Ordnance Type Projectile Making, Including Finned Patents (Class 86/51)
  • Publication number: 20140366764
    Abstract: A case for a warhead having a plurality of elongated wires which are braided or woven together to form a mesh which is formed into the shape corresponding to the warhead case. The mesh is impregnated with a polymer matrix which, upon curing, forms a rigid warhead case. At least some of the elongated wires include notches at selected locations which form fracture points which shape a blast from a subsequent explosion of the warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thuvan N. Piehler, Rohan J. Banton, Christopher S. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140331884
    Abstract: The invention provides a short-range, self-propelled, non-fragmenting breaching device to breach a wide variety of doors and barricades with high efficiency, high gunner safety and low collateral damage. The invention also provides a method of preparing the breaching device and a method of breaching a target using the breaching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: NAMMO TALLEY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Willhelm, John Johnson, Wayne Mayville, Glade Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140331883
    Abstract: An armor penetrating round includes an elongated core portion (e.g., a hollow tool steel core) defining a front end, an aft end, and a central cavity which extends from the aft end toward the front end. The central cavity has (i) an aft cross-sectional diameter adjacent the aft end and (ii) a front cross-sectional diameter adjacent the front end, the aft cross-sectional diameter being larger than the front cross-sectional diameter. The armor penetrating round further includes a slug portion (e.g., a pre-compacted pellet of powdered metal) which is disposed within the central cavity adjacent the aft end, and an outer jacket (e.g., a copper jacket) which extends around the elongated core portion to operate as an interface between the armor penetrating round and a gun barrel when the armor penetrating round is fired through the gun barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Textron Systems Corporation
  • Patent number: 8813651
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for a shaped charge or an explosively formed projectile may include making a liner substrate using a 3D additive manufacturing process. At least a portion of the surface of the liner substrate may be surface finished. The surface finished portion may be electroplated with a metal to form a multi-layer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ryan Hooke
  • Patent number: 8807001
    Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ADF, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rose, W. Matthew Duffield, Jr., Edward C. Spanknoble, Michael Ledestich
  • Publication number: 20140158814
    Abstract: A munition guidance system is disclosed. The system comprises a generally tubular enclosure, having an internal cavity adapted for receiving a munition, wherein an outer diameter of the enclosure is at most the largest outer diameter of the munition; and a processing and control unit enclosed within the enclosure and being configured for controlling guidance wings so as to maneuver the munition while flying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Elbit Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Ami Elkayam, Zeev Azar
  • Patent number: 8746145
    Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan, George W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8739671
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Publication number: 20140076129
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Publication number: 20140076128
    Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ADF, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rose, W. Matthew Duffield, Jr., Edward C. Spanknoble, Michael Ledestich
  • Patent number: 8671839
    Abstract: A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bunczk, David Francis Jeffers, Timothy A. Jeffers
  • Patent number: 8640589
    Abstract: A method of modifying a projectile includes removing material from an aft end of the projectile, and coupling a device to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin-stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin-stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin-stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin-stabilized projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Patent number: 8567297
    Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: ADF, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rose, W. Matthew Duffield, Jr., Edward C. Spanknoble, Michael Ledestich
  • Patent number: 8507049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coating of a surface of a ceramic basic body with a titanium compound, comprising the steps of (i) providing a preformed ceramic material; (ii) at least one step of surface activation of said ceramic material using a plasma for plasma-chemical surface preparation wherein the plasma comprises high-energy ions; (iii) at least one step of applying a titanium compound bonding layer to said ceramic material by plasma-supported coating wherein the plasma-supported coating is performed in pulsed and/or non-pulsed fashion; (iv) at least one step of applying a functional titanium compound layer by pulsed plasma-supported coating. The invention also relates to novel compositions as well as uses of the novel compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ceramoss GmbH
    Inventor: Sorin Lenz
  • Publication number: 20130112100
    Abstract: A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bunczk, David Francis Jeffers, Timothy A. Jeffers
  • Patent number: 8359978
    Abstract: Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Endicott, Daniel W. Doll, R. Brad Cragun, Jared K. Olson, Michael T. Rose, Mark A. Moore, James D. Rozanski, Russell J. George
  • Patent number: 8359979
    Abstract: A projectile formed from dissimilar materials. The projectile includes a metallurgical interlayer that joins the dissimilar materials together. The metallurgical interlayer also matches the shock impedance of the two materials to prevent delamination during launch and during impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: B6 Sigma, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek R. Dave, Mark J. Cola, Daniel A. Hartman, C. Robert Kline, Jr., Joel W. House, Geremy Jason Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8286557
    Abstract: Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Endicott, Daniel W. Doll, R. Brad Cragun, Jared K. Olson, Michael T. Rose, Mark A. Moore, James D. Rozanski, Russell J. George
  • Patent number: 8272328
    Abstract: A method of converting a bomblet into a hand-thrown grenade may include providing a bomblet having a fuze, a shaped-charge liner, a casing, and explosive material disposed between the shaped-charge liner and the casing. The fuze may be removed from the bomblet. A housing may be attached a fuze end of the bomblet. The housing may adjoin the casing. A cavity that abuts and is exterior to the shaped-charge liner may be filled with a filler material, such as pellets. A hand-grenade fuze may be attached to the fuze end of the bomblet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ryan Gorman
  • Publication number: 20120227613
    Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, IV, Filippo Bellomo, Daniel J. Martorana, Ryan A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8256086
    Abstract: A method for producing a missile nose cone is disclosed. The method consists of manufacturing a first missile nose cone from a first lot of polymeric material and determining a first rupture value. The method further consists of manufacturing a second missile nose cone from a second lot of polymeric material and determining a second rupture value of the second missile nose cone. Both first and second lots of material are mixed into a test batch with one another based on their associated rupture values. An evaluation missile nose cone is then manufactured from the test batch and a determination is made as to whether the evaluation missile nose cone has a desired rupture value. If a desired rupture value is not obtained, then the mixing and evaluation steps are repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Shutler, Margaret Rose Manning, Paul A. Leitch, Paul E. Liggett
  • Patent number: 8250986
    Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, IV, Filippo Bellomo, Daniel J. Martorana, Ryan A. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20120192753
    Abstract: A flexible fragmentation sleeve for use with a non-fragmenting explosive device is provided. The flexible fragmentation sleeve comprises a flexible cylindrical wall extending between opposing first and second ends along a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical wall includes an inner liner and an outer liner concentric to the inner liner. A first set of coupling elements extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical wall, and couple the inner liner with the outer liner. A second set of coupling elements extend circumferentially along the cylindrical wall. The second set of coupling elements is substantially perpendicular to the first set of coupling elements, and couple the inner liner with the outer liner. A plurality of pockets is defined intermediate the inner liner and the outer liner, and intermediate the first set of coupling elements and the second set of coupling elements. The flexible fragmentation sleeve of the illustrative embodiment further includes a plurality of fragmentation members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Scheid, Colt Miller
  • Patent number: 8220395
    Abstract: A Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) bomblet may be converted into a gun-launched grenade. The bomblet may include a fuze, a shaped-charge liner, a casing, and explosive material disposed between the shaped-charge liner and the casing. An ogive may be attached to an open end of the bomblet. A generally cup-shaped pusher may be placed over the fuze and attached to the bomblet casing. A conventional cartridge case assembly may be fixed to a fuze end of the bomblet. When the gun-launched grenade impacts a target, the casing may shatter to form shrapnel and a shaped-charge jet may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ryan Gorman, Philip Magnotti, James Grassi, Matthew Millar, James Hamfeldt
  • Publication number: 20120167793
    Abstract: A munition, such as a projectile formed of at least one reactive material. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a body portion formed of at least one reactive material composition wherein the at least one reactive material composition defines at least a portion of an exterior surface of the projectile. In other words, a portion of the reactive material may be left “unbuffered” or exposed to the barrel of a gun or weapon from which it is launched and similarly exposed to a target with which the projectile subsequently impacts. In one embodiment, the projectile may be formed with a jacket surrounding a portion of the reactive material to provide additional structural integrity. The projectile may be formed by casting or pressing the reactive material into a desired shape, or the reactive material may be extruded into a near-net shape and then machined into the desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Richard M. Truitt, Benjamin N. Ashcroft
  • Publication number: 20120145029
    Abstract: An auxiliary safety mechanism for a grenade to prevent detonation from shockwaves, heat, fragments, etc., the grenade including a fuse housing containing a delay detonator and explosive train. In at least one embodiment, the fuse housing includes a reversible slider element interposed between the delay detonator and the rest of the explosive train to form a barrier therebetween when the grenade is in an unarmed condition, and when the slider element is withdrawn the barrier between the delay detonator and explosive train is removed leaving the grenade in an armed condition. In another embodiment, a further safety mechanism involves connecting the two sections of the housing with a weak connection that ruptures prior to the explosive contained therein reaching the critical explosive temperature/pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ISRAEL MILITARY INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Isar Veksler
  • Publication number: 20120137918
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Ole Dau, Uwe Naderhoff
  • Publication number: 20120067198
    Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: David M. Rose, W. Matthew Duffield, JR., Edward C. Spanknoble, Michael Ledestich
  • Publication number: 20120055366
    Abstract: A high impulse fuze booster includes a booster explosive charge positioned within an explosive charge cavity of a booster housing. A substantially planar flyer plate is coupled with the booster housing, and a detonation waveshaper is positioned within the booster explosive charge. A low-sensitivity explosive charge is opposed to the substantially planar flyer plate. The booster explosive charge is configured to generate a detonation wave and the detonation waveshaper shapes the detonation wave into a planar detonation wave, the planar detonation wave is parallel to the substantially planar flyer plate. The planar detonation wave interacts with the substantially planar flyer plate in two or more stages including a planar striking stage and a planar contact stage where the planar detonation wave carries the substantially planar flyer plate into planar contact with a plurality of surfaces of the low-sensitivity explosive charge to initiate the low-sensitivity explosive charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bryan F. Berlin, Kim L. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20120024180
    Abstract: Embodiments of a reactive shaped charge, a reactive liner, and a method for penetrating a target are generally described herein. The reactive shaped charge comprises a reactive liner having a matrix of reactive metal particles in a hydrocarbon fuel, a high explosive, and an inner barrier separating the reactive liner from the high explosive. The hydrocarbon fuel fills the interstitial spacing between the reactive metal particles, and the matrix is tightly packed or compresses to exhibit a solid like property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jesse T. Waddell, Thomas H. Bootes, George D. Budy, Richard K. Polly, Jason M. Shire, Wayne Lee
  • Publication number: 20120017795
    Abstract: A method of modifying a projectile includes removing material from an aft end of the projectile, and coupling a device to the aft end. The method may be used to convert a spin-stabilized projectile into a fin stabilized projectile, by modifying the aft end of a spin-stabilized projectile to accept a fin kit. The modifying may involve removing material with lathe, and may include forming external threads on the aft end that may engage corresponding internal threads on the device, to effect the coupling of the device to the aft end. The modification method allows versatility in employing projectiles, including existing stocks of projectiles. In particular the method allows spin-stabilized projectiles to be converted to more accurate fin-stabilized projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Dryer, Chris E. Geswender
  • Publication number: 20120006220
    Abstract: Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: David W. Endicott, JR., Daniel W. Doll, R. Brad Cragun, Jared K. Olson, Michael T. Rose, Mark A. Moore, James D. Rozanski, Russell J. George
  • Publication number: 20110209600
    Abstract: A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Tamar Kaully, Dganit Shacham, Haim Baniste, David Tidhar, Corrine Nadiv
  • Publication number: 20110100245
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Newtec Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Michael Joseph Maston
  • Publication number: 20100288151
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: NEWTEC SERVICES GROUP
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Michael Joseph Maston
  • Publication number: 20100282893
    Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a target sensor configured to guide the weapon to a target. The target sensor includes a front lens configured to provide a cover to protect the target sensor from an environment and a fast fresnel lens behind the front lens to provide a multi-lens focusing system for the target sensor. In a related embodiment, the weapon includes an aft section including a tail fin having a modifiable control surface area thereby changing an aspect ratio thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Steven D. Roemerman, Joseph Edward Tepera
  • Publication number: 20100263567
    Abstract: A support member and method for supporting a shell into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon. The support member (6) comprises a support element (8) with an rim flange (7), end (16), and edge casing (12), and means for fastening the support element (8) to at least one fin (5) belonging to the tail end (4) of the shell (1). The means for fastening the support element (8) to the tail end (4) of the shell (1) comprise a retainer part (9) arranged to the edge casing (12) and arranged to circle the inner surface (10) of the edge casing essentially level with the plane of the rim flange (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Patria Land & Armament Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Tiainen, Jari Grönlund, Kalevi Yli-paavola
  • Publication number: 20100263522
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing munitions includes a housing and a munition mold within the housing. The housing has an axis of rotation. The munition mold is filled with a molten metal, and the mold is rotated to form a munition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Steven W. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100229751
    Abstract: The present inventions provide methods of manufacturing methods for case metallic materials for munitions that have high enthalpic energy release and controlled fragmentation and breakup enabling fragment speeds up to twice what is otherwise possible in explosively driven metal systems, and munitions made by such methods. Embodiments of the invention involve the thixotropic processing of energetic materials such as aluminum together with high density materials such as tantalum or tungsten to achieve material microstructures with a bulk density equivalent to steel, but with the energy release potential of materials such as finely dispersed aluminum powders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Vivek R. Dave, Mark J. Cola, Robert E. Swanson, Daniel Hartman
  • Publication number: 20100192796
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging sub-munitions within stacks of same, in a cylindrical payload space, such that the sub-munitions emerge into a circular delta grid pattern when deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jyun-Horng Fu
  • Patent number: 7665402
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Techventure Investments Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Publication number: 20090126595
    Abstract: In its simplest form the present invention comprises a new method for manufacturing projectiles (1, 11-12 and 19) provided with bands (4, 9, 16), whilst according to a further development of the invention, the facility is afforded for manufacturing artillery projectiles (1, 11-12) according to the same basic principle, which can alternatively be launched from a rifled barrel with or without any spin, along with the facility, according to a new method, for launching spin-free projectiles (6) from rifled barrels without the use of so-called slipping plastic bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7520224
    Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a precision-machined outer component having a generally cylindrical body, a tip at the forward end of the body, a base at the rear end of the body, and a precision-machined cavity machined into the outer component. A precision-machined inner component is pressed into the cavity. The outer component includes a homogenous material that is softer than firearm barrel steel. The inner component includes a material having a higher density than the outer component and a higher density than an armor plate, such as solid tungsten, tungsten carbide and potential some Nanotechnology materials such as NanoSteel™. A cap may be attached to the outer component to seal the inner component inside the cavity. The cavity can be machined from the front or rear end of the outer component. The cap fits into the rear of the projectile or may be a bullet tip. The cavity and the inner component may be cylindrical or tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: John D. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080257139
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Leslie Mervyn Harrison
  • Patent number: 7437996
    Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack. A method includes storing a plurality of penetrator segments away from an axis of attack and moving the plurality of penetrator segments to locations substantially aligned along the axis of attack. A vehicle includes a body and a kinetic energy penetrator disposed in a forward portion of the vehicle. The kinetic energy penetrator includes a plurality of penetrator segments, a penetrator segment sleeve for storing the plurality of penetrator segments, and means for moving the plurality of penetrator segments from the penetrator segment sleeve to locations substantially aligned along an axis of attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Turner, William R. Greisser
  • Publication number: 20080156220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fragmentable grenade (1) including an explosive charge (2) and a layer (4) of projectiles (5), which are elastically deformable and joined by bridges of material (6) produced by moulding together with the projectiles (5). The layer (4) surrounds the charge (2) and is designed for enabling the projectiles (5) to separate and disperse when the charge (2) explodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Catherine Tanguy
  • Patent number: 7383760
    Abstract: A method of making flechettes employing the use of a progressive die which forms (a) wire that results in the flechette, and (b) strip material that results in a carrier for the finished flechettes. The carrier, which is a bandolier apparatus, is used for progressing the flechette through the progressive die at various forming stations. After forming of the flechette in the die is complete, the final flechette can be severed from the bandolier, or the flechette can remain intact with the bandolier for post-forming operations, such as coating/finishing. The bandolier is thus a novel approach to transporting the flechettes in both forming and post-forming processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Penn United Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Morrison Phillips, William Harry Rodgers, Michael Wayne Kelley, Robert Anthony Gagliardi, Regis A. Geibel, Eric R. Clouse
  • Patent number: 7114449
    Abstract: A method for producing a large-caliber, high-explosive projectile (1, 1?), and a projectile formed according the method, having a projectile casing (2, 2?) that surrounds a chamber (6, 6?) filled with an explosive charge (9, 9?), and that has a mouth (5, 5?) at its tip that can be sealed, and through which the explosive charge (9, 9?) is inserted into the chamber (6, 6?) of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). The explosive charge (9, 9?) is disposed in a plastic casing (8), comprised of an elastic material, inside the chamber of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). Additional tensioning means (11, 11?, 17, 17?) are provided to compensate for the varying volume of the explosive charge (9, 9?) relative to the projectile casing (2, 2?) if the temperature fluctuates dramatically and maintain the explosive charge (9, 9?) under a pre-stress, particularly when using a plastic bound explosive charge (9, 9?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau
  • Patent number: 6874402
    Abstract: A projectile, having a casing, a projectile base, which closes the casing off at the rear, a receiver coil for receiving electromagnetic signals, an energy source which is put into contact with the receiver coil, and a logic module. The casing is made from a plastic material, at least in the area of the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Peter Ettmueller
  • Patent number: 6860185
    Abstract: A method for producing a large-caliber, high-explosive projectile (1, 1?), and a projectile formed according the method, having a projectile casing (2, 2?) that surrounds a chamber (6, 6?) filled with an explosive charge (9, 9?), and that has a mouth (5, 5?) at its tip that can be sealed, and through which the explosive charge (9, 9?) is inserted into the chamber (6, 6?) of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). The explosive charge (9, 9?) is disposed in a plastic casing (8), comprised of an elastic material, inside the chamber of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). Additional tensioning means (11, 11?, 17, 17?) are provided to compensate for the varying volume of the explosive charge (9, 9?) relative to the projectile casing (2, 2?) if the temperature fluctuates dramatically and maintain the explosive charge (9, 9?) under a pre-stress, particularly when using a plastic bound explosive charge (9, 9?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Reinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau