotably coupled to the base frame and includes one or more skids that are configured to receive and support an unmanned water-based deployable. The cradle actuator is coupled to the base frame and to the cradle. The launch control system includes a communication interface, a processor, and memory having instructions. The instructions direct the launch control system to receive, via the communication interface, one or more wireless launch signals and then, in response thereto, generate at least one cradle control signal to enable the cradle actuator to incline the cradle to a launch angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2024
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: Ralph David HOOPER, William CHAMBERS, Christopher ZIRKLE, Taylor DOOLITTLE, Kelly FISHER, Karl Anders LINDMAN, Joshua James ERICK, Kelly KRUEGER
  • Publication number: 20260001631
    Abstract: The multiple embodiments of the present invention involve a waterborne payload transport system that includes a trolley system that moves a crane along a track. The crane is adapted to engage a waterborne payload, lift the payload and place the payload in a stowage cradle. The waterborne payload transport system may be modularized allowing for disassembly and compact transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Applicant: USA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Chambers, Taylor Doolittle, Daniel Codd
  • Publication number: 20250374915
    Abstract: A portable marine mammal deterrence apparatus or system comprising an insulated cable capable of coupling to an aquatic vessel; a plurality of cable offshoots, each having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each proximal end is electrically connected to the insulated cable; a plurality of deterrence tips, each located at the distal end of each of the plurality of cable offshoots, wherein a marine mammal contacting at least two deterrence tips forms a circuit that provides a deterrent stimulus; a control system, electrically connected to the insulated cable, designed to selectively electrify the circuit when a resistance is within a deterrence range, further comprising: a resistance detector configured to measure a resistance of the circuit, a relay configured to enable electrification of the circuit, and an alert module configured to provide an intruder notification; and a power source capable of electrifying the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2024
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Chambers, Christopher Zirkle, Taylor Doolittle, Karl Anders Lindman, Joshua James Erick, Nigel Holman, Kelly Krueger
  • Publication number: 20250263157
    Abstract: The multiple embodiments of the present invention involve a watercraft payload carrying system for which a payload can be carried and moved in a liquid such as water. The system includes a hydrofoil that when the system is accelerated, the hydrofoil lifts the system and the payload is raised relative to the waterline. In an embodiment the watercraft payload carrying system can have multiple interconnected modules where each module has a hydrofoil and receiver for carrying a payload. In an embodiment, the watercraft payload carrying system is modularly designed where the hydrofoil and receiver are removably attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Publication date: August 21, 2025
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Abbot Chambers, Christopher Zirkle, Taylor Doolittle, Karl Anders Lindman, Joshua James Erick, Jeffrey Towns Gilchrist, Kelly Krueger, Nigel Holman
  • Publication number: 20250059006
    Abstract: A lift bail assembly includes a lift bail frame, two distal lift clamps, two or more proximal lift clamps, and two stops. The lift bail frame includes an attachment cutout to attach the lift bail frame to a lifting device. The lift bail frame extends at least half of a body length of the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) where at least ? of a weight of the UUV is directly supported by the lift bail. The two distal lift clamps are positioned opposite each other at each end of the lift bail frame. The two or more proximal lift clamps are positioned anywhere on the lift bail frame between the two distal lift clamps. The two stops fit into two stop cutouts on the UUV and are centered on the lift bail frame. All lift clamps that encompass the UUV are rigidly fixed to the lift bail frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William Abott Chambers
  • Publication number: 20230250602
    Abstract: A dock shock absorption device includes a frame and one or more energy dissipative elements. The frame is attached to a dock with the frame enclosing a pylon. The one or more energy dissipative elements attach to the frame and are equal to or less than 1 inch from the pylon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Taylor Doolittle, William Abbot Chambers
  • Patent number: 11535345
    Abstract: An apparatus and method transports, launches, and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) on a boat. A pair of support rails secures the UUV to the boat during the transport across a body of water on the boat. The support rails support the UUV in sliding movement along the support rails during the launch from the boat into the body of water and during the recovery from the body of water onto the boat. A ramp is deployed that extends the support rails into the body of water through a stern of the boat. The ramp includes a pair of alignment rails for aligning the UUV with the support rails during the recovery. A winch pulls the UUV out of the body of water during the recovery, with the winch pulling the UUV into the alignment rails and then onto the support rails in the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist, William A. Chambers, Taylor R. Doolittle
  • Publication number: 20220258841
    Abstract: An apparatus and method transports, launches, and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) on a boat. A pair of support rails secures the UUV to the boat during the transport across a body of water on the boat. The support rails support the UUV in sliding movement along the support rails during the launch from the boat into the body of water and during the recovery from the body of water onto the boat. A ramp is deployed that extends the support rails into the body of water through a stern of the boat. The ramp includes a pair of alignment rails for aligning the UUV with the support rails during the recovery. A winch pulls the UUV out of the body of water during the recovery, with the winch pulling the UUV into the alignment rails and then onto the support rails in the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist, William A. Chambers, Taylor R. Doolittle
  • Patent number: 10538191
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing and/or installing a side guide of a trailer-mounted boat capture system for guiding a boat onto the trailer, the apparatus comprising: an outboard post pivotally attached to an upper support rail of the side guide; two inboard posts, each pivotally attached to the side guide proximal to where the side guide is attached to the trailer via first pins, wherein each inboard post includes a manual leveling jack; an attachment point on the side guide suitable for attaching a winch cable from a boat held in the boat capture system; and second pins attaching the side guide to the trailer such that when the first pins are removed the side guide is free to pivot around the second pins from an upright position towards a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers
  • Patent number: 10436241
    Abstract: A snap-hook, including a hook and a dual-direction latch pivotally attached to the hook by a latch pin. The dual-direction latch blocks an opening to the hook's throat when held in a neutral position by a latch spring having a first spring force and a lever-return spring having a second spring force. The dual-direction latch is configured to move into the throat by overcoming the first spring force and to move out of the throat by overcoming the second spring force. The dual-direction latch comprises a spring guard attached to the dual-direction latch so as to shield the lever-return spring from coming into contact with one or both of an object disposed within a throat of the hook and an inner edge of the hook throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers, James Benjamin Penney
  • Patent number: 10434888
    Abstract: A vehicle charging station comprising: a container comprising an upper portion having an air duct, and a lower portion comprising a support structure, a smoke detector, a fire-suppressant inlet, and a charging/communications junction, wherein the upper portion is configured to mate with the lower portion to form a weather-tight enclosure around a vehicle, and wherein removal of the upper portion allows for loading/unloading of the vehicle into/out of the lower portion; and a resource control unit (RCU) comprising a processor, an environmental control unit (ECU), a fire-suppressant control manifold, and a charger, wherein the ECU is operatively coupled to the air duct, the fire-suppressant control manifold is operatively coupled to the fire-suppressant inlet, the charger is electrically coupled to the charging/communications junction, and the processor is communicatively coupled to the smoke detector, the charging/communications junction, the ECU, the charger, and the fire-suppressant control manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist, William A. Chambers, Bradley Joseph Easterwood, Brett Paul Lassus, Paul Michael Collins, Samuel Thomas Edwards, Terry Lance Silas, Marc Ludwig Roth, Harry Lynn Barker, Steven Dustin Bennett
  • Publication number: 20190264729
    Abstract: A snap-hook, including a hook and a dual-direction latch pivotally attached to the hook by a latch pin. The dual-direction latch blocks an opening to the hook's throat when held in a neutral position by a latch spring having a first spring force and a lever-return spring having a second spring force. The dual-direction latch is configured to move into the throat by overcoming the first spring force and to move out of the throat by overcoming the second spring force. The dual-direction latch comprises a spring guard attached to the dual-direction latch so as to shield the lever-return spring from coming into contact with one or both of an object disposed within a throat of the hook and an inner edge of the hook throat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers, James Benjamin Penney
  • Patent number: 10232761
    Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) transport cart comprising: a wheeled frame including vertical posts, a front end, and a rear end; a UUV cradle adjustably clamped to the vertical posts such that the UUV cradle is vertically adjustable with respect to the frame; a U-shaped handle pivotally attached to the front end of the frame such that the U-shaped handle pivots up and down around a first axis, wherein the U-shaped handle includes a handle spring that acts between the U-shaped handle and the frame so as to bias the U-shaped handle toward an upward orientation; side handles pivotally attached to the UUV cradle such that the side handles pivot up and down around side axes that are perpendicular to the first axis; and a hand brake affixed to the U-shaped handle and configured to provide active brake control of the wheeled frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20180370373
    Abstract: A vehicle charging station comprising: a container comprising an upper portion having an air duct, and a lower portion comprising a support structure, a smoke detector, a fire-suppressant inlet, and a charging/communications junction, wherein the upper portion is configured to mate with the lower portion to form a weather-tight enclosure around a vehicle, and wherein removal of the upper portion allows for loading/unloading of the vehicle into/out of the lower portion; and a resource control unit (RCU) comprising a processor, an environmental control unit (ECU), a fire-suppressant control manifold, and a charger, wherein the ECU is operatively coupled to the air duct, the fire-suppressant control manifold is operatively coupled to the fire-suppressant inlet, the charger is electrically coupled to the charging/communications junction, and the processor is communicatively coupled to the smoke detector, the charging/communications junction, the ECU, the charger, and the fire-suppressant control manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist, William A. Chambers, Bradley Joseph Easterwood, Brett Paul Lassus, Paul Michael Collins, Samuel Thomas Edwards, Terry Lance Silas, Marc Ludwig Roth, Harry Lynn Barker, Steven Dustin Bennett
  • Publication number: 20180265113
    Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) transport cart comprising: a wheeled frame including vertical posts, a front end, and a rear end; a UUV cradle adjustably clamped to the vertical posts such that the UUV cradle is vertically adjustable with respect to the frame; a U-shaped handle pivotally attached to the front end of the frame such that the U-shaped handle pivots up and down around a first axis, wherein the U-shaped handle includes a handle spring that acts between the U-shaped handle and the frame so as to bias the U-shaped handle toward an upward orientation; side handles pivotally attached to the UUV cradle such that the side handles pivot up and down around side axes that are perpendicular to the first axis; and a hand brake affixed to the U-shaped handle and configured to provide active brake control of the wheeled frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers, Jeffery Towns Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20180264986
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing and/or installing a side guide of a trailer-mounted boat capture system for guiding a boat onto the trailer, the apparatus comprising: an outboard post pivotally attached to an upper support rail of the side guide; two inboard posts, each pivotally attached to the side guide proximal to where the side guide is attached to the trailer via first pins, wherein each inboard post includes a manual leveling jack; an attachment point on the side guide suitable for attaching a winch cable from a boat held in the boat capture system; and second pins attaching the side guide to the trailer such that when the first pins are removed the side guide is free to pivot around the second pins from an upright position towards a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, William A. Chambers
  • Patent number: 10069214
    Abstract: A constrained diameter phased array antenna system involving at least one dielectric superstrate, a generally cylindrical arrangement of antennas in a generally circular array, the arrangement proximate to the at least one dielectric superstrate, and at least one phase shifter coupled with the arrangement in an orientation corresponding to at least one scanning plane, whereby a communication range is increasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ralph David Hooper, Christopher Joseph Meagher, Jia-Chi Chieh