The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 01, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 01, 1998
John A Simmons, West Covina, CA (US);
Eric Knutson, Lancaster, CA (US);
Joseph M Wurts, Valencia, CA (US);
John T Reynolds, Lancaster, CA (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Palmdale, CA (US);
Abstract
A protective ballute for a payload launched from an airborne platform includes an elongated shroud member, gas delivery apparatus for filling the shroud member with a lighter-than-air gas to inflate the shroud member. A payload as ballast is provided at one end portion of the shroud member for rendering the ballute heavier than air. Flight control and guidance apparatus is carried by said shroud member for determining a flight path and attaining a predetermined target landing site. A mechanism carried by the shroud member releases the payload from the shroud member upon reaching the landing site while maintaining said shroud member in its inflated state. The shroud member then rises or 'floats' away from said landing site to another removed location, or if desired will self-destruct.