Shaped Charge Patents (Class 102/476)
  • Publication number: 20020078850
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Steven L. Renfro, Don R. Pitts
  • Patent number: 6393991
    Abstract: A multipurpose warhead utilizes a shaped charge device with a shaped charge liner having an included angle in excess of 70° sealing an internal cavity that contains an explosive. A detonatior system having a selectable plurality of outputs contacts the explosive. Peripheral detonation of the explosive generates a high speed, small diameter, penetrating jet that typically includes about 90% of the liner mass. Central point source detonation of the explosive generates a larger diameter, slower moving, explosively formed penetrator. A combination of plural peripheral point detonation and central point source detonation generates multiple fragments. An ability to select detonation type in the field enables a single warhead to be effective against multiple target types. The shaped charge liner may optionally be a composite material having a jet forming portion and an effect forming portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Funston, Kjell V. Mattsson, Neal N. Ouye
  • Patent number: 6378438
    Abstract: Shaped charge assembly for use as part of a perforating gun, particularly, channel finder gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a charge is configured to produce a jet which is substantially non-circular in cross section (in relation to the axial direction of travel of the jet) in which the assembly includes a base that is relatively rigid with respect to the liner of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Prime Perforating Systems Limited
    Inventors: Norman Gerald Lussier, Michael Norman Lussier
  • Patent number: 6354219
    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 effects 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: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan W. Pratt, David S. Wesson, John K. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6349649
    Abstract: The perforating device for use in completing a well includes a case, an explosive charge contained in the case, and a generally bowl-shaped liner. The liner is positioned adjacent the explosive charge and has non-uniforrn thickness along its length. The liner further includes a protruding portion near its tip. In another configuration, the liner includes a hole near its tip to expose a portion of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corp., Regents of Univ. of California
    Inventors: Jerome J. Jacoby, James E. Brooks, Clifford L. Aseltine
  • Publication number: 20020007754
    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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: James W. Reese, Steve Henderson, William Harvey, Terry Slagle
  • Publication number: 20010052303
    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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Meir Mayseless, Avigdor Hetz
  • Patent number: 6318273
    Abstract: A projectile (3) to be launched by a marksman toward a target using a launch device, the projectile comprising a shaped-charge warhead (14) whose axis (38) coincides with that of the projectile, initiation of which is caused by an igniter (17). The projectile is characterized by a shaped charge which generates a core, and igniter (17) initiates the shaped charge along the trajectory and at a given distance from the launch device so that the marksman is protected from projectile explosions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot, Jean-Marie Montigny, Marc Reuche
  • Publication number: 20010039897
    Abstract: A projectile (3) to be launched by a marksman toward a target using a launch device, the projectile comprising a shaped-charge warhead (14) whose axis (38) coincides with that of the projectile, initiation of which is caused by an igniter (17). The projectile is characterized by a shaped charge which generates a core, and igniter (17) initiates the shaped charge along the trajectory and at a given distance from the launch device so that the marksman is protected from projectile explosions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: JEAN-LUC RENAUD-BEZOT, JEAN-MARIE MONTIGNY, MARC REUCHE
  • Patent number: 6308634
    Abstract: The precursor-follow through kinetic energy explosively formed penetrator assembly greatly enhances target penetration. It is formed of two sections: an initial precursor penetrator followed by a penetrator encapsulating a reactive material. The target will initially be perforated by the precursor penetrator with the second follow through penetrator containing a reactive material causing internal damage through a secondary reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard Fong
  • Patent number: 6283036
    Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to produce a variable explosive discharge. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. As a result, the size of an explosive blast is controlled by detonating the explosive fill, in a set number of compartments. Each compartment also contains an igniter element, which initiates a slow burn of undetonated explosive fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Terrence Lane Munsinger
  • Patent number: 6250229
    Abstract: The charge of the invention comprises a plate placed between the explosive charge and the liner. The diameter of the plate is equal to the internal diameter of the casing of the charge. The material used for the plate must be such that its density is lower than or equal to that of the material used for the liner and must have a volumetric compressibility modulus greater than or equal to 100 GPa, with the thickness of the plate greater than or equal to that of the liner at any point of a central area surrounding the axis of the charge, so as to ensure that upon initiation of the charge the centripetal deformation of the plate will be less than that of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Alain Kerdraon, Michel Vives
  • Patent number: 6223656
    Abstract: A downhole tool, adapted to retain a shaped charge surrounded by a superatmospherically pressurized light gas, is employed in a method for perforating a casing and penetrating reservoir rock around a wellbore. Penetration of a shaped charge jet can be enhanced by at least 40% by imploding a liner in the high pressure, light gas atmosphere. The gas pressure helps confine the jet on the axis of penetration in the latter stages of formation. The light gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is employed to keep the gas density low enough so as not to inhibit liner collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Lewis A. Glenn
  • Patent number: 6216597
    Abstract: The technical scope of the invention is that of projectiles comprising at least one payload associating at least one explosive warhead and at least one target sensor, such warhead having an inclined direction of action with respect to the projectile axis and whose initiation is triggered further to the detection of a target by the sensor, said sensor having an observation direction close to the action direction. The projectile incorporates scanning means enabling the payload, at a given time during the trajectory, to be provided with a ratio of longitudinal velocity V over spin rate &OHgr; which is less than or equal to a limit value so as to ensure ground scanning in the observation direction at a sufficiently small pitch to enable a target to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Thierry Bredy
  • Patent number: 6186070
    Abstract: A combined effect warhead device for forming at least one aerostable rod fragment and a plurality of small fragments by explosive formation. The warhead is centered about an axis and contains explosives and liners. A first liner forms an aerostable rod and a second liner forms a plurality of fragments, whereby upon detonation of the warhead, combined explosively formed projectiles are produced including the aerostable rod and the plurality of fragments. In a preferred embodiment, the first liner is unscored and curved, whereas the second liner is scored to facilitate formation of the plurality of fragments. The second liner is almost flat and includes raised portions on its surface to facilitate formation of the plurality of fragments. It is also preferred to include an interface material between the first and the second liner, preferably where the interface material is a combination of explosive material and plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard Fong, Steven Tang
  • Patent number: 6167811
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device for defeat of advanced armor is presented. In operation, a conically capped hemispherical liner is collapsed in reverse sequence. Detonation of the base of the hemisphere, done earlier in sequence, produces a thick massive jet for initial penetration as a deep crater, in the armor. The conical liner is collapsed afterward, producing a thin jet which reaches the armor deep into the crater earlier produced, at an increased distance than would be usual without a crater. The increased standoff is a further contribution in destructive improvement since adding travel distance to the target for a destructive jet, up to a point, will increase destruction of the target. Various detonation mechanisms, inhibitors, and judicious use of various high explosives and detonation arrangements, all provide the tools for formation of a desired particular two-jet sequence, to accomplish a desired destructive potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: William P. Walters
  • Patent number: 6152040
    Abstract: A shaped charge or explosively formed penetrator liner and a method for producing the liner. The liner is preferably formed from a metal having a fine, uniform grain structure. The liner is preferably produced by an electron beam deposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Ashurst Government Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Riley, Timothy J. Langan, David K. McNamara, Joseph R. Pickens
  • Patent number: 6109185
    Abstract: Anti-armor projectiles comprising a main projectile having a single warhe and an additional autonomous precursor warhead which is stowed with the main projectile and attached to the main projectile just before firing, thereby providing a tandem warhead capability and improved lethality for the main projectile. The attachable precursor warhead is packaged with the main projectile so that the length and diameter of the main projectile is not increased while it is stored and until the autonomous precursor warhead is attached just prior to firing. The autonomous warhead may be a chemical energy (CE) warhead or a kinetic energy (KE) warhead so that when attached to existing CE warhead or KE warhead projectiles, tandem CE-CE, tandem CE-KE, tandem KE-KE, or tandem KE-CE warhead projectiles are created. The autonomous, attachable warhead is completely self-contained and prior to firing is affixed to and stowed adjacent the main projectile without exceeding the length and diameter constraints of the main projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ameer G. Mikhail
  • Patent number: 6050194
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for target-seeking ammunition which includes an insert for forming a hollow charge, and in front of which there is positioned a transducer for electromagnetic radiation energy. The sensor arrangement of the above-constructional type has the transducer located in the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the ammunition and of the insert. The insert forming the combat charge may itself serve as a focusing reflector for the operating characteristics of the sensor arrangement. Inasmuch as there is available for the aperture practically the entire caliber of the ammunition; in effect, the front surface of the insert facing into the effective direction, there can be obtained an extremely favorable operating characteristic for the sensor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Diehl Stiftung & Co.
    Inventors: Horst-Georg Bugiel, Jurgen Schloss
  • Patent number: 6035785
    Abstract: A shaped charge, notably an explosively formed charge, incorporating an explosive charge arranged in a casing and onto which is placed a liner intended to be set into motion by the detonation of said explosive charge. The liner incorporates at least two plates, a rear plate which is in contact with said explosive charge and which is connected to said casing by attachment means and at least one front plate which is connected to said rear plate by bonding. The attachment means is positioned between a cylindrical peripheral surface of said rear plate and an inner cylindrical surface of said casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Patrick Sabathier, Thierry Soulat, Jean-Marie Montigny, Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot
  • Patent number: 6032583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ammunition unit in the form of a shell or the like, with at least two warheads connected via a supporting structure. In order to prevent the impact from the first activated warhead reaching the warheads situated to the rear, and to prevent an interference effect on these warheads, according to the invention a structure-dividing charge is arranged in the supporting structure in order to divide the structure into two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventors: Gustav Karlstedt, Jyrki Helander, Lennart Sjoo, Miroslaw Benendo, Par Andersson, Richard Lindvall
  • Patent number: 6026750
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive warhead assembly is composed of a one piece shaped charge liner including an explosive initiation charge, and a main explosive charge which surrounds the shaped charge liner. The one piece shaped charge liner includes a forward thin wall section and an integral tail end section having a common longitudinal axis of symmetry. The forward thin wall section includes wall portions having a trumpet or other selected shape, and the tail end section includes a plurality of symmetrically located spoke-like apertures extending radially from the longitudinal axis of symmetry and further includes a central bore hole extending from an end surface of the tail end section and in communication with the spoke-like apertures. The spoke-like apertures and bore hole of the tail end section are filled with the explosive initiation charge. A detonator is coupled to the explosive initiation charge within the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6021714
    Abstract: A shaped charge for use in perforating formation adjacent a wellbore includes a liner having a substantially non-conical shape (also referred to as bowl-shaped). The liner has first and second layers, with a first layer contacting the main explosive charge. The second layer (made of such materials as copper, silver, gold, and so forth) contributes primarily to formation of a perforating jet while the first layer contains a material that substantially disintegrates upon detonation such that formation of a slug is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden M. Grove, Jack F. Lands, Jr., Robert A. Parrott
  • Patent number: 6016753
    Abstract: An explosive material-energized plasticized metal slug cutter for use within tubular cylinders, or pipe or similar structures-especially in buried or otherwise inaccessible locations is disclosed. The cutter includes explosive material initially disposed in a particular hourglass or dogbone shape and surrounded by a layer of explosive-plasticizable copper or similar material which becomes both heated to plasticity and imparted with kinetic energy upon explosive material detonation. The hourglass or dogbone shape of the explosive material provides focus or shaping of the copper metal into a confined slug pattern enabling a clean and relatively low expended-energy cutting of a surrounding tubular cylinder into axial segments. The cutter employs a cutting action inclusive of spalling at the outer surface of the cut tubing opposite the region of slug impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Joseph G. Glenn, Gary H. Parsons, Michael E. Gunger, John J. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6012392
    Abstract: Shaped charge liners are formed from an alloy of nickel, tin, and copper, which is first formed into a powder, and then pressed into strips. The pressed strips of powdered alloy are next sintered and then cold rolled. Thereafter, the powdered, pressed, and sintered alloy strips are formed into shaped charge liners, for example, by stamping. The shaped charge liners may be heat treated either before or after the forming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignees: Arrow Metals division of Reliance Steel and Aluminum Co., Owen Oil Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimball J. Norman, Dan W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5952604
    Abstract: A joint for a shell with at least a first charge unit and a second charge unit arranged in series one after the other is provided. The charge units include one shaped charge each. The charges are designed to be detonated one after the other with a time separation between the detonations. In order to suppress the interference to an undetonated charge by a shock wave generated by the detonation of a previously detonated charge, the joint that connects the charge units has been designed in a special way. The joint includes a damping section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, that mechanically fastens together the two charge units. In addition a rigid support device is connected to the damping section and dimensioned so that when the damping section is in an unstressed state there is a clearance in the longitudinal axis of the device between the two charge units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bofors AB
    Inventor: Jyrki Helander
  • Patent number: 5939663
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for selectively producing a coherent or ispersed jet pattern upon detonation of a shaped charge ammunition round. Multiple detonators are provided which may be arranged in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical pattern around or on the axis of the charge. Selection of a coherent or dispersed jet pattern may be provided by controlling the number and timing of detonators used. A coherent jet may be produced, for example, by actuating only one detonator along the centerline of the round. Dispersed jets in selected patterns may be achieved by actuating multiple detonators in different patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Walters, Richard Summers
  • Patent number: 5925845
    Abstract: An improved shoot-through warhead cover is constructed of a low density material, such as polyethylene foam, in a dome-like shape. An anterior surface of the shoot-through cover is configured so as to be in proximate mating relationship with the exterior surface of an EFP liner member. The exterior surface of the cover is also aerodynamically contoured to match the external shape of a receiving warhead delivery vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Tompkins, Erling M. Danielson
  • Patent number: 5902954
    Abstract: The invention is a shaped charge comprising a housing, a liner, a quantity of explosive inside the housing between the housing and the liner, and a retaining spring in contact with the liner and the housing. The retaining spring is positioned to retain the liner substantially immovably inside the housing and has compressed external dimensions to enable locking engagement with the housing. The retaining spring provides axial force against the liner to compress the explosive and prevent shifting and settling of the explosive. The retaining spring also exerts laterally outward force against the circumference of the liner to reduce effects of thermal contraction on the liner. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining spring comprises a bellville spring. The bellville spring has an internal diameter substantially the same as the maximum diameter of the liner to prevent interference with discharge of the detonating shaped charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventor: Avigdor Hetz
  • Patent number: 5859383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative, safe, explosive device. The device has many potential fields of utility, including, but not limited to mining, oil exploration, seismology, and particularly to shaped charges. These shaped charges may be used as a well perforation system using energetic, electrically-activated reactive blends in place of high explosives. The reactive blends are highly impact inert and relatively thermally inert until activated. The proposed system requires no conventional explosives and it is environmentally benign. The system and its components can be shipped and transported easily with little concern for premature explosion. It also needs no special handling or packing. The performance in oil and gas well perforation can be expected to exceed that of conventional explosive techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: David K. Davison, Richard F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5847312
    Abstract: A shaped charge device having at least a double confinement configuration d utilizing a standard shaped charge liner inserted into a hollow cavity in the inner explosive fill. The inner explosive fill is surrounded by an inner confining case which may be made from any metal, ceramic, or composite. The uniqueness of the present invention is the addition of an outer layer of explosive containing an outer confinement case. Also utilized in the device are a booster, and a detonator, held by a centering device, to initiate the device according to standard practice. The device acts to use the outer explosive as a tamping material surrounding the inner confining case material. This will delay the expansion of the inner confinement case and increase the pressure on the liner. Increasing the pressure on the liner will increase the kinetic energy of the resulting penetrator jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Walters, Steven Segletes
  • Patent number: 5841059
    Abstract: The invention concerns projectiles having an explosive load generating splinter and/or a core and of which the operation is triggered by a fuse. This projectile is characterized in that the load comprises at least one direction of action and in that the fuse comprises at least one detector detecting laser radiation reflected by a target, said detector comprising a direction of detection which is close to one of the directions of action of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Luchaire Defense S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Laurend, Jean-Noel Bilbaut
  • Patent number: 5831206
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating a ring vortex which will damage the hull of the get vessel. The apparatus comprises a torpedo which is launched from an attack submarine in the direction of the target vessel. When the torpedo is at a predetermined position, the torpedo is detonated. Detonation of the torpedo results in the generation of a ring vortex. The ring vortex is directed toward the hull of the target vessel and will impact the hull of the target vessel with sufficient force to destroy or disable the target vessel. Positioned about the periphery of the torpedo are a plurality of necklace charges. The torpedo also has a central charge which is located near the front end of the torpedo. When detonated each necklace charge forms a ring of imploding gas bubbles which collapse inward. At a predetermined time period after the necklace charges are denoted, the main charge within the torpedo is denoted resulting in the generation of an expanding gas bubble which expands outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Guy F. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5814758
    Abstract: A flexible linear shaped charge for discharging a high speed jet to penetrate a target comprising an outer housing which includes a sheath and the high speed jet, the high speed jet being integral with the sheath, and an explosive core disposed within the outer housing between the sheath and the high speed jet, the outer housing comprising a low density matrix mixed with a high density heavy metal powder to increase the confinement of the explosive core, thereby improving the performance of the shaped charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Leidel
  • Patent number: 5801323
    Abstract: A shaped-charge warhead for munitions according to the invention includes a triggering mechanism and an explosive charge located inside an envelope and in contact with a covering designed to be set in motion in a direction of action by the detonation of the explosive charge. The envelope is essentially cylindrical and the covering is located such that the direction of action is essentially perpendicular to the axis of the envelope. The triggering mechanism is located in the vicinity of the cylindrical envelope and on the other side of the axis relative to the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Alain Kerdraon
  • Patent number: 5792980
    Abstract: A device for the production of explosive formed projectiles includes a cag with an explosive filling, an ignition device arranged at the bottom and a disc-shaped metal insert covering the top of the explosive filling. In order to produce several projectiles or a single projectile composed of several such projectiles with a large l/d ratio, the insert includes at least two discs, arranged directly behind each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der ange-wandten Forschung e.v.
    Inventor: Klaus Weimann
  • Patent number: 5792977
    Abstract: A shaped charge for efficiently transferring energy from an explosive material to generate a deep penetrating jet. The shaped charge liner is formed with a hemispherical first section combined with an elongated second section. The liner second section can be formed as a truncated cone, trumpet, or other shape. The hemispherical first section collapses to generate a high velocity jet portion, and the second section collapses to generate an elongated, deep penetrating jet portion which follows the higher velocity jet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventor: Manmohan S. Chawla
  • Patent number: 5780766
    Abstract: A guided missile which can be fired as a mortar projectile with armour-piercing hollow-charge warhead behind a seeking head for autonomous or semi-autonomous final phase guidance is to be capable of use for universal use from the same mortar weapon selectively against hard-armoured targets and against concreted protective constructions. For that purpose provided in front of the blast-forming main hollow charge is a boring hollow charge which is also blast-forming but slower and of higher mass and which, in the event of impact against a target, clears in a region-wise manner the reactive additional armouring of an armoured vehicle or penetrates the concrete wall of a protection arrangement. Upon impact against the target, a sub-calibre post-firing fragmentation explosive charge is released due to inertia from its holder in order to detonate after passing through the hole in the concrete wall therebehind or in the event of impact against a hard target to produce secondary effects against sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Werner Schroppel
  • Patent number: 5753850
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a large perforation in a target such as a wellbore casing. A liner is positioned within a charge case lowered into a well. An explosive material is initiated to collapse the liner to form a material penetrating jet. A spoiler is positioned proximate to the liner to defocus the liner collapse. The spoiler forms a hollow center in the material penetrating jet and concentrates the energy of the jet into a large annular ring for penetrating the target. The spoiler can comprise a passive spoiler which blocks the full collapse of the liner, or can comprise an active spoiler incorporating a high explosive or an elastic material for counteracting the liner collapse. The spoilers can be spherical, cylindrical, tapered, or another shape to modify the configuration and performance of the material penetrating jet, and a spacer can retain a spoiler in a selected orientation relative to the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Manmohan S. Chawla, Joseph D. Simich, Steven W. Henderson, Robert K. Bethel
  • Patent number: 5750917
    Abstract: In a tandem warhead, the preliminary shaped charge (5) is arranged at the front end of a spacer (9) which is displaceable toward the front in a guide (12) provided in the preliminary structure (13) of the warhead. Shearing pins (14) are provided for fixing the spacer (9) in the pushed in position. A pyrotechnical element (16) is fastened at the spacer (9). The spacer (9) is provided at its rear end with an annular element (28) which contacts the lining (3) of the main charge (1) in the pushed in position. A pressure space (32) is accordingly formed, so that a high pressure is achieved when the pyrotechnical element (16) is fired, whereupon a recoil occurs due to the propellant gases of the pyrotechnical element (14) flowing out through nozzles (25), which recoil ensures a gentle starting of the spacer (9) into the moved out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG
    Inventors: Joachim Seckler, Klaus-Peter Geiss
  • Patent number: 5744746
    Abstract: A tandem warhead for combatting actively armored targets including two shaped or projectile forming charges arranged one behind the other, and an ignition or firing delay unit which causes the ignition of the first charge and then the second charge with a time delay. To avoid the target's active armor plate (which moves when hit by the first charge, from impeding or even destroying the following charge) the tandem warhead is provided with a device for determining the actual angle of the warhead relative to the target, i.e., the firing or attack angle, and an ignition time delay .DELTA.t associated with the respective firing angle .alpha.. To determine the firing angle .alpha., an angle determining device includes a plurality, preferably four, distance measuring devices with which respective distance coordinates between the tandem warhead and the target are measured and used for determining the momentary firing angle .alpha.. Thereafter, the delay time .DELTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Tripptrap, Jorg Peters, Torsten Niemeyer, Herbert Scholles
  • Patent number: 5744747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slug generating charge incorporating an explosive charge arranged in an envelope and a liner intended to be set into motion by the detonation of the explosive. The liner, whose thickness decreases between a central part and its periphery, is in contact with the envelope. A plate is placed between the explosive charge and the liner. The plate is of a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the envelope and is in contact with the liner at least at the latter's thinned peripheral part. The material of the plate is selected such that it reduces the velocity transmitted to the peripheral part of the liner by the explosive charge upon its ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Renaud-Bezot, Laurent Chauveau, Bernard Ceyrat
  • Patent number: 5723811
    Abstract: A warhead includes an explosive charge placed in a confinement casing and bounded towards a front portion by a liner, the entire warhead having an axis of symmetry of revolution. A detector is provided in front of the charge and processing and command circuits are provided in a rear portion of the charge. A multiple-point detonator is communicated with an axial space providing a detector-circuit link without harming the efficiency of the charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: TDA Armements SAS
    Inventors: Thierry Bouet, Jean-Pierre Guillon
  • Patent number: 5656791
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge formed from a mixture of powdered tungsten and powdered metal binder. The liner is formed by compression of the mixture into a substantially conically shaped solid body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises a range of approximately 70 to 90 percent by weight of tungsten and 30 to 10 percent of the powdered metal binder. In a specific embodiment of the invention, graphite powder is intermixed with the powdered metal binder and tungsten to act as a lubricant. The powdered metal binder preferably comprises a malleable, ductile metal such as lead, bismuth, tin, zinc, silver, antimony, cobalt, nickel or uranium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Reese, Terry L. Slagle
  • Patent number: 5633475
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a large perforation in a target such as a wellbore casing. A recess in a housing has a closed end and an open end facing the target. A shaped liner in the recess has an apex facing the recess open end, and has a base end facing the closed end of the recess. The shaped liner defines an interior volume filled with explosive material. The explosive material is detonated and expands the liner against the recess wall and forms a perforating jet which moves toward the recess open end. If the recess open end is circular, the perforating jet exits the recess as an annular jet which impacts the target and cuts a plug section from the target. The penetrating power of the jet is confined to the annular cutting area instead of being focused into a conventional jet shape. Multiple shaped liners can be placed in the recess, and the shape of the perforating jet can be modified by the liner shape and recess dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventor: Manmohan S. Chawla
  • Patent number: 5621185
    Abstract: The warhead comprises a preliminary shaped charge, a coaxial main shaped charge which is arranged at a distance from the latter, and an arrangement for increasing the axial distance between the preliminary shaped charge and the main shaped charge, which arrangement consists of a tube, in which the preliminary shaped charge is supported, a propelling charge, which is arranged behind the preliminary shaped charge, and a supporting device for the tube. The preliminary shaped charge is held in the tube by means of one or more shearing pins, wherein both the tube and the supporting device are provided in the ogive portion of the warhead with a cooperating catch device, so that the tube can be moved from the moved-in rest position into a moved-out working position after the ignition of the propelling charge for the preliminary shaped charge and can be caught in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: Hans Spengler, Georg Schrodl
  • Patent number: 5619008
    Abstract: A well perforating apparatus for generating a plurality of material perforating jets. A base has a plurality of recesses or apertures, and a liner is proximate to the base and is indented into each recess or aperture. Explosive charges contact the indented surfaces of the liner to form multiple shaped charges. A detonator activates the explosive material to collapse the liner segments proximate to the explosive charges and to generate a plurality of perforating jets. In one embodiment of the invention, the base initially comprises a planar material that can be formed into a geometric shape for insertion into a cylindrical housing or wellbore. The invention substantially reduces manufacturing costs and is especially useful in permitting a high density shot pattern to be generated by the perforating jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventors: Manmohan S. Chawla, James W. Reese
  • Patent number: 5616885
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively altering the jet pattern produced y a shaped charge round upon detonation by selectively providing confinement mass(es) on the surface of an outer casing of the round. Confinement mass(es) may be provided to induce a tamping effect upon detonation of the round. The placement of the confinement mass(es) relative to one another and to the round may produce different resulting jet patterns upon detonation. The mass(es) may be movable or removable such that the round may be configured to produce different jet patterns in the field or prior to targeting. Coherent or diffused jet patterns may be utilized, for example to penetrate armor of differing thicknesses or to alter the damage area created by the round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William Walters, Richard Summers
  • Patent number: 5594197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a secondary projectile for a tandem warhead including a forwardly located active charge, a rearwardly located active charge and a fuze which is arranged therebetween, and whose triggering direction is oriented towards the forwardly located active charge, whereby the transmission of the ignition or triggering is implemented forwardly through the intermediary of a booster charge and towards the rear through the use of a cross-triggering device. The booster charge which is triggered by the fuze consists of an explosive material and lies directly against the forwardly located active charge, and wherein the booster charge at the other side thereof is separated by thin cross-ignitable wall segments of a housing of the cross-triggering device from at least two tongue-shaped explosive material poles of the rearwardly located active charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Klaus Lindstadt, Manfred Klare
  • Patent number: H1930
    Abstract: A precursor warhead for a high-explosive, anti-armor (HEAA) warhead is provided. The precursor warhead is a cylindrically-shaped attachment adapted for a friction fit over the nose cone of existing HEAA warheads. The precursor warhead has an instantaneous fuse which initiates a precursor penetrator which causes early detonation of reactive armor, thereby protecting the main charge and penetrator on the HEAA round from damage. The precursor warhead replaces the existing crush switch on the HEAA round and also initiates, with appropriate time delay, the main explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Larry E. Crabtree