Gas generators, launch tube assemblies including gas generators, and related systems and methods
First Claim
1. A gas generator for use in launching a projectile, comprising:
- a housing sized and configured to be located within a launch tube for the projectile, the housing defining;
a first propellant chamber;
at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber;
an expansion chamber;
at least one first aperture between the first propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; and
at least one second aperture between the at least a second propellant chamber and the expansion chamber;
at least one propellant within each of the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber of the housing; and
a pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A gas generator includes a housing sized and configured to be located within a launch tube for a projectile. The housing defines a first propellant chamber; at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber; an expansion chamber; at least one first aperture between the first propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; and at least one second aperture between the at least a second propellant chamber and the expansion chamber. The gas generator also includes at least one propellant within each of the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber of the housing; and a pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and the second propellant chamber. A launch tube assembly includes a tube containing at least one projectile and a gas generator. Related methods of launching a projectile are also disclosed.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A gas generator for use in launching a projectile, comprising:
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a housing sized and configured to be located within a launch tube for the projectile, the housing defining; a first propellant chamber; at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber; an expansion chamber; at least one first aperture between the first propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; and at least one second aperture between the at least a second propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; at least one propellant within each of the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber of the housing; and a pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22)
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14. A launch tube assembly, comprising:
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a launch tube containing at least one projectile; and a gas generator within the launch tube proximate the at least one projectile, the gas generator comprising; a housing comprising; a first propellant chamber; at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber; an expansion chamber; at least one first aperture between the first propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; and at least one second aperture between the at least a second propellant chamber and the expansion chamber; at least one propellant within each of the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber of the housing; and a pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber.
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15. A method of launching a projectile, the method comprising:
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igniting a first propellant within a first propellant chamber within a housing of a gas generator; igniting a pyrotechnic delay within the housing, the pyrotechnic delay connecting the first propellant chamber and at least a second propellant chamber, the at least a second propellant chamber comprising a ring situated concentrically around the first propellant chamber; igniting a second propellant within the at least a second propellant chamber; combusting at least a portion of the first propellant and the second propellant to form a gas; flowing the gas into an expansion chamber within the housing via at least one first aperture between the expansion chamber and the first propellant chamber and at least one second aperture between the expansion chamber and the at least a second propellant chamber; flowing the gas through a plurality of third apertures formed in the housing to form at least one propulsive jet exiting the housing; and imparting an initial velocity to a projectile with the at least one propulsive jet. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification