Focused Fragmentation Patents (Class 102/492)
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Patent number: 9016204Abstract: This invention relates to fragmentation-beam ammunition capable of simultaneous axial and circular field destruction. The objects of this invention are providing a variable configuration axial field of the fabricated destructive elements for the reliable destruction of different types of tank threatening targets and providing for the complete destruction of the fragmentation unit following explosive charge detonation in the projectile. The technical solution according to this invention, the projectile comprises an elongated explosive charge with a detonator in the form of a rotation body with a curvilinear generatrix located coaxially with the fragmentation unit wherein said detonator is electrically connected with the fuse and said fuse comprises a device (an adapter booster) for varying the time interval between the activation of both detonators depending on the setting, said detonators comprising safety devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignees: Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education (Bauman Moscow State Technical University), Federal State Budgetary Institution (Federal Agency for Legal Protection of Military, Special and Dual Use Intellectual Activity Results)Inventor: Vladimir Alekseevich Odintsov
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Patent number: 8955443Abstract: A cylindrical warhead is divided into a conical central segment and peripheral segments. The central segment has a disk-shaped liner bounding a cavity with high explosive and forming a penetrating projectile. The peripheral segments are hingedly attached to the central segment and have outer segment faces bounding respective cavities with high explosive, the segment faces forming sidewalls of the warhead in a closed position. The peripheral segments can be released to an open position in which the segment faces point in the forward direction for detonation. The warhead may be used in the closed position for single hardened targets such as armored vehicles and in the open position for area targets such as lighter vehicles and personnel. Opening of the warhead may be enabled at a time of launch of the warhead, or at a time of target acquisition after launch.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Textron Systems CorporationInventor: Clayton W. Miller
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Publication number: 20140230682Abstract: A warhead system, method and apparatus. A warhead includes a liner having a logitundinal axis that runs down the center of the liner. The liner includes a liner pattern and a liner shape. The liner shape is selected and a radial distance from the longitudinal axis is selected. The liner pattern is warped as a function of the selected distance and the shape of the liner to reduce the effects of spoking in the post-detonation fragmentation pattern at the selected distance. The liner is then formed as a function of the warped liner pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: ATK Launch SystemsInventors: Gabriel Bonnstetter, Kenneth Fink, Jake Carroll, Richard Truitt
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Patent number: 8528480Abstract: The invention relates to a warhead (10) for attacking particularly half-hard and/or soft targets, wherein the warhead comprises a splinter-forming casing (1) and an explosive material positioned in the casing (1). The warhead (10) further has a front plate (2) having a splinter formation, into which a distance sensor (3) is integrated. An igniter (5) for the explosive material and a stabilizing strap for adjusting perpendicular flight characteristics on the way to the target are located in the rear part of the warhead (10), wherein the initiation of the igniter (5) is determined by a property of the target to be attacked, namely, the parameter of a defined height from the target.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Seidel, Michael Schwenzer
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Patent number: 8522685Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical fragmenting body, a pair of concentric cylindrical liners within, made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost liner. In one embodiment, one liner provides various “legs” of liner material and the other liner provides various open receptacle areas, into which such legs may come to rest when the liners are slid together and/or rotated relative to one another. Various recessed and/or raised areas of liner material can thus be randomly created by such adjustments, which lead to select fragmentation of the warhead upon detonation.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Vladimir M. Gold, Jeffrey R. Kraft, Ernest L. Baker
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Patent number: 8453574Abstract: A method for firing explosive-filled, fragmentation shells (1) that disperse fragments on the pre-programmed detonation of their own explosive (7) so as to reduce the risk of accidental injury to unprotected personnel and damage to materiel, which at the moment of firing are undeservedly situated between the firing weapon and the target is provided. Also provided are shells (1) produced or modified according to the method.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventor: Torsten Rönn
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Publication number: 20120291654Abstract: A munition and method capable of producing real-time selectable effects ranging from unrestricted to low collateral damage. The munition is capable of a directionally focused fragment pattern and limited lethality/damage effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Dennis E. Wilson, John J. Granier, Richard V. Johnson
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Patent number: 8276520Abstract: A fragmentation warhead comprising manual selection means for generating larger fragments versus smaller fragments upon detonation. The warhead includes a generally cylindrically shaped fragmenting metal outer warhead within which lies a generally cylindrically shaped explosive charge. Cylindrically arranged ring mechanisms within the warhead may be rotated to select desired fragmentation patterns.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Richard Fong, Peter Rottinger, Henry Hsieh, Tom Blyskal
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Patent number: 8272329Abstract: The dynamically configurable controlled fragmentation insert mechanism of this invention includes an assembly of three or more sleeves with differing through hole patterns thereon, that fit inside the shell casing. The individual sleeves can move independently of one another and a simple pinning mechanism holds the parts in place for a selected configuration. The warfighter can realign the insert sleeves by to create different geometric patterns of holes, each designed to engage a different target set with optimally sized fragments. The aligned patterns of holes creates individual geometric shapes that focus high-velocity jets to cut into the steel shell casing to correlate to the through-holes in the aligned patterned sleeves. Realigning the insert sleeves changes the through-hole pattern to produce different fragment sizes and mass distributions.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Henry Hsieh, Peter Rottinger, Richard Fong
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Patent number: 8272330Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, a pair of concentric cylindrical liners made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost liner. The innermost liner includes patterns formed thereon of recessed areas and solid liner elements. The outermost liner's interior surface includes patterns formed thereon of raised areas and solid liner elements. The outermost cylindrical liner is arranged to be adjustable relative to the innermost liner through rotation or translation. The explosive charge is disposed adjacent to the interior of the innermost cylindrical liner. Upon detonation of the explosive charge and because of the random dampening and temporal delay in transmitting the detonation energy through various locations of the randomly aligned cylindrical liners, the warhead body is caused to shear and break into fragments with different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Vladimir M. Gold, Jeffrey R. Kraft, Ernest L. Baker
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Publication number: 20120227611Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Paul R. ROHR
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Patent number: 8161884Abstract: A selective fragmentation pattern of explosive material is applied to a surface of a munition. None, some, or all of the explosive material in the selective fragmentation pattern may be detonated, selectively stamping the surface of the munition with the detonated explosive material. The portion of the selective fragmentation pattern selected for ignition is determined by lethality requirements of a target of the munition. Upon detonation of the munition, fragments are formed based on the selected portion of the selective fragmentation pattern. Consequently, igniting all, some, or none of the selective fragmentation pattern may vary lethality of a munition and one munition may be used for a wide range of lethality.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Victor Kokodis, George Sudol, Brian Fuchs, Amy Wilson
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Patent number: 8033223Abstract: A munition includes a casing, the casing formed at least in part from a material comprising (i) a meltable or phase-changing material, and (ii) an energetic material; an explosive payload contained within the casing; and a fuze arrangement, the fuze arrangement comprising a main fuze configured and arranged to ignite the high explosive, and at least one secondary fuze configured and arranged to cause the casing material to melt or undergo a phase change.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, Joseph G. Metzger
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Patent number: 8015924Abstract: A warhead consisting of a relatively thin metal shell casing and interior open linear cells which run throughout its length manufactured by electrical discharge machining and slip fitting.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Warren R. Maines, Michael P. Kramer
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Patent number: 8006623Abstract: A high-lethality fragmentation warhead with reduced risk of collateral damage to the warhead launch platform. High lethality is achieved with a forward-firing fragmentation assembly placed in front of the explosive and a side-firing fragmentation assembly placed in a void space in the aft section of the explosive. The risk of collateral damage to the launch platform is reduced by forming the case and explosive containment structures of materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. This substantially eliminates radial fragments and in particular fragments thrown back towards the platform. Performance may be enhanced by tapering the aft section of the containment structure and explosive to eliminate explosive that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the forward-firing fragmentation assembly by the pressure wave to create the void space for the side-firing fragmentation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James H. Dupont, Henri Y. Kim, Travis P. Walter
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Publication number: 20110179966Abstract: A high-lethality fragmentation warhead with reduced risk of collateral damage to the warhead launch platform. High lethality is achieved with a forward-firing fragmentation assembly placed in front of the explosive and a side-firing fragmentation assembly placed in a void space in the aft section of the explosive. The risk of collateral damage to the launch platform is reduced by forming the case and explosive containment structures of materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. This substantially eliminates radial fragments and in particular fragments thrown back towards the platform. Performance may be enhanced by tapering the aft section of the containment structure and explosive to eliminate explosive that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the forward-firing fragmentation assembly by the pressure wave to create the void space for the side-firing fragmentation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: James H. Dupont, Henri Y. Kim, Travis P. Walter
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Publication number: 20110094408Abstract: A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: James H. Dupont, Henri Y. Kim, Travis P. Walter, Kim L. Christianson
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Patent number: 7930978Abstract: A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James H. Dupont, Henri Y. Kim, Travis P. Walter, Kim L. Christanson
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Patent number: 7891297Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Paul R. Rohr
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Patent number: 7845282Abstract: A munition includes a casing, the casing formed at least in part from a material comprising (i) a meltable or phase-changing material, and (ii) an energetic material; an explosive payload contained within the casing; and a fuze arrangement, the fuze arrangement comprising a main fuze configured and arranged to ignite the high explosive, and at least one secondary fuze configured and arranged to cause the casing material to melt or undergo a phase change.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, Joseph G. Metzger
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Publication number: 20100199875Abstract: The aim of the invention is to obtain great final ballistic effectiveness of fragmentation bullets and warheads regardless of the impact speed while using as little explosive material as possible. Said aim is achieved by combining explosive shell (3) with a damming inner member (4) in connection with an accelerated outer jacket (2). This arrangement results in the best possible conversion of the explosive energy while offering great creative flexibility regarding the design. A wide range of additional possible effects is created by blast-compacting the inner damming member (4). Furthermore, the shape of the inner damming member allows the fragments to obtain a directionally controlled effect. Depending on the caliber and technical design, the amount of explosive material used can be reduced by 50 to 80 percent compared to conventional explosive bullets at comparable fragment speeds or sub-bullet speeds. The explosive material economized is available as additional effective mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2005Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Günter Weihrauch
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Publication number: 20090205529Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a projectile core which includes a plurality of projectiles and an explosive charge about the core. There is at least one detonator for the explosive charge, and at least one wave shaper in the explosive charge or between the explosive charge and the core and having an apex adjacent the detonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Richard M. Lloyd
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Publication number: 20090199736Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for firing explosive-filled, fragmentation shells (1) that disperse fragments on the pre-programmed detonation of their own explosive (7) so as to reduce the risk of accidental injury to unprotected personnel and damage to materiel, which at the moment of firing are undeservedly situated between the firing weapon and the target. The invention also encompasses shells (1) produced or modified according to said method.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB.Inventor: Torsten Ronn
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Patent number: 7066093Abstract: A warhead device comprising explosive charges and effect elements or effect agents for incorporation in a missile. The warhead device consists of a number of modules or modular charges (1a–1f) arranged to be actuatable between two or more pivotal positions in the cross-section of the warhead device. Each module comprises outer walls (9–14) that one by one are directed outwards depending on the position or pivotal position assumed by the module. Each outer wall of each module comprises warhead effect elements and/or effect agents that differ from the other warhead effect elements or agents. The outer walls that are directed outwards simultaneously form or are part of the common outer wall of the warhead device, and project a selectable warhead effect from the warhead device.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors ABInventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
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Patent number: 7040235Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead including a plurality of sections each enclosing a plurality of projectile and an explosive charge partially surrounding the projectiles defining a primary projectile firing direction. The firing direction of each section is different for isotropically deploying the projectiles.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Richard M. Lloyd
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Patent number: 7036432Abstract: The invention provides an explosive round that produces fragments propelled by jetting effect, the round consisting in a firing head, an explosive charge, a fragment generating wall in direct contact with the explosive, which wall has a set of indentations extending towards the inside of the round and into the explosive, so that each indentation constitutes a shaped charge, wherein the indentations of the fragment-generating portion are in the form of caps extending inside the explosive, each cap presenting a surrounding base having a diameter comprised between 2.5 mm and 5.5 mm and a wall thickness comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, so that each cap generates a corresponding fragment propelled by jetting effect, fragment which has no effectiveness beyond 35 m from the point of explosion.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices S.A.Inventors: Daniel Casenave, Frederic Teilhol
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Patent number: 6966265Abstract: An ammunition device (4) comprising one or more warhead effect jackets (17), each jacket containing warhead effect elements (18). The ammunition device also incorporates one or more explosive compositions arranged inside each warhead effect jacket that in or close to the target is/are triggerable by means of a triggering device. One or more separation charges is/are arranged adjacent to each warhead effect jacket that when actuated cause removel of one or more said warhead effect jacket(s). The actuation devices incorporate or interact with a programming device that operates with a first mode that can be an initial mode in which the actuation devices remain non-actuated, and a second mode in which the programming device actuates the actuation devices for initiating the separation charges, thereby causing ejection of each warhead effect jacket concerned.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Bofors Defence ABInventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
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Patent number: 6962113Abstract: The present invention comprises a warhead designed to provide a number of spiraling tendrils composed of segmented rods that move in an increasing radial arc in order to defeat a target. The warhead comprises a substantially cylindrical explosive charge having a plurality of rod segments arranged circumferentially around the explosive charge in a plurality of horizontal layers. As the horizontal layers descend down the explosive charge, the rod segments are offset from those directly above and below them to create a pattern that appears to be twisted columns. The number of columns is equivalent to the number of rod segments in each horizontal layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Victor John Carlson, Timothy S. Hennessey, Mary H. Sherlock, Windsor Furr
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Patent number: 6931994Abstract: A tandem warhead for destroying a target, the tandem warhead including a kinetic energy rod section with a plurality of lengthy individual projectiles, a blast fragmentation section deployable proximate the target, and a guidance subsystem for deploying the projectiles of the kinetic energy rod section first in the trajectory path of the target and for deploying the blast fragmentation section second proximate the target.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Richard M. Lloyd
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Patent number: 6758143Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventors: Zeev Ritman, Gershon Kliminz, Mordechai Avitan
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Publication number: 20040011238Abstract: a warhead device comprising explosive charges and effect elements or effect agents for incorporation in a missile. The warhead device consists of a number of modules or modular charges (1a-1f) arranged to be actuatable between two or more pivotal positions in the cross-section of the warhead device. Each module comprises outer walls (9-14) that one by one are directed outwards depending on the position or pivotal position assumed by the module. Each outer wall of each module comprises warhead effect elements and/or effect agents that differ from the other warhead effect elements or agents. The outer walls that are directed outwards simultaneously form or are part of the common outer wall of the warhead device, and project a selectable warhead effect from the warhead device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Torsten Ronn, Nils Johansson
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Publication number: 20030177935Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Timothy L. Spivak, Maurice E. Grudza, William J. Clark
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Patent number: 6622632Abstract: The present invention controls the polar ejection angle of fragments in a fragmenting warhead. The warhead's detonators are initiated non-simultaneously to produce corresponding detonation waves in the warhead's explosive material. The detonation waves interact to control the polar ejection angle of fragments formed when the warhead's casing ruptures. Specified times of detonation for each of the detonators can be selected/adjusted after the warhead is deployed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Timothy L. Spivak
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Patent number: 6619210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Timothy L. Spivak, Maurice E. Grudza, William J. Clark
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Patent number: 6615738Abstract: A fragmentation explosive munition element comprising a casing capable of generating fragments, having an axis of revolution, an explosive charge surrounded by the casing having the same axis of revolution and comprising a hole in the form of a cylindrical canal, the generatrices of which are parallel to the axis of revolution of the charge, a single peripheral and punctual means of initiating the charge. A design of this type makes it possible, for a given explosive charge, to obtain a markedly higher fragment velocity that is obtained with known designs.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: SNPEInventor: Serge Lecume
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Patent number: 6598534Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with aligned projectiles includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Richard M. Lloyd, Ernest C. Faccini
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Patent number: 6536351Abstract: A warhead (1) having a warhead casing (2) that encloses an explosive charge (5). To ensure that, during the detonation of the explosive charge (5), the warhead (1) effects a rapid acceleration of the fragments flying in the flight direction, and a lesser acceleration of the fragments flying away laterally from the warhead, and/or generates a relatively intense lateral pressure wave, the charge has at least two different partial charges (7, 8-10) corresponding to the intended use of the warhead (1). The first partial charge (7), which is disposed in the region of the tip of the warhead (1), and comprises, for example, octogen (HMX), possesses a high detonation speed in order, when detonated, to accelerate heavy-metal fragments (preferably WSM spherical fragments) disposed in front of the partial charge very rapidly forward. In contrast, the second partial charge (8-10), which adjoins the rear of the first partial charge (7), is a far less costly charge, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventors: Jürgen Böcker, Paul Wanninger
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Patent number: 6502515Abstract: A method of providing a high-explosive projectile with desired areas of fragmentation includes the following steps: securing a steel plate component in a circumferentially extending recess in the outer surface of a projectile body; directing an energy beam to outer surface portions of the steel plate component; heating, by the energy beam, narrow zones to a temperature above the melting temperature of the steel plate component to a predetermined depth thereof; and cooling the heated zones for effecting structural metallurgical changes in the steel plate component for obtaining the desired areas of fragmentation.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbHInventors: Helmut Burckhardt, Walter Simon, Thomas Heitmann
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Publication number: 20020096080Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragmentation explosive munition element comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: SNPEInventor: Serge Lecume
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Patent number: 6293201Abstract: A warhead has polar imbiber masses containing a complexed energetic composition of a cyclodextrin nitrate, a nitrate ester plasticizer, bismuth subsalicylate and a stabilizer that is dispersed into a cloud prior to target impact.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: John P. Consaga
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Patent number: 6283036Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Terrence Lane Munsinger
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Patent number: 6276278Abstract: A shell for combating air targets is provided. The shell comprises a proximity fuse with up to four seeking directions together with an explosive charge arranged in the shell. One or more fragment-forming casings are arranged in the shell. The fragment-forming casings are designed to have main directions of action aligned with the seeking directions of the proximity fuse. Therefore, on detonation of the explosive charge, the shell has ball sheaves aligned with the seeking directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Bofors ABInventor: Lars Korpe
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Patent number: 6044765Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for combating aircraft (4). According to the invention, use is made of a projectile which rotates in the trajectory (5) towards the target (4) and which is provided with a direction-sensing proximity fuse whose direction of impact has been coordinated with a defined splinter-scattering direction for the explosive charge (8) of the projectile. In a preferred embodiment, the projectile concerned is a projectile which is fired by means of rocket technology, backblast technology or, alternatively, by means of a gas generator, and which is included in a one-man weapon or team-operated weapon of the single-shot type.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Bofors ABInventor: Chirster Regebro
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Patent number: 5996501Abstract: A dual explosive charge is described that simultaneously enhances blast and fragmentation characteristics of the charge, including an inner driven charge of a non-ideal explosive surrounded by an outer charge sleeve of a more nearly ideal explosive, detonation of the outer charge resulting in an extremely high temperature, high pressure environment that accelerates reaction kinetics in the inner charge, resulting in enhanced blast and fragmentation performance of the explosive charge.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Arthur F. Spencer, John D. Corley
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Patent number: 5965838Abstract: A warhead for use in air defense missiles has a flat-sided cross-sectional onfiguration which can be mass focused to direct an entire side onto a target. The warhead may be rotated about the missile longitudinal axis to properly orient a warhead side at the time of detonation.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1975Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: George T. Boswell, William G. Rueb
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Patent number: 5939663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: William Walters, Richard Summers
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Patent number: 5801323Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Giat IndustriesInventor: Alain Kerdraon
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Patent number: 5753851Abstract: The spinning mine has all of its projectiles concentrated in one small ar It is launched from a spring-loaded threaded screw launcher and acquires angular momentum as it ascends into the air from the launcher to a pre-determined detonation altitude. As the mine spins, the detector assembly on board detects the presence and location of potential targets and sends appropriate indicative signals to a microprocessor, also on board. The microprocessor determines therefrom the location of the largest target or the largest cluster of targets in the environment and triggers the detonation of the mine such that the projectiles are jettisoned in a conical pattern toward the largest target or the largest cluster of targets for a more efficient destruction of the targets.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Debbee J. Jordan, Travis S. Taylor
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Patent number: 5690867Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an explosive ammunition component with controlled fragmentation, comprising a charge of solid explosive contained in a metal casing internally clad with a sleeve externally provided with indentations.A rigid sleeve made of plastic or elastomer, externally provided with indentations and which has a form of a vessel provided with a single opening, is produced first of all, and then this sleeve is introduced, with the bottom first, into a metal casing comprising an opening and whose shape and dimensions are such as to allow the sleeve to clad the casing internally.A pasty or liquid explosive composition is next cast into the sleeve and the composition is then solidified.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et ExplosifsInventors: Bruno Nouguez, Claude Grimelli, Pierre Vitrant, Alain Bonnel, Alain Tinet
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Patent number: H2236Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a target that includes dispersing submunition fragments in an array that is directed to intercept the target, and engaging said fragments to collide against an outer shell of the target, wherein said array distributes said fragments as having a ratio between a characteristic length of said fragments and a separation distance of at most 2.5 and a collision velocity of between 1.8 km/s 2.0 km/s. The ratio is preferably at most 1.9. The characteristic length corresponds to a spherical radius of the fragment. Each fragment has a mass between 150 grains and 300 grains. The array is preferably aligned to intercept the target at an angle offset by between 15° and 45° from perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the target. Each fragment has a preferable shape of a prism, a trapezoid or a pyramid.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nicholas V. Nechitailo, John F. Busic