Abstract: A deployment system includes a spring-driven linkage for deploying one or more kicker feet, to push a device to be deployed away from the deployment system. The kicker feet may include fore and aft kicker feet that push the deployed device to obtain a desire pitch in the launch, an example being a minimal or substantially zero pitch. The release of the kicker feet may be controlled by a pair of actuator, such as electrical solenoid actuators, both of which must be actuated to deploy the device. An electrical connection may allow positional float to account for tolerances in the positioning of the device relative to the deployment system.

Abstract: A deployment system includes a spring-driven linkage for deploying one or more kicker feet, to push a device to be deployed away from the deployment system. The kicker feet may include fore and aft kicker feet that push the deployed device to obtain a desire pitch in the launch, an example being a minimal or substantially zero pitch. The release of the kicker feet may be controlled by a pair of actuator, such as electrical solenoid actuators, both of which must be actuated to deploy the device. An electrical connection may allow positional float to account for tolerances in the positioning of the device relative to the deployment system.

Abstract: A missile includes a separable shroud that covers a nose portion of the fuselage of the missile. The shroud covers and protects a seeker window and a seeker at the nose of the missile. The shroud is configured to remain coupled to the missile during and immediately after launch of the missile, and to separate during flight under the action of aerodynamic forces. Toward that end parts of the shroud are initially coupled together by a retainer, which allows the parts to separate during flight. The retainer may include one or more tension bands that break at a certain tension, and/or one or more weakened parts of the shroud, which break during flight. Parts of the shroud may include inward protrusions that make contact with an ogive portion of the nose of the fuselage.

Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. Weights are attached to ends of the net with metal cables. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the tubular body and to deploy the weights at acute angles to the longitudinal axis of the interceptor projectile. The weights move radially out from the interceptor projectile, expanding the net outward, and wrapping the net around an incoming projectile. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, sending the incoming projectile off course.

Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. Weights are attached to ends of the net with metal cables. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the tubular body and to deploy the weights at acute angles to the longitudinal axis of the interceptor projectile. The weights move radially out from the interceptor projectile, expanding the net outward, and wrapping the net around an incoming projectile. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, sending the incoming projectile off course.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connector according to various aspects of the present invention operates in conjunction with a connector having a surface with a hole defined therethrough and a protruder aligned with the hole. A rotary mover engages the protruder and moves the protruder through the hole according to rotation of the rotary mover.

Abstract: A carriage assembly slidingly receives a tape cartridge whose forward end tape access door is opened during insertion of the cartridge by a user or an automatic picker of a tape library system. A single motor driven cam automatically moves the mated carriage assembly and tape cartridge to engage a head with an exposed segment of magnetic tape. The cartridge stops and the carriage assembly continues to move slightly forward from the tape cartridge. This allows the same motor driven cam to automatically move a pair of clutch assemblies transverse to the cartridge insertion axis into engagement with a pair of reel hubs of the tape cartridge. The engagement of the clutch assemblies unlocks the reels inside the tape cartridge for rotation by a pair of reel motors. A rigid mount plate of the tape cartridge is automatically clamped against a plurality of datums.