Lockheed Martin Corporation

Buddy R Paul

Greg W Klein

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a launch system that includes a closure that, in use, is attached to one or both ends of a missile canister. The closure is blown off of the canister before there is any contact between it and the nose of the missile. The closure incorporates an actuation mechanism that releases the closure when there is a rapid increase in pressure within the canister, such as when the booster of a canistered missile fires. The actuation mechanism is not, however, responsive to the magnitude of the pressure within the canister. As a consequence, the closure will not release if there is a slow build-up of pressure within the missile canister.

Article comprising a canister closure with pressure-pulse release

A passively-actuated apparatus for providing shock-absorption between a missile and a missile canister prior to missile launch, and for moving out of the path of a missile during missile launch. The apparatus comprises a snubber coupled to a passive actuator that drives a snubber from a position wherein the snubber is engaged with a missile to a position wherein the snubber is cleared from the path of any portion of the missile during launch. The actuator is purely mechanical in nature, and is passively-actuated by the motion of the missile itself as the missile begins launch.

Apparatus comprising a passively-actuated snubber

An electrical connector that avoids some of the disadvantages associated with electrical connectors in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses spring-loaded contacts to maintain connection in the presence of the vibration associated with a rocket launch, and also includes an environmental seal and electro-magnetic shield so as to provide an environment for the electrical contacts that is isolated from the ambient environment and external electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment avoids the possibility of bent connector pins, which would make mating between the electrical connectors.

Rocket-launcher docking system

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.

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Perry Hall, MD, United States of America

Buddy R Paul