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.