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US4291849A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Reaction-jet torquer

Assignee: United States Department of the Army
•
Filing: 1979-05-04
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Granted: 1981-09-29
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Expires: 1999-05-04
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Abstract

Abstract A reaction-jet torquer system carried in a projectile to aim the projectileo a target. The torquer system uses the thrust of sonic nozzles to control a gyro rotor inertial frame of reference. The reaction force applied to the gimbal gives the rotor the capability of tracking the target. A sensor carried by the gyro provides logic which identifies and activates the appropriate nozzle or nozzles of the system to generate the required gimbal force.

Inventors

  • 👤 Aubrey Rodgers
  • 👤 Escar L. Bailey

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 16:56
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/22; F41G7/2213; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/12; Y10T74/1229; Y10T74/1232; Y10T74/1239

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim 171 words
In a missile disposed for flight to a target, apparatus for controlling flight of said missile to said target comprising: a. a gyro assembly including a frame secured to said missile, an outer gimbal secured to said frame, an inner gimbal secured to said outer gimbal, and, a rotor mounted in said inner gimbal; b. reaction-jet torquer means carried in said inner gimbal for torquing said rotor to line of sight with said target, said reaction jet torquer means including a source of pressurized gas carried in said inner gimbal, four sonic nozzles spaced about said inner gimbal 90° apart, four miniature electrically actuated solenoid valves disposed about said inner gimbal 90° apart, each said valve disposed in communication with said source of gas and one of said nozzles; c. a sensor carried by said inner gimbal for receiving signals from said target and for transmitting signals for activation of said reaction-jet torquer means, and; d. control means for guiding said missile to the target response to torquing of said rotor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 171 words
In a missile disposed for flight to a target, apparatus for controlling flight of said missile to said target comprising: a. a gyro assembly including a frame secured to said missile, an outer gimbal secured to said frame, an inner gimbal secured to said outer gimbal, and, a rotor mounted in said inner gimbal; b. reaction-jet torquer means carried in said inner gimbal for torquing said rotor to line of sight with said target, said reaction jet torquer means including a source of pressurized gas carried in said inner gimbal, four sonic nozzles spaced about said inner gimbal 90° apart, four miniature electrically actuated solenoid valves disposed about said inner gimbal 90° apart, each said valve disposed in communication with said source of gas and one of said nozzles; c. a sensor carried by said inner gimbal for receiving signals from said target and for transmitting signals for activation of said reaction-jet torquer means, and; d. control means for guiding said missile to the target response to torquing of said rotor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said sensor is divided into quadrants, each said quadrant being electrically connected to a respective said solenoid valve for selective activation thereof.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4006356A Cited
US3891166A Cited
US4131254A Cited
US4087061A Cited
US3813067A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1984-09-28 1985-03-30 1985-09-29 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1988-09-28 1989-03-30 1989-09-29 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1992-09-28 1993-03-30 1993-09-29 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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