US4423662A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Muzzle arc suppressor for electromagnetic projectile launcher
Assignee: WESTIGHOUSE ELECTRIC Corp A CORP OF PA
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Filing: 1981-10-08
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Granted: 1984-01-03
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Expires: 2001-10-08
Abstract
Abstract An electromagnetic projectile launcher having a pair of conductive rails with a breech and a nozzle end and an impedance electrically connected across the conductive rails adjacent the muzzle end of the conductive rails, and a second impedance which increases as the distance to the muzzle decreases, is disposed in the muzzle end of the rails and in arcs confined within the muzzle to commutate the current to the first impedance to substantially suppress any external arc as the projectile exits from the launcher.
Inventors
- 👤 Dan R. McAllister
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:53
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41B; F41B6/00; F41B6/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher comprising: a pair of generally parallel conductors having a breech and a nozzle end; means for conducting current between said conductors and for accelerating said projectile; a source of high current connected to said conductors; a first impedance disposed across said conductors adjacent the muzzle end thereof; and a second impedance disposed in at least one of said conductors on the muzzle side of where said first impedance is connected across said conductors, said second impedance increasing in resistivity as the distance to the muzzle decreases; whereby current is commutated to said first impedance to suppress muzzle arcing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher comprising: a pair of generally parallel conductors having a breech and a nozzle end; means for conducting current between said conductors and for accelerating said projectile; a source of high current connected to said conductors; a first impedance disposed across said conductors adjacent the muzzle end thereof; and a second impedance disposed in at least one of said conductors on the muzzle side of where said first impedance is connected across said conductors, said second impedance increasing in resistivity as the distance to the muzzle decreases; whereby current is commutated to said first impedance to suppress muzzle arcing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second impedance comprises resistive inserts disposed in one of said conductors, the resistivity of the inserts increase as the distance to the muzzle decreases.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising an insulating insert on the muzzle end of the resistive inserts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second impedance comprises resistive inserts disposed in each of said conductors so that the resistivity increases as the distance to the muzzle decreases.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising an insulating insert on the muzzle end of the resistive inserts disposed in each conductor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2790354A
Cited
US4343223A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |