Element releasing system
AssigneeLockheed Sanders, Inc.
InventorArmand E. Bourgeois
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for storing and deploying a number of elements sequentially in connected but spaced-apart relationship is described. Adjacent elements are joined together temporarily by connectors which overlay adjacent elements. The connectors are bound to the elements by a plurality of cables, one of which is wound around each element and the overlying connectors. One end of each cable is connected to the element around which it is wound and the other end is connected to the next preceding element. When tension is applied between the cable of the first element and the last element, for example, by connecting an underwater tug to the cable and connecting a drogue to the last element, the cables unwind one by one releasing the connectors and extending the elements in a straight line, spaced apart by the length of the connecting cables.
Claims16
An element releasing system comprising a plurality of elements positioned adjacent to each other in a substantially straight line and in a predetermined order from first to last, a plurality of connectors positioned so that one of said connectors overlays and is in engagement with each two adjacent elements, bridging any gap therebetween, and a plurality of flexible cables, one associated with each element and each having a first end and a second end, each of said cables being wound around its associated element and each connector in engagement therewith so as to bind said connectors to said elements and thereby join said elements to each other, said first end of each of said cables being fastened to its associated element, said second end of each of said cables except the first being connected to the next preceding adjacent element, whereby the application of a force to said second end of said first cable and said last element in a direction tending to separate said elements causes said cables to unwind sequentially beginning with said first cable thereby releasing said connectors one at a time and separating said elements which remain joined together and spaced apart by said cables.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.