ROBERT GRANTHAM LANNON
Pilots at Palma Plz, Austin, TX

License number
Texas A1083061
Issued Date
Jun 2016
Expiration Date
Jun 2017
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
1507 Palma Plz, Austin, TX 78703

Professional information

Robert Lannon Photo 1

Reusable Non-Pyrotechnic Countermeasure Dispenser Cartridge For Aircraft

US Patent:
5411225, May 2, 1995
Filed:
Jul 26, 1993
Appl. No.:
8/097645
Inventors:
Robert G. Lannon - Austin TX
William F. Weldon - Austin TX
International Classification:
B64D 102
US Classification:
2441371
Abstract:
A non-pyrotechnic reusable cartridge for ejecting countermeasures, such as chaff, flares, or other payloads. The cartridge comprises a gas chamber storing a compressed gas and including an ejection mechanism and a countermeasure storage section storing a countermeasure. In one embodiment, the ejection mechanism is a solenoid valve. When an ejection signal is transmitted by the pilot, the solenoid valve opens to allow the compressed, non-flammable gas to be released from the gas chamber and push the countermeasure out of the cartridge at a high rate of speed. Other embodiments use a rupture disk positioned between the ejection section and the countermeasure storage section. When an eject signal is received, the rupture disk is either punctured or melted to allow the compressed gas into the storage section, thus ejecting the countermeasure. A non-pyrotechnic ejection mechanism allows safer handling, flashless dispensing, reuse of the cartridge, varied ejection force, and economical reloading with a variety of payloads.