Containing Free Boron Or Binary Compounds Of Boron (except With Oxygen) Or Boranes Patents (Class 149/22)
  • Patent number: 11198656
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to hypergolic hydrocarbon fuel compositions comprising a convenient fuel and a cycloheptatriene and/or its analogs, and methods of making and using the hypergolic hydrocarbon fuel compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Timothee L Pourpoint, Trenton H Parsell
  • Patent number: 11084782
    Abstract: The gas generating agent of the present invention comprises an oxalic acid salt of an aminoguanidine compound represented by general formula (1) below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Eiwa Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Kageyama, Haruka Sakai, Kazuyoshi Uera, Tomoki Iwata, Yuji Yasuda, Kazuya Nakata, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Mitsuru Kasuga
  • Patent number: 10723671
    Abstract: A new, rapid and inexpensive synthesis method for monodispersed triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) microparticles based on micelle-confined precipitation that enables control of microscopic morphology. The morphology of the TATB microparticles can be tuned between quasi-spherical and faceted by controlling the speed of recrystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Hongyou Fan, Kaifu Bian, David Rosenberg, Leanne Julia Alarid
  • Patent number: 10532800
    Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal hydrogen generator and a process and system for generating hydrogen gas, more specifically to a process and system for generating hydrogen gas by thermally decomposing a metal hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Anasphere, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Bognar
  • Patent number: 10309914
    Abstract: A hand-held measuring appliance includes at least a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor, a control apparatus configured to control the measuring appliance, an evaluation apparatus configured to evaluate a measurement signal supplied by the nuclear magnetic resonance sensor, an output apparatus configured to output ascertained information, and an apparatus for energy supply. The measuring appliance is configured to examine at least one of fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Graessl, Klaus Marx, Reiner Krapf, Ulli Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10220930
    Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal hydrogen generator and a process and system for generating hydrogen gas, more specifically to a process and system for generating hydrogen gas by thermally decomposing a metal hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ANASPHERE, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Bognar
  • Patent number: 9617193
    Abstract: An energetic material composite comprising fuel particles and a hydrated compound is disclosed. The energetic material composite is formed by dispersing fuel particles, which have a negative standard reduction potential relative to a standard hydrogen electrode, in a solvent containing dissolved hydrate, followed by a removal of solvent. When initiated, the fuel particles react with the water bound in the hydrated compound to release energy and hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NCC NANO, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Schroder, Ronald Ian Dass
  • Publication number: 20140373983
    Abstract: A process of producing an infrared radiation-generating decoy for protecting against heat-seeking missiles and other heat-seeking devices comprises the step of decomposing a metal carboxy compound in the substantial absence of gaseous oxygen, to produce a pyrophoric material as a decomposition product of the metal carboxy compound, which pyrophoric material is arranged to combust spontaneously upon contact with air when the decoy is used. The metal carboxy compound may be iron oxalate, and the pyrophoric material may be ferrous oxide. The pyrophoric material may be coated onto a substrate, and a plurality of coated substrate pieces may be used in a decoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: CHEMRING COUNTERMEASURES LIMITED
    Inventor: Alexander Kit LAY
  • Publication number: 20140373984
    Abstract: Disclosed are hypergolic salts with borane cluster anions that ignite spontaneously upon contact with nitric acid (from 70% to 100% in water) with short ignition delay. The salts, when added as trigger additive to combustible solvent or ionic liquids, make the resulting formulation hypergolic. The salts with borane cluster anions also shorten ignition delay in hypergols, such as RP-1, and additionally allow nitric acid to be used to replace liquid oxygen as an oxidizer. In some examples, the borane salts are formed in situ in an ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Parker D. McCrary, Robin D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8888936
    Abstract: A powdery pyrotechnic mixture is proposed that comprises a binary or ternary inorganic oxidizing agent mixture composed of one or two metal oxides, a nitrate totaling 50.0% by weight to 85.0% by weight, an elementary inorganic fuel or a mixture of elementary inorganic fuels totaling 15.0% by weight to 40.0% by weight, a stabilized nitrocellulose or a nitrocellulose-based propellant powder from 0.0% by weight to 25.0% by weight, graphite from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight as well as. Optionally. a further processing aid from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight. The powdery pyrotechnic mixture excels in that it contains no chlorate-containing compound and/or perchlorate-containing compound as an oxidizing agent and no sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound as fuel. The proposed pyrotechnic mixture is used in pyrotechnic objects and ammunition for the production of a bang-effect and/or flash effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Julia Strenger, Dirk Cegiel, Christopher Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140109788
    Abstract: A liquid electrically initiated and controlled composition comprising an oxidizer, soluble fuel additive(s), and other optional additives to enhance the chemical or ballistic properties, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition further comprises stabilizers to enhance thermal stability, sequestrants to minimize deleterious effects of transition metal contaminants, and combustion enhancers maximizing efficiency. Buffers and heavy metal sequestering or complexing agents may be used in combination to achieve the highest degree of thermal stability. Additional ionic co-oxidizers may be added to the liquid composition to stabilize the liquid oxidizer and further depress freezing point. The liquid phase of matter allows flow via pipes or tubes from tanks, reservoirs, or other containers, through metering valves, followed by ignition or combustion modulation when stimulated by electrodes, statically or dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. McPherson, Tim Manship
  • Publication number: 20130333815
    Abstract: Non-lethal payloads including at least one of boron and silicon, at least one fuel, and at least one oxidizer. The non-lethal payload may be a single-component or dual-component payload. Methods of producing the non-lethal payloads are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicants: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 8425702
    Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed. A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Nicolich, Alexander J. Paraskos, Daniel W. Doll, Gary K. Lund, Wendy A. Balas
  • Publication number: 20120273099
    Abstract: The disclosure described herein is a reduced toxicity rocket propellant comprising a liquid fuel and a liquid oxidizer that ignites spontaneously upon contact with each other. The rocket propellant includes a metal hydride catalyst. Multiple embodiments of the propellant include multiple compositions of liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: William Anderson, Erik Michael Dambach, Yair Solomon, Rohit Mahakali, Allen Yan
  • Patent number: 8282749
    Abstract: Boron-containing, green light emitting pyrotechnic compositions that advantageously do not include barium, perchlorate or chlorinated organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jesse J. Sabatini, Jay C. Poret, Russell N. Broad
  • Publication number: 20120234196
    Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of a rocket motor and fuel system thereof and, in particular to a new and useful Viscous Liquid Monopropellant (VLM) rocket motor containing a liquid propellant that is pumped into the combustion chamber, atomised and then ignited. The atomisation step significantly increases the surface area of the propellant, delivering faster burn rates and smoother combustion. VLM is a non-Newtonian fluid containing both oxidisers and fuels. These monopropellants are comprised of a variety of liquid and solid components, mixed together to form a homogenous fluid, although heterogeneous in composition. The solid constituents are retained within the liquid phase by dispersion, suspension, bonding or chemical emulsification techniques, so as when a motive force is applied to the propellant, all the constituents are also transported, and held in correct proportion whilst doing so.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Beck, Adam Michael Berry
  • Publication number: 20120132328
    Abstract: A powdery pyrotechnic mixture is proposed that comprises a binary or ternary inorganic oxidizing agent mixture composed of one or two metal oxides, a nitrate totaling 50.0% by weight to 85.0% by weight, an elementary inorganic fuel or a mixture of elementary inorganic fuels totaling 15.0% by weight to 40.0% by weight, a stabilized nitrocellulose or a nitrocellulose-based propellant powder from 0.0% by weight to 25.0% by weight, graphite from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight as well as. Optionally. a further processing aid from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight. The powdery pyrotechnic mixture excels in that it contains no chlorate-containing compound and/or perchlorate-containing compound as an oxidizing agent and no sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound as fuel. The proposed pyrotechnic mixture is used in pyrotechnic objects and ammunition for the production of a bang-effect and/or flash effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Julia Strenger, Dirk Cegiel, Christopher Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8172966
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Reed J. Blau, Lisa S. Liu, Ronald L. Hansen, Richard G. Ames
  • Patent number: 8137627
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a plurality of fuel sticks each of which includes a hydrogen release compound configured to generate hydrogen by a chemical reaction, a pressure-resistant container configured to store therein the plurality of fuel sticks, and a controller configured to carry out control in such a manner that hydrogen is generated selectively from the plurality of fuel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Toshio Horiguchi, Robert W. Reeve, Darren P. Scattergood
  • Patent number: 8118955
    Abstract: A thermobaric self-sustaining reactive composition, method and device for defeating chemical or biological agents includes a first material including at least one of a Group IV or Group V metal; a second material reactive with the first material in an exothermic intermetallic reaction to generate heat sufficient to vaporize a third material; and the third material that when vaporized combusts with air producing an elevated temperature sufficient to destroy the chemical and biological agents. The device includes a container having a center core explosive driver with the self-sustaining reactive composition surrounding the center core explosive driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Sciences Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter D. Zavitsanos, Anthony J. Rozanski, Thomas Manion
  • Patent number: 8066833
    Abstract: A novel non-toxic IR tracer composition is provided herein which, when incorporated into an IR tracer projectile which is then fired, generates a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer composition is a non-toxic, boron-containing, IR tracer composition comprising: from about 20 to about 30% by weight, or from about 45 to about 60% by weight, of potassium perchlorate; from about 5 to about 16% by weight of a metallic fuel which consists of boron; from about 20 to about 25% by weight, or from about 40 to about 50% by weight, of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 10% by weight of a retardant which consists either of iron carbonate or magnesium carbonate; and an effective amount of binder, wherein the total percentage of such ingredients add up to 100%. A novel IR tracer projectile containing such IR tracer composition for generating a dim visibility IR trace is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems-Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Louise Guindon, Carol Jalbert, Daniel Lepage
  • Publication number: 20110259484
    Abstract: The invention relates to ignition sets comprising initial explosive substances selected from the group consisting of compounds, in particular compounds of lead, which are derived from trinitropolyphenols, such as trinitrophenol, trinitroresorcinol or hydrazoic acid, for example, in mixture with oxygen-generating substances, wherein further included are initial explosive substances made of alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal salts of dinitrobenzofuroxanes and oxygen-generating substances made from nitrates of ammonium, guanidine, aminoguanidine, triaminoguanidine, dicyanodiamidine and from the elements of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, cerium and/or from multivalent metal oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Peter Simon Lechner
  • Patent number: 8012277
    Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Nicolich, Alexander J. Paraskos, Daniel W. Doll, Gary K. Lund, Wendy A. Balas
  • Patent number: 7988801
    Abstract: Perchlorate-free green flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce green smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert G. Shortridge, Christina M. Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110168047
    Abstract: A missile includes a pyrotechnic charge. The missile is constructed in such a way that the pyrotechnic charge is made to burn deflagratively when the missile is used correctly. The pyrotechnic charge includes a mixture containing at least one metal or a metal alloy as a fuel and at least one metal oxide as an oxidizing agent. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that they can react with one another by burning. The mixture is compressed to a density of at least 85% of a theoretical density of the mixture, and the fuel, the oxidizing agent and a quantitative ratio between the fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that a density of the mixture is at least 6 g/cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: DIEHL BGT DEFENCE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: ARNO HAHMA
  • Publication number: 20110169254
    Abstract: Airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a mixture of fuels and a mixture of oxidizers and preferably mica at levels of 1 to 5% by weight. The gas generant composition contains a primary and secondary fuel. The primary fuel is a guanidine compound, preferably guanidine nitrate. The secondary fuel is selected from tetrazoles, triazoles and mixtures thereof at levels of 5% by weight or less of the total gas generant composition. The oxidizer system is a mixture of at least two components selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, alkali metal nitrates and alkaline earth metal nitrates. The novel gas generants yield inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: LSI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Luca Bert
  • Patent number: 7964111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to solid compounds which generate hydrogen by combustion, and to a method for generating hydrogen based on the combustion of said compounds. Said compounds have a composition which includes at least one inorganic borohydride, selected from alkali borohydrides, alkaline-earth borohydrides and mixtures thereof, and at least one inorganic oxidant. Characteristically, said composition comprises sulfur. Said method is advantageously implemented for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: SNPE Materiaux Energetiques
    Inventors: Christian Perut, Joël Renouard
  • Publication number: 20110041968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lead- and barium-free ignition charge which does not contain any oxidant, and its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Rainer Hagel, Aleksej Hoschenko, Peter Simon Lechner, Frank Mönius
  • Publication number: 20110011502
    Abstract: An improved priming mix of the type including an initiator, fuel, and oxidizer, and pyrotechnic component. The improvement being the inclusion of between about 3% and about 20% propellant superfines, the superfines comprising particles less than 100 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: George C. Mei, Duane E. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7707819
    Abstract: Hollow RX-08HD cylindrical charges were loaded with boron and PTFE, in the form of low-bulk density powders or powders dispersed in a rigid foam matrix. Each charge was initiated by a Comp B booster at one end, producing a detonation wave propagating down the length of the cylinder, crushing the foam or bulk powder and collapsing the void spaces. The PdV work done in crushing the material heated it to high temperatures, expelling it in a high velocity fluid jet. In the case of boron particles supported in foam, framing camera photos, temperature measurements, and aluminum witness plates suggest that the boron was completely vaporized by the crush wave and that the boron vapor turbulently mixed with and burned in the surrounding air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Viecelli, Lowell L. Wood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, John H. Nuckolls, Phillip F. Pagoria
  • Patent number: 7682411
    Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Peter Brian Jones, Darren Jonathan Browning, Gary Owens Mepsted, Darren Paul Scattergood
  • Publication number: 20100032063
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lead-free, nontoxic pyrotechnic composition, comprising: 30-80 wt % of bismuth subnitrate; and 10-50 wt % of a fuel, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a lead-free, nontoxic priming composition, comprising: 20-80 wt % of the above nontoxic pyrotechnic composition; 20-50 wt % of an initiator explosive; and 2-10 wt % of a sensitizer, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: George C. Mei, James W. Pickett
  • Publication number: 20090223612
    Abstract: A powdered fuel includes a powder including a material consisting of particles having a particle size distribution median and other statistical characteristics such that less than about 5% of the particles by weight have a size larger than an explosibility size limit for the material. The particle size distribution median and other statistical characteristics are selected based on the use of the powder as a substantially explosible fuel. In one embodiment the material is biomass. In other embodiments, the material is a metal material, a metal alloy, a metal oxide, a plastic material, or a hydrocarbon-bearing solid. A powdered fuel dispersion includes an oxidizing gas and a powdered fuel dispersed in the oxidizing gas at a ratio such that the powdered fuel dispersion is explosible. Proper control of the moving dispersion produces a stationary deflagrating wave that substantially consumes the fuel to produce energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: James K. McKnight, Edward Bacorn, Ken W. White
  • Publication number: 20090159163
    Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition obtained by milling a fuel component and an oxidizer component with an aqueous emulsion of a hydrophobic tackifier and drying them, which is high in the water resistance and good in the extrusion moldability and cleanability of a shaping machine and less in the production problem. Also, the explosive composition according to the invention is preferable to be applied as a shaped body to a gas generating agent, an autoignition agent, an enhancer agent or the like. Further, the explosive composition shaped body according to the invention is particularly preferable to be used for a gas generator actuating an automobile safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: NIPPONKAYAKU KABUSHIKIKAISHA
    Inventors: Kouichi Sasamoto, Yasuhiro Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090133787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic agent containing at least one azotetrazolate as a component thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: RUAG AMMOTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Rainer Hagel, Julia Havlik, Aleksej Hoschenko, Peter Simon Lechner
  • Publication number: 20090020197
    Abstract: Airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a mixture of fuels and a mixture of oxidizers and preferably mica at levels of 1 to 5% by weight. The gas generant composition contains a primary and secondary fuel. The primary fuel is a guanidine compound, preferably guanidine nitrate. The secondary fuel is selected from tetrazoles, triazoles and mixtures thereof at levels of 5% by weight or less of the total gas generant composition. The oxidizer system is a mixture of at least two components selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, alkali metal nitrates and alkaline earth metal nitrates. The novel gas generants yield inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Edward O. Hosey
  • Publication number: 20080308201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a primer composition, to a method for producing the same and to the use of said primer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Rainer Hagel, Aleksej Hoschenko, Peter Simon Lechner
  • Patent number: 7441503
    Abstract: An expendable infra-red radiating means having a rupturable container 1 housing a plurality of decoy plates (11) and an ignition means (17) for igniting the decoy plates (11). Each of the decoy plates (11) comprises a composition of a metal and an oxidant capable of an exothermic combustion reaction upon ignition which produces negligible quantities of radiation in the visible or ultra-violet regions and which results, after the combustion reaction is completed, in the decoy plates (11) containing hot metal emitting infra-red radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Brittanic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventor: James D. Callaway
  • Publication number: 20080257194
    Abstract: A novel non-toxic IR tracer composition is provided herein which, when incorporated into an IR tracer projectile which is then fired, generates a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer composition is a non-toxic, metallic-boron-containing, IR tracer composition comprising: from about 20 to about 30% by weight, or from about 45 to about 60% by weight, of potassium perchlorate; from about 5 to about 16% by weight of a metallic fuel which consists of metallic boron; from about 20 to about 25% by weight, or from about 40 to about 50% by weight, of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 10% by weight of a retardant which consists either of iron carbonate or magnesium carbonate; and an effective amount of binder, wherein the total percentage of such ingredients add up to 100%. A novel IR tracer projectile containing such IR tracer composition for generating a dim visibility IR trace is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Louise Guindon, Carol Jalbert, Daniel Lepage
  • Publication number: 20080251169
    Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Nicolich, Alexander J. Paraskos, Daniel W. Doll, Gary K. Lund, Wendy A. Balas
  • Publication number: 20080251170
    Abstract: A thermobaric self-sustaining reactive composition, method and device for defeating chemical or biological agents includes a first material including at least one of a Group IV or Group V metal; a second material reactive with the first material in an exothermic intermetallic reaction to generate heat sufficient to vaporize a third material; and the third material that when vaporized combusts with air producing an elevated temperature sufficient to destroy the chemical and biological agents. The device includes a container having a center core explosive driver with the self-sustaining reactive composition surrounding the center core explosive driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Peter D. Zavitsanos, Anthony J. Rozanski, Thomas Manion
  • Patent number: 7261748
    Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Peter Brian Jones, Darren Jonathan Browning, Gary Owen Mepstead, Darren Paul Scattergood
  • Patent number: 6962633
    Abstract: A novel family of amine azides having a cyclic structure therein is disclosed. These compounds have attractive properties as rocket propellants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael J. McQuaid
  • Patent number: 6875294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are light metal explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants (LME&Ps) comprising a light metal component such as Li, B, Be or their hydrides or intermetallic compounds and alloys containing them and an oxidizer component containing a classic explosive, such as CL-20, or a non-explosive oxidizer, such as lithium perchlorate, or combinations thereof. LME&P formulations may have light metal particles and oxidizer particles ranging in size from 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Lowell L. Wood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, John H. Nuckolls, Phillip F. Pagoria, James A. Viecelli
  • Patent number: 6843868
    Abstract: A non-/low-toxic, non-hypergolic, propellant formulation generally comprising metal nanoparticles, such as boron, aluminum, or carbon, and one or more fluoro-polymers mixed in in particulate form. The present invention takes advantage of the increased surface area provided by nano-sized metallic particles to enhance the metal's combustion efficiency, or ignitability. The inclusion of fluoro-polymers also aids in increasing the combustion efficiency of the metallic nanoparticles due to the presence of halogenic oxidizers. The thermal degradation of a halogenated fluoro-polymer additive in the propellant combustion zone serves to release halogens, thereby improving the combustion of the metallic nanoparticles and increasing the propulsion system's energy output. The present invention's formulation is safe to store and handle, environmentally-friendly, and may be economically manufactured to provide for widespread, cost-effective use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawls, Joel P. Fields, Kerry L. Wagaman
  • Publication number: 20040231768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical composition which is intended both for a hybrid gas-generating material and for a purely pyrotechnical gas-generating material for use in gas-actuated car safety devices, and which comprises a first obligatory constituent in the form of 5-95 wt % of guanyl urea dinitramide and a second obligatory constituent in the form of 5-50 wt % of an oxidizing agent (calculated on the total amount of solids), together with—if it is necessary to increase the rate of burning—a combustion moderator in the form of 0-90 wt % of guanidine dinitramide or up to 10 wt % of finely divided metallic boron, as well as up to 10 wt % of a binder. The pyrotechnical composition according to the invention is characterized e.g. by a low pollutant emission, low smoke formation, and the fact that its rate of burning can be adjusted to suit any type of car safety device by varying the ratio between the constituents within the limits specified in the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Bofors Bepab AB
    Inventors: Svante Persson, Conny Sjoqvist
  • Patent number: 6764562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical composition which is intended both for a hybrid gas-generating material and for a purely pyrotechnical gas-generating material for use in gas-actuated car safety devices, and which comprises a first obligatory constituent in the form of 5-95 wt % of guanyl urea dinitramide and a second obligatory constituent in the form of 5-50 wt % of an oxidizing agent (calculated on the total amount of solids), together with—if it is necessary to increase the rate of burning—a combustion moderator in the form of 0-90 wt % of guanidine dinitramide or up to 10 wt % of finely divided metallic boron, as well as up to 10 wt % of a binder. The pyrotechnical composition according to the invention is characterized e.g. by a low pollutant emission, low smoke formation, and the fact that its rate of burning can be adjusted to suit any type of car safety device by varying the ratio between the constituents within the limits specified in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bofors Bepab AB
    Inventors: Svante Persson, Conny Sjöqvist
  • Publication number: 20040134576
    Abstract: An igniter composition for a gas generant and a related method of igniting a gas generant are provided in which, in addition to a boron fuel component and an oxidizer component, the igniter composition additionally includes a gas-forming source of a condensable metal effective for transferring heat to the gas generant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Taylor, David W. Parkinson, Gregory B. Hess, Ivan V. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6723190
    Abstract: A communication system comprises an input-output processor IOP (11) coupled to a plurality of network devices (10) and a protocol processor PP (12), both processors being coupled to a common memory (15). Memory access control means (16) resolves competition between the processors for memory access. Normally, if one of the two processors is accessing the memory, the memory control unit (16) allows that access to be completed before allowing the other processor to access the memory. But if data loss in a network device is imminent, the IOP, is granted a higher priority memory access, the memory access controller aborts (interrupts) any memory access by the PP, allowing the IOP to access the memory immediately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Gill, Carl Gotzmer, Pamela Carpenter, Eric Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20040065395
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid composition which can decompose with the generation of hydrogen according to a self-sustaining combustion reaction after initiation of this reaction by an appropriate heat source, this composition being characterized in that it comprises an alkali metal borohydride or alkaline earth metal borohydride and strontium nitrate Sr(NO3)2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: SNPE
    Inventors: Nancy Desgardin, Christian Perut, Joel Renouard