John F Horan

US Patent:

43019838, Nov 24, 1981

Filed:

Oct 29, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/088904

Inventors:

John J. Horan - Chalfont PA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B64D 2502
B60R 2110

US Classification:

244122R

Abstract:

A G-protective seat is disclosed for disposing an occupant within a vehicle n a supine tucked posture during high acceleration loading substantially along the Z-axis of the vehicle. At the onset of high Z-axis acceleration, a pair of pivotal leg support members are actuated to fold the legs of the occupant upwardly thereby drawing the knees up to the chest of the occupant in an intermediate tucked position. With the occupant in the tucked position, the seat rotates upward about an axis substantially defined by the occupant's eyes into a supine position for the duration of the high acceleration loading.

US Patent:

43422780, Aug 3, 1982

Filed:

Oct 15, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/197321

Inventors:

John J. Horan - Chalfont PA

International Classification:

B63B 708

US Classification:

114345

Abstract:

The miniboats introduced in my U. S. Pat. 4,090,270 were basically novel in configuration, method of construction, ease of boarding by a swimmer, flotation effectiveness relative to lightness and compactness when stowed, degree of hypothermia protection achieved, and security in wind and water far beyond the capabilities of comparable pneumatic craft of traditional design; but they were not well adapted for entry by persons desiring to board them without a wetting. The vessels disclosed herein have overcome that problem. They have structurally integrated decks with dry-access openings that provide twice the retained buoyancy, a barrier to wave influx over the gunwales, an inherent self-righting capability, unprecedented storm security, ride stability, and magnified hypothermia protection. Some have integral leg articulation and propulsion and/or vessel-integrated suspension system for retarding descent to water from high elevations, auxiliary propulsion provisions, etc. Models sharing design characteristics of these life-support craft are highly adapted for expansion of seasonal, latitude, and ambulatory opportunity for scientific work and for recreation.

US Patent:

40902706, May 23, 1978

Filed:

Nov 29, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/745736

Inventors:

John J. Horan - Willow Grove PA

International Classification:

B63B 700

US Classification:

9 2A

Abstract:

A mini-boat having an inflatable, hollow configuration for safely supporting persons in water. Two similarly shaped sheets of inflatable material are sealed together near their peripheral edges thereby forming two mirror imaged sections about an axis of symmetry at the stern of the mini-boat, the maximum depth preferably being near the axis and the sections tapering downwardly toward their distal ends at the bow. The sheets are further seamed together along a plurality of lines so spaced within the sealed sections as to define an array of relatively narrow interconnecting inflation cells. The sections are then folded at the axis and the opposing lower and distal edges are sealed together to define the keel and bow of the hull. The cells are inflated orally or by gas and are shaped to provide a lounge chair contour and attitude under the weight of an occupant whose inclined back lies against the axis with the buttocks at the point of maximum depth so that the body thereby becomes the thwart structure for the compliant hull.