US20240166318A1 - Projectile Launcher Assembly - Google Patents
Projectile Launcher Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240166318A1 US20240166318A1 US17/992,641 US202217992641A US2024166318A1 US 20240166318 A1 US20240166318 A1 US 20240166318A1 US 202217992641 A US202217992641 A US 202217992641A US 2024166318 A1 US2024166318 A1 US 2024166318A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- projectiles
- projectile
- launching
- buoyancy
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 206010013647 Drowning Diseases 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 41
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 16
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/22—Devices for holding or launching life-buoys, inflatable life-rafts, or other floatable life-saving equipment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
- B63C9/125—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments
- B63C9/1255—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments inflatable
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
- F41B11/62—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
- F41B11/80—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns specially adapted for particular purposes
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to launcher devices and more particularly pertains to a new launcher device for launching buoyancy vests into a body of water when an individual has fallen overboard from a maritime vessel.
- the device includes a housing with a plurality of launching wells and a plurality of projectiles positioned in a respective launching well.
- the device includes a launching unit for launching the projectiles outwardly from the housing.
- the device includes a plurality of buoyancy vests that are each stored within a respective projectile which are inflated when the projectiles land in water.
- the prior art relates to launcher devices including a rescue line which trails a maritime vessel and a net attached to the rescue line.
- the prior art discloses a life preserver that is equipped with a launcher which can be launched from a maritime vessel.
- the prior art discloses a ballistic life preserver that includes a buoyancy vest stored within a canister that is launched from the canister with compressed air.
- the prior art discloses a rescue system that includes a wearable tracking unit, a modular rocket system which launches a guided rocket for deploying a floatation device.
- An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a housing mounted to the deck of a maritime vessel.
- the housing has a plurality of launching wells each extending into the housing.
- a plurality of projectiles is positioned within a respective one of the launching wells.
- a launching unit is positioned in the housing to launch each of the projectiles outwardly from the respective launching wells thereby facilitating the plurality of projectiles to be dispersed into a body of water in which the maritime vessel is traveling.
- a plurality of buoyancy vests is each positioned within a respective one of the projectiles. Each of the buoyancy vests is inflatable when the projectiles are launched from the housing to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard to wear one of the buoyancy vests to inhibit the individual from drowning.
- FIG. 1 is a left side phantom view of a projectile launcher assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a back view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a phantom perspective view of a projectile of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a right side in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIGS. 1 through 8 With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new launcher device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.
- the projectile launcher assembly 10 generally comprises a housing 12 that is mounted to the deck 14 of a maritime vessel 16 .
- the maritime vessel 16 may be a fishing trawler, a cargo ship, a pleasure boat or any other type of maritime vessel that is typically occupied by a plurality of individuals.
- the housing 12 is positioned adjacent to a stern 18 of the maritime vessel 16 and the housing 12 has a plurality of launching wells 20 each extending into the housing 12 .
- the housing 12 is oriented such that the plurality of launching wells 20 is directed toward the stern 18 of the maritime vessel 16 .
- the housing 12 has a bottom wall 22 and a rear wall 24 and the rear wall 24 has a first portion 26 lying on a plane that is perpendicularly oriented with the bottom wall 22 .
- the rear wall 24 has a second portion 28 angling forwardly from the first portion 26 , each of the launching wells 20 extends into the second portion 28 and each of the launching wells 20 has a lower bounding surface 30 .
- the housing 12 may be recessed into a hull 31 of the maritime vessel 16 .
- a plurality of mounts 32 is provided and each of the mounts 32 is coupled to and extends downwardly from the bottom wall 22 .
- Each of the mounts 32 has a leg 34 extending downwardly from the bottom wall 22 and a foot 36 extending laterally away from the leg 34 thereby facilitating the foot 36 of each of the mounts 32 to lie on the deck 14 of the maritime vessel 16 .
- Each of the mounts 32 has a hole 38 extending through the foot 36 thereby facilitating a plurality of fasteners 40 to be extended through the hole in the foot 36 of a respective one of the mounts 32 and engage the deck 14 to fasten the housing 12 to the deck 14 .
- a plurality of projectiles 42 is provided and each of the projectiles 42 is positioned within a respective one of the launching wells 20 .
- Each of the projectiles 42 has a front end 44 , a back end 46 and an outer wall 48 extending between the front end 44 and the back end 46 and the front end 44 of each of the projectiles 42 is open.
- the outer wall 48 of each of the projectiles 42 is continuously arcuate about an axis extending between the front end 44 and the back end 46 such that each of the projectiles 42 has a cylindrical shape. Additionally, the back end 46 of each of the projectiles 42 rests against the lower bounding surface 30 of the respective launching well 20 .
- Each of the projectiles 42 has a cone 50 that is attached to the front end 44 for closing the front end 44 . Additionally, each of the projectiles 42 has a plurality of fins 52 hingedly attached to the outer wall 48 . Each of the fins 52 is biased into a deployed position having each of the fins 52 extending away from the outer wall 48 of a respective projectile 42 . Furthermore, each of the fins 52 is urged into a collapsed position having the fins 52 lying against the outer wall 48 of the respective projectile 42 thereby facilitating the respective projectile 42 to be inserted into the respective well.
- the outer wall 48 of each of the projectiles 42 has a perforation 54 extending between the front end 44 and the back end 46 .
- a launching unit 56 is positioned in the housing 12 and the launching unit 56 is in communication with each of the projectiles 42 .
- the launching unit 56 is actuatable into a launching condition to launch each of the projectiles 42 outwardly from the respective launching wells 20 .
- the launching unit 56 comprises a launch canister 60 which stores a compressed gas.
- the launch canister 60 is positioned within the housing 12 and the launch canister 60 has an outlet 62 .
- the compressed gas in the launch canister 60 may comprise carbon dioxide or other type of inert gas.
- the launching unit 56 includes a pressure regulator 64 that has an input 66 and an output 68 and the input 66 is fluidly attached to the outlet 62 of the launch canister 60 .
- the pressure regulator 64 releases the compressed gas outwardly through the output 68 at a pre-determined pressure.
- the launching unit 56 includes a plurality of valves 70 that each has an inlet 72 and an outlet 74 and supply hose 76 that is fluidly coupled between the output 68 of the pressure regulator 64 and the inlet 72 of each of the valves 70 thereby facilitating the inlet 72 of each of the valves 70 to receive the pressurized gas.
- Each of the valves 70 is in a normally closed condition to inhibit the compressed gas from being released from the outlet 74 of each of the valves 70 .
- each of the valves 70 is actuatable into an open condition to facilitate the compressed gas to be released from the outlet 74 of each of the valves 70 .
- Each of the valves 70 may comprise an electrically controlled gas valve or the like and of the valves 70 may comprise an instant open valve such that the compressed gas is released from the valves 70 at full operating pressure when the valves 70 are actuated into the open condition.
- a plurality of outlet hoses 78 is provided and each of the outlet hoses 78 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 74 of a respective one of the valves 70 thereby facilitating each of the outlet hoses 78 to receive the compressed gas when the valves 70 are actuated into the open condition.
- Each of the outlet hoses 78 has an output nozzle 80 that is coupled to the lower bounding surface 30 of a respective one of the launching wells 20 such that the output nozzle 80 on each of the output hoses 78 releases the compressed gas into the respective launching well 20 when the valves 70 are actuated into the open condition.
- the full operating pressure of the compressed gas is sufficient to facilitate the projectiles 42 to have a launching distance ranging between approximately 15.0 meters and 60.0 meters.
- Each of the launching wells 20 in the housing 12 extends along an axis that is oriented at a unique angle with the second portion 28 of the rear wall 24 with respect to each other. In this way the projectiles 42 can be launched in a different direction with respect to each other. Furthermore, the projectiles 42 land in the water in a laterally spread pattern with respect to the maritime vessel 16 thereby ensuring at least one of the projectiles 42 lands near an individual that has fallen overboard 79 from the maritime vessel 16 .
- Each of the valves 70 releases a pre-determined pressure of the pressurized gas, which varies from valve 70 to valve 70 , into the respective launching well 20 thereby facilitating each of the projectiles 42 to be launched a unique distance from the maritime vessel 16 with respect to each other.
- a membrane 81 is adhered to the second portion 28 of the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 to cover each of the launching wells 20 .
- the membrane 81 is sufficiently thin to facilitate the projectiles 42 to easily pass through the membrane 81 when the projectiles 42 are launched.
- a plurality of buoyancy vests 82 is provided and each of the buoyancy vests 82 is positioned within a respective one of the projectiles 42 .
- Each of the buoyancy vests 82 is in a deflated condition thereby facilitating the buoyancy vests 82 to be stored within the respective projectile 42 .
- each of the buoyancy vests 82 is inflatable when the projectiles 42 are launched from the housing 12 to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard 79 to wear one of the buoyancy vests 82 to inhibit the individual that has fallen overboard 79 from drowning.
- Each of the buoyancy vests 82 may be designed to comply with United States Coast Guard regulations for commercial personal floatation devices.
- a plurality of inflation canisters 84 is provided and each of the inflation canisters 84 is integrated into a respective one of the buoyancy vests 82 .
- Each of the inflation canisters 84 stores a compressed gas and each of the inflation canisters 84 is in fluid communication with the respective buoyancy vest 82 .
- the compressed gas in each inflation canister 84 may comprise carbon dioxide or other inert gas.
- Each of the inflation canisters 84 releases the compressed gas into the respective buoyancy vest 82 when the inflation canisters 84 receives an inflate command for inflating the respective buoyancy vest 82 .
- Each of the projectiles 42 splits open along the perforation 54 in the outer wall 48 of the projectiles 42 when the buoyancy vest 82 in each of the projectiles 42 is inflated. In this way the buoyancy vest 82 in each projectile 42 is released from the projectiles 42 thereby facilitating the buoyancy vest 82 in each projectile 42 to be accessible to the individual that has fallen overboard 79 .
- a plurality of water sensors 86 is provided and each of the plurality of water sensors 86 is integrated into a respective one of the projectiles 42 .
- Each of the water sensors 86 is electrically coupled to the inflation canister 84 that is integrated into the buoyancy vest 82 which is stored in the respective projectile 42 .
- each of the water sensors 86 communicates the inflate command to the inflation canister 84 in the respective projectile 42 when the water sensor 86 in the respective projectile 42 is placed into contact with water such that the buoyancy vest 82 in the respective projectile 42 is inflated when the respective projectile 42 lands in the water.
- Each of the water sensors 86 may comprise an electronic water sensor that is turned on when the water sensors 86 are exposed to water.
- a plurality of projectile transceivers 88 is provided and each of the plurality of projectile transceivers 88 is integrated into a respective one of the projectiles 42 .
- Each of the projectile transceivers 88 is in wireless communication with a global positioning system 90 thereby facilitating the projectile transceivers 88 to establish the physical location of the respective projectile 42 .
- each of the projectile transceivers 88 is in wireless communication with a control room 92 in the maritime vessel 16 thereby facilitating a captain of the maritime vessel 16 to track the physical location of each of the projectiles 42 .
- Each of the projectile transceivers 88 may comprise a dual channel radio frequency transceiver or the like and each of the projective transceivers 88 may employ a frequency typically employed for maritime radio communications on a respective channel and a frequency typically employed for global positioning systems on a respective channel.
- a plurality of projectile power supplies 94 is included and each of the projectile power supplies 94 is integrated into a respective one of the projectiles 42 .
- Each of the projectile power supplies 94 is electrically coupled to the projectile transceiver 88 and the water sensor 86 in the respective projectile 42 .
- Each of the projectile power supplies 94 comprises a battery.
- a plurality of radio beacons 96 is provided and each of the radio beacons 96 is attached to a respective one of the buoyancy vests 82 .
- Each of the radio beacons 96 is electrically coupled to the water sensor 86 attached to the projectile 42 in which the respective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned.
- each of the radio beacons 96 is actuated when the water sensor 86 in the projectile 42 in which the respective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned senses water.
- Each of the radio beacons 96 transmits a location signal when the radio beacons 96 are turned on thereby facilitating a rescue team to receive the location signal to locate the radio beacons 96 .
- Each of the radio beacons 96 may comprise a personal location beacon of any conventional design that is approved by the United States Coast Guard.
- each of the radio beacons 96 has a unique electronic identity with respect to each other and the unique electronic identity is stored in the control room 92 of the maritime vessel 16 . In this way each radio beacon 96 can be located by the rescue team when the individual that has fallen overboard 79 is being recovered to enhance locating the individual that has fallen overboard 79 .
- a plurality of strobe lights 98 is provided and each of the strobe lights 98 is attached to a respective one of the buoyancy vests 82 .
- Each of the strobe lights 98 is electrically coupled to the water sensor 86 attached to the projectile 42 in which the respective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned. Furthermore, each of the strobe lights 98 is actuated when the water sensor 86 in the projectile 42 in which the respective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned senses water.
- Each of the strobe lights 98 emits flashing light when the strobe lights 98 are turned on thereby facilitating each of the buoyancy vests 82 to be visually located at night.
- Each of the strobe lights 98 may comprise a floating strobe light of any conventional design that is approved by the United States Coast Guard.
- a communication unit 100 is integrated into the housing 12 and the communication unit 100 is in remote communication with the control room 92 of the maritime vessel 16 . Furthermore, the communication unit 100 is in communication with the launching unit 56 . The communication unit 100 actuates the launching unit 56 into the launching condition when the communication unit 100 receives a launch command from the control room 92 .
- the communication unit 100 comprises a control circuit 102 that is integrated into the housing 12 and the control circuit 102 receives a launch input.
- the control circuit 102 is electrically coupled to each of the valves 70 and each of the valves 70 is actuated into the open condition when the control circuit 102 receives the launch input. Additionally, the control circuit 102 is electrically coupled to a power source 104 comprising an electrical system of the maritime vessel 16 .
- the communication unit 100 includes a launch transceiver 106 that is integrated into the housing 12 .
- the launch transceiver 106 is electrically coupled to the control circuit 102 . Additionally, the launch transceiver 106 is in wireless communication with the control room 92 of the maritime vessel 16 .
- the control circuit 102 receives the launch input when the launch transceiver 106 receives a launch command from the control room 92 .
- the launch transceiver 106 may comprise a radio frequency transceiver or the like.
- the captain of the maritime vessel 16 actuates a control in the control room 92 to launch the projectiles 42 when the individual has fallen overboard 79 .
- the projectiles 42 are launched into a spread pattern behind the maritime vessel 16 and each of the buoyancy vests 82 is inflated when the projectiles 42 land in the water.
- each of the radio beacons 96 is turned on and each of the strobe lights 98 is turned on when the projectiles 42 land in the water. In this way the rescue team is facilitated to locate the individual that has fallen overboard 79 at night, in low visibility conditions or any other situation that would make it difficult or impossible to visually locate the individual that has fallen overboard 79 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
A projectile launcher assembly includes a housing mounted to the deck of a maritime vessel. The housing has a plurality of launching wells each extending into the housing. A plurality of projectiles is positioned within a respective one of the launching wells. A launching unit is positioned in the housing to launch each of the projectiles outwardly from the respective launching wells thereby facilitating the plurality of projectiles to be dispersed into a body of water in which the maritime vessel is traveling. A plurality of buoyancy vests is each positioned within a respective one of the projectiles. Each of the buoyancy vests is inflatable when the projectiles are launched from the housing to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard to wear one of the buoyancy vests to inhibit the individual from drowning.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The disclosure relates to launcher devices and more particularly pertains to a new launcher device for launching buoyancy vests into a body of water when an individual has fallen overboard from a maritime vessel. The device includes a housing with a plurality of launching wells and a plurality of projectiles positioned in a respective launching well. The device includes a launching unit for launching the projectiles outwardly from the housing. The device includes a plurality of buoyancy vests that are each stored within a respective projectile which are inflated when the projectiles land in water.
- The prior art relates to launcher devices including a rescue line which trails a maritime vessel and a net attached to the rescue line. The prior art discloses a life preserver that is equipped with a launcher which can be launched from a maritime vessel. The prior art discloses a ballistic life preserver that includes a buoyancy vest stored within a canister that is launched from the canister with compressed air. The prior art discloses a rescue system that includes a wearable tracking unit, a modular rocket system which launches a guided rocket for deploying a floatation device.
- An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a housing mounted to the deck of a maritime vessel. The housing has a plurality of launching wells each extending into the housing. A plurality of projectiles is positioned within a respective one of the launching wells. A launching unit is positioned in the housing to launch each of the projectiles outwardly from the respective launching wells thereby facilitating the plurality of projectiles to be dispersed into a body of water in which the maritime vessel is traveling. A plurality of buoyancy vests is each positioned within a respective one of the projectiles. Each of the buoyancy vests is inflatable when the projectiles are launched from the housing to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard to wear one of the buoyancy vests to inhibit the individual from drowning.
- There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
- The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.
- The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a left side phantom view of a projectile launcher assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a back view of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a phantom perspective view of a projectile of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a right side in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure. - With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new launcher device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by thereference numeral 10 will be described. - As best illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 8 , theprojectile launcher assembly 10 generally comprises ahousing 12 that is mounted to thedeck 14 of amaritime vessel 16. Themaritime vessel 16 may be a fishing trawler, a cargo ship, a pleasure boat or any other type of maritime vessel that is typically occupied by a plurality of individuals. Thehousing 12 is positioned adjacent to astern 18 of themaritime vessel 16 and thehousing 12 has a plurality of launchingwells 20 each extending into thehousing 12. Thehousing 12 is oriented such that the plurality of launchingwells 20 is directed toward thestern 18 of themaritime vessel 16. Thehousing 12 has abottom wall 22 and arear wall 24 and therear wall 24 has afirst portion 26 lying on a plane that is perpendicularly oriented with thebottom wall 22. Therear wall 24 has asecond portion 28 angling forwardly from thefirst portion 26, each of the launchingwells 20 extends into thesecond portion 28 and each of thelaunching wells 20 has alower bounding surface 30. As is most clearly shown inFIG. 7 , thehousing 12 may be recessed into ahull 31 of themaritime vessel 16. - A plurality of
mounts 32 is provided and each of themounts 32 is coupled to and extends downwardly from thebottom wall 22. Each of themounts 32 has aleg 34 extending downwardly from thebottom wall 22 and afoot 36 extending laterally away from theleg 34 thereby facilitating thefoot 36 of each of themounts 32 to lie on thedeck 14 of themaritime vessel 16. Each of themounts 32 has ahole 38 extending through thefoot 36 thereby facilitating a plurality offasteners 40 to be extended through the hole in thefoot 36 of a respective one of themounts 32 and engage thedeck 14 to fasten thehousing 12 to thedeck 14. - A plurality of
projectiles 42 is provided and each of theprojectiles 42 is positioned within a respective one of the launchingwells 20. Each of theprojectiles 42 has afront end 44, aback end 46 and anouter wall 48 extending between thefront end 44 and theback end 46 and thefront end 44 of each of theprojectiles 42 is open. Theouter wall 48 of each of theprojectiles 42 is continuously arcuate about an axis extending between thefront end 44 and theback end 46 such that each of theprojectiles 42 has a cylindrical shape. Additionally, theback end 46 of each of theprojectiles 42 rests against the lower boundingsurface 30 of the respective launching well 20. - Each of the
projectiles 42 has acone 50 that is attached to thefront end 44 for closing thefront end 44. Additionally, each of theprojectiles 42 has a plurality offins 52 hingedly attached to theouter wall 48. Each of thefins 52 is biased into a deployed position having each of thefins 52 extending away from theouter wall 48 of arespective projectile 42. Furthermore, each of thefins 52 is urged into a collapsed position having thefins 52 lying against theouter wall 48 of therespective projectile 42 thereby facilitating therespective projectile 42 to be inserted into the respective well. Theouter wall 48 of each of theprojectiles 42 has aperforation 54 extending between thefront end 44 and theback end 46. - A launching
unit 56 is positioned in thehousing 12 and the launchingunit 56 is in communication with each of theprojectiles 42. The launchingunit 56 is actuatable into a launching condition to launch each of theprojectiles 42 outwardly from therespective launching wells 20. In this way the plurality ofprojectiles 42 can be dispersed into a body ofwater 58 in which themaritime vessel 16 is traveling. The launchingunit 56 comprises alaunch canister 60 which stores a compressed gas. Thelaunch canister 60 is positioned within thehousing 12 and thelaunch canister 60 has anoutlet 62. Furthermore, the compressed gas in thelaunch canister 60 may comprise carbon dioxide or other type of inert gas. - The launching
unit 56 includes apressure regulator 64 that has aninput 66 and anoutput 68 and theinput 66 is fluidly attached to theoutlet 62 of thelaunch canister 60. Thepressure regulator 64 releases the compressed gas outwardly through theoutput 68 at a pre-determined pressure. The launchingunit 56 includes a plurality ofvalves 70 that each has aninlet 72 and anoutlet 74 andsupply hose 76 that is fluidly coupled between theoutput 68 of thepressure regulator 64 and theinlet 72 of each of thevalves 70 thereby facilitating theinlet 72 of each of thevalves 70 to receive the pressurized gas. Each of thevalves 70 is in a normally closed condition to inhibit the compressed gas from being released from theoutlet 74 of each of thevalves 70. Conversely, each of thevalves 70 is actuatable into an open condition to facilitate the compressed gas to be released from theoutlet 74 of each of thevalves 70. Each of thevalves 70 may comprise an electrically controlled gas valve or the like and of thevalves 70 may comprise an instant open valve such that the compressed gas is released from thevalves 70 at full operating pressure when thevalves 70 are actuated into the open condition. - A plurality of
outlet hoses 78 is provided and each of theoutlet hoses 78 is fluidly coupled to theoutlet 74 of a respective one of thevalves 70 thereby facilitating each of theoutlet hoses 78 to receive the compressed gas when thevalves 70 are actuated into the open condition. Each of theoutlet hoses 78 has anoutput nozzle 80 that is coupled to thelower bounding surface 30 of a respective one of the launchingwells 20 such that theoutput nozzle 80 on each of theoutput hoses 78 releases the compressed gas into the respective launching well 20 when thevalves 70 are actuated into the open condition. In this way the compressed gas is released at full operating pressure to launch the plurality ofprojectiles 42 outwardly from thehousing 12. The full operating pressure of the compressed gas is sufficient to facilitate theprojectiles 42 to have a launching distance ranging between approximately 15.0 meters and 60.0 meters. - Each of the launching
wells 20 in thehousing 12 extends along an axis that is oriented at a unique angle with thesecond portion 28 of therear wall 24 with respect to each other. In this way theprojectiles 42 can be launched in a different direction with respect to each other. Furthermore, theprojectiles 42 land in the water in a laterally spread pattern with respect to themaritime vessel 16 thereby ensuring at least one of theprojectiles 42 lands near an individual that has fallen overboard 79 from themaritime vessel 16. Each of thevalves 70 releases a pre-determined pressure of the pressurized gas, which varies fromvalve 70 tovalve 70, into the respective launching well 20 thereby facilitating each of theprojectiles 42 to be launched a unique distance from themaritime vessel 16 with respect to each other. In this way the plurality ofprojectiles 42 land in the water in a distally spread pattern with respect to the stern 18 of themaritime vessel 16 thereby ensuring at least one of theprojectiles 42 lands near the individual that has fallen overboard 79 from themaritime vessel 16. As is most clearly shown inFIG. 5 , amembrane 81 is adhered to thesecond portion 28 of therear wall 24 of thehousing 12 to cover each of the launchingwells 20. Themembrane 81 is sufficiently thin to facilitate theprojectiles 42 to easily pass through themembrane 81 when theprojectiles 42 are launched. - A plurality of
buoyancy vests 82 is provided and each of thebuoyancy vests 82 is positioned within a respective one of theprojectiles 42. Each of thebuoyancy vests 82 is in a deflated condition thereby facilitating thebuoyancy vests 82 to be stored within therespective projectile 42. Conversely, each of thebuoyancy vests 82 is inflatable when theprojectiles 42 are launched from thehousing 12 to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard 79 to wear one of thebuoyancy vests 82 to inhibit the individual that has fallen overboard 79 from drowning. Each of thebuoyancy vests 82 may be designed to comply with United States Coast Guard regulations for commercial personal floatation devices. - A plurality of
inflation canisters 84 is provided and each of theinflation canisters 84 is integrated into a respective one of thebuoyancy vests 82. Each of theinflation canisters 84 stores a compressed gas and each of theinflation canisters 84 is in fluid communication with therespective buoyancy vest 82. Furthermore, the compressed gas in eachinflation canister 84 may comprise carbon dioxide or other inert gas. Each of theinflation canisters 84 releases the compressed gas into therespective buoyancy vest 82 when theinflation canisters 84 receives an inflate command for inflating therespective buoyancy vest 82. Each of theprojectiles 42 splits open along theperforation 54 in theouter wall 48 of theprojectiles 42 when thebuoyancy vest 82 in each of theprojectiles 42 is inflated. In this way thebuoyancy vest 82 in each projectile 42 is released from theprojectiles 42 thereby facilitating thebuoyancy vest 82 in each projectile 42 to be accessible to the individual that has fallen overboard 79. - A plurality of
water sensors 86 is provided and each of the plurality ofwater sensors 86 is integrated into a respective one of theprojectiles 42. Each of thewater sensors 86 is electrically coupled to theinflation canister 84 that is integrated into thebuoyancy vest 82 which is stored in therespective projectile 42. Furthermore, each of thewater sensors 86 communicates the inflate command to theinflation canister 84 in therespective projectile 42 when thewater sensor 86 in therespective projectile 42 is placed into contact with water such that thebuoyancy vest 82 in therespective projectile 42 is inflated when the respective projectile 42 lands in the water. Each of thewater sensors 86 may comprise an electronic water sensor that is turned on when thewater sensors 86 are exposed to water. - A plurality of
projectile transceivers 88 is provided and each of the plurality ofprojectile transceivers 88 is integrated into a respective one of theprojectiles 42. Each of theprojectile transceivers 88 is in wireless communication with aglobal positioning system 90 thereby facilitating theprojectile transceivers 88 to establish the physical location of therespective projectile 42. Additionally, each of theprojectile transceivers 88 is in wireless communication with acontrol room 92 in themaritime vessel 16 thereby facilitating a captain of themaritime vessel 16 to track the physical location of each of theprojectiles 42. Each of theprojectile transceivers 88 may comprise a dual channel radio frequency transceiver or the like and each of theprojective transceivers 88 may employ a frequency typically employed for maritime radio communications on a respective channel and a frequency typically employed for global positioning systems on a respective channel. - A plurality of projectile power supplies 94 is included and each of the projectile power supplies 94 is integrated into a respective one of the
projectiles 42. Each of the projectile power supplies 94 is electrically coupled to theprojectile transceiver 88 and thewater sensor 86 in therespective projectile 42. Each of the projectile power supplies 94 comprises a battery. A plurality ofradio beacons 96 is provided and each of theradio beacons 96 is attached to a respective one of thebuoyancy vests 82. Each of theradio beacons 96 is electrically coupled to thewater sensor 86 attached to the projectile 42 in which therespective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned. Furthermore, each of theradio beacons 96 is actuated when thewater sensor 86 in the projectile 42 in which therespective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned senses water. Each of theradio beacons 96 transmits a location signal when theradio beacons 96 are turned on thereby facilitating a rescue team to receive the location signal to locate theradio beacons 96. Each of theradio beacons 96 may comprise a personal location beacon of any conventional design that is approved by the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, each of theradio beacons 96 has a unique electronic identity with respect to each other and the unique electronic identity is stored in thecontrol room 92 of themaritime vessel 16. In this way eachradio beacon 96 can be located by the rescue team when the individual that has fallen overboard 79 is being recovered to enhance locating the individual that has fallen overboard 79. - A plurality of
strobe lights 98 is provided and each of thestrobe lights 98 is attached to a respective one of thebuoyancy vests 82. Each of thestrobe lights 98 is electrically coupled to thewater sensor 86 attached to the projectile 42 in which therespective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned. Furthermore, each of thestrobe lights 98 is actuated when thewater sensor 86 in the projectile 42 in which therespective buoyancy vest 82 is positioned senses water. Each of thestrobe lights 98 emits flashing light when thestrobe lights 98 are turned on thereby facilitating each of thebuoyancy vests 82 to be visually located at night. Each of thestrobe lights 98 may comprise a floating strobe light of any conventional design that is approved by the United States Coast Guard. - A
communication unit 100 is integrated into thehousing 12 and thecommunication unit 100 is in remote communication with thecontrol room 92 of themaritime vessel 16. Furthermore, thecommunication unit 100 is in communication with the launchingunit 56. Thecommunication unit 100 actuates the launchingunit 56 into the launching condition when thecommunication unit 100 receives a launch command from thecontrol room 92. Thecommunication unit 100 comprises acontrol circuit 102 that is integrated into thehousing 12 and thecontrol circuit 102 receives a launch input. Thecontrol circuit 102 is electrically coupled to each of thevalves 70 and each of thevalves 70 is actuated into the open condition when thecontrol circuit 102 receives the launch input. Additionally, thecontrol circuit 102 is electrically coupled to apower source 104 comprising an electrical system of themaritime vessel 16. - The
communication unit 100 includes alaunch transceiver 106 that is integrated into thehousing 12. Thelaunch transceiver 106 is electrically coupled to thecontrol circuit 102. Additionally, thelaunch transceiver 106 is in wireless communication with thecontrol room 92 of themaritime vessel 16. Thecontrol circuit 102 receives the launch input when thelaunch transceiver 106 receives a launch command from thecontrol room 92. Thelaunch transceiver 106 may comprise a radio frequency transceiver or the like. - In use, the captain of the
maritime vessel 16 actuates a control in thecontrol room 92 to launch theprojectiles 42 when the individual has fallen overboard 79. Thus, theprojectiles 42 are launched into a spread pattern behind themaritime vessel 16 and each of thebuoyancy vests 82 is inflated when theprojectiles 42 land in the water. In this way the individual that has fallen overboard 79 will be located near at least one of thebuoyancy vests 82 thereby facilitating the individual that has fallen overboard 79 to put on one of thebuoyancy vests 82. Additionally, each of theradio beacons 96 is turned on and each of thestrobe lights 98 is turned on when theprojectiles 42 land in the water. In this way the rescue team is facilitated to locate the individual that has fallen overboard 79 at night, in low visibility conditions or any other situation that would make it difficult or impossible to visually locate the individual that has fallen overboard 79. - With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.
- Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.
Claims (13)
1. A projectile launcher assembly for launching a plurality of projectiles each containing life jackets to people that have fallen overboard from a maritime vessel, said assembly comprising:
a housing being mounted to the deck of a maritime vessel, said housing being positioned adjacent to a stern of the maritime vessel, said housing having a plurality of launching wells each extending into said housing, said housing being oriented such that said plurality of launching wells is directed toward the stern of the maritime vessel;
a plurality of projectiles, each of said projectiles being positioned within a respective one of said launching wells;
a launching unit being positioned in said housing, said launching unit being in communication with each of said projectiles, said launching unit being actuatable into a launching condition to launch each of said projectiles outwardly from said respective launching wells thereby facilitating said plurality of projectiles to be dispersed into a body of water in which the maritime vessel is traveling;
a plurality of buoyancy vests, each of said buoyancy vests being positioned within a respective one of said projectiles, each of said buoyancy vests being in a deflated condition thereby facilitating said buoyancy vests to be stored within said respective projectile, each of said buoyancy vest being inflatable when said projectiles are launched from said housing wherein said buoyancy vests are configured to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard to wear one of said buoyancy vests to inhibit the individual from drowning; and
a communication unit being integrated into said housing, said communication unit being in remote communication with the control room of the maritime vessel, said communication unit being in communication with said launching unit, said communication unit actuating said launching unit into said launching condition when said communication unit receives a launch command from the control room.
2. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein:
said housing has a bottom wall and a rear wall, said rear wall having a first portion lying on a plane being perpendicularly oriented with said bottom wall, said rear wall having a second portion angling forwardly from said first portion, each of said launching wells extending into said second portion, each of said launching wells having a lower bounding surface; and
said assembly includes a plurality of mounts, each of said mounts being coupled to and extending downwardly from said bottom wall, each of said mounts having a leg extending downwardly from said bottom wall and a foot extending laterally away from said leg thereby facilitating said foot of each of said mounts to lie on a deck of the maritime vessel, each of said mounts having a hole extending through said foot thereby facilitating a plurality of fasteners to be extended through said hole in said foot of a respective one of said mounts and engage the deck to fasten said housing to the deck.
3. The assembly according to claim 2 , wherein:
each of said projectiles has a front end, a back end and an outer wall extending between said front end and said back end, said front end of each of said projectiles being open, said outer wall of each of said projectiles being continuously arcuate about an axis extending between said front end and said back end such that each of said projectiles has a cylindrical shape, said back end of each of said projectiles resting against said lower bounding surface of said respective launching well;
each of said projectiles has a cone being attached to said front end for closing said front end;
each of said projectiles has a plurality of fins being hingedly attached to said outer wall, each of said fins being biased into a deployed position having each of said fins extending away from said outer wall of a respective projectile, each of said fins being urged into a collapsed position having said fins lying against said outer wall of said respective projectile thereby facilitating said respective projectile to be inserted into said respective well; and
said outer wall of each of said projectiles has a perforation extending between said front end and said back end.
4. The assembly according to claim 2 , wherein said launching unit comprises:
a launch canister storing a compressed gas, said launch canister being positioned within said housing, said launch canister having an outlet;
a pressure regulator having an input and an output, said input being fluidly attached to said outlet of said launch canister, said pressure regulator releasing said compressed gas outwardly through said output at a pre-determined pressure;
a plurality of valves, each of said valves having an inlet and an outlet;
a supply hose, said supply hose being fluidly coupled between said output of said pressure regulator and said inlet of each of said valves thereby facilitating said inlet of each of said valves to receive said pressurized gas, each of said valves being in a normally closed condition to inhibit said compressed gas from being released fro said outlet of each of said valves, each of said valves being actuatable into an open condition to facilitate said compressed gas to be released from said outlet of each of said valves; and
a plurality of outlet hoses, each of said outlet hoses being fluidly coupled to said outlet of a respective one of said valves thereby facilitating each of said outlet hoses to receive said compressed gas when said valves are actuated into said open condition, each of said outlet hoses having an output nozzle being coupled to said lower bounding surface of a respective one of said launching wells such that said output nozzle on each of said output hoses releases said compressed gas into said respective launching well when said valves are actuated into said open condition thereby facilitating said compressed gas to launch said plurality of projectiles outwardly from said housing.
5. The assembly according to claim 4 , wherein each of said launching wells in said housing extends along an axis being oriented at a unique angle with said second portion of said rear wall with respect to each other thereby facilitating each of said projectiles to launched in a different direction with respect to each other wherein said plurality of projectiles is configured to land in the water in a laterally spread pattern with respect to the maritime vessel thereby ensuring at least one of said projectiles lands near an individual that has fallen overboard from the maritime vessel.
6. The assembly according to claim 4 , wherein each of said valves releases a pre-determined pressure of said pressurized gas which varies from valve to valve into said respective launching well thereby facilitating each of said projectiles to be launched a unique distance from the maritime vessel with respect to each other wherein said plurality of projectiles is configured to land in the water in a distally spread pattern with respect to the maritime vessel thereby ensuring at least one of said projectiles lands near the individual that has fallen overboard from the maritime vessel.
7. The assembly according to claim 3 , wherein:
said assembly includes a plurality of inflation canisters, each of said inflation canisters being integrated into a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said inflation canisters storing a compressed gas, each of said inflation canisters being in fluid communication with said respective buoyancy vest, each of said inflation canisters releasing said compressed gas into said respective buoyancy vest when said inflation canisters receives an inflate command for inflating said respective buoyancy vest;
each of said projectiles splits open along said perforation in said outer wall of said projectiles when said buoyancy vest in each of said projectiles is inflated thereby facilitating said buoyancy vest to be released from said projectiles wherein said buoyancy vests are configured to be accessible to the individual that has fallen overboard.
8. The assembly according to claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of water sensors, each of said water sensors being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said water sensors being electrically coupled to said inflation canister that is integrated into said buoyancy vest which is stored in said respective projectile, each of said water sensors communicating said inflate command to said inflation canister when said water sensor is placed into contact with water such that said buoyancy vest in said respective projectile is inflated when said respective projectile lands in the water.
9. The assembly according to claim 7 , further comprising:
a plurality of projectile transceivers, each of said projectile transceivers being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said projectile transceivers being in wireless communication with a global positioning system thereby facilitating said projectile transceivers to establish the physical location of said respective projectile, each of said projectile transceivers being in wireless communication with a control room in the maritime vessel thereby facilitating a captain of the maritime vessel to track the physical location of each of said projectiles; and
a plurality of projectile power supplies, each of said projectile power supplies being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said projectile power supplies being electrically coupled to said projectile transceiver and said water sensor in said respective projectile, each of said projectile power supplies comprising a battery.
10. The assembly according to claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of radio beacons, each of said radio beacons being attached to a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said radio beacons being electrically coupled to said water sensor attached to said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned, each of said radio beacons being actuated when said water sensor in said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned senses water, each of said radio beacons transmitting a location signal when said radio beacons are turned on thereby facilitating a rescue team to receive said location signal to locate said radio beacons.
11. The assembly according to claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of strobe lights, each of said strobe lights being attached to a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said strobe lights being electrically coupled to said water sensor attached to said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned, each of said strobe lights being actuated when said water sensor in said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned senses water, each of said strobe lights emitting flashing light when said strobe lights are turned on thereby facilitating each of said buoyancy vests to be visually located at night.
12. The assembly according to claim 4 , wherein said communication unit comprises:
a control circuit being integrated into said housing, said control circuit receiving a launch input, said control circuit being electrically coupled to each of said valves, each of said valves being actuated into said open condition when said control circuit receives said launch input, said control circuit being electrically coupled to a power source comprising an electrical system of the maritime vessel; and
a launch transceiver being integrated into said housing, said launch transceiver being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said launch transceiver being in wireless communication with the control room of the maritime vessel, said control circuit receiving said launch input when said launch transceiver receives a launch command from the control room.
13. A projectile launcher assembly for launching a plurality of projectiles each containing life jackets to people that have fallen overboard from a maritime vessel, said assembly comprising:
a housing being mounted to the deck of a maritime vessel, said housing being positioned adjacent to a stern of the maritime vessel, said housing having a plurality of launching wells each extending into said housing, said housing being oriented such that said plurality of launching wells is directed toward the stern of the maritime vessel, said housing having a bottom wall and a rear wall, said rear wall having a first portion lying on a plane being perpendicularly oriented with said bottom wall, said rear wall having a second portion angling forwardly from said first portion, each of said launching wells extending into said second portion, each of said launching wells having a lower bounding surface;
a plurality of mounts, each of said mounts being coupled to and extending downwardly from said bottom wall, each of said mounts having a leg extending downwardly from said bottom wall and a foot extending laterally away from said leg thereby facilitating said foot of each of said mounts to lie on a deck of the maritime vessel, each of said mounts having a hole extending through said foot thereby facilitating a plurality of fasteners to be extended through said hole in said foot of a respective one of said mounts and engage the deck to fasten said housing to the deck;
a plurality of projectiles, each of said projectiles being positioned within a respective one of said launching wells, each of said projectiles having a front end, a back end and an outer wall extending between said front end and said back end, said front end of each of said projectiles being open, said outer wall of each of said projectiles being continuously arcuate about an axis extending between said front end and said back end such that each of said projectiles has a cylindrical shape, said back end of each of said projectiles resting against said lower bounding surface of said respective launching well, each of said projectiles having a cone being attached to said front end for closing said front end, each of said projectiles having a plurality of fins being hingedly attached to said outer wall, each of said fins being biased into a deployed position having each of said fins extending away from said outer wall of a respective projectile, each of said fins being urged into a collapsed position having said fins lying against said outer wall of said respective projectile thereby facilitating said respective projectile to be inserted into said respective well, said outer wall of each of said projectiles having a perforation extending between said front end and said back end;
a launching unit being positioned in said housing, said launching unit being in communication with each of said projectiles, said launching unit being actuatable into a launching condition to launch each of said projectiles outwardly from said respective launching wells thereby facilitating said plurality of projectiles to be dispersed into a body of water in which the maritime vessel is traveling, said launching unit comprising:
a launch canister storing a compressed gas, said launch canister being positioned within said housing, said launch canister having an outlet;
a pressure regulator having an input and an output, said input being fluidly attached to said outlet of said launch canister, said pressure regulator releasing said compressed gas outwardly through said output at a pre-determined pressure;
a plurality of valves, each of said valves having an inlet and an outlet;
a supply hose, said supply hose being fluidly coupled between said output of said pressure regulator and said inlet of each of said valves thereby facilitating said inlet of each of said valves to receive said pressurized gas, each of said valves being in a normally closed condition to inhibit said compressed gas from being released fro said outlet of each of said valves, each of said valves being actuatable into an open condition to facilitate said compressed gas to be released from said outlet of each of said valves;
a plurality of outlet hoses, each of said outlet hoses being fluidly coupled to said outlet of a respective one of said valves thereby facilitating each of said outlet hoses to receive said compressed gas when said valves are actuated into said open condition, each of said outlet hoses having an output nozzle being coupled to said lower bounding surface of a respective one of said launching wells such that said output nozzle on each of said output hoses releases said compressed gas into said respective launching well when said valves are actuated into said open condition thereby facilitating said compressed gas to launch said plurality of projectiles outwardly from said housing, each of said launching wells in said housing extending along an axis being oriented at a unique angle with said second portion of said rear wall with respect to each other thereby facilitating each of said projectiles to launched in a different direction with respect to each other wherein said plurality of projectiles is configured to land in the water in a laterally spread pattern with respect to the maritime vessel thereby ensuring at least one of said projectiles lands near an individual that has fallen overboard from the maritime vessel, each of said valves releasing a pre-determined pressure of said pressurized gas which varies from valve to valve into said respective launching well thereby facilitating each of said projectiles to be launched a unique distance from the maritime vessel with respect to each other wherein said plurality of projectiles is configured to land in the water in a distally spread pattern with respect to the maritime vessel thereby ensuring at least one of said projectiles lands near the individual that has fallen overboard from the maritime vessel;
a plurality of buoyancy vests, each of said buoyancy vests being positioned within a respective one of said projectiles, each of said buoyancy vests being in a deflated condition thereby facilitating said buoyancy vests to be stored within said respective projectile, each of said buoyancy vest being inflatable when said projectiles are launched from said housing wherein said buoyancy vests are configured to facilitate the individual that has fallen overboard to wear one of said buoyancy vests to inhibit the individual from drowning;
a plurality of inflation canisters, each of said inflation canisters being integrated into a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said inflation canisters storing a compressed gas, each of said inflation canisters being in fluid communication with said respective buoyancy vest, each of said inflation canisters releasing said compressed gas into said respective buoyancy vest when said inflation canisters receives an inflate command for inflating said respective buoyancy vest, each of said projectiles splitting open along said perforation in said outer wall of said projectiles when said buoyancy vest in each of said projectiles is inflated thereby facilitating said buoyancy vest to be released from said projectiles wherein said buoyancy vests are configured to be accessible to the individual that has fallen overboard;
a plurality of water sensors, each of said water sensors being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said water sensors being electrically coupled to said inflation canister that is integrated into said buoyancy vest which is stored in said respective projectile, each of said water sensors communicating said inflate command to said inflation canister when said water sensor is placed into contact with water such that said buoyancy vest in said respective projectile is inflated when said respective projectile lands in the water;
a plurality of projectile transceivers, each of said projectile transceivers being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said projectile transceivers being in wireless communication with a global positioning system thereby facilitating said projectile transceivers to establish the physical location of said respective projectile, each of said projectile transceivers being in wireless communication with a control room in the maritime vessel thereby facilitating a captain of the maritime vessel to track the physical location of each of said projectiles;
a plurality of projectile power supplies, each of said projectile power supplies being integrated into a respective one of said projectiles, each of said projectile power supplies being electrically coupled to said projectile transceiver and said water sensor in said respective projectile, each of said projectile power supplies comprising a battery;
a plurality of radio beacons, each of said radio beacons being attached to a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said radio beacons being electrically coupled to said water sensor attached to said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned, each of said radio beacons being actuated when said water sensor in said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned senses water, each of said radio beacons transmitting a location signal when said radio beacons are turned on thereby facilitating a rescue team to receive said location signal to locate said radio beacons;
a plurality of strobe lights, each of said strobe lights being attached to a respective one of said buoyancy vests, each of said strobe lights being electrically coupled to said water sensor attached to said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned, each of said strobe lights being actuated when said water sensor in said projectile in which said respective buoyancy vest is positioned senses water, each of said strobe lights emitting flashing light when said strobe lights are turned on thereby facilitating each of said buoyancy vests to be visually located at night; and
a communication unit being integrated into said housing, said communication unit being in remote communication with the control room of the maritime vessel, said communication unit being in communication with said launching unit, said communication unit actuating said launching unit into said launching condition when said communication unit receives a launch command from the control room, said communication unit comprising:
a control circuit being integrated into said housing, said control circuit receiving a launch input, said control circuit being electrically coupled to each of said valves, each of said valves being actuated into said open condition when said control circuit receives said launch input, said control circuit being electrically coupled to a power source comprising an electrical system of the maritime vessel; and
a launch transceiver being integrated into said housing, said launch transceiver being electrically coupled to said control circuit, said launch transceiver being in wireless communication with the control room of the maritime vessel, said control circuit receiving said launch input when said launch transceiver receives a launch command from the control room.
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US17/992,641 US20240166318A1 (en) | 2022-11-22 | 2022-11-22 | Projectile Launcher Assembly |
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US17/992,641 US20240166318A1 (en) | 2022-11-22 | 2022-11-22 | Projectile Launcher Assembly |
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US20240166318A1 true US20240166318A1 (en) | 2024-05-23 |
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