Ordnance – Barrels – Composite
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-09-25
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3641)
Ordnance
Barrels
Composite
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293178
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to pyrotechnic launch tubes, and particularly to a pyrotechnic launch tube made using fiberglass reinforced polymer.
2. Description of the Related Art
A fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) pyrotechnic launch tube has been made, where a bottom is formed by bonding or gluing a plug inside the tube. However, the force from the explosion of pyrotechnics inside the tube can break the adhesive bond between the bottom and the inside wall of the tube. The pyrotechnic launch tube must then be repaired or replaced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method has been devised for making a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) pyrotechnic launch tube that can better withstand the explosive force of the pyrotechnics. An FRP tube is made, and a groove is formed about an inner circumference of the tube near one end. A bottom piece is engaged with the groove so that axial forces during the explosion of the pyrotechnics are transmitted to the tube. Thus, rather than relying on the bond strength of an adhesive to hold a plug in the bottom, the bottom piece is instead engaged with the FRP tube by its protrusion into the circumferential groove.
The pyrotechnic launch tube may be formed by providing a mold inside the launch tube adjacent the groove and molding FRP to form the bottom. A fiberglass mat and resin can be laid on the mold and compressed or vacuum set to squeeze the fiberglass and resin into the groove and to saturate the mat with resin. Alternatively, a bottom can be pressed into the tube, where the bottom initially compresses and then expands into the groove. The bottom and the tube form a chamber for receiving pyrotechnics, and the bottom preferably has a convex surface for defining the chamber. In this manner, explosive forces press the bottom into tighter or deeper engagement with the tube at the groove.
A pyrotechnic launch tube made according to such methods is thus better able to withstand the explosive forces as pyrotechnics are discharged from the tube.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1922081 (1933-08-01), Driggs
patent: 3068756 (1962-12-01), Schermuly
patent: 4733597 (1988-03-01), Upham
patent: 4791870 (1988-12-01), Simpson
patent: 5076134 (1991-12-01), Marshall et al.
patent: 5109750 (1992-05-01), Kayaian
patent: 5149290 (1992-09-01), Reveen
patent: 5623113 (1997-04-01), Valembois
patent: 5803791 (1998-09-01), Chiles
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.
Chambers T L.
Champion Fiberglass, Inc.
Jordan Charles T.
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