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).

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.

Abstract: A gas generant for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system for a vehicle) is a monolithic compressed solid that has a linear burn rate of greater than or equal to about 1.6 inches per second at a pressure of about 3,000 pounds per square inch. The gas generant can be in the form of an annular disk having a plurality of apertures. The gas generant may be substantially free of binder and may have a low initial surface area which progressively increases during burning. The gas generant provides a gas generation profile that improves restraint of vehicle occupants, including those occupants that are out-of-position. Additionally, the shaped gas generant decreases occupant exposure to toxic effluent combustion products and solid respirable particulates.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating material composition comprises a fluorine bearing material, the fluorine bearing material releasing fluorine gas at a first temperature, and a coruscative material, a reaction temperature of the coruscative material equal to or greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the fluorine bearing material is a nickel-based alloy and the coruscative material includes an element from Group IVB, VB or VIB of the periodic table or a transition metal and a carbon-based material. The fluorine gas generating material composition can be incorporated into a product such as a munition, a flare, a shape charge or an impulse device. The disclosed fluorine gas generating material composition can be used to produce work in applications and methods that include point delivery of fluorine gas, explosives related applications, aerospace applications, and applications in the fields of mining and drilling.

Abstract: A particulate composite fuel of metal preferably of aluminum for a portable heater. The fuel reacts with oxygen in the air, producing heat. The composite fuel may also be flaked aluminum or iron nanopowder. A portable heater having a fuel mass, at least one thermal conductive member, and at least one insulating member. The heater transfers the heat of the oxidation of the metal particulate fuel to a desired mass to be heated, typically a food item. The multilayered heater also acts as a buffer absorbing released heat and releasing the heat to the desired mass at a rate slower than the absorbing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relate to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains include a fuel mixture having at least one fuel and at least one oxidizer, which have a burn rate that is susceptible to pressure sensitivity during combustion. The gas generant composition further includes a plurality of pressure sensitivity modifying glass fiber particles distributed therein to lessen the pressure sensitivity and/or to increase combustion stability of the gas generant. Such gas generants can be formed via spray drying techniques.

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.

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 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.

Abstract: An explosive material composition containing, as an active ingredient, particles of a water-soluble reactive ingredient having an uniform particle size. Each particle is coated with an oil ingredient and/or a thickener. The coated particles form an agglomerate.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating material composition comprises a fluorine bearing material, the fluorine bearing material releasing fluorine gas at a first temperature, and a coruscative material, a reaction temperature of the coruscative material equal to or greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the fluorine bearing material is a nickel-based alloy and the coruscative material includes an element from Group IVB, VB or VIB of the periodic table or a transition metal and a carbon-based material. The fluorine gas generating material composition can be incorporated into a product such as a munition, a flare, a shape charge or an impulse device. The disclosed fluorine gas generating material composition can be used to produce work in applications and methods that include point delivery of fluorine gas, explosives related applications, aerospace applications, and applications in the fields of mining and drilling.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90% by weight of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30% by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate of peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 to 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coaxial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 to 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry process for the manufacture of pyrotechnic objects from at least one reducing charge selected from guanidine derivatives, metal hydrides, alkali metal hydrides and alkaline earth metal hydrides, and at least one oxidizing charge selected from alkali metal nitrates, alkaline earth metal nitrates and basic metal nitrates, at least one of said reducing and oxidizing charges having the property of flowing under stress. Said process makes it possible to obtain pellets and small tablets directly by compaction/compression, to obtain granules, usable as such, by compaction and then granulation, and to obtain compressed objects by compaction, granulation and then compression. The high-performance pyrotechnic objects obtained constitute a further subject of the invention.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for producing particulate RDX is provided. RDX is dissolved and then precipitated with the precipitated RDX being separated from the mixture of solvent and anti-solvent and dried. The RDX has an increased insensitivity, i.e., it is more resistant to shock or impact stimuli and has a morphology characterized by a smooth surface and small particle size as formed.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a tubular molded article of a gas generating agent consisting of a non-azide-based composition. Both ends of the molded article are squashed. A gas-generating-agent producing process is to obtain a gas generating agent which is molded into the form of a tube both ends of which are squashed in such a way that the tubular molded article of the gas generating agent being in a wetted state is passed through a gap between a pair of molding gears that are rotatable so that each convex tooth of one of the molding gears can face that of the other molding gear, thereafter the molded article is squashed with the convex teeth at predetermined intervals, thereafter the molded article is cut off at the squashed concave parts in such a way as to be folded, and the resultant cut pieces are dried.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating material composition comprises a fluorine bearing material, the fluorine bearing material releasing fluorine gas at a first temperature, and a coruscative material, a reaction temperature of the coruscative material equal to or greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the fluorine bearing material is a nickel-based alloy and the coruscative material includes an element from Group IVB, VB or VIB of the periodic table or a transition metal and a carbon-based material. The fluorine gas generating material composition can be incorporated into a product such as a munition, a flare, a shape charge or an impulse device. The disclosed fluorine gas generating material composition can be used to produce work in applications and methods that include point delivery of fluorine gas, explosives related applications, aerospace applications, and applications in the fields of mining and drilling.

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.

Abstract: A solid pyrotechnic composition having a flame temperature and exhibiting ballistic performance comparable to that of black powder, but which does not contain charcoal or sulfur, is provided, as is a method for making such composition. A solid pyrotechnic composition, and method for making the same, which has a flame temperature and exhibits ballistic performance comparable to that of boron/potassium nitrate and that is preferably free of boron is also provided.

Abstract: A high-energy material composition comprising solid matrix with encapsulated fluid component embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of gas generant that may be used in airbag inflators. This new type of gas generant is designed to be flexible such that it may be used in side-curtain airbag applications and other situations where flexibility of the gas generant is required or desirable. The gas generant will generally include a flexible igniter, which in some instances, will be an electrical wire. The gas generant also includes one or more beads that are made from a gas-generating material. Each of the beads has a connector passage that is designed such that the flexible igniter may be strung through the connector passage in the beads. In some instances, the connector passage will be a hole in the bead through which the flexible igniter may be passed.

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.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.

Abstract: A multimodal explosive, in particular for blast charges, which has, for increasing the power, a powder additive which is formed by a hydrogen-terminated monocrystalline silicon powder of at least one grain size range, which powder has the advantage that no oxidation phenomenon takes place even over many years - even at storage in ambient air. Due to the non-oxidized crystal surfaces, advantageously an immediate joint reaction with the explosive takes place in the detonation front and also extends into the post-reaction period with increasing crystal sizes, so that a different propellant effect is achieved depending on the additive.

Abstract: A thermally stable booster explosive and process for the manufacture of the explosive. The product explosive is 2,4,7,9-tetranitro-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole (TNBFI). A reactant/solvent such as n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or dimethyl formamide (DMF) is made slightly basic. The solution is heated to reduce the water content. The solution is cooled and hexanitrostilbene is added. The solution is heated to a predetermined temperature for a specific time period, cooled, and the product is collected by filtration.

Abstract: An airbag inflator (10) including an elongated outer housing (12) having an interior and a plurality of orifices (22) extending collinearly therealong to enable fluid communication between the outer housing interior and an exterior of the outer housing (12). The outer housing orifice(s) (22) open from the outer housing interior toward a first side (F) of the inflator. An elongated inner housing (14) is positioned in the outer housing interior. The inner housing (14) has an interior and a plurality of orifices (20) extending collinearly therealong to enable fluid communication between the inner housing interior and an exterior of the inner housing (14). The inner housing orifice(s) (20) open from the inner housing interior toward a second side (S) of the inflator. A quantity of a gas generant composition (16) extends along a portion of the interior of the inner housing (14).

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-polluting high temperature combustion system which comprises in combination a graphite-lined combustion chamber fueled by a controlled-burn thermite fuel, wherein the fuel burns a temperature of up to 6000 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the resulting gases are essentially pollution free; the system also include a means of passing a substrate into and out of the combustion chamber and/or a turbine powered by gases from the combustion products, means of injecting a working fluid into the combustion gases upstream of the turbine, a heat recovery means that comprises a geo-thermal hot rock bed, a steam generator utilizing heat from the geo-thermal hot rock bed, a working fluid separation means which comprises a condenser, and means of liquefying the remaining gases for commercial use.

Abstract: In a reaction system having at least two liquid-liquid interfaces between an organic phase of raw material containing a compound(s) to be separated and an aqueous phase of an aqueous solution of inclusion-complexing agent and between that aqueous phase and an organic phase(s) of extraction solvent(s), the compound(s) to be separated is entrapped into the aqueous phase through formation of an inclusion complex(es) of the inclusion-complexing agent with the compound(s), while the compound(s) is entrapped into the organic phase(s) of extraction solvent(s) through dissociation of said inclusion complex(es). The foregoing operation is performed using, for example, a squarish U-shaped tube or an H-shaped tube with bottom plates. Preferred examples of inclusion-complexing agent include highly water-soluble branched cyclodextrins.

Abstract: An oxidizer package for use in a solid fuel propellant system. The oxidizer package comprises a solid oxidizer in the form of discrete pellets of predetermined geometric shape. The pellets are arranged in an array with spaces amongst the pellets. A holder is provided for maintaining the pellets in the array for receipt of a binder introduced to spaces amongst the array of pellets. Preferred propellants include hydrazinium nitroformate and nitronium perchlorate. This arrangement for the pellets can achieve loadings as high as 85% by weight for the pellets.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprises a porous fuel and an oxidizer. The porous fuel is a solid with a structure size measuring between about 2 nm and 1000 nm and has a porosity that lies between 10% and 98%. The oxidizer is solid or liquid at room temperature and is incorporated into the pores of the porous fuel. The oxidizer is selected, in an amount of at least 50% by weight relative to a total quantity of the oxidizer, from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ammonium nitrate, organic nitro compounds or nitrates, alkali metal nitrates or earth alkali metal nitrates as well as metal nitrites, metal chlorates, metal perchlorates, metal bromates, metal iodates, metal oxides, metal peroxides, ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the energy of an emulsion blasting agent as it is being loaded into a borehole and to an improved method of perimeter blasting wherein an energy reducing agent is added to and mixed uniformly throughout an emulsion blasting agent as it is being pumped or conveyed into a perimeter borehole to reduce the energy of the blasting agent to a desired level. In addition, by adding varying amount of gassing agents, the density and sensitivity of the emulsion blasting agent also can be controlled.

Abstract: A multi-component liquid explosive composition and method of mixing thereof. The steps include (a) providing a powder consisting of aluminum preferably having an average particle size of 5 to 50 microns and a surface area of 0.5 to 2 square meters per cubic centimeter containing 0.1 to 5% stearic acid by weight; (b) providing a liquid consisting of nitromethane; and (c) mixing said aluminum powder with the nitromethane to form a liquid explosive formulation detonable at a wide range of temperatures and diameters with a standard commercial number 8 blasting cap.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component wherein said oxygen supplying component comprises at least 50% by weight of prilled agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, b) an organic phase, comprising at least one organic fuel and c) an emulsifying amount of an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group substituted succinic emulsifier composition, said succinic emulsifier composition having at least one of succinic ester groups, succinic amide groups, succinic imine groups, succinic ester-amide and succinimide groups, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of said groups is substituted with an aminoalkyl group, wherein the aliphatic hydrocarbon based group contains from about 18 up to about 500 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition is especially suited to being pneumatically loaded into a blasthole. The emulsion explosive composition includes a base emulsion phase which has a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidiser phase, wherein the viscosity of the base emulsion phase is less than 2000 cP (Brookfleld viscosity #4 spindle at 50 rpm) at 25°C.

Abstract: A putty-like water-in-oil emulsion composition comprising a) an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising water and an inorganic salt, wherein a portion of the inorganic salt is present in aqueous solution and a portion is present in crystalline form, b) an organic phase comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and c) an associated mixture of an emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifying agent comprising at least one of hydroxy groups and amino groups; said emulsifying agent suitable for forming a water-in-oil emulsion, and an acylated hydrocarbon polymer, said hydrocarbon polymer having {overscore (M)}n ranging from about 2,000 to about 6,000.

Abstract: A stabilized water-in-oil energetic emulsion composition comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component; b) an organic phase comprising at least one organic fuel; c) an emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifying agent suitable for forming a water-in-oil emulsion; and d) an emulsion stabilizer comprising a hydrocarbon polymer, said hydrocarbon polymer having {overscore (M)}n ranging from about 2,000 to about 6,000, provided that said emulsion composition is essentially free of any polyvalent inorganic agent that is capable of cross-linking with the emulsifying agent or the emulsion stabilizer.

Abstract: A process for producing a mixture of particulates using compressed gas and sonication. The process is particularly useful to mix reactive particulates, such as thermites.

Abstract: The invention relates to explosive compositions comprising, in a water-in-oil emulsion as emulsifier, a Mannich adduct composed of a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted, hydroxyaromatic compound of the formula I (R1)nAr(OH)x ??(I) in which R1 is a hydrocarbyl group selected from a straight-chain or branched C6-C400-alkyl, C6-C400-alkenyl, C6-C400-alkenyl-aryl or C6-C400-alkyl-aryl radical; Ar is a mononuclear or polynuclear, optionally substituted aromatic ring; n is an integral value of 1, 2 or 3; and x is an integral value of 1 and 5; b) formaldehyde, an oligomer or polymer thereof; and c) a nitrogen compound selected from an amine having at least one primary or secondary amino function, and ammonia.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing density in an ammonium nitrate product. The method comprises providing a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound capable of generating gas by chemical reaction and providing an ammonium nitrate product. The water-insoluble solid gas generating agent is introduction into the ammonium nitrate product under conditions causing gas generation by the gas generating agent in the ammonium nitrate product. The ammonium nitrate product is particulated to form a particulated prilled ammonium nitrate product with reduced density. The invention also relates to a particulated ammonium nitrate product produced by this method and to the use of a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound reduce density in a particulate ammonium nitrate product.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a new composition that provides different outputs depending upon the level of stimulus supplied to the composition. More specifically, if the composition is subjected to a weak shock, the composition produces fragments that burn upon their surfaces. If the composition is subjected to a strong shock, the bulk of the fragments will initiate, and, depending upon the make-up of the fragments, an explosive, propellant, or pyrotechnic, a different output will result.

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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a stable, water-in-oil emulsion phase containing a polymeric emulsifier. The addition of an animal oil or fatty acid additive enhances the long-term stability of the emulsion phase following homogenization.

Abstract: An emulsion comprising:(A) a discontinuous phase; (B) a continuous organic phase; and (C) an emulsifying amount of at least one nitrogen and transition metal containing composition derived from hydrocarbon substituted polycarboxylic acids or functional equivalent thereof, selected from the group consisting of (C-1) amide and imide derivatives of transition metal salts, (C-2) transition metal complexes of non-acidic acylated nitrogen compounds, and (C-3) a mixture of acylated nitrogen compounds and transition metal salts. In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to explosive emulsions wherein (A) is a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component and (B) is a continuous organic phase which comprises at least one carbonaceous fuel. In another embodiment, the discontinuous phase (A) is a discontinuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: A porous igniter body and a method of making the same are provided wherein a blowing agent component including at least one thermally decomposable blowing agent solid is mixed with at least one igniter fuel and at least one igniter oxidizer to form an igniter body precursor. The igniter body precursor is subsequently subjected to a temperature sufficient to decompose at least a portion of the blowing agent to form the porous igniter body.

Abstract: A terpolymer comprising monomer units derived from an olefin having more than 40 carbon atoms, maleic anhydride, and an alkylallyl polyglycol ether of the formula R—(OCH2CH2)nO—CH2—CH═CH2 where n=3-20 and R=C1-C4-alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based explosive having detonation properties similar to dynamite. It comprises an emulsion explosive formed by blending an emulsion phase with cast particles. The emulsion phase comprises a continuous organic liquid fuel phase, a discontinuous inorganic oxidizer solution phase and an emulsifier. The cast particles comprise a mixture of sodium perchlorate, water and diethylene glycol. The cast particles can be added to the emulsion phase before the particles are completely cured and thus before they reach final sensitivty.