Patents Assigned to General Dynamics
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Patent number: 4223959Abstract: A bearing assembly including anti-friction bearings and bearing mounts between rotatable structures of low coefficient of expansion material, by which the expansion and contraction of the metallic bearings, due to temperature swings, is allowed without radial constraint or without a loosening of the bearings from the structures while maintaining the bearings and the structures in alignment. This is accomplished by providing a loose connection and a plurality of tangentially oriented linkages connected between the structures and the bearings. The loose connection allows the bearings to expand or contract in a radial direction independently of the structures and the links allow radial displacement without a translation circumferentially of the assembly with respect to the structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1979Date of Patent: September 23, 1980Assignee: General DynamicsInventor: Oliver F. Oldendorph
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Patent number: 4223258Abstract: A servo system wherein a servo motor is continuously controlled in response to a pulse width modulated digital command signal is disclosed. A servo motor having a variable output is controlled in response to a variable amplitude error signal. A pulse code converter converts a pulse code modulated digital command signal to provide a pulse width modulated digital command signal for controlling the variable output of the servo motor. The digital command signal is provided at a predetermined frame rate in response to a frame pulse signal. A feedback transducer and network senses the variable output of the servo motor and provides a variable amplitude feedback signal that is indicative of the variable output. A synchronous pulse forming network converts the variable amplitude feedback signal to a proportional pulse width modulated digital feedback signal. The digital feedback signal is provided at the predetermined frame rate and in synchronization with the digital command signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1979Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Garry T. Lacy
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Patent number: 4223270Abstract: A pulse width discriminator comprises a tapped analog delay line which preferably is a charge coupled device (CCD). The taps are spaced one sample time apart along the delay line. A correlator output is obtained by summing the outputs of all taps. A pulse amplifier output is obtained by weighting and adding the signals from selected taps. The correlator output corresponds to a low-pass filter. The sample rate is at the Nyquist rate. The pulse amplifier output is a maximum for a pulse width determined by the length of the delay line (in terms of number of sample points) divided by the sample frequency. The correlator output has a maximum corresponding to the maximum of the pulse and can be used to determine the presence of a pulse. This pulse processor is also capable of handling a plurality of inputs by multiplexing them.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1978Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventors: Hans-Peter Schmid, Richard S. Schlunt
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Patent number: 4221230Abstract: A ramjet powered missile having means for controlling the air inlet geometry for best efficiency at a given end-of-boost-take-over Mach number and for changing the inlet geometry for best efficiency at a higher Mach number for fuel economy and extended flight range comprising a first jetisonable air inlet formed of a plurality of removable lip sections held in place by connecting struts and pyrotechnic thrusters. The explosive charge of the thrusters when activated eject the lip sections and struts outward and clear of the missile thus providing a second inlet of a different geometry.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1978Date of Patent: September 9, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: George B. Nicoloff, Clark Kerr, Jr.
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Patent number: 4215630Abstract: A ship anti-torpedo defense system includes a detecting device for detecting and locating an incoming threat, such as a torpedo, and an interrelated missile launching and control system for firing at least one warhead carrying missile into the path of the oncoming threat, the missile having an active acoustic fuze system including a highly directional sensing system for continuously monitoring the position and proximity of the incoming threat and for detonating the warhead at the optimum proximity of the incoming threat with the missile. The missile floats at a predetermined depth determined by the predetermined depth of the torpedo to be intercepted.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1978Date of Patent: August 5, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventors: Allen C. Hagelberg, Walter A. Lobitz
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Patent number: 4215906Abstract: Disclosed is a thrust bearing which includes a first member having a circular raceway disposed thereon, a second member having a circular raceway spaced apart from and aligned with the raceway of the first member, and a plurality of balls in the circular raceways and separating the two members. Each of the balls make contact at two points on the circular raceway of the first member and they also make contact at two other points on the circular raceway of the second member. The cross-sectional demensions of both the circular raceways and the balls are interrelated by an equation which insures that zero slippage occurs at the contact points between the surface of the balls and the surface of the raceways.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1979Date of Patent: August 5, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: John M. Speicher
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Patent number: 4213624Abstract: Apparatus easily engageable to a standard pallet or skid of the type commonly utilized in the storage and shipment of bulk items and quantities. A plurality of adaptable wheel dollies, each having a fixed support member to engage the interior of the pallet may be arrayed at the corners of the pallet. Dolly adjustment devices enable each dolly, when engaged to a pallet lying flush upon a flat surface, to raise the pallet for transport by means of the wheels of the dolly. An A-frame tongue is engageable to a pair of dollies to join the pallet transport system to tow the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1978Date of Patent: July 22, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: Ralph K. Sanders
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Patent number: 4206542Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading solder preforms on to the pins of a multiple pin connector. A positioning plate has open sockets in the pattern of the pins of the connector to be loaded, the sockets being sized to receive a single solder preform in each one. A slidable retainer fits into a channel below the positioning plate to partially close the sockets and retain preforms therein. Loose preforms are contained in a dam attached to the top of the positioning plate and are shaken into the sockets on a vibrator table. The dam and excess preforms are removed and the positioning plate is covered by a cover plate to hold the preforms in place. The connector pins are then inserted through slots in the retainer, through the preforms and through holes in the cover plate. The retainer is removed, allowing the preforms to drop on the pins and the loaded connector is removed from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1979Date of Patent: June 10, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Pomona DivisionInventor: Joseph A. Reavill
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Patent number: 4206707Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the primers of electrically ignitable ammunition from accidental firing due to electrostatic charge build up and electromagnetic radiation. In one arrangement, the insulation between the primer cap and the metal case of the ammunition round is short-circuited with a conductive coating which covers the primer and base of the round. In a second arrangement, a conductive coating is used in the same fashion, but it is applied over a previously applied dot of non-conductive paint which covers a small area encompassing the primer and adjacent portion of the cartridge casing. Still another arrangement utilizes a circular metal foil affixed across the base of the casing with conductive cement that is applied only along the outer periphery. If desired, the metal foil may be supported on a protective layer of Mylar or the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1977Date of Patent: June 10, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorportationInventor: Marvin W. Shores
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Patent number: 4204775Abstract: A molded, disposable mixing device is disclosed for mixing and dispensing a two-part fluid compound. The device may consist of two mirror-image portions or structures, each being of semi-cylindrical shape and providing a tortuous path for shearing, folding, mixing and blending together the two fluids. Each of the two structures is provided with a male attachment lug, and a female detent for securing them together. Also, each structure has a semicircular, externally molded ridge for connecting it, for example, to a nozzle. The tortuous path may consist of two periodically intersecting paths, or else of a generally open passage provided with mixing blades or baffles disposed at regular or irregular intervals. The mixing may also be effected by a spirally folded mesh or spherical objects disposed in a single tubular structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1978Date of Patent: May 27, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: Spencer J. Speer
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Patent number: 4202246Abstract: A sight system for providing closed-loop differential tracking control over gun aiming, utilizing visual and non-visual optical radiation to assist the gunner in acquiring and destroying targets as well as providing information to the gun control computer for automatic acquisition and firing. The sight is used in conjunction with a cooperative ammunition round which emits pulsed flashes at a timed interval after firing and upon impact. Portions of these signals are in the non-visible spectrum, and an invisible-to-visible converter is utilized to signal the relative location of the flashes to the gunner. A similar conversion is utilized to provide information on laser designator illumination and other non-visible radiation emanating from the target.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1975Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Pomona DivisionInventors: Charles W. Schertz, Edward H. Ritter
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Patent number: 4195804Abstract: A device for docking or joining large structures or vehicles in earth orbit under automatic and remote sensing and control. A thin flexible boom extending from one vehicle contacts the inner surface of a large open cone on the other as the two vehicles approach each other. The conical surface guides the boom end towards the apex where a reel for drawing in the boom engages the boom. As the boom is drawn in, and the vehicles come into close proximity, a mechanical latch is engaged for final rigidizing and securing.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1978Date of Patent: April 1, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: Edward J. Hujsak, LeRoy E. Siden
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Patent number: 4191604Abstract: An electrically conducting, electromagnetic wave reflector comprises a knit wire reflecting surface consisting of two superimposed knitted wire meshes. The wire mesh reflector is impregnated with a transparent thermo-setting resin so that the metallic structure is no more than 3 mils from the outer surface of the reflector. The knitted wire mesh permits the fabric to be smoothly stretched over a three-dimensional surface of predetermined shape. The two wire meshes are staggered with respect to each other to reduce the effective size of the openings between the loops of the mesh. A reinforcing structure preferably consisting of two layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermo-setting resin is utilized to provide a lightweight reflector substantially impervious to environmental corrosion. The resulting structure may be used as an antenna or reflector and is suitable for the microwave region such as the K band. There is also disclosed a method of constructing such a reflector.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1978Date of Patent: March 4, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Pomona DivisionInventor: William L. MacTurk
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Patent number: 4189731Abstract: A radome having arrays of thin strips of dielectric material on both the inside and outside walls of a conical shell defined by a sheet of dielectric material for compensating for the polarization dependent phase delay of the radome shell is disclosed. The strips of the outside array are supported edgewise on the outside wall and are normal thereto. The outside strips are equally spaced from each other, and disposed so that the intersection of lines extending therefrom is at the vertex of the shell. The strips of the inside array are supported edgewise on the inside strips wall. The inside strips are spaced from one another and tilted from the inside wall at an angle of approximately 45 degrees in a direction away from the vertex of the shell. Each of the inside strips is a frustum of a cone disposed with its axis along the axis of the shell. The tilt of the inside strips increases the transmittance bandwidth of the radome and further decreases dependence of phase delay upon the angle of incidence.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1978Date of Patent: February 19, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Electronics DivisionInventors: Eugene L. Rope, Gus P. Tricoles
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Patent number: 4186647Abstract: A rear cover for a rocket launch tube which is normally closed and which is capable of breaking away successively in one or more sections in response to the pressure and diameter of the rocket exhaust column or plume. The cover is so arranged that it will successively increase the area interconnecting the launch tube for the rocket with an exhaust duct or manifold as the rocket plume increases in diameter. The cover of an adjacent launch tube which is normally closed will prevent the exhaust gases from entering the launch tube of a stored rocket or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1978Date of Patent: February 5, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventor: Edward T. Piesik
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Patent number: 4187387Abstract: An electrical lead for cryogenic devices wherein a perforated conductive ribbon is folded in serpentine folds and fitted within an insulated vent. Boil-off gas is passed through the perforations in a heat exchange relationship with said conductive ribbon.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1979Date of Patent: February 5, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventor: Jerome F. Parmer
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Patent number: 4185373Abstract: An air inlet duct for a jet propulsion missile or other vehicle which is movable between a housed, pre-launch position and an extended or deployed flight position. A method of manufacturing the duct is also disclosed. The duct system includes a flexible leading edge attached to a double-wall inflatable duct body. Drop threads extend between the duct body walls to hold an exact desired contour when the duct is inflated. A pivotable plate moves the inflatable duct between a housed, deflated, position and an inflated flight position. Manufacture of the inflatable duct is basically accomplished by preparing a foamed plastic form in the desired duct wall shape, covering the form with fabric, stitching through the foam and fabric, coating the fabric with a flexible sealing compound, dissolving away the foamed plastic and attaching the resulting inflatable duct to other missile components.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1978Date of Patent: January 29, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: Charles L. Holland, George B. Nicoloff
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Patent number: 4183302Abstract: A system which disperses a payload sequentially. The payload may consist of a number of discrete individual units or a long string of units. The illustrated and described embodiment of the system is utilized in a rocket for dispersing decoy material, such as aluminum chaff, in a sequential burst pattern. The concept may readily be applied to mortor type decoy rounds, other types of decoy material, or to other types of applications requiring a sequential dispersion of the payload thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1967Date of Patent: January 15, 1980Assignee: General Dynamics Pomona DivisionInventor: George H. Schillreff
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Patent number: 4178854Abstract: A system which disperses a payload in a sequential manner. The payload may consist of a number of discrete individual payload units which are composed of two or more sections. The illustrated and described embodiment of the system is utilized in a rocket for dispersing decoy material, such as aluminum chaff, in a sequential burst pattern so as to produce a more uniform, widespread distribution of the decoy material. This is accomplished by sequential bursts of each unit which throw outwardly the payload sections of each unit, whereafter each of the payload sections are exploded. This concept may readily be applied to mortor type decoy rounds, other types of decoy material, or to other types of applications, requiring a sequential dispersion of the payload thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1967Date of Patent: December 18, 1979Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona DivisionInventor: George H. Schillreff
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Patent number: 4177964Abstract: A system for joining or docking large structures in space under remote, automatic control. As the two structures approach each other, a telescoping rigid boom on one structure is extended toward a socket on the other. The boom mount includes mechanisms providing a multidegree of freedom in pointing the boom. The end of the boom is directed into the socket whereupon a locking device holds it in place. Damping apparatus damps the relative motion between the structures. Boom retraction brings the structures together so that a final latching device can clamp the structures rigidly together.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1978Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: General Dynamics CorporationInventors: Edward J. Hujsak, LeRoy E. Siden