Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Dillard

Thomas E. Dillard 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: 5020400
    Abstract: An improved tool for folding and unfolding spring-loaded missile wings is sclosed. The tool comprises an angled aluminum shaft with an unlocking stud sized to engage the wing deployment mechanism inside the wing. After a U-bracket has been attached to the wing's mounting bar, the tool is inserted into the U-bracket until the unlocking stud in positioned over the hole in the wing leading to the wing deployment mechanism. Pushing the unlocking stud through the hole forces the wing deployment mechanism to unlock, thus allowing the wing to be folded. The tool is also designed to assist in the wing spreading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert E. Sylvia, Thomas E. Dillard