Separation system

US5969287A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lockheed Martin Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jim W. Blain · Santa Cruz, US
• Robert Arthur Nelson · Santa Cruz, US
• Duane D. Grosskrueger · Highlands Ranch, US
• John J. Smith · Cambridge, US
• Michael D. Krohn · Littleton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 1997
• Grant date: Oct 19, 1999
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/641
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A separation system for separating a first section from a second section is disclosed. In one embodiment, the separation system includes first and second doublers for initially interconnecting the first and second sections, an expandable explosive system contained in a cavity defined by the first and second doublers and first and second sections, first and second grooves positioned on the first and second doublers, the first and second doublers severable along break planes defined by the first and second grooves, and bend augmenters associated with at least one of the first and second doublers to facilitate hinging of the doubler upon firing of the explosive, which thereby reduces separation shock.