Patents Assigned to Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
  • Patent number: 9285198
    Abstract: An ARM-FIRE device for a pyrotechnic system includes a first pyrotechnic, a second pyrotechnic, a passage extending between the first and second pyrotechnics, and an actuator/blocking device positioned between the first and second pyrotechnics. The first pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by a heat source, and the second pyrotechnic is configured to be ignited by the first pyrotechnic in the FIRE arrangement. The actuator/blocking device includes a body configured to move between a first position in the SAFE arrangement and a second position in the FIRE arrangement, an aperture extending through the body, and an actuator. The aperture is offset from the passage in the first position of the body and is aligned with the passage in the second position of the body. The actuator is configured to move the body between the first and second positions. The first pyrotechnic, the second pyrotechnic, and the actuator/blocking device occupy a volume of approximately 49 cubic cm (3.0 cubic inches)or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Nelson, Robert S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 9278984
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate, which include reacting copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, sodium nitrite, 5-aminotetrazole, and at least one of nitric acid and urea in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Thomas Matthias Klapötke, Davin Glenn Piercey, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9255367
    Abstract: An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle is described. 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: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona)
    Inventor: Mynor J. Castro
  • Publication number: 20150239910
    Abstract: Described are methods for preparing copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate, which include reacting copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, sodium nitrite, 5-aminotetrazole, and at least one of nitric acid and urea in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Matthias Klapötke, Davin Glenn Piercey, John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 9103082
    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 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    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: 8932417
    Abstract: Methods and systems for mixing propellant formulations are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of mixing a solid propellant formulation includes placing a first component (e.g., a polymer or fuel) and a second component (e.g., an oxidizer of suitable particle size) in a mix vessel. The method further includes mixing the first and second components together by rotating the mix vessel about a first axis and, during at least a portion of the vessel rotation, revolving the vessel about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. In one embodiment, the first axis can be a vessel spin axis, and the second axis can be spaced apart from the first axis so that the vessel revolves about the second axis in a planetary manner. In another embodiment, the vessel can rotate about the first axis in a first direction while revolving about the second axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Robert Nicholas Renz, James Lemister, Steven Ray Johnson, Ralph Chengkung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8911172
    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 is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/snare deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more snares with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
  • Patent number: 8905672
    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 is comprised of 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 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
  • Patent number: 8851197
    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: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Brian Edward Smith, Mei Zhen Chen, Thornton Alexander Mcgill, III
  • Publication number: 20140206885
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140186110
    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 is comprised of 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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
  • Patent number: 8662786
    Abstract: A vehicle destabilizing device that provides for the selective, remotely-deployed deflection and/or overturning of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment switch, one or more lifting devices, a housing, and one or more structural members contiguously engaging the vehicle. The housing can be at least partially submerged in a road surface or protrude from the road surface so as to be driven over until deployed. A sensor can provide independent deployment once the device is armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventors: William Grant Seeglitz, Mynor J. Castro, Robert Arthur Mccoy, Edwin Allen Spomer, Michael David Williams
  • Patent number: 8632643
    Abstract: Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8596904
    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 is comprised of 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: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
  • Publication number: 20130317232
    Abstract: Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8523989
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture. The method may also include providing cuprous chloride and providing sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8524019
    Abstract: Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8517625
    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 a triangular section which, in turn, can be deployable on any of its three sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arthur McCoy, Brian D. Rosner, Patrick J. Barnhill, Gregg D. Spendlove, Edwin Allen Spomer, Martin A. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130204005
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture. The method may also include providing cuprous chloride and providing sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8469627
    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 is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/snare deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more snares with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer