Patents by Inventor Thomas E. McClung

Thomas E. McClung 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: 4432437
    Abstract: A controlled descent-speed, line system is described for the emergency evacuation of high office buildings, apartments and hotels. Included is a small diameter, high-strength steel cable of sufficient length wound upon a flanged reel. One reel flange is hobbed for drive chain teeth to drive a centrifugal clutch rotor hub sprocket. The out-drive clutch drum torques a linear actuator shaft which applies direct braking force to the cable reel. The load end of the cable is provided with a harness and umbrella deployable shield. The shield is stored as a slender, elongated column. Upon use, weight of the user collapses a number of straight spring strips into respective bows to approximate a spherical ball connected in the cable line above the users head to deflect heavy, falling debris and to maintain clearance between the face of the evacuated building and the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas E. McClung