Low energy track

Mechanical guns and projectors – Electromagnetic

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C089S008000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06237581

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to guiding a projectile along a launching trajectory. More particularly this invention relates to a low energy, high strength track adapted to guide a projectile without wheels prior to launching.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Tracks are commonly used to guide wheeled vehicles along predetermined routes. They typically are associated with a low maintenance and low energy consumption means of transportation. N.A.S.A. has been experimenting with an electromagnetic track for space shuttle launching. The track comprises a generally level portion to facilitate maximum acceleration and an upwardly curved portion to turn the rapidly moving space shuttle upwardly before its final release. One problem with the electromagnetic track is the extremely high force required to “float” the fast moving shuttle above the track as it is turned upward.
The traditional track cannot be used to launch a vessel which does not have wheels. Neither is the solution of mounting wheels on the track satisfactory. Too much energy is wasted accelerating those wheels. What is needed is a low friction track which does not utilize wheels and which is capable of supporting a great load.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to disclose a low energy track which is capable of guiding an unwheeled projectile. It is yet a further object of this invention to disclose a track which is capable of supporting very high loads so that a fast moving projectile may be turned upwardly on the track. It is a final object of this invention to disclose a track which is both simple and effective.
One aspect of this invention provides for a track for guiding a projectile along a trajectory comprising: an elongate track base extending parallel to the trajectory; a plurality of spaced supporting members, each rotatably carried by the elongate track base; each supporting member carrying an upstanding columnar finger laterally positioned on the supporting member so that a top portion thereof may intersperse with columnar fingers on adjacent supporting members. A projectile seated on a columnar finger will be continuously supported on adjacent columnar fingers as it moves along the trajectory. As the supporting members rotate forwardly in turn, first moving to a supporting position perpendicular to the track base, and then, continuing to rotate forwardly, to a lower non-supporting position where the projectile is supported on the next perpendicular columnar finger.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the supporting members and the upstanding columnar fingers carried thereon are integrally fabricated from a plate.
Various other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2485601 (1949-10-01), Hickman
patent: 4840106 (1989-06-01), Jasper, Jr.
patent: 5067387 (1991-11-01), Reynolds
patent: 5155290 (1992-10-01), Hawke

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