Abstract: A projectile launcher having a magnet based driver motor. The driver motor is constructed of a coil winding suspended within a magnetic field formed by the combination of a front plate, a magnet and a pole piece attached to a back plate. An electrical controller is electrically coupled to the driver motor and allows for remote operation of the launcher. The coil may include a diaphragm capable of producing sounds wherein electrical current applied to the coil winding causes the coil to vibrate according to an audio frequency to make a desired sound, or travel a predetermined distance so as to cause an ejection of a projectile placed over the coil.

Abstract: An improved railgun, railgun barrel, railgun projectile, and railgun system for accelerating a solid-to-hybrid transitioning armature projectile using a barrel having a bore that does not conform to a cross-sectional profile of the projectile, to contact and guide the projectile only by the rails in a low pressure bore volume so as to minimize damage, failure, and/or underperformance caused by plasma armatures, insulator ablation, and/or restrikes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rail gun launcher for launching an armature attached to a projectile includes a barrel, having a bore, and a body that includes a pair of main rails, a first pair of augmenting rails one of each lying outboard of and coextending with each of one of the main rails from the breech to the muzzle, a second pair of augmenting rails one of each lying outboard of and coextending with one of each of the first pair of augmenting rails, a first pair of electrically-conducting crossovers proximate to the breech and a second pair of electrically-conducting crossovers proximate to the muzzle and connected in series when the armature is positioned in the bore with power provided to the launcher. The exit speed of the projectile from the launcher is controlled by controlling the current to the launcher.

Abstract: A projectile launcher having a magnet based driver motor. The driver motor is constructed of a coil winding suspended within a magnetic field formed by the combination of a front plate, a magnet and a pole piece attached to a back plate. An electrical controller is electrically coupled to the driver motor and allows for remote operation of the launcher. The coil may include a diaphragm capable of producing sounds wherein electrical current applied to the coil winding causes the coil to vibrate according to an audio frequency to make a desired sound, or travel a predetermined distance so as to cause an ejection of a projectile placed over the coil.

Abstract: The present invention enables the passive initiation of a deployment sequence for a countermeasure payload. The invention comprises an initiator coil that is positioned inside an electromagnetic countermeasure launcher. When the electromagnetic countermeasure launcher electromagnetically generates propulsive force to propel a payload to its deployment position, inductive coupling between one or more propulsion coils of the launcher and the initiator coil induces current to flow in the initiator coil, which thereby initiates the deployment sequence.

Abstract: A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a mass, the apparatus having an arcuate track, a clamping member attached to a section of the arcuate track, an arm assembly pivotably connected to the clamping member, and a counterweight connected to the arm assembly. A projectile for use in a mass accelerator having an arcuate track, the projectile having a core and at least one of a low-friction layer, a propellant layer, and a polycarbonate layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns systems and methods for supplying electric power using supercapacitors; and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to improved methods and systems for supplying power to a guided rocket.

Abstract: A technique for launching a missile that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw the missile clear of the launch platform—with sufficient velocity to attain aerodynamic flight—before the missile's engine is ignited.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the current pulse from multiple pairs of pulsed alternators used for driving large loads such as an electromagnetic launcher (i.e., “rail gun”) load. Conventional current pulse ripples are reduced by interleaving pulses from multiple pairs of contra-rotating pulsed alternators. Current pulses supplied by different pairs of pulsed alternators are timed so that they are interspersed between one another to provide more pulses for a given launch time. The interleaved current pulses increase the frequency and reduce the magnitude of the ripple on the average load current.

Abstract: An electrically powered launcher is disclosed that can accelerate small payloads to orbital velocities. The invention uses a novel geometry to overcome limitations of other design, and allows full exploitation of existing superconducting materials.

Abstract: A system for launching a plurality of projectiles from a single launch tube is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to sequentially throw a first projectile and a second projectile. The first projectile is thrown while the second projectile is temporarily restrained within the launch tube.

Abstract: A helical field device that accelerates an object to high velocity by converting rotational kinetic energy in the device into linear kinetic energy in the object, and alternatively, that decelerates objects from high velocity by converting the linear kinetic energy in the object into rotational kinetic energy in the device. The device transfers kinetic energy between the device and an object through the use of a localized high pressure field in the form of a helix having a variable pitch along the length of the device, which couples the object to the device without the pressure field itself significantly contributing energy into the system. Instead, the energy that is used to accelerate the object comes from the kinetic energy imparted to the device by an outside source, such as an engine, or a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher having a longitudinal axis includes a pair of longitudinally extending rails; a pair of longitudinally extending insulators disposed between the rails; a bore defined by interior surfaces of the rails and the insulators; and a jacket extending around exterior surfaces of the rails and the insulators; wherein the exterior surfaces of the insulators are substantially flat and further wherein a distance between the exterior surfaces of the insulators is substantially equal to or less than a maximum thickness of the rails.

Abstract: In an exemplary electromagnetic launcher, a housing with breech and muzzle is slidably supported in a carriage supported on a trunnion. First and second electrical contacts are mounted in the carriage toward an axis of the trunnion. The first and second contacts are electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. First and second augmentation conductors are disposed aft of the trunnion and are electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts. First and second main conductors extend from the breech toward the muzzle. A current cross-over connection is disposed toward the breech and electrically connects the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively. The first and second electrical contacts and the first and second augmentation conductors may be engaged in slidable electrical contact over a portion of the first and second augmentation conductors, thereby accommodating recoil motion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic missile launcher is disclosed that provides greater flexibility for use with a variety of missile types and also provides potentially higher performance and efficiency as compared to prior-art electromagnetic missile launchers.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention.

Abstract: A method of winding fibers on a mandrel, the wound fibers being in tension, includes providing a source of fibers, imposing a torque on the source that resists dispensing the fibers from the source to exert a tension on the fibers, adding ultra-violet sensitive material that is polymerized by exposure to ultra-violet light to a resin matrix, impregnating dispensed fibers with the additive containing resin matrix, rotating a mandrel to wind the impregnated fibers on the mandrel, the rotation of the mandrel acting to overcome the torque on the source and putting the fibers in tension, and in situ, quasi instantaneously polymerizing the additive containing resin matrix on the mandrel by means of exposing the additive containing resin matrix to ultra-violet light for a selected period of time, such polymerization acting to lock in the tension in the fibers at the time of polymerization. A rail gun fabricated by means of the above method is further included.

Abstract: A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Abstract: A helical field device that accelerates an object to high velocity by converting rotational kinetic energy in the device into linear kinetic energy in the object, and alternatively, that decelerates objects from high velocity by converting the linear kinetic energy in the object into rotational kinetic energy in the device. The device transfers kinetic energy between the device and an object through the use of a localized high pressure field in the form of a helix having a variable pitch along the length of the device, which couples the object to the device without the pressure field itself significantly contributing energy into the system. Instead, the energy that is used to accelerate the object comes from the kinetic energy imparted to the device by an outside source, such as an engine, or a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: A rock pulverizer device based on a superconducting linear motor. The superconducting electromagnetic rock pulverizer accelerates a projectile via a superconducting linear motor and directs the projectile at high speed toward a rock structure that is to be pulverized by collision of the speeding projectile with the rock structure. The rock pulverizer is comprised of a trapped field superconducting secondary magnet mounted on a movable car following a track, a wire wound series of primary magnets mounted on the track, and the complete magnet/track system mounted on a vehicle used for movement of the pulverizer through a mine as well as for momentum transfer during launch of the rock breaking projectile.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher comprising, an electric power supply, a conductive, stationary guide operatively connected to the power supply and forming a flowpath for current from the power supply, and a non-conductive projectile disposed adjacent to the guide and which is accelerated along the guide when current flows through the guide. The guide includes a plurality of conductive rails disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other, a plurality of conductive rungs interconnecting the rails and disposed in spaced relation to each other along the rails, and normally-open switches operatively associated with the rungs for selectively permitting current flow through different ones of the rungs. The projectile includes a main body and a magnet supported by the main body such that the magnet faces the guide with a small gap therebetween.

Abstract: A compressed gas projectile accelerator that includes a velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method configured to allow the compressed gas projectile accelerator to expel projectiles between a first velocity setting and a second velocity setting. The velocity adjustment mechanism and/or method includes a velocity controller configured to allow a user to selectively select a velocity setting falling between the first velocity setting and the second velocity setting. The first velocity setting comprises an upper or maximum velocity setting and the second velocity setting comprises a lower or minimum velocity setting.

Abstract: The present invention enables the passive initiation of a deployment sequence for a countermeasure payload. The invention comprises an initiator coil that is positioned inside an electromagnetic countermeasure launcher. When the electromagnetic countermeasure launcher electromagnetically generates propulsive force to propel a payload to its deployment position, inductive coupling between one or more propulsion coils of the launcher and the initiator coil induces current to flow in the initiator coil, which thereby initiates the deployment sequence.

Abstract: A gun barrel for firing a projectile and particularly a rail gun barrel that comprises a pair of spaced apart rails and a pair of spaced apart insulators, which separate the rails, and together define a composite bore, all disposed centrally within an outer rigid tube. A prestressed filament-wound polymeric resin shell immediately surrounds and applies compressive stress to this composite, bore-defining structure. A pressure medium, positioned between the shell and the interior surface of the outer tube, is operative to apply compressive stress to the shell at least at locations generally radially outward of the rails. The compressive stresses applied by the combination of the prestressed shell and the pressure medium are additive and effectively preload the rails and the composite bore structure to resist overall forces encountered during projectile firing which, in a rail gun, include asymmetric loads upon the rails from electromagnetic repulsion forces and also axisymmetric bursting forces.

Abstract: An electrically powered launcher is disclosed that can accelerate small payloads to orbital velocities. The invention uses a novel geometry to overcome limitations of other design, and allows full exploitation of existing superconducting materials.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher is provided for accelerating a projectile from a breech end to a muzzle end. The launcher includes a container, a rail contained therein and a support. The container includes an inner surface along an axial direction. The rail is contained within the inner surface and includes a load surface to support the projectile and an interface surface. The support is disposed between the interface surface and the inner surface. The rail and the support provide a value to an expression for critical velocity V cr = 2 ? EIk ? ? ? A , where E is Young's modulus for the rail, I is moment of inertia for the rail, k is foundation modulus for the support, ? is density for the rail and A is the cross-sectional area of the rail. The launcher is configured such that the critical velocity increases along the axial direction towards the muzzle.

Abstract: An electromagnetic propulsion system is disclosed having separate rails for ballistic guidance and for carrying current. In this system, one or more pairs of ballistic guidance rails are provided, with each ballistic guidance rail having a pair of current carrying rails joined to it to form a combined rail. Each combined rail is separated electrically from adjacent combined rails by electrically insulating blocks. Each of the current carrying rails in a given combined rail pair have the same electrical polarity, and the polarities alternate between adjacent combined rails. Armatures contact current carrying rails to complete the circuit to generate the accelerating Lorentz force on the armatures. Bore riders on the sabot and/or projectile are in contact with the ballistic guide rails. Separation of the current carrying and ballistic guidance functions increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending, as well as reduced wear/damage to the rails.

Abstract: A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.

Abstract: A closed loop current controller for an electromagnetic rail gun. It is necessary to control the muzzle velocity of a rail gun accurately for the gun to be a good artillery device. The present invention provides a closed loop control system to accurately regulate the energy transfer to a rail gun projectile and control its muzzle velocity. The rail gun control system includes a state space (state domain) control concept adapted to discrete control events that transition the system from one state to another until the final desired state (i.e., muzzle velocity) is reached. The control regulator preferably generates state transition functions that transition the projectile from state to state according to a defined current profile to provide a specified projectile muzzle velocity. The rail gun closed loop current controller also includes current reference compensation to correct for errors in previous state transitions.

Abstract: In an exemplary electromagnetic launcher, a housing with breech and muzzle is slidably supported in a carriage supported on a trunnion. First and second electrical contacts are mounted in the carriage toward an axis of the trunnion. The first and second contacts are electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. First and second augmentation conductors are disposed aft of the trunnion and are electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts. First and second main conductors extend from the breech toward the muzzle. A current cross-over connection is disposed toward the breech and electrically connects the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively. The first and second electrical contacts and the first and second augmentation conductors may be engaged in slidable electrical contact over a portion of the first and second augmentation conductors, thereby accommodating recoil motion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic missile launcher is disclosed that provides greater flexibility for use with a variety of missile types and also provides potentially higher performance and efficiency as compared to prior-art electromagnetic missile launchers.

Abstract: A rock pulverizer device based on a superconducting linear motor. The superconducting electromagnetic rock pulverizer accelerates a projectile via a superconducting linear motor and directs the projectile at high speed toward a rock structure that is to be pulverized by collision of the speeding projectile with the rock structure. The rock pulverizer is comprised of a trapped field superconducting secondary magnet mounted on a movable car following a track, a wire wound series of primary magnets mounted on the track, and the complete magnet/track system mounted on a vehicle used for movement of the pulverizer through a mine as well as for momentum transfer during launch of the rock breaking projectile.

Abstract: Electromagnetic propulsion device as a gun or reversible electric motor having a barrel with a cavity extending its length, an armature in said cavity with a permanent magnetic or energized propulsion bus coil, a plurality of wall conductors orthogonal and circumscribing the cavity distributed between the cavity ends with contact means at the cavity on one end and a bus common with all wall conductors on the other and wherein the magnetic fields of the barrel wall conductor coils immediately before and after the magnetic field source in an armature interacts therewith effecting armature motion. Forward and aft armature current shunts direct current from barrel rails to and from the armature coil with associated propulsion bus-aft shunt circuit means, when extant, and to and from said armature propelling wall conductors via said contacts.

Abstract: The present invention considers the problem of energizing large electric current, electromagnetic driving force and acceleration in coilguns by means of electromagnetic resonant oscillations, both in the armature, that represents the oscillatory contour consisting of the coil and the capacitor and in the stator coils.

Abstract: Multi-directional currents are generated in a medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of at least two electrodes so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from side of the electrode to the other, changing the direction of current in the medium. The multi-directional currents may be used to accelerate electrolytic processes such as generation of hydrogen by water electrolysis, to sterilize water for drinking, to supply charging current to a battery or capacitor, including a capacitive thrust module, in a way that extends the life and/or improves the performance of the battery or capacitor, to increase the range of an electromagnetic projectile launcher, and to increase the light output of a cold cathode light tube, to name just a few of the potential applications for the multi-directional currents.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gun and rotating pulsed network system that includes a gun barrel coupled to a gun mount coupled on a rotating platform on one deck of a naval ship. A pulse forming network which is cylindrical in shape provides pulsed energy to the electromagnetic gun and is rotatable within a cylindrical bulkhead located on a lower deck of the ship. The pulse forming network rotates in unison with the gun barrel on the same axis, allowing unbroken cables to couple the pulse forming network to the gun. The pulse forming network includes wedge-shaped capacitor modules that, when juxtaposed, collectively form a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Electromagnetic propulsion devices including rail guns comprised of a barrel with cavity, two barrel rails parallel the cavity axis supplying power, armatures with a current carrying propulsion bus orthogonal the cavity axis, plurality of spaced, cavity axis orthogonal, barrel wall conductors distributed from breach to muzzle which are parallel armature propulsion bus in the cavity. There are forward and aft current shunt on the armature and possible armature current bus which when extant comprise one or the other or both a propulsion bus-aft shunt circuit means and an aft shunt-forward shunt circuit means. Said circuit means may be otherwise extant as additional barrel rail coacting with said shunts. The shunts and said circuit means direct the current through said wall conductors and the magnetic fields of said wall conductor currents interact with the armature propulsion bus current to propel or aid in propulsion of the armature in the cavity.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gun and rotating pulsed network system that includes a gun barrel coupled to a gun mount coupled on a rotating deck of a naval ship. A pulse forming network provides pulsed energy to the electromagnetic gun, and the pulse forming network is cylindrical in shape so as to be rotatable within a cylindrical bulkhead within the ship. The pulse forming network may rotate in unison with the gun barrel allowing cables to couple the pulse forming network and the cable barrel. The pulse forming network includes wedge shaped capacitors that, when positioned sided by side, collectively form a substantially circular shape.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gun and rotating pulsed network system that includes a gun barrel coupled to a gun mount coupled on a rotating deck of a navel ship. A pulse forming network provides pulsed energy to the electromagnetic gun, and the pulse forming network is cylindrical in shape so as to be rotatable within a cylindrical bulkhead within the ship. The pulse forming network may rotate in unison with the gun barrel allowing cables to couple the pulse forming network and the cable barrel. The pulse forming network includes wedge shaped capacitors that, when positioned sided by side, collectively form a substantially circular shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to design and construction of lightweight and mobile rail gun barrels. The barrels comprise a pair of elongated, generally parallel conductive rails extending along opposite sides of the bore and being symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bore; a pair of elongated insulators disposed generally coextensively with the rails and circumferentially between them and maintained in a compressed state; a circumferentially sleeve surrounding the insulators; a plurality of Belleville containment disk maintained in a stack that are compressed and surround the circumferential sleeve, each containment disk having a substantially hollow form with an outer surface, and an inner surface; and a plurality of longitudinal tension rods, disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of they bore and disposed external to the sleeve, the tension rods compress the plurality of Belleville containment disk. A protective sleeve and cooling channels can form part of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for commutating turns of a stator coil for a helical coil launcher. An annular brush assembly includes an annular support and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed circumferentially about the annular support for contacting the stator coil. A projectile for a helical coil launcher is also disclosed having an armature coil and a body assembly containing at least one annular brush assembly for contacting a stator coil that is slidably engaged with the projectile.

Abstract: A rail gun uses magnetic forces to accelerate a round held within the firing chamber of the gun. A pair of rails extend along a length of the firing chamber and each has at least one wire passing therethrough. At least one toroid magnet encompasses the rails as does a solenoid magnet. The wires within the rails, the toroid magnet and the solenoid magnet are each electrically coupled to an electrical source with electrical communication established by a trigger. A magnetically sensitive round held within the firing chamber is initially accelerated by the rails, then further accelerated by the toroid magnet and then further accelerated by the solenoid magnet prior to being discharged from the firing chamber.

Abstract: A track useful for guiding a projectile having no wheels along a launching trajectory. The track comprises: an elongate track base extending parallel to the trajectory and a plurality of spaced supporting members, each rotatably carried by the elongate track base. Each supporting member carries an upstanding columnar finger laterally positioned on the supporting member so that a top portion thereof may intersperse with columnar fingers on adjacent supporting members. A projectile seated on a columnar finger will be continuously supported on adjacent columnar fingers as it moves along the trajectory. The supporting members rotate forwardly in turn, first moving to a supporting position perpendicular to the track base, and then, continuing to rotate forwardly, to a lower non-supporting position where the projectile is supported on the next perpendicular columnar finger.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided with a pressure actuated switch on the handle and is operatively connected by an electrical circuit to a training head that has electromagnets mounted in both its forward and backward faces. When the golfer presses down on the switch, the energized electrical circuit causes a magnetically influenced ball or balls to attach to either or both of the forward or backward faces of the electromagnets; and when the pressure is let up, the ball instantly detachs from the face and will travel along the line that the device was swung through. Practice with the device provides the user with observable feedback as to the squareness of the face at release and the feel for the proper amount of acceleration needed to propel the ball a specified distance. When a golfer swings the device and releases the switch correctly, the simulated golf ball will have the proper end over end roll and travel straight towards its target at the right speed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher includes a single or multi-polar, multi-phase electrical generator powered by an external source; electrical conductors leading from output coils of the generator and from a center point joining the output coils; a plurality of rails connected to the electrical conductors; and an armature having at least two channels; whereby there is at least one position of the armature along the plurality of rails where current flows simultaneously through both of the at least two channels.

Abstract: Featured is a method for injection of a payload into the tissues of an organism or a body, including the steps of generating forces by electromagnetic repulsion and accelerating the payload to be injected, using the generated electromagnetic forces. The payload is thereby accelerated to a velocity sufficient for the payload to pass through the skin of the organism and be disposed in the subcutaneous tissues. The method further includes providing an electromagnetic force generating device that generates forces electromagnetically in a predetermined direction responsive to an electric current flowing through the device, wherein the step of generating includes passing an electric current through the electromagnetic force generating device to generate the electromagnetic repulsive forces used for accelerating the payload.

Abstract: The protection device according to the invention comprises a primary and a secondary coil facing each other. Current flow through the primary coil induces magnetic fields which repel each other, so that the two coils are jerked apart and a missile is projected towards an approaching projectile. The projecting device is triggered by a sensing device.By offsetting the magnetic fields of the primary and secondary coil, the angle between the direction of acceleration of the missile and the coil plane may be changed, as required.Preferably, the primary coil comprises several offset coil elements, which can be activated separately, in groups or all together, as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for accelerating and shooting a flying body at superhigh speed, consisting of a capacitor in which a high electric charge can be stored; a primary coil connected to the capacitor via a switching means; a conductive cylindrical liner disposed in the primary coil; an opening defined on a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical liner; and a flying body interposed in the opening and assuming electrical continuity with the liner; wherein a high electric charge stored in the capacitor is momentarily applied to the primary coil so as to compress abruptly the cylindrical liner radially inward and to shoot the flying body interposed in the opening toward the axis of the liner.

Abstract: A railgun having a composite insulator of laminated materials positioned between the rails. The composite insulator is comprised of a series of conducting layers oriented with the edges toward the bore, or barrel, of the railgun and their wide edges away from the bore. The laminate is layed lengthwise along the rails and is comprised of conducting layers of a high heat conductivity metal interleaved with an insulator material. The insulator material allows the composite insulator to stand off the voltages in a plasma armature even under high radiation flux conditions. Below the conducting material's ablation threshold the amount of ablation produced by the composite insulator is reduced by the reduction of insulator surface area exposed to the radiation. This allows better control of armature growth, mass acceleration by the plasma armature, secondary formation, and other factors normally found to retard projectile acceleration.