Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Apple

Thomas A. Apple 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).

  • Aerosol smoke grenade
    Patent number: 7975615
    Abstract: The invention is an aerosol search and rescue (SAR) grenade. A smoke signal is produced that is comparable to the smoke signal produced by a pyrotechnic grenade. An aspirating provides a propellant gas/air mixture to a reservoir of smoke material. A container configuration and gravity operated valve provide for a smoke plume only in the upward direction. The smoke grenade is useful in life rafts. It is also useful in inland areas posing a risk of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas A. Apple
  • Life raft launcher
    Patent number: 7681515
    Abstract: A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas A. Apple