Patents by Inventor William R. Blackhurst

William R. Blackhurst 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: 5402720
    Abstract: A self-aligning adapter used for attaching a booster to a missile includes a hollow tapered receptacle positioned on the missile. A tapered member sized and shaped to fit into and mate with the receptacle is positioned on the booster. The tapered member fits into the tapered receptacle to align and attach the booster to the missile. A linear explosive charge is positioned on the booster around where the tapered member is joined to the booster. Explosion of the charge severs the tapered member from the booster releasing the booster from the missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: Marion R. Bottorff, Duane L. Aakre, Brian E. MacDonald, Paul M. Burri, Donald Deverich, William R. Blackhurst, David C. Coe, Anthony J. McEwan
  • Patent number: 4520975
    Abstract: For use in an aircraft having a store retaining cavity from which a loaded store may protrude beyond the envelope of the aircraft, a dual condition air bag system for substantially eliminating air turbulence about the store-cavity interface when the store is loaded, and reducing relative movement of the store during taxiing and flight of the aircraft; and for substantially eliminating air turbulence about the cavity-aircraft interface following release of the store by expansion of the air-bag to a dimension to substantially conform the exterior thereof to the envelope of the aircraft, the expanded shape of the air-bag system being controlled by a plurality of ties bonded to the inner surfaces of the air-bag to limit the displacement of the exterior surface of the air-bag when air pressure is applied to the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Blackhurst