US3662645A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupler for interconnection of tandem launched aerial flares
Assignee: ATK Launch Systems LLC
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Filing: 1970-03-09
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-03-09
Abstract
Abstract A coupler is provided for interconnecting two aerial flares prior to and during the early stages of their launching from an aircraft in order to prevent erratic tumbling of the flares which could result in striking of the flares on some part of the aircraft. The flares stay coupled only until they are clear of the aircraft and are then pulled apart by the air turbulence in the wake of the aircraft. The coupler is formed of semi-resilient plastic and is installed in place in each flare prior to launch.
Inventors
- 👤 James R Thurston
- 👤 Roger A Grosgebauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:48
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B4/00; F42B4/26; F42B12/00; F42B12/02; F42B12/36; F42B12/42; F42B12/56; F42B12/58; F42B12/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for launching flares from an aircraft comprising, in combination, a launching tube attached to the aircraft, a plurality of flares initially located in said tube in tandem relationship with one another, a hollow substantially cylindrical open end in each adjacent flare, a semi resilient coupler having identical substantially cylindrical ends each fitted into the flares open ends solely with a friction fit, and ejecting means for ejecting the frictionally interconnected flares from the aircraft, whereby the flares remain in that relationship until they clear the entire aircraft, encounter its wake and are separated by the forces of the aerodynamic turbulence existing therein as they overcome the said friction.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for launching flares from an aircraft comprising, in combination, a launching tube attached to the aircraft, a plurality of flares initially located in said tube in tandem relationship with one another, a hollow substantially cylindrical open end in each adjacent flare, a semi resilient coupler having identical substantially cylindrical ends each fitted into the flares open ends solely with a friction fit, and ejecting means for ejecting the frictionally interconnected flares from the aircraft, whereby the flares remain in that relationship until they clear the entire aircraft, encounter its wake and are separated by the forces of the aerodynamic turbulence existing therein as they overcome the said friction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention set forth in claim 1 with each open end having an internal annular protuberance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention set forth in claim 1 with the coupler having an external annular protuberance at each of its ends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention set forth in claim 3 with the ends of the coupler slotted to aid the resiliency thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention set forth in claim 3 with all of the said protuberances beveLled on their annular sides and the protuberances so located on the coupler as to override the protuberances in the flares open ends upon connection or disconnection of the flares to and from the coupler.
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) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |