Patents Examined by Aileen J. Baker
  • Patent number: 6485587
    Abstract: A method of making a batch of explosive molding powder including preparing a lacquer comprising an organic solvent, a binder and if required, a plasticizer; adding water to a kettle; adding explosive material to the kettle; adding the lacquer to the kettle; heating contents of the kettle to above 98 degrees C.; cooling the contents of the kettle to below about 55; separating the water from the explosive material; and drying the explosive material to form the explosive molding powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Philip S. Han, David Jordan
  • Patent number: 6477982
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with agents and processes for the production of biologically advantageous to almost natural maintenance water, especially for aquaria and garden pond water and also from biologically unfavorable to harmful starting water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Günter Ritter
  • Patent number: 6475312
    Abstract: Preferred gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of 5-aminotetrazole nitrate and an oxidizer. The oxidizer may be selected from a group including nonmetal and metal nitrates, nitrites, chlorates, chlorites, perchlorates, and oxides. 5-aminotetrazole nitrate is characterized as an oxygen-rich fuel and is therefore considered to be a self-deflagrating fuel. To tailor the oxygen balance in certain applications, however, the use of an oxidizer is preferred. Methods of formulating the compositions are also described. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags and actuating seatbelt pretensioners in passenger-restraint devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Burns, Paresh S. Khandhadia
  • Patent number: 6468369
    Abstract: There is provided a gas generating composition for an air bag which improves combustion behavior and enhances handling safety, generates a large amount of generating gas on combustion, reduces amount generated of mist, and can downsize and reduce weight of a gas generator itself. The gas generating composition for an air bag comprises (a) a guanidine derivative compound, (b) a phase stabilized ammonium nitrate and (c) a silicon compound acting as a pressure exponent controller or a detonation suppressing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Xingxi Zhou
  • Patent number: 6468370
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14), and an actuator (10) for the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The actuator (10) includes a gas generating material (18) or both a gas generating material (18) and an autoignition material (66). The gas generating material (18), the autoignition material (66), or both the gas generating material (18) and the autoignition material (66) comprise a plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester. The plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester has an autoignition temperature in the range of about 150° C. to about 180° C. and is resistant to thermal decomposition at a temperature less than 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6460464
    Abstract: The present invention provides UV/anaerobic dual cure adhesives, particularly well-suited for sealing the ring around the primer cup in center fire ammunition by UV cure and the primer cup in the cartridge by anaerobic cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Shabbir Attarwala
  • Patent number: 6454887
    Abstract: A gas-generant-molded-article for air bags which is prepared by molding a gas generant composition into a cylindrical form containing an opening hole, wherein the relationship between the linear burning velocity r (mm/second) of said gas generant composition under a pressure of 70 kgf/cm2 and a thickness W (mm) of said molded article falls within a range represented by 0.005≦W/(2·r)≦0.3, with the linear burning velocity preferably falling within a range of from 1 to 12.5 mm/second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Yamato, Norimasa Hirata, Takeshi Takahori, Takushi Yokoyama, Naoki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6454886
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising mixtures of metallic particles and solid oxidizer, and a method for preparing such compositions. The compositions comprise a homogeneous mixture of metallic particles and solid oxidizer wherein individual metallic particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of solid oxidizer which is suitable for use in a solid rocket motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Technanogy, LLC
    Inventors: Joe A. Martin, Larry H. Welch
  • Patent number: 6436211
    Abstract: A method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate is provided wherein a transition metal ammine carbonate is reacted with nitric acid in the presence of water to form a corresponding reaction mixture. A spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation is formed including at least a gas generating fuel and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable. The precursor is subsequently spray dried to form a gas generant powder. The method may also include a relatively mild heat treatment of the dried material, either as a part of the spray drying or subsequent to such spray drying. A phase stabilized ammonium nitrate and a corresponding method of making the same wherein ammonium nitrate is stabilized through the presence of a stabilizing metal diammine dinitrate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Robert G. Smith, Robert D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6436210
    Abstract: A smoke-generating redox composition contains one or more esters of colophony or of hydrogenated colophony with an alcohol. Applications include use in a deterrent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Groc, Daniel Grycza, Yann Guelou
  • Patent number: 6432231
    Abstract: An extrudable black body decoy flare composition which, when combusted, provided black body radiation is disclosed. The compositions generally include from about 40% to about 70% metal such as magnesium or aluminum, from about 10% to about 40% polytetrafluoroethylene, and from about 8% to about 30% binder. Important to the operation of the invention is the production of carbon upon combustion of the composition. Accordingly, polyaromatic thermoplastics, such as polystyrene and dimethyl phthalate, serve as the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Dean M. Lester
  • Patent number: 6425965
    Abstract: An explosive composition is provided which comprises a mixture of a particulate low density agent and a particulate oxidising agent. The particulate low density agent is a synthetic polymeric low density agent, e.g. foamed polystyrene, which is coated with a 5 to 30 wt % of a first wetting agent. The first wetting agent comprises a first flowable carbonaceous fuel, e.g. mineral oil, and a first tackifying agent for the first flowable carbonaceous fuel. The particulate oxidizing agent is coated with a second wetting agent. The second wetting agent comprises a second flowable carbonaceous fuel, e.g. mineral oil, and a second tackifying agent for the second flowable carbonaceous fuel. The first and second wetting agents may be the same. The explosive compositions may have densities of less than about 0.2 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Guillermo Silva
  • Patent number: 6419771
    Abstract: The non toxic bipropellent of the present invention contains a non-toxic hypergolic miscible fuel (hereinafter referred to as “NHMF”) and a rocket grade hydrogen peroxide. This NHMF has rapid ignition capability and minimizes the formation of precipitate, even when exposed to extreme heat or water. The NHMF of this invention contains 5 species. Namely, a polar organic species miscible with hydrogen peroxide; a propagator, which may be substituted or unsubstituted amines, amides or diamines; an inorganic metal salt, which reacts to form a catalyst in solution or as a colloid; acetic acid; and alkali acetate. The inorganic metal salt is miscible with the polar organic species and the propagator in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bradley M. Lormand
  • Patent number: 6416599
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating agent for an air bag including a fuel component of nitrogenous organic compound and an oxidizing agent as its major components, to which at least one metal nitride or metal carbide that is allowed to react with a metallic component contained in the fuel component or the oxidizing agent to form slag is added, thus providing the effects of: solving the slag collecting problem which stands in the way of commercially practicing the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels; promoting the size reduction of the gas generator through the full use of high rate of gasification of the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels; and providing a gas generating agent molded member which is strong and stable with age by improving heat resistant properties and formability of the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels which are poor compared with the metallic compound azide of an inorganic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignees: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki-Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Eiichiro Yoshikawa, Ryo Minoguchi, Akihiko Kuroiwa, Takeshi Kanda, Kenjiro Ikeda, Makoto Iwasaki, Akihiko Tanaka, Eishi Sato, Dairi Kubo, Kaoru Masuda, Moriyoshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: H2035
    Abstract: Corrosion resistant non-polar polymer coatings and method for applying the coatings to substrates is described, wherein a source of non-polar polymer powder is deposited as a coating onto the surface of a substrate by high temperature thermal spray, wherein the non-polar character of the powder and any additives thereto is substantially preserved during the high temperature thermal spray by using a mixture of a non-oxidizing shielding gas or reducing gas, or combination of the two, at one or more locations along the thermal spray to displace or react with ambient oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Michael J. Halliwell
  • Patent number: H2043
    Abstract: Disclosed are skin care compositions containing retinoids which generally improve the quality of the skin, particularly human facial skin. More particularly, the present invention relates to retinol containing skin care compositions with improved skin compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George Endel Deckner, James Pedrosa SaNogueira, Jr., Joseph Michael Zukowski
  • Patent number: H2046
    Abstract: A process that lends itself to automation for producing multi-layer second-order nonlinear optical polymer (NLOP) thin films by the forming of a polycation layer containing an NLO-active cationic polymer, having non-centrosymmetric chromophores, on a substrate followed by the forming of a polyanion layer, also having non-centrosymmetric chromophores, on the polycation layer. A predetermind number of the polycation and the polyanion layers may be alternated upon the surface as well as one or more buffer layers. An added benefit is the formation of an ultra-smooth surface of the same order of roughness as the substrate upon which the layers are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Seceretary of the Navy
    Inventors: M. Joe Roberts, Geoff A. Lindsay, Kenneth J. Wynne, Andrew P. Chafin, John D. Stenger-Smith, Peter Zarras, Rena Y. Yee, Richard A. Holloins
  • Patent number: H2047
    Abstract: A thermosettable adhesive is used to secure a laminate having a compliant layer (for example, a foamable composition containing a diene rubber), a layer comprised of a thermosettable resin capable of being cured to a rigid state, and an optional carrier layer (for example, a metal foil) to a substrate for the purpose of strengthening, stiffening, or otherwise reinforcing the substrate. The substrate may, for example, be a metal vehicle door. The thermosettable adhesive is comprised of at least one polyol such as a polyether polyol, at least one epoxy resin, and at least one polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Lee Harrison, George F. Didlake
  • Patent number: H2048
    Abstract: A non-hydroquinone photographic developer composition comprising: (a) a developer selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid and sugar-type derivatives thereof, or alkali metal salts and mixtures thereof, in an amount of 0.1 to 0.4 mol/liter (mol/l); (b) an effective amount of an auxiliary developing agent comprising a 3-pyrazolidone compound, an aminophenol or a mixture thereof; (c) an alkali metal sulfite in an amount less than or equal to 0.32 mol/l; (d) an alkali metal carbonate in an amount of 0.1 to 0.4 mol/l; (e) an alkali metal hydroxide in an amount of from 0.08 to 2.0 mols/l; (f) with the developer composition having a pH of 11.8 or higher at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Hunt Photographic Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Haixing Wan, Diane Zhang, David Carlson, Alan A. Bornstein
  • Patent number: H2050
    Abstract: Purified and substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan and processes for their preparation. Purified &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from a marine macroalga containing &bgr;-carrageenan and/or a precursor thereof by the steps of: A. where the macroalga contains a precursor of &bgr;-carrageenan, reacting the macroalga with an alkaline compound to convert the precursor to &bgr;-carrageenan, B. extracting carrageenan from the macroalga, C. treating the extracted carrageenan with an aqueous quaternary ammonium salt to form a precipitate and an aqueous solution, D. separating the solution from the precipitate, and E. isolating purified &bgr;-carrageenan from the solution. Substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from purified &bgr;-carrageenan by the further steps of: F. forming a solution of purified &bgr;-carrageenan in water, G. contacting the solution with an ion exchange agent that removes carrageenan which contains sulfate ester from the solution, H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gertrudes A. Santos, Donald W. Renn, Lisa E. Dumont, Charles A. Parent