Having Umbilical-separating Means Patents (Class 89/1.811)
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Patent number: 11709035Abstract: A translating harness includes an umbilical within a translating assembly to define a translation distance. A method for operating the translating harness incudes launching a vehicle from a tube of a host system, the translating harness between a host system and the vehicle; completing a translation length of the translation harness; and disconnecting a vehicle connector of the translating harness from the vehicle while the vehicle is within the tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Matthew G. Murphy, John C. Feneck, Michael S. Cherry
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Routing apparatus, kit and system for use with an electric charging cable, and methods of using same
Patent number: 11495954Abstract: A cable routing apparatus, for supporting an electric charging cable, includes a mounting plate and a pulley-bracket assembly, which is pivotally attachable to the mounting plate. The pulley-bracket assembly includes a pulley support member having a pulley support plate and at least one pulley support arm extending downwardly from the support plate. The pulley-bracket assembly further includes a pulley wheel for supporting part of the cable thereon, and a pulley axle extending through a central hub of the pulley wheel. A housing may be provided for covering the pulley-bracket member, and parts of the pulley support member may, optionally, be integrated into the housing. A kit including two of the described cable routing apparatus along with an intermediate pulley bracket and other components, as well as a method of installing the kit in a garage to provide a cable routing system are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventor: James L. Owens -
Patent number: 10596967Abstract: An imaging connection device is provided for use with a vehicle and a trailer. The vehicle includes a hitch assembly, a wired vehicle interface, and a vehicle communications unit, and the trailer includes a tow assembly and a wire harness. The imaging connection device includes a housing defining a first connector configured to mate with the wired vehicle interface and a second connector configured to mate with the wire harness; a connector interface at least partially arranged within the housing and extending between the first connector and the second connector; a camera unit at least partially arranged within the housing and configured to capture image data representing a side view of the hitch assembly; and a wireless communications unit at least partially arranged within the housing and configured to transmit the image data captured by the camera unit to the vehicle communications unit for display on a display device.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman J. Weigert, Grant L. Meade, Ralph D. Schlottke, Fred W. Huntzicker
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Patent number: 9163901Abstract: A guidance section connector interface system operable with smart or guided rockets to be launched from a rocket launcher comprising a rocket connector of a rocket in electronic communication with a guidance system of a guidance head of the rocket, a connector saver, and a launcher connector of a rocket launcher. The connector saver can be configured to connect the rocket connecter to the launcher connector. The connection between the connector saver and the rocket connector is configured to release upon launching the rocket, wherein the connector saver remains connected to the launcher connector to protect the launcher connector from the extreme conditions within the rocket launcher at launch.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Roy P. McMahon, Michael R. Hlavek
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Patent number: 9074842Abstract: An umbilical cable disconnect device is disclosed. The umbilical cable disconnect device includes a base having an opening configured to receive an umbilical cable, a cutter extending into the opening of the base, and a spacer component disposed in the opening between the cutter and the umbilical cable. The spacer component maintains separation of the cutter and the umbilical cable prior to disconnect of the umbilical cable. The cutter is operable to penetrate the spacer component in response to displacement of the disconnect device relative to the umbilical cable to facilitate cutting of the umbilical cable by the cutter to disconnect the umbilical cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Paul A. Merems
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Publication number: 20150122113Abstract: A guidance section connector interface system operable with smart or guided rockets to be launched from a rocket launcher comprising a rocket connector of a rocket in electronic communication with a guidance system of a guidance head of the rocket, a connector saver, and a launcher connector of a rocket launcher. The connector saver can be configured to connect the rocket connecter to the launcher connector. The connection between the connector saver and the rocket connector is configured to release upon launching the rocket, wherein the connector saver remains connected to the launcher connector to protect the launcher connector from the extreme conditions within the rocket launcher at launch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Roy P. McMahon, Michael R. Hlavek
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Patent number: 8635937Abstract: Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a launcher coupled to a vehicle and configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle and configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the munition. The system may also include a flexible, peel-away connector coupled to the launcher, the peel-away connector comprising an adhesive for coupling to at least a portion of the munition. The flexible, peel-away connector may be configured to route electrical signals from the launcher to the munition during transport and detach from the munition as the munition exits from the launcher during a launch.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Mark A. Angeloff, Roy P. McMahon
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Patent number: 8516938Abstract: A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Lone Star IP Holdings, LPInventors: Steven D. Roemerman, John P. Volpi, Joseph Edward Tepera
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Patent number: 8505429Abstract: The invention relates to a separator device for separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, the device comprising: a locking system having a locking finger (50) mounted on the ground portion (22) and having a blocking portion (523), and a locking pin (42) on the on-board portion (21) co-operating by engaging with the blocking portion (523) in order to hold the on-board portion (21) and the ground portion (22) in a locking position. The separator system further comprises an actuation system that, under vertical movement of the launcher (10), enables the blocking portion (523) to be disengaged from the locking pin (42), whereby the on-board portion (21) is suitable for being separated from the ground portion (22). The invention also provides a method of separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, which method is implemented by means of such a separator device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Aliénor Malapel, Mickaël Deschamps, Georges Verdier, Jean-Luc Pattyn
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Patent number: 8424438Abstract: A deployable raceway harness assembly for use with a multi-stage rocket includes a first cable bundle configured to extend across a second stage of a multi-stage rocket from a guidance unit to a first stage of the rocket. The deployable raceway harness assembly includes a deployable raceway cover configured for detachable coupling with the multi-stage rocket. The deployable raceway cover extends over at least the first cable bundle and a second cable bundle. The first cable bundle is fastened to the deployable raceway cover. The second cable bundle is configured to extend from the guidance unit to the second stage and is shorter than the first cable bundle. An in-flight deployment mechanism is configured to detach the deployable raceway cover and the first cable bundle extending across the second stage from the multi-stage rocket in-flight leaving the second cable bundle extending to the second stage in place.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Sandie Y. Worley, Robert D. Travis, Dale O. Widmer
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Patent number: 8353238Abstract: A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system having a connector, a floating connector member, a cam, a connector cover, and a linkage between the cam and connector cover whereby the connector may mate with a second connector when the cam is displaced despite misalignments between the first and second connector. For the preferred embodiment, the floating connector member has multiple degrees of freedom with a reduced diameter portion and a lengthwise key whereby the connector is capable of mating with an aerodynamic hood of a rocket. The preferred embodiment biases and closes the connector cover upon the connector prior to a plume of the rocket passes the connector whereby exposure of the connector to the deleterious effects of the plume are minimized.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Arnold Defense and Electronics, LLCInventors: Matthew R. Montgomery, M. Keith Stephens, W. Noel McCormick, Paul D. Stevenson
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Patent number: 8207480Abstract: Methods and apparatus for launching an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a fire control system. The fire control system may be responsive to a sensor, such as a radar, and may be connected to the effector, such as via a launcher. The file control system may be adapted to generate a fire control solution according to the data from the sensor, initiate a launch of the effector, and provide the fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: David A. Lance, Steven T. Siddens
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Publication number: 20120132060Abstract: The invention relates to a separator device for separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, the device comprising: a locking system having a locking finger (50) mounted on the ground portion (22) and having a blocking portion (523), and a locking pin (42) on the on-board portion (21) co-operating by engaging with the blocking portion (523) in order to hold the on-board portion (21) and the ground portion (22) in a locking position. The separator system further comprises an actuation system that, under vertical movement of the launcher (10), enables the blocking portion (523) to be disengaged from the locking pin (42), whereby the on-board portion (21) is suitable for being separated from the ground portion (22). The invention also provides a method of separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, which method is implemented by means of such a separator device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Aliénor Malapel, Mickaël Deschamps, Georges Verdier, Jean-Luc Pattyn
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Publication number: 20120055322Abstract: Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a launcher coupled to a vehicle and configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle and configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the munition. The system may also include a flexible, peel-away connector coupled to the launcher, the peel-away connector comprising an adhesive for coupling to at least a portion of the munition. The flexible, peel-away connector may be configured to route electrical signals from the launcher to the munition during transport and detach from the munition as the munition exits from the launcher during a launch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Mark A. Angeloff, Roy P. McMahon
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Patent number: 8037798Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communications between a fire control system and an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a communications link. The communications link may be coupled to a launcher for the effector and the effector. The communications link is detachably coupled to at least one of the launcher and the effector. The communications link may be adapted to transmit a fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: David A. Lance, Steven T. Siddens
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Patent number: 7681482Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ronald A. Kubinski, Robert J. Atmur, Thorin Arthur Rogers
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Patent number: 7640840Abstract: In one embodiment, an automated system for mating a launch device to a launch platform may include a launch platform having a first electrical connector, and a interface member attached to the launch device. The interface member may include a second electrical connector configured to automatically couple to the first electrical connector of the launch platform.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Thorin A. Rogers, Robert J. Atmur, Ron A. Kubinski
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Patent number: 7575456Abstract: A retractable umbilical system includes an umbilical connector assembly, a latching connector assembly, and a retracting umbilical extending between the umbilical connector assembly and the latching connector assembly. The umbilical connector assembly is configured to bias the retracting umbilical into a retracted configuration. The latching connector assembly is configured to selectively retain the retracting umbilical in an extended configuration. The umbilical connector assembly includes a roller that is in contact with the retracting umbilical.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: James M. Cronin
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Patent number: 7182013Abstract: An umbilical cord retractor assembly and method is provided for retracting an umbilical cord from a torpedo or other vehicle prior to launching the vehicle. A guide arm is utilized to guide a slide member along a predetermined path within the guide arm. The slide is connected through a link to the umbilical cord such that the umbilical cord is pulled to a predetermined position within the launch tube out of the way of the fins, shroud, and propeller of the vehicle. Prior to activation of the retractor assembly, the slide is affixed in position within the guide arm by a lock. A spring under tension applies a force to the slide. A release cord pulls a pin from the slide to release the cord at a desired time, thereby retracting the umbilical cord to the predetermined position within the launch tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Peter J. Hardo
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Patent number: 6941850Abstract: An umbilical cable for delivering electrical signals between an aircraft and a smart weapon carried by the aircraft. The umbilical cable includes cabling comprising a plurality of conductive wires, a first connector provided on one end of the cabling and configured to connect to the aircraft, and a second connector provided on the other end of the cabling and configured to connect to the smart weapon. The umbilical cable further includes an interface circuit electrically coupled between the first connector and the second connector via the plurality of conductive wires. The interface circuit is configured to receive via the first connector a non-standard combination of signals comprising at least one of data signals, control signals and power signals not receivable directly by the smart weapon to carry out operations.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Roy Patrick McMahon
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Publication number: 20050183570Abstract: An umbilical cable for delivering electrical signals between an aircraft and a smart weapon carried by the aircraft. The umbilical cable includes cabling comprising a plurality of conductive wires, a first connector provided on one end of the cabling and configured to connect to the aircraft, and a second connector provided on the other end of the cabling and configured to connect to the smart weapon. The umbilical cable further includes an interface circuit electrically coupled between the first connector and the second connector via the plurality of conductive wires. The interface circuit is configured to receive via the first connector a non-standard combination of signals comprising at least one of data signals, control signals and power signals not receivable directly by the smart weapon to carry out operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: August 25, 2005Inventor: Roy McMahon
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Patent number: 6868769Abstract: A rocket assisted payload launch system includes a heavy gauge metal shipping container that houses an array of containerized concentric launch tubes, or canisters. Spacers on each containerized concentric launch tube contact the adjacent tubes and retain the centers of the tubes a predetermined distance apart, and in a vertical orientation. A missile including rocket assisted payload (RAP) can be inserted into the open upper end of each tube, which also has a curved, closed bottom end. Umbilical cords are connected to each tube for providing target location information to the missile placed therein. A sequence controller selects the rocket assisted payload to be fired, and initiates the firing sequence by delivering power, via the umbilical cord, to the selected missile. The sequence controller may be manually operated, or may be operated, automatically, via a datalink, in the preferred mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: James E. Wright
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Patent number: 6679154Abstract: The passive dynamically disconnecting arm features an arm having two ends wherein attached to the first end is a housing having both a plunger and an electrical connector providing positive engagement force during shock or vibration. The second end of the arm features a trunnion and torsion spring. The arm features a slot wherein a rod is placed inside operatively coupled to both the plunger and trunnion. When an object is attached to the electrical connector, the spring-loaded plunger compresses preventing the rod from moving and causing the second end of the rod to couple with a divot within the trunnion. When the object moves a predetermined distance, the spring-loaded plunger decouples from the rod and the electrical connector detaches from the object. The arm, by means of a torsion spring attached to the arm's second end, translates and rotates out of the object's path without striking the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Buddy R. Paul
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Patent number: 6227117Abstract: A device for retaining an element ejected by a pyrotechnic device when it is fired comprises at least one metal cap placed behind the nozzle of the device and designed to receive the ejected element, the cap being held in position by curved rigid links. The kinetic energy of the captured element carries along the cap and the captured element and the motion of the assembly is braked by the deformation of the rigid links. Application especially to the retaining of the rear igniter of a missile.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Thomson-CSFInventors: Guy Peltier, Paul Goillot, André Gouthiere, Gérard Koenig
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Patent number: 6199470Abstract: An apparatus for launching projectiles from a host aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a rotary launcher, a plurality of launch tube assemblies, a plurality of projectile retention means, and a plurality of ejection cartridges. The rotary launcher has a plurality of support fittings thereon, each for securing a tube assembly to the rotary launcher. Each projectile retention means securely retains each projectile within its respective launch tube. Each ejection cartridge is mounted to a respective launch tube assembly and interfaces with a projectile retention means to provide an ejection of that projectile retention means.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1990Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.Inventors: Anil Dewan, Richard N. Parke, William H. Stock