Patents by Inventor Steve SAWYER

Steve SAWYER 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: 20230278708
    Abstract: Aerial fire-fighting bucket systems are disclosed for liquid cargo pickup, transport, and discharge. Bucket systems include rigging to be attached to the long line of an aircraft, the bucket having a pliable skin having an upper edge and a lower edge, an upper frame from which the upper edge of the skin is suspended, and a lower structure to which the lower edge of the skin is attached in a sealed manner. Fixed attachment of the skin by its sealing attachment to the lower structure forms a container for the liquid cargo. Bucket systems include a valve system disposed in the lower structure and optionally a computer-controlled hydraulic motor/pump and accumulator configured to maintain hydraulic pressure, and controls to release liquid cargo from the bucket by a hydraulically-activated flapper valve assembly. Bucket systems may include a power fill system with pump having an outlet comprising a plurality of check valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew SAWYER, Steve SAWYER, Jeremy BRYANT, Scott SIEMSEN
  • Publication number: 20230277881
    Abstract: Aerial fire-fighting bucket systems are disclosed for liquid cargo pickup, transport, and discharge. Bucket systems include a valve system disposed in the lower structure and a computer-controlled hydraulic motor/pump and accumulator configured to maintain hydraulic pressure, and controls to release liquid cargo from the bucket by a hydraulically activated valve assembly. Hydraulic accumulator charging operates independently of activation of cargo pickup, transport, and discharge cycles. Hydraulic accumulator sizing provides for a minimum of actuations of extension and retraction of the piston within a short-time interval reducing weight and electrical supply burdens on the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew SAWYER, Steve SAWYER, Jeremy BRYANT, Scott SIEMSEN, Scott BOYD