Dynamic Quick Connector Coupling

Abstract

The coupling includes first and second housings, a valve element, and a guide link. The first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing. The first housing has a helical cam slot and the second housing has a linear cam track. The guide link is within the first housing and is fixed to the valve element. The guide link supports cam rollers that ride in the helical cam slot and the linear cam track. Rotation of the first housing rotates the helical cam slot. Rotation of the helical cam slot moves the cam rollers along the helical cam slot and along the linear cam track, which causes linear translation of the guide link. The valve element moves with the guide link between open and closed positions.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Quick connector couplings (also known as dry disconnects, dry fittings, dry couplings, etc.) are known and are used to connect fluid lines in a leak-free manner when repeated connection / removal is required. Such couplings can include camlock connections, leur locks, bayonet fittings, or other connection types that can be easily connected / removed. There are various types of quick connector coupling designs, which are typically designed for the intended fluid system application. However, generally, many designs include a "plug" (or male half) and a "socket" (or female half) that can be connected to each other to provide a sealed fluid joint.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] A coupling according to an example of the present disclosure includes first and second housings. The first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing. The first housing has a helical cam slot, and the second housing has a linear cam track, and includes a valve element and a guide link within the first housing and fixed to the valve element. The guide link supports cam rollers, and those cam rollers ride on the helical cam slot and the linear cam track. Rotation of the first housing causes the helical cam slot to rotate. Rotation of the helical cam slot causes the cam rollers to move along the helical cam slot and along the linear cam track, whereby the guide link translates linearly. The valve element moves between an open position and a closed position together with the guide link.

[0003] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, it includes a mating housing that can be fixed to the first housing, and an additional valve element that is disposed within the mating housing and engages with the valve element so as to move with the movement of the valve element.

[0004] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the mating housing includes a mating housing hub and mating housing spokes that support the mating housing hub, and the additional valve element extends through the mating housing hub.

[0005] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the additional valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against the valve seat of the mating housing and a stem that extends from the back side of the head through the mating housing hub. The head includes a frustoconical vane that extends from its back side and defines a cavity around the stem.

[0006] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a spring that is at least partially disposed within the cavity and biases the additional valve element toward the sealing position.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the stem includes a tapered tip.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first housing includes a hub and spokes that support the hub, and the valve element extends through the hub.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against the valve seat within the first housing and a stem that extends from the back side of the head through the hub. The head includes a frustoconical vane that extends from its back side and forms a cavity around the stem.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the frustoconical vane includes a vane slot, and in the closed position, the hub is at least partially disposed within the cavity and the spoke extends through the vane slot.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the guide link includes a guide link hub fixed to the valve element and a guide link arm extending outwardly from the guide link hub, and the guide link arm supports a cam roller.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, each of the guide link arms defines an open flow window that passes through itself.

[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are rotatably fixed to each other by a ball bearing joint.

[0014] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments further comprises a proximity sensor operable to identify a relative rotational position between the first housing and the second housing.

[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first housing includes an actuator operable to rotate the first housing.

[0016] A rocket motor according to an example of the present disclosure includes a propellant tank for containing propellant, a combustor, a nozzle attached to the combustor, a supply line fluidly connecting the propellant tank and the combustor, and a coupling according to any of the foregoing embodiments located in the supply line.

[0017] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments includes a fitting housing that can be fixed to the first housing, and an additional valve element that is disposed within the fitting housing and engages the valve element so as to move with the movement of the valve element. The fitting housing includes a fitting housing hub and fitting housing spokes that support the fitting housing hub. The additional valve element extends through the fitting housing hub. The additional valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against a valve seat of the fitting housing and a stem that extends from the back side of the head through the fitting housing hub, and the head includes a frustoconical vane that extends from its back side and forms a cavity around the stem.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first housing includes a hub and spokes that support the hub. The valve element extends through the hub. The valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against a valve seat within the first housing and a stem that extends from the back side of the head through the hub, and the head includes a frustoconical vane that extends from its back side and forms a cavity around the stem.

[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the frustoconical vane includes a vane slot. In the closed position, the hub is at least partially disposed within the cavity and the spokes extend through the vane slot.

[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the guide link includes a guide link hub fixed to the valve element and a guide link arm extending outwardly from the guide link hub, and the guide link arm supports a cam roller.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are rotatably fixed to each other by a ball bearing joint, the first housing includes an actuator operable to rotate the first housing, and further includes a proximity sensor operable to identify a relative rotational position between the first housing and the second housing.

[0022] The present disclosure may include any one or more of the individual features disclosed above and / or below, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0023] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a rocket motor 10 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a dynamic dry disconnect coupling disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that applications other than rocket motors may also benefit from this disclosure.

[0026] The rocket motor 10 generally includes a rocket motor body 11, a combustor 12, a nozzle 13 attached to the combustor 12, and a supply line 14 connecting a propellant tank 15 to the combustor 12. Each supply line 14 has a dynamic dry connector coupling C. As will be described in more detail below, the coupling C includes a valve 16 that opens and closes the flow through the supply line 14 and allows for easy connection and removal from the propellant tank 15. For example, easy connection and disconnection are desired for attaching and detaching the rocket motor 10 to and from a vehicle, accessing the rocket motor 10 for maintenance and inspection, and / or operating or stopping the rocket motor 10.

[0027] Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of coupling C with valve 16 in the closed and open states, respectively. In the illustrated orientation, the left side of valve 16 is adapted to connect to the inlet side of supply line 14, i.e., to receive propellant from propellant tank 15. The right side of valve 16 is adapted to connect to the outlet side of supply line 14, i.e., to send the propellant to combustor 12. In these respects, each side of coupling C can include a bolt flange for securing the connector components of coupling C. However, it should be understood that the coupling is not limited to bolt flanges and other types of connections can also be used. In the closed state, valve 16 blocks the flow to combustor 12, and in the open state, valve 16 allows the flow to combustor 12. In this regard, valve 16 includes an actuator 17 for switching valve 16 between the open and closed states. That is, coupling C is dynamic in that it can be switched via actuator 17 between the open and closed states. Actuator 17 is a manual handle as shown, but alternatively, it may be a power device for automating valve 16.

[0028] The body of coupling C includes three housings 20 / 21 / 22 that surround flow path P through valve 16 (Figure 2B). Housings 20 and 21 are the first and second housings, and housing 22 is a mating housing. The first and second housings 20 / 21 are shown in cross-section in Figure 3 and in separated views in Figures 4 and 5. The first and second housings 20 / 21 function as the female half of coupling C, and the third housing 22 functions as the male half.

[0029] The housings 20 / 21 are rotatably fixed to each other by a ball bearing joint 23. The joint 23 includes grooves 24 that provide races for receiving ball bearings 24a in each of the housings 20 / 21. The groove 24 in housing 20 constitutes the inner half of the race, and the groove 24 in housing 21 constitutes the outer half of the race. The cross-section of the race is slightly larger than the cross-section of the ball bearing 24a, and the movement of the ball bearing 24a within the race can be restricted. However, the cross-section of the race is small enough to prevent the ball bearing 24a from moving completely into either one of the grooves 24. Thus, when the ball bearing 24a is attached to the race (e.g., via the inlet hole of housing 21), there is not enough clearance around the ball bearing 24a to separate the housings 20 / 21. Thus, the ball bearing 24a locks the housings 20 / 21 to each other while allowing housing 20 to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to housing 21.

[0030] The first housing 20 includes a generally cylindrical body 20a and a mouth portion 20b that is also cylindrical but of larger diameter. The body 20a defines a helical cam slot 26 that passes through the body. In this example, there are three such cam slots 26, and the cam slots 26 are arranged at approximately 120° intervals around the central axis A1. Each cam slot 26 defines a radiused slot end 26a and an intermediate slot portion 26b extending from one radiused slot end 26a to the other radiused slot end 26a.

[0031] The first housing 20 further includes a hub 28 and spokes 30 that support the hub 28. The hub 28 is a hollow cylinder arranged around the central axis A1 together with the body 20a and the mouth portion 20b. Each spoke 30 is attached to the outside of the hub 28 and the inside of the body 20a such that the hub 28 is fixed along the axis A1.

[0032] The second housing 21 (FIG. 5) is also substantially cylindrical about the axis A1. The body 20a of the first housing 20 is received within the second housing 21. The second housing 21 includes a linear cam track 32 on its inner side. In this example, there are three such linear cam tracks 32 arranged at intervals of about 120° around the central axis A1. Each linear cam track 32 is an axially extending blind slot. The contour of the linear cam track 32 projects outside the second housing 21 and functions as a rib to strengthen the second housing 21.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, inside the first housing 20 there are a valve element 34 and a guide link 36. The valve element 34 is also shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6. In this example, the valve element 34 is a poppet and includes a head 34a that seals a valve seat 35 (FIG. 3), and a stem 34b that extends from the back side of the head 34a through the hub 28 of the first housing 20. The head 34a includes a frustoconical vane 34c extending from the back side and defining a cavity 34d around the base of the stem 34b. As shown, the vane 34c defines three slots 34e that align with the spokes 30 of the housing 20. The spokes 30 are received in the slots 34e when the valve element 34 moves and exit from the slots 34e.

[0034] The valve element 34 is fixed by a guide link 36 also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The guide link 36 includes a guide link hub 36a fixed to the valve element 34. For example, the end of the stem 34b is received through an opening of the guide link hub 36a and fixed there with a nut 38. The guide link arm 36b extends radially outward from the guide link hub 36a. In this example, the guide link arms 36b each define an open flow window 36c therethrough. The window 36c functions to reduce interference with the flow of fluid passing through the guide link 36 (as compared to the solid arm 36b). The guide link arm 36b supports a cam roller 40 at its radially outer end. Each cam roller 40 has an inner roller portion 40a and an outer roller portion 40b. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner roller portion 40a rides in a helical cam slot 26 of the body 20a of the first housing 20. The outer roller portion 40b projects radially outward from the body 20a. The helical cam slot 26 and the linear cam track 32 are aligned with each other such that the outer roller portion 40b rides in the linear cam track 32 of the second housing 21 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the guide link 36 can move axially through the inner roller portion 40 moving along the helical cam slot 26 and the outer roller portion 40b moving along the linear cam track 32 when the first housing rotates.

[0035] The mating housing 22 is shown in exploded views in FIGS. 9 - 11. The mating housing 22 is also generally cylindrical about axis A1 and is fixed to the first housing 20. For example, the mouth 20b of the first housing 20 functions as the female half of coupling C, and the mating housing 22 functions as the male half of coupling C that is received by the female half. In this regard, the mouth 20b includes prongs 42 (FIG. 3) such as ball bearings, and those prongs are received into circumferential slots 46 through respective slot entrances 44 of the mating housing 22 (FIG. 10). Due to relative rotation between the mating housing 22 and the first housing 20, the prong 42 moves circumferentially from an entry position where the prong 42 is aligned with the slot entrance 44 to a lock position where the prong 42 is circumferentially offset from the slot entrance 44. At this offset position, the lip 48 prevents the prong 42 from moving axially, thereby locking the mating housing 22 and the first housing 21 to each other. A stop 50 (FIGS. 10 and 11) may be provided within the circumferential slot 46 to function as the end point of the circumferential movement of the prong 42. Further, the stop 50 is arranged adjacent to the slot entrance 44 such that when the prong 42 is inserted into the circumferential slot 46, rotation occurs in only one direction. In this way, the coupling C can be easily connected and disconnected.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 10, similar to the first housing 20, the mating housing 22 includes a mating housing hub 52 and mating housing spokes 54 that support the mating housing hub 52. The mating housing hub 52 is a hollow cylindrical portion that is also arranged about the central axis A1. Each spoke 54 is attached to the outside of the hub 52 and the inside of the housing 22. As shown in FIG. 9, the mating housing 22 has an additional second valve element 56.

[0037] The valve element 56 is also shown in the exploded view of FIG. 12. The valve element 56 is a poppet including a head 56a that seals against the valve seat 58 of the mating housing 22 and a stem 56b that extends through the mating housing hub 52 from the back side of the head 56a. The head 56a includes a frustoconical vane 56c extending from the back side and defines a cavity 56d around the base of the stem 56b. Similar to the vane 34c of the first valve element 34, the vane 56c includes a slot 56e. The spoke 54 of the housing 22 is aligned with the slot 56e so as to be inserted into and removed from the slot 56e when the valve element 56 moves. The stem 56b has a keyway 56f that serves to receive an anti-rotation key (not shown) that linearly guides the valve element 56. Further, the stem 56b includes a tapered tip 56g to facilitate the flow of fluid around the valve element 56 through the flow path P. As shown in FIG. 9, there is a spring 60 around the stem 56b and is at least partially disposed within the cavity 56d. The spring 60 biases the valve element 56 toward the closed position against the valve seat 58. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the head 56a of the valve member 56 engages the head 34a of the valve element 34. In the illustrated example, the heads 34a / 56a are in contact with each other, but an intermediate structure may be used as long as the movement of the valve member 34 causes the movement of the valve element 56.

[0038] To switch the valve 16 between the open and closed states, the actuator 17 is moved to rotate the first housing 20 relative to the second housing 21. For example, when initially in the closed state, the cam roller 40 is positioned at the distal radiused slot end 26a (relative to the hub 28). Rotation of the first housing 20 causes the helical cam slot 26 to rotate. Rotation of the helical slot 26 causes the inner roller portion 40a of the cam roller 40 to move from the radiused slot end 26a and move along the intermediate slot portion 26b of the helical cam slot 26. The outer roller portion 40b moves along the linear cam track 32. Movement of the helical cam slot 26 drives the guide link 36 to translate linearly along the axis A1. The guide link 36 is connected to the valve element 34 and separates the valve element 34 from the valve seat 35. Since the valve element 34 is engaged with the valve element 56, when the valve element 34 moves away from the valve seat 35, the head 34a of the valve element 34 is driven against the head 56a of the valve element 56, thereby moving the valve element 56 away from its valve seat 58 against the biasing force of the spring 60. When both valve elements 36 / 56 are separated from their respective valve seats, the flow path P opens and flow through the valve 16 becomes possible. The first housing 20 can rotate to a fully open position where the cam roller 40 reaches the proximal rounded slot end 26a that is closest to the hub 28. In the illustrated example, when the first housing 20 rotates counterclockwise, the valve 16 moves towards the open state. However, it should be understood that the helical cam slot 26 may be reversed so that it opens when rotated clockwise.

[0039] In the open state (Figure 2B), the flow enters the mating housing 22 and flows around the valve element 56 (from left to right in the figure). The tapered end 56g facilitates the splitting of the flow around the valve element 56. In the open state, the vane 56c surrounds at least a portion of the hub 52, and the spoke 54 is received in the slot 56e. There is limited space between the vane 56c, the hub 52, and the spoke 54 for the flow to enter the cavity 56d of the valve element 56. Thus, once filled, the vane 56c essentially functions as a solid deflector plate guiding the flow around the valve element 56 and around the head 34a of the valve element 34, thereby reducing the pressure drop. The flow then continues down the flow path P around the stem 34b of the valve element 34, then through the guide link 36, and then exits from the second housing 21 (right side of Figure 2B). Further, the movement of the spoke 54 into the slot 56e of the vane 56c facilitates a compact arrangement. For example, without the slot 56e, the valve element 56 could only move until the spoke 54 hits the end of the vane 56c, and a longer stem would be required to achieve the same movement length.

[0040] When the first housing 20 rotates clockwise from the open state, the spiral cam slot 26 rotates, the inner roller portion 40a of the cam roller 40 retreats along the spiral slot 26, and the outer roller portion 40b retreats along the linear cam track 32. Thereby, the guide link 36 is driven to linearly translate rearward along the axis A1. The guide link 36 is coupled to the valve element 34 and retreats the valve element 34 toward its valve seat 35. Similar to the valve element 56, the movement of the spoke 30 of the housing 20 into the slot 34e of the vane 34c facilitates a compact arrangement. Since the valve element 34 is engaged with the valve element 56, when the valve element 34 moves toward the valve seat 35, the valve element 56 is released, and the head 56a of the valve element 56 returns to its valve seat 58 by the biasing force of the spring 60. When both valve elements 34 / 56 are in their valve seats, the valve 16 is in the closed state. As will be appreciated, single or double seals can be provided at various locations within the valve 16, such as on the valve seats 35 / 58, the heads 34a / 56a of the valve members 34 / 56, and within the ball bearing joint 23, to easily meet the seal and sealing requirements.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 13, an example of a valve status function in the coupling C is also shown. As shown, the actuator 17 includes a sensor target 62 (see also FIG. 8) that rotates with the first housing 20. The position of the target 62 represents the relative rotational position between the first housing 20 and the second housing 21, which corresponds to the fully open and fully closed states of the valve 16. A proximity sensor 64 is attached to the second housing 21. The proximity sensor 64 detects the proximity of the target 62 and generates an electrical signal representing the position of the target. This signal can then be used to generate a valve status indication, such as an indication of whether the valve 16 is in the open state, closed state, or an intermediate partially open state.

[0042] Although the illustrated examples show combinations of multiple features, it is not necessary to combine all of them to realize the advantages of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, a system designed in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure does not necessarily have to include all of the features shown in any of the figures, or all of the parts schematically shown in the figures. Furthermore, the selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0043] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than limiting in nature. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations to the disclosed examples do not necessarily depart from the present disclosure. The scope of legal protection granted to the present disclosure can be determined only by considering the following claims.

Claims

1. First and second housings, wherein the first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing, the first housing has a helical cam slot, and the second housing has a linear cam track, the first and second housings, a valve element, a guide link within the first housing and fixed to the valve element, supporting cam rollers, the cam rollers riding on the helical cam slot and the linear cam track, the guide link, comprising, rotation of the first housing causes the helical cam slot to rotate, rotation of the helical cam slot causes the cam rollers to move along the helical cam slot and along the linear cam track, whereby the guide link translates linearly and the valve element moves with the guide link between an open position and a closed position, a mating housing fixable to the first housing, and an additional valve element disposed within the mating housing and engaging the valve element so as to move with the movement of the valve element, a coupling.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the mating housing includes a mating housing hub and mating housing spokes supporting the mating housing hub, and the additional valve element extends through the mating housing hub.

3. The coupling according to claim 2, wherein the additional valve element is a poppet including a head sealing against a valve seat of the mating housing and a stem extending from the back side of the head through the mating housing hub, the head including a frustoconical vane extending from its back side and forming a cavity around the stem.

4. The coupling according to claim 3, further comprising a spring at least partially disposed within the cavity and biasing the additional valve element toward a sealing position.

5. The coupling according to claim 3, wherein the stem includes a tapered tip.

6. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first housing includes a hub and spokes supporting the hub, and the valve element extends through the hub.

7. The valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against a valve seat within the first housing and a stem that extends from the back side of the head through the hub, the head including a frustoconical vane that extends from its back side and forms a cavity around the stem, the coupling according to claim 6.

8. The coupling according to claim 7, wherein the frustoconical vane includes a vane slot, and in the closed position, the hub is at least partially disposed within the cavity and the spoke extends through the vane slot.

9. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the guide link includes a guide link hub fixed to the valve element and a guide link arm extending outwardly from the guide link hub, the guide link arm supporting the cam roller.

10. The coupling according to claim 9, wherein each of the guide link arms defines an open flow window that passes through itself.

11. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably fixed to each other by a ball bearing joint.

12. First and second housings, wherein the first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing, the first housing having a spiral cam slot and the second housing having a linear cam track, the first and second housings, a valve element, a guide link within the first housing and fixed to the valve element, the guide link supporting cam rollers, the cam rollers riding on the spiral cam slot and the linear cam track, comprising, rotation of the first housing causes the spiral cam slot to rotate, rotation of the spiral cam slot causes the cam rollers to move along the spiral cam slot and along the linear cam track, whereby the guide link translates linearly and the valve element moves between an open position and a closed position together with the guide link, a coupling further comprising a proximity sensor operable to identify a relative rotational position between the first housing and the second housing. **Claim 13**: First and second housings, wherein the first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing, the first housing has a helical cam slot, and the second housing has a linear cam track; the first and second housings; a valve element; a guide link within the first housing and fixed to the valve element, supporting cam rollers, the cam rollers riding on the helical cam slot and the linear cam track; the guide link; comprising; rotation of the first housing rotates the helical cam slot, rotation of the helical cam slot causes the cam rollers to move along the helical cam slot and along the linear cam track, whereby the guide link translates linearly and the valve element moves with the guide link between an open position and a closed position; a coupling, wherein the first housing includes an actuator operable to rotate the first housing. **Claim 14** a propellant tank containing a propellant; a combustor; a nozzle attached to the combustor; a supply line fluidly connecting the propellant tank and the combustor; a coupling disposed in the supply line; a rocket motor comprising; wherein the coupling is first and second housings, wherein the first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing, the first housing has a helical cam slot, and the second housing has a linear cam track; the first and second housings; a valve element; a guide link within the first housing and fixed to the valve element, supporting cam rollers, the cam rollers riding on the helical cam slot and the linear cam track; the guide link; comprising; rotation of the first housing rotates the helical cam slot, rotation of the helical cam slot causes the cam rollers to move along the helical cam slot and along the linear cam track, whereby the guide link translates linearly and the guide link moves the valve element between an open position and a closed position; A rocket motor further comprising a fitting housing fixable to the first housing, and an additional valve element disposed within the fitting housing and engaging the valve element so as to move with the movement of the valve element.

15. The fitting housing includes a fitting housing hub and fitting housing spokes supporting the fitting housing hub, and the additional valve element extends through the fitting housing hub. The additional valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against a valve seat of the fitting housing and a stem extending from the back side of the head through the fitting housing hub, and the head includes a frustoconical vane extending from its back side and forming a cavity around the stem. The rocket motor according to claim 14.

16. The first housing includes a hub and spokes supporting the hub, and the valve element extends through the hub. The valve element is a poppet including a head that seals against a valve seat within the first housing and a stem extending from the back side of the head through the hub, and the head includes a frustoconical vane extending from its back side and forming a cavity around the stem. The rocket motor according to claim 14.

17. The frustoconical vane includes a vane slot, and in the closed position, the hub is at least partially disposed within the cavity and the spokes extend through the vane slot. The rocket motor according to claim 16.

18. The guide link includes a guide link hub fixed to the valve element and a guide link arm extending outward from the guide link hub, and the guide link arm supports the cam roller. The rocket motor according to claim 14.

19. The first housing and the second housing are rotatably fixed to each other by a ball bearing joint. The first housing includes an actuator operable to rotate the first housing. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor operable to specify a relative rotational position between the first housing and the second housing.

Images