Patents Assigned to Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
  • Patent number: 11913762
    Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Current, Michael R. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 11878951
    Abstract: Described are energetic compositions formed of a 5,5?-bistetrazole salt and a perchlorate salt, in which the energetic composition is a co-precipitated product. The 5,5?-bistetrazole salt and the perchlorate salt can be dipotassium 5,5?-bistetrazole and potassium perchlorate. The energetic composition can have a particle size distribution between 1-50 micron and/or a mean volume diameter of less than 30 micron. In a low energy electro-explosive device, an ignition element is at least partially surrounded by an acceptor formed of this energetic composition, and the ignition element can be a bridgewire, a thin film bridge, a semiconductor bridge, or a reactive semiconductor bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Jason B. Pattison, Robert Holderman
  • Patent number: 10464908
    Abstract: Described are methods for purifying a 5-nitrotetrazolate solution with a copper(II) modified cation exchange resin. The method can be performed as a stand-alone system or as a system integrated into a continuous flow reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Jason B. Pattison, Lily F. W. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10309758
    Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Current, Michael R. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 10301786
    Abstract: An apparatus may be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base layer further comprising a plurality of receptacles to hold spikes at both lengthwise edges of the base layer. The base layer is adapted to support a net package in a rolled stowed configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to the base layer to cause the base layer to become unrolled for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Sullivan, Paul D. Wallis
  • Patent number: 9969623
    Abstract: Described are methods of preparing silver azide comprising reacting a silver salt, an azide salt, ammonium hydroxide, and a hydrolysable ester at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Jon G. Bragg, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9810515
    Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Current, Michael R. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 9795816
    Abstract: A self contained fire extinguisher system that does not need external power in order to sense or initiate a release of a fire suppression medium, includes components configured to utilize a linear sensor network that can be connected to at least one and/or different sources of fire suppression mediums. A linear temperature sensing cord can be routed over a large area not practical with individual sensors. The cord can also actuate several and different sources of fire suppression mediums to maximize the suppression of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Brian Edward Smith, Mei Zhen Chen, Thornton Alexander McGill, III
  • Patent number: 9790895
    Abstract: A propulsion system for use with a satellite comprises a substrate, a communication network and a cluster of individually selectable solid fuel motors mounted on the substrate and operatively connected to the communication network. A controller is also operatively connected to the communication network and operative to select any one of more motors of the cluster of individually selectable solid fuel motors and transmit signals to fire the one or more motors of the individually selectable solid fuel motors. The substrate may have various configurations. The cluster of motors may comprise 10-1000 motors, which may be arranged in a rectangular array or other formation. Subsets of motors having different impulse capabilities may be employed. In this manner, lighter, smaller, flexible and more efficient propulsions systems may be provided for use in attitude control, etc. of satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Nelson, Peter Current, Steven Stadler
  • Patent number: 9718791
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate that include reacting aqueous solutions of 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in a continuous flow system at an ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Jon G. Bragg, Jason B. Pattison, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9714492
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for disabling a ground engaging traction device of a land vehicle includes at least one penetrator configured to breach the traction device, an articulated strap configured to move the apparatus between a retracted arrangement and an extended arrangement, a mass configured to deploy the apparatus to the extended arrangement, and a retractor configured to retract the apparatus to the retracted arrangement. The penetrators can be arranged in sections and the penetrators can be arranged so as to be multi-directional within each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert Arthur McCoy, Brian D. Rosner, Patrick J. Barnhill, Gregg D. Spendlove, Edwin Allen Spomer, Martin A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9702100
    Abstract: A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device includes a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/membrane deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more membranes with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
  • Patent number: 9670168
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate that include reacting aqueous solutions of 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in a continuous flow system at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Jon G. Bragg, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9598380
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate by reacting 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in water in a batch reaction at an elevated temperature. As examples, the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid, and the elevated temperature is at or above 65° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: SRI International, Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Bottaro, Mark A. Petrie, Jon G. Bragg, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9562755
    Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 9518454
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for controlling a plurality of perforating gun assemblies arranged in a gun train and lowered into a wellbore. The perforating gun assemblies are connected to a top sub controller that is also lowered into the wellbore. The top sub controller includes a first communications module to communicate with an above-ground control panel via a wireline and a second communications module to communicate with a switch sub in each the plurality of perforating gun assemblies via a network bus. Each switch sub has a unique network address. During assembly, the control panel automatically detects the order of the perforating gun assemblies in the gun train based on polling each of the switch subs of the plurality of perforating gun assemblies using the respective unique network addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Current, Michael R. Hathaway, Steven D. Nelson, Richard A. Davis, Joshua A. Curtis, Joe E. Carvalho, Ruben G. Aguila
  • Patent number: 9416506
    Abstract: An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventor: Mynor J. Castro
  • Publication number: 20160207892
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate that include reacting aqueous solutions of 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in a continuous flow system at an ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Jon G. Bragg, Jason B. Pattison, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9352177
    Abstract: A self contained fire extinguisher system that does not need external power in order to sense or initiate a release of a fire suppression medium, includes components configured to utilize a linear sensor network that can be connected to at least one and/or different sources of fire suppression mediums. A linear temperature sensing cord can be routed over a large area not practical with individual sensors. The cord can also actuate several and different sources of fire suppression mediums to maximize the suppression of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Brian Edward Smith, Mei Zhen Chen, Thornton Alexander McGill, III
  • Patent number: 9340935
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for disabling a ground engaging traction device of a land vehicle includes at least one penetrator configured to breach the traction device, an articulated strap configured to move the apparatus between a retracted arrangement and an extended arrangement, a mass configured to deploy the apparatus to the extended arrangement, and a retractor configured to retract the apparatus to the retracted arrangement. The penetrators can be arranged in sections and the penetrators can be arranged so as to be multi-directional within each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert Arthur McCoy, Brian D. Rosner, Patrick J. Barnhill, Gregg D. Spendlove, Edwin Allen Spomer, Martin A. Martinez