Patents by Inventor Steven L. Sanborn

Steven L. Sanborn 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: 8770085
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to enhance the performance of composite armor by utilizing the energy of the threat projectile is disclosed. The frontal member includes, for example, a plurality of concentric proves on the face opposite of the surface that is impacted by a projectile. The grooves in the frontal member preferably may mate with a complimentary plurality of concentric grooves in a backing plate. During impact by a projectile, the force from the projectile presses the grooves of the frontal member into engagement with the grooves of the backing plate. The grooves are uniquely designed to cause the backing plate to impart a compressive load into the backside of the frontal member preventing it from prematurely fracturing in tension at the onset of the projectile penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Sanborn, Lee Smathers, Wayne Burke
  • Publication number: 20110174143
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to enhance the performance of composite armor by utilizing the energy of the threat projectile is disclosed. The frontal member includes, for example, a plurality of concentric proves on the face opposite of the surface that is impacted by a projectile. The grooves in the frontal member preferably may mate with a complimentary plurality of concentric grooves in a backing plate. During impact by a projectile, the force from the projectile presses the grooves of the frontal member into engagement with the grooves of the backing plate. The grooves are uniquely designed to cause the backing plate to impart a compressive load into the backside of the frontal member preventing it from prematurely fracturing in tension at the onset of the projectile penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Steven L. SANBORN, Lee Smathers, Wayne Burke
  • Patent number: 4686888
    Abstract: A lightweight military vehicle is provided with an unmanned turret for interchangeably supporting large weapon stations. Elastomer filled stanchions connected to a turret platform serve to isolate weapon impulse forces from the vehicle frame. Driver, commander and gunner seats are located externally to the turret and provided with said doors to enable quick exiting. Both powered and manual backup drives are external to the rotating turret disk and are accessible from the gunner's seat. The elevation drive employs a ball and socket joint connecting an upper yoke mounted to the weapon with a fixed lower portion controlling vertical movement of the yoke and thereby the elevation of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: AM General Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Sanborn, Martin J. Neumeyer
  • Patent number: 4574685
    Abstract: A lightweight military vehicle is provided with an unmanned turret for interchangeably supporting large weapon stations. Elastomer filled stanchions connected to a turret platform serve to isolate weapon impulse forces from the vehicle frame. Driver, commander and gunner seats are located externally to the turret and provided with side doors to enable quick exiting. Both powered and manual backup drives are external to the rotating turret disk and are accessible from the gunner's seat. The elevation drive employs a ball and socket joint connecting an upper yoke mounted to the weapon with a fixed lower portion controlling vertical movement of the yoke and thereby the elevation of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: AM General Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Sanborn, Martin J. Neumeyer