Ordnance – Rocket launching
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-20
2001-11-27
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3641)
Ordnance
Rocket launching
C089S001806, C244S158700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321631
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for supporting launch vehicles, and more particularly to a launch vehicle mounting system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For many years, rockets have been used to launch payloads into space. Increasingly, uses of non-military satellites has expanded the opportunities for defense companies to develop non-military launch applications using formerly military launch technologies. This has created a need for systems suitable of launching satellites from sites throughout the world, including remote locations.
The exhaust gases from launch vehicles exit at high temperatures and pressures in excess of 1000 psi. To prevent destruction of the launch vehicle, the gases are vented away from the motor base through ducts positioned below the first stage motors. Because of the large gas volume and pressures, traditional launch pads have been permanent constructions made of reinforced concrete built in place in deep holes below ground surface, relying on the surrounding earth to provide lateral support to the duct walls. This type of construction requires the removal of substantial amounts of soil to prepare a suitable base. The resulting construction, which is made from concrete and steel, is thus a permanent structure.
In addition, each launch site was typically designed for a specific launch system and extensive retrofitting was required to adapt a launch pad for use with a larger or smaller launch motor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a launch pad system which can be constructed from preconstructed modular units on the surface of the ground without any significant subsurface excavation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a launch pad system which is easily assembled from preconstructed modules and which can be dismantled after use.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a modular launch pad system in which the modules are sized to allow easy transportation and handling using conventional flat bed trucks and cranes.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a highly mobile launch support system which can be assembled from components which can be moved onto the construction site with conventional flatbed vehicles and assembled with conventional heavy lifting equipment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular launch pad system which can be easily repaired.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a launch pad blast deflector for deflecting the exhaust gases of a launch vehicle during the launching thereof.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a modular unit and connectors for connecting modular units to one another.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a launch vehicle mounting means which can be adjusted to accept a wide variety of launch vehicle sizes.
According to the invention there is a provided a launch pad for a launch vehicle, comprising a frame, a plurality of slab means separably connected to the frame by means of slab connectors; and a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening of the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle.
Each slab means can include a reinforced concrete slab having opposed major surfaces, and connecting means embedded in the concrete slab complimentarily engageable with the slab connectors.
The slab means can include a peripheral frame secured to the periphery of the concrete slab.
The frame can comprise U-shaped channel sections connected to one another to form a frame, the legs of the U being directed inwardly to engage the major surfaces of the slab.
At least one of the legs of the channel sections can be partially embedded in the concrete slab to provide the slab means with at least one smooth major face.
Each connecting means can comprise an internally threaded sleeve extending into the slab from one of the major surfaces of the slab.
The sleeve can extend through the slab between the major surfaces of the slab. The ends of the sleeves can lie flush with the major surfaces of the slab.
Each connecting means can comprise an internally threaded sleeve extending into the frame through at least one of the legs of the U shaped channel.
The launch pad can include a blast deflecting means for deflecting launch vehicle exhaust gases into the channeling means.
The blast deflecting means can comprise at least one angled deflector plate having a ramp-like concave surface.
The plate can be a steel plate coated with an insulating ceramic material on the concave surface.
The channeling means can comprise at least one laterally extending duct forming a flow path extending away from the blast deflecting means.
The channeling means can comprise two ducts extending outwardly in opposite directions from the blast deflecting means, and wherein the blast deflecting means can include a pair of angled deflector plates each having a ramp-like concave surface, the plates being connected along upper edges of the plates to form are vertex.
The launch vehicle mounting means can include a plurality of vertically extending pillars and on adapting means mounted on the pillars for supporting a launch vehicle.
The adapting means can comprise an adapter ring removably engagebly with upper ends of the pillars.
The adapting means can comprise a plurality of pedestals having horizontal upper faces, the pedestals being movably mounted relative to one another.
Further according to the invention there is provided a building unit comprising a concrete slab having opposed major surfaces; a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending reinforcement bars embedded in the concrete slab; a plurality of internally threaded sleeves embedded in the slab, the sleeves extending into the slab from one of the major surfaces to define threaded channels in the slab.
The building unit can include a peripheral frame made of U-shaped channel sections connected to one another to form a frame, wherein the legs of the U are directed inwardly to engage the major surfaces of the slab, at least one of the legs of the channel sections being partially embedded in the slab so that the outer surfaces of said legs lie flush with the portion of the major surface extending between said legs.
The sleeves can extend through the slab between the major surfaces.
The sleeves can extend through at least one of the legs of the U-shaped channel sections and into the slab.
Still flirter according to the invention there is provided a building unit, comprising a concrete slab having opposed major surfaces; a peripheral frame made of U-shaped channel sections connected to one another to form a frame, wherein the legs of the U are directed inwardly to engage the major surfaces of the slab, at least one of the legs of the channel sections being partially embedded in the slab so that the outer surfaces of said legs lie flush with the portion of the major surface extending between said legs; a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending reinforcement bars embedded in the concrete slab; and a plurality of connecting means secured to the slab or to a leg of the U-shaped channel sections.
The connecting means can comprise internally threaded sleeves embedded in the slab.
Still further according to the invention there is provided a vehicle exhaust gas deflector assembly comprising at least one angled deflector plate having a ramp-like concave surface.
The plate can be a steel plate coated with an insulating ceramic material on the concave surface.
The deflector assembly can include a pair of angled deflector plates each having a ramp-like concave surface, the plates being connected along upper edges of the plates to form a vertex.
Still further according to the invention there is provided a launch vehicle mounting means comprising a plurality of vertically mounted pillars and an a
Carone Michael J.
Lockhead Martin Corporation
Marsh & Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP
Thomson Michelle
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