Kurt R Swanson

US Patent:

6065239, May 23, 2000

Filed:

Sep 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/406340

Inventors:

Kent R. Thomas - Signal Hill CA
Kurt Swanson - Bainbridge Island WA

International Classification:

A01K 7100
A01K 7400
A01K 7900

US Classification:

43 45

Abstract:

An automatically closing drop fishing net is provided for commercial fishing operations. The drop net assembly includes an upper float ring, a lower weight ring, and a net formed in a generally tubular configuration. The upper end of the net is attached to the float ring and the lower end of the net is attached to the weight ring. The drop net assembly has several torque lines that extend from locations on the float ring on the outside of the net to locations on the weight ring that are initially angularly offset at least one hundred eighty degrees relative to their points of attachment to the float ring. The torque lines are shorter than the vertical length that the net would assume in a stretched condition with the float ring buoyed upon the surface of a body of sea water and with the weight ring suspended therebeneath and held only by the structure of the net. As gravity pulls the weight ring downwardly from the float ring in the water, tension is exerted on the torque lines. This tension causes the weight ring to rotate relative to the float ring above it.

US Patent:

49750062, Dec 4, 1990

Filed:

May 25, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/528390

Inventors:

Kurt W. Swanson - Kent WA

Assignee:

General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division - San Diego CA

International Classification:

F16B 1304
F16B 3902

US Classification:

411 19

Abstract:

The fastening together of structural elements formed from carbon-carbon is accomplished by a fastener constructed from 2-D or 3-D carbon-carbon in the form of a high angle helical threads on one end and a countersunk head with a carbon-carbon central insert on the other end with the threaded end inserted through the carbon-carbon structural elements to be joined. A metal is painted on the threads and the shank on the fastener. A collar formed from carbon-carbon is fitted over the course threaded end of the fastener with the distal end of the threads extending therefrom. While passing a heating current through the fastener, the head and the collar of the fastener are forced together. The fastener is heated to an elevated temperature in the presence of an Oxygen gas cover which causes the powered metal to expand up to 100% binding the fastener to the carbon-carbon components, collar and insert.

US Patent:

50228030, Jun 11, 1991

Filed:

May 25, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/528409

Inventors:

Kurt W. Swanson - Kent WA

Assignee:

General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division - San Diego CA

International Classification:

F16B 1304

US Classification:

411 19

Abstract:

A method for joining carbon-carbon structural elements together using a carbon-carbon pin type fastener for transfer of shear loads. A coating of powdered metal which undergoes a large expansion when reacted in the presence of a gas is used to coat the outer surfaces of a pin which extends through the structural elements to be joined, with the powdered metal coating between the body of the pin and the surfaces of the structural elements through which the pin passes. After installation through the structural elements the pin is heated in an oxygen atmosphere causing the powdered metal coating to expand up to 100% from its unheated volume binding the pin to the structural elements. A fluted or scalloped edge on the pin increases the surface area of the pin increasing its friction holding force.

US Patent:

56178131, Apr 8, 1997

Filed:

Mar 31, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/414631

Inventors:

Gary F. Loverich - Bainbridge Island WA
Kurt T. Swanson - Poulsbo WA
Clifford A. Goudey - Charleston MA

Assignee:

Ocean Spar Technologies, LLC - Bainbridge Island WA

International Classification:

A01K 7100

US Classification:

119223

Abstract:

Anchorable mobile pens for growing fish or shellfish that have an elongate central vertical spar buoy surrounded by at least one horizontal net-supporting ring with continuous netting extending from an upper end of the buoy to the ring and thence to a lower, submerged end of the buoy to produce an enclosed pen. The pen is optionally not anchored and free to float with the currents although it may more often be anchored by conventional means. The mobility of the pens provides the benefits of avoidance of localized hazards, like toxic plankton blooms, and the capability to move the pen to a more convenient fish-harvesting location, if necessary.

US Patent:

49348574, Jun 19, 1990

Filed:

Oct 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/255676

Inventors:

Kurt W. Swanson - Kent WA

Assignee:

General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division - San Diego CA

International Classification:

F16C 900

US Classification:

403 30

Abstract:

A fastener for connecting structures having significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) which substantially eliminates thermal stress with varying ambient temperatures, while allowing said structures to be either abutting or spaced from each other. A frusto-conical bore through a wall of a first structure receives a frusto-conical surface of an elongated fastener which is coincident with said bore. The fastener has a base secured to a second structure. A shoulder is formed on the first structure around the narrow end of the bore, the shoulder having a frusto-conical outer edge. A flange member is secured to the vertex end of said fastener, the flange member having a surface configured to engage the outer edge in a coincident relationship. The fastener is tightened to bring both pairs of coincident conical surfaces into pressure contact. Both parts of conic surface preferably have a common vertex which lies outside the fastener.