Paul T Atkinson

US Patent:

20130319211, Dec 5, 2013

Filed:

Dec 6, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/374637

Inventors:

Michael Ryan Whitney - King George VA, US
Paul G. Atkinson - King George VA, US
Keith M. DeLoach - Fredericksburg VA, US
Luis C. Gominho - Fredericksburg VA, US
Michael J. Morrison - King George VA, US
Doyle B. Green - Fredericksburg VA, US
Douglas L. Wynings - King George VA, US

Assignee:

United States Government, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Arlington VA

International Classification:

F41F 3/04

US Classification:

89 18

Abstract:

A system is provided for directing a flow of gas, including a launching mechanism, a plenum, a layer of meltable material, and an open-ended uptake component. The launching mechanism is adapted to expel rocket exhaust gas. The plenum includes an upper portion having at least one fire resistant breachable plug. The upper portion is adjacent to the launching mechanism. The layer of meltable material is disposed on the upper portion. The heat generated by the gas melts the layer of meltable material. The open-ended uptake component operatively connects to the plenum. The plug moves onto a lower portion of the plenum due to force generated by the gas onto the plug, and the gas flows through the plenum and the uptake component to vent said gas in a controlled manner.