Patents by Inventor W. Scott Howell

W. Scott Howell 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: 10160530
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle's rotating support assembly includes a first assembly having a first ring, a shaft coaxial with the first ring, and first spokes rigidly coupling the shaft to the first ring. The rotating support assembly also includes a second assembly having a second ring, a hub coaxial with the second ring, and second spokes rigidly coupling the hub to the second ring. The hub is mounted on the shaft for rotation with respect to the shaft. Bearings are disposed between the shaft and the hub. The first assembly is rigidly coupled to an exhaust exit port of an exhaust manifold, and the second assembly is rigidly coupled to an exhaust entry port of the exhaust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: W. Scott Howell, Phillip Gabriel Allen
  • Patent number: 8777285
    Abstract: A cable capture/release (CCR) device defines an open slot and an annular channel. The CCR device is coupled to a housing at a first pivot point wherein the slot is maintained outside of the housing. A sliding coupler engages the annular channel and extends to an attachment point. A tow point on the housing and the attachment point are aligned along a line of force when the housing is towed, while the first pivot point is out of alignment with the line of force. A trigger is coupled to the housing at a second pivot point. A latch, coupled to the housing at a third pivot point, defines first and second latch elements. The first latch element engages a perimeter of the CCR device and the second latch element engages the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: W. Scott Howell
  • 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