Ammonium Nitrate Patents (Class 149/46)
  • Patent number: 11535573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle designed preferably for producing a mixture of waste lubricating oils/fuel oil (ALR/FO), mounted preferably on a chassis and comprising at least one metal tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ENAEX SERVICIOS S.A.
    Inventors: Luis Antonio Loyola Irribarra, Camilo Garcia G., Fernando Zangheri G., Diego Mendez A.
  • Patent number: 10865162
    Abstract: Explosive compositions for use in high temperature, reactive ground, or both, are disclosed. The explosive compositions can include an emulsion with a continuous organic fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizer phase. The oxidizer phase can include one or more Group I or Group II nitrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited
    Inventors: Jade Pettersen, Emma McPhail, Jeff Gore
  • Patent number: 10774014
    Abstract: The invention refers to a free-flowing ammonium nitrate (AN) product which comprises a mixture of AN particles and beads or granules of activated alumina, a process for preparing the same and the use of said beads or granules as free-flowing additive for AN particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MAXAMCORP HOLDING, S.L.
    Inventors: Unai Elizundia Eriz, Mateusz Marek Hass
  • Patent number: 10202315
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: LDE Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin H. Waldock
  • Patent number: 10065898
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to pumpable explosive compositions that include a matrix emulsion, which has i) technical or fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate in a ratio between 60% and 70%; (ii) sodium nitrate from 1% to 20%; iii) urea from 0.1% to 8%; iv) thiourea from 0.1% to 2%, v) water from 5% to 20%, vi) acetic acid or sulfamic acid from 0.1% to 2%; vii) surfactants of non-ionic or polymeric nature from 0.5 to 3%; and viii) a hydrocarbon such as petroleum or a paraffinic or naphthenic based mineral oil, and where a second component of composition are technical and/or fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate prills in a ratio from 5% to 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: EXSA S.A.
    Inventor: Karl Maslo Luna
  • Patent number: 9611184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: LDE Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin H. Waldock
  • Patent number: 9115036
    Abstract: A method of thermally treating high density ammonium nitrate for manufacturing ANFO and heavy ANFO including loading high density ammonium nitrate into a tank; entering the high density ammonium nitrate into heating equipment at room temperature; heating the high density ammonium nitrate inside the heating equipment; removing the treated ammonium nitrate from the heating equipment at a temperature less than 60° C.; and sieving the treated ammonium nitrate, thereby obtaining thermally treated ammonium nitrate; feeding thermally treated ammonium nitrate at a temperature of less than 30° C. into a mixing chamber while injecting fuel into the thermally treated ammonium nitrate feeding pipe, thereby obtaining ANFO; loading gassed or ungassed bulk emulsion into a hopper; feeding the bulk emulsion into the same mixing chamber as the ANFO; and mixing the bulk emulsion and the ANFO, thereby obtaining heavy ANFO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EXSA S.A.
    Inventors: Karl Maslo, Heberth Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9096530
    Abstract: An explosive material in the form of a cocrystal comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20 or HNIW) and at least one energetic material. The energetic material is selected from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Adam Matzger, Onas Bolton
  • Patent number: 8992707
    Abstract: An energetic composition with controlled detonation having at least a first organic material and a second material, where the second material is a porous material (micro-, meso-, or macroporous), having a pore ratio of at least 10% and preferably greater than 50%, and the first material is, at least partially, infiltrated into the pores of the second material. A mixture containing such a composition, and a method for manufacturing such a composition and such a mixture. Additionally, a method for fragmenting or expanding a microporous material at nanoscale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Institute Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint-Louis
    Inventors: Marc Comet, Denis Spitzer, Vincent Pichot
  • Publication number: 20150047759
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin H. Waldock
  • Publication number: 20150033969
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an explosive composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of: an oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon fuel component containing emulsifier, and a bulking agent being a fuel-type waste material in a solid particulate form substantially lacking rough surfaces and sharp edges. Preferably the composition is of an ammonium nitrate based emulsion and a pelletised bulking agent. It also involves a method of providing an explosive composition to a blast site using a conventional mobile processing unit (MPU), being a truck having separate compartments adapted for holding fuel oil, dry ammonium nitrate prill, and ammonium nitrate based emulsion, where a compartment instead holds particulate waste material. It also concerns a method of blasting soft and wet ground, which comprises injecting into one or more blast holes in the soft and wet ground a sufficient quantity of the composition, and then setting off the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff Gore, Nathan Paris
  • Publication number: 20140352567
    Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, wherein the sensitizing voids are present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution, wherein the liquid energetic material comprises (a) regions in which the sensitizing voids are sufficiently concentrated to render those regions detonable and (b) regions in which the sensitizing voids are not so concentrated and wherein the explosive composition does not contain ammonium nitrate prill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: John Cooper, Ian John Kirby, Richard Goodridge, Vladimir Sujansky, Simon James Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20140311634
    Abstract: A blasting explosive composition containing a solid inorganic oxidising salt as the oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon liquid as the fuel component, and a binding agent. The composition can also contain an ammonium nitrate based emulsion. The binding agent can increase the water resistance, or increase the sleep time, of the explosive composition, or increase the fuel oil absorbency of the solid inorganic oxidising salt. The binding agent is selected from one or more of a long chain carboxylic acid and its salts and derivatives, especially those having from 8 to 100 or preferably 10 to 50 carbon units. The binding agent may preferably be selected from one or more of: dimer acid, trimer acid, polyisobutylene succinic anhydride, oleic acid, stearic acid, sorbitan tristearate, and their salts and esters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited
    Inventors: Emma McPhail, Brendan Griggs, Jeff Gore, Nathan Paris
  • Publication number: 20140216616
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems involving nitrate compounds are disclosed and described. A method of dissolving a nitrate compound having an additive can comprise dissolving the nitrate compound to form an aqueous nitrate solution and adding a surfactant to the aqueous nitrate solution, where the surfactant disperses the additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Dyno Nobel, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Cranney, Robert Bingham, Lee McKenzie
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8696837
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of the a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin H. Waldock
  • Publication number: 20140090757
    Abstract: An emulsion explosive, formulated with a basic surfactant, which is sensitised by gassing with active sodium hypochlorite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AEL MINING SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Andre Pienaar, Hamat Yakhoub, Eric Kennedy, Bogdan Dlugogorski
  • Patent number: 8657974
    Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes an auto-ignition/booster composition 212 that contains a metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a primary fuel, a secondary oxidizer such as strontium nitrate, and if desired, a secondary fuel such as 5-aminotetrazole. The auto-ignition/booster composition 212 and a separate provision of ammonium nitrate or phase stabilized ammonium nitrate 228 are provided within a single combustion/decomposition chamber 222 for the production of gas, upon actuation of the gas generator 10. Vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Mayville, Deborah L. Hordos, Graylon K. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130327456
    Abstract: A process for producing an intermediate emulsion comprising an oxidizer solution, fuel and emulsifier, which process comprises the steps of: (a) mixing in a micromixer an oxidizer solution with a fuel blend comprising a fuel and an emulsifier so as to solubilise a portion of the oxidizer solution in the fuel blend to produce a precursor product; (b) mixing the precursor product obtained in step (a) using a micromixer in one or more successive stages in order to form the intermediate emulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ORICA INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Richard John Goodridge, Vladimir Sujansky, Ivan Junarsa, Kira McGrath
  • Patent number: 8425701
    Abstract: An explosive composition is provided comprising an explosive agent, a solid fuel and a polymeric adherent wherein the explosive agent, solid fuel and polymeric adherent are dispersed throughout the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Blew Chip Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan Twomey, Michael Twomey
  • Patent number: 8357724
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling the stability or the droplets sized of simple water-in-oil emulsions, wherein a di-block or tri-block copolymer is used. A block is a hydrophilic block, the other block is a hydrophobic block. The invention concerns also a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Sophie Deroo, Mikel Morvan
  • Patent number: 8317953
    Abstract: A new process for forming MICs as well as three exemplary categories of MIC formulations is disclosed. MICs disclosed herein include a first exemplary category for which combustion can be initiated and sustained by either a heat (flame) source or electrical power, a second exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and that sustain combustion at low pressures only with electrical power and a third exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and extinguished at low pressures only with electrical power. The new process of MIC formulation provides energetic liquid oxidizers in place of traditional solvents, thus eliminating the need for solvent extraction. The energetic liquid oxidizer serves as a medium in which to suspend and grow the 3D nanostructure formed by the cross linked polymer (PVA). As a consequence, the 3D nanostructure entraps the liquid oxidizer, preventing it from evaporating and thereby eliminating the need for solvent extraction, preserves the 3D nanostructure shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne N. Sawka, Charles E. Grix
  • Publication number: 20120261040
    Abstract: There is provided a gas-generating agent composition having a very small pressure exponent and an extremely low pressure dependence of the burning rate. The gas-generating agent composition of the present invention contains a nitrogen-containing organic compound as a fuel and ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent, wherein the ratio of the nitrogen-containing organic compound to the ammonium nitrate (the former/the latter: weight ratio) is 35/65 or less. In the gas-generating agent composition, a copper compound may be further blended in a proportion of more than 0 part by weight and 30 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the nitrogen-containing organic compound and ammonium nitrate. The copper compound is preferably basic copper nitrate. Further, the nitrogen-containing organic compound is preferably a guanidine derivative, particularly preferably a guanidine nitrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: DAICEL CORPORATION, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Mitsuru Arai, Yusuke Wada, Shogo Tomiyama, Yasunori Iwai, Shingo Oda
  • Patent number: 8282750
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions include a combination of melamine and maleic hydrazide as a primary fuel; and a primary oxidizer consisting of ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Rambow, Deborah L. Hordos
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8241444
    Abstract: Gas generating compositions include a primary fuel selected from fumaric acid, succinic acid, cyanuric acid, barbituric acid, and mixtures thereof; an oxidizer selected from phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and mixtures thereof; a secondary fuel selected from tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, salts of bitetrazoles, derivatives of bitetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; and an oxide selected from molybdenum trioxide, ferric (III) oxide, and mixtures thereof. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Hordos, Slaven Domazet, Sean P. Burns
  • Patent number: 8231747
    Abstract: An inflator assembly having an inflator body that forms a chamber wherein a quantity of a gas generating solid reacts to form gas. A quantity of gas treatment material is included to treat the formed gas to form a treated gas. At least one assembly exit opening permits the treated gas to exit the inflator assembly. The required gas generating solid has a flame temperature of no more than 1670 K with the inflator assembly having significant weight and volume reductions as compared to an otherwise identical performing inflator assembly that utilizes gas generating composition having higher flame temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Gary K. Lund
  • Publication number: 20120180915
    Abstract: A detonator sensitive explosive emulsion composition includes an oxidizing phase including a supersaturated solution of ammonium nitrate and a fuel phase including sufficient emulsifying agent to permit dispersion of the oxidizing phase in the fuel phase. The detonator sensitive explosive emulsion composition further includes a crystallization temperature depressant consisting essentially of at least one of an amine and an amine nitrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: MAXAM NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Carl Hermanus Lubbe, Joseph Lawrence Oliphant
  • Publication number: 20120168046
    Abstract: A group of tertiary amine azides are useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Debasis Sengupta
  • Patent number: 8187397
    Abstract: An explosive emulsion to be used in conjunction with a gas-producing agent, such as sodium nitrite, to form an explosive emulsion with a density between 0.50 g/cm3 and 0.90 g/cm3. The present invention also includes the method for producing the explosive emulsion. The explosive emulsion is stable for at least 96 hours with nitrogen bubbles, having a predetermined dimension range, homogenously distributed. To maintain this low-density explosive emulsion stable, between 84% and 95% by weight of an oxidizing solution is combined with 5% to 16% by weight of a fuel solution. The fuel solution includes solid cacao fat as a stabilizing agent and stearic acid to prevent the combination of the nitrogen bubbles. The method for producing the oxidizing solution includes combining ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, thiourea, urea, and water at a temperature between 80 and 90 degrees centigrade. In another step of the method, a fuel solution is produced by combining an emulsifier, oil, diesel No.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Industrias Minco, S.A.C.
    Inventors: Pio Francisco Perez Cordova, Luis Alfredo Cardenas Lopez
  • Publication number: 20120118448
    Abstract: An energetic composition with controlled detonation having at least a first organic material and a second material, where the second material is a porous material (micro-, meso-, or macroporous), having a pore ratio of at least 10% and preferably greater than 50%, and the first material is, at least partially, infiltrated into the pores of the second material. A mixture containing such a composition, and a method for manufacturing such a composition and such a mixture. Additionally, a method for fragmenting or expanding a microporous immaterial at nanoscale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: INSTITUT FRANCO-ALLEMAND DE RECHERCHES DE SAINT-LOUIS
    Inventors: Marc Comet, Denis Spitzer, Vincent Pichot
  • Publication number: 20120118449
    Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. BARNES, Ivan V. Mendenhall, Robert D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8157935
    Abstract: This invention relates to explosive grade ammonium nitrate porous granules. The granules are produced in a fluidized bed and are formed through a combination of layering and agglomeration to produce ammonium nitrate granules are spherical in shape, smooth, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. Ammonium nitrate granules of a specific size range and density can be prepared and the size range and density of the granules can be varied, depending on the application of the granules, and this has particular advantages in preparing granules for use in ANFO explosive compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Omnia Fertilizer Limited
    Inventors: Francois Christiaan Visagie, Rainer Ralf Pille
  • Patent number: 8142582
    Abstract: An explosive formulation used in blasting operations such as, but not limited to, mining operations and the like. The formulation is composed of a modified form of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) explosives which have been modified by the incorporation of a solid fuel material. The formulation comprising a dry granular solid component, a liquid high-boiling point component of about 4% by weight, and a solid fuel material. The solid fuel material comprising vitrinite macerals, liptinite macerals, and inert macerals fusinite and semifusinite, and is characterized as (1) having a concentrate of liptinite that is higher than normal coals, and (2) having a concentrate of pseudovitrinite that is significantly lower than normal coals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Carbo*Prill, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Wilzbacher, Michael L. Schiele, John C. Harman
  • 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: 8114230
    Abstract: High fidelity, non-explosive training aids (simulants) which simulate the properties of the explosive composition 4 (C-4) are described. The materials of the training aid are formulated to simulate the appearance, manifest rheological properties (pliability, plasticity), density, and “feel” of the actual C-4 as well as simulate the combustion behavior of C-4 when subjected to the informal “flame test” used to identify the material in the field. Additionally, the materials give the same signature as actual C-4 when tested by portable detection equipment such as electronic trace detectors or color forming reagents. The materials also generate the same imagery as C-4 when subjected to X-ray analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Basom
  • Publication number: 20120018064
    Abstract: An explosive suspension used in blasting operations such as, but not limited to, mining operations and the like, composed of ammonium nitrate (AN) based explosives incorporating a solid fuel material and a suspending agent. The suspension comprises an oxidizer component, a solid fuel material, optionally up to 10 weight % of a liquid fuel component, and a suspending agent. The solid fuel material comprises vitrinite macerals, liptinite macerals, and inert macerals fusinite and semifusinite, and is characterized as (1) having a concentration of liptinite that is higher than normal coals, and (2) having a concentration of pseudovitrinite that is significantly lower than normal coals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis R. Wilzbacher, Mike L. Schiele, John C. Harman, Andrew E. Fenwick
  • Publication number: 20110272071
    Abstract: Hypergolic liquid or gel fuel mixtures utilized in bipropellant propulsion systems are disclosed as replacements for fuels containing toxic monomethylhydrazine. The fuel mixtures include one or more amine azides mixed with one or more tertiary diamine, tri-amine or tetra-amine compounds. The fuel mixtures include N,N,N?,N?-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) mixed with 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), TMEDA mixed with tris(2-azidoethyl)amine (TAEA), and TMEDA mixed with one or more cyclic amine azides. Each hypergolic fuel mixture provides a reduced ignition delay for combining with an oxidant in fuel propellant systems. The fuel mixtures have advantages in reduced ignition delay times compared to ignition delay times for each unmixed component, providing a synergistic effect which was not predictable from review of each component's composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: William H. Stevenson, III, LaShanda D. Felton, Zhu Slocum-Wang
  • Patent number: 8038812
    Abstract: A method for manufacture and delivery of an emulsion explosive having a discontinuous oxidizer solution phase, a continuous fuel phase, and an emulsifier, the method comprising: (a) providing an emulsion manufacturing system; (b) conveying an oxidizer solution phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (c) conveying a fuel phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (d) forming an emulsion from the oxidizer solution and the fuel phases using only a portion of the pre-determined pressures so as to provide a usable residual pressure after the formation of the emulsion; and (e) utilizing the residual pressure to non-mechanically deliver the emulsion to a pre-determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel, Inc.
    Inventors: John B Halander, Casey L. Nelson, Clark D. Bonner
  • Patent number: 7985310
    Abstract: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Gordon Verity
  • Patent number: 7972454
    Abstract: A method of preparing a gassed water-in-oil emulsion explosives composition from a gasser solution of an inorganic nitrate, an ammonium species and an optional accelerator which is added to an emulsion explosive composition, reacts and forms gas bubbles is disclosed. The emulsion explosive composition is composed of a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier. The reaction between the gasser solution and the emulsion explosive composition is such that the emulsifier does not undergo chemical attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Orica Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Helen O'Hara, David Stow, David Edwin Yates
  • Publication number: 20110120603
    Abstract: An explosive emulsion to be used in conjunction with a gas-producing agent, such as sodium nitrite, to form an explosive emulsion with a density between 0.50 g/cm3 and 0.90 g/cm3. The present invention also includes the method for producing the explosive emulsion. The explosive emulsion is stable for at least 96 hours with nitrogen bubbles, having a predetermined dimension range, homogenously distributed. To maintain this low-density explosive emulsion stable, between 84% and 95% by weight of an oxidizing solution is combined with 5% to 16% by weight of a fuel solution. The fuel solution includes solid cacao fat as a stabilizing agent and stearic acid to prevent the combination of the nitrogen bubbles. The method for producing the oxidizing solution includes combining ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, thiourea, urea, and water at a temperature between 80 and 90 degrees centigrade. In another step of the method, a fuel solution is produced by combining an emulsifier, oil, diesel No.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Pio Francisco Perez Cordova, Luis Alfredo Cardenas Lopez
  • Publication number: 20110114234
    Abstract: A readily gasified additive has been added to AN (ammonium nitrate) based bulk explosives (ANFO, emulsions, and combinations thereof) with positive results, due to the time, temperature, and pressure conditions generated in a blasthole. The preferred final explosive mixture is primarily comprised of AN, fuel oil, and a carbonaceous additive material that is characterized as being readily gasified as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and char formation, the high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and the uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material. It is understood that other readily gasified additives may be similarly effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew E. Fenwick, Dennis R. Wilzbacher, Michael L. Schiele, John C. Harman
  • Patent number: 7942989
    Abstract: An initiator explosive for detonating a second explosive that includes nanocrystalline silicon containing a plurality of pores and a solid state oxidant disposed within said pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael J. Sailor, Frederic V. Mikulec, Joseph D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 7938920
    Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin H. Waldock, Christopher J. Kulish
  • Patent number: 7927437
    Abstract: A structured, self-assembled nanoenergetic material is disclosed that includes a nanostructure comprising at least one of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer and a plurality of substantially spherical nanoparticles comprising at least the other of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer. The spherical particles are arranged around the exterior surface area of said nanorod. This structured particle assures that the oxidizer and the fuel have a high interfacial surface area between them. Preferably, the nanostructure is at least one of a nanorod, nanowire and a nanowell, and the second shaped nanoparticle is a nanosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Rajesh Shende, Senthil Subramanian, Keshab Gangopadhyay, Shameem Hasan
  • Patent number: 7918949
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-treated oxidizing agent for gas generating compositions which is obtained by mixing ammonium nitrate with an inorganic compound having as an element one or two or more metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn and Ti and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment, and a gas generating composition containing the same. This invention provides a gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate, which can be safely produced, does not change in density with phase transition, and has sufficient combustibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Dairi Kubo, Eishi Sato, Kenjiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7914631
    Abstract: An azide-free gas-generating composition for use in gas generators for safety arrangements, in particular in gas generators for vehicle occupant restraint systems, includes a fuel and an oxidizer. The fuel is a compound having a melting point of at least 120 degrees C., and is selected from the group of nitrogenous organic compounds and of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures, derivatives and salts thereof. The oxidizer comprises tetrakis(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)orthocarbonate (TNEOC), with the TNEOC being present in a proportion of at least 10% by weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeuner, Uwe Reimann, Roland Schropp, Karl-Heinz Roedig
  • Patent number: 7879167
    Abstract: A gas generating composition containing a tetrazole amide as a fuel, 5-formamido-1H-tetrazole for example, and an oxidizer is provided. The gas generant is contained within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhakar R. Ganta, Graylon K. Williams
  • Patent number: 7833365
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating composition comprising a light rare earth compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kitayama, Shogo Tomiyama