Rocket-deployed balloon for position marker
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsWilliam H. Barber, Werner F. Beckert, Ottmar H. Dengel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A portable, rocket-deployed signaling system for deploying a pin-point loion marker including a tractor rocket propulsion unit and attached payload container launched from a hand-held tube. The payload comprises an inflatable marker balloon, a gas generator for inflating the balloon and a tether line connecting the balloon to the launcher tube. A coupling pin, secured to the tether line at a predetermined length from the end attached to the launcher tube and removably supported on the payload container, is pulled subsequent to launch to permit the container to separate and deploy the balloon. A percussion igniter then actuates the gas generator to inflate the balloon with the generator separating after inflation.
Claims13
A portable, rocket-deployed, tethered position marker system comprising:
- an inflatable marker assembly including an inflatable balloon, and a source of gas for inflating said balloon;
- a rocket for launching said marker assembly to a predetermined altitude;
- a separable casing attached to said rocket for containing said marker assembly;
- a portable, hand-held launch tube for containing and for launching said rocket and said attached casing;
- and
- a tether line stored within said casing for attaching said balloon to said launch tube,
- whereupon actuation said rocket is launched from said launch tube, said tether line is removed from said casing, said casing separates from said rocket at a predetermined altitude, and said balloon is permitted to be inflated and to remain tethered to said launch tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.