Here's the first working prototype. It works like a champ!!
I used threaded lamp rod to attach the device to a bottle cap.
I insert the device inside the inverted "Second Stage Rocket".
One double length rocket is placed ontop another double length rocket.
I went into TIRE KINGDOM and asked for a few used valves. The salesman gave me a heaping handful of NEW stems & wouldn't accept money.
The left stem is stock valve stem (1.672" long & 3/8 ounce). The middle stem is with the black rubber removed(1.331" long & 3/16 ounce). The right stem is shortened (.800" long & 1/8 ounce).
As luck will have it, 1/4" sch 80 PVC pipe will slide & glue (PVC glue) inside the larger 1/2" sch 80 PVC pipe.
I experimenting with a better grade (Dow 732) silicon adhesive that was clear & may be easier to work with. When tested, it has an oily & slippery surface and WON'T hold the rocket at higher pressure. So, the flexible polyurethane sealants seem to be a key ingredient to sucess of this deployment device.
The photos are cross cut sections of Gary's Deployment Device. See, how I've deepen the counterbore on the 1/2" PVC to enhance air tightness.
The second stage did not START to pressurize until I hit 80 psi on the first stage. At 85 psi, the pressure FREELY PASSSED between the rockets. For today's experiments, I stopped pumping at 95 psi.
I've noticed that AIR VALVE CORES from different manufactures allow the air to pass at DIFFERENT pressures.
All four recent tests were 100% sucessful double stage deployment. Hey, this device works perfectly.
When I get the manufacturing process perfected, I will make this Deployment Device available commercially to those who want to enter the world of multible stage deployments. No prices or availability determined yet. Inquire if interested. Send request to Gary@h2orocket.com
I do retain all rights for PATENTABILITY & COMMERCIAL COMMERCE on this device.
This new Deployment Device has lead to a NEW MINI SIZE Water Rocket Launcher. I was thinking that if this device can work so good for second (and more stage) deployments, why not have it work as the primary launcher. Go to the web page and see a preview of this new prototype launcher.
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