Fuel Air Explosive Patents (Class 102/363)
  • Patent number: 10551061
    Abstract: An implosion reactor tube is provided, including: a receptacle body having a tube shape open at a first end; a cylinder positioned within the receptacle body; a mixing chamber at a second end of the receptacle body; the mixing chamber defined by a baffle; the baffle having a plurality of inner passages proximate to the cylinder allowing fluid passage through the baffle and a plurality of outer passages proximate to the receptacle body allowing passage of air and fuel through said baffle; a fuel and air inlet for allowing the air and fuel to enter the mixing chamber; and a flash igniter for igniting the air and fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Donald Joseph Stein
  • Patent number: 8960092
    Abstract: Device for setting off an avalanche, comprising a support intended to be fixed to the mounting side, for example on a concrete slab, and an enclosure one end of which is open, this enclosure being mounted on the support, said open end of the enclosure being intended to face towards the snow cap. The device further comprises means of filling the enclosure with an explosive gaseous mixture, firing means designed to set off the explosion of the said mixture and a remote-communication system. The enclosure is mounted removably on the support, by fitting its lower face, intended to receive the gaseous mixture, onto a bearing piece of the support, and the enclosure is autonomous in terms of energy supply and carries means of storing the gases that are intended to form the gaseous mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-TAS
    Inventors: Bruno Farizy, Jean-Marc Neuville, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8904939
    Abstract: Said device comprises a tube (1), one closed end of which is mounted onto a holder (5), for example a concrete mass (6), that is itself attached to a mountainside (7). The other open end (2) of said tube is rotated toward the snow cover (3). The device also comprises a means (8) for filling the tube (1) with an explosive gas mixture and moreover comprises a priming means that induces the explosion of said mixture. Said device is characterized in that it comprises at least two beams (9) that, each being attached by one of the ends thereof to the holder (5), extends along the tube (1) parallel thereto so as to ensure the holding thereof while forming a means for absorbing the movement of the tube (1) following the gas mixture explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite—TAS
    Inventors: Stephane Constant, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud, Pascal Roux
  • Patent number: 8894783
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for explosively dispersing particles of reactive metals into the atmosphere to form a fuel-air explosive. Also, this invention relates to a composition, which enhances the performance of metal augmented charge (MAC) devices. The metal augmented charge (MAC) includes flaked aluminum powder and polytetrafluorethylene. The MAC is pressed into solid billets. A preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a system with heavy-walled warhead, which comprises a canister and a cylinder of MAC disposed in the canister, so that said cylinder is in contact with the interior wall of the canister. Further, a high explosive is disposed in the cylinder with a fuze in direct contact with the high explosive, in such a way that the fuze detonates the high explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: George P. Dixon, Eddie R. Celestine, Will Carey, Jr., Henry J. John, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140305328
    Abstract: An ammunition is proposed with an explosive-free missile that releases, upon dismantling at the target a fuel or fuel mixture as flammable air-fuel mixture, being caused to spontaneously react by at least one, by impact dismantling triggered, explosive-free, spark-generating ignition mechanism. The thus produced optical and thermal target signature can be detected with the naked eye, as well as with rifle scopes or other optical target detection systems, as well as with night-vision and thermal imaging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Dierks, Christopher Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140182473
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for explosively dispersing particles of reactive metals into the atmosphere to form a fuel-air explosive. Also, this invention relates to a composition, which enhances the performance of metal augmented charge (MAC) devices. The metal augmented charge (MAC) includes flaked aluminum powder and polytetrafluorethylene. The MAC is pressed into solid billets. A preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a system with heavy-walled warhead, which comprises a canister and a cylinder of MAC disposed in the canister, so that said cylinder is in contact with the interior wall of the canister. Further, a high explosive is disposed in the cylinder with a fuze in direct contact with the high explosive, in such a way that the fuze detonates the high explosive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: George P. Dixon, Eddie R. Celestine, Will Carey Jr., Henry J. John Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140090572
    Abstract: An inflator of the present invention is a hybrid type inflator in which an inside of a housing is charged with a pressurized gas and a gas generating agent capable of generating a gas at time of combustion. In the inflator of the present invention, a quantity of heat generated by the gas generating agent at the time of the combustion is set within a range of 6,000 to 10,000 J/g, and a molar ratio of the pressurized gas and the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent is set within a range of 80 to 130.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo NAKASHIMA, Keisuke MORI
  • Patent number: 8430032
    Abstract: The invention relates to an avalanche triggering device comprising at least one enclosure (4) for confining an explosive gas mixture, having a downward-facing opening and being equipped with gas supply means (15, 16) designed to at least partly fill the volume defined by the enclosure (4) with the explosive gas mixture at a density less than that of the air, the device also comprising means (14) for igniting this mixture; which device is characterized in that the enclosure (4) is in the general shape of a bell or frustoconical shape with an approximately vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-Tas
    Inventors: Bruno Farizy, Louis Noel, Stephane Constant, Jean-Marc Neuville, Pascal Roux, Philippe Berthet-Rambaud
  • Patent number: 8342096
    Abstract: The invention relates to an avalanche triggering system comprising a frame (4) fitted with means of attachment (5) for transporting the system, especially by helicopter with the aid of a cable (3), the frame (4) comprising, at the top, a storage area (6) for at least one gas container (7) designed to form an explosive mixture and, at the bottom, a holding system (8) for holding a plurality of balloons (9), each having an inflation sleeve and each being separated from the others, means (7, 13, 14) for conveying the explosive mixture to the inflation sleeve of a balloon (9), an injection nozzle (12), and means for igniting the explosive mixture, the balloon holding system (8) being mounted movably on the frame (4) to bring the inflation sleeve of each balloon (9) in succession up to the injection nozzle (12) and to the ignition means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Technologie Alpine de Securite-Tas
    Inventor: Werner Greipl
  • Publication number: 20120272854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of with a projectile (1) comprising a reactive charge (4), combating an explosive-charged weapon unit (7), preferably an enemy shell, so that undesirable harmful effects on the environment are reduced, wherein the projectile (1) is configured to penetrate the surface (8) of the weapon unit (7) upon impact so that a passage (9) is opened into the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7), through which passage (9) the reactive charge (4), under the influence of the kinetic energy of the projectile (1), is transferred to the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7). The method can be deemed to be characterized in that the reactive charge (4), upon contact with the explosive (10) of the weapon unit (7), reacts and starts a hypergolic reaction with the explosive (10). The invention also relates to a projectile (1) for the said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Christer Thuman, Kjell Wållberg, Carin Vörde
  • Patent number: 8245640
    Abstract: Molten droplets of a metal fuel, such as aluminum, are dispersed into air or water for a reaction releasing energy for military or other purposes. In one warhead embodiment, a cylinder of solid metal is disposed within a ceramic heat insulator; heaters of thermite-like material are embedded in the metal; and an explosive dispersing charge is disposed around or at one end of the cylinder. On activation, the heaters are ignited to melt the metal, and the charge then detonated to disperse droplets of the molten metal. In a related embodiment, the metal and heaters are within a containment having an atomizing nozzle at one end and, oppositely of the metal from the nozzle, a piston and gas generator. When the metal is melted, the gas generator is activated to expel molten metal droplets from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerrit T. Sutherland, Phillip J. Miller, Harold W. Sandusky
  • Publication number: 20120208134
    Abstract: Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Reed J. Blau, Lisa S. Liu, Ronald L. Hansen, Richard Ames
  • Publication number: 20120175466
    Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention modulate atmospheric gases to temporarily increase the amount of atmospheric particles in the path of the debris, in order to decelerate the debris and accelerate natural orbital decay to the point of atmospheric re-entry. In one aspect of the invention, clearing the space debris includes propelling a plume of atmospheric gases substantially orthogonal to the path of the debris such that the debris collides with the gaseous plume as it passes through the plume. Increased atmospheric drag from the gaseous particles of the plume in the path of the debris obstructs a forward propagation of the debris and gradually decelerates the debris, leading eventually to atmospheric recapture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Gregory, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 8172034
    Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Soundblast Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 8136624
    Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Soundblast Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20120024182
    Abstract: The present invention provides an explosive device for use with a warhead comprising a rupturable core having an interior chamber which is filled with a volume of a gas. A frequency generator resonates the gas at a high frequency to fully resonate the gas to produce a new and more powerful type of explosion. Means for securing the frequency generator to the core are also provided, as well as a detonator having a high-temperature metal as a conductive material and means for inserting the conductive material into the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Shulte
  • Patent number: 7886866
    Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Soundblast Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 7882926
    Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling and directing sound waves is provided. A fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to at least one detonator having at least one spark initiator. The fuel-oxidant mixture flows through the at least one detonator and into the closed end of at least one detonation tube also having an open end. The timing at least one spark initiator is controlled to initiate at least one spark within the at least one detonator while the fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the at least one detonator thereby initiating a detonation wave at the closed end of the at least one detonation tube. The detonation wave propagates the length of the at least one detonation tube and exits the open end of the at least one detonation tube as a sound wave. When multiple detonation tubes are detonated with controlled timing, the resulting sound waves are directed to a desired location. Sound waves can be directed from groups of detonation tubes and from a sparse array of detonation tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Soundblast Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20110005423
    Abstract: The invention relates to an avalanche triggering system comprising a frame (4) fitted with means of attachment (5) for transporting the system, especially by helicopter with the aid of a cable (3), the frame (4) comprising, at the top, a storage area (6) for at least one gas container (7) designed to form an explosive mixture and, at the bottom, a holding system (8) for holding a plurality of balloons (9), each having an inflation sleeve and each being separated from the others, means (7, 13, 14) for conveying the explosive mixture to the inflation sleeve of a balloon (9), an injection nozzle (12), and means for igniting the explosive mixture, the balloon holding system (8) being mounted movably on the frame (4) to bring the inflation sleeve of each balloon (9) in succession up to the injection nozzle (12) and to the ignition means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGIE ALPINE DE SECURITE-TAS
    Inventor: Werner Greipl
  • Patent number: 7584702
    Abstract: Molten droplets of a metal fuel, such as aluminum, are dispersed into air or water for a reaction releasing energy for military or other purposes. In one warhead embodiment, a cylinder of solid metal is disposed within a ceramic heat insulator; heaters of thermite-like material are embedded in the metal; and an explosive dispersing charge is disposed around or at one end of the cylinder. On activation, the heaters are ignited to melt the metal, and the charge then detonated to disperse droplets of the molten metal. In a related embodiment, the metal and heaters are within a containment having an atomizing nozzle at one end and, oppositely of the metal from the nozzle, a piston and gas generator. When the metal is melted, the gas generator is activated to expel molten metal droplets from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerrit T. Sutherland, Phillip J. Miller, Harold W. Sandusky
  • Patent number: 7571680
    Abstract: A fuel-storing ordnance canister for release from military aircraft that does not explode upon impact, its collapsible accordion-like structure instead forcefully dispersing atomized fuel in an upwardly direction in the impact zone after descent for dispersal in, around, and beyond the impact zone. When the fuel from multiple canisters is released into a drop zone and later ignited by a dropped or ground-based incendiary device, all life in the dispersal area is eliminated. Tail fins assure nose-down flight and provide handles for easy canister handling and loading onto airplanes. The configuration of a pop-open tail plug allows for its partial release upon canister collapse to create a spray nozzle that atomizes the fuel stored in the canister as it is being dispersed. The most preferred application is by the U.S. Military to eliminate terrorists hiding in caves, hidden ordnance, and other areas previously resistant to air-released ordnance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel Barran Tafoya
  • Patent number: 7543533
    Abstract: A reusable special effects audible and visual fireball generator device which comprises a cylindrical main housing having end caps mounted at each end. A gas container is positioned within the housing and a knife blade is mounted within the housing adjacent one end cap. A holder containing a predetermined amount of black sporting powder is secured within the housing adjacent the other end cap. When the black sporting powder is ignited, the gas container is forced against the knife blade, rupturing the tank. The released liquid gas mixes with air and the black sporting powder igniting the mixture and providing a fireball effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Montefusco
  • Patent number: 7487726
    Abstract: A fireball generator device comprising a steel cylindrical main housing having first and second threaded end caps. A shotgun shell is encased in a barrel member and locked in place with a screw-on housing. When the shell is fired, the gases expelled by the shell push a knife blade forward into a gas container positioned within the main housing. The moving knife blade ruptures the gas container and the gas therein escapes and the powder gas from the shotgun shell ignites the gas escaping from the container creating various visual effects, such as a fireball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Montefusco
  • Patent number: 7383775
    Abstract: A reactive munition uses a housing made from a housing in a state that is three-dimensionally rigid. The housing can be made of metal, such as aluminum. A reactive filler, such as powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fills the one or more cavities in the aluminum housing. A jacket encases the housing filled with the reactive filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Willis Mock, Jr., William H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20040149156
    Abstract: The invention provides a principal theory and a system method for a Tornadoes Dynamic Teardown System (TDTS) to cease Tornadoes' moving and extinguish Tornadoes. TDTS provides an innovation feasible theoretical method, which utilizes: 1, te man-made tornadoes attract the real tornadoes moving over into their GAAS areas, cease their moving and dissipate them. 2, for huge ones, TDTS provides a sudden media explosion in the center the core flow of the sucking pipe of weather patterns for example Tornadoes. This explosion provides an relatively small media separation in a cross section inside the sucking pipe that applies rheology conservation law to induct the vacuum energy and kinetic energy of the sucking pipe transferring into potential energy to automatically break the sucking pipe or whirl vortex tube into two sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Niuer Yi, Jane Ju Yi
  • Patent number: 6698357
    Abstract: A gas-phase warhead for use against a hardened and deeply buried target containing a payload that is ignitable when combined with air. After the warhead is delivered near an air intake of a target, the payload is expelled from the casing of the warhead in a slow, controlled manner so as to allow the formed payload-and-air mixture to infiltrate the areas of the target. After a predetermined amount of time, the payload-and-air mixture is ignited and a detonation or a deflagration within the target occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Jones
  • Patent number: 6540176
    Abstract: A fin disengagement device for limiting the range of a projectile uses an electronic safe and arm circuit to sense launch and spin levels. Once armed, the stored energy from the electronic safe and arm circuit is dumped into an initiator or directly to explosive bolts. The initiator ignites an energetic material to separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the explosive bolts separate the fin from the projectile in-flight at a predetermined time. In the embodiments using an initiator and energetic material, an opening or cavity in the rear portion of the projectile body or rod adapter acts as a pressure chamber. When enough pressure has built up from the burning of the energetic material, the front hub of the fin section expands enough to disengage the threads and separates the fin section from the projectile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bradford S. Davis, James M. Garner, Jerry L. Watson, James F. Newill
  • Publication number: 20020088364
    Abstract: Method of destabilization and destruction of the dangerous atmospherical phenomena related to a rapidly rotating air masses mainly tornado and apparatus for its realization; this method consists in the delivery of normally liquid fuel-air explosive in the preferably chosen areas of this phenomena by pilotless fuel delivery means; the fuel is released, dispersed and mixed up with rotating air masses and through predeterminated time this aerosol cloud blown up, strong shock wave scatters air masses, destroys a uniform rotating flow of air and thus destroys tornado.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Boris Feldman
  • Patent number: 6354220
    Abstract: An underwater explosive device, comprising a first container containing an explosive suitable for underwater use, and a second container surrounding the first container and containing oxygen gas under a pressure sufficient to enhance the underwater explosive reaction of the explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J Graham, Edna M. Williams
  • Patent number: 6352031
    Abstract: A method for creating coherent masses of burning matter for countermeasures purposes such as for protecting an aircraft and other vehicles from infrared “heat seeking” hostile missiles and also from high power Laser beams and Laser radar. One or more spurious sources of radiation are created controllably in the general vicinity of the aircraft being protected; in missile countermeasures, each of these spurious sources is capable of emitting infrared energy comparable in wave length and at a higher intensity than that emitted by the target aircraft itself such that the hostile missile will be decoyed away from its intended target by the spurious radiation sources. In this method, the spurious source of radiation is created by igniting a small amount of aircraft fuel that is gelled and controllably ejected from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1972
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Philip L. Barbaccia
  • Patent number: 6324982
    Abstract: The invention involves a process for artificially triggering an avalanche. The invention process includes a first step of filling at least one flexible envelope with an explosive fluid and a second step of triggering an explosion of the aforesaid fluid within each envelope, each envelope being destroyed by the explosion of the fluid. The destruction of the envelope allows for propagation of an aerial spherical overpressure wave which will affect an optimal area of the blanket of snow to be removed and will shake the aforesaid area and trigger an avalanche. The invention also involves a device for applying this process, the aforesaid device including at least one envelope to contain the explosive fluid, and means to trigger the explosion of this fluid within each envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: André Eybert-Berard, Jean-Michel Taillandier, Jean-Pierre Berlandis
  • Patent number: 6293201
    Abstract: A warhead has polar imbiber masses containing a complexed energetic composition of a cyclodextrin nitrate, a nitrate ester plasticizer, bismuth subsalicylate and a stabilizer that is dispersed into a cloud prior to target impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John P. Consaga
  • Patent number: 6253680
    Abstract: A diversionary device has a housing having at least one opening and containing a non-explosive propellant and a quantity of fine powder packed within the housing, with the powder being located between the propellant and the opening. When the propellant is activated, it has sufficient energy to propel the powder through the opening to produce a cloud of powder outside the housing. An igniter is also provided for igniting the cloud of powder to create a diversionary flash and bang, but at a low enough pressure to avoid injuring nearby people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Grubelich
  • Patent number: 5866840
    Abstract: A decoy flare for infrared (IR) seeking missiles comprises a tubular shell with a cover member hermetically sealed to an outer front edge of the tubular shell to form a container for a pyrophoric liquid. The cover member has a central rupturing disc that ruptures at a predetermined pressure, a nozzle cap with a nozzle opening being attached to the cover member adjacent an exterior surface of that rupturing disc. Pressure applied by a mechanism to the pyrophoric liquid can rupture the rupturing disc and eject the pyrophoric liquid through the nozzle. A pre-heating chamber formed by an enclosure surrounds the nozzle opening in order to provide for more reliable ignition of the pyrophoric liquid at high altitudes and low flow rates, that enclosure having an outer surface containing a number of perforations through which air can enter the pre-heating chamber and through which pyrophoric liquid can be ejected from the chamber into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National
    Inventors: Paul Briere, Michel St-Onge, Andre Roy
  • Patent number: 5841061
    Abstract: An aerial fireworks display device includes a plastic bottle for holding a quantity of combustible liquid, such as diesel fuel, and a one piece plastic lid structure which is threadable onto the bottle and has an open-topped depending well portion in which a quantity of flash powder may be placed. After the flash powder has been placed in the lid well portion a fuse-containing plug structure is snap-fitted into the top end of the lid well. The diesel fuel is poured into the bottle and the lid is screwed onto the bottle so that the flash powder-containing well extends into the bottle interior, and a portion of the fuse extends outwardly through the upper end of the plug structure. The assembled device may then be inverted and placed in a mortar tube for launching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Westfall, Robert D. McMurray
  • Patent number: 5425311
    Abstract: A hybrid fuel-air warhead having a housing containing a cylindrical body of reactive liquid surrounded by a housing containing a cylindrical body of reactive dust. A means to burst the two housings is provided along with a number of disks and end caps used to facilitate the turbulent mixing of the reactive liquid and reactive dust and to provide control of the cloud height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John D. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5331896
    Abstract: Steps of a process for visualization of a detonation wave involve examini measuring, and confirming a fuel-air explosion by using a ground-based fuel bottle oriented horizontally whereby the explosive dissemination creates a fuel-air cloud with its diameter in the vertical plane and a timed delay, proximate charge explodes within the created cloud. A ground-based high speed camera with a line-of-sight, end-on position with respect to the bottle, photographically records the existence of any occurring detonation wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John D. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5303653
    Abstract: A process and apparatus which can be packaged in a warhead for disseminat a finely divided high explosive by means of a burster charge into the atmosphere as an high explosive dust-air cloud bomb. By interposing a damping means between the explosive burster charge and the load of particulate high explosive, the explosion of the HE explosive inside the container by the burster charge is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John D. Sullivan, Charles N. Kingery
  • Patent number: 5168123
    Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical initiation of detonation of a fuel-in-air (FAE) cloud such as might be used in a minefield breaching system. A component of the system is adapted to carry fuel to the breaching site and is also adapted to carry a compatible chemical, either gaseous or liquid. Upon detonation of a suitable explosive within the component the fuel is dispersed outwardly to form the cloud and the chemical is jetted outwardly into the cloud in a turbulent manner. A chemical reaction between the chemical initiator and the fuel-air mixture leads almost instantaneously to an explosive shock wave that propagates through the cloud causing detonation thereof. Such detonation neutralizes the minefield along a desired path. With the invention it is not necessary to utilize secondary charges and hence a more efficient and reliable breaching system is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
    Inventor: John H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5160803
    Abstract: The invention concerns the domain of a charges which can be released, for example, from an aircraft to which they are fixed, and in particular a munition containing an incendiary gel made of hydrocarbons and gelatinizing agents, intended to have an incendiary effect on various targets on the ground.The invention enables the munition to be broken up above the ground thanks to means of distribution constituted of a detonating cord, gas-generating grains, a shield and a rod. These means of distribution ensure regular scattering of the incendiary gel before the impact on the ground. The invention also enables ignition of the incendiary gel on break-up of the munition thanks to means of ignition composed of ignition capsules.Application to munitions containing an incendiary gel, also to munitions containing a product to be scattered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thomson-Brandt Armements
    Inventors: Noel Fulchiron, Bernard Naillon, Patrick Nadaud
  • Patent number: 5147975
    Abstract: A single ordnance fuze comprising electronic means to initiate three separate detonation outputs.The first detonation output being used for round parachute deployment and fuze probe cover release. Simultaneously a mechanical timer is started which delays deployment of a six (6) foot stand-off probe until the parachute has slowed the round almost to its terminal speed.The second detonation is initiated by depression and closure of a switch in the tip of the probe. This detonation initiates deployment a pair of detonators from the round that serve to ignite fuel that is later distributed to a prearranged site by a third explosive charge.An automatic electronic timer of short duration is also initiated by the closure of the probe switch.The third detonation is initiated by the automatic timer.The third detonation initiates a burster charge for fuel dissemination, thus completing all three of the fuze explosive functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Arnold S. Munach, Alvin J. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 4969398
    Abstract: A lane marker preferably for delivery by a CATFAE weapon, has a mechanical imed device which is positioned and rides in the rear section of the CATFAE weapon as it is launched to a specified position on the ground. At first contact of the CATFAE with the ground, the lane marker is ejected vertically a short distance away from the ground and then falls onto the ground. On the ground the lane marker attitude is controlled for effective employment. Spring-biased probes deploy the makers which typically comprise two flags and two chemiluminescent lights to mark the impact point of the CATFAE. The two chemiluminescent lights are activated mechanically by cloud detonation overpressure prior to deployment of the spring-biased probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Neal M. Lundwall
  • Patent number: 4901644
    Abstract: An apparatus for marking safe areas in an explosive hazard environment such s a minefield. The marking apparatus is carried and deposited into a minefield with explosive cloud forming fuel. When the explosive cloud is set off, mines under the cloud are exploded by the overpressure which simultaneously activates a timer securing the apparatus lid. The lid is pushed away by the spring-like, coiled telescoping members which then fully extend beyond the apparatus housing. The tapered ends of each extended telescoping member bear an electroluminescent light stick for nighttime apparatus and location marking, and a member length flag for daytime marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William R. Nevins, Neal M. Lundwall, Dale L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4493262
    Abstract: The fuel air explosive (FAE) device of this invention is equipped with a vity responsive unitary burster-detonator positioned in the liquid fuel, wherein the burster is heavier than the liquid fuel and the cloud detonator is lighter than the liquid fuel to provide for automatic means to orient the burster at the bottom of the fuel container and to simultaneously orient the cloud detonator at the top of the fuel container with hand operated release means on the exterior of the device to activate the burster and cloud detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Don S. Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 4463680
    Abstract: Unconfined detonation by a single-event process is achieved by simultaneous ispersion of both fuel and the initiating chemical catalyst into the atmosphere. The fuel is selected from a volatile liquid (lower molecular weight, alkanes, epoxyalkanes, etc.), aluminum, boron, etc. or mixtures thereof. The initiating chemical catalyst is selected from n-hexylcarborane, carboranylmethyl propionate, ferrocene, n-butylferrocene etc. The fuel and initiating chemical catalyst are dispersed simultaneously to form a cloud after the catalyst is premixed with the fuel and housed in a container prior to dispersion. The dispersed catalyst catalyzes the reaction between fuel and atmosphere oxygen to produce the explosive oxidation of the fuel-air mixture.Additional enhancers for detonability such as a bis(difluoroamino) compound (TVOPA) and/or ultrafinely-ground ammonium perchlorate are included in the fuel-catalyst mixture when the unconfined detonation is to be achieved in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David C. Sayles
  • Patent number: 4302208
    Abstract: A composition of matter consisting essentially of a polar fuel, a particue gelling agent and a mixture of two polyfunctional alcohols, one having an ether linkage and the other having no ether linkage. The composition is useful as a fuel for a fuel air explosive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stanley E. Wood, Bertram O. Stull
  • Patent number: 4297949
    Abstract: A detonation system for explosive rounds, such as a fuel air explosive, is made by providing a sealed launch tube detonator assembly arrangement. The cloud detonator provides for a booster charge which is attached to a pyro delay detonator. The pyro delay detonator permits the booster charge to be hurled a discrete distance into the fuel air cloud to insure proper cloud detonator position while at the same time waiting an appropriate time interval to permit complete cloud formation. The detonator assembly is self-sealing in its launch tube to prevent gases, which hurl the detonator assembly out of the launch tube, from burning the fuel air cloud. The cloud detonator assembly itself contains unique safety features which will prevent premature partial burning of booster charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Cecil A. Glass, Dallas D. Burns
  • Patent number: 4293314
    Abstract: 1, 2-Butylene oxide as a fuel for a fuel air explosive weapon. The oxide be used either as a pure liquid or gelled with a gelling agent such as silicon dioxide, particulate carbon or aluminum octoate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bertram O. Stull
  • Patent number: H161
    Abstract: The invention comprises a plastic bottle having a threaded cap with a hole n its center and two hollow plastic tubes having the same diameter. One of the hollow tubes is empty and is used to seal the device in transit. The other hollow tube is filled with an explosive fluid and capped with a detonator with wires that connect to a power source. The device is designed to create a volatile mist of air and combustible fluid by dispersing the combustible fluid by means of an explosive charge. The explosive charge is made up of an explosive fluid and is an integral part of the device. The device can be manufactured from commercially available, inexpensive materials and requires no skill or tools. The device can be safely operated. It is made entirely of plastic materials; there is no metal which may fragment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represenetd by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John D. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: H162
    Abstract: A system and method for wide-area mine clearance employs a plurality of f-containing plastic containers disposed a horizontal distance apart which permits an overlap between adjacent aerosol clouds formed therefrom when explosive bursters are simultaneously detonated within each container. At least one detonation charge is exploded within one of the aerosol clouds following a predetermined time delay for detonating the line of overlapping clouds whereby a line of ground surface is exposed to a fuel-air explosion capable of detonating susceptible mines therein. The distance between adjacent containers and the height each container is suspended above the ground is related to the weight of the liquid fuel contained in each container. In the preferred embodiment, each plastic container is suspended from a tripod having a hook or other means for permitting attachment and detachment of a crane hook whereby the tripod may be positioned over uncleared ground from a location well within cleared ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John D. Sullivan, Jr., Charles N. Kingery