Double piston propulsion unit
US5313870A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41A1/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A double piston propulsion unit for a recoilless mass/countermass projectile launcher comprises two hollow cylindrical pistons (22, 23) arranged in a back-to-back relationship with closed outer ends and open inner ends, the open inner ends being joined together by a circumferential rupturable connecting means so that the pistons form a vessel in which a propellant charge (34) is enclosed. In operation, the unit is slideably located inside the open-ende launch tube (1) of the projectile launcher at its mid-point. The propellant when initiated causes a build up of propellant gases inside the vessel and when the gas pressure reaches a pre-determined value the connecting means fails in tension and the piston (22, 23) are propelled in opposite directions. The tensile and compressive force experienced by the pistons (22, 23) during the firing of the unit are substantially decreased compared to known units, so that relatively lightweight pistons (22, 23) can be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.