Patents by Inventor Reed J. Blau

Reed J. Blau has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6969435
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas-generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas-generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas-generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas-generating devices, such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 6607617
    Abstract: This rocket motor propellant includes a combustible double-base propellant and non-carbonized, non-graphitized polymeric fibers dispersed in the double-base propellant. The double-base propellant is formed from a composition comprising nitrocellulose and at least one nitrate ester. Representative polymeric fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylonitriles and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Hughes, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 6481746
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Publication number: 20020148541
    Abstract: A solid pyrotechnic composition having a flame temperature and exhibiting ballistic performance comparable to that of black powder, but which is preferably formulated to contain neither charcoal nor sulfur, is provided. A solid pyrotechnic composition having a flame temperature and exhibits ballistic performance comparable to that of boron/potassium nitrate, and that is preferably free of boron, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 6241281
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and at least one cool burning organic nitrogen-containing compound. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 6224099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an igniter composition which is capable of being extruded to yield a robust igniter extrudate. The composition is particularly useful in the form of an igniter stick or other selected geometry for use in supplemental safety restraint systems designed for use such as in vehicles, ground or airborne, having such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 6170399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to flares and other solid propellant devices, rockets or the like, equipped with an igniter or igniter system which is based in whole in part on an extruded igniter stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 6086693
    Abstract: Igniter compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in relatively little particulate material, as compared to typical igniter compositions used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignees: Autoliv ASP, Inc., Cordant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Robert D. Taylor, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 6039820
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and at least one cool burning organic nitrogen-containing compound. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5972304
    Abstract: A novel process for producing bexaammine cobalt(III) nitrate from a cobalt(II) salt is disclosed. The product is useful in formulating gas generant compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Bradley, Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 5970703
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5735118
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5725699
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5682014
    Abstract: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a non-azide fuel selected from a bitetrazoleamine or a derivative or a salt or complex thereof and mixtures thereof. The preferred bitetrazole-amine is bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, a metal salt, a salt with a nonmetallic cation of a high nitrogen content base or a complex thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Highsmith, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5673935
    Abstract: Complex generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. Hyradzine complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5592812
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll, Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 5516377
    Abstract: A composition is provided which has at least one salt of 5-nitraminotetrazole and an at least one oxidizer selected from among inorganic nitrates, inorganic nitrites, metal oxides, metal peroxides, organic peroxides, inorganic perchlorates, inorganic chlorates, metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful in the gas generant field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Highsmith, Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau, Jerald C. Hinshaw, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 5501823
    Abstract: A solid composition for generating nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a non-azide fuel selected from anhydrous tetrazoles, derivatives, salts, complexes, and mixtures thereof. Preferred tetrazoles include 5-aminotetrazole and bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, a metal salt, a salt with a nonmetallic cation of a high nitrogen content base or a complex thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 5500059
    Abstract: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a 5-aminotetrazole fuel selected from anhydrous 5-aminotetrazole derivatives, salts, complexes, and mixtures thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 5472647
    Abstract: A present method involves preparing an anhydrous gas generant by forming a quantity of granulated anhydrous gas generating material into a shaped charge wherein the gas generating material is an oxidizer and at least one fuel selected from the group consisting of tetrazoles. More particularly, a preferred method involves preparing an anhydrous gas generating composition by preparing a slurry of gas generating material which comprises oxidizer particles larger than 1 micron and fuel particles larger than 1 micron wherein the oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of a metal peroxide, an inorganic nitrate, an inorganic nitrite, a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide, an inorganic chlorate, an inorganic perchlorate, or a mixture thereof, and the fuel is selected from the group consisting of tetrazoles; granulating the slurry to obtain granules of a selected weight average particle size; drying the granules to an anhydrous condition; and pelletizing the anhydrous granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Reed J. Blau, Gary K. Lund