Patents by Inventor Richard K. Shumaker

Richard K. Shumaker 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).

  • Submarine minesweeper
    Patent number: 4972776
    Abstract: An unmanned, self-propelled minesweeping apparatus, capable of sweeping at ubstantial depths, is described, comprising a torpedo-like submarine vehicle that deploys and tows a string of explosive mooring cable cutters terminating in a sea anchor. The sea anchor serves as a carrier for the cutters and the towline and, after ejection as a package from the vehicle, is actuated to an expanded condition and displaces the cutters and coils of towline therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1973
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard K. Shumaker, Louis F. Jones
  • Mooring cable cutting system
    Patent number: 4020780
    Abstract: An improved cable or chain cutting implement comprises a two piece body pion with sharpened cutting edges on one end thereof. The two pieces of the body portion are configured so as to encompass a towing or sweep cable in gripping relation thereto. A spring retaining member holds the pieces of the body portion in operative relationship to one another and the towing or sweep cable. A plurality of these cutting implements may be attached to a single towed sweep line to comprise an improved, high speed mine sweeping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1969
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard K. Shumaker, William G. Harris, Jr.