US4457205A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple fiber armatures for electromagnetic launchers
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1981-12-09
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Granted: 1984-07-03
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Expires: 2001-12-09
Abstract
Abstract An armature for electromagnetic launchers is provided with multiple conductive fibers which form a multi-contact interface with the launcher rails. The fibers are attached to an insulating armature support and can extend across the launcher bore or be attached to contact faces of a trailing conductive chevron. Transposition of the fibers reduces electrical skin effect within the armature.
Inventors
- 👤 David P. Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:33
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41B; F41B6/00; F41B6/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An armature for conducting a very large dc current between two parallel, electrically conductive rails while being driven down the gap between the rails under the influence of the electromagnetic forces generated by the application of said very large dc current to the breech end of said rails, said armature comprising: an insulating armature support member slidably disposed between said rails; a plurality of conductive fibers, each having length greater than the width of said support member; and means for attaching said fibers to said support member, along a side of said support member facing said breech end of said rails wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densities on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An armature for conducting a very large dc current between two parallel, electrically conductive rails while being driven down the gap between the rails under the influence of the electromagnetic forces generated by the application of said very large dc current to the breech end of said rails, said armature comprising: an insulating armature support member slidably disposed between said rails; a plurality of conductive fibers, each having length greater than the width of said support member; and means for attaching said fibers to said support member, along a side of said support member facing said breech end of said rails wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densities on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An armature as recited in claim 1, further comprising a retaining band disposed around said conductive fibers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An armature as recited in claim 1, further comprising a rigid backing plate attached to said conductive fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An armature as recited in claim 3, wherein said conductive fibers number at least 2000.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
An armature as recited in claim 1, wherein said conductive fibers are transposed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
An armature as recited in claim 1 or 5, wherein said conductive fibers are insulated litz wires.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
An armature for conducting a very large dc current between two parallel, electrically conductive rails while being driven down the gap between the rails under the influence of the electromagnetic forces generated by the application of said very large dc current to the breech end of said rails, said armature comprising: an insulating armature support member; a chevron attached to said support member, said chevron having at least two contact surfaces; and a plurality of conductive fibers attached to said chevron contact surfaces wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
An armature for conducting a very large dc current between two parallel, electrically conductive rails while being driven down the gap between the rails under the influence of the electromagnetic forces generated by the application of said very large dc current to the breech end of said rails, said armature comprising: an insulating armature support member; a chevron attached to said support member, said chevron having at least two contact surfaces; and a plurality of conductive fibers attached to said chevron contact surfaces wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
An armature as recited in claim 7, wherein said conductive fibers are made of copper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An armature as recited in claim 8, wherein said conductive fibers number at least 2000.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electromagnetic launcher comprising: a first conductive rail; a second conductive rail generally parallel to said first conductive rail; a high current power supply connected to said first and second conductive rails; and an armature slidably disposed between said first and second conductive rails, for conducting current therebetween; said armature including an insulating armature support member, a pluraltiy of conductive fibers each having a length greater than the width of said support member, and means for attaching said fibers to said support member wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electromagnetic launcher comprising: a first conductive rail; a second conductive rail generally parallel to said first conductive rail; a high current power supply connected to said first and second conductive rails; and an armature slidably disposed between said first and second conductive rails, for conducting current therebetween; said armature including an insulating armature support member, a pluraltiy of conductive fibers each having a length greater than the width of said support member, and means for attaching said fibers to said support member wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
An electromagnetic launcher as recited in claim 10, further comprising: insulation between said conductive fibers; said conductive fibers being transposed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electromagnetic launcher as recited in claim 10, further comprising: a retaining band disposed around said conductive fibers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electromagnetic launcher as recited in claim 10, further comprising a rigid backing plate attached to said conductive fibers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher comprising: a first conductive rail; a second conductive rail generally parallel to said first conductive rail; a high current power supply connected to said first and second conductive rails; and an armature slidably disposed between said first and second conductive rails, for conducting current therebetween; said armature including an insulating armature support member, a chevron attached to said support member and having at least two contact surfaces, and a plurality of conductive fibers attached to said chevron contact surfaces wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electromagnetic projectile launcher comprising: a first conductive rail; a second conductive rail generally parallel to said first conductive rail; a high current power supply connected to said first and second conductive rails; and an armature slidably disposed between said first and second conductive rails, for conducting current therebetween; said armature including an insulating armature support member, a chevron attached to said support member and having at least two contact surfaces, and a plurality of conductive fibers attached to said chevron contact surfaces wherein said conductive fibers conduct current densitites on the order of a giga-amp per square meter while being driven along the rails.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4277708A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-03 | 1988-01-02 | 1988-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-03 | 1992-01-02 | 1992-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-03 | 1996-01-02 | 1996-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |