Munition release system
AssigneeTalley Defense Systems, Inc.
InventorsWilliam H. Phillips, Thomas Palen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A munition release system for carrier weapons is disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging and ejecting munitions from the carrier housing operate in response to a common gas generator. Disengagement from the housing is effected just prior to ejection. Use of a common gas source improves reliability, while coordinated disengagement and ejection minimizes forces exerted on the munitions.
Claims29
A method for releasing munitions which are releasably secured to a housing, which comprises:
- activating a source to generate a pressurized gas within the housing;
- initially disengaging the munition from securement to the housing in response to the initial generation of gas;
- and then
- ejecting the unsecured munition from the housing in response to further generation of gas.
A method for releasing munitions from a housing which comprises sequentially:
- securing the munition to the housing with engaging means;
- activating a gas generator to generate a pressurized gas within the housing;
- triggering disengaging means to disengage the munition from the housing in response to the generation of gas;
- and
- ejecting the munition from the housing by inflating an inflatable member with the gas in response to the generation of gas.
A method for disengaging and ejecting a munition from a housing which comprises:
- providing a housing;
- a munition disposed within the housing;
- securing means disposed in contact with the munition for securing the munition in the housing;
- disengagement means disposed adjacent the securing means for releasing the securing means from the munition;
- ejection means disposed adjacent the munition for ejecting the munition from the housing;
- a gas generator for producing a pressurized gas, the gas generator being in closed fluid communication with the disengagement means;
- and means for placing the gas generator in closed fluid communication with the ejection means upon the attainment of a predetermined gas pressure;
- with the disengagement means and ejection means each capable of being activated by the gas produced by the gas generator;
- securing the munition within the housing by the securing means;
- activating the gas generator to generate a gas;
- activating the disengagement means by use of the gas;
- placing the gas generator in closed fluid communication with the ejection means;
- disengaging the munition from the housing;
- and
- ejecting the munition from the housing using the ejection means activated by the gas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.