Abstract: A system for providing pressurized fluid for a small device launch system is shown. The system includes a piston housing an air source aperture, a launcher bore, and a shaft aperture. A piston and piston shaft slide in the chamber with the piston shaft extending out the shaft aperture. A hydraulic control cylinder is connected to the piston shaft and a controller is joined to control the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls flow through a variable restriction valve positioned in hydraulic communication between sides of the hydraulic cylinder. A position indicator can also be provided for communicating the position of the piston shaft to the controller.

Abstract: A system for providing pressurized fluid for a small device launch system is shown. The system includes a piston housing an air source aperture, a launcher bore, and a shaft aperture. A piston and piston shaft slide in the chamber with the piston shaft extending out the shaft aperture. A hydraulic control cylinder is connected to the piston shaft and a controller is joined to control the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls flow through a variable restriction valve positioned in hydraulic communication between sides of the hydraulic cylinder. A position indicator can also be provided for communicating the position of the piston shaft to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting devices from a submarine that includes a tank having an interior cavity, wherein this interior cavity has a proximate side and a distal side. A piston having a proximate face and a distal face is positioned transversely in the interior cavity of the tank. A shaft extends from the piston to the proximate side of the interior cavity to reciprocate the piston axially in the interior cavity of the tank between a proximate and a distal position. A gas input is in operative communication with the proximate side of the interior cavity. A device ejecting tube is in operative communication with the distal side of the interior cavity. A gaseous fluid is injected into the device ejecting tube to reduce cavitation and thereby moderate shock and vibration loads and noise resulting from the ejection of the device.

Abstract: A piston deceleration system includes an elongated piston shaft having an intermediate stop member and a second stop member formed thereon. A piston member is slidably seated on the elongated shaft between the intermediate stop member and the second stop member. A tank member is provided having a first end surface with a first opening and a shaft aperture formed therein and a second end surface having a second opening formed therein. The piston shaft is slidably positioned into the tank member through at least the first end surface shaft aperture. A shaft shock absorbing member is positioned between the intermediate stop member and the piston member on the piston shaft, and a piston shock absorbing member is positioned between the piston member and the second end of the tank member.

Abstract: A piston deceleration system includes an elongated piston shaft having an intermediate stop member and a second stop member formed thereon. A piston member is slidably seated on the elongated shaft between the intermediate stop member and the second stop member. A tank member is provided having a first end surface with a first opening and a shaft aperture formed therein and a second end surface having a second opening formed therein. The piston shaft is slidably positioned into the tank member through at least the first end surface shaft aperture. A shaft shock absorbing member is positioned between the intermediate stop member and the piston member on the piston shaft, and a piston shock absorbing member is positioned between the piston member and the second end of the tank member.

Abstract: Corrosion resistance is provided for a power cylinder by providing a preloaded molded urethane elastomer sleeve liner within an outer cylinder of material such as a copper/nickel alloy which is subject to corrosion from long-term exposure to ambient fluids such as sea water. Preloading is preferably provided by thermal shrink fitting of the molded urethane sleeve liner to the inner bore of an outer metal cylinder. Preloading of a structure which has high structural integrity and low permeability thus effectively prevents incursion of fluids and gases at the interface between the outer cylinder and the sleeve liner as well as providing a surface which can be machined to a high degree of smoothness and against which reciprocating piston seals and wear assemblies can directly ride and which is resistant to abrasion therefrom even at high piston speeds.

Abstract: A countermeasure launcher system, for use by a submarine, reducing any detectable signature by preventing the escape of pressurized gas into seawater at the forward end of the system's launch tube upon launching a countermeasure. The pressurized gas that is used in launching the countermeasure is trapped within the launch tube by a unique arrangement of specific components. The pressurized gas is then permitted to slowly exit at a later time via a pressure relief valve in the launch tube's wall.

Abstract: A submersible device launcher includes an external cage structure including t least a base, an overhead reinforcing member and a plurality of corner posts connecting the base to the overhead reinforcing member. A launcher barrel is mounted to the external cage structure, a half-wall is mounted to and braced against the base of the external cage structure at a peripheral edge thereof, and an impulse cylinder is mounted to the half wall for connection to the launcher barrel. A firing valve is anchored to the base of the external cage structure, a first support bench is mounted to a first corner post of the external cage structure, and an air flask is seated on the first support bench and held in a stationary position thereon by prong members extending upwardly from the first support bench and further attached to a corner post by a band member.