US4324167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible area launch tube rear cover
Assignee: Hughes Missile Systems Co
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Filing: 1980-04-14
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Granted: 1982-04-13
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Expires: 2000-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A rear cover for rocket launch tubes providing a seal between the tube and the rear of the rocket. The rocket is arranged in a manner such that the exhaust of a firing rocket will produce a seal between a sealing member and the rear of the rocket and will seal off the portion of the tube adjacent to the rocket itself, thus preventing exhaust gases from entering this portion of the launch tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward T. Piesik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 12:29
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41F; F41F3/00; F41F3/04; F41F3/0413; B; B62; B62B; B62B1/00; B62B1/10; B62B1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising: a launch tube; duct means adjacent to said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle; and flexible sealable means extending across at least the open portion of the launch tube in the vicinity of the duct means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising: a launch tube; duct means adjacent to said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle; and flexible sealable means extending across at least the open portion of the launch tube in the vicinity of the duct means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sealable means comprises a support member and a flexible seal member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said members are located adjacent the exhaust of said vehicle and contain an opening of substantially the same size as an external surface of said vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support member includes a toroidal lip at said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support member is a screen and abuts the seal member at said opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said seal member includes a conically shaped lip.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said sealable means is flexible and is distorted by the exhaust plume of said vehicle during launching.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said sealable means is ablative and is removable by the exhaust plume.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising: a launch tube; a duct disposed adjacent said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle; sealing means disposed from said tube to adjacent said vehicle; and a normally closed cover positioned substantially at the intersection of said tube and said duct.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising: a launch tube; a duct disposed adjacent said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle; sealing means disposed from said tube to adjacent said vehicle; and a normally closed cover positioned substantially at the intersection of said tube and said duct.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said sealing means and said cover initially form a closed chamber at the ignition of the vehicle and said sealing means prevents flow of exhaust gases upward through said tube after ignition and lift-off.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said sealing means comprises a support member and a flexible seal member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said members are located next adjacent the exhaust of said vehicle and contain an opening of substantially the same size as the external surface of said exhaust.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said support member includes a toroidal lip at said opening.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said seal member includes a seal at said opening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said seal is conical in shape.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said sealing means is flexible and is distorted by the exhaust plume of said vehicle during launching.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said sealing means is ablative and is removable by the exhaust plume of said vehicle.
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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) | 1985-04-12 | 1985-10-12 | 1986-04-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-04-12 | 1989-10-12 | 1990-04-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-04-12 | 1993-10-12 | 1994-04-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |