Patents by Inventor William P. Sampson
William P. Sampson 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).
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Patent number: 9919173Abstract: A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.Inventors: Reed J. Blau, James D. Rozanski, Richard M. Truitt, Gary K. Lund, William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 9682259Abstract: Fire suppression apparatuses include a housing with gas generant material disposed therein, an initiator for igniting the gas generant material, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a first chamber with a coolant material disposed therein and a second chamber. The coolant material is caused to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber to cool gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant material upon exiting from the housing under pressure. The cooling system may further include a piston disposed within the first chamber and movable responsive to gas pressure. Methods for cooling a fire suppressant gas and methods for suppressing a fire include flowing a fire suppressant gas into first and second chambers of a cooling system, flowing a coolant material from the first chamber into the second chamber, and contacting the fire suppressant gas with the coolant material to cool the fire suppressant gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 9605932Abstract: Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.Inventors: James D. Dunaway, Duane J. Garbe, William P. Sampson, Robert L. Hatch
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Publication number: 20160161226Abstract: Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: James D. Dunaway, Duane J. Garbe, William P. Sampson, Robert L. Hatch
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Publication number: 20150174438Abstract: Fire suppression apparatuses include a housing with gas generant material disposed therein, an initiator for igniting the gas generant material, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a first chamber with a coolant material disposed therein and a second chamber. The coolant material is caused to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber to cool gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant material upon exiting from the housing under pressure. The cooling system may further include a piston disposed within the first chamber and movable responsive to gas pressure. Methods for cooling a fire suppressant gas and methods for suppressing a fire include flowing a fire suppressant gas into first and second chambers of a cooling system, flowing a coolant material from the first chamber into the second chamber, and contacting the fire suppressant gas with the coolant material to cool the fire suppressant gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 8967046Abstract: Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: James D. Dunaway, Duane J. Garbe, William P. Sampson, Robert L. Hatch
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Patent number: 8967284Abstract: Fire suppression apparatuses include a housing with gas generant material disposed therein, an initiator for igniting the gas generant material, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a first chamber with a coolant material disposed therein and a second chamber. The coolant material is caused to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber to cool gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant material upon exiting from the housing under pressure. The cooling system may further include a piston disposed within the first chamber and movable responsive to gas pressure. Methods for cooling a fire suppressant gas and methods for suppressing a fire include flowing a fire suppressant gas into first and second chambers of a cooling system, flowing a coolant material from the first chamber into the second chamber, and contacting the fire suppressant gas with the coolant material to cool the fire suppressant gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Publication number: 20140150683Abstract: Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: James D. Dunaway, Duane J. Garbe, William P. Sampson, Robert L. Hatch
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Patent number: 8672348Abstract: Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Robbins, William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 8616128Abstract: A gas generator assembly and method of operation. A plurality of stacks of laterally adjacent and laterally and axially supported gas generant wafers are contained within a housing. An igniter material is placed between the wafer stacks and an initiator. Upon ignition of the igniter material by the initiator, the wafer stacks are ignited and combust, generating a gas which, when reaching sufficient pressure within the housing in excess of ambient exterior pressures, opens a closed exhaust gas port and is released into a gas discharge structure where the gas passes through a heat sink material, cooling the gas before it exits the gas discharge structure for an intended use.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Publication number: 20130087348Abstract: Fire suppression apparatuses include a housing with gas generant material disposed therein, an initiator for igniting the gas generant material, and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a first chamber with a coolant material disposed therein and a second chamber. The coolant material is caused to flow from the first chamber into the second chamber to cool gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant material upon exiting from the housing under pressure. The cooling system may further include a piston disposed within the first chamber and movable responsive to gas pressure. Methods for cooling a fire suppressant gas and methods for suppressing a fire include flowing a fire suppressant gas into first and second chambers of a cooling system, flowing a coolant material from the first chamber into the second chamber, and contacting the fire suppressant gas with the coolant material to cool the fire suppressant gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Publication number: 20130087064Abstract: A gas generator assembly and method of operation. A plurality of stacks of laterally adjacent and laterally and axially supported gas generant wafers are contained within a housing. An igniter material is placed between the wafer stacks and an initiator. Upon ignition of the igniter material by the initiator, the wafer stacks are ignited and combust, generating a gas which, when reaching sufficient pressure within the housing in excess of ambient exterior pressures, opens a closed exhaust gas port and is released into a gas discharge structure where the gas passes through a heat sink material, cooling the gas before it exits the gas discharge structure for an intended use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventor: William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 8408322Abstract: A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Reed J. Blau, James D. Rozanski, Richard M. Truitt, Gary K. Lund, William P. Sampson
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Publication number: 20110226493Abstract: A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Reed J. Blau, James D. Rozanski, Richard M. Truitt, Gary K. Lund, William P. Sampson
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Publication number: 20100307775Abstract: Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Steven M. Robbins, William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 6875295Abstract: A gas generating material (140) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises about 5% to about 20% by weight of the gas generating material, of a binder, 0 to about 50%, by weight of the gas generating material, of an energetic fuel, and an amount of oxidizer effective to oxygen balance the gas generating material. More than 50% by weight of the oxidizer is basic copper nitrate. The binder comprises at least about 20% by volume of the gas generating material.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Harold R. Blomquist, Abdelkader M. Helmy, William P. Sampson, Michael G. Mangum
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Patent number: 6666934Abstract: A gas generating material (52) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises a particulate oxidizer, a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, a diisocyanate cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The diisocyanate cross-linking agent cross-links the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to form an elastomeric binder that contains the particulate oxidizer. The ratio of hydroxyl groups of the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to isocyanate groups of the diisocyanate cross-linking agent is at least about 0.95.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Abdelkader M. Helmy, William P. Sampson
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Patent number: 6641622Abstract: A process for preparing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate comprises the following steps. A solution of ammonium nitrate (12), a phase stabilizer (26), and an inert liquid (20) is prepared. The solution is atomized to form a stream of droplets. The droplets (54) are freeze dried to form phase stabilized ammonium nitrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: William P. Sampson, Peter J. Astrauskas
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Publication number: 20030145921Abstract: A gas generating material (140) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises about 5% to about 20% by weight of the gas generating material, of a binder, 0 to about 50%, by weight of the gas generating material, of an energetic fuel, and an amount of oxidizer effective to oxygen balance the gas generating material. More than 50% by weight of the oxidizer is basic copper nitrate. The binder comprises at least about 20% by volume of the gas generating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Harold R. Blomquist, Abdelkader M. Helmy, William P. Sampson, Michael G. Mangum
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Publication number: 20030037850Abstract: A gas generating material (52) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises a particulate oxidizer, a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, a diisocyanate cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The diisocyanate cross-linking agent cross-links the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to form an elastomeric binder that contains the particulate oxidizer. The ratio of hydroxyl groups of the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to isocyanate groups of the diisocyanate cross-linking agent is at least about 0.95.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: Abdelkader M. Helmy, William P. Sampson