Patent US3583277A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3583277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Closed breech launch tube and valve means therefore
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1968-11-27
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Granted: 1971-06-08
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Expires: 1988-11-27
Abstract
Abstract A closed breech launch tube for elongate rocket powered missiles including a source of high-pressure air or gas and a rocket blast actuated valve to suddenly release a large quantity of such air or gas into the space behind the missile to assist its expulsion from the launch tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Sydney R Crockett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:18
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41F; F41F3/00; F41F3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
In a closed breech launcher for rockets and the like, the improvement which comprises: means for admitting fluid under pressure into the breech behind the rocket to augment the breech pressure created by the rocket exhaust upon launching and thereby result in an increased muzzle velocity, said means including a normally closed valve located in the path of the exhaust blast from the rocket upon launching, said valve acting when opened to admit pressurized fluid to the breech behind the rocket, said valve being opened by the impingement thereon of exhaust blast from said rocket, said normally closed valve comprising a hollow stem lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rocket launcher, said stem having at least one radially extending port therein through which said pressurized fluid may pass, a collar mounted on said stem and slidable therealong, said collar covering said port where said valve is in its normally closed condition, and a plate forming a flanged extension of said collar and disposed to receive the exhaust blast from said rocket upon launching, whereby the reception of such exhaust blast from said rocket by said plate will cause said collar to slide along said stem and uncover said port to allOw said pressurized fluid to pass therethrough.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
In a closed breech launcher for rockets and the like, the improvement which comprises: means for admitting fluid under pressure into the breech behind the rocket to augment the breech pressure created by the rocket exhaust upon launching and thereby result in an increased muzzle velocity, said means including a normally closed valve located in the path of the exhaust blast from the rocket upon launching, said valve acting when opened to admit pressurized fluid to the breech behind the rocket, said valve being opened by the impingement thereon of exhaust blast from said rocket, said normally closed valve comprising a hollow stem lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rocket launcher, said stem having at least one radially extending port therein through which said pressurized fluid may pass, a collar mounted on said stem and slidable therealong, said collar covering said port where said valve is in its normally closed condition, and a plate forming a flanged extension of said collar and disposed to receive the exhaust blast from said rocket upon launching, whereby the reception of such exhaust blast from said rocket by said plate will cause said collar to slide along said stem and uncover said port to allOw said pressurized fluid to pass therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A closed breech launcher according to claim 1, further comprising latch means actuatable to lock said collar in part-open position after it has assumed such position following its movement along said stem in response to the reception of rocket exhaust blast by said plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 2 in which said latch means is actuated to lock said collar by the pressure on said latch means of fluid passing through said port after the latter has been opened by movement of said collar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
143 words
In combination, a closed breech launcher for rockets and a valve for rapid admission of high-pressure fluid into the launcher breech to increase rocket velocity, said valve comprising: a fluid flow member having at least one opening leading into the interior of said breech; a source of high-pressure fluid to said member; a closure normally obstructing said opening to prevent the egress of high-pressure fluid therefrom into said breech; said closure being movable from a position closing said opening to a position exposing said opening; and blast responsive means connected to said closure for movement of same from the closed to the open position said blast responsive means being located in the path of the blast of the rocket being launched, whereby blast action moves the closure to uncover said opening and admit high-pressure fluid into the breech to increase rocket exit velocity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
143 words
In combination, a closed breech launcher for rockets and a valve for rapid admission of high-pressure fluid into the launcher breech to increase rocket velocity, said valve comprising: a fluid flow member having at least one opening leading into the interior of said breech; a source of high-pressure fluid to said member; a closure normally obstructing said opening to prevent the egress of high-pressure fluid therefrom into said breech; said closure being movable from a position closing said opening to a position exposing said opening; and blast responsive means connected to said closure for movement of same from the closed to the open position said blast responsive means being located in the path of the blast of the rocket being launched, whereby blast action moves the closure to uncover said opening and admit high-pressure fluid into the breech to increase rocket exit velocity.
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) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |