Solid Particles Dispersed In Solid Solution Or Matrix Patents (Class 149/17)
  • Patent number: 11370927
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes dispersing a plurality of particles in solution to form a dispersion and adding a stabilizing agent to the dispersion in an amount sufficient to cause the dispersion to exhibit one or more predetermined rheological properties. The particles in the dispersion are configured to complete a self-propagating and/or self-sustaining reaction upon initiation thereof. In another embodiment, a method includes depositing a material on a substrate. The material includes: a plurality of particles configured to complete a self-propagating and/or self-sustaining reaction upon initiation thereof, a solvent system, and one or more stabilizing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Sullivan, John M. Densmore, Eric Duoss, Alexander E. Gash, Joshua Kuntz, John Vericella
  • Patent number: 10907079
    Abstract: In accordance with the present subject matter there is provided a hygroscopic homogeneous salt mixture including at least one alkali metal salt and a metal salt having water of crystallization. The subject matter also relates to a method for preparation of hygroscopic homogeneous salt mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD.
    Inventors: Kanaparthi Ramesh, Kandoth Madathil Pramod, Peddy Venkat Chalapathi Rao, Nettem Venkateswarlu Choudary
  • Patent number: 10889530
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic delayed-action composition and primer charge made of REACh-compliant components that are safe for humans and the environment. The delayed-action composition comprises at least one oxidant, at least one reducing agent, at least one filler and at least one mineral binder. The performance parameters thereof, in particular the burning time, can be set variably within a wide range. The composition clinkers on its own, thus preventing extinction at the front of the burning material even in dynamic conditions. The primer charge comprises at least one oxidant, at least one reducing agent, at least one filler and at least one mineral binder. It is easy to ignite and, due to its clinker structure, transfers its energy well to the compositions to be ignited. The delayed-action composition and the primer charge have the same structure and can easily be combined and adapted to each other in delayed-action units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Cegiel, Ernest Schulz, Julia Strenger
  • Patent number: 10851318
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an anti fouling composition including a metallic component comprising of at least one alkali metal salt and a non-metallic component and method for preparation of anti fouling composition. The disclosure also relates to a process of reducing fouling in reactors or furnaces using said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD
    Inventors: Kanaparthi Ramesh, Raman Ravishankar, Chinthalapati Siva Kesava Raju, Madala Sairamu, Priyanka Saha, Cheerladinne Venkateswarlu, Peddy Venkat Chalapathi Rao, Nettem Venkateswarlu Choudary
  • Patent number: 10823115
    Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor includes a solid fuel element, and an oxidizer tank containing an oxidizer. The solid fuel element adjoins and at least partially defines a combustion chamber in which the solid fuel and the oxidizer are burned, to produce thrust from the hybrid rocket motor. The oxidizer tank is at least partially within the combustion chamber, and the entire oxidizer tank may be within the combustion chamber. The oxidizer tank may be protected by an insulating material, which may also serve as a structural material that contains the pressure of the oxidizer. The insulating material and the fuel material may both be polymer-based materials, although they may be different materials having different characteristics, for example including different additives to the same polymer material. The fuel element and the oxidizer tank may be made by additive manufacturing processes, for example by adding different materials in different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Matt H. Summers, Jeremy C. Danforth
  • Patent number: 10584076
    Abstract: An in-situ process for synthesizing highly pyrophoric foam materials using metal and carbon precursors wherein the precursors serve as foaming and activating agents to disperse and lock nano-sized metal particles within a rigid porous carbon matrix. The resulting carbon matrix is also pyrophoric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Kendall C. Mills, Lauren A. Morris, Christopher D. Haines
  • Patent number: 10377090
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a material includes a plurality of particles, a solvent system and one or more stabilizing agents; the particles are configured to complete a self-propagating and/or self-sustaining reaction upon initiation thereof. In another embodiment, a method includes dispersing a plurality of particles in solution to form a dispersion and adding a stabilizing agent to the dispersion in an amount sufficient to cause the dispersion to exhibit one or more predetermined rheological properties; again, the particles in the dispersion are configured to complete a self-propagating and/or self-sustaining reaction upon initiation thereof. In still another embodiment, a method includes depositing a material on a substrate; the material includes a plurality of particles configured to complete a self-propagating and/or self-sustaining reaction upon initiation thereof, a solvent system and one or more stabilizing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Sullivan, John M. Densmore, Eric Duoss, Alexander E. Gash, Joshua Kuntz, John Vericella
  • Patent number: 10109845
    Abstract: Provided here is a method for making a graphene-supported metal oxide monolith, comprising: providing a graphene aerogel monolith; immersing said graphene aerogel monolith in a solution comprising at least one metal salt to form a mixture; curing said mixture to obtain a gel; optionally, heating said gel to obtain a graphene-supported metal oxide monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus A. Worsley, Theodore F. Baumann, Juergen Biener, Monika M. Biener, Yinmin Wang, Jianchao Ye, Elijah Tylski
  • Patent number: 10087116
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to burn rate modifiers, plasticizers and propellants comprising a burn rate modifier and/or a plasticizer. The invention also relates to methods of producing a propellant comprising a burn rate modifier and/or a plasticizer as well as an ammunition cartridge comprising the propellant. The burn rate modifier and/or plasticiser comprises a compound of formula (1) (Formula (1)) and the propellant comprises a compound of formula 1 and an energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Thales Australia Limited
    Inventors: Garry Warrender, Ashley Jones
  • Patent number: 9636533
    Abstract: A metal-carbonyl-containing fire extinguishing composition comprises metal carbonyl complexes. The fire extinguishing composition uses a pyrotechnic agent as a heat source and a power source. A high temperature in combustion of the pyrotechnic agent enables the fire extinguishing composition to decompose or react under heat; produced fire extinguishing substances are sprayed out together with the pyrotechnic agent, thereby achieving a fire extinguishing objective. In the fire extinguishing composition, by selecting preferable components and optimizing contents of the components, an optimum formula of the fire extinguishing composition is determined, thereby greatly improving the efficacy of the fire extinguishing composition. In addition, efficacies of the components in the fire extinguishing composition are fully utilized, which improves an effective utilization rate of the fire extinguishing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: XI'AN WESTPACE FIRE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wei Tian, Tengfei Zhai, Tao Ji
  • Publication number: 20150101719
    Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Ronald S. Wallace, Michelle L. Pantoya, Eric S. Collins
  • Publication number: 20140326370
    Abstract: For production of a propellant charge powder, especially for medium and large calibers, in a process in which the solid is incorporated together with a liquid in a mixing and drying process into the channels of a granular green material and compacted therein to form a plug, the solid, under otherwise identical process conditions, is set within a setting range of >0-0.5% by weight based on the weight of the granular green material. For more significant lowering of the maximum pressure within an upper temperature range and for more significant raising of the maximum pressure within a lower temperature range of the application temperature range, an increased amount of solid is used. The solid is a substance whose melting point is at least 10° C., especially 20° C., above a maximum use temperature of the propellant charge powder and which is inert toward the granular green material. Since the plug consists virtually exclusively of inert material, a high ballistic stability is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: NITROCHEMIE ASCHAU GMBH
    Inventors: Beat Vogelsanger, Bruno Ossola, Alexander Huber, Christian Wagner, Oliver Hampel
  • Patent number: 8778105
    Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Yury Gogotsi, Valarie Pelletier, Farhad Forohar, Magdy Bichay
  • 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: 8696838
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of foamed celluloid molded products, involving three steps for the manufacture of higher density (0.7 to 1.25 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products or simple geometry lower density (0.2 to 0.7 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products, and four steps for the manufacture of lower density foamed celluloid products of any geometry. The three step process involving: (1) providing small, uniform, pieces of celluloid; (2) presoaking the pieces in a physical blowing agent (PBA) under pressure; and (3) foaming at raised temperature a controlled quantity of the presoaked pieces in a mold—to obtain the desired shape and density. For a lower density foamed celluloid product, of any moldable geometry, the steps are to: (1) small pieces of celluloid, that (2) have been presoaked in a PBA, are (3) pre-expanded to an intermediate density, and then (4) foam the desired lower density foamed product in a mold at raised temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Niloufar Faridi, Linjie Zhu, Ming-Wan Young, Costas G. Gogos, Fei Shen, Elbert Caravaca, Mohamed Elalem, Viral Panchal, Dale Conti
  • Patent number: 8641843
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simulant material comprising a primary explosive and a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rafael, Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Shulman Hagit, Yael Cohen-Arazi, Edith Sokol, Moshit Yaskin-Harush
  • Patent number: 8617327
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically controlled propellant comprising a binder, an oxidizer, and a cross-linking agent. The boric acid (the cross-linking agent) has been found to function as a cross-linking agent for the high molecular binder used to make the propellant, thereby improving the composition's ability to withstand combustion without melting. The present invention also may include 5-aminotetrazole (5-ATZ) as a stability-enhancing additive. The binder of the present invention may include polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and/or the co-polymer of polyvinylalcohol/polyvinylamine nitrate (PVA/PVAN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Katzakian, Charles Grix
  • Patent number: 8613821
    Abstract: Provided is a basic metal nitrate suitable as an oxidizing agent for a gas generating agent, which is a basic metal nitrate having a good thermal stability and meeting at least one requirement of the following (a) to (d): (a) a particle diameter of 0.5 to 40 ?m; (b) a degree of crystallinity having 0.4 deg or less of a half band width of the peak in the X-ray analysis; (c) an initiation temperature of weight loss being 220° C. or higher according to TG-DTA analysis; and (d) an impurity content of 1,000 ppm or less based on Na atom. Further provided is a gas generating composition which has a low toxicity, a high burning rate and a low combustion temperature and which is used in a gas generator for an air bag. The gas generating composition comprises (a) tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives or a mixture thereof, (b) a basic metal nitrate and (c) a binder and/or a slag-forming agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Xingxi Zhou, Kazuyuki Matsuoka, Jianzhou Wu, Yo Yamato, Takeshi Takahori, Kaoru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8512490
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for making homogeneous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A method of the invention forms a metal oxide nanostructure via a sol-gel process with surfactant templating. Metal nanoparticles are introduced into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Daniel Tappmeyer, Andrey Bezmelnystin, Rajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Rajesh Shende, Bhushan Mehendale, Steve Apperson, Sved Barizuddin, Keshab Gangopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8506734
    Abstract: A process for making metal-organic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks having host-guest complexes of either liquid energetics, solid energetics, or solid oxidizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Andrew P. Nelson, Nirupam J. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 8460575
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a solid, porous material, suitable for generating nitrogen gas, said material having a porosity of 20 to 75 vol. %, and a composition comprising, based on the weight of the material of 60 to 90 wt. % of sodium azide, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of an inert chemical coolant based on at least one inorganic salt having a heat capacity of at least 1400 J/K/kg, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of modifying agent selected from metal oxides and metal carbonates, and a binder, selected from the group consisting of at least one alkali metal silicate, preferably waterglass, or a poly-tetrazole, in an amount of between 3 and 15 wt. %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Laurens Daniël van Vliet
  • Patent number: 8409377
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Eric D. Steffler, W. David Swank
  • Patent number: 8382921
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing powders and the like including a head assembly with a distensible elastic platen mounted in a chambered header plate containing a pressurizing fluid. The elastic platen distends in response to the pressurizing fluid. Further, a base assembly includes a rigid platen mounted in a base plate. The rigid platen includes a face with at least one cavity, into which is added powder to be compressed. The elastic platen is aligned with the rigid platen, and during compression, the two platens may be held firmly in contact. The pressurizing fluid pumped into the head assembly causes the elastic platen to deform forming a single distention per cavity. The distensions compress the powder to an optimal density. The apparatus safely and easily compact multiple small samples of explosives and the like into miniature charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerald R. Laib, Michael Beggans
  • 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: 8361258
    Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Ashcroft, Daniel B. Nielson, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 8317952
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically controlled propellant comprising a binder, an oxidizer, and a cross-linking agent. The boric acid (the cross-linking agent) has been found to function as a cross-linking agent for the high molecular binder used to make the propellant, thereby improving the composition's ability to withstand combustion without melting. The present invention also may include 5-aminotetrazole (5-ATZ) as a stability-enhancing additive. The binder of the present invention may include polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and/or the co-polymer of polyvinylalcohol/polyvinylamine nitrate (PVA/PVAN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Katzakian, Charles Grix
  • Publication number: 20120291930
    Abstract: A cast reactive metal body that can be used as weapon cases is offered. It is cast with aluminum or aluminum alloys with small particles and/or fibers of metals of high density such as molybdenum, tungsten or hafnium. Aluminum alloys are those that can get easily ignited when heated and burn fast afterwards in particulate forms. Metals that react intermetallically with aluminum are excluded. The particles and fibers are of the size between a few microns and a few hundreds of microns in diameter. The length of the fibers is longer than the diameter. The weight percentage of aluminum and/or aluminum alloys range from 10 to 90 percent and the weight percentage of heavy metal particles/fibers ranges from 90 to 10 percent. Other inert materials such as ceramic particles can be added in small amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Kibong Kim
  • Patent number: 8293040
    Abstract: The invention provides homogeneous mesoporous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A composite of the invention has a regular and uniform nanostructure of metal oxide, which is structured by a surfactant. Metal fuel nanoparticles are homogenously distributed through the regular and uniform nanostructure. The invention further provides methods for making homogeneous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A method of the invention forms a metal oxide nanostructure via a sol-gel process with surfactant templating. Metal nanoparticles into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Daniel Tappmeyer, Andrey Bezmelnytsin, Rajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Rajesh Shende, Bhusban Mehendale, Steven Apperson, Syed Barizuddin, Keshab Gangopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8257520
    Abstract: An ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. An ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes at least one metal fuel portion having an ordered array of nanopores; and an oxidizer in the nanopores. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes forming an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and depositing an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes forming an ordered array of nanopores in at least one metal fuel portion; and depositing an oxidizer in the nanopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander E. Gash, Thomas Yong-Jin Han, Donald J. Sirbuly
  • Patent number: 8257523
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making thermite compositions. The process includes providing a fuel-based slurry and at least one oxidizer-based slurry, formulating combination of fuel-based slurry and oxidizer-based slurry in a solvent to a desired energetic dose depending on nanocomposites' use, circulating the fuel-based slurry/oxidizer-based slurry combination in a mixing device operating semi-continuously during mixing and dispensing cycles forming a homogeneous mixed slurry, agitating ultrasonically or by high shear rate mixers the mixed slurry, and drying of the mixed slurry forming compact structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jan A. Puszynski, Jacek J. Swiatkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8197619
    Abstract: A process for making metal-organic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks having host-guest complexes of either liquid energetics, solid energetics, or solid oxidizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Andrew P. Nelson, Nirupam J. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 8182711
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Philip L. Posson, Mark L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8172964
    Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, Jr., Randall L. Simpson, Theodore F. Baumann, Marcus A. Worsley
  • Publication number: 20120060983
    Abstract: A delay composition for a detonator or delay device. The composition comprising a mixture of silicon and barium sulfate, and an amount of red lead in the range of about 3 to 15%, and preferably 6 to 12%, by weight of the mixture. The invention also relates to a delay element comprising a rigid metal tube containing the delay composition, and a delay device incorporating the delay element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Réjean Aubé
  • Patent number: 8075715
    Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Ashcroft, Daniel B. Nielson, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 8007607
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Eric D Steffler, William D. Swank
  • Patent number: 7985310
    Abstract: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Gordon Verity
  • Patent number: 7972453
    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: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, George W. Brooks
  • 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: 7942989
    Abstract: An initiator explosive for detonating a second explosive that includes nanocrystalline silicon containing a plurality of pores and a solid state oxidant disposed within said pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael J. Sailor, Frederic V. Mikulec, Joseph D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 7942988
    Abstract: A shaped, flexible fuel and energetic system is presented. The shaped, flexible fuel comprises at least one polymeric binding material and porous silicon particles dispersed throughout the polymeric binding material. The porous silicon particles are prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder. The shaped, flexible fuel preferably includes shapes such as: an article, a film, a wire and a tape. The energetic system comprises the shaped, flexible fuel portion used alone or in combination with at least one oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Vesta Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shanthi Subramanian, Declan Farrell, Santosh Y. Limaye
  • Patent number: 7931761
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generating polymer compound that when irradiated with light or other radiation sources makes a solid to gas phase transition due to chemically catylized degradation, irradiative degradation or both. This provides a low cost, stable and easily manufactured means of gas production. Also disclosed are possible uses for the gas generator such as a low cost micro thruster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Banister, Stephen Banister
  • Patent number: 7927439
    Abstract: The invention is a method and a composition where, on command, a distributed number of micron size voids are created in an energetic material. The voids are hot spots, which change the shock compression sensitivity of the explosive composition by a factor of 2 to 10. The composition contains SMART materials, which are magnetostrictive materials having a large magnetostrictive coefficient, and in a matter of microseconds following the application of an external electromagnetic field, each of the magnetostrictive nano-structures expands and contracts forming a void, where the sum of the voids increases the shock compression sensitivity of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jerry W. Forbes, Chak P. Wong, G. William Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7906034
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Philip L. Posson, Mark L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7896989
    Abstract: Methods of making cross sectional, functionally-graded munitions propellants exhibiting various distributions of particle concentrations and burn rate, including having a fast burning core and slower burning outer layer(s). Unlike prior art methods of preparing such munitions, propellants prepared according to our inventive method(s) may be performed substantially as a single extrusion step or as a few processing steps, without requiring the time, expense and/or difficulties that characterized familiar, laminating methods and methods which use multiple extruders. Our inventive method advantageously employs a demixing phenomenon that, prior to our inventive application and teaching, has been considered quite undesirable in the preparation of propellants where uniformity and well-mixedness have been propellant attributes widely sought after.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David Fair, Dilhan M. Kalyon, Sam Moy, Leon R. Manole
  • Publication number: 20110041718
    Abstract: Systems and methods for chemoremediation or mechanical destruction of undetonated explosive materials. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity to a chemical reagent selected for its chemoremediative properties. A barrier is interposed between the explosive material and the chemical reagent to delay the chemoremediation of the explosive material. Alternatively a water expandable material may be incorporated into the explosive material, whereby upon exposure to moisture the water absorbing material will expand sufficiently to fragment the explosive material into initiation insensitive particles. Initiation insensitivity is achieved by incorporation of water, which acts as a desensitizing agent as well as fragmenting the explosive material into particles sufficiently small that they are below the critical diameter for explosive initiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Maxamcorp Holding S.L.
    Inventors: Carl Hermanus Lubbe, Delana Harris, Jose Manuel Botija González, Fernando María Beitia Gómez De Segura
  • Publication number: 20110030858
    Abstract: A gas generating composition exhibiting good slag forming ability is provided. The gas generating composition includes a fuel ranging from 10 to 60% by mass, an oxidizing agent ranging from 10 to 70% by mass, and a cooling agent (other than iron oxide) ranging from 1 to 20% by mass. The cooling agent has a volume mean diameter (D50) of 10 to 70 ?m and a volume mean diameter at cumulative of 10% (D10) of equal to or greater than 5 ?m. The cooling agent acts to decrease the combustion temperature and improve slag forming ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jianzhou Wu, Shogo Tomiyama, Yoji Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 7879166
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Farhad Forohar, Magdy Bichay
  • Publication number: 20100326574
    Abstract: Provided is a basic metal nitrate suitable as an oxidizing agent for a gas generating agent, which is a basic metal nitrate having a good thermal stability and meeting at least one requirement of the following (a) to (d): (a) a particle diameter of 0.5 to 40 ?m; (b) a degree of crystallinity having 0.4 deg or less of a half band width of the peak in the X-ray analysis; (c) an initiation temperature of weight loss being 220° C. or higher according to TG-DTA analysis; and (d) an impurity content of 1,000 ppm or less based on Na atom. Further provided is a gas generating composition which has a low toxicity, a high burning rate and a low combustion temperature and which is used in a gas generator for an air bag. The gas generating composition comprises (a) tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives or a mixture thereof, (b) a basic metal nitrate and (c) a binder and/or a slag-forming agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Xingxi Zhou, Kazuyuki Matsuoka, Jianzhou Wu, Yo Yamato, Takeshi Takahori, Kaoru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7837813
    Abstract: Stone Wales defect pairs in a carbon nanostructure are used to store energy. Energy is released by a chain reaction of phonons disrupting the defect pairs to generate more phonons until the lattice returns to its original hexagonal form and the energy is released in the form of lattice vibrations. Devices may be configured as a battery to release electrical energy in a controlled manner or as an explosive to release energy in an uncontrolled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Delmar L. Barker, William R. Owens