US3736836A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Launching pad assembly for miniature rockets
Assignee: CENTURI ENGINEERING CO INC US
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Filing: 1971-07-21
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Granted: 1973-06-05
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Expires: 1991-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A launching pad assembly having an upright launching rod for releasably supporting a miniature rocket during the initial flight phases of ignition and liftoff. The launching pad assembly base has spaced support legs adjustable to launch the rocket at a predetermined angle to the ground. The assembly further includes a pneumatically operated electrical ignition system to activate the igniter of the miniature rocket with a minimal power supply operable at a position remote from the rocket. A safety key is provided which concurrently indicates continuity of the electrical system and prevents accidental activation of the igniter.
Inventors
- 👤 J Mcallister
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:05
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41F; F41F3/00; F41F3/04; F41F3/0406
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
In a miniature rocket launching pad including a base presenting a chamber defined by upper and lower channel members and inner and outer end panels; and an igniter; an electrical ignition system comprising: a. a battery in said chamber having a pole at one end in conductive engagement with a contact terminal connected to said igniter and located on the exterior of said inner end panel and another pole at the other end in conductive engagement with a fixed terminal on the exterior of said outer end panel; b. a second contact terminal on the exterior of said inner end panel and connected to said igniter; c. a elongate resilient contact having one end anchored to said lower channel member with its other end normally spaced from said fixed terminal; d. a conductor extending between said elongate resilient contact and said second contact terminal; e. an inflatable sac depending from said upper channel member and in operative engagement with said elongate resilient contact, whereby inflation of said sac moves the end of said elongate resilient contact into engagement with the fixed terminal, and f. a manipulative control device for introducing air under pressure into said sac.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
In a miniature rocket launching pad including a base presenting a chamber defined by upper and lower channel members and inner and outer end panels; and an igniter; an electrical ignition system comprising: a. a battery in said chamber having a pole at one end in conductive engagement with a contact terminal connected to said igniter and located on the exterior of said inner end panel and another pole at the other end in conductive engagement with a fixed terminal on the exterior of said outer end panel; b. a second contact terminal on the exterior of said inner end panel and connected to said igniter; c. a elongate resilient contact having one end anchored to said lower channel member with its other end normally spaced from said fixed terminal; d. a conductor extending between said elongate resilient contact and said second contact terminal; e. an inflatable sac depending from said upper channel member and in operative engagement with said elongate resilient contact, whereby inflation of said sac moves the end of said elongate resilient contact into engagement with the fixed terminal, and f. a manipulative control device for introducing air under pressure into said sac.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 1, wherein said manipulative control device comprises: a. an enclosure having an aperture therein and constructed to entrap a quantity of pneumatic fluid and controllably expeL said pneumatic fluid through said aperture; and b. a resilient conduit communicating between the aperture of said enclosure and said sac.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 1, wherein said manipulative control device comprises, in combination: a. a generally elongate body having a first end and a second end, and a longitudinal bore subtending said first and second ends; b. an elongate plunger slidable within the bore of said body and sealingly engageable therewith, and extending longitudinally from the first end of said body; and c. a substantially flexible conduit communicating between the second end of said body and said sac.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 3, including check valve means for the entrance of pneumatic fluid into the bore of said body between said plunger and the second end of said body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 4, wherein said check valve means includes a longitudinal bore substending the length of said plunger.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 1, in combination with a safety key adapted to controllably prevent accidental activation of said igniter and further adapted to indicate continuity of said electrical ignition system, said safety key comprising an electrical power indicator insertable into an aperture in said upper channel member between said fixed terminal and resilient contact and communicating therewith, said indicator effectively bridging said fixed terminal and resilient contact to indicate the adequacy of the potential accross said contacts, said indicator having a resistance to drop a sufficient portion of the potential such that the remaining potential appearing is insufficient to activate the igniter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
160 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 1, in combination with a safety key adapted to controllably prevent accidental activation of said igniter and alternately adapted to indicate continuity of said ignition system, said safety key including: a. a non-electrical conductor body portion having an upper end and a lower end; and b. an electrical filament carried by said body portion and having a first terminal and a second terminal extending therefrom proximate the lower end, said lower end insertable into said upper channel member between said fixed terminal and resilient contact such that the first terminal of said filament communicates with said fixed contact and said second contact terminal communicates with the anchored end of said elongate resilient contact to effectively close said switch, said filament responsive to the adequacy of the potential across said contacts and having a resistance to drop a sufficient portion of the potential such that the remaining potential appearing is insufficient to activate the igniter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The electrical ignition system of claim 7 wherein operative manipulation of said sac urges the movable end of said elongate resilient contact against said fixed terminal to bypass said filament and apply full potential to said igniter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |