US3578783A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Extractor for an umbilical connector of a rocket
Assignee: Gouvernement de la Republique Francaise
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Filing: 1969-11-05
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Granted: 1971-05-18
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Expires: 1989-11-05
Abstract
Abstract An extractor for an umbilical connector of a rocket comprises a hook of a piston rod engaging the connector, the piston rod being connected to a piston which is loosely fitted in a cylinder. A lock member engages the piston to hold the same in a ready or armed position in which a spring is compressed between the piston and cylinder. In a first mode of operation, a command signal is given to retract the lock member whereupon the piston is displaced by the spring and the hook pulls the umbilical connector to separate it from the rocket. In a second mode of operation, the hook remains in place and during rocket lift-off the umbilical connector tilts the piston past the lock member whereupon the piston is displaced by the spring to pull the umbilical connector and separate it from the rocket.
Inventors
- 👤 Pierre Loustalet
- 👤 Guy Roujas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:54
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41F; F41F3/00; F41F3/04; F41F3/055; H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/629; H01R13/633; H01R13/635
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A disconnect unit comprising a displaceable coupling adapted for engagement with a member which is separable from another member, means engaging said coupling to displace the same to cause separation of the members, lock means to hold the coupling and prevent displacement thereof, means for inactivating the lock means to allow displacement of the coupling and separation of the members in a first mode of operation, and means for moving the coupling to bypass the lock means and thereby permit the coupling to be displaced with consequent separation of the members in a second mode of operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A disconnect unit comprising a displaceable coupling adapted for engagement with a member which is separable from another member, means engaging said coupling to displace the same to cause separation of the members, lock means to hold the coupling and prevent displacement thereof, means for inactivating the lock means to allow displacement of the coupling and separation of the members in a first mode of operation, and means for moving the coupling to bypass the lock means and thereby permit the coupling to be displaced with consequent separation of the members in a second mode of operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A unit as claimed in claim 1 comprising indicator means connected with said coupling for sensing the held and displaced positions of the coupling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprises a piston and the unit comprises a cylinder in which the piston is displaceable,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein said lock means comprises a retractable stop member within said cylinder for blocking movement of the piston.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means to displace the coupling comprises a spring acting between said cylinder and piston to displace the latter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
A unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein said piston is loosely fitted in said cylinder for tilting movement therein, said means for moving the coupling to bypass the lock means comprising means connected to the piston for engaging the first said member to tilt the piston and bypass the lock means when said first member is displaced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A unit as claimed in claim 6 comprising a guide between said coupling and cylinder to permit longitudinal displacement of the piston, said guide including a spherical bearing permitting pivotal movement of the piston within the cylinder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lock means comprises a pivotal lever with a lug at one end constituting said retractable stop member, and means acting on said lever at the other end thereof to retract and extend said Lug.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A unit as claimed in claim 8 comprising a manually operable safety lock engaging the coupling to prevent movement thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein said piston includes an eccentric ring thereon for engagement with the lug at the thicker portion of the ring and the safety lock at the thinner portion of the ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-17 | 1974-11-16 | 1975-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-11-16 | 1979-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-17 | 1982-11-16 | 1983-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |