Launch vehicle stage integration device
US7748663B1 · kind B1 · utility
1Cited by
30References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B15/36
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mating and connection system for securing adjacent stages of a launch vehicle. The system includes a locking flange connected to each of a first vehicle stage and a second vehicle stage. A compression ring is positioned internal to the first and second vehicle stages. The compression ring is shaped to compress together the locking flanges of the first and second stages upon engagement with the locking flanges. A locking jack is capable of being activated from an exterior of the first and second stages and operates to selectively move the compression ring into and out of engagement with the locking flanges.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.