Electric Patents (Class 102/472)
  • Patent number: 10118825
    Abstract: An oxygen generator comprising a housing and a chemical core within the housing, the chemical core being capable on ignition of producing oxygen by chemical reaction. An ignition apparatus within the housing is for igniting the chemical core, and a collection apparatus within the housing collects oxygen produced by the chemical core. The ignition apparatus comprises an ignition handle accessible from outside the housing, the ignition handle being arranged to be rotatable by hand, and an ignition block disposed within the housing, the ignition block being arranged, when rotated in contact with the chemical core, to ignite the chemical core. A thermal isolator between the ignition handle and the ignition block is arranged to transmit rotational force from the ignition handle to the ignition block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: Molecular Oxygen Limited, Molecular Products Limited
    Inventors: Mandy Humphreys, Peter Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9648915
    Abstract: A smart fiber device is headgear, such as an athletic helmet, and includes sensing devices for detecting and deflecting impacts. The sensing devices fabric triggers the piezoelectric device so as to produce a voltage signal. A spinal protection system having a pad of energy-deflecting material that allows flexing and conform to movement. A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: James Edward Jennings
  • Patent number: 9021960
    Abstract: An isolated, coaxial, high pressure feed-through fitting provides two electrical paths through a barrier. The fitting includes an outer dielectric disposed in an opening in the barrier. A conductive housing with a central through bore is disposed in the outer dielectric. An inner dielectric is disposed in the through bore in the conductive housing. A central conductor is disposed in the inner dielectric. One electrical path includes the central conductor and another electrical path includes the conductive housing. Flanged portions on the conductive housing and the central conductor bear on flanged portions of the outer dielectric and the inner dielectric, respectively, to create a high pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Jason Cahayla
  • Patent number: 8738330
    Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel DiMartino, Jeffrey Darbig
  • Patent number: 8607702
    Abstract: A primary ignition system for large caliber ammunition which ignition system is less sensitive to unwanted ignition by conventional temperatures or conventional electrical signals or by stray electrostatic voltage electrical signals, or stray RF frequency signals. This ignition primer device begins the ignition sequence with applying a high voltage electrical pulse to a non-energetic element, specially coated with nano sized aluminum particles, to release and ionized discharge that generate a plasma in order to ignite an environmentally friendly ignition composition mix. The ignition composition is also comprised of aluminum water based nano material combined with oxidizer and binder. In the device's primer head assembly is a brass ignition pin pressed into a (non-electrically conductive) Torlon® material cup. The non-conductive Torlon® material acts as an insulator for the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael J. Donadio, Harry L. Moore, Jr., Hardev Singh, Matthew Sussmann
  • Patent number: 8544203
    Abstract: A projectile cartridge device designed with internal sighting and aiming system, which incorporates and leverages electromagnetic radiation as the means for aiming the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dotshot Ammo, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Jerome Jackson
  • Patent number: 8267014
    Abstract: An ejectable device is provided having multiple ejection bays. The ejectable device includes an impulse cartridge having multiple charges that are independently activatable. The ejectable device further includes an orientation adapter that allows reliable connectivity between the impulse cartridge and a signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Daniel R. Neff
  • Patent number: 8132510
    Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Stephan Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7878120
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert Nodarse, Anthony Vella, Thomas V. Louzeiro, David P. Fairman, Jr., Steven Pigliavento, Jessica M. Monahan, Amy Lynn Mera
  • Patent number: 7798051
    Abstract: An electrical energy-insulating, preferably ceramic, insert (15) which is fitted in a barrel (2) is adapted in order to prevent electrical energy transmission (16) from an electric igniter (3) to a barrel body on firing of an ammunition unit (11) which can be initiated with the electric igniter (3). The insert is arranged in a position for firing of the ammunition unit. By means of the invention, a simple solution is obtained to the problem of electrical energy transmission by virtue of the fact that other measures do not have to be taken, for example the cases of the ammunition units do not have to be adapted by complicated and cost-increasing measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventors: Ola Stark, Stig Vitén, Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7770316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for firing a cartridge for firearms or a method and an apparatus for securing the firing of a cartridge for firearms. The present invention provides a cartridge comprising a securing mechanism. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the firearm reads an identity from the cartridge and calculates a cartridge password from said identity together with further data. Said cartridge password is transmitted to the cartridge. The cartridge itself decides whether it fires or not. Thus, the present invention provides apparatuses and methods with which a securing of a firearm against accidental and/or unauthorized use is provided. Furthermore, the apparatus and method according to the present invention not only allow a securing of the firearm, but also a securing of the cartridge against accidental, improper and/or unauthorized firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Armatix GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Meyerle
  • Patent number: 7647870
    Abstract: An electromagnetic launch system including an electrothermal launcher, an inductive power supply (IPS), including a DC source (Vb) and a storage inductor (L), and an opening switch (OS), wherein at least a portion of at least one of the IPS and the OS is integrated in a projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Soreq NRC
    Inventors: Alex Pokryvailo, Shlomo Wald
  • Patent number: 7581499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge case (2) and ammunition round (1) primarily for electrothermal and/or electrothermochemical weapon systems, which round comprises the said cartridge case. According to the invention, the casing (10) of the cartridge case comprises or consists of one or more insulated or insulating shells, layers or surfaces (11, 12, 13) for, at least electrically, insulating the casing of the cartridge case from the barrel (14) of the weapon system and also preferably from at least the bottom (16) and/or firing device (5) of the ammunition round as well, but preferably also from the rest of the ammunition round, when the round is used, and also preferably from at least the bottom and/or firing device of the ammunition round as well, but preferably also from the rest of the ammunition round, when the round is stored and handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventors: Ola Stark, Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7574960
    Abstract: An ignition element is provided for integration into a primer assembly. The ignition element includes an electrode housing including at least one cavity and an electrode disposed in the electrode housing. The electrode housing and electrode are electrically isolated from each other using insulators. A bridgewire and a primary ignition charge are located in the cavity such that upon application of current to the electrode the pyrotechnic ignition charge is ignited. A headstock is provided, and the electrode housing is threadably disposed within the headstock. Burst disks cover the cavity and separate the ignition charge from a primer charge containing powder disposed in a single booster holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Luther Damian Dockery, Peter Margiotta
  • Patent number: 7464649
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly (10) for firearms or weapons, said cartridge assembly including a support body (11) having a central longitudinal channel (16) housing a plurality of projectiles (20, 22, 24) in end-to-end orientation and having a plurality of circumferential chambers (14), wherein each chamber houses (14a, 14b, 14c) at least one propellant charge (12a, 12b, 12c) and is located adjacent to a respective projectile; fluid communication means (18) included in the support body for communicating the products of a gaseous expansion of said propellant from a respective chamber (14) into said central longitudinal channel (16); whereby, upon initiation of a selected propellant charge (12a, 12b, 12c), the communicated products of gaseous expansion from a circumferential chamber force or eject a respective projectile (20, 22, 24) from the cartridge assembly (10). The propellant charges may comprise a volume of propellant material encased in a bag with an igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventors: Ben Bishop, Ramon John Bambach, James Michael O'Dwyer, Vinod Puri
  • Patent number: 7458322
    Abstract: A cartridge for firearms includes a bullet connected to a casing. The casing includes a cylindrical wall that extends to an end member opposite the bullet, a hollow interior formed by the wall and the end member, and a receptacle for receiving a priming composition. Anvils or projections are provided in the casing to compress the priming composition between the end member and the projection or anvil with a firing pin engaging the end member. Propellant in the hollow interior is ignited by the compressed priming composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: S. Paul Reynolds, George L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7451702
    Abstract: An electrically-fired round includes a case sized to fit in a conventional large caliber gun; a launch tube disposed in the case; a plurality of projectiles axially stacked in the launch tube; each projectile comprising a cylindrical body having a circular lid that closes the forward end and a circular base that closes the rear end, the circular lid and the circular base defining a payload volume therebetween, the circular base including a cavity formed therein, a propellant charge disposed in the cavity, and an igniter disposed in the propellant charge; a case base plate that closes a rear end of the case; and electrical connections between the case base plate and each igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Frank Dindl, Peter Georgantzis, Hugh MacMillan, Kenneth Jones, Richard Beckman
  • Patent number: 7380501
    Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Michael R. Triviski, David C. Cook, Alan R. Sunnarborg, Reed A. McPeak
  • Patent number: 7357082
    Abstract: A shotgun which allows its operator to fire modified ammunition rounds as either slug rounds or rounds of shot. The shotgun is modified by the addition of components creating an electric circuit in the shotgun. The modified ammunition rounds contain a modified slug round formed by a plurality of shot pellets held together by an epoxy which disbonds upon the application of an electric current. The operator of the shotgun may choose which type of round to fire by operating a selector switch component installed in the shotgun. The shotgun may include a modification to its trigger in which the trigger acts as the switching mechanism to disbond the epoxy binding the shot pellets in the modified slug round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Racho
  • Patent number: 7270044
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device and method for firing firearm ammunition using a plasma torch generator. In a particular embodiment, the device relates to the control or management of the rate of fire and number of rounds fired in a burst firing mode for automatic firearms. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to provide precise control of the rate of fire. The device and method can be applied to conventional mechanical primer ammunition or used without the need for a primer, particularly in field artillery, aircraft, and watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Gamma KDG Systems SA
    Inventors: Jan Henrik Jebsen, Gerard Aknine
  • Patent number: 7059249
    Abstract: A plasma injector for use in munitions having a central axis. The plasma injector has a stub case, a tube, an anode, a cathode, and a conductive wire. The tube has a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending therethrough. The tube has at least one aperture that is operably connected to the central bore. The tube is attached to the stub case substantially transverse to the central axis. The anode is positioned proximate the first end. The cathode is positioned proximate the second end. The conductive wire extends through the central bore between the anode and the cathode and operably connects the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: United Defense LP
    Inventors: Amir Chaboki, Reed A. McPeak, Michael R. Triviski, Steven R. Zelenak
  • Patent number: 7055434
    Abstract: A method of using electrically initiated primer systems that rely on vaporizing a thin metallic film which is either coated on a non-conductive insulator component or is a malleable thin film or strip secured to the inner surface of a primer cup assembly to ignite an environmentally safe MIC composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Don Thompson, George N. Hennings
  • Patent number: 6962112
    Abstract: A pyrotechnical primer for igniting propellant powder for sleeveless ammunition comprises an igniting element (4) and a coil (1). The energy required for triggering is transmitted in an electromagnetic manner (inductively). The inductive primer is cost-effective, entirely combustible, easy to produce and is not provided with residues that damage the functioning of the weapons. The primer has a base construction such that the primer can be used in all conventional weapons calibres. To this end, the ignition element (4) and the coil (1) are located on a mutual, flat, combustible consumable or support material (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ruag Ammotec GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Kern
  • Publication number: 20040221760
    Abstract: A plasma injector for use in munitions having a central axis. The plasma injector has a stub case, a tube, an anode, a cathode, and a conductive wire. The tube has a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending therethrough. The tube has at least one aperture that is operably connected to the central bore. The tube is attached to the stub case substantially transverse to the central axis. The anode is positioned proximate the first end. The cathode is positioned proximate the second end. The conductive wire extends through the central bore between the anode and the cathode and operably connects the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Amir Chaboki, Reed A. McPeak, Michael R. Triviski, Steven R. Zelenak
  • Patent number: 6796243
    Abstract: A cartridge having a propellant-charge casing (2) and an electrothermal ignition device (4), in which the propellant-charge casing (2) is connected to a metal casing base (3) and a contact piece (5) that is connected to a contact disk (9) is provided for the connection to a gun-side high-voltage electrode (22. To assure an automatic operation of corresponding weapons systems, during use of such cartridges, the contact piece (5) is formed such that it does not protrude past the outside surface (27) of the floor piece (7) on the outside, and on the inside, the contact piece forms the contact disk (9), which is supported over a large surface area against the propellant-charge casing (2) by a relatively thin-walled insulator (15) that is formed as a casing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Schmees, Lothar Post
  • Patent number: 6745697
    Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.) that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Karl Haak, Alexei Voronov
  • Patent number: 6725781
    Abstract: A cartridge, comprising a cartridge case (3), a projectile (4), a propellant charge igniter (8) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of cartridge (1) and arranged inside the cartridge case (3), and an electrically programmable projectile fuse arranged in the projectile (4) and connected via at least one electrical line (110) to an electrode on the cartridge base (2). The cartridge case (3) comprises at least two case sections (5, 6) with at least one separation location in the region between the front end (7) of the propellant charge igniter (8) and the projectile tail (9) for the installation of a section of the electrical line (110) between the cartridge base (2) and the projectile fuse using two rotating connector assemblies, one of which turns more easily than the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Niemeyer, Thomas Heitmann, Rupert Reinstadler, Michael Vagedes, Frank Schötzig, Rainer Himmert
  • Patent number: 6672215
    Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of stainless steel, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sami Daoud
  • Publication number: 20030209162
    Abstract: A cartridge having a propellant-charge casing (2) and an electrothermal ignition device (4), in which the propellant-charge casing (2) is connected to a metal casing base (3) and a contact piece (5) that is connected to a contact disk (9) is provided for the connection to a gun-side high-voltage electrode (22. To assure an automatic operation of corresponding weapons systems, during use of such cartridges, the contact piece (5) is formed such that it does not protrude past the outside surface (27) of the floor piece (7) on the outside, and on the inside, the contact; piece forms the contact disk (9), which is supported over a large surface area against the propellant-charge casing (2) by a relatively thin-walled insulator (15) that is formed as a casing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Schmees, Lothar Post
  • Patent number: 6644204
    Abstract: An ammunition base with an electrical igniter located in an axial bore within a cylindrical base, wherein the base is made of a metallic material coated with an electrically insulating material and has at least one non-insulated conductive area constituted by a ring-shaped bearing area of a shoulder of the base or by at least one non-insulated conductive ring crimped into a housing arranged in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean François Pierrot, Jean Luc Taillandier
  • Patent number: 6578493
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrothermal ignition device for igniting a powder propellant charge (4), which comprises at least one electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22), that extends, at least partially, through the propellant charge, and can be connected to a current source (3). The electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22) is coated with a pyrotechnical ignition mixture (12; 16; 20)so that the ignition device can have a low electrical-energy requirement and be easily adapted to the different requirements placed on it. A mixture on a potassium perchlorate-zirconium (KClO4—Zr) base has proven to be an advantageous ignition mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Uwe Krone, Dirk Cegiel
  • Patent number: 6568331
    Abstract: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a sheeting of plastic material 21 which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Heinz Hofmann, Eugen Feuerstake, Karl Rudolf
  • Patent number: 6539874
    Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs-Und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Weise
  • Patent number: 6526892
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case having a cartridge base; a projectile having a rearward portion received by the cartridge case; a propellant primer disposed in the cartridge case and extending along the longitudinal cartridge axis; an electrically programmable projectile fuze disposed in the projectile; an electrode disposed at the cartridge base; a plug mounted on the propellant primer at a frontal end thereof; a first contact carried by the plug; a first conductor extending in the propellant primer and connecting the first contact with the electrode; a socket, formed on the rearward portion of the projectile, receives and surrounds the plug; a second contact carried by the socket and being in electric contact with the first contact; and a second conductor extending in the projectile and connecting the second contact with the projectile fuze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Michael Vagedes, Michael Imdahl
  • Publication number: 20020170455
    Abstract: An ammunition base intended to receive an electrical igniter arranged in an axial bore, said base wherein it is made of a metallic material coated with an insulating material and in that it incorporates at least one non-insulated conductive area constituted by a ring-shaped bearing area of a shoulder of the base or by at least one non-insulated conductive ring crimped into a housing arranged in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Jean Francois Pierrot, Jean Luc Taillandier
  • Publication number: 20020157559
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma torch (1) comprising at least two electrodes (7, 8) separated by a cylindrical insulating case (6) delimiting an internal volume, said electrodes connected by a conductive ignition fuse (11) placed in the internal volume. This torch is characterized in that the fuse (11) comprises at least one conductive material associated with at least one energetic material or one able to react with the conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Luc Brunet, Jean Mary Lombard, Jean Francois Pierrot, Jean Luc Taillandier
  • Publication number: 20020108525
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case having a cartridge base; a projectile having a rearward portion received by the cartridge case; a propellant primer disposed in the cartridge case and extending along the longitudinal cartridge axis; an electrically programmable projectile fuze disposed in the projectile; an electrode disposed at the cartridge base; a plug mounted on the propellant primer at a frontal end thereof; a first contact carried by the plug; a first conductor extending in the propellant primer and connecting the first contact with the electrode; a socket, formed on the rearward portion of the projectile, receives and surrounds the plug; a second contact carried by the socket and being in electric contact with the first contact; and a second conductor extending in the projectile and connecting the second contact with the projectile fuze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Heitmann, Michael Vagedes, Michael Imdahl
  • Publication number: 20020056396
    Abstract: An electrical igniter cap has a reproducible igniter characteristic by virtue of the fact that, at the firing side, an igniter unit 20 is covered by a foil of plastic material, which is rupture-resistant but tears quickly, and also at the firing side it bears against a sieve plate 28 with defined hole cross-sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Heinz Hofmann, Eugen Feuerstake, Karl Rudolf
  • Patent number: 6363853
    Abstract: An electrically initiated distributed igniter (EIDI) system combines most of the advantages of conventional pyrotechnic igniters with those of ETC planar igniters without the disadvantages of either. The EIDI system lends itself to precise timing control of multiple electric circuits, embedded charge ignition, and other design advantages to be discussed here. The EIDI system utilizes discrete igniter pads which require only a few millijoules of energy each and are quite small in size, about 3 mm in diameter. As a result, the igniters can be used in very large numbers to give good spatial distribution, even for smaller 25 to 40 mm diameter gun charge designs. Energy requirements are so minimal that small disposable firing capacitors and semi-conductor switches can be pre-packaged inside the casing along with the propellant and igniters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: APTI, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20020005136
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrothermal ignition device for igniting a powder propellant charge (4), which comprises at least one electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22), that extends, at least partially, through the propellant charge, and can be connected to a current source (3). The electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22) is coated with a pyrotechnical ignition mixture (12; 16; 20)so that the ignition device can have a low electrical-energy requirement and be easily adapted to the different requirements placed on it.. A mixture on a potassium perchlorate-zirconium (KClO4—Zr) base has proven to be an advantageous ignition mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Uwe Krone, Dirk Cegiel
  • Patent number: 6332402
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a case having a rearward end closed by a case bottom and a front end; a propellant powder charge contained in the case; a high-voltage electrode disposed at the case bottom and having an end situated within the case; at least three tubes composed of propellant powder and extending from the electrode end toward the front end of the case through the propellant powder charge; an electric conductor extending in each tube and having opposite first and second ends; and an electric contact arrangement situated within the case in the front end thereof. The electric contact arrangement is electrically connected to the second end of the conductors and has externally exposed contact locations connectable to an electrically conducting component externally of the case. The first end of each electric conductor is electrically connected to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs—und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak
  • Patent number: 6332403
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a combustible case having a length dimension, a rearward end closed by a metal case bottom and a front end; a combustible propellant powder contained in the case; and an electrically insulated high-voltage electrode passing through the case bottom into the case. The electrode has an outer end situated externally of the case and is connectable to a current source and an inner end situated within the case. A current distributor is situated within the case and is electrically connected to the inner end of the electrode. At least three conductor wires are electrically connected to the current distributor and extend at least partially parallel to the length dimension within the case through the propellant powder. An electric contact arrangement is situated within the case in the front end thereof and is secured to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Wolfgang Scherge
  • Patent number: 6318268
    Abstract: An apparatus which is constituted to supply electrical energy to a melting and vaporizing material (for example metal wire 6) so as to cause the melting and vaporizing material to melt and vaporize, thereby demolishing an object to be demolished (such as concrete 2) using the vaporization and expansion force generated at the time of melting and vaporization of the material; wherein either by providing a granular material 8 which ejects from a container following the generation of the vaporization and expansion force, or by using an inflammable material as demolishing material 46 in which the melting and vaporizing material is immersed, a to-be-demolished object is demolished with a strong demolishing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiko Maehata, Hiroaki Arai, Tetsuya Inoue, Daisuke Tamakoshi, Katsuya Sasaki, Tsuyoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6283034
    Abstract: A firearms safety device in the form of remotely armed ammunition includes a firearms cartridge for use in a use with a conventional firearm having a trigger-actuated hammer with a firing pin. The cartridge includes a firing circuit that is operatively associated with a primer for igniting a conventional propellant charge. A firing sequence is initiated by the impact of the firing pin with the base of the cartridge. An arming circuit allows the firing sequence to proceed to ignition of the propellant only if a receiver within the arming circuit receives an appropriate arming signal transmitted by a remote control module. In the absence of an appropriate arming signal, the cartridge is permanently disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: D. Wayne Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6272993
    Abstract: Electric primers for the discharge of ammunition suitable for use with small arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: R.A. Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Cook, Dale R. Danner, John M. Dwyer, Jr., Frances G. Lopata, Diane Ronkainen, David K. Schluckebier, Robert B. Shanks, Jeffrey W. Stone, Spencer D. Wildman
  • Patent number: 6247411
    Abstract: An electric contact assembly in combination with a cartridge to be fired from a weapon barrel. The cartridge has a cartridge case including a metal bottom having an externally exposed outer face; and an electronic unit disposed in the cartridge case. The electric contact assembly includes a contact arrangement for establishing an electric connection between the electronic unit and an evaluating and control apparatus situated externally of the cartridge. The contact arrangement includes a contact ring disposed in the case bottom and surrounds the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The contact ring has an outer face which is approximately flush with the outer face of the case bottom. An insulation electrically insulates the contact ring from the case bottom. A magnetic field sensor emits a signal upon closing a breechblock of the weapon in which the cartridge is positioned. A switch is connected between the electronic unit and the contact ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum
    Inventor: Karl-Ulrich Vornfett
  • Patent number: 6247412
    Abstract: An electric contact assembly in combination with a cartridge to be fired from a weapon barrel. The cartridge has a cartridge case including a metal bottom having an externally exposed outer face; and an electronic unit disposed in the cartridge case. The electric contact assembly includes a first contact arrangement for establishing an electric connection between the electronic unit and an evaluating and control apparatus situated externally of the cartridge. The first contact arrangement includes a contact ring disposed in the cartridge bottom and surrounding the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The contact ring has an outer face which is approximately flush with the outer face of the cartridge bottom. An insulation electrically insulates the contact ring from cartridge bottom. A second contact arrangement establishes an electric connection between the electronic unit and the evaluating and control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungs-zentrum
    Inventor: Karl-Ulrich Vornfett
  • Patent number: 6205927
    Abstract: An electric pyrotechnic cartridge or primer device comprises a generally cylindrical nonconductive plastic body having a conical cavity opening to one end wall, a rod-like electrode centered in the cavity and extending to the opposite end wall and a second rod-like electrode extending from a side wall of the body into the cavity in proximity to but spaced from the first electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode may comprise a coating of conductive material applied to a conical wall surface defining the cavity. An explosive or pyrotechnic charge is disposed in the cavity and is ignited by a high voltage electric signal imposed on the electrodes. The electrodes are preferably formed of an ABS plastic composition which may be filled or doped with carbon, carbon fibers, metal particles, aluminized fiberglass, and explosive compositions selected from combinations of boron, molybdenum trioxide, magnesium, barium chromate, potassium perclorate, a fluoroelastomer and polytetrafluoroethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Stephan D. Findley
  • Patent number: 6186040
    Abstract: A plasma burning device for an electrothermal/chemical gun system includes a case hating a bottom and an interior; plasma material accommodated in the interior; and a high-voltage electrode passing through the case bottom into the case interior. The high-voltage electrode is adapted to cooperate with a gun tube acting as a counter electrode for generating an arc to combust the plasma material. The high-voltage electrode includes a conductor bar adapted to be coupled to a high-voltage source; an insulation surrounding the conductor bar; a conductor sleeve electrically connected to an end of the conductor bar and extending towards the case bottom along a length portion of the conductor bar. The conductor sleeve surrounds the insulation and the conductor bar and has a non-insulated outer surface. Further, an insulating cap is provided which covers the end of the conductor bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Holger Wisken
  • Patent number: 6131515
    Abstract: Electric primers for the discharge of ammunition suitable for use with small arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Remington Arms Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd D. Cook, Dale R. Danner, John M. Dwyer, Jr., Frances G. Lopata, Diane Ronkainen, David K. Schluckebier, Robert B. Shanks, Jeffrey W. Stone, Spencer D. Wildman, David S. Wolterman