Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Rust

Thomas M. Rust 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).

  • Zee electrical interconnect
    Patent number: 6293803
    Abstract: An interconnect, having some length, that reliably connects two conductors separated by the length of the interconnect when the connection is made but in which one length if unstressed would change relative to the other in operation. The interconnect comprises a base element an intermediate element and a top element. Each element is rectangular and formed of a conducting material and has opposed ends. The elements are arranged in a generally Z-shape with the base element having one end adapted to be connected to one conductor. The top element has one end adapted to be connected to another conductor and the intermediate element has its ends disposed against the other end of the base and the top element. Brazes mechanically and electrically interconnect the intermediate element to the base and the top elements proximate the corresponding ends of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignees: TRW Inc., The United States of America as represented the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas M. Rust, Edward M. Gaddy, Michael J. Herriage, Robert E. Patterson, Richard D. Partin
  • Method for making a throat insert for rocket thrusters
    Patent number: 6134781
    Abstract: A thruster rocket engine throat insert (12) has a thin walled shell (54) made from a high strength, oxidation resistant material. The shell (54) having a throat (48) of reduced cross-section and a radially extending annular stiffening ring (60) located at the throat (48). A casing (56) made from a material having a thermal conductivity at least 10 times greater than that of shell (54) is molded around an outer surface (58) of shell (54) and has a generally cylindrical exterior surface (59). Shell (54) resists yielding and oxidation caused by the extreme temperatures of rocket fuel combustion products passing through the throat insert (12), while the casing (56) acts to efficiently transfer heat from the shell (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Dale L. Hook, Thomas M. Rust, Scott J. Rotenberger
  • Dimensionally stable throat insert for rocket thrusters
    Patent number: 5802842
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a thruster rocket engine throat insert (12) having a thin walled shell (54) made from a high strength, oxidation resistant material. The shell (54) having a throat (48) of reduced cross-section and a radially extending annular stiffening ring (60) located at the throat (48). A casing (56) made from a material having a thermal conductivity at least 10 times greater than that of shell (54) is molded around an outer surface (58) of shell (54) and has a generally cylindrical exterior surface (59). Shell (54) resists yielding and oxidation caused by the extreme temperatures of rocket fuel combustion products passing through the throat insert (12), while the casing (56) acts to efficiently transfer heat from the shell (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Dale L. Hook, Thomas M. Rust, Scott J. Rotenberger