초록 ▼

A system for launching a projectile includes a source of stored energy such as a pressurized fluid, a projectile within a launch barrel which communicates with the source of pressurized fluid, a fluid flow path between the two having at least one flow port, an object for blocking the at least one fl

A system for launching a projectile includes a source of stored energy such as a pressurized fluid, a projectile within a launch barrel which communicates with the source of pressurized fluid, a fluid flow path between the two having at least one flow port, an object for blocking the at least one flow port and a valve for moving the blocking object and thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to enter the launch barrel and initiate launch of the projectile. The valve for moving the blocking object communicates directly with the energy storage device of the launch system and is used to move the blocking means by introducing fluid against a rear face thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking object may be a disposable poppet. In an alternative embodiment, it may be the projectile itself. The launch system of the present invention has the advantages of being relatively simple, quiet and highly reliable. It also has the advantage of very rapidly opening a flow port substantially equal in size to the projectile to be launched.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for launching a projectile which comprises: a projectile within a launch barrel; a source of pressurized fluid for launching said projectile. a fluid flow path having at least one flow port for delivering said pressurized fluid from said source to said launch barrel; means for blocking said

A system for launching a projectile which comprises: a projectile within a launch barrel; a source of pressurized fluid for launching said projectile. a fluid flow path having at least one flow port for delivering said pressurized fluid from said source to said launch barrel; means for blocking said at least one flow port so that fluid from said source is substantially prevented from entering said launch barrel; and valve means for creating a flow of fluid into said launch barrel which moves said blocking means and allows said pressurized fluid from said source to enter said launch barrel and initiate launch of said projectile, said valve means communicating with said pressurized fluid source and being located externally of said launch barrel.