US4116404A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic balancing concept
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1977-07-22
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Granted: 1978-09-26
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Expires: 1997-07-22
Abstract
Abstract An automatic balancing concept including two annular containers used to dmically balance a rocket during flight. The containers are partially filled with a high density fluid and are installed forward and aft of the longitudinal CG of the rocket. When spin is induced in the rocket the radial CG will shift to the spin axis and the fluid will couple itself to the outside diameter of the ring.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas H. Howell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:51
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B10/00; F42B10/02; F42B10/26; F42B10/28; F42B10/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An automatic system for balancing a rocket during flight said system comprising: two annular containers installed forward and aft of the rocket longitudinal CG station; said containers being provided with a chamber partially filled with high density fluid; a cover for closing said chamber and a plurality of paddles fastened to the underside of said cover and extending into said chamber to angularly accelerate and move the fluid to the outer wall of said chamber thereby aligning the CG of each container about the rocket spin axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An automatic system for balancing a rocket during flight said system comprising: two annular containers installed forward and aft of the rocket longitudinal CG station; said containers being provided with a chamber partially filled with high density fluid; a cover for closing said chamber and a plurality of paddles fastened to the underside of said cover and extending into said chamber to angularly accelerate and move the fluid to the outer wall of said chamber thereby aligning the CG of each container about the rocket spin axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said paddles are spaced from the chamber walls to provide room for the fluid to flow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said paddles are almost flush with the chamber walls and are provided with openings therein for fluidic movement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2774305A
Cited
US2980363A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-25 | 1982-03-27 | 1982-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-25 | 1986-03-27 | 1986-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-25 | 1990-03-27 | 1990-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |