Shells Patents (Class 102/473)
  • Patent number: 11041702
    Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
  • Patent number: 10928171
    Abstract: Embodiments of a projectile are provided herein. In some embodiments, a projectile includes a body made of a cast polymer composite material comprising a thermoset resin and a powdered steel. In some embodiments, a projectile includes: a body made of a cast polymer composite material comprising a thermoset resin and a powdered metal; a metal core embedded in the body having a front portion that tapers radially inward to define a front end of the projectile; and a casing assembly coupled to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Daniel M. De Bonis
  • Patent number: 9897011
    Abstract: An assembly including an exhaust casing and an exhaust cone for a gas turbine engine, each including an axial annular flange, the two flanges being inserted into one another, one being radially external and the other radially internal, and held together by a mechanical attachment, and the assembly further including a guide by which, during operation of assembling the annular flanges to each other, the exhaust cone is in a predetermined angular position relative to the exhaust casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Mario Cesar De Sousa, Baghdad Achbari, Benoit Argemiro Matthieu Debray, Sylvain Pichon, Gregory Ghosarossian-Prillieux, Frederic Noel, Nicolas Pommier, Mathieu Ange Poisson
  • Patent number: 9766050
    Abstract: This application discloses a shaped charge firearm projectile that includes a two-piece jacket that defines an internal cavity with an opening in the front side of the jacket that is part of the internal cavity, a detonator positioned in the internal cavity, a striker passing through the opening with one end positioned outside of the internal cavity and the other end positioned near the detonator inside of the internal cavity positioned to detonate the detonator when the striker impacts a target with sufficient force, and a main charge positioned in the internal cavity with the main charge and the jacket defining an air-filled chamber located between the front side of the jacket and the main charge, where the striker extends into the main charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: NAECO, LLC
    Inventors: David Bergmann, Frederick Carlisle Bergmann
  • Patent number: 9739583
    Abstract: A fragmentation munition has a fragmentation canister containing preformed fragments, and an explosive cartridge that fits into a central hole in the fragmentation canister. The explosive cartridge includes an outer shell, and an explosive within the outer shell. The munition may be configured to precisely deliver fragments to a relatively small area, such as an area that is a few meters in radius. Toward that end the explosive may be configured primarily to rupture the housing and secondarily to spread fragments over a limited area. The main kinetic energy of the fragments is from the acceleration they gain as part of the munition falls from a launcher, such as a carrier aircraft. The dispersed fragments may have a similar downward velocity after controlled dispersal by the explosive, allowing them considerable kinetic energy (considerable penetrating power), but with a precisely controlled dispersal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Keith A Kerns, John J Spilotro, Brandon J Cundiff, Thomas H Bootes, Jason M Shire
  • Patent number: 9297617
    Abstract: Methods for forming armored glass cylinders suitable for improving resistance of armor to armor piercing rounds, explosively formed penetrators, or other threats. Cool a cylindrical glass or ceramic element to a temperature below that of a cylindrical casing, place the cylindrical glass or ceramic element into the cylindrical casing while the cylindrical glass or ceramic element is cool, and seal the cylindrical casing and allow the temperature of the cylindrical glass or ceramic element to rise, such that the cylindrical casing compresses the cylindrical glass or ceramic element. Alternately, heat a metal cylindrical casing, press glass or ceramic into the cylinder while the metal cylinder is at an elevated temperature, seal the metal cylindrical casing while metal cylindrical casinger is at an elevated temperature, and allow the metal cylinder to cool, such that when cooled, the cylindrical casing will compress the glass in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles M. Roland, Daniel M. Fragiadakis, Raymond M. Gamache
  • Patent number: 9140526
    Abstract: A method is performed to immobilize and radio-isolate a robotic device. The method includes steps of storing ingredients that when mixed together create a foam that hardens to 50 percent to 75 percent of ultimate physical characteristics in less than 90 seconds after being sprayed; containing metal particulates for mixing prior to spraying; piping the ingredients and metal particulates to a nozzle so that they mix together to form a metal-foam mixture when sprayed from the nozzle; and spraying the metal-foam mixture on the robotic device. An optional spray component is liquid glue that is piped to mix with the foam ingredients and metal particulates prior to spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: RISI Associates, Trustee for Robot Immobilizer and Signal Interference Foam CRT Trust
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Publication number: 20150059610
    Abstract: A warhead nose comprises a conical/ogive body having an outer surface with a top circumference and base circumference, and ribs extending along the outer surface of the conical/ogive body tapering so that the circumference around the ribs is smaller than or equal to the circumference of the base, the warhead nose dimensions are determined by the following relations: E ? D , ? 1 5 ? D ? F ? 2 ? ? D , ? G ? 1 5 ? D , ? 1 20 ? D ? H ? 1 2 ? D , ? I ? 2 5 ? D where, D is maximum nose diameter; E is external diameter of the ribs; F is length of the ribs along the nose; G is minimal width of the ribs; H is height of the rib protrusion; and I is the minimal width of the rib at the adjoining point with the nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jacob Amon, Anna Schwartz, Yaron Brandeis
  • Patent number: 8844444
    Abstract: A reusable test projectile may be used for spinning and non-spinning shots in a soft catch system. The projectile may include a body having an integrally formed base and a removable nose. The body may define a generally cylindrical open area between the nose and the base. A generally circular cargo retaining ring may be disposed in the open area, normal to a longitudinal axis of the projectile. A cargo area is defined between the cargo retaining ring and the base. The solid bulkhead includes a front surface that forms a rear end of the cargo area and a rear concave surface. A driving band seat can be added on the exterior surface of the body at the bulkhead, for each repeated launch of the projectile, as may be desired. A slipped obturator seat may be formed on the exterior surface of the base rearward of the driving band seat, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ryan Hooke, Tyler Myers
  • Patent number: 8739671
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Patent number: 8689692
    Abstract: A method for operating a guided munition with a switchable fuze arrangement includes launching the guided munition towards a target. During flight of the guided munition, images are provided to a remote operator, who supplies a switching input. Responsive to said switching input, the fuze arrangement is switched to either of at least two of the following states: a delayed detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is delayed by a time delay after impact of the guided munition, an impact detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge occurs on impact of the guided munition, a proximity detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is triggered by a proximity sensing arrangement, and a disabled state in which the guided munition functions as a guided kinetic shell without detonation of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Yariv Brill, Ohad Hanan Nuriel
  • Patent number: 8686325
    Abstract: A method for guiding a gun-fired or mortared round towards an intended target. The method including: capturing image data from an image pick-up device during a descent of the round; transmitting the image data to a control platform remotely located from the round; transmitting guidance information to the round from the remote platform based on the captured image data; varying a flight path of the round based on the guidance information to guide the round towards its intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Andre Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8648285
    Abstract: A system for guiding a gun-fired or mortared round towards an intended target, the system including a round having: a forward facing image pick-up device for capturing image data; a first transceiver; guidance device for varying a flight path of the round; and a first processor. The system further including a control platform remotely located from the round, the control platform having: a second transceiver; a second processor; an input device; and a display. Where the first processor transmits image data from the image pick-up device through the first transceiver to the second processor through the second transceiver, the second processor transmits guidance information from the second transceiver to the first processor through the first transceiver and the first processor controls the guidance device based on the guidance information to guide the round towards the intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S Rastegar, Andre Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli, Qing Tu
  • Patent number: 8640589
    Abstract: A method of modifying a projectile includes removing material from an aft end of the projectile, and coupling a device to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin-stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin-stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin-stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin-stabilized projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 8601950
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Patent number: 8596199
    Abstract: A bearing system for a spin-stabilized projectile including bearing configurations that permit selective relative rotation between a spindle and a body portion and which facilitate automatic centering of the spindle. Each bearing configuration includes a conical bearing surface rotatable with respect to a corresponding conical body surface. One bearing configuration is in a forward portion of the body portion and selectively engages a first body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-back forces to direct forces away from bearing elements, and another bearing configuration is in a rearward portion of the body portion and engages a second body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-forward forces to direct forces away from the bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Edwy Buttolph, John Christiana
  • Patent number: 8584588
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ammunition comprising an explosive charge confined in a compartment and a deconfinement device capable of deconfining the explosive charge under a pressure or temperature rise within the ammunition. The invention neutralizes the ammunition on command. According to the invention, the ammunition further includes means for activating the deconfinement device, these means being controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TDA Armements SAS
    Inventors: Didier Larousse, Alain Bourel, Christophe Bar
  • Publication number: 20130291753
    Abstract: An air vehicle includes a fuselage, and one or more lifting surfaces attached to the fuselage. The lifting surfaces deploy form a stowed, compact condition, to a deployed condition in which the lifting surfaces are deployed to provide lift to the air vehicle. The lifting surfaces each include a top member and a bottom member, which are joined at leading and trailing edges, such as by welds along the seams, or by flexible material placed along the seams. In deploying the thickness of the lifting surfaces increase, with middle portions of the members (portions of the members between the leading and trailing edges) moving away from one another. This may be accompanied by a lessening of the chord of the lifting surface, with the leading edge and the trailing edge moving closer together as the lifting surface deploys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Nikkel, Anthony K. Tyree
  • Patent number: 8573127
    Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: KMS Consulting LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Sullivan, Brian Desmarais
  • Publication number: 20130276658
    Abstract: A warhead which is adapted to be launched in a predetermined axial direction includes a support structure having a plurality of walls which extend in a direction parallel to the predetermined axial direction. The support structure forms a plurality of closed chambers which are laterally spaced apart from each other and are elongated in the axial direction. A high explosive is contained within the structure cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: United States Government as represented by the Secrectary of the Army
    Inventor: United States Government as represented by the
  • Patent number: 8563910
    Abstract: A projectile's payload is oriented (independently or by orientation of the projectile itself) toward a target just prior to firing (e.g., detonation of the payload), e.g., for munitions providing an increased kill and casualty area and a fire “in defilade” (left, right, backwards or at any angle) capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Elwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8544388
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a support piece (4) provided with a rim flange (15) and to be fastened to the tail of the shell (1), the support piece being fastened in connection with the tail of the shell (1) with one or more adhesive materials. In addition, a method of fastening a support piece (4) to a shell (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Patria Land Systems Oy
    Inventors: Kari Reunamäki, Pekka Niemi
  • Patent number: 8450668
    Abstract: An optically guided munition and control system has a replacement fuse assembly mounted on the front of a munition body or shell casing. An optical seeker subsystem detects an illuminated target and supplies signals to a processor. The processor develops steering commands sent to a flight control subsystem having a plurality of guidance canards which are actuated by drive motors through gear assemblies. The roll of the munition is established and left/right and up/down steering commands are sent to the canard drive motors based upon the optical seeker subsystem detection of the target illuminator. Range adjustment is based upon bore sight lockdown angle and cross range control is based upon left/right centering error. A code is contained in the optical radiation received from the illuminated target which must be validated by a preset code in the system processor to arm the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Maynard, Mark A. Carlson, Paul D. Zemany
  • Patent number: 8430036
    Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Machina, Michael Raleigh, Kristopher P. Mount, Kenneth W. Mitchell, Michael A. Bohnet
  • Patent number: 8410413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a shell (1) for achieving variable firing range and effect when firing from a launcher, which shell (1) contains a firing charge (10), a rocket motor charge (6) with gas outlet (8), a rocket motor nozzle (9) and an active part (5). According to the invention, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that the shell (1) also contains a release mechanism (15) for releasing the rocket motor nozzle (9) from the rocket motor charge (6) after a time delay determined with regard to firing range and effect, and that the rocket motor charge (6) comprises a propellant which is detonable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventor: Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 8408138
    Abstract: In order to prevent slipping of the liner on an explosive charge in a missile, the invention provides that at least one flaring or cam is fixed in the liner which, when deformed inwards, can hook itself on the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schwenzer, Ole Dau
  • Publication number: 20130055917
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate these payload delivery systems. In one aspect, the payload delivery system can comprise a payload cup and a pleated cup nested within the payload cup and having a pleated side wall. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Publication number: 20130055916
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate the payload delivery systems. The payload delivery system can comprise a stabilizer having a longitudinally cut side wall defining a series of vanes that are folded forward in the pre-launched configuration. Other aspects combine a payload cup nested within the forward folding stabilizer. Still other aspects integrate the payload portion and the stabilizer portion into a single piece that constitutes a stabilized payload cup. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James Y. Menefee, III
  • Patent number: 8387536
    Abstract: A kinetic anti-projectile vehicle includes a body, and extendible arms that extend radially from the body. The arms include a foam material, such as a shape memory foam. The foam material may be heated to expand it. The foam arms may be mechanically restrained while being heated. The mechanically restraint may be removed by heating, for example including a fusible link or a shape memory sold material. The foam material arms may include solid material, either in the form of solid material particles, such as high strength particles, or in the form of supports or restraints in the foam material. The extension of the foam arms increases the effective area of the vehicle for impacting a projectile. Impact on the projectile from the body and/or one or more of the arms may be sufficient to destroy, divert, or otherwise disable the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David R. Sar, Terry M. Sanderson, Philip C. Theriault
  • Publication number: 20130047879
    Abstract: The system includes one or more devices to deter pig-blood sensitive terrorists' and others from passing across borders and across perimeters. It also deters similar terrorist suicide bombers. Sources of deterrence include pig blood derivatives in paint, spray, and detonation distribution form. In addition there are sources of deterrence from ampoules containing pig blood derivatives positioned in public buildings and on public transportation vehicles accompanied by appropriate signage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Franklin R. Lacy
  • Patent number: 8316772
    Abstract: The invention describes a wall breaching explosive fragmentation ammunition and further a warhead having means for efficiently penetrating concrete and masonry walls, effectively delivering an explosive fragmentation case payload with minimum structural damage to the ammunition's projectile body. The effective wall breaching is achieved using an ogive-shaped, high strength, light weight boron carbide ceramic nose cone cap disposed adjacent to a tungsten alloy nose insert, at the fore of the ammunition. The projectile body is generally cylindrically shaped, preferably made of steel or aluminum to withstand expected forces in the launch environment. The ogive-shaped nose cone may be secured circumferentially to the projectile body with a rubber O-ring to ensure a tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The United Stated of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vladimir M. Gold, Chuck L. Chin, William J. Poulos
  • Patent number: 8312813
    Abstract: A deployable fairing is driven off of high-pressure gun gases to reduce aerodynamic drag and extend the range of the artillery shell. An artillery shell is provided with a fabric fairing and a piston attached thereto in a rear section of the shell in a stowed state and a chamber. During launch high-pressure gun gasses are captured and stored in the chamber. Once the shell clears the end of the artillery tube, the pressure aft of the shell drops from the high pressure inside the tube to atmospheric pressure outside the tube. The high pressure gun gasses stored in the chamber act over the top surface of the piston to drive the piston aft against the much lower pressure behind the projectile to deploy the fabric fairing attached thereto to reduce the base area of the projectile creating or extending the boat-tail of the shell, hence reduce aerodynamic drag. The aft driven piston engages a locking mechanism that locks the piston in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
    Inventors: Brian K. McDermott, Kevin R. Greenwood, James D. Streeter
  • Patent number: 8297190
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for breaching a door including a cartridge case, a cartridge body, and a fuse. The cartridge case contains a first propellant and a primer. The cartridge body has a rearward end in locking engagement with a forward end of the cartridge case, a channel located in the cartridge body contains an extrudable explosive, a piston in slidable engagement in the channel is in a forward end of said channel, the piston being forward of the extrudable explosive contained in the channel, whereby rearward movement of the piston forces extrudable explosive rearwardly and radially outwardly through extrusion ports into a cavity inside of the cartridge body where a bladder is stowed. The piston has a rearwardly projecting detonator pin which upon movement to a rearward most position engages a rearward escapement and detonator which in turn initiates detonation of explosive in the bladder. A fuse is attached to a forward end of the cartridge body. A proximity fuse or contact fuse may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Frank J Dindl, Kenneth R Jones
  • Patent number: 8278611
    Abstract: A kit for upgrading a non-guided shell to an airborne guided shell includes a device to couple the kit to the body of the non-guided shell. A fastener provides for fastening the resulting airborne shell to an aircraft and for detaching it there from. The kit also provides for causing the trajectory of the shell to change once detached from the aircraft according to instructions received in the kit; for determining the position of the shell; and for transferring data from the carrying platform to the guidance kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Zalman Shlomo Shpund, David Sahar
  • Patent number: 8272327
    Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Machina, Michael Raleigh, Kristopher P. Mount, Kenneth W. Mitchell, Michael A. Bohnet
  • Publication number: 20120216699
    Abstract: A composite penetrator or projectile is formed of a core of uniaxial tungsten wires embedded in a matrix material. The core may be overwrapped to improve hoop or radial strength. The core is mounted in a sabot for use as an ordnance projectile. The penetrator is frangible and can include a detonatable energetic resin to provide a self-destruct capability. A pultrusion process is provided to manufacture the penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KaZaK Composites, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerome P. Fanucci, Stephen C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8250986
    Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, IV, Filippo Bellomo, Daniel J. Martorana, Ryan A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8250985
    Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan, George W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8234979
    Abstract: An apparatus for shock isolating an electronics package includes an outer member including an internal threaded portion and a transition member including an external threaded portion and a hollow inner portion that defines a cavity configured for receiving the electronics package. A layer of mechanically compliant shock isolation material is positioned between the inner thread portion of the outer member and the external thread portion of the transition member. The compliant shock isolation material encloses a front end and sidewalls of the transition member and is absent from its aft end to allow access to one end of the electronics package (e.g. to a connector). The internal threaded portion of the outer member and the external threaded portion of the transition member are compliantly engaged via a gap provided by the layer of compliant shock isolation material. In one embodiment the electronics package is a fuze assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Falabella, Gary A. Simpson, Jonathan Dwight Wehking
  • Publication number: 20120180686
    Abstract: A frangible projectile, and weapon cartridge containing same, is provided, in which the frangible projectile is comprised of a hollow outer body composed of, for example, a plastic or polymeric material, configured to provide a payload material. Preferably, the hollow outer body has an interior surface having a divider formed or disposed therein, for controlling the movement of the payload material after firing. The hollow outer body of the frangible projectile, upon impact, rapidly fragments upon impact into relatively harmless pieces, and releases/mixes the payload material. However, the payload material may be chosen to provide sufficient mass, and accordingly sufficient kinetic energy, to provide desired target effects, such as powder metals. Alternatively, payload materials, such as reactive chemical components, marking agents, chemiluminescent compositions, incapacitants, multi component reactive compositions, etc., preferably contained within one or more payload containers, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Jones, Frank J. Dindl
  • Publication number: 20120167793
    Abstract: A munition, such as a projectile formed of at least one reactive material. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a body portion formed of at least one reactive material composition wherein the at least one reactive material composition defines at least a portion of an exterior surface of the projectile. In other words, a portion of the reactive material may be left “unbuffered” or exposed to the barrel of a gun or weapon from which it is launched and similarly exposed to a target with which the projectile subsequently impacts. In one embodiment, the projectile may be formed with a jacket surrounding a portion of the reactive material to provide additional structural integrity. The projectile may be formed by casting or pressing the reactive material into a desired shape, or the reactive material may be extruded into a near-net shape and then machined into the desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard M. Truitt, Benjamin N. Ashcroft
  • Publication number: 20120137918
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Patent number: 8191479
    Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. Further, the fusing system may include a shaped charge to control the ignition of the main explosive charge to control the amount of collateral damage when the bomb casing is filled with high explosives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Ruhlman, Blake K. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120132099
    Abstract: A primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Randall T. Busky, Tod R. Botcher, Joel L. Sandstrom, Jack A. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120132100
    Abstract: An irritation body (100, 100?) is proposed, which is formed by at least two modules (101, 102). The upper module (101) serves for acceptance of an ignition head (1) with tilt lever (3) and comprises upper blow-out apertures (8, 9). The lower module (102) is intended for acceptance of an effect-charge (11) with the effect-charge (11) being integrated in a central chamber (10) of a module (102). The chamber (10) itself is functionally connected with the upper blow-out apertures (8, 9) and also with the lower blow-out apertures (12, 18, 19, 20) in the lower module (102). The chamber (10) in the lower module (102) can, depending upon module (102), be selected in different sizes, which produces, under concomitant volume variability, output variability with defined increase in output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Lübbers, Kai Lübbers, Frank Habel
  • Patent number: 8119956
    Abstract: A multi-stage hyper-velocity kinetic energy missile (HVKEM) uses a ‘missile in a missile’ architecture in which the HVKEM includes a 1st stage flight missile and a 2nd stage kill missile that includes a KE-rod penetrator. The flight missile cruises at a relatively low velocity (less than Mach 1.5, typically less than Mach 1) to conserve propellant (weight) and to allow for effective guidance and maneuvering until the missile is in close proximity to the target. When the missile is within the lethal range of the KE-rod penetrator, the kill missile separates and boosts to a much higher velocity (greater than Mach 3, typically greater than Mach 5) and flies unguided to impact the target in less than a second. Waiting to boost the KE-rod until “the last second” reduces the total propellant (weight) needed to deliver the KE-rod on target and simplifies the guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Janik, Doron Strassman
  • Patent number: 8109213
    Abstract: A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Poulos, David Pfau, Eric Scheper, Stewart Gilman, Vladimir M. Gold, Ernest Baker
  • Patent number: 8104406
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Shulte
  • Publication number: 20120012025
    Abstract: A munition, such as a missile, a rocket or a projectile, includes a body forming an internal volume and an explosive charge confined in the internal volume. It applies notably, but not exclusively, to munitions of which the explosive charge comprises coated explosive molecules in a polymer binder. The explosive charge substantially conforms to the shape of an internal longitudinal surface of the internal volume, the internal surface being substantially of revolution about an axis and including protruding portions and/or cavities making it possible to keep the explosive charge wedged in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TDA ARMEMENTS SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Bar, Boucheron Gilles
  • Patent number: 8076622
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Paulsen, Donald L. Michaels, Robert J. Thompson, Michael J. Cook, John C. Mather