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  • Torpedo launch mechanism and method
    Patent number: 6418870
    Abstract: A retrofitable breech is disclosed for use on existing tubes for launching vehicles, such as torpedoes. The breech utilizes gas generators such as commercial off the shelf automotive airbag inflators, for propelling the torpedo from the tube. A plurality, typically three or four, generators are used and are fired in sequence with a controlled time delay. A retrofitable device is also disclosed for activating the weapons securing mechanism to release the torpedo. In addition, a release mechanism is disclosed for pulling the electrical connector plug on the torpedo. The sequence of releasing the torpedo, retraction of the plug and firing the inflators is controlled by a controller upon initiation of the firing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Lanowy, Kenneth G. Sharpe, David A. Lussier, Daniel M. Godfrey, Mark A. Rodrigues, Gary R. Berlam
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INFLATOR-BASED ACTUATION
    Publication number: 20200290553
    Abstract: An inflator-based system provides for the actuation of valves and other devices using automotive air bag inflators, for example. One or more inflators can be connected to a valve body with an adapter such that upon inflator activation, inflator gases can act on a piston or similar device to achieve desired movement or operation of the valve or device. An inflator-based actuator can provide for a single action or multiple actions of a valve or other device. Such a system can provide safer and more reliable alternatives to electro-explosive ordnance devices found in pyrovalves, for example. Other uses for an inflator-based actuation system can include a lanyard pull initiator, a dual cartridge cutter, a bolt cutter, a hot gas generator (HGG) body, and a HGG pressure cartridge, to name a few examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Delisle, Richard Gagnon, Barry Holland, Keith Amaral
  • Systems and methods for deployment and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles
    Patent number: 8439301
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more launch tubes, each launch tube configured to house a UAV in a canister and one or more gas generators operatively connected to each canister and configured to push the UAV out of the launch tube by releasing gas into the canister. A controller for activating the gas generators can sequentially, and with a predetermined time delay, expel the UAV with a desired velocity and acceleration. The system further includes a UAV recovery device, a power supply, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Lussier, Andrew J. Delisle, Philip M. Torrence
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATION OF VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20170225802
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more containers, or hangars, configured to house vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs. The system can further include a VTOL UAV orientation and charging module configured to mechanically position a UAV within a container and facilitate electrical mating and charging of a battery in the UAV. These operations, and others, can be performed by remote command that can initiate a series of pre-programmed steps. The UAV system can further include a power generation and storage subsystem, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Lussier, Andrew Delisle, Brian Charpentier
  • Systems and methods for inflator-based actuation
    Patent number: 11220235
    Abstract: An inflator-based system provides for the actuation of valves and other devices using automotive air bag inflators, for example. One or more inflators can be connected to a valve body with an adapter such that upon inflator activation, inflator gases can act on a piston or similar device to achieve desired movement or operation of the valve or device. An inflator-based actuator can provide for a single action or multiple actions of a valve or other device. Such a system can provide safer and more reliable alternatives to electro-explosive ordnance devices found in pyrovalves, for example. Other uses for an inflator-based actuation system can include a lanyard pull initiator, a dual cartridge cutter, a bolt cutter, a hot gas generator (HGG) body, and a HGG pressure cartridge, to name a few examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Systems Engineering Associates Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Delisle, Richard Gagnon, Barry Holland, Keith Amaral
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