The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 1985
Filed:
Apr. 29, 1983
Edward T Piesik, Pomona, CA (US);
General Dynamics Pomona Division, Pomona, CA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for preventing a missile's rocket exhaust gases from contacting and adversely affecting, such as by overheating, the launch rails from which a missile may be launched. Such apparatus includes an angled member having first and second leg portions, the end of the first leg portion being pivotably secured to the rail. A member having an angled surface is mounted to the second leg portion. Prior to the launching of said missile, the apparatus is in a first operative position such that it is out of contact with said launch rail. When the exhaust gases are emitted from said missile, a portion of the exhaust is incident upon the angled surface which causes the apparatus to rotatably pivot into contact with the launch rail, whereby portions of two surfaces of the launch rail are protected from the exhaust. In alternative arrangements, springs or counterweights are provided to hold the protective apparatus open to facilitate loading of a missile on the launch rails while permitting the apparatus to close around the rails when the missile is being launched. Other arrangements provide for translation as well as rotation of a pair of angled members in a clam shell configuration for protection of particularly shaped launch rails.