US4691880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torsion spring powered missile wing deployment system
Assignee: Grumman Corp
•
Filing: 1985-11-14
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Granted: 1987-09-08
•
Expires: 2005-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A foldable missile wing is deployed by means of an overcenter linkage powered by a torsion spring assembly capable of exerting a generally linear bias on the linkage over its full range of motion. A separate lock linkage maintains the foldable wing in a deployed position until release actuation of the lock linkage occurs thereby enabling wing deployment.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur M. Frank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 02:22
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B10/00; F42B10/02; F42B10/14; F42B10/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A foldable wing deployment system comprising: a fixed wing section; a foldable wing section hinged to the fixed wing section; an overcenter linkage connecting the fixed and foldable wing sections for securely deploying the foldable wing section to a coextensive position with the fixed wing section; a first torsion bar having a first end connected to a first gear; a hollowed cylindrical torsion member mounted over the torsion bar, a first end of the member being fixed and a second end being connected to a corresponding second end of the torsion bar; a second torsion bar located in parallel proximity to the cylindrical torsion member and connected to the overcenter linkage; and a second gear mounted on the second torsion bar and contacting the first gear for exerting supplementary bias on the overcenter linkage during initial operation thereof for ensuring a substantially linear actuating drive on the linkage, necessary for smooth and reliable wing deployment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A foldable wing deployment system comprising: a fixed wing section; a foldable wing section hinged to the fixed wing section; an overcenter linkage connecting the fixed and foldable wing sections for securely deploying the foldable wing section to a coextensive position with the fixed wing section; a first torsion bar having a first end connected to a first gear; a hollowed cylindrical torsion member mounted over the torsion bar, a first end of the member being fixed and a second end being connected to a corresponding second end of the torsion bar; a second torsion bar located in parallel proximity to the cylindrical torsion member and connected to the overcenter linkage; and a second gear mounted on the second torsion bar and contacting the first gear for exerting supplementary bias on the overcenter linkage during initial operation thereof for ensuring a substantially linear actuating drive on the linkage, necessary for smooth and reliable wing deployment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 together with lock linkage means connected between the fixed and foldable wing sections for maintaining the latter section in a folded condition until the lock linkage means is operated to allow deployment of the foldable wing section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein the lock linkage means comprises: first and second links joined at first ends thereof to a common pivot; means connecting opposite ends of the first and second links to the fixed and foldable wing sections, respectively; roller means restraining the pivot to retain the lock linkage means in a locked condition; and means for displacing the roller means from engagement to release the foldable wing section for deployment.
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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) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-03-09 | 1991-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-07 | 1995-03-09 | 1995-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-07 | 1999-03-09 | 1999-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |