Steven R Wassom
Engineers in Smithfield, UT

6705075, Mar 16, 2004

Oct 30, 2000

09/698472

Thomas K. Highsmith - North Ogden UT
Michael D. Blair - North Ogden UT
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT
William D. Starrett - Roy UT
Joel Dever - Logan UT

Alliant Techsystems Inc. - Edina MO

F02K 928

60205, 60253

A method and device for producing a controlled combustion by placing a combustion chamber in communication with a feed chamber that contains a solid propellant/body, introducing at least a portion of the body into the combustion chamber, isolating the combustion chamber from the feed chamber, and igniting the solid propellant in the combustion chamber while the combustion chamber is isolated from the feed chamber.

4867393, Sep 19, 1989

Aug 17, 1988

7/233069

Lawrence C. Faupell - Logan UT
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT

Morton Thiokol, Inc. - Chicago IL

F42B 15027, F42B 15033

244 322

A tactical pulsed missile with a movable nozzle for thrust vector control and movable aerofins to provide greater maneuverability and flexibility. The first pulse is fired at launch and the later pulses are fired as needed whereby steerage may be provided by thrust vector control during the firing of the pulses. When none of the pulses are firing, steerage may be provided by the movable aerofins. The missile is provided with separate small electromechanical actuators for each of the aerofins and each of the movable nozzle axes which are preferably placed closely adjacent the respective aerofins and nozzle so that the weight and space of various linkages may be eliminated. The motors are provided with a source of high voltage so that their size may be reduced whereby they burn up when the high voltage is applied for a short period of time but not before their task has been achieved. The fin span is reduced to less than about four inches to enable the packaging of a greater number of such tactical missiles in the payload bay of an airplane. A flexible bearing may be provided between the nozzle and nozzle housing.

7616326, Nov 10, 2009

Jun 28, 2007

11/770666

Morgan Davidson - River Heights UT, US
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US

Utah State University Research Foundation - North Logan UT

G01B 11/14, G01B 11/26, G01C 1/00

356614, 356138

A system for determining the longitudinal position of a displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors measures a distance from each displacement sensor to the displaceable element. The displaceable element has a tapered thickness along its length. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the proximity sensors to each detect their distance to the displaceable element, which distances then correspond directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system calculates the position of the displaceable element. The system can easily factor out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element, since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

2013003, Feb 14, 2013

Jan 24, 2012

13/357336

Bryan Bingham - Providence UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US

Utah State University Research Foundation - North Logan UT

G01M 1/00

73 6508

A method and apparatus for determining the mass moment of inertia of a given object is disclosed, The apparatus is a mass moment of inertia platform whereon objects to be measured can be placed. The platform uses flex pivots as torsional springs and the method ensures the flex pivots are procured and assembled in such a way so as to limit flex pivot misalignment systemic errors thereby resulting in a highly accurate and low-cost apparatus for measuring the mass moment of inertia.

5398887, Mar 21, 1995

Oct 12, 1993

8/134911

Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT
Girard H. Rapp - Brigham City UT
Robert B. Smalley - Brigham City UT

Thiokol Corporation - Odgen UT

F42B 1000

244 322

A control system for use in missiles and other projectiles which provides pitch, yaw and roll control. The control system includes two opposing pairs of flaps configured in the aft end of the missile case. Each flap is attached for rotation about its leading edge. Prior to actuation, the flaps conform to the exterior surface of the missile. Upon actuation, the flaps extend into the airstream to induce aerodynamic forces. The axis of rotation of each flap is positioned at an oblique angle to the radial plane of the missile.

5511745, Apr 30, 1996

Dec 30, 1994

8/366848

Lawrence C. Faupell - North Logan UT
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT
Joseph J. Kliger - North Ogden UT

Thiokol Corporation - Ogden UT

F02K 990, F02K 984, F42B 1066

244 322

A system for providing pitch, yaw, and roll control during the flight of a rocket-propelled vehicle combines a vectorable nozzle with jet vanes. The vectorable nozzle provides yaw and pitch control, while the jet vanes provide roll control. Anti-rotation pins extend from the vehicle housing into longitudinal slots within the vectorable nozzle to allow vectoring movements and prevent rotation of the nozzle. The jet vanes are rotatably mounted on shafts within the nozzle exit cone to receive and guide combustion products passing through the nozzle. The jet vanes may be jettisoned after an initial high-angle-of-attack maneuver is completed and the vehicle gains speed, after which roll control is provided by aerodynamic fins. The jet vanes may also be formed of material which erodes after the initial maneuver, thereby reducing the loss of thrust caused by the jet vanes.

8223346, Jul 17, 2012

Sep 28, 2009

12/568211

Morgan Davidson - River Heights UT, US
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US

Utah State University Research Foundation - North Logan UT

G01B 11/14, G01B 11/26, G01C 1/00

356614, 356138

A method and apparatus for determining the longitudinal position of a tapered displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the sensors to each measure their distance to the displaceable element which relates directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system factors out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

2009015, Jun 25, 2009

Dec 18, 2008

12/337919

Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US
Morgan Davidson - River Heights UT, US
Richard Sanders - Smithfield UT, US

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION - North Logan UT

B60L 7/00

188164

An apparatus for securing movable elements of a multiple-axis drive mechanism with respect to the fixed base thereof during launch to prevent damage while unpowered. Mating surfaces of the lock secure the mechanism about all three axes of motion. Thus, the drives need to be only sufficiently designed to break free one element of the launch lock from the other element. Tapered or other guiding surfaces of the two elements of the launch lock make it self-aligning, such that mating surfaces are guided together once placed in sufficiently close proximity.