Thomas Klebert Houck, Jr

Title: Innovations of Thomas Klebert Houck, Jr.

Introduction

Thomas Klebert Houck, Jr. is an accomplished inventor based in Woodford, Virginia. He has made significant contributions to the field of weaponry through his innovative designs. With a total of three patents to his name, Houck has demonstrated a commitment to advancing technology in military applications.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a remote operated gun breech. This invention features a remote operated mechanism that raises and lowers a seal in a gun loader breech via a transfer gear. The mechanism includes a servo motor, a pinion, a clutch, and a worm gear. The servo motor axially rotates the pinion, while the clutch controllably engages and disengages with the pinion. The worm gear couples the clutch to a shaft that engages the transfer gear. Notably, the clutch disengages the pinion from the motor in response to recoil from firing the gun. The worm gear includes a worm screw that axially turns with the pinion and a worm wheel that engages the worm screw to laterally spin a shaft connected to the transfer gear. The clutch also includes a coupler for engaging the worm screw, a spur gear that connects the coupler to the pinion, and a spring that pushes the coupler to engage the worm screw prior to firing.

Another significant patent is for a gun mount for ground attack aircraft. This recoil device is designed for a gun having a barrel with a breech. The device includes a breech nut, a brake assembly, a pneumatic spring, and a counter-recoil buffer. The breech nut has first and second adjacent sides. The brake assembly includes a brake cylinder that mounts to the breech nut on the first side, while the pneumatic spring mounts to the breech nut on the second side. The counter-recoil buffer attaches to the pneumatic spring. The brake cylinder and the pneumatic spring internally push fluids for recoil absorption and return in response to firing the gun.

Career Highlights

Houck works for the United States as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. His role involves developing advanced technologies that enhance military capabilities. His innovative spirit and technical expertise have made him a valuable asset in his field.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Houck has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Matthew Thomas Buckler and Timothy Gerald Burcham. These partnerships have fostered