Continuous Phase Contains Organic Material Patents (Class 149/18)
  • Patent number: 10703687
    Abstract: Stabilized, amorphous high energetic compositions having crystallization inhibiting polymers dispersed throughout the solid composition. The compositions disclosed herein are an improvement over crystalline high energetic compositions in that such disclosed compositions are stable and possess physical properties desirable in propellant and high explosive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Victor Stepanov, Rajen Patel, Chris Pizzo, Alexander Paraskos, Ruslan Mudryy, Hongwei Qiu
  • Patent number: 10653280
    Abstract: A method of treating fecal waste according to an example of the present disclosure includes bringing a reactor containing fecal matter to a first temperature and a first pressure, exposing the reactor to an environment with a second temperature and a second pressure such that the water in the fecal waste undergoes flash evaporation, and pyrolizing the fecal waste. A fecal waste processing unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Torres, Thomas J. Stapleton
  • Patent number: 10647620
    Abstract: Flares with consumable weights connected to a forward end of the grain of the flare are disclosed. Also disclosed are consumable weight components for flares. The consumable weight components include a metal material within a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating a flare and methods for using a flare. Use of the consumable weights in the flares may reduce the amount of debris falling to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Widener, Daniel B. Nielson
  • Patent number: 10266458
    Abstract: A propellant includes a binder system that has a polybutadiene component, a polytetrahydrofuran component, and an anti-oxidant component. In an example, the propellant includes a solid oxidizer, a solid fuel, and a binder system that holds the solid oxidizer and the solid fuel together. The binder system includes a polybutadiene component, a hydrocarbon diluent component of a higher level of saturation than the polybutadiene component, and an anti-oxidant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC
    Inventor: Scott Dawley
  • Patent number: 9365465
    Abstract: An illumination composition comprising at least one oxidizer, at least one of a fuel and a binder, and at least one combustion rate modifier. The at least one oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of a potassium-containing oxidizer and a rubidium-containing oxidizer, the at least one oxidizer present in the illumination composition at from about 50 wt % to about 70 wt % and comprising particles each independently having a size within a range of from about 25 ?m to about 325 ?m. Additional illumination compositions, illumination flares, and methods of illuminating a target are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Royce C. Duke, Curtis W. Fielding
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130055918
    Abstract: Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: John R. Moser, JR., Richard L. Raun, David D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20120305149
    Abstract: An insensitive melt-cast explosive composition incorporating on the one hand a meltable part formed of at least one meltable explosive and, on the other hand, a solid part incorporating oxynitrotriazole (ONTA) and cyclonite (RDX). This composition is characterised in that the cyclonite is a cyclonite of reduced sensitivity, the particle size of the insensitive cyclonite being of between 315 micrometers and 800 micrometers, whereas the particle size of the ONTA is of between 200 micrometers and 400 micrometers, the ONTA further having an apparent density greater than or equal to 0.95 g/cm3. The invention is applied to the loading of projectiles by casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: NEXTER MUNITIONS
    Inventors: Christophe Coulouarn, Stéphane Bulot
  • Patent number: 8192567
    Abstract: A composite solid rocket propellant comprising a fuel, an oxidizer and a dicyclopentadiene binder is provided. The dicyclopentadiene binder may be mixed with the fuel and oxidizer as a monomer and then polymerized after mixing to form the composite solid propellant. The composite solid propellant may also comprise plasticizers, triphenylphosphine, lecithin or combinations thereof. Methods for making the composite solid rocket propellant of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Heister, Benjamin L. Austin, Jr., Jeremy Corpening
  • Publication number: 20120000583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generant composition that has a high ignitability and combustibility and is capable of quickly responding to an electrical signal for starting combustion, and particularly to a gas generant composition comprising a nitrogen-containing organic compound as a fuel component (A), a metal nitrate and/or a basic metal nitrate (B-1) and a perchlorate (B-2) having a 50 percent particle diameter from 1 to 50 ?m as an oxidant component (B), the content of the perchlorate (B-2) in the total mass of the oxidant component (B) is 5 mass percent or more and less than 35 mass percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ogata, Eishi Sato
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110073224
    Abstract: A composite solid rocket propellant comprising a fuel, an oxidizer and a dicyclopentadiene binder is provided. The dicyclopentadiene binder may be mixed with the fuel and oxidizer as a monomer and then polymerized after mixing to form the composite solid propellant. The composite solid propellant may also comprise plasticizers, triphenylphosphine, lecithin or combinations thereof. Methods for making the composite solid rocket propellant of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen D. Heister, Benjamin L. Austin, JR., Jeremy Corpening
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7789982
    Abstract: A flexible dilute explosive device is provided that includes an explosive material, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), combined with a non-reactive matrix material, such as light-weight polymer beads, and the combination is held in flexible packaging. The flexible packaging includes fabric, antistatic, evacuated and plastic housings. The flexible dilute explosive device can be applied to any contoured shape in the field. It has a total density that is typically between 5 to 10% greater than its explosive density and can be reliably detonated at lower explosive densities. By using different packaging methods, the flexible dilute explosive device can be made to have a fixed explosive density, or a field tailored explosive density using a variable volume housing. It can have a reduced explosive density by adding inert foam blocks to the combination, having an overall volumetric explosive density reduced to 2.5 lb/ft3 (0.04 g/cm3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Paul R. Gefken, Gary R. Greenfield, Robert J. Bell
  • Publication number: 20100078098
    Abstract: To provide a gas generating composition for air bag which is low in toxicity, large in burning rate, and low in combustion temperature. Gas generating compositions comprising (a) melamine cyanurate or a mixture of melamine cyanurate and nitrogen-containing organic compound and (b) oxygen-containing oxidant, and gas generating compositions comprising (c) binder and (d) additive are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: DAICEL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Jianzhou WU, Shogo Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20090266261
    Abstract: Disclosed is an incendiary compound comprising spherical zirconium, titanium, or hafnium powder having an average grain size of 50 to 250 ?m as well as a thermosetting or thermoplastic micronized organic binder which is added to the powder at a quantity of less than 1 percent by weight. The incendiary compound is fastened in the projectile or warhead by pressing and then thermally treating the same in order to activate crosslinking of the thermosetting binder or melt the thermoplastic binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gunther Diewald
  • Publication number: 20090101250
    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 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Xingxi Zhou, Kazuyuki Matsuoka, Jianzhou Wu, Yo Yamato, Takeshi Takahori, Kaoru Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20090044885
    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: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Dario BRISIGHELLA, Brett HUSSEY
  • Publication number: 20080099111
    Abstract: A poly(tetrazole) is formed by a water-based method. A gas generating composition 12 containing the poly(tetrazole) is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the poly(tetrazole) therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Cory G. Miller, Graylon K. Williams
  • Patent number: 7067024
    Abstract: This melt-pourable explosive composition shares explosive properties comparable to those of trinitrotoluene and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of trinitrotoluene, but experiences equal or less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with trinitrotoluene. Trinitrotoluene is replaced with one or more mononitro aromatic and/or dinitro aromatic melt-pourable binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt poured without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-pourable binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. The composition also includes oxidizer particles, which are preferably inorganic oxidizer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Alan G. Allred, John B. Niles
  • Patent number: 6964714
    Abstract: This melt-pourable explosive composition shares explosive properties comparable to those of Tritonal and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of Tritonal, but experiences equal or less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with trinitrotoluene. The trinitrotoluene component of Tritonal is replaced with one or more mononitro aromatic and/or dinitro aromatic melt-pourable binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt poured without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-pourable binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. The composition also includes oxidizer particles, which are preferably inorganic oxidizer particles, and a reactive metallic fuel, such as aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignees: Alliant Techsystems Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Alan G. Allred, John B. Niles
  • Patent number: 6880326
    Abstract: This invention comprises a new process for developing high regression rate propellants for application to hybrid rockets and solid fuel ramjets. The process involves the use of a criterion to identify propellants which form an unstable liquid layer on the melting surface of the propellant. Entrainment of droplets from the unstable liquid-gas interface can substantially increase propellant mass transfer leading to much higher surface regression rates over those that can be achieved with conventional hybrid propellants. The main reason is that entrainment is not limited by heat transfer to the propellant from the combustion zone. The process has been used to identify a new class of non-cryogenic hybrid fuels whose regression rate characteristics can be tailored for a given mission. The fuel can be used as the basis for a simpler hybrid rocket design with reduced cost, reduced complexity and increased performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: M. Arif Karabeyoglu, David Altman, Brian J. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 6786986
    Abstract: This disclosure considers the use of specifically-sized Nitrocellulose particles of 75 ml fineness, free of other chemicals, as a flame enhancer in a Diazodinitrophenol primer mixture that is free of heavy metal constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos
    Inventor: Laudemiro Martini Filho
  • Patent number: 6692655
    Abstract: In this method for making multi-base propellants, pelletized nitrocellulose is coated with an electrostatically insensitive liquid elastomer precursor or non-plasticizer while wetted in a non-solvent diluent, preferably in the absence of plasticizers. The non-solvent diluent is then substantially, if not completely, removed from the coated nitrocellulose. Then, the coated pelletized nitrocellulose is mixed with a plasticizer and optionally other ingredients and fillers, including energetic fuels such as nitroguanidine. The propellant formulation is then cast, and optionally cured with an acceptable curative, such as a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. The resulting material may be visually (i.e., to the naked eye) homogeneous. Also, the coated nitrocellulose pellets present during processing have reduced sensitivity to electrostatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Laura J. Martins, Richard B. Cragun, Gary K. Lund, Michael V. Wells, Vincent E. Mancini
  • Patent number: 6684624
    Abstract: This invention comprises a new process for developing high regression rate propellants for application to hybrid rockets and solid fuel ramjets. The process involves the use of a criterion to identify propellants which form an unstable liquid layer on the melting surface of the propellant. Entrainment of droplets from the unstable liquid-gas interface can substantially increase propellant mass transfer leading to much higher surface regression rates over those that can be achieved with conventional hybrid propellants. The main reason is that entrainment is not limited by heat transfer to the propellant from the combustion zone. The process has been used to identify a new class of non-cryogenic hybrid fuels whose regression rate characteristics can be tailored for a given mission. The fuel can be used as the basis for a simpler hybrid rocket design with reduced cost, reduced complexity and increased performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: M. Arif Karabeyoglu, David Altman, Brian J. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 6679960
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to EDE (Energy Dense Explosives), wherein particles of a reducing metal and a metal oxide are dispersed throughout a conventional high explosive. When the resulting EDE is detonated, the reducing metal and the metal oxide combine in an exothermic redox reaction at a speed on the order of a detonation speed of the conventional explosive. The resulting formulation has higher mass per unit volume and energy per unit volume densities than the conventional high explosive alone. Sizes of the reducing metal particles and metal oxide particles and proximities of the particles to each other within the conventional explosive can be adjusted to tailor blast characteristics of a munition, for example to result in a time-pressure curve having a desired shape and duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Jones
  • Patent number: 6648998
    Abstract: This melt-cast explosive shares comparable explosive properties to those of COMP B explosives and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of COMP B explosives, but experiences less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with COMP B. A fundamental and well-accepted component of COMP B, i.e., trinitrotoluene (TNT), is replaced with one or more mononitro-substituted or dinitro-substituted melt-cast binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt cast without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-cast binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. Preferably, the composition also includes coarse oxidizer particles and energetic filler in fine particulate form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Thomas K. Highsmith, Gary K. Lund, John B. Niles
  • Patent number: 6641683
    Abstract: A melt-castable explosive composition not based on TNT consisting essentially of about 10 to 20 weight percent of a matrix material having a melting temperature of about 80° to 100° C., about 1 to 5 weight percent of a plasticizer, up to about 20 weight percent of a metal powder, up to about 20 weight percent of an oxidizer and about 70 to 89 weight percent of a high explosive. The matrix material is carnauba wax modified with ozokerite wax in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to 20:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Robert L. McKenney, Jr., John F. Leahy, Spencer T. Parkin, Thomas R. Krawietz
  • Publication number: 20030140993
    Abstract: This melt-pourable explosive composition shares comparable explosive properties to those of Tritonal and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of Tritonal, but experiences equal or less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with trinitrotoluene. The trinitrotoluene component of Tritonal is replaced with one or more mononitro aromatic and/or dinitro aromatic melt-pourable binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt poured without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-pourable binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. The composition also includes oxidizer particles, which are preferably inorganic oxidizer particles, and reactive metallic fuel, such as aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Alan G. Allred, John B. Niles
  • Patent number: 6562159
    Abstract: An insensitive melt cast explosive composition obtained by dissolving an energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (“ETPE”) in melted trinitrotoluene (“TNT”) is disclosed. The resulting ETPE-TNT solution is easy to mix with other ingredients such as nitramines, plasticizers, aluminum and can be processed with the existing melt cast facilities. The energetic solution can be poured into shells and upon cooling to produce a recyclable plastic bonded explosive. Instead of melted TNT, the same process works equally well with melted Octol or melted Composition B to dissolve the ETPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence
    Inventors: Guy Ampleman, Patrick Brousseau, Sonia Thiboutot, Charles Dubois, Emmanuela Diaz
  • Patent number: 6554927
    Abstract: An improved method of explosively bonding a first metal to a second metal with an explosive composition comprising a base explosive in admixture with an inert particulate material, the improvement wherein the diluent comprises an inert material having a mean particle size selected from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, a hardness value of not less than 4 mohs, and a plurality of faces and edges. The explosive composition allows for a sustainable detonation value of less than 1800 m/s, preferably less than 1200 m/s to reduce or prevent the formation of interface waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sigmabond Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Hardwick
  • Publication number: 20030005988
    Abstract: This melt-pourable explosive composition shares comparable explosive properties to those of trinitrotoluene and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of trinitrotoluene, but experiences equal or less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with trinitrotoluene. Trinitrotoluene is replaced with one or more mononitro aromatic and/or dinitro aromatic melt-pourable binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt poured without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-pourable binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. The composition also includes oxidizer particles, which are preferably inorganic oxidizer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Alan G. Allred, John B. Niles
  • Patent number: 6485586
    Abstract: A low burning rate, high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 20 weight percent or greater of the composition and a binder of paraffin wax in an amount of from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Gill, Carl Gotzmer, Pamela Carpenter, Eric Schlegel
  • Patent number: 6478903
    Abstract: A non-toxic primer mix including both bismuth sulfide and potassium nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a non-toxic primer mix comprising zinc sulfide and aluminum nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer mix is disposed. Bismuth and zinc sulfide act as fuels for the oxidizers of potassium and aluminum nitrate in providing an ignition flame for the primer. The non-toxic primer mix further contains a lead-free explosive material, and additionally can include added fuels, sensitizers, explosives and binders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: RA Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Henry J. John, Jr., Carolyn Yeager, Don Pile, Tim Webb
  • Patent number: 6436210
    Abstract: A smoke-generating redox composition contains one or more esters of colophony or of hydrogenated colophony with an alcohol. Applications include use in a deterrent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Groc, Daniel Grycza, Yann Guelou
  • Publication number: 20020038682
    Abstract: This melt-cast explosive shares comparable explosive properties to those of COMP B explosives and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of COMP B explosives, but experiences less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with COMP B. A fundamental and well-accepted component of COMP B, i.e., trinitrotoluene (TNT), is replaced with one or more mononitro-substituted or dinitro-substituted melt-cast binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt cast without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-cast binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. Preferably, the composition also includes coarse oxidizer particles and energetic filler in fine particulate form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel W. Doll, Jami M. Hanks, Thomas K. Highsmith, Gary K. Lund
  • Patent number: 6358339
    Abstract: A method of preparing 3,3′-diamino-4,4′-azofurazan is provided together with a composition of matter including a mixture of 3,3′-diamino-4,4′-azofurazan and 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael A. Hiskey, David E. Chavez, Robert L. Bishop, John F. Kramer, Scott A. Kinkead
  • Publication number: 20020003016
    Abstract: An insensitive melt cast explosive composition obtained by dissolving an energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (“ETPE”) in melted trinitrotoluene (“TNT”) is disclosed. The resulting ETPE-TNT solution is easy to mix with other ingredients such as nitramines, plasticizers, aluminum and can be processed with the existing melt cast facilities. The energetic solution can be poured into shells and upon cooling to produce a recyclable plastic bonded explosive. Instead of melted TNT, the same process works equally well with melted Octol or melted Composition B to dissolve the ETPE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Guy Ampleman, Patrick Brousseau, Sonia Thiboutot, Charles Dubois, Emmanuela Diaz
  • 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: 6231701
    Abstract: An apparatus (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) comprises a gas generating material (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating material (16) comprises a solid solution of a water soluble liquid oxidizer, a cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent, and water. The cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent comprises an effective amount of carbon atoms to provide a combustible mixture with the liquid oxidizer. The cross-linked hydrophilic gelling agent forms a reticulated structure in which the liquid oxidizer and water are immobilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6230624
    Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to the heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate primary pyrotechnic material and a secondary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material has a melting point below the autoignition temperature of the primary pyrotechnic material. The secondary pyrotechnic material is in the form of a continuous, solid matrix (112) containing and adhering together the particles (114) of the primary pyrotechnic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Chatley, Jr., William P. Sampson
  • Patent number: 5949016
    Abstract: A melt cast explosive containing bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)fumarate or 2,2-diropropyl-4,4-dinitropentanoate and a metal fuel such as aluminum, magnesium, boron, hafnium, zirconium or alloys or mixtures thereof. An inert thermoplastic elastomer diluent may be added to improve the strength of the explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Edward E. Baroody, Carl Gotzmer, Horst G. Adolph
  • Patent number: 5910638
    Abstract: A castable explosive composition consisting essentially of about 50 to 90 weight percent tungsten powder, about 3 to 40 weight percent of a high energy explosive, about 3 to 16 weight percent of an energetic binder, and about 2 to 10 weight percent aluminum powder. The aluminum powder acts as a processing aid, virtually eliminating tungsten settling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Arthur F. Spencer, Gary H. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5854442
    Abstract: A composition for generating a non-toxic, non-flammable, odorless gas is disclosed wherein the propellant of said composition is a mixture of about 30% by weight to about 45% by weight KClO.sub.4 with about 55% by weight to 706 by weight of guanidine nitrate or a gas-generative effective derivative thereof with about 1% by weight to 3% by weight cellulose acetate butyrate, the oxidation ratio of oxidizer to fuel being about 0.92 to about 0.98. The method of using said composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Scheffee, Brian K. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 5831207
    Abstract: An autoigniting composition comprising lead thiocyanate Pb(SCN).sub.2 as the fuel, a chlorate as the oxidizer and optionally, a binder and/or a flow agent/thickener are disclosed for use in a vehicle occupant restraint system. The autoignition composition undergoes rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 190.degree. to 220.degree. C. thereby allowing the use of aluminum for the gas generator housing. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are safely manufactured by wet blending and may be installed via automation to the interior of the inflator housing. When aluminum housings are used, a barrier material is used to prevent corrosion of the aluminum by the autoignition composition. Optionally the dried autoignition material is coated with a protective substance to prevent water absorption and mechanic abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Edwin Seeger, John Herman Adams
  • Patent number: 5831208
    Abstract: A lead-free centerfire primer which, when fired, is devoid of serious toxic effects, and is characterized by the use of 5-20%, by weight, of barium nitrate as its oxidizer, in combination with 24-40% by weight of a primary explosive, 4-10% by weight of a sensitizer, 20-30% by weight of a nitrated ester, 4-10% by weight of an abrasive sensitizer, 4-7% by weight of a fuel, and 0.8-2.0% by weight of a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventor: Jack A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5811724
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition that emits essentially only infrared radiation upon combustion contains at least one peroxide component, an oxidizer that is more energetic than the peroxide component, a coolant, a binder and silicon. In one embodiment, the peroxide component is a mixture of strontium peroxide and barium peroxide, the oxidizer more energetic than the peroxide component is barium nitrate, the coolant is magnesium carbonate, the binder is calcium resonate and the silicon has a minimum purity of 99.9%. The pyrotechnic composition is useful as the combustible component of an infrared tracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Primex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy H. Henry, III, Michael A. Owens, Jarrett L. Terry, Mark A. Tucker, Frank M. Bone
  • Patent number: 5716557
    Abstract: A method of formulating high energy explosives and propellants, including e steps of melting the explosive at a temperature just above its melting temperature, admixing and dissolving or plasticizing a binder, and extruding or casting the resultant solution into a useful form for further forming the resulting material into a munitions. The first step in this method includes the use of any high energy explosive material. Examples of these include hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane or CL-20, 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine or TNAZ, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or S-TNT, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene or S-TNB, HMX, RDX, butane-trio-trinitrate or BTTN, trimethylolethane trinitrate or TMETN; triethylene glycol dinitrate or TEGDN, bis, 2,2-dinitro propyl acetal/bis 2,2 dinitro propyl formal or BDNPA/F, methyl nitrato ethyl nitramine or methyl NENA, ethyl NENA, mixtures thereof and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bernard Strauss, Thelma Manning, Joseph P. Prezelski, Sam Moy
  • Patent number: 5717158
    Abstract: A high energy propellant comprising 1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine or TNAZ, admi with up to about five percent of cellulose acetate butyrate or CAB by adding the CAB at a temperature slightly above the melting point of the TNAZ. A preferred amount of CAB is from about one percent to about three percent by weight of CAB, based on the weight of TNAZ. When the mixture is melt cast, the crystal structure is finer or smaller than that of pure explosive, producing increased mechanical strength and better resistance to impact. Inclusion of a thermoplastic binder is also contemplated to improve the mechanical integrity of the explosive. Preferred binders are BAMO/AMMO, HYTREL and ESTANE. The formulation permitted inclusion of small quantities of other high explosives because a uniform dispersion was obtained. Preferred high explosive are S-TNT, S-TNB, RDX, HMX and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christos Capellos, Brian E. Travers