Electromagnetic projectile launcher with an improved firing arrangement
US4993311A · kind A · utility
4Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1987 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41B6/006
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electromagnetic launcher having spaced-apart rails for launching a projectile by means of a current-carrying armature between the rails includes a breech end loop connected to a current commutating firing switch. A low resistance shorted loop is positioned in proximity to the breech loop and generates a current in a direction counter to the commutated breech current. The arrangement reduces the equivalent breech inductance which in turn reduces communication arcing energy as well as the duration of arcing, thereby prolonging firing switch life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.