Douglas A Fisher, Jr

Title: Douglas A. Fisher, Jr.: Inventor of a Rapid Decoy Towline Severance System

Introduction

Douglas A. Fisher, Jr. is an inventor associated with Chichester, New Hampshire, and BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. His patent describes a mechanical and thermal system designed to rapidly sever an aircraft’s decoy towline without using a pyrotechnic actuator.

Latest Patents

Fisher is credited with 1 patent: “Method and Apparatus for Rapid Severance of a Decoy Towline.” The invention uses a preloaded compression spring to drive a cutting blade toward the towline. A polymer cord holds the spring in its loaded position, while a heater wire wrapped around the cord is connected to a DC power supply. When energized, the wire melts the cord, releasing the spring and driving the blade into the towline. This approach provides rapid severance while eliminating the need for a pyrotechnic actuation device.

Career Highlights

The available information associates Fisher’s patented work with BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. His invention addresses a specialized aircraft application in which a decoy towline must be released quickly and reliably.

Collaborations

Fisher’s listed coworkers include James J. Jordan and Daniel J. Murphy. The available information does not specify their roles in developing or patenting the towline-severance system.

Conclusion

Douglas A. Fisher, Jr.’s patent presents a spring-driven, thermally released cutting mechanism for rapidly severing an aircraft decoy towline without pyrotechnics.