Chaff Dispensing Patents (Class 102/505)
  • Patent number: 11970270
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chaff dispensing system that is provided on an aircraft. The chaff dispensing system includes a container, a dispensing assembly, a controller, and a volume of chaff material. The container has a first end, a second end, and a chamber that extends between the first and second ends, and the second end defines an ejection port. The dispensing assembly is provided on the aircraft, and the dispensing assembly is operably engaged to the container. The controller is electrically connected to the dispensing assembly. The volume of chaff material is disposed inside the chamber of the container. The volume of chaff material is dispensed by the dispensing assembly operably through the controller in metered volumes of chaff material. In addition, a first volume of chaff material may be metered at a first time and a second volume chaff material may be metered at a second time in which the second volume of chaff material is different than the first volume of chaff material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Danny L. Plemons, Mark J. Dube
  • Patent number: 10330450
    Abstract: A scalable mine deployment system establishes a close range tactical anti-vehicle obstacle. The scalable mine deployment system includes a deployment pod, a munitions control unit and a remote control station. The deployment pod deploys anti-vehicle munitions in response to a control signal received at the remdte control station and relayed via the munitions control unit. The deployment pods are arranged according to desired field properties and are configured to deploy one or more munitions at a selectable density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Victor Kokodis, Joseph Turci, George Sudol, Edward Cole
  • Patent number: 9387125
    Abstract: A tubular body is configured to be disposed around and to apply compression to an extremity. The tubular body includes a treatment area having a first filament and a second filament. Both the first filament and the second filament are disposed to engage the surface of the extremity. The first filament includes AgNP in a concentration effective to promote healing of a wound on the surface of the extremity. The second filament includes a metal having a composition that forms a galvanic couple with silver. The first filament and the second filament are arranged in the tubular body such that the AgNP and metal form galvanic couples across at least a portion of the treatment area when in the presence of a fluid in the wound of the extremity that produce an electric current in an amount effective to further promote healing of the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: VIVE WEAR LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Duda
  • Patent number: 8695847
    Abstract: A dispenser unit for countermeasures. A magazine for the countermeasures is removably arranged on the dispenser unit. A dispensing nozzle dispenses the countermeasures out of the magazine. A movable seal is arranged within the magazine. The seal in a first position covers the dispensing nozzle and in a second position opens the dispensing nozzle, such that the countermeasures may be dispensed through the dispensing nozzle when the seal is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Benny Sjöbeck, Robert Melin, Björn Zachrisson
  • Patent number: 8490924
    Abstract: A method for launching counter-measures from a launch opening of a dispenser mounted on an aeroplane. The counter-measures are launched in a direction obliquely forwards and downwards relative to the aeroplane. In order to facilitate launching of counter-measures, a low dynamic pressure is created permanently across the launch opening of the dispenser by a fixed element acting on the air stream. An arrangement for storing and launching counter-measures including an elongate body provided with at least one launch opening used for storing the counter-measures in compartments. The arrangement is designed to be mounted on an aeroplane with the longitudinal direction of the elongate body essentially coinciding with the flight direction of the aeroplane. The counter-measures are connected to a firing control unit for feeding firing signals to the counter-measures. The arrangement is designed to be mounted under the aeroplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Björn Zachrisson
  • Patent number: 8146504
    Abstract: A protection system (10) is proposed which comprises a storage container (1), a transport unit (2), an activation unit (3), an ejection unit (4), a monitoring/control unit (5) and a user unit/interface (6), as well as at least one effect body (7). This system (10) is integrated at the front in a flying carrier (11), and a modular system (10), with the object of positioning spoof measures in a defined manner, in this case by means of the effect body (7). The various effect bodies (7) are preferably activated and initiated in a controlled manner without any physical contact, in the same way as pneumatic or mechanical ejection of these effect bodies (7). The effect bodies (7) are packets without any munitions, and are responsible for the actual effect of the system (10) outside the carrier (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmental Waffe Muntion GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Wallner, Heinz Bannasch, Rainer Gaisbauer, Vikorn Kadavanich
  • Patent number: 8132492
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a deployment device that is operative to deploy Special Material (SM) to protect the vehicle when an enemy infrared (IR) threat is present. The deployment device constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one, and preferably a pair of canisters which are each filled or loaded with SM, then factory sealed to prevent oxidation or contamination. Each of the canisters included in the deployment device includes an input shaft which, when rotated, is operative to transmit the rotary motion to each of four threaded rods. The rods have two primary functions, which are to advance a piston thereby preloading the SM within the canister toward the open end thereof, and to turn rotary metering devices which are located at the open end of the canister. The advancing piston maintains consistent compression in the SM stack within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Meggitt Defense Systems
    Inventors: Roger D. Brum, Mark A. Imhoof
  • Patent number: 8082849
    Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a projectile configured to be propelled upwardly from a hand-held launcher and receiving a plurality of electrically conductive streamers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Felix Schneider, Christopher Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 8033225
    Abstract: A dispenser system for a platform. The dispenser system is configured to be mounted to the platform and connected to power- and control-system of the platform. The dispenser system includes a dispenser for countermeasure boxes. The dispenser is configured for non-pyrotechnic dispensing and opening of the boxes. Each box is sealed by a detachable closure that includes a first opening member and at least one passive, second opening member stationarily fixed to the dispenser, which is provided with a motor gear. The first and second opening members are configured for detaching the closure by mutual interaction simultaneously as each box under the influence of the motor gear is launchable from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Johan Friede, Christer Hedberg, Christer Zätterqvist
  • Patent number: 7987788
    Abstract: A dispenser for a platform, configured to be mounted to the platform and connected to power- and control-systems of the platform. The dispenser includes a magazine for a plurality of pyrotechnic countermeasure cartridges. The magazine is configured for removable fixation to the dispenser by one single fixing bolt in a central location thereof for securing the magazine to the dispenser in an operative mode. A first lock associated with the dispenser and a second lock associated with the magazine are configured to arrest the fixing bolt in interlocking engagement with the first lock and preventing the fixing bolt from coming loose due to environmental influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Björn Zachrisson
  • Patent number: 7987791
    Abstract: A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Felix Schneider, Christopher Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 7895931
    Abstract: A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Randy L. Gaigler, George Raymond Root, Jr., Benjamin D. Skurdal, Leszek Stanislaw Basak
  • Patent number: 7623059
    Abstract: A disruptive media dispersal system for aircraft which absorbs and scatters directed energy weapon beams such as tracking lasers and high energy lasers (HELs) is disclosed. The system may include laser detectors, laser beam propagation disruptive media and a dispersal system. When attacked by a directed energy weapon such as a laser, the laser detector system or vehicle operator deploys the disruptive media. The disruptive media is released by a feeder and dispersal system into the air in the path of the tracking and/or HEL weapon. For example, the dispersal system may be located onboard the aircraft near the front of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John Frederick Klein
  • Patent number: 7600477
    Abstract: A method for discharging countermeasures, a rocket launcher, and a dispenser arrangement. A space for one or more rockets in a rocket launcher is used as a carrier for a dispenser arrangement for countermeasures. The dispenser arrangement is designed with one or more cylindrical sections specially adapted to the rocket space in the rocket launcher. Equipment already adapted to aircraft can be used in supplementing the countermeasure equipment of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Christer Zätterqvist
  • Patent number: 7533615
    Abstract: A chaff element for interfering with radar signals. The chaff element has a dielectric substrate and a pair of elongate electrically conductive elements, having a total length of approximately one-half wavelength of the radar signals or otherwise tuned to the radar signals, disposed on the dielectric substrate. A switch is arranged to electrically couple the pair of elongate elements together in response to a control signal generated by an oscillator circuit and a battery. The chaff element can be used in a method of providing a countermeasure against radar signals. A plurality of chaff elements can be deployed in an airspace above a radar unit emitting a radar signal and interfere with the radar signal by opening and closing the switches of the chaff elements while deployed in said airspace above the radar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew W. Ganz, James H. Schaffner, Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Richard P. Berg
  • Patent number: 7516700
    Abstract: An infra-red emitting decoy flare comprising a rupturable container 13 housing combustible flakes 1 and ignition means 20 for igniting the combustible flakes 1. Each of the combustible flakes 1 comprises a fibrous, carbon containing substrate on to which has been vapor deposited on one or both faces thereof a combustible material layer which is capable, in use, of igniting substantially simultaneously the entire surface onto which it is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Secretaryof State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingsom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventor: James Callaway
  • Patent number: 7373886
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for discharging countermeasures from a carrier craft in the form of an aircraft or equivalent. The countermeasures are intended to be spread initially in the form of unit packs that, after they have left the carrier craft, are to screen the same from missiles approaching is guided by built-in sensors, or other threats. It is especially characteristic of the invention that the unit countermeasure packs are spread from the carrier transversely to the lying direction of the carrier craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Christer Zätterqvist, Johan Friede
  • Patent number: 6857371
    Abstract: The two-payload decoy device has a square outer case, containing a manifold/delay body assembly, a round payload assembly, and a square payload assembly. The square outer case is closed with an end cap. The manifold/delay body assembly is attached to the round payload assembly, which rests against the square payload assembly. Firing a standard impulse cartridge ignites a booster pellet and delay element in the manifold/delay body assembly. Gases flow through openings in the manifold/delay body assembly and down the corner cavities between the round payload assembly and the square case, pushing the square piston against the square payload, which separates the end cap from the case and ejects the square payload. The delay element burns for a specific time, and then ignites a round payload expulsion charge, which creates gases that push the round piston against the round payload, which dislodges a retaining ring, and ejects the round payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald Lagrange, Douglas Shulte, Robert Barker, Charles Howard, Richard Hall, David Dillard
  • Publication number: 20040200381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for discharging countermeasure means, a rocket launcher (1), and a dispenser arrangement (10). According to the invention, the space (9) for one or more rockets in a rocket launcher (1) is used as a carrier for a dispenser arrangement (10) for countermeasure means. The dispenser arrangement is designed with one or more cylindrical sections (11, 12.2, 12.5) specially adapated to the rocket space in the rocket launcher. By virtue of the invention, equipment already adapted to aircraft can be made use of in supplementing the countermeasure equipment of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Christer Zatterqvist
  • Publication number: 20040200382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for discharging countermeasure means from a carrier craft in the form of an aircraft or equivalent. In this connection, the countermeasure means is intended to be spread initially in the form of unit packs (13, 13′ and 20) which, after they have left the carrier craft, are to screen the same (23) from missiles (24) approaching is guided by built-in sensors, or other threats. It is especially characteristic of the invention that the unit countermeasure packs (13, 13′ and 20) are spread from the carrier (2) transversely to the lying direction of the carrier craft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Christer Zatterqvist, Johan Friede
  • Patent number: 6782826
    Abstract: A method of decoying an incoming missile from a target. The method comprises deploying an array of barrels each containing multiple projectiles, determining a position and orientation for a decoy image of the target in relation to the incoming missile, and firing multiple projectiles substantially simultaneously from respective barrels of the array to create the image. Each projectile contains image forming matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Storm Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6675716
    Abstract: A method for decoying an infrared seeker comprising the steps of providing a plurality of small pyrotechnic pellets, igniting the pellets and dispersing the pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Melvin P. Nadler
  • Patent number: 6662700
    Abstract: A method for protecting an aircraft against a threat that utilizes an infrared sensor includes providing a plurality of dispensable infrared sources transported in an infrared-source dispenser with the aircraft. A set of infrared-emitting properties of the infrared sources is selected responsive to a set of infrared detecting characteristics of the infrared sensor. A modulated pattern of the infrared sources is dispensed from the infrared-source dispenser responsive to at least one of the set of infrared detecting characteristics of the infrared sensor, and a geometric engagement scenario of the aircraft and the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Mary Dominique O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6655292
    Abstract: A camouflage device includes at least one releasable active material disposed in at least one container to interrupt a line of sight, whereby the container can be deployed as a preventive measure and the active material can be remotely activated, if necessary. The container(s) can be brought to the desired location to be off-loaded by a transport vehicle, such as a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Rudolf Salzeder
  • Patent number: 6513438
    Abstract: A method and associated decoy for offering a phantom target for protecting land, air or water vehicles or the like as a defense against missiles possessing a target seeking head operating in the infrared (IR) or radar (RF) range, or a target seeking head simultaneously or serially operating in both wavelength ranges. An effective mass emitting radiation in the IR range (IR effective mass) based on flares and a mass backscattering RF radiation (RF effective mass) based on dipoles are simultaneously made to take effect in an appropriate position as a phantom target. A ratio of dipole mass to flare mass of approx. 3.4:1 to approx. 6:1 is employed; and flares presenting a descent rate approx. 0.5 to 1.5 m/s higher than that of the dipoles are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Buck Neue Technologien GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Fegg, Heinz Bannasch
  • Patent number: 6510798
    Abstract: A method of packaging a multiplicity of infrared decoy foils into a canister having an aft end and a drive screw extending therein. The present method allows for the controlled dispensing and dispersal of the decoy foils from within the canister and comprises the initial step of assembling the decoy foils into at least one stack. The stack is advanced into the canister, with a preload being applied to at least a portion of the stack through the use of at least one separator plate cooperatively engaged to the drive screw. The preload applied to the decoy foils is of a force greater than or equal to that required to dispense the decoy foils from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Meggitt Defense Systems
    Inventor: Roger D. Brum
  • Patent number: 6499407
    Abstract: A method of packaging a multiplicity of infrared decoy foils into a canister having an aft end and a drive screw extending therein. The present method allows for the controlled dispensing and dispersal of the decoy foils from within the canister and comprises the initial step of assembling the decoy foils into at least one stack. The stack is advanced into the canister, with a preload being applied to at least a portion of the stack through the use of at least one separator plate cooperatively engaged to the drive screw. The preload applied to the decoy foils is of a force greater than or equal to that required to dispense the decoy foils from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Meggitt Defense Systems
    Inventor: Roger D. Brum
  • Patent number: 6484640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a screening smoke which is one-way transparent in the infrared spectrum (780 nm-14.0 &mgr;m) and opaque in the visible spectrum. According to the invention a known pyrotechnic screening smoke which is highly absorbent in the visible spectrum (380 nm-780 nm) is generated in the form of an aerosol, pyrotechnic scattered particles between 10 and 100 &mgr;m in size are simultaneously produced in said aerosol, and the resulting two-component smoke is irradiated by an infrared radiation source (spectrum: 780 nm-14.0 &mgr;m) from the smoke producer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pepete GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Schneider, Ernst-Christian Koch, Axel Dochnahl
  • Publication number: 20020170456
    Abstract: A method of packaging a multiplicity of infrared decoy foils into a canister having an aft end and a drive screw extending therein. The present method allows for the controlled dispensing and dispersal of the decoy foils from within the canister and comprises the initial step of assembling the decoy foils into at least one stack. The stack is advanced into the canister, with a preload being applied to at least a portion of the stack through the use of at least one separator plate cooperatively engaged to the drive screw. The preload applied to the decoy foils is of a force greater than or equal to that required to dispense the decoy foils from the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Roger D. Brum
  • Publication number: 20020117073
    Abstract: A method of packaging a multiplicity of infrared decoy foils into a canister having an aft end and a drive screw extending therein. The present method allows for the controlled dispensing and dispersal of the decoy foils from within the canister and comprises the initial step of assembling the decoy foils into at least one stack. The stack is advanced into the canister, with a preload being applied to at least a portion of the stack through the use of at least one separator plate cooperatively engaged to the drive screw. The preload applied to the decoy foils is of a force greater than or equal to that required to dispense the decoy foils from the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Roger D. Brum
  • Patent number: 6412416
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge containing a propellant. When ignited, propellant gases expand through a diffuser, then through and into a clearing pad and then through and into a filler area, thereby de-agglomerating and fluidizing the filler and increasing pressure until a frangible end seal on the retainer end of the cartridge ruptures and releases the filler as an aerosol cloud. Methods for disseminating an aerosol and for using the device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William G. Rouse, Raymond J. Maleck, Daniel J. Hartman, Noel Gonzalez, Daniel M. Jackson, Walter T. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6381825
    Abstract: A method for stacking fibers less than 10 mm long into a cartridge case, including an impregnation stage for fibers arrayed into at least one skein together with a solidifiable material, the skein being solidifiable inside a mold and then, in the solidified state, being cut into at least two slices each of a thickness which is the desired fiber length. Such cartridges are for use as screens or decoys against radar or other detection or guidance systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Muriel Regis, Martial Bernard, André Espagnacq
  • Patent number: 6047644
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device comprising a casing having a base end and a ainer end, with a firing primer mounted through the base end and extending into a propellant zone which contains a propellant. The firing primer is thereby detonationally connected to the propellant. A diffuser plate is mounted inside of the casing on a side of the propellant zone opposite to the firing primer. A filler area inside of the casing is adjacent to the diffuser on an opposite side to the propellant zone. The filler area contains particles of a powder having interstitial void space between the particles. A frangible end seal is attached to the casing within the retainer end, with the frangible end seal being positioned adjacent to the filler area on an opposite side of the diffuser. When activated, propellant gases expand through the diffuser into the fill area deagglomerating and fluidizing the powder particles and increasing pressure until the end seal ruptures and releases an aerosol cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Raymond J. Malecki, William G. Rouse, Daniel J. Hartman, Samuel Morgan, Tom Mills
  • Patent number: 5966089
    Abstract: A means for preventing the opening of a chaff muffin upon its entry into air stream of its supersonic-velocity carrier rocket, said means comprising a longitudinal wrapping in addition to the usual circumferential wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1972
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William D. Greenlees
  • Patent number: 5915694
    Abstract: An aerial decoy comprising a fuselage having forward and aft ends. Disposed within the fuselage are a plurality of decoy discs. Rotatably connected to the forward end of the fuselage is a ram air turbine which is cooperatively engaged to the decoy discs such that the rotation of the ram air turbine facilitates the dispensation of the decoy discs from the aft end of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Roger D. Brum
  • Patent number: 5834682
    Abstract: A 12-gauge emergency radar rescue signal cartridge comprises bundles of high density chaff tuned to I-Band frequencies of 8-10 GH.sub.z and packaged in a projectile housed within a 12-gauge 3.0-3.5 inch magnum shot shell. The projectile is deployed to a desired altitude by a propellant charge contained within the base of the shell. The base propellant ignites a pyrotechnic delay train carried by the projectile which allows the projectile to reach apogee geometry before the chaff material is expelled to form a radar reflecting cloud. The cartridge may also be employed to facilitate radar observation of low altitude wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Cyrus E. Warren
  • Patent number: 5817970
    Abstract: A projectile, particularly for nonlethal active components. The projectile has a disintegratable shell with pyrotechnic means. The projectile has two or more shell layers made of explosive foil, each alternating with another shell layer made of supportive foil material, between a radially outer shell layer made of supportive foil material and a radially inner protective shell. The different layers made of explosive foil can be ignited sequentially when viewed radially from the outside to the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG
    Inventor: Johannes Feierlein
  • Patent number: 5663518
    Abstract: A method for the self-protection of an aircraft or the like against radar-guided missiles and a self-protection device for use in aircraft and the like against radar-guided missiles, which enables in-flight cutting and dispensing of chaff dipoles of a preselected length into the airstream along the flight path of the aircraft. The device comprises a housing enclosing a motor having a flywheel providing a motor inertia that enables the motor to maintain a substantially constant rotational speed when a load is applied, a magnetic clutch, gearing for rotating a platen roller and a cutter roller, as well as means for controlling the operation of the device, and an exit opening with a spoiler for dispensing the cut dipoles into the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Widmer
  • Patent number: 5661257
    Abstract: A covert, i.e., no visible light emitted, multispectral day/night target marker is disclosed. The marker emits a signature detectable in the electromagnetic spectrum including visible, near infrared, middle and longwave infrared, and radar regions. The marker is particularly useful for marking of target areas so that they can be easily detected from the ground or the air. The visible spectrum is marked by a white or colored pyrotechnic smoke generant. The near infrared region is marked by near infrared emitting photodiodes encased in a hardened polymeric molding compound. These diodes are only visible through night vision devices (image intensifiers). The middle through the far infrared regions are marked by the heat generated from the combustion of the pyrotechnic smoke generant. The smoke generant is housed in a canister having a highly emissive surface. The radar region is marked using radar chaff. The target marker is configured for use with conventional mortar or rocket delivered flare systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Brad A. Fairbourn
  • Patent number: 5631439
    Abstract: A multiple squib assembly is provided for use in a chaff deployment system. A method of manufacture is also provided. The assembly of this invention represents an improvement over prior art squib assemblies, such as the BBU48. In preferred embodiments, the assembly comprises a brass base plate, a pair of squibs, a center contact connected to the squibs, and a zener diode connected between one of the squibs and the baseplate. All of those components are retained within a molded rubber or plastic body, which is shaped to hold the components in the desired relative position and to form sealing elements around each of the squibs. A reliable, integral assembly is thus provided using a minimal number of parts and electrical connections. In alternative embodiments, a larger number of squibs may be incorporated into the assembly, and alternative discrimination elements may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Tracor Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley T. Sallee, Beryl W. Cotton, III
  • Patent number: 5602362
    Abstract: The member bearing electromagnetic decoys comprises a sliding member (23 to 27) having an open major face closed by a cover of which an extension projects opposite an opening (21A) in a compartment (21) provided for a pyrotechnic portion. When the pyrotechnic charge there disposed has caused ejection of the decoy-bearing sliding member, and after a given delay, it will act on the extension of the cover in order to remove the latter and thereby release it from the electromagnetic decoys. This ensures that the decoys are deployed at the end of a given delay after ejection of the decoy-bearing member from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventors: Alain A. Billard, Andre R. Santalucia
  • Patent number: 5499582
    Abstract: A projectile is described which consists of a contact head and a screen material canister which may be made of aluminum, attached thereto by bolts and, optionally closed with a cover. Contact rings are arranged on an outer casing of the contact head and are connected via firing leads to a primer capsule which is located in the contact head in a centrally disposed box-shaped charge chamber having a substantially gas-tight screw cover at its base and substantially gas-tight ports for the firing leads, the ports being sealed with a sealing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Buck Chemische-Technische Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Alois Schiessl, Wolfgang Steinicke, Wolfgang Trede, Hartmut Krone
  • Patent number: 5464699
    Abstract: A pyrophoric coating formed by leaching aluminum from an aluminide coated web in which the aluminide coating was formed on or into the web by an exothermic and diffusion reaction of a powder containing aluminum and chromium with or without a transition metal selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel or cobalt and in which the weight ratio of chromium to aluminum is at least 1:50 but no more than about 1:4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Alloy Surfaces Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Alfonso L. Baldi
  • Patent number: 5445078
    Abstract: Payload delivery of a payload compartment containing a delivery device is initiated by a suitable fusing device which ejects the delivery device from a payload section by firing a gas generator in the section base to propel the delivery device forwardly, thereby shearing retaining pins and ejecting the delivery device from the payload section. The fusing device concurrently fires a time-delayed mechanism leading to a second gas generator in the center of the delivery device. The gas generator ignites after the chaff dispenser is clear of the payload section. The ignition reaction pneumatically blows chaff (e.g. metallized dipoles) out of wrapped bundles, leaving the wrapper bonded to the delivery device and disseminating the chaff in a cloud of hot gas and air turbulently mixed in the wind shear occurring in the wake of the delivery device. The delivery device survives the dispensing and dissemination processes without losing structural integrity. Thus, no harmful debris is ejected into the chaff cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Universal Propulsion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Marion
  • Patent number: 5423264
    Abstract: Pyrotechnic bomb comprising a body (1) containing a burst charge (2) and flare charges (6) whose dispersion and ignition are ensured during the burst, characterized in that the said body (1) is made at least partially from a pyrotechnic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Ruggieri
    Inventors: Jean P. Siegler, Jean-Pierre Chastel
  • Patent number: 5411225
    Abstract: A non-pyrotechnic reusable cartridge for ejecting countermeasures, such as chaff, flares, or other payloads. The cartridge comprises a gas chamber storing a compressed gas and including an ejection mechanism and a countermeasure storage section storing a countermeasure. In one embodiment, the ejection mechanism is a solenoid valve. When an ejection signal is transmitted by the pilot, the solenoid valve opens to allow the compressed, non-flammable gas to be released from the gas chamber and push the countermeasure out of the cartridge at a high rate of speed. Other embodiments use a rupture disk positioned between the ejection section and the countermeasure storage section. When an eject signal is received, the rupture disk is either punctured or melted to allow the compressed gas into the storage section, thus ejecting the countermeasure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Robert G. Lannon, William F. Weldon
  • Patent number: 5410967
    Abstract: Rigid containers held assembled together form a dispenser from which chaff s dispersed by internally generated pressure when it exceeds a predetermined ejection level to displace and remove a sealing cap from a retention position causing rupture of an associated snap-lock, followed by controlled dispersal of the chaff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Harvey L. Peritt
  • Patent number: 5400690
    Abstract: The present invention falls within the sector of infrared or electrogmagnetic decoys for protecting light aircraft or helicopters. It relates more particularly to pyrotechnic cartridges and to ammuniton comprising racks receiving the cartridges. This invention makes it possible, for the same volume of ammunition, to have a larger number of shots and to carry out the loading of the ammunition simply and quickly. The cartridge (1), consists of a sole (2) fixed to a case (3), in which are accommodated a plurality of assemblies (11) comprising pyrotechnical ejection charges (6), pyromechanical assemblies (7), ignition charges (8), effective charges (9) and the caps (10). The case (3) is provided with a plurality of receptacles and comprises at its base either a blocking device (4) or a gasket which is seated in a groove (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Gerard Meili, Jean-Luc Pinchot
  • Patent number: 5359918
    Abstract: In the field of infrared or electromagnetic decoys for protecting light aircraft or helicopters, pyrotechnic cartridges and ammunition comprising racks receiving the cartridges are described. Thus it is possible for the same volume of ammunition to have a larger number of shots and to carry out the loading of the ammunition simply and quickly. The cartridge (1) consists of a sole (2) fixed to a case (3), in which are accommodated a plurality of assemblies (11) comprising pyrotechnical ejection charges (6), pyromechanical assemblies (7), ignition charges (8), effective charges (9) and the caps (10). The case (3) is provided with a plurality of receptacles and comprises at its base a blocking device (4). The assemblies (11) are independent and are arranged in parallel in the various receptacles of the case (3); the sole (2) is common to the various receptacles of the case (3) and is provided with electrical fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Gerard Meili, Jean-Luc Pinchot
  • Patent number: H2039
    Abstract: System for clearing both light and heavy obstacles, in which one or more flying metal plates are propelled against heavy obstacles by explosive forces which also expand a folded continous rod member into a curvilinear, generally annular configuration that cuts through light obstacles such as concertina wire in the process of unfolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William H. Holt, Alexander G. Rozner, Bernard P. Howder