Powder Grain Shape Formed Of Fixed Shape Segments Patents (Class 102/288)
  • Patent number: 11624592
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method of forming an initiator. The method includes placing an energetic powder in a container. A solvent is added to the container and the solvent and energetic powder are mixed to form a slurry mixture. The slurry mixture is filtered. The filtered slurry mixture is placed in a transfer tube. The slurry mixture is applied to a bridge wire. The slurry mixture applied to the bridge wire is then dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventor: Marius Rosu
  • Patent number: 11458926
    Abstract: A disc-shaped pyrotechnic gas generator includes a housing with a plurality of diffusion holes. A pyrotechnic substance is arranged in the housing. A filter is arranged in the housing. A containment member is arranged in the housing between the pyrotechnic substance and the filter. A drainage member is arranged in the housing between the pyrotechnic substance and the containment member. The filter is to provide support to a supported portion of the containment member at a start of operation of the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Gerald Prima
  • Patent number: 10852107
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a caseless projectile, in which a bullet head and a projectile body structure are fixedly arranged with each other. The caseless projectile can be fired in a barrel without a step of discharging the case; further, the caseless projectile's projectile bottom has a plurality of blade-shaped score lines. When fired, the score line are transformed into a plurality of nozzle structures by the impact force, so that the high-pressure gas generated by the burning of powder is ejected through the nozzle structures, further offering the caseless projectile a rotational torque and achieving the effect of accurate firing without rifling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Ting-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 10625706
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a cylindrical housing; an ignition device installed at a first end of the cylindrical housing, and a diffuser portion installed at a second end thereof; a flow channel forming member disposed inside the cylindrical housing and including a partition wall which separates a first chamber from a second chamber; a combustion chamber formed in the first chamber; a discharge passage formed in the second chamber; a first cylindrical space formed on the outside of the first circumferential wall and a first communication hole formed in the first circumferential wall; a second cylindrical space formed on the outside of the second circumferential wall and being in communication with the first cylindrical space, and a second communication hole formed in the second circumferential wall; a cylindrical filter disposed in the second cylindrical space; an outer diameter (d1) of the first circumferential wall, an outer diameter (d2) of the second circumferential wall an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Fukumoto, Tomoharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10035489
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge for a pyrotechnic gas generator includes a plurality of blocks made of pyrotechnic material stacked in layers, each block being defined by two main faces that are substantially orthogonal to the stacking direction. In this pyrotechnic charge, each layer of the stack includes at least two distinct blocks of pyrotechnic material, each forming an angular sector of a ring or of a disk, the blocks being assembled together to form a ring and/or a disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventor: Frédéric Marlin
  • Patent number: 9725373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and manufacture of an ignitable solid, where the solid is composed of an array of ignitable regions. In some examples, the array provides a three-dimensional periodic arrangement of such ignitable regions. The ignitable region can have any useful geometry and geometric arrangement within the solid, and methods of making such regions are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Adams, Robert V. Reeves, Robert K. Grubbs, Michael David Henry
  • Patent number: 9261340
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to protective canisters for incendiary devices, said canisters comprising a sidewall and two endcaps, said endcaps attached to said sidewall so as to form a substantially enclosed canister; wherein one or both of said endcaps is removably attached to said sidewall; and wherein said sidewall comprises a plurality of transverse holes through it. Optionally, one or both of said endcaps comprise one or more transverse holes through them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DREW MARINE SIGNAL AND SAFETY US LLC
    Inventors: William R. Bliss, Thomas R. Cessario
  • Patent number: 9051223
    Abstract: Pressed and segmented gas generant grain assemblies formed from a plurality of symmetric gas generant pieces or segments are disclosed. The symmetric pieces or segments are arranged circumferentially to define a substantially round, segmented body. In certain variations, the symmetric segments are substantially free of polymeric binder and have a high density. The segmented pressed grain assemblies are more robust and less expensive to manufacture, while still exhibiting desired combustion performance. Methods of making such segmented gas generant grain assemblies are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Cox, Bradley W. Smith, K. Doyle Russell, Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 8783183
    Abstract: An active body is provided that includes at least one active mass block made of monobasic or polybasic high-energy materials such as a nitrocellulose mixture, for example, comprising approximately 60 percent nitroglycerin and 40 percent diethylene glycol dinitrate, which is provided with structures both on a surface and on an interior. In addition, the inner structures can be filled with an active mass substance. The ignition is triggered by a pyrotechnical primer composition, which initiates the active body, preferably from the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Gaisbauer, Heinz Bannach, Vikron Kadavanich, Martin Fegg, Christian Wagner
  • Patent number: 8677901
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a premeasured compressed charge in which the compressed charge has a leading end portion with a smaller dimension than both a trailing end portion and a desired caliber of the intended firearm and the trailing end portion has a larger diagonal dimension than the desired caliber of the firearm. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold with cavities, filling the mold cavities with gunpowder, pressing gunpowder to form a compressed charge so that one of a density and a compaction of the gunpowder, adjacent the leading end portion of the compressed charge, is about 0% to about 5% less than the density or the compaction of the gunpowder adjacent the trailing end portion to facilitate a more complete combustion of the compressed charge upon discharge of the firearm, and removing the compressed charge from the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: American Pioneer Powder, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Neal Epstein, Mark Andrew Griesbach
  • Patent number: 8544387
    Abstract: A method for producing propellant charges with progressive combustion characteristic and a higher charge density than previously considered possible to achieve, intended in the first instance for direct-firing barrel weapons such as tank cannons. Combined in the charge are at least two radially perforated propellant tubes, which are arranged in their entirety inside or after one another, and which have at an e-dimension selected in relation to the actual type of propellant and its desired combustion characteristic, combustion or ignition channels, and which have circular outer and inner boundary surfaces, in conjunction with which, before initiation of the charge, at least one of the total number of outer surfaces of these propellant tubes that are available for initiation has been treated with an inhibition, surface treatment or surface intended to delay the propagation of ignition to that surface so that the combustion of the propellant tubes is partially mutually overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Eurenco Bofors AB
    Inventor: Johan Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 8281568
    Abstract: A solid fuel rocket motor, a castellated propellant cartridge and a method of controlling a pressure differential in a cartridge-loaded rocket motor are disclosed. The rocket motor may include a housing having an inside surface, a plurality of propellant cartridges disposed within the housing, an igniter disposed to ignite propellant material within the propellant cartridges, and a nozzle disposed to exhaust combustion gases out of the housing. At least some of the propellant cartridges may be castellated propellant cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Danforth, Richard D. Loehr
  • Patent number: 8156869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing propellant charges (2) of multi-perforated stick propellant with maximized charge weights for sub-calibre, armour-piercing, high-velocity projectiles (3), which are provided, for example, with six to eight, fixed stabilizing fins (5-10). The invention also encompasses a multi-perforated stick propellant (11-12) intended for this purpose and a propellant charge produced from multi-perforated stick propellant according to the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eurenco Bofors AB
    Inventor: Johan Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 8132511
    Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: American Pioneer Powder, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Neal Epstein, Mark Andrew Griesbach
  • Patent number: 8029630
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition for a pyrotechnic compound that can be used as a thermal fuse in a gas generator comprising a pyrotechnic charge, said pyrotechnic compound having a self-ignition temperature that is lower than that of the pyrotechnic charge of the generator so as to be capable of initiating combustion of the pyrotechnic charge in the event of abnormal heating of the generator before said pyrotechnic charge reaches its self-ignition temperature. This composition is characterized in that it can be metered out and deposited in the form of an adhesive onto any appropriate support of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: SME
    Inventors: Frederic Marlin, Gerard Marino
  • Patent number: 7918163
    Abstract: The resent invention relates to a method for producing propellant charges with progressive combustion characteristic and a higher charge density than previously considered possible to achieve, intended in the first instance for direct-firing barrel weapons such as tank cannons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eurenco Bofors AB
    Inventor: Johan Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 7789018
    Abstract: A gas generant tablet (24) for use in a linear inflator (10). The tablet (24) includes a body portion (102) having a first end (104), a second end (106), and a longitudinal axis (T). A first projection (108) extends from the tablet first end (104) in a first direction, with at least a portion of the first projection (108) extending non-orthogonally with respect to the tablet longitudinal axis (T). A second projection (112) extends from the tablet second end (106) in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. At least a portion of the second projection (112) extends non-orthogonally with respect to the tablet longitudinal axis (T). The tablet (24) is shaped such that a cavity (25) is formed between adjacent tablets (24) when the tablets are stacked within a combustion chamber of the inflator (10). Also disclosed is an inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean P. Burns
  • Patent number: 7690305
    Abstract: The invention relates to an increment charge (4) to be placed around a tail shaft of a fin-stabilized mortar projectile (1), the increment charge (4) having a centrally located space for the tail shaft and a mounting opening in the space for mounting the increment charge (4). On the opposite side of the increment charge (4) there is provided a protrusion that fits into the mounting opening of an adjacent increment charge (4) for locking them in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventors: Timo Pekka Harjula, Ville-Pekka Pesonen
  • Publication number: 20080134926
    Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard L. Tanner, Carl Dilg
  • Patent number: 7117797
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge structure, in particular for use as propellant in a rocket motor, is disclosed. The charge structure has a predetermined longitudinal extension and cross sectional area adapted to the intended purpose. The pyrotechnic charge structure (1; 2; 3; 4) is in cross sectional view in cellular form aimed at having similar wall thickness for all the cells of the charge structure. The wall (6) of the cells comprises the pyrotechnic charge, i.e. the propellant, and each cavity of the cells occupies air or oxygen-rich gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Nammo Raufoss AS
    Inventors: Hans B. Biserød, Johans Hamarsnes
  • Patent number: 6877415
    Abstract: A transport container with a removable cover which is repeatedly removable and refastenable to the transport container. The transport container is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder. Each of the plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder comprises a tube which is open at least one end thereof and the at least one open end of the tube is sealed with a removable cap once a suitable quantity of the loose granular charge of gunpowder is loaded therein. Each individual premeasured charge of gunpowder is loaded with gunpowder which has a relatively low moisture content to facilitate reliable and substantially complete ignition of all of the gunpowder ignition, upon detonation of a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Legend Products Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Griesbach, Brett Neal Epstein
  • Patent number: 6837164
    Abstract: A protector for propelling charge increments on a mortar shell includes a semi-cylindrical body, the semi-cylindrical body arranged around a bottom and sides of the charge increments; two generally horseshoe shaped end plates attached to a front and a rear of the semi-cylindrical body, the end plates defining openings therein, the tail tube of the mortar fitting in the opening in each end plate, the charge increments being disposed between the two end plates; a wedge-shaped boom attached to the rear end plate, the wedge-shaped boom fitting between two fins on the fin portion of the mortar shell; a stop tab attached to a rear end of the wedge-shaped boom, the stop tab extending substantially perpendicular to a narrow side of the wedge-shaped boom to contact an end of the fin portion thereby minimizing longitudinal motion of the charge increments; and a nose cone attached at the front of the semi-cylindrical body, the nose cone defining an opening at its front end, the middle portion of the mortar shell fitting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vishwa Khanna, Richard C Dzury, Kenneth Milano, Tapan Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 6817298
    Abstract: A gas-generator is disclosed to intensify output of oil, gas, including gas from coal formations, or metals extracted by underground leaching by breakage and thermo gas chemical treatment of the critical formation zone with gaseous combustion products from a solid propellant. The rate of increase of gas pressure is raised and the effect on the formation is enhanced by assembling the gas generator using coated and bare charges in a selected ratio. The charges burn radially, so the coated charges, which burn only from the center outwards, burn for longer and with a rising output. A two-peaked pressure characteristic is thus obtained. A high-velocity igniter may also be used to give a third, early pressure peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: GeoTec Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Zharkov, Vladimir V. Kodolov, Yuri I. Maksimovich, Victor I. Maryash, Ivan N. Gayvoronskii, Nickolai I. Gribanov, Vasilii P. Zalogin, Vladimir D. Kroshchenko, Vladimir I. Pavlov, Norayr S. Sanasaryan
  • Publication number: 20040035312
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge structure, in particular for use as propellant in a rocket motor, is disclosed. The charge structure has a predetermined longitudinal extension and cross sectional area adapted to the intended purpose. The pyrotechnic charge structure (1; 2; 3; 4) is in cross sectional view in cellular form aimed at having similar wall thickness for all the cells of the charge structure. The wall (6) of the cells comprises the pyrotechnic charge, i.e. the propellant, and each cavity of the cells occupies air or oxygen-rich gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Hans B. Biserod, Johans Hamarsnes
  • Patent number: 6688232
    Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Legend Products Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Griesbach, Brett Neal Epstein
  • Patent number: 6644200
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 6634299
    Abstract: The invention relates to gas generator comprising an outer housing made of plastic, in which a pyrotechnic propellant charge and an igniter having its own igniter housing are accommodated. The igniter housing consists at least partially of plastic and is welded with the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johann Vetter, Ernst Enzmann
  • Patent number: 6635131
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating material comprises a cubane compound having the general formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H and NO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: TRW Inc., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Blomquist, Douglas P. Campbell, Peter Staudhammer
  • Patent number: 6615735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator comprising a gas-tight outer housing consisting of at least two parts, a first part of which being a receiving part for pyrotechnic material and a second part of which being a base part which is connected with the receiving part by welding so as to form the outer housing. One of both parts has a radially projecting, surrounding flange with an outer peripheral edge and the other part has an axially extending, rim-like projection circumferentially surrounding said peripheral edge and having an inner surface which is contacted by the peripheral edge. The welding of the first and second parts is provided at the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Enzmann, Johann Vetter
  • Publication number: 20030121441
    Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Griesbach, Brett Neal Epstein
  • Patent number: 6571713
    Abstract: A vessel for a gas generator is formed of a cylindrical body, and at least one partition wall situated inside the body to divide the interior of the body into a plurality of chambers. The partition wall has a plastic deforming portion at an outer periphery thereof, which closely contacts an inner peripheral surface of the vessel by causing plastic deformation in a diameter-increasing direction. The partition wall can be easily secured to the vessel, and the vessel can be manufactured at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Koga
  • Publication number: 20030030162
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a gas generating agent capable of constantly producing a gas generating agent with a high quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Akio Yamamoto, Takeshi Takahori
  • Patent number: 6508177
    Abstract: An explosive charge such as a cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) includes an explosive charge (14, 114, 214) having a first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) with discrete bodies (118, 218) of a second material embedded therein. In some embodiments, discrete bodies may comprise explosive material and the first explosive matrix material (114a, 214a) may be more sensitive to initiation than the explosive material of the discrete bodies (118, 218). In a separate aspect of the invention, the discrete bodies may have a minimum dimension of at least 1 millimeter or, optionally, 1.6 millimeter, regardless of the explosive properties of the material therein. In a particular embodiment, discrete bodies may be shaped as cylindrical pellets rounded at at least one end. The cast booster charge (10, 110, 210) may be produced by melting the first explosive, disposing discrete bodies therein and cooling the molten material to solid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Lyman G. Bahr
  • Patent number: 6502513
    Abstract: A gas generant material body in the form of a tablet having a triangular cross section and associated methods of gas generation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Barnes, Gary L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6460461
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hybrid gas generators intended to inflate a protective airbag. The generator (1) consists of two metal tubes (50, 51) welded together, the upstream tube (50) being of one piece with an internal partition (26) that has a central orifice (27) closed by a diaphragm (28). The generator thus has a reservoir chamber (29) containing a pressurized gas and a combustion and mixing chamber (46) containing a pyrotechnic device (4) and a support piece (30) carrying a piston-pillar (31) the stroke of which is limited. The hot gases cannot enter the reservoir chamber (29) which may thus contain a greater amount of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Livbag SNC
    Inventors: Christian Perotto, Christophe Haegeman, Franck Le Baudy
  • Patent number: 6453816
    Abstract: A temperature fuse for gas-generating mixtures consists of substances or mixtures of substances that have lower detonation points or decomposition points than the gas-generating mixture. In particular, the temperature fuse contains substances or mixtures of substances that thermally decompose exothermically in a narrowly restricted temperature range. The evolution of heat that results ignites the gas-generating mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und Systemtechnik
    Inventors: Klaus Redecker, Waldemar Weuter, Ulrich Bley, Dagmar Schmittner
  • Patent number: 6431072
    Abstract: A propellant grain for a cylindrical casing has a cavity including an axially central opening with a combustion product exit port at one end. The grain bears a plurality of surfaces extending circumferentially about and disposed normally or helically to this opening so as to define, between these surfaces and axially of the casing, alternating sections of propellant and sections of a groove or grooves in the propellant. The groove sections extend radially from the opening to a distance selectable to provide the grain with a large initial surface area while providing a high propellant volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Harry L. Archer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6421999
    Abstract: A modular solid-fuel rocket propellent charge has a combustion-chamber wall, a plurality of separate elements including frozen fuel or oxidizer, and respective rigid casings completely surrounding and enclosing the elements. Respective formations on the casing and on the casings directly engage each other for supporting the elements via the respective casings directly an the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Roger E. Lo
  • Patent number: 6415715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding uneven ignition when initiating artillery propellant powder charges (1) which comprise a plurality of partial charges of the so-called modular type and which are initiated by means of laser initiation systems or conventional ignition cartridges. The invention also includes artillery propellant powder charge modules designed in accordance with this method. The invention is also based on the fact that each such charge module or modular charge has on the one hand been provided with an initiating charge (18, 19) at each end of the central ignition channel (11), where this initiating charge can consist for example of black powder, and, on the other hand, the middle part of the same ignition channel has been provided with a specially designed firing unit (14) consisting of a number of ring elements between which narrow ignition gaps (17) are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Bofors Weapon Systems AB
    Inventors: Neile Nilsson, Larseric Larsson, Anders Hafstrand
  • Patent number: 6408760
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing solid rocket motors of the present invention comprises placing a mandrel having at least one easily disintegrative solid slot former positioned thereon substantially centrally along the axis of a rocket case, casting uncured solid rocket propellant about the mandrel and the easily disintegrative solid slot former, curing the solid propellant, and removing the mandrel and the easily disintegrative solid slot former from the cured propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Lee Knaresboro, Forrest Ray Goodson
  • Patent number: 6386110
    Abstract: A deforming charge assembly is provided which has an inner and an outer cylinder formed from carbon fiber. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have an inner circumference surface having an inner diameter and an outer circumference surface having an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder is greater than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have a first layer of circumferentially wound carbon fiber, a second layer of unidirectional carbon fiber sheet and a plurality of layers of carbon fibers circumferentially wrapped around the second layer. A plurality of sympathetic detonation barrier members are provided and have an inner surface in contact with the outer circumference surface of the inner cylinder and an outer surface in contact with the inner circumference surface of the outer cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Chaarles W. Landman, William H. Grigsby, Jr., Robert J. Gripshover, John W. Hannick
  • Patent number: 6354218
    Abstract: A propellant system for launching a large-caliber projectile includes a propellant having at least three partial charges. The first partial charge is adapted to acceleration requirements of the projectile; the second partial charge has a higher combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge; and the third partial charge has a lower combustion velocity than that of the first partial charge. The propellant system further includes an electric energy supply and control device connected to the propellant for igniting the propellant. The electric energy supply and control device has a plasma generator for affecting a combustion behavior of the propellant such as to obtain for said first partial charge, after ignition of the propellant, a maximum gas pressure level of always the same magnitude independently from an initial propellant temperature, and to obtain, for the third partial charge, a conversion such as to prolong the maximum gas pressure level in a predeterminable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignees: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH, TZN Forschungs-und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH, Nitrochemie Aschau GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Paul Schaffers, Peter Lange
  • Patent number: 6345577
    Abstract: Propellant compositions are coated with an energetic deterrent coating which reduces the burning rate at the surface of the propellant grain and causes the propellant to burn progressively. The use of energetic materials, that are slightly soluble in the coating solvent, improve the burning properties of the propellant without decreasing the chemical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Randall J. Cramer, Susan Peters, Ronald Simmons, Steve Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6334394
    Abstract: A propellant charge arrangement for barrel-weapons or ballistic drives comprises a conventional core charge having an ignition system and a consolidated propellant surrounding the core charge and having its own high electrical energy ignition system which can be controlled in a time-delayed manner after triggering the core charge ignition system. The structure and arrangement of the consolidated propellant and its ignition system are chosen such that, during combustion of the core charge, the consolidated propellant disintegrates into fragments of essentially uniform geometry in response to triggering of its associated ignition system, wherein the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume generated during combustion of the core charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung
    Inventors: Gerd Karl Werner Zimmermann, Ernst Gütlin, Hans Jürgen Maag
  • Patent number: 6322649
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protecting the occupants of a motor vehicle by an inflatable airbag. The invention relates to a process consisting in inflating an airbag (1) by a pyrotechnic generator (2) containing a double-composition charge (9) formed around a main charge having a linear burning rate V1 and at least part of the ignition faces of which are covered with a skin of moderate pyrotechnic composition having a linear burning rate V2 satisfying the relationship: 0.05 V1≦V2≦0.5 V1. The invention thus makes it possible to inflate the airbag gradually during the first milliseconds of deployment of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Livbag SNC
    Inventors: Benoît Marsaud, Christian Perotto, Jean-Charles Delwarde, Daniel Duvacquier
  • Patent number: 6305288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant charge module for artillery guns, of the type which is usually referred to by the term “modular charges” (1). A special feature of this type is that, in an otherwise empty pyrophoric relay tube (10) arranged axially in the longitudinal direction of the charge, it has a firing charge which is made up of a plurality of successive powder rings (14), the different ring-shaped parts of this firing charge having distancing members (16) which are directed towards each other and give rise to narrow ignition gaps (18) between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Bofors Defence Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Neile Nilsson, Larseric Larsson, Anders Hafstrand
  • Patent number: 6289814
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device which involve a heat source composed of a load of fuel material and an initiator is actuatable to be in heat transmitting communication such as to initiate dissociation of a gas source material to form at least one gaseous dissociation product used to inflate the inflatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, David J. Green, Bradley D. Harris
  • Patent number: 6209460
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian J. Isle, Amir Chaboki, Steven R. Zelenak
  • Patent number: 6177028
    Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignees: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki-Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takeshi Kanda, Nobuaki Yokote, Takashi Saso, Koji Tanaka, Akihiko Kuroiwa, Yuji Ito, Ayumu Kimura
  • Patent number: 6167810
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian J. Isle, Gerald L. Dittmann, Amir Chaboki, Steven R. Zelenak, Timothy W. Petersen