Patents by Inventor Steven M. McKnight

Steven M. McKnight 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).

  • Marine vessel launch apparatus utilizing explosive triggers
    Patent number: 5499596
    Abstract: A marine vessel launch apparatus utilizing cradle wedges that are released by explosive triggers. The cradle wedges are located above each skidway and directly support the vessel. The cradle wedge is shaped and sized to provide a direct means of connecting the cradle wedge to the vessel tieback/support. The tieback/support for the cradle wedge is rigidly attached to the skidway. The tieback/support and cradle wedge are held together with bolts and frangible nuts. Explosive charges are used on the frangible nuts to release the cradle wedges from the tieback/support and launch the vessel. Jacks provide positive horizontal pressure on the cradle wedges to break static friction between the cradle wedges and skidways to initiate vessel motion down the skidways and into the waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: McDermott International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle C. Brown, Juan J. Campo, Philip F. Heiser, Steven M. McKnight