US3913870A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stable gyro reference for projectiles
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-01-05
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A stable gyro reference for enabling flight corrections to spinstabilized projectile trajectories. A drive plate on the projectile body engages and supports the gyro during launch to transfer projectile spin to the gyro. After launch, the gyro separates from the drive plate permitting it to spin freely. Because of the mechanical support given by the drive plate to the gyro during the high acceleration launch, various conventional gyros are suitable for use. Control of range and dispersion errors can be effected through the use of such a gyro system in conjunction with suitable aerodynamic or thruster methods.
Inventors
- 👤 R Glenn Bolick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C19/00; G01C19/02; G01C19/025; F; F42; F42B; F42B15/00; F42B15/01; G01C19/04; G01C19/26; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/12; Y10T74/1204; Y10T74/1207
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A stable gyro reference for spin-stabilized projectiles comprising: a projectile body; a gyro disposed within a cavity in said projectile body; means for releasably coupling said gyro to said projectile body during launch whereby the stabilizing spin of the projectile will be imparted to said gyro, said coupling means allowing said gyro to spin freely following launch; bearing means on said projectile body for supporting said gyro following release; and means responsive to the relative orientation of said projectile body and said gyro for generating error signals to enable correction of the trajectory when necessary.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A stable gyro reference for spin-stabilized projectiles comprising: a projectile body; a gyro disposed within a cavity in said projectile body; means for releasably coupling said gyro to said projectile body during launch whereby the stabilizing spin of the projectile will be imparted to said gyro, said coupling means allowing said gyro to spin freely following launch; bearing means on said projectile body for supporting said gyro following release; and means responsive to the relative orientation of said projectile body and said gyro for generating error signals to enable correction of the trajectory when necessary.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gyro of claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises pins disposed in mating apertures of said projectile body and said gyro and retractable into said projectile body by centrifugal force during spin up to release said gyro.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gyro of claim 2 wherein said coupling means includes a drive plate on said projectile body and engaging said gyro during launch to spin up said gyro.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The gyro of claim 3 wherein said drive plate is formed of high friction composite material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gyro of claim 3 wherein said drive plate is serrated and engages corresponding serrations on said gyro.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The gyro of claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprise gas bearings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The gyro of claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprise electromagnetic bearings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The gyro of claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprise electrostatic bearings.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |