Contiguous Layers Or Zones Patents (Class 149/14)
  • Patent number: 8834654
    Abstract: An adhesive may bond a plastic bonded explosive to a metal surface. The adhesive may include a mixture of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and isophorone di-isocyanate (IPDI) in a weight ratio in the range of about 5 to 1 to about 10 to 1. The adhesive may include a solvent and/or a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Edward A. Lustig, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8721813
    Abstract: Bimetallic alloys prepared in a ball milling process, such as iron nickel (FeNi), iron palladium (FePd), and magnesium palladium (MgPd) provide in situ catalyst system for remediating and degrading nitro explosive compounds. Specifically, munitions, such as, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX), nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine that have become contaminants in groundwater, soil, and other structures are treated on site to remediate explosive contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Clausen, III, Cherie Geiger, Michael Sigman, Rebecca Fidler
  • Patent number: 8708367
    Abstract: A gas generator for a safety device for a motor vehicle, comprises at least two distinct chambers which communicate with each other through at least one opening or nozzle. A first chamber is isolated from the outside. A second chamber or “diffusion” chamber is able to receive gases generated by the combustion of a solid pyrotechnical charge placed in the first chamber, and to discharge them towards the outside. The solid charge is a mixture consisting of at least one oxidizing charge and a reducing charge, the oxygen balance of which is equilibrated. A heat generator is provided which generates sufficient heat for triggering and sustaining the combustion of the charge without any other interaction, notably of the chemical type, between the heat generator and the charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seva Technologies
    Inventors: Daniel Duvacquier, Xavier Lelievre, Yvonnig Patton, François Peremarty
  • Patent number: 8657974
    Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes an auto-ignition/booster composition 212 that contains a metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a primary fuel, a secondary oxidizer such as strontium nitrate, and if desired, a secondary fuel such as 5-aminotetrazole. The auto-ignition/booster composition 212 and a separate provision of ammonium nitrate or phase stabilized ammonium nitrate 228 are provided within a single combustion/decomposition chamber 222 for the production of gas, upon actuation of the gas generator 10. Vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Mayville, Deborah L. Hordos, Graylon K. Williams
  • Patent number: 8608878
    Abstract: A heat generating structure includes a substrate, a coating and a polymeric material. The substrate comprises a first material. The coating comprises a second material, different from the first material that covers at least a portion of the substrate. The coating and substrate, upon being thermally energized to their minimum alloying temperature, react in a first exothermic reaction that is an alloying reaction. The relative quantities of the substrate and coating are such that the first exothermic reaction yields a first amount of exothermic energy that is insufficient to cause self-sustained propagation of the first exothermic reaction. The polymeric material covers substantially all of the substrate and coating, and is different from the first and second materials. The polymeric layer, upon being thermally energized, reacts with at least one of the substrate and coating in a second exothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Kellett, David F. Irwin
  • Patent number: 8591676
    Abstract: A thermite composition includes at least one composite particle having a convoluted lamellar structure having alternating metal oxide layers including a metal oxide and metal layers including a metal capable of reducing the metal oxide. The metal oxide layers and metal layers both have an average thickness of between 10 nm and 1 ?m. Molar proportions of the metal oxide and metal is within 30% of being stoichiometric for a thermite reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Coffey, Edward Dein, Dickson Hugus, Edward Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8585839
    Abstract: A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kelvin T. Higa
  • Patent number: 8540829
    Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, James Horning
  • Patent number: 8496765
    Abstract: A system and method correct crystal pulling motor speed deviations in a crystal pulling mechanism. In a first embodiment, a processor implements a tracking filter by estimating new filter state based on previous state and the since-then-travelled nominal distance, and then updating the filter state based on estimation error and filter gains which are also functions of the travelled nominal distance. In a second embodiment, a harmonic tracking filter suppresses residual harmonic modulation and allows a short time constant. Rapid variations of pulling speed may thus be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Sumco Phoenix Corporation, Sumco Corporation
    Inventors: Benno Orschel, Keiichi Takanashi
  • Patent number: 8465608
    Abstract: A method for forming a metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) includes providing a vacuum level of <10?8 torr base pressure in a deposition chamber. A first layer of a first material of a metal that is reactive with water vapor is deposited, followed by depositing a second layer of a second material of a metal oxide on the first layer. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction to form at least one product, and the first and second layer are in sufficiently close physical proximity so that upon initiation of the exothermic reaction the reaction develops into a self initiating chemical reaction. An interfacial region averaging <1 nm thick is formed between the first layer and second layer from a reaction of the first material with water vapor. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Coffey, Edward Alan Dein, Bo Yao
  • Patent number: 8460487
    Abstract: A method of desensitization of a sensitive liquid is provided, which includes the continuous stirring of the sensitive liquid with an inert liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Rafael, Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
    Inventors: Benjamin Keren, Yael Cohen-Arazi, Edith Sokol, David Fischer
  • Patent number: 8425704
    Abstract: Silicon-based explosive devices and methods of manufacture are provided. In this regard, a representative method involves: providing a doped silicon substrate; depositing undoped silicon on a first side of the substrate; and infusing an oxidizer into an area bounded at least in part by the undoped silicon; wherein the undoped silicon limits an exothermic reaction of the doped silicon to the bounded area. Another representative method involves: providing a doped silicon substrate; depositing a masking layer of low-pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) Silicon nitride to the first side of the substrate; patterning the nitride mask and etching the porous silicon, and infusing oxidizer into an area bounded by the LPCVD nitride; wherein the silicon nitride limits an exothermic reaction of the doped silicon to the bounded area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Luke J. Currano, Ronald G. Polcawich, Wayne Churaman, Mark Gelak
  • Publication number: 20130042951
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for casting hybrid rocket motor fuel grains. In one embodiment, a method for casting a rocket motor fuel grain can be provided. The method can include providing a positive image of a port made from at least one material. The method can further include disposing at least one fuel material around at least a portion of the positive image of the port. Further, the method can include removing the at least one material, wherein a negative image of the port is formed in the at least one fuel material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jerome Keith Fuller
  • Patent number: 8372224
    Abstract: The present inventions provide methods of manufacturing methods for case metallic materials for munitions that have high enthalpic energy release and controlled fragmentation and breakup enabling fragment speeds up to twice what is otherwise possible in explosively driven metal systems, and munitions made by such methods. Embodiments of the invention involve the thixotropic processing of energetic materials such as aluminum together with high density materials such as tantalum or tungsten to achieve material microstructures with a bulk density equivalent to steel, but with the energy release potential of materials such as finely dispersed aluminum powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: B6 Sigma, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek R Dave, Mark J Cola, Robert E Swanson, Daniel Hartman
  • Patent number: 8336457
    Abstract: Applicants have discovered that electrostatic discharge (ESD) may, in some circumstances, result in current densities sufficient to ignite unprotected reactive composite materials. They have further discovered that a reactive composite material (RCM) can be protected from ESD ignition without adversely affecting the desirable properties of the RCM by the application of conducting and/or insulating materials at appropriate locations on the RCM. Thus ESD-protected RCM structures can be designed for such sensitive applications as ignition of propellants, generation of light bursts, and structural materials for equipment that may require controlled self-destruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanofoil Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Weihs, Etienne Besnoin, Ramzi Vincent, Somasundaram Valliappan, Ellen Heian, David Van Heerden, Timothy Ryan Rude, Omar Knio, Ronald Spraker, Yuping Lin
  • Patent number: 8333854
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of composite thermite particles, and thermite particles and consolidated objects formed from a plurality of pressed composite particles. The process includes providing one or more metal oxides and one or more complementary metals capable of reducing the metal oxide, and milling the metal oxide and the metal at a temperature below ?50° C., such as cryomilling, to form a convoluted lamellar structure. The average layer thickness is generally between 10 nm and 1 ?m. The molar proportions of the metal oxide and metal are generally within 30% of being stoichiometric for a thermite reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Coffey, Edward Dein, Dickson Hugus, Edward Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8298358
    Abstract: A metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) and methods for forming the same includes a first material and a second material having an interfacial region therebetween. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction with one another to form at least one product and are in sufficiently close physical proximity to one another so that upon initiation the exothermic reaction develops into a self initiating reaction. At least one of said first and second materials include a metal that is reactive with water vapor at room temperature. The interfacial region averages <2 nm thick, such as <1 nm thick. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Coffey, Edward Dein, Bo Yao
  • Patent number: 8257521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of propellant devices and more particularly to the propellant devices used in weapon systems and munitions. The invention has the two advantages of minimizing the risk associated with accidental attack to which propellant devices may be exposed thanks to the filling of the central channel commonly provided along the core of the cylindrical explosive charge and of greatly increasing the effectiveness of these propellant charges by the use of explosive materials having a very high burn rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Denis Salignon, Claude Perthuis, Thierry Bouet, Christophe Riviere
  • Patent number: 8241443
    Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, James R. Horning
  • Publication number: 20120138201
    Abstract: The propulsion system for the acceleration of projectiles is based on nitrocellulose and contains a crystalline energy carrier on a nitramine base and an inert plasticising additive. The nitramine compound contains a structural element of the general chemical structure formula R—N—NO2, where R is a residual. The nitramine compound is present in a concentration in the range from 1 to 35% by weight, in particular in the range from 5 to 25% by weight. The nitramine compound is preferably RDX. The inert plasticising additive is a water-insoluble polyoxo compound, if necessary in combination with a substance containing carboxyl groups. In layers near the surface an increased concentration can be present. The inert plasticising additive is present in a concentration of 1 to 5% by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Nitrochemie Wimmis AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaedeli, Hanspeter Andres, Kurt Ryf, Dominik Antenen, Beat Vogelsanger
  • Publication number: 20120118447
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Publication number: 20120020879
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for production of a metal nanoparticle, the process comprising providing a first solution containing a protein nanocage complex comprising a hydrophobic metal core and an ion-transport mechanism, providing a second solution containing a preselected anionic agent, combining the first and second solutions into a third combined solution, and applying an external method to the third combined solution to manipulate the metal core's redox state, in which reduction of the metal core causes the preselected anionic agent to be imported and incorporated into the metal core. Also provided herein is a composition from the process and a method of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventor: Richard K. Watt
  • Patent number: 8057611
    Abstract: A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario Brisighella, Brett Hussey
  • Patent number: 8057612
    Abstract: A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario Brisighella, Brett Hussey
  • Publication number: 20110220253
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tying machine (100) for forming bundles from a plurality of propellant sticks (4). Such bun-files may be used to form a propellant charge for use in, for example, heavy artillery. The tying machine tends to comprise an aperture (6) and a work surface (8) such that the plurality of sticks may rest on the work surface and occupy a portion of the aperture. Further, a drum (10) holding one end of a length of twine surrounds the aperture and can be rotated to wind the twine around the sticks. The twine can be secured once the sticks are bound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Bernard Cullen, Kenneth Sorley, James John Pirrett Higgins, Charles Thomas Marshall, David Michael Stalker
  • Patent number: 7998290
    Abstract: A thermobaric munition including a composite explosive material, the composite explosive material having a high-explosive composition, and a detonable energetic material dispersed within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide. A related method includes tailoring the blast characteristics of high explosive composition to match a predetermined time-pressure impulse, the method including disbursing a detonable energetic material having a preselected reaction rate within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, George W. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20110168305
    Abstract: Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Reed J. Blau, Lisa S. Liu, Ronald L. Hansen, Richard G. Ames
  • Publication number: 20110146517
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Patent number: 7955451
    Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide dispersed in a binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; including combining the energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide with a polymeric binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 7955453
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing gradient structures uses multiple jet-spraying mechanisms to form layers of distinct precursors into a gradient composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John M. Kelley, Raafat H. Guirguis
  • Patent number: 7896988
    Abstract: A charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board is provided. The charge system has a first substrate having a number of recesses formed therein with each of the recesses having a housing disposed therein. A high density charge is disposed within the housing. A number of recesses are formed within the high density charge. A number of low density charges are disposed within each of the recesses formed within the high density charge. A second substrate is located proximate to the first substrate. The low density charge and the high density charge are structured to destroy the second substrate after ignition. A method of destroying chips is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Spectre Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Mohler
  • Publication number: 20110027547
    Abstract: Applicants have discovered new composite materials and have developed a variety of new ways of making reactive composite materials (RCMs) and methods of controlling the properties and characteristics of the materials that are pertinent to numerous new or improved applications. This patent application is directed to new and improved ways of making reactive composite materials using mechanical deformation and making such materials with controlled, predictable characteristics. This application is also directed toward useful applications of the resulting materials. In accordance with the invention, RCMs are fabricated by a series of mechanical deformation steps. In the first deformation step, an assembly of reactive layers and/or particles is plastically deformed to reduce its cross sectional area by one-half or more. This severe initial deformation substantially eliminates the tendency of deformed layers to delaminate and eliminates the necessity of using specially cleaned metal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Yuwei Xun, David Lunking, Etienne Besnoin, David Van Heerden, Timothy P. Weihs, Omar Knio
  • Publication number: 20110014096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photoresponsive gas-generating material that is to be used in a micropump of a microfluid device having fine channels formed therein, and is capable of effectively generating gases for transporting a microfluid in response to light irradiation and transporting the microfluid at an improved transport efficiency. The present invention also provides a micropump incorporating the photoresponsive gas-generating material. A photoresponsive gas-generating material 13 is to be used in a micropump having fine channels formed in a substrate, and comprises a photo-sensitive acid-generating agent and an acid-sensitive gas-generating agent, and a micropump 10 has the photoresponsive gas-generating material 13 housed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Masateru Fukuoka, Kazuki Yamamoto, Yoshinori Akagi, Hiroji Fukui
  • Patent number: 7793592
    Abstract: A component of a safety system in motor vehicles comprises a core which has end and side faces and is made of an explosive material. The component further comprises a jacket made of a solid semiconductor material that surrounds the explosive material on the side faces of the core, and an ignition element situated between electric contact surfaces on one of the end faces of the core. The ignition element initiates an ignition of the explosive material when current flows through it. The explosive material consists of a porous fuel and of an oxidizer incorporated into the porous fuel. The porous fuel and the solid semiconductor are made of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Hofmann, Horst Laucht
  • Patent number: 7749345
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generating material composition comprises a fluorine bearing material, the fluorine bearing material releasing fluorine gas at a first temperature, and a coruscative material, a reaction temperature of the coruscative material equal to or greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the fluorine bearing material is a nickel-based alloy and the coruscative material includes an element from Group IVB, VB or VIB of the periodic table or a transition metal and a carbon-based material. The fluorine gas generating material composition can be incorporated into a product such as a munition, a flare, a shape charge or an impulse device. The disclosed fluorine gas generating material composition can be used to produce work in applications and methods that include point delivery of fluorine gas, explosives related applications, aerospace applications, and applications in the fields of mining and drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Wood
  • Publication number: 20100162913
    Abstract: An energetic composition and system using amassed energetic multilayer pieces which are formed from the division, such as for example by cutting, scoring, breaking, crushing, shearing, etc., of a mechanically activatable monolithic energetic multilayer(s) (e.g. macro-scale sheets of multilayer films), for enhancing the sensitivity of the energetic composite and system to mechanical initiation of self-sustained reaction. In particular, mechanical initiation of the energetic composition may be achieved with significantly lower mechanical energy inputs than that typically required for initiating the monolithic energetic multilayers from which it is derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander E. Gash, Troy W. Barbee, JR.
  • Patent number: 7722782
    Abstract: A particulate composite fuel of metal preferably of aluminum for a portable heater. The fuel reacts with oxygen in the air, producing heat. The composite fuel may also be flaked aluminum or iron nanopowder. A portable heater having a fuel mass, at least one thermal conductive member, and at least one insulating member. The heater transfers the heat of the oxidation of the metal particulate fuel to a desired mass to be heated, typically a food item. The multilayered heater also acts as a buffer absorbing released heat and releasing the heat to the desired mass at a rate slower than the absorbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Rechargeable Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Brendan Coffey, Ramesh C. Kainthla, Charles Edward Sesock
  • Patent number: 7690308
    Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard L. Tanner, Carl Dilg
  • Patent number: 7568432
    Abstract: An agent defeat bomb including a payload with at least one metal-based high thermal component, effective for producing high temperature, and a plurality of oxidizer components, such that the high thermal component and oxidizer are progressively stacked through the length of the projectile and react within the body of the bomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James J. Baker, Carl Gotzmer, Robert Gill, Steven L. Kim, Matt Blachek
  • Publication number: 20090178741
    Abstract: Novel reactive composite materials and associated methods for making the same which are pertinent to numerous new or improved applications. The method for making the reactive composite materials utilizes mechanical deformation to manufacture such materials with controlled, predictable characteristics. In the first deformation step, an assembly of reactive layers and/or particles is plastically deformed to reduce its cross sectional area by one-half or more. Portions of the deformed sheets are stacked or bent into a new assembly, and the new assembly is then deformed. The steps of assembly and deformation are repeated a sufficient number of times that the resulting materials are only locally layered but have relatively uniform reaction velocity and heat generating characteristics predictable by stochastic models derived herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Reactive Nanotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuwei Xun, David Lunking, Etienne Besnoin, David Van Heerden, Timothy P. Weihs, Omar M. Knio
  • Patent number: 7494705
    Abstract: An energy dense energetic material comprising a layer of material comprising one or more metals substantially not in oxide form and a layer of material comprising one or more metals substantially in oxide form, wherein the layers in combination are energetic and have a thickness of less than or equal to approximately 100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, John Jones
  • Patent number: 7473330
    Abstract: The method for producing a propellant powder (TLP) with a layered grain structure starts with a green powder, which is impregnated in a watery emulsion with an energetic plasticizer and a polymeric deterrent. Propellant powders (TLP) can be produced in industrial quantities by avoiding the dangerous direct introduction of a blasting oil. The propellant powders (TLP) produced in this way have similar characteristics and a similar structure as the known propellant powders (TLP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nitrochemie Wimmis AG
    Inventors: Kurt Ryf, Beat Vogelsanger, Ulrich Schaedeli, Bruno Ossola
  • Patent number: 7469640
    Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard L. Tanner, Carl Dilg
  • Patent number: 7347906
    Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a variable yield warhead comprising an inner core of cylindrically-shaped, explosive material surrounded by an outer annulus of a different explosive material. The inner core explosive material has a heat of combustion comprising about 16 kcal/cc or higher and the outer annulus of explosive material has a heat of detonation comprising about 2.1 kcal/cc or higher. A warhead casing surrounds the outer annulus of material. The warhead has a dual initiation system. The first initiation system comprises a detonation cord that extends substantially through the inner core of explosive material and has an initiator at the tope side. The second initiation system comprises a booster explosive that contacts the bottom side of the outer annulus of explosive material and an initiator proximate to the booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Raafat H. Guirguis
  • Patent number: 6984274
    Abstract: An explosive composition comprises a porous fuel and an oxidizer. The porous fuel is a solid with a structure size measuring between about 2 nm and 1000 nm and has a porosity that lies between 10% and 98%. The oxidizer is solid or liquid at room temperature and is incorporated into the pores of the porous fuel. The oxidizer is selected, in an amount of at least 50% by weight relative to a total quantity of the oxidizer, from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ammonium nitrate, organic nitro compounds or nitrates, alkali metal nitrates or earth alkali metal nitrates as well as metal nitrites, metal chlorates, metal perchlorates, metal bromates, metal iodates, metal oxides, metal peroxides, ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Hofmann, Horst Laucht, Dimitri Kovalev, Victor Yu Timoshenko, Joachim Diener, Nicolai Künzner, Egon Gross
  • Publication number: 20020043316
    Abstract: The method for producing a propellant powder (TLP) with a layered grain structure starts with a green powder, which is impregnated in a watery emulsion with an energetic plasticizer and a polymeric deterrent. Propellant powders (TLP) can be produced in industrial quantities by avoiding the dangerous direct introduction of a blasting oil. The propellant powders (TLP) produced in this way have similar characteristics and a similar structure as the known propellant powders (TLP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt Ryf, Beat Vogelsanger, Ulrich Schaedeli, Bruno Ossola
  • Patent number: 6276276
    Abstract: A thin-film optical initiator having an inert, transparent substrate, a reactive thin film, which can be either an explosive or a pyrotechnic, and a reflective thin film. The resultant thin-film optical initiator system also comprises a fiber-optic cable connected to a low-energy laser source, an output charge, and an initiator housing. The reactive thin film, which may contain very thin embedded layers or be a co-deposit of a light-absorbing material such as carbon, absorbs the incident laser light, is volumetrically heated, and explodes against the output charge, imparting about 5 to 20 times more energy than in the incident laser pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6270836
    Abstract: The invention relates to gel-coated microcapsules which have improved mechanical stress- and flame-resistance. A method for making the gel coated microcapsules is also provided. Phase change materials can be included in the microcapsules to provide thermal control in a wide variety of environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Frisby Technologies, INc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Holman
  • Patent number: 6165307
    Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David Fair, Eileen Heider, Mark J. Mezger
  • Patent number: 5682013
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic grain or body of a gas generant having a consolidated or pressed-on, particulate inert burn inhibitor layer thereon. The inhibitor may be a metal oxide, metal sulfide, silica, silicate compound or mixtures thereof. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide. The metal sulfide is preferably molybdenum disulfide. The preferred inhibitor is a silicate compound, most preferably bentonite. The inhibitor layer most preferably covers only one face or side of the generant body, though it may cover both faces or less than the entire area of one or both faces. The generant may be any conventional formulation which generates nitrogen-containing gas, preferably an azide, and most preferably sodium azide. The generant body may be any shape, preferably a washer-shaped disc. An automotive gas bag inflator may contain a plurality of the composite, inhibited generant bodies, preferably a stack or side by side assembly of such composite, inhibited wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Scott C. Mitson