Flexible area launch tube rear cover
AssigneeGeneral Dynamics, Pomona Division
InventorEdward T. Piesik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rear cover for rocket launch tubes providing a seal between the tube and the rear of the rocket. The rocket is arranged in a manner such that the exhaust of a firing rocket will produce a seal between a sealing member and the rear of the rocket and will seal off the portion of the tube adjacent to the rocket itself, thus preventing exhaust gases from entering this portion of the launch tube.
Claims17
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising:
- a launch tube;
- duct means adjacent to said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle;
- and
- flexible sealable means extending across at least the open portion of the launch tube in the vicinity of the duct means.
An apparatus for sealing a portion of a launch tube for exhaust-propelled vehicles and for allowing free flow of exhaust gases after lift-off comprising:
- a launch tube;
- a duct disposed adjacent said launch tube for conducting the exhaust of said vehicle away from said vehicle;
- sealing means disposed from said tube to adjacent said vehicle;
- and
- a normally closed cover positioned substantially at the intersection of said tube and said duct.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.