Patents by Inventor Richard M. Curtis

Richard M. Curtis 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: 5076194
    Abstract: A kayak or similar watercraft includes a releasable deck section that allows the operator to easily evacuate the craft during an emergency. A flange on the removable deck section interlocks with a flange on the hull of the watercraft. Forward pressure exerted by the operator on the releasable deck section causes the deck section to slide forward until it is no longer interlocked with the hull flange, thereby releasing the deck section from the watercraft. The purpose of the invention is to facilitate entry into and emergency exits from the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: Richard M. Curtis, Thomas G. Kreutz
  • Patent number: 4699076
    Abstract: A kayak or similar water craft includes a releasable deck that allows the operator to easily evacuate the craft during an emergency. A plurality of large headed pins are preferably employed to attach the releasable deck plate to the upper surface of the hull of the vessel. The head of the pin is received in the large opening of a key hole which includes a slotted groove portion. When the pin is received in the groove portion the deck plate is securely fastened to the kayak. Forward pressure exerted by the operator causes the pins to slide out of the key holes, thereby releasing the deck plate from the craft. The deck plate is held in place by a holding handle or a clip and detent arrangement until it is ready for release. The purpose of the invention is to make it safer for water craft operators to safely and effectively evacuate a vessel during an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventors: Richard M. Curtis, Thomas G. Kreutz
  • Patent number: 4024400
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring metals concentration in fluid streams, and particularly for detecting rapid changes in metal concentrations in hydrocarbon streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: George C. Blytas, Richard M. Curtis