US4439155A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
End caps for use with a launch environment simulator process and structure
Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp
•
Filing: 1981-05-11
•
Granted: 1984-03-27
•
Expires: 2001-05-11
Abstract
Abstract End caps for a launch environment simulator apparatus are provided which add realism to the firing simulation by producing smoke and a small amount of debris. The end caps serve to retain a combustible gas mixture within the apparatus prior to firing. Upon firing the end caps are consumed, producing the smoke and debris.
Inventors
- 👤 George W. Roe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:10
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41A; F41A33/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An end cap for use with a launch environment simulation apparatus comprising: an outer shell formed substantially in the shape of a frustum of a cone having a closed end at its smaller diameter and an opposite open end; a particulate solid received within the outer shell adjacent to its closed end; and an inner shell nested within the outer shell such that the solid is confined and substantially sealed between the inner and the outer shells wherein the end cap is removably attached to and within at least one end of a launch environment simulation apparatus, the apparatus comprising an elongated combustion chamber, means for charging the combustion chamber with a combustible gas mixture, and means for igniting the gas mixture selectable by an operator of the apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An end cap for use with a launch environment simulation apparatus comprising: an outer shell formed substantially in the shape of a frustum of a cone having a closed end at its smaller diameter and an opposite open end; a particulate solid received within the outer shell adjacent to its closed end; and an inner shell nested within the outer shell such that the solid is confined and substantially sealed between the inner and the outer shells wherein the end cap is removably attached to and within at least one end of a launch environment simulation apparatus, the apparatus comprising an elongated combustion chamber, means for charging the combustion chamber with a combustible gas mixture, and means for igniting the gas mixture selectable by an operator of the apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The end cap of claim 1 wherein the particular solid produces an effective amount of smoke upon ignition of the apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The end cap of claim 1 wherein the end cap is constructed of materials which are substantially biodegradable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
114 words
An end cap for use with a launch environment simulation apparatus comprising: a first circular plate, indented with substantially concentric corrugated ridges; a second circular plate, bonded to the first plate such that at least one enclosed cavity is formed between the two plates; and a particulate solid received within at least one of the cavities so formed, wherein the end cap is shaped such that it may be removably attached to at least one end of a launch environment simulation apparatus, the apparatus comprising an elongated combustion chamber, means for charging the combustion chamber with a combustible gas mixture, and means for igniting the gas mixture selectable by an operator of the apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
114 words
An end cap for use with a launch environment simulation apparatus comprising: a first circular plate, indented with substantially concentric corrugated ridges; a second circular plate, bonded to the first plate such that at least one enclosed cavity is formed between the two plates; and a particulate solid received within at least one of the cavities so formed, wherein the end cap is shaped such that it may be removably attached to at least one end of a launch environment simulation apparatus, the apparatus comprising an elongated combustion chamber, means for charging the combustion chamber with a combustible gas mixture, and means for igniting the gas mixture selectable by an operator of the apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The end cap of claim 4 wherein the particulate solid produces an effective amount of smoke upon ignition of the apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The end cap of claim 1 wherein the end cap is constructed of materials which are substantially biodegradable.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US827789A
Cited
US1127480A
Cited
US1337566A
Cited
US1734477A
Cited
US2094854A
Cited
US2673496A
Cited
US2674923A
Cited
US2723643A
Cited
US3169483A
Cited
US3112671A
Cited
US3238642A
Cited
US3850862A
Cited
US4245403A
Cited
US4326847A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-27 | 1987-09-26 | 1988-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-27 | 1991-09-26 | 1992-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-27 | 1995-09-26 | 1996-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |