Patents by Inventor William M. Howerton

William M. Howerton 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: 6006842
    Abstract: Hazard suppression apparatus (10) is provided with a container (12) of suppression fluid and a non-explosive, pressurized gas-operated actuator assembly (16). The assembly (16) includes an actuator body (32) and first and second spaced apart rupture discs (36, 38) defining a zone (43) therebetween; the first disc (36) is preferably of bulged, scored configuration, whereas the second disc (38) is flat and has a series of vent openings (52) therethrough. A perforate, bar-type support (34) is positioned adjacent the second disc (38) and remote from the zone (43). A container (18) of high pressure actuating fluid is operatively coupled to the body (32) via a coupling unit (56) having an elongated, tubular nipple (58) equipped with a third rupture disc (62). A valve (70), adapted for connection with a hazard sensor is interposed between the container (18) and the coupling unit (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford T. Stilwell, Bon F. Shaw, William M. Howerton