Small vehicle encapsulation for torpedo tube vehicle launch
US9488438B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G8/32
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A containment canister is provided for loading a vehicle. In the canister, the vehicle is restrained by a nose cap and a ring which conforms to an aft section of the vehicle. Longitudinal leads support the vehicle and provide glide surfaces during a launch. A casing with flow ports is affixed to an aft end of the containment canister with the casing encompassing an actuator with an extendable arm and an attached plug. The plug is sized to move in alignment with each canister toward a sealing ring. When the arm is extended; the plug seats against the ring. To eject the vehicle, a signal is sent an actuator to retract the plug aft of the flow ports. As the canister is flooded by a water impulse thru the flow ports; the impulse contacts the aft end of the vehicle to expel the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.