Donald E Davis

Title: Innovations by Donald E. Davis

Introduction

Donald E. Davis is a notable inventor based in Huntsville, Alabama. He has made significant contributions to the field of missile technology, holding 2 patents that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of missile systems. His work is primarily associated with the U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army.

Latest Patents

One of his latest inventions is the "Missile secure-release mechanism having wheel lock detent." This invention efficiently and effectively secures and releases a rail-launched missile. An asymmetrical secure-release wheel is defined by several surfaces that extend radially outward from a pivot hole. The surfaces include a wheel unlatch surface, a wheel notch stop surface, a wheel detent surface, a clockwise stop surface, and a counterclockwise stop surface. The wheel is rotatable within a wheel housing. When a missile is loaded onto the launch rail, the middle shoe of the missile engages the detent surface of the wheel. During missile launch, the plume of the missile moves a trigger that pulls a connecting rod aft, resulting in a wheel lock being disengaged from the detent surface. A microswitch provides a signal indicating whether the wheel is in a latched or unlatched state.

Another significant patent is the "Rocket accuracy improvement device." This device, when coupled between the warhead and motor of a typical free flight rocket, isolates the warhead from the rocket motor in the axis using a plurality of ball bearings. This innovation enables the warhead to spin independently of the motor. The separation of the warhead from the motor allows the angular momentum of the warhead, which has reached its maximum spin rate by the time the motor burns out, to act gyroscopically to maintain the trajectory of the rocket even when the motor reverses its spin. This results in a much more predictable flight path for the rocket.

Career Highlights

Donald E. Davis has dedicated his career to advancing missile technology through his innovative inventions. His work with the U.S. Government has positioned him as a key contributor to national defense initiatives.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Davis has collaborated with notable colleagues, including David A. Bittle and Robert C. Glover. Their combined expertise has furthered the development of advanced missile systems.

Conclusion

Donald E. Davis is