Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Pruitt

Thomas M. Pruitt 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).

  • Spin control system for a suspended object that is to be deployed in or recovered from water
    Patent number: 8226042
    Abstract: A spin control system includes first and second thrusters coupled to an object hanging from a suspension member. When activated, the first and second thrusters generate thrust in opposing directions that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suspension member. When the object spins, a controller activates at least one of the first and second thrusters to approximately align the object with a reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: W. Scott Howell, Thomas M. Pruitt