Longitudinally Rotating Patents (Class 244/3.28)
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Patent number: 12151808Abstract: Aircraft and methods of operating the aircraft to provide for increased descent angles. The aircraft includes a fuselage having fixed wings, a horizontal thrust source coupled to the fuselage and configured to selectively generate and supply horizontal thrust to the aircraft, a vertical thrust source coupled to the fuselage and configured to selectively generate and supply vertical thrust to the aircraft, the vertical thrust source including a vertical thrust rotor that is configured to selectively operate in a locked mode, in which the vertical thrust rotor cannot rotate freely in response to contact of airflow therewith, and an unlocked mode, in which the vertical thrust rotor can rotate freely in response to contact of airflow therewith, and a controller configured to selectively supply a command to the vertical thrust source that causes the vertical thrust rotor to operate in the unlocked mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Pedro Alexandre Tonet Fleig, Ondrej Karas
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Patent number: 12145726Abstract: According to at least one example a launch system is provided, including a carrier vehicle and at least one payload vehicle. The payload vehicle includes a payload propulsion system and aerodynamic lift surfaces designed for providing the payload vehicle with aerodynamic powered flight at a design subsonic cruise speed at a desired altitude. The carrier vehicle is configured for carrying the at least one payload vehicle at least up to the desired altitude, and further includes a solid rocket propulsion system for propelling the launch system to the desired altitude. The carrier vehicle is configured for providing a predetermined forward speed at the desired altitude, correlated to the design subsonic cruise speed. The carrier vehicle is configured for releasing the payload vehicle with respect to the carrier vehicle at the desired altitude and the predetermined forward speed. The design subsonic cruise speed is less than 0.7 Mach number, and, the desired altitude is greater than 3 km.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Eyal Peleg, Tomer Valency, Ilan Barboi
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Patent number: 12092436Abstract: A control surface restraining system for variably restraining a control surface on a flight vehicle includes a passively triggered and manually movable control surface restraint for keeping the control surface aligned along a longitudinal axis of the flight vehicle, while allowing for temporary control surface rotation during handling and loading. The control surface restraining system allows the control surfaces to be manually rotated out of and back to the “zero position” (i.e., aligned along the longitudinal axis) for loading the flight vehicle with a common load strap, and thereafter maintained in the “zero position” until launch for proper control actuation system initialization. Upon launch, the control surface restraining system is passively actuated for releasing the control surface, requiring no active stimulus from the guidance section, power, or associated wiring, therefore saving critical space and volume within the tactical flight vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Edgar R. Melkers, Kenyon Kehl, Andre White, Gregory A. Trainor
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Patent number: 12078459Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 11801931Abstract: Integration driving mechanism for fin control assembly applied for UAV, aerial observation equipment, comprises: the control assembly, the fin root assembly, the fin shaft. The control assembly is small size, high temperature operation, waterproof ability, vibration resistance, easily replacement and reparation that is still warrant the operation condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: VIETTEL GROUPInventors: Quoc Toan Tran, Kim Bao Le, Van Dinh Pham, Duy Tung Nguyen, Pham Tuan Nguyen
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Patent number: 11787524Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage and a pair of wings. Each wing is coupled to the fuselage at a wing-fuselage joint, and is supported by a strut coupled to the fuselage at a strut-fuselage joint and coupled to the wing at a strut-wing joint. The strut-fuselage joint is located below and at least partially aft of the wing-fuselage joint. The wing generates a lifting force when air passes over the wing. The lifting force induces a vertical moment about the wing-fuselage joint due to the location of the strut-fuselage joint below and at least partially aft of the wing-fuselage joint. The wing and/or the strut has a structural arrangement configured to counteract the vertical moment.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert E. Grip, Neal A. Harrison
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Patent number: 11754378Abstract: A tail for a projectile includes a body having a longitudinal axis. A steering assembly is secured to the body. The steering assembly includes a flap movable from a first position in which the flap does not extend radially beyond the body to a second position in which the flap extends radially beyond the body and at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a flap release mechanism. A projectile including a tail according to the present disclosure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: Glenn Richard Thoren, William Whitcomb McFarland, Rebecca Ann DeFronzo, Stephen Louis Bellio, Jesse M. Carr, Jeffery Brandon DeLisio, Gregory M. Fritz, Sean George
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Patent number: 11754379Abstract: A guided projectile includes a body and a deployable wing in which the deployable wing is coupled to and enclosed by the body. A linear distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing defines a chord line that, in the stowed position, forms an angle with a plane containing the chord line and extending parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the wing in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Martin Edwy Buttolph
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Patent number: 11725947Abstract: An alignment system for sensor or other electrical device filters rate data from gyroscopes and integrates the same to determine an alignment error state that is populated into a direction cosine matrix that pre-rotates measurement from a first electrical device into an estimated coordinate frame to determine a static alignment between first and second electrical devices or sensors. The system may be part of a countermeasure system on an aircraft. A first electrical device may be an inertial navigation system (INS), and a second electrical device may be an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The attitude of the IMU is used to translate the detected threats from the countermeasure system into a common reference frame of the INS.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Frey, Jr., Austin J. Dionne, Michael N. Mercier
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Patent number: 11649073Abstract: Vehicles with control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing. Launch vehicles with fixed and deployable deceleration surfaces and associated systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Blue Origin, LLCInventors: Mark Featherstone, Frederick W. Boelitz, Roger E. Ramsey, David M. Biggs
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Patent number: 11624594Abstract: A system, device and method provide a glide kit that can attach to a conventional mortar round to create a glide-enabled round. The glide-enabled round can fit within a mortar tube. When the munition exits the mortar tube, it sequentially deploys wings and canards to initiate the glide maneuver and increase the mortar range. A state estimator subsystem can be employed with a canard control subsystem to actively guide the mortar to a fixed location. The combination of the estimator and canard control subsystems improves the tracking precision of the mortar round.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Barron Associates, Inc.Inventors: David A. Neal, III, Aaron B. Olowin, William T. Gressick
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Patent number: 11525655Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 11486682Abstract: An integrated propulsion and warhead system for an artillery round includes a propulsion, such as a solid rocket motor and/or an air-breathing jet engine, and an annular explosive concentrically arranged around at least a portion of the propulsion system. The integrated propulsion and warhead system is included in a propulsion section of the artillery round so that space in an adjacent guidance section is increased and the space allocation for the propulsion system and annular explosive is optimized.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Jaylan Jones, Donald Messitt, Brian Hodge, Gabe Harris
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Patent number: 11365956Abstract: A pivot connection part for a flying machine includes an inner body, an outer body radially surrounding the inner body, and a set of connection elements configured to connect the inner body to the outer body. Breaking the connection elements detaches the inner body from the outer body. A first blocking assembly having a cam and a stop is configured to block relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies in a first rotational direction. A second blocking assembly having a pawl and a resilient stop blade is configured to block relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies in a second rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: MBDA FranceInventor: Clyde Laheyne
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Patent number: 11353300Abstract: A projectile and deployment method ensures successful deployment of the projectile regardless of an external environment. Contacting engagement is maintained between a piston and deployable fins as the fins rotate from a folded position to a deployed position. The fins are pushed by the piston to rotate into a deployed position in which the fins are locked before the piston is able to eject from the assembly. Using the engaging tabs between the fins and the piston, and a modular pressure reservoir, the piston continues to push on the fins at least until the fins are deployed and locked. After locking, pressure in the projectile is equalized and the piston is launched off of the pressure reservoir. If the fins are not immediately deployed and locked, the piston will continue to push on the fins until the external environment enables full deployment or until the pressure is equalized.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Timothy A. Murphy
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Patent number: 11340052Abstract: A wing deployment initiator initiates penetration of frangible cover seals by missile guidance wings during wing deployment. The initiator includes a central, rotatable hub extending above a baseplate. Lobes extending from the hub prevent rotation of associated flippers by torsion springs. Locking and deployment tabs extend from the flippers into corresponding notches in proximal ends of the wings. The locking tabs prevent deployment of the wings until the central hub is rotated, whereupon the flippers are released, causing the deployment tabs to transfer deployment energy from the torsion springs to the wings. The hub can be rotated by an electrical actuator such as a solenoid or motor, or the lobes can be rotationally offset so that feedback pressure from the flippers applies a torque to the hub, and missile electronics can cause a wing control surface to inhibit and then enable hub rotation via a rocker link.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Kenneth D. Cleveland
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Patent number: 11313656Abstract: A fin deployment mechanism for a projectile to release the fins laterally or radially. This pop-out type of mechanism therefore avoids need for a sabot for projectile launching purposes. By avoiding the weight and space usage of a sabot, there can be increased length and volume for the warhead and projectile, at the same weight burden.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Seungeuk Han
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Patent number: 11300390Abstract: A control surface deployment apparatus having a base part, a drive actuator operably installed adjacent to the base part and having a drive actuator shaft extending beyond the base part, a knuckle part installed on the drive actuator shaft so as to selectively rotate therewith, a hinge part pivotally installed on the knuckle part as through a hinge pin, a fin rigidly installed on the hinge part so as to extend away from the knuckle part, and a spring biasing element configured to pivotally bias the hinge part relative to the knuckle part.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLCInventors: Joshua J. Sesler, Bert K. McMahan, Mark C. McMahan
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Patent number: 11067371Abstract: A tail kit assembly of a guided munition having a tail kit base connected to a trailing end of a projectile body. The tail kit base is rotatable relative to the projectile body. A trimmable rudder has forward and rearward ends. The forward end is pivotally coupled to the tail kit base, such that the trimmable rudder can, relative to the tail kit base, between retracted and extended orientations. An actuator is fixed between the tail kit base and the rearward end of the trimmable rudder. The actuator is electrically coupled to an onboard guidance system that controls actuation of the actuator to pivot the trimmable rudder between the retracted orientation and the extended orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Choiniere, Jason T. Stockwell
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Patent number: 11009323Abstract: A munition including: a casing having a first portion and the second portion; and an actuator comprising two or more pistons, each of the pistons being connected at a first end to the first portion of the casing and engaged at a second end to the second portion of the casing, each of the pistons being capable of having an extended and retracted position relative to the first and second ends, the retracted position resulting from an activation of each of the two or more pistons; wherein activation of one or more of the two or more pistons moves the first portion relative to the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLCInventors: Jahangir S Rastegar, Jacques Fischer
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Patent number: 10768703Abstract: The present disclosure is a touch-sensitive input detector having an operating unit with an input surface; a support; a fastener for mounting the operating unit to the support in a vibration direction so as to be displaceable from a resting position and elastically restorable; and an actuator for stimulating the operating unit to vibrate in the direction of vibration for a haptic feedback; wherein the fastener for attaching the operating unit includes leaf spring elements, which each form a first section for attaching to the support and a second section for attaching to the operating unit, and an intermediate middle section, so that the operating unit is mounted on the support in an elastically vibratable manner, and which are arranged at a distance from each other by the middle section, wherein at least one section from first section and second section is attached by a form-fit seat, such as overmolding.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: PREH GMBHInventors: Benedikt Schmidt, Kai Lang, Mario Schmitt
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Patent number: 10683079Abstract: A control system of a flight vehicle automatically varies the relationship between the center of gravity and the center of pressure of the flight vehicle. The control system automatically adjusts a center of pressure of the flight vehicle depending on a varying payload or payload type that is removably couplable to the flight vehicle. The control system automatically limits translational movement of the one or more wings of the flight vehicle in response to coupling of a payload to a fuselage of the flight vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Jeffrey H. Koessler, Anthony O. Lee, Cody D. Tretschok, Gregory J. Artz
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Patent number: 10641590Abstract: A lock block for use in a flight vehicle to deploy and lock wings in a deployed position with the lock block having a forward end and an aft end and including a support member, a resilient member adjacent the aft end of the lock block, a first deploy pin extending from the resilient member, a second deploy pin extending from the resilient member, and a wedge located on a bottom side of the resilient member. The first deploy pin and the second deploy pin are each configured to engage a groove in a wing of the flight vehicle to push each wing into a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Martin Edwy Buttolph
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Patent number: 10495409Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a mounting dock to receive and to support an implement (such as a handgun, for example) or a carrier (such as a handgun holster, for example). The dock includes a cradle arranged to receive and to support the carrier. One or more spring-loaded lock buttons are disposed within the cradle and arranged to be activated when the carrier is pressed into the cradle. One or more spring-loaded latching fins are movably coupled to the cradle and arranged to catch the carrier when the one or more lock buttons are activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Inventors: Thomas Tedder, Jacob Shearer
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Patent number: 10458764Abstract: A canard deployment mechanism includes a canard connected to a shaft that is hingedly attached to a rotatable hub that is moveable between a stowed and deployed position. The mechanism further includes a locking feature on the canard for restraining the canard in the stowed position. In an embodiment the mechanism further includes a pawl rotatably mounted on a drive gear to contact and restrain the canard in the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Gary Willenbring, Steven W. Sorensen
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Patent number: 10364007Abstract: An example underwater vehicle includes a first section detachably coupled to a second section that is positioned forward of the first section, and a hinge detachably coupling the first section to the second section, where the hinge creates a pivot between the first section and the second section. The underwater vehicle includes a lock having a locked position and an unlocked position, where, in the locked position, the lock couples the first section and the second section together, and where, in the unlocked position, the second section is capable of decoupling from the first section. The underwater vehicle also includes a drag fin associated with the second section that is movable to an extended position away from the second section to create a drag force which causes the second section to pivot about the hinge, away from the first section, when the underwater vehicle is traveling through a fluid medium.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Randall L. Hoover
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Patent number: 10184762Abstract: A device is provided. The device includes at least one SMM component fabricated from an SMM. The SMM component is configured to change shape in response to receiving a stimulus. The SMM component is also configured to deploy from a device body of the device allowing the device to change shape in an advantageous way. A method implemented by a device is also provided. The method includes changing a shape of an SMM component of the device in response to receiving a stimulus. The SMM component is fabricated from an SMM. The method also includes deploying the SMM component from a device body of the device allowing the device to change shape in an advantageous way.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Matthew H. Summers, Frederick B. Koehler, Jeremy C. Danforth, James K. Villarreal
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Patent number: 10112691Abstract: An example underwater vehicle includes a first section detachably coupled to a second section that is positioned forward of the first section, and a hinge detachably coupling the first section to the second section, where the hinge creates a pivot between the first section and the second section. The underwater vehicle includes a lock having a locked position and an unlocked position, where, in the locked position, the lock couples the first section and the second section together, and where, in the unlocked position, the second section is capable of decoupling from the first section. The underwater vehicle also includes a drag fin associated with the second section that is movable to an extended position away from the second section to create a drag force which causes the second section to pivot about the hinge, away from the first section, when the underwater vehicle is traveling through a fluid medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Randall L. Hoover
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Patent number: 9157702Abstract: A munition guidance system is disclosed. The system comprises a generally tubular enclosure, having an internal cavity adapted for receiving a munition, wherein an outer diameter of the enclosure is at most the largest outer diameter of the munition; and a processing and control unit enclosed within the enclosure and being configured for controlling guidance wings so as to maneuver the munition while flying.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.Inventors: Ami Elkayam, Zeev Azar
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Patent number: 9068807Abstract: A rocket-propelled grenade includes a payload section, a selectable fuzing section joined to the payload section, and a propulsion section joined to the selectable fuzing section. A rocket-propelled grenade includes a propulsion section and a payload section operably associated with the propulsion section. The payload section includes a shell, one or more penetrators disposed in the shell, and a charge for compromising the shell to deploy the one or more penetrators when the charge is initiated.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Toby D. Thomas, Richard L. Green, Jonathan H. Record, Robbie S. Strauch, David L. Hunn
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Patent number: 9004393Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an aircraft capable of sustained out-of-ground-effect hover flight and sustained supersonic flight. At least some embodiments includes two wings powered by an engine to counterrotate while hovering, and to not rotate and sweep while flying at transonic and supersonic speeds. Other embodiments include two rotating wings that generate a force per unit area of under 100 lb/ft2 within the rotating wing disk during hover. Still other embodiment include a vehicle with rotating wings that can increase pitch to accelerate the aircraft, align the chord line of the wings with the airstream, and sweep the wings. Still further embodiments include a power plant that powers unducted rotating wings during hover and disengages from the wings to propel the aircraft at supersonic speeds.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: University of KansasInventor: Ronald M. Barrett-Gonzales
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Patent number: 8985504Abstract: A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns. Embodiments include one or more rudder elements which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member disposed within the fuselage housing and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventors: Tony Shuo Tao, Nathan Olson, Carlos Thomas Miralles, Robert Nickerson Plumb
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Patent number: 8975566Abstract: By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Thomas A. Black, David J. Reyes, Robert W. Von Mayr, Erik A. Fjerstad, John D. Willems
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Patent number: 8952304Abstract: In one example, a rocket nozzle assembly is disclosed that has stowed and deployed positions, and includes a casing including an outer wall and an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface defining a diverging region, wherein the casing defines a plurality of fin slots, and wherein each of the plurality of fin slots extend through the outer wall of the casing and the inner surface of the casing, and wherein the diverging region defines a bell-shaped contour. The assembly further includes a plurality of fins pivotally engaged to the casing, wherein in the stowed position, each of the plurality of fins extends into the diverging region through a respective one of the fin slots, and wherein in the deployed position, each of the plurality of fins extend outwardly from the casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph O. Bellotte, Thomas F. Farabaugh, Aaron C. Caba
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Patent number: 8921749Abstract: A perpendicular drive mechanism for a missile control actuation system employs an electric motor and power shaft operatively coupled to a first spur gear. A lead screw is coupled to a second spur gear. The lead screw is oriented parallel to the motor and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The first and second spur gears meshingly engage such that the second spur gear rotates in the opposite direction as the first spur gear. A lead nut threadingly engages with and is configured to move linearly along the central axis of the lead screw. A crank arm is coupled on one end to the lead nut and on the other end to the canard shaft of a canard assembly. As the lead nut moves linearly along the central axis of the lead screw, the crank arm follows the lead nut and causes the canard assembly to actuate.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Aaron M. Scott
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Patent number: 8894004Abstract: Obliquely folding articulating wing mechanisms that include a wing rotatingly connected to a base.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Aaron Michael Scott, Philip Thomas Aberer, Neil Randall Japp, Nicholas Cody McGaha
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Patent number: 8890043Abstract: A steering section for guided munition comprises a steering body having n control surfaces folded inside or deployed protruding from the external surface. The steering section comprises a locking mechanism for the n control surfaces folded inside the steering body having a lock support secured thereto, a fixed sleeve secured to the lock support comprising a locking barrel, a mobile sleeve surrounding the fixed sleeve and slideable longitudinally along the locking barrel, the mobile sleeve comprising, on the outside of the fixed sleeve, a free end collaborating with the n control surfaces to keep them folded inside the steering body, a translational-locking device locking the translational movement along the mobile sleeve along the locking barrel deactivatable by unlocking force to trigger translational sliding movement of the mobile sleeve along the locking barrel and release the n control surfaces which can then move from their folded position into their deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: TDA ArmementsInventors: Patrick Cohe, Bertrand Dubois, Fabien Moreau
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Patent number: 8878111Abstract: Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Blue Origin, LLCInventor: Mark Featherstone
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Patent number: 8876039Abstract: A folding wing for an aircraft comprises first and second inboard wing sections, and first and second outboard wing sections. The first and second inboard wing sections rotate about a centerline hinge, and a centerline spring applies force to the first and second inboard wing sections to rotate the first and second inboard wing sections from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least one of the first and second inboard wing sections translates along the axis of rotation of the first and second inboard wing sections as they move from the stowed to the deployed positions. The first and second outboard wing sections rotate between the stowed and the deployed positions about first and second outboard hinges.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Stark Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Jacob G. Lubenow, Andrew S. McComas, Jeremy A. Zanzig, Jeffrey A. Gerhart, Alan R. Klug, Jonathan P. Clark
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Patent number: 8866057Abstract: An air vehicle that is launched from inside a launcher, includes a release mechanism for releasing fins of the vehicle from a stowed condition to a deployed condition. The release mechanism includes a pin that is located within a cavity in the fuselage of the air vehicle. Pressurized gasses initially fill the cavity in the fuselage. The launcher includes a reduced-pressure portion such as from a muzzle brake. When the air vehicle passes into the reduced-pressure portion of the launcher, the gas pressure behind the air vehicle is reduced. This causes the pressurized gas within the cavity to drive the release mechanism backwards out of the cavity. The length of the pin may be used to control the timing of the fin deployment, the delay between the initial movement of the release mechanism out of the cavity, and when the fins are released.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Chris E. Geswender
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Publication number: 20140291441Abstract: In one example, a rocket nozzle assembly is disclosed that has stowed and deployed positions, and includes a casing including an outer wall and an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface defining a diverging region, wherein the casing defines a plurality of fin slots, and wherein each of the plurality of fin slots extend through the outer wall of the casing and the inner surface of the casing, and wherein the diverging region defines a bell-shaped contour. The assembly further includes a plurality of fins pivotally engaged to the casing, wherein in the stowed position, each of the plurality of fins extends into the diverging region through a respective one of the fin slots, and wherein in the deployed position, each of the plurality of fins extend outwardly from the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Joseph O. Bellotte, Thomas F. Farabaugh, Aaron C. Caba
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Patent number: 8754352Abstract: A wing deploy initiator for deploying guidance wings of a rocket or missile, such as the APKWS, provides enhanced wing deploy performance with reduced complexity, cost, and likelihood of failure. The invention includes a cam which is driven between the stowed guidance wings by at least one compression spring, thereby forcing the guidance wings outward through slots in the fuselage of the rocket or missile. Oblique flat sides of the cam can push against beveled edges on the wings. The cam can be attached to spring mandrels, and the cam and mandrels can pass through a retaining plate as the springs decompress. Embodiments can exert sufficient push force to enable the wings to break through frangible slot covers. An embodiment applicable to the APKWS includes only 13 parts, and can exert up to 10 lb push force on each wing after 0.3 inches of wing travel.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Amy Pietrzak, Michael J. Krueger
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Patent number: 8738330Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Daniel DiMartino, Jeffrey Darbig
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Patent number: 8686330Abstract: The invention relates to a shell (1) arranged with extensible wings (3) having improved guidance characteristics during the gliding and final phase of the shell (1). The invention is characterized in that the extensible wings (3), via threaded wing fixtures (8), are movably arranged on rotatable axial guide shafts (6) on the shell body (2) for separate or simultaneous displacement of the wings (3) in the longitudinal direction A of the shell (1), for guidance of the shell (1) in the vertical and lateral directions during the trajectory phase of the shell, and in that the wings (3) are also rotatably arranged on radial guide shafts for controlling the angle of incidence of the wings (3) during the final phase of the shell (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventor: Nils Johansson
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Patent number: 8592737Abstract: A simultaneous deployment device for the control surfaces of a projectile for which each control surface is intended to be pivoted by a motor after its deployment to ensure the piloting, each control surface being held within the projectile and deployed towards the exterior of the projectile by the expansion of elastic means, each control surface being deployed by a rotation with respect to a control surface support and following a deployment axis that is crosswise to that of the projectile, wherein the elastic means are common means to ensure the deployment of all the control surfaces, the expansion of the elastic means generating a push stress directed along the axis of the projectile and being exerted on a push plate which transmits the push stress to as many slides as there are control surfaces to be deployed, each slide cooperating without slipping with a matching profile integral with a base of the control surface to make this pivot with respect to its support and first releasable locking means that maiType: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Nexter MunitionsInventor: Geoffroy Deschatre
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Patent number: 8569670Abstract: An advance is made in the art according to an aspect of the present invention disclosure directed to a pressure-activated, inertially locking base and fin mechanism for projectiles. Operationally, a base housing of a projectile contains both the fins, held within slots within the base, and a plunger. Which plunger has plurality of channels communicating with a chamber within base and which plunger is initially situated flush with the base. Upon firing the chamber is pressurized by the high-pressure firing gases being forced through the channels. When the projectile exits the barrel, the chamber's pressure vents through the channels, but, not fast enough to avoid a pressure differential that forces the plunger out of the base, causing a set of spring arms to flex upward and deploy the fins. When fully deployed, the fins are locked in place, in the deployed position, by a spring loaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Donald Carlucci, David Geissler, John Thomas
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Patent number: 8525089Abstract: Disclosed are a wing device for a flight vehicle and a flight vehicle having the same, the wing device including a fixing shaft disposed in a lengthwise direction of a main body of the flight vehicle, a wing rotatably mounted to the fixing shaft so as to be deployed from a state of being laid on an outer circumferential surface of the main body to an erected state, and slidable along the fixing shaft, a fixing groove formed to face the wing in a sliding direction of the wing, and a spring unit configured to apply a first elastic force in an outer circumferential direction of the main body for deployment of the wing, and apply a second elastic force in a lengthwise direction of the main body for inserting the wing into the fixing groove, whereby the wing can be fixed after deployment so as to enhance stability of the flight vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Agency For Defense DevelopmentInventors: Sang-Hun Shin, Hae-Yong Jeong
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Publication number: 20130193265Abstract: A steering section for guided munition comprises a steering body having n control surfaces folded inside or deployed protruding from the external surface. The steering section comprises a locking mechanism for the n control surfaces folded inside the steering body having a lock support secured thereto, a fixed sleeve secured to the lock support comprising a locking barrel, a mobile sleeve surrounding the fixed sleeve and slideable longitudinally along the locking barrel, the mobile sleeve comprising, on the outside of the fixed sleeve, a free end collaborating with the n control surfaces to keep them folded inside the steering body, a translational-locking device locking the translational movement along the mobile sleeve along the locking barrel deactivatable by unlocking force to trigger translational sliding movement of the mobile sleeve along the locking barrel and release the n control surfaces which can then move from their folded position into their deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: TDA ARMEMENTS S.A.S.Inventor: TDA ARMEMENTS S.A.S.
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Patent number: 8450669Abstract: A projectile body intended to evolve in a fluid, such body equipped with at least two radially deployable control surfaces, such control surfaces being accommodated prior to their deployment in housings made in the body, such that the housings communicate at their intersection point, each housing being blocked by sealing device preventing any fluid from the exterior of the projectile body from passing through the housings when the control surfaces are deployed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Nexter MunitionsInventors: Richard Roy, Simon Huguenin
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Patent number: 8415598Abstract: A stabilizing fin deployment apparatus may include a base assembly for attachment to the rear end of a projectile. The base assembly may include a base, a spacer, a fin mount, a gas cavity and an opening that extends from the rear end of the base to the gas cavity. A retention nut may engage the base and secure the fin mount and spacer to the base. A retention plug may be disposed in the opening in the base assembly. The retention plug may include at least one gas conduit between an outer surface of the retention plug and the gas cavity. A retention bolt may extend through the retention plug and may be fixed to the base. A plurality of fins hubs may be rotatably fixed to the base. A plurality of fins may be translatably connected to the fin hubs. When deployed, the fin hubs may rotate forward and the fins may translate outward far into the airstream.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert Terhune, Michael Hollis