Spiral mass launcher
AssigneeAdvanced Launch Corporation
InventorDerek A. Tidman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spiral mass launcher is disclosed. The spiral mass launcher includes provisions that permit greater packing density and permit better support of a track. Some of these provisions include the use of specially designed angled swing arms. The spiral mass launcher also includes provisions to assist the spiral in achieving faster gyration speeds. Some of these provisions include improved arm designs and vacuum enclosures. A feed mechanism for a spiral mass launcher is also disclosed.
Claims25
An apparatus for moving a mass comprising:
- a spiral track;
- a first arm assembly having a first fulcrum and a first front end;
- a second arm assembly having a second fulcrum and a second front end;
- wherein the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is less than the length of the first arm assembly.
An apparatus capable of moving a mass comprising:
- a spiral track;
- a first arm assembly connected to the spiral track and having an upper arm, the upper arm having a first end and a second end;
- the first arm assembly also having a lower arm, the lower arm having a first end and a second end;
- and
- wherein the second end of the upper arm is separated from the second end of the lower arm.
An apparatus capable of moving a mass comprising:
- a spiral track;
- a first arm assembly connected to the spiral track and having at least one arm;
- the arm having a first width proximate a first end and a second width proximate a second end;
- wherein the first width is different than the second width.
An apparatus capable of moving a mass comprising:
- a spiral track;
- a first arm assembly connected to the spiral track and having at least one arm, a portion of the first arm assembly capable of rotating with the arm, the motion of the portion defining a circle;
- a second arm assembly connected to the spiral track and having at least one arm;
- wherein a portion of the second arm passes within the circle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.