Elastomeric launch system for submarines
US5438948A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41F3/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for providing a pressurized liquid to a launch tube for launng projectiles into a liquid medium. The device comprises an elastomeric bladder disposed inside a cylindrical bypass tube. The forward end of the bypass tube is open to the liquid medium, and the aft end of the tube is hydraulically connected to the launch tube. The elastomeric bladder is externally of generally cylindrical shape and has an open aft end, a closed forward end and a side wall of varying thickness. The open end of the bladder is hydraulically connected to valves which act to control charging of the bladder and firing of the bladder. The bladder expands to contact the wall of the bypass tube when the bladder is filled with pressurized seawater. Ultimately the whole bladder will act to seal the bypass tube by contact with the bypass tube wall to prevent the external liquid medium from communicating with the launch tube through the bypass tube. Upon vehicle launch pressurized liquid is provided from the elastomeric bladder to the launch tube. The bladder returns to its original shape after discharge breaking contact with the bypass tube wall, and liquid is allowed to flow through the bypass tube in…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.