Shaped Charge Patents (Class 102/476)
  • Patent number: 7011027
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge comprising powdered heavy metal tungsten coated with a metal binder coating compressively formed into a liner body. Each of the powdered heavy metal particles are substantially uniformly coated with metal binder coating. The preferred powdered heavy metal particles are comprised of tungsten. Optionally, the liner for a shaped charge includes a lubricant intermixed with the coated heavy metal particles. The metal binder coating is selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, nickel, tantalum, other malleable metals, and alloys thereof, and comprises from 40 percent to 3 percent by weight of the liner. The powdered heavy metal particles comprise from 60 percent to 97 percent by weight of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Warren Reese, Avigdor Hetz
  • Patent number: 7007607
    Abstract: A hinged explosively formed projectile warhead system eliminates exposure of soldiers to harm in wall breaching operations by providing a lethal mechanism that can be deployed at safe distances, simultaneously breaching a man-sized hole and removing one or more rows of rebar in reinforced concrete structures or barriers. The warhead system employs both a missile system and explosively formed projectile warhead technology delivered to the target from a tube launched platform. A set of warhead arms is attached to the aft end of a missile body by means of a set of hinges. The warhead arms are initially folded against the missile body. After launch of the warhead system, the warhead arms fold away from the missile body. The angle at which the warhead arms are folded from the missile body determines the area of a hole breached by the warhead system in a reinforced concrete target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard Fong, William Ng, LaMar Thompson
  • Patent number: 6983698
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device which includes an axially symmetric body of explosive material, a liner lining the forward end of the body, and a detonator disposed at the bottom of the body. The liner has an apex disposed along the symmetry axis of the body and the forward end of the body contains a gas filled cavity which overlaps the apex of the liner. When the detonator detonates the explosive material, a detonation wave is produced that collapses the liner into a plurality of liner parts which are projected against an external target. The gas filled cavity shapes the detonation wave so that the detonation wave impacts the liner at the most favorable angle to transfer energy to the liner and maximize the effective penetration of the external target by the projected liner parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Walters, Daniel R. Scheffler
  • Patent number: 6966263
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device that uses a flexible material, preferably in a mostly square shape. An explosive charge, usually in the form of a sheet of explosives, is cut to fit on the top side of the flexible material. A cutting plate, having orthogonal grooves on the top, is placed under the flexible material. An initiating means is connected to the explosive charge so that upon initiation, the grooves focus the explosive charge so that the cutting plate forms a plurality of petals that press into a soft metal container to create a fragment-free opening in the soft metal target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael L. Greene, Samuel J. De Vane
  • Patent number: 6962634
    Abstract: A reactive material for use as a reactive liner in penetrating (shape-charge) warheads and for use in reactive fragments in fragmenting warheads is disclosed. The reactive material comprises an oxidizing agent and a metal filler or metal/metal oxide filler. The oxidizing agent comprises a fluoropolymer having high fluorine content, a low melt temperature, and a high mechanical strength. Preferably, the fluoropolymer is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, such as a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride. The metal filler comprises a high density, reactive metal. Preferably, the metal filler is hafnium or tantalum. The reactive material is safely processed at temperatures significantly below the thermal autoignition point of the reactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard M. Truitt, Nikki Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6962202
    Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating apparatus and method for externally perforating a wellbore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers. Each pressure chamber is positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Matthew Robert George Bell, Eugene Murphy, Edward Paul Cernocky, Christopher Burres, Aron Ekelund, Allen Lindfors
  • Patent number: 6910423
    Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead including a projectile core including a plurality of individual projectiles, an explosive charge about the core, at least one detonator for the explosive charge, and structure for reducing the deployment angles of the projectiles when the detonator detonates the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6910421
    Abstract: A general purpose bomb having a shaped charge penetrator warhead mounted in the front of the bomb and facing forward, in which the caliber of the warhead is at least 90% of the caliber of the general purpose bomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Bernard C. Gethings, Dennis J. Flynn, John A. Appleton
  • Patent number: 6899032
    Abstract: A device arranged to enable the engagement of targets (5) by means of a shaped charge function. An ammunition unit is arranged to operate with at least two configuration modes where in the first mode the ammunition unit comprises solely a first modular charge (3). In the second mode the first modular charge is conjoined with a second modular charge (4). The modular charges each effect their own type of shaped charge function. Another feature is that the ammunition unit is arranged to enable changeover from the first configuration to the second before firing, launch or release of the ammunition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 6868791
    Abstract: A single stage kinetic energy warhead using multiple explosively formed projectile (EFP) liners in a stacked configuration is capable of breaching intermediate barriers and defeating a primary target. The main explosive charge is detonated and the subsequent shockwave causes the front liner to be shaped to breach an intermediate barrier. The main liner is formed into a more compact rod-shaped projectile designed to defeat the main target. The weight and volume of the stacked liner configuration of the present system is significantly lower than the weight and volume of current systems. The present system requires a single firing explosive train eliminating developmental cost and complex fusing. The present system utilizes explosive detonation, simplifying the delivery of a projectile and eliminating the need for a missile delivery system. The size and simplicity of the present system allows for portability and use by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: LaMar Thompson, William Ng, Richard Fong
  • Patent number: 6865990
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device that uses a flexible material, preferably in a mostly square shape, having substantially orthogonal grooves scored into one side. An explosive charge, usually in the form of a sheet of explosives, is cut to fit the side opposite the grooves, in substantially the same shape as the grooves, without extending beyond the periphery of the flexible material. An initiating means is connected to the explosive charge so that upon initiation, the grooves focus the explosive charge so that a plurality of petals cantilevered are formed in the target material, substantially between the ends of the grooves, to define a fragment-free opening in the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael L. Greene, Jacob Tallman
  • Patent number: 6840178
    Abstract: A liner for an explosive shaped charge is formed from a mixture of powdered metals into three or more conical sections wherein the axial height of the first two sections is 30% to 70% of the total liner height. The first conical section may be formed to an included angle of about 20° to about 60°. The second conical section is formed to a greater included angle of about 30° to about 70°. The third conical section is formed to a density less than that of the first and second section and to an included angle that is preferably greater than the first section and equal to or less than the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Titan Specialties, Ltd.
    Inventors: William R. Collins, Girven R. Kissell, Matthew C. Clay
  • Publication number: 20040255812
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge having a composition comprising greater than 90% by weight of powdered tungsten and up to 10% by weight of powered binder, the composition being formed into a substantially conically shaped body and having a crystal structure of substantially equi-axed grains with a grain size of between 25 nano-metres and 1 micron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Bourne, Kenneth Graham Cowan
  • Patent number: 6817297
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device that uses a flexible material, preferably in a mostly square shape, having substantially orthogonal grooves scored into one side. An explosive charge, usually in the form of a sheet of explosives, is cut to fit the side opposite the grooves, in substantially the same shape as the grooves, without extending beyond the periphery of the flexible material. An initiating means is connected to the explosive charge so that upon initiation, the grooves focus the explosive charge so that a plurality of petals cantilevered are formed in the target material, substantially between the ends of the grooves, to define a fragment-free opening in the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael L. Greene, Jacob Tallman
  • Publication number: 20040200377
    Abstract: A liner for an explosive shaped charge is formed from a mixture of powdered metals into three or more conical sections wherein the axial height of the first two sections is 30% to 70% of the total liner height. The first conical section may be formed to an included angle of about 20° to about 60°. The second conical section is formed to a greater included angle of about 30° to about 70°. The third conical section is formed to a density less than that of the first and second section and to an included angle that is preferably greater than the first section and equal to or less than the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: TITAN Completion Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: William R. Collins, Girven R. Kissell, Matthew C. Clay
  • Patent number: 6796525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fin-stabilized missile (1) of the type which is intended to be fired at high acceleration towards a defined target along its trajectory and which can be guided in the trajectory and which, for stabilizing it in the trajectory, is provided with stabilizing fins (3, 32) arranged at its rear end, and control elements (6, 7) which are arranged at its front end and are intended to guide the latter, and whose rear part, in which the fins are secured, consists of a body part (4, 31) which can rotate freely relative to the main part (1, 29) of the missile about a bearing (14, 36) arranged concentric to the longitudinal axis (L) of the missile (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bofors Defence AB
    Inventors: Stig Johnsson, Ulf Hellman, Ulf Holmqvist
  • Patent number: 6786157
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device (10) comprising an explosive charge body including an explosive charge (18) defining a cavity particulate material (44) dispersible by the explosive charge when detonated, eg in a liner lining the cavity. In a preferred embodiment of this device of particular applicability to use in avalanche control, the particulate medium is aluminium. This is energized by the liner collapse and jetting process such that on impact and interaction with a snow/ice target it gererates a directed blast effect extending beyond that achievable with a simple blast charge of the same mass. Direct application to hand charge avalanche control methods and modified ammunition for Avalauncher ammunition are presented. Two of such charges with a conical liner can be positioned either facing each other or facing away form each other to obtain a particular blast pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Mark Powell
  • Patent number: 6758143
    Abstract: A warhead configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material presenting an annular front surface portion circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordechai Avitan
  • Publication number: 20040094060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attacking a target by means of a missile (1) with at least one shaped charge, the direction of action of which differs from the direction of flight of the missile, and to a missile (1) comprising at least one shape charge (2) arranged to act in a direction (4) that differs from the direction of flight (5) of the missile. The shaped charge jet is corrected for the speed of the missile (1). According to the invention, the correction of the shaped charge jet is adjustable, whereby the lethality of the missile can be achieved within a wide range of speeds of the missile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jyrki Helander
  • Publication number: 20040069176
    Abstract: A hybrid polyvalent projectile or warhead with an active means such as a fragmentation, disk, ring, hollow-charge or P-charge head in conjunction with a module comprising an active laterally effective penetrator includes a pyrotechnic unit serving at the same time for the active laterally effective penetrator and the active means as a producing/accelerating element. The terminal-ballistic efficiency of ALP projectiles, which is reduced at low impact velocities, is ensured by an additional device which as a pyrotechnic unit produces an axial action or accelerates fragments in the desired direction. The explosive of an HC-portion with a triggering device which can be of any design configuration at the same time provides the pressure for the adjoining ALP-module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Gerd Kellner
  • Patent number: 6718883
    Abstract: A neutralization device for a payload carried by a vector, such as a rocket. This device incorporates at least one explosively-formed charge, where such charge is made integral with the vector by a positioning device ensuring the orientation of its direction of action towards the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-paul Duparc, Michel Vives, Patrick Silvain
  • Publication number: 20040035313
    Abstract: A device arranged to enable the engagement of targets (5) by means of a shaped charge function. An ammunition unit is arranged to operate with at least two configuration modes where in the first mode the ammunition unit comprises solely a first modular charge (3). In the second mode the first modular charge is conjoined with a second modular charge (4). The modular charges each effect their own type of shaped charge function. Another feature is that the ammunition unit is arranged to enable changeover from the first configuration to the second before firing, launch or release of the ammunition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040020397
    Abstract: A reactive material for use as a reactive liner in penetrating (shape-charge) warheads and for use in reactive fragments in fragmenting warheads is disclosed. The reactive material comprises an oxidizing agent and a metal filler or metal/metal oxide filler. The oxidizing agent comprises a fluoropolymer having high fluorine content, a low melt temperature, and a high mechanical strength. Preferably, the fluoropolymer is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, such as a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride. The metal filler comprises a high density, reactive metal. Preferably, the metal filler is hafnium or tantalum. The reactive material is safely processed at temperatures significantly below the thermal autoignition point of the reactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard M. Truitt, Nikki Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6668726
    Abstract: Shaped charge liners, typically used in perforating guns, are formed from a zinc alloy of zinc and other metals such as aluminium and magnesium. The liners are formed into desired shapes, for example, by melting ingots and casting the alloy, or by machining bars formed from the alloy, or by stamping strips formed from the alloy, or by pressing powder formed from the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Innicor Subsurface Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Norman Lussier
  • Patent number: 6668727
    Abstract: An explosively driven impactor grenade includes a grenade body having a substantially spherical shape and a hollow central portion, the grenade body including a plurality of recesses formed on an external surface thereof with each recess including an opening into the hollow central portion of the grenade body, the grenade body including an opening on the exterior surface that connects with the hollow central portion; a fuze disposed in the hollow central portion of the grenade body; a fuze cap for closing the opening on the exterior surface that connects with the hollow central portion; and a plurality of explosively driven impactors respectively disposed in the plurality of recesses formed on the external surface of the grenade body, the explosively driven impactors being connected to the fuze through the recess openings into the hollow central portion of the grenade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven S. Kim, Christopher G. Melkonian, Michael P. Dunnigan, Carl Gotzmer, Jr., Joe Mayersak
  • Publication number: 20030233957
    Abstract: A warhead configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material presenting an annular front surface portion circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: RAFAEL-ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordechai Avitan
  • Patent number: 6655291
    Abstract: A liner for a explosive shaped charge, such as those used in perforating operations in oil and gas wells, is formed from a powdered metal mixture that includes molybdenum. The molybdenum allows a higher density liner to be formed to create denser jets for achieving deeper penetration, but without the negative effect that often accompany the use of higher density materials. The molybdenum may be used in the amount of 0.5% to 25% by weight of the metal mixture, with tungsten and other constituents forming the remainder of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Dan W. Pratt, David S. Wesson, John K. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6644205
    Abstract: A warhead (10) configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material (12) presenting an annular front surface portion (16) circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion (16) exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner (14) is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordechai Avitan
  • Patent number: 6634300
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered heavy metal and a powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a liner body. In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of 50 to 93 percent by weight of tungsten, and 50 to 7 percent by weight of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, graphite powder is intermixed with the powdered metal binder to act as a lubricant during formation of the shaped charge liner. The powdered metal binder can be a combination of copper powder, lead, and molybdenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventors: James Warren Reese, David Betancourt, Nathan Clark, Terry Slagle
  • Publication number: 20030183113
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests a method to remove well bore fluid from the path of a shaped-charge jet in order to reduce the effect it has on the jet tip. This most preferred embodiment uses a precursor liner and a primary liner both pressed in the same housing. In the most preferred embodiment, the primary liner is similar or equivalent to a standard big hole shaped charge liner. The precursor liner is pressed into the apex end of the primary liner and upon detonation is intended to form an initial very fast moving precursor jet to open a path through the fluid of the well bore annulus for the following primary jet. In the preferred embodiment the precursor liner is made from different material, preferably a less dense material and/or a material having a higher sound speed, than the material forming the primary liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Darren R. Barlow, Corbin S. Glenn
  • Publication number: 20030177933
    Abstract: A penetrator includes a shaped charge warhead defining a bore therethrough, an augmenting warhead disposed within the bore, and a detonating mechanism coupled with and capable of detonating the shaped charge warhead and the augmenting warhead. A projectile includes a shaped charge warhead defining a bore therethrough being disposed within the projectile, an augmenting warhead disposed within the bore, and a detonating mechanism disposed within the projectile and being coupled with and capable of detonating the shaped charge warhead and the augmenting warhead. A method includes at least partially perforating the barrier to form a slug and dislodging the slug from the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Michael L. Fortner, Warren B. Estes
  • Patent number: 6619210
    Abstract: A warhead casing defines a geometry that is a portion of a ring having an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spaced radially apart from one another. The outer radial wall and inner radial wall are joined radially by side walls, while the casing is enclosed at either axial end thereof by end walls. An explosive material fills the casing. At least one initiator is positioned in the explosive material along a radial plane that bisects the portion of the ring. Detonation of the explosive material causes the inner radial wall to form an EFP while the outer radial wall fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy L. Spivak, Maurice E. Grudza, William J. Clark
  • Patent number: 6619176
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention involve a thinned-skirt shaped-charge liner, a shaped-charge explosive incorporating the liner, and methods for making the liner. The focus of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention is the machining of the skirt portion of the liner to thin that portion to a thickness within about 25% of the thickness of the material around the center of the apex of the liner. The goal is to reduce debris and carrot size without sacrificing performance. In an alternative embodiment of the liner, at least some of the skirt portion of the liner is machined to a rough machine finish, but the mass of the material removed in the machining is insignificant to negligible. The liner of the present invention may be incorporated into a shaped-charge which includes a housing, a shaped-explosive, and the liner, preferably having an opening at the center of the apex of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Renfro, Don R. Pitts
  • Patent number: 6606950
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a shaped charge for destroying land mines and unexploded ordnance utilizes one or more pins secured to a shaped charge. In one embodiment, an outer body made of molded rubber has one or more flanges with holes for receiving the pins. By manipulating the legs of the pins, the shaped charge is positioned in proximity to the “target.” The tips of the pins may be forced into the surface surrounding the target, or by bending the legs of the pins to rest on the surrounding surface. A detonator, such as a blasting cap, may be secured to the shaped charge through an opening in the outer body, or through a clip attached to the shaped charge. The opening in the outer body is deformabale to accommodate various diameter detonators. The clip has a flange that the detonator is seated against to at ensure proper placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Ray Putman
  • Patent number: 6588344
    Abstract: A shaped charge apparatus having an improved liner for a shaped charge constructed from a combination of powdered metal and selected polymer material. Powdered heavy metal and polymer binder is compressively formed into a rigid shaped charge liner under very high pressure. The polymer binder may be in powdered form and or also be used to coat the powdered metal particles prior to compression. The compressed liner may also contain a relatively small percentage of other material to enhance lubrication or corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan G. Clark, David John Leidel
  • Patent number: 6584908
    Abstract: A disrupter has a plastic box 1 with three semi-cylindrical plastic formers 2 each with a bag 4 containing water. Sheet explosive 13 is applied to the back of the formers. Bags 4 may be filed with materials other than water, for example decontaminent e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The formers may be replaced by a single former with three recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Sidney Christopher Alford
  • Patent number: 6564718
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered heavy metal and a powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a liner body shape. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of 90 to 97 percent by weight of powdered heavy metal, and 10 to 3 percent by weight of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a lubricant is intermixed with the powdered metal binder to aid in the formation of the shaped charge liner. The preferred powdered heavy metal is tungsten, and the preferred powdered metal binder is copper. The powdered metal binder can be comprised of other malleable ductile metals such as bismuth, zinc, tin, uranium, silver, gold, antimony, cobalt, zinc alloys, tin alloys, nickel, or palladium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventors: James W. Reese, Steve Henderson, William Harvey, Terry Slagle
  • Patent number: 6530326
    Abstract: A method of producing a liner for a shaped charge comprising mixing a composition of powdered metal with plasticizers and binders to form a paste. The paste is then particulated and injected into an injection mold. The paste is molded into a molded liner shape and then chemically treated to remove plasticizers and binders from the molded liner shape. After being removed from the injection mold the molded liner shape is sintered inside of a furnace. The powdered metal composition can be comprised of a mixture of from 60% to 97% by weight of powdered heavy metal and from 40% to 3% by weight of cobalt, or the powdered metal composition can be comprised of a mixture of from 60% to 97% by weight of powdered heavy metal and from 40% to 3% of copper, the preferred heavy metal being tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventors: Clarence W. Wendt, Jr., David Betancourt, John D. Loehr, James W. Reese
  • Patent number: 6510797
    Abstract: A segmented, kinetic energy projectile is formed by stacking several liners in a single warhead, for effectively producing a longer penetrator capable of greatly enhancing penetration. Each individual liner forms a separate penetrator, so that the liners are successively fired and allow for a greater overall target penetration. In one embodiment, the flight path of at least one liner is diverted from the flight paths of the other liners, so that the liners could attack several adjacent targets or provide multiple penetrations. The EFP assembly has the additional capability of utilizing a single warhead that incorporates multiple hits mechanisms. The EFP assembly includes multiple liners that are separated by multiple separators. The separators are non-symmetrically disposed relative to each other, in order to divert the liners toward multiple targets. The liners are diverted from a reference trajectory because the separators impart different angles to the liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard Fong
  • Patent number: 6510796
    Abstract: A shaped charge for generating a large hole in material such as well casing downhole in a wellbore. A shaped charge liner is oriented about a longitudinal axis, and a disk is positioned at the liner apex. When an explosive material is initiated the liner collapses into a perforating jet. The disk alters the jet formation process and changes the shape and location of a bulge within the perforating jet. Consequently, the shape of the perforating jet retains a larger diameter for generating a larger hole in the material to be perforated or for controlling the penetration depth. The disk surfaces can be flat, concave, convex or other shapes, and the disk composition can be varied to accomplish different design criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Meir Mayseless, Avigdor Hetz
  • Publication number: 20020185030
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered heavy metal and a powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a liner body. In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of 50 to 93 percent by weight of tungsten, and 50 to 7 percent by weight of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, graphite powder is intermixed with the powdered metal binder to act as a lubricant during formation of the shaped charge liner. The powdered metal binder can be a combination of copper powder, lead, and molybdenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: James Warren Reese, David Betancourt, Nathan Clark, Terry Slagle
  • Publication number: 20020178962
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge comprising powdered heavy metal tungsten coated with a metal binder coating compressively formed into a liner body. Each of the powdered heavy metal particles are substantially uniformly coated with metal binder coating. The preferred powdered heavy metal particles are comprised of tungsten. Optionally, the liner for a shaped charge includes a lubricant intermixed with the coated heavy metal particles. The metal binder coating is selected from the group consisting of copper, lead, nickel, tantalum, other malleable metals, and alloys thereof, and comprises from 40 percent to 3 percent by weight of the liner. The powdered heavy metal particles comprise from 60 percent to 97 percent by weight of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: James Warren Reese, Avigdor Hetz
  • Patent number: 6477959
    Abstract: A wall breaching warhead 10 for forming a hole through a brick wall includes a shaped charge 12 of explosive material having a central axis 14. The front surface of shaped charge 12 includes a central portion 16, adjacent to central axis 14, having a generally convexly-curved shape, and an annular portion 18, circumscribing central portion 16, having a generally concavely-curved shape. A metallic liner 20, adjacent to at least annular portion 18 of the front surface of charge 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Mordechai Avitan
  • Patent number: 6474240
    Abstract: A system for attaching a priming system onto the body of a grenade, including a support integrally fastened to the grenade body and incorporating a thin cylindrical wall whose upper edge is crimped onto the priming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrice Chemiere, Philip Fouqueau, Jean-Paul Dupuy
  • Publication number: 20020157560
    Abstract: A warhead (10) configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material (12) presenting an annular front surface portion (16) circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion (16) exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner (14) is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordchai Avitan
  • Patent number: 6470804
    Abstract: A shaped charge with enhanced performance is provided. In a disclosed embodiment, an oilwell perforator includes a liner which is formed of a metal powder. The metal powder has particles thereof which are coated with metal. The metal powder may be tungsten, and the particles may be coated with metals such as copper, lead, molybdenum, tin, nickel or silver. The resulting liner content by weight may be between approximately 95 and 100% tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Leidel, Jerry L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6467416
    Abstract: Dual mode warheads utilizing high-blast explosives (14) and a shaped charge liner (12) and a process for forming such warheads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Arthur S. Daniels, William J. Poulos, Ernest L. Baker
  • Patent number: 6464019
    Abstract: A perforating charge case is made by a process that includes cold forming a material into a shape for the perforating charge case. The cold forming produces additional recrystallization nucleation sites in the material. After the cold forming, the material may be annealed to decrease sizes of grains of the material to improve a ductility of the material to increase fragment sizes of the perforating charge case when an explosive that is placed inside the perforating charge case detonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. Werner, Brenden M. Grove
  • Publication number: 20020129726
    Abstract: A shaped charge apparatus having an improved liner for a shaped charge constructed from a combination of powdered heavy metal and metal binder. Powdered heavy metal and metal binder is formed into a rigid shaped charge liner under very high pressure. The metal binder may be in powdered form or may be used to coat the powdered heavy metal particles prior to formation. The liner may also contain a relatively small percentage of other material to enhance lubrication or corrosion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Nathan G. Clark, David John Leidel
  • Patent number: 6446558
    Abstract: A shaped-charge projectile includes a container in the form of a hollow shell elongated parallel to a projectile axis, with the container having a front end and a back end. A shaped-charge liner is within the container and adjacent to the front end of the container. The shaped-charge liner is a composite material of fibers or particles of a solid reinforcement dispersed in a solid amorphous matrix. An explosive charge is positioned between the shaped-charge liner and the back end of the container. The shaped-charge liner is preferably prepared by infiltration or casting, and assembled with the other elements to make the shaped-charge projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Atakan Peker, William L. Johnson