Delivery system and method for flexible array
US5417139A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41H11/14
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method are provided whereby a single rocket or other projectile can be used to deploy a flexible array such as a net. There is provided to the rocket, via a sleeve and an attached flexible nose cone cap, a pair of pivoted, telescoping arms. The rocket is placed in a launch tube that has guides for the rocket, accommodates the swing arms, and has guides for the tow cables for the net. When the rocket is launched from the launch tube, the arms are swung apart on their single pivot such as with one or more loaded springs. After the arms have been swung out, they are held in place such as by a clam shell catch spring. While or after the spring-loaded arms are spread into place, the telescoped arms are extended such as by triggering a gas generator. Tow cables, one attached to each extreme end of an arm, spread out the net while the rocket is pulling it. Stabilization cables are provided that provide a central point of tow contact and better distribute some loads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.