Patents Assigned to Alliant Techsystems Inc.
  • Multi-Disk Accessory Attachment Platform
    Publication number: 20120292356
    Abstract: An accessory attachment platform, including a platform body having an accessory portion, wherein the accessory portion includes an accessory disk opening; an attachment plate portion coupled to an accessory plate portion, through the accessory disk opening, such that the attachment plate portion and the accessory plate portion are rotatable relative to the platform body; and a release lever pivotably attached to the platform body, wherein the release lever is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and wherein the release lever is capable of releasably interacting with a primary notch of the attachment plate portion such that when the release lever is in the locking position relative to the primary notch of the attachment plate portion, the attachment plate portion is unable to rotate relative to the platform body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Eric M. Yeates
  • APPARATUS FOR SYNTHETIC WEAPON STABILIZATION AND FIRING
    Publication number: 20120286041
    Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion-estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion-estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: William B. Kude
  • Out-of-autoclave and alternative oven curing using a self heating tool
    Patent number: 8308889
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for curing composite material to form composite structures are provided. A curing tool in one embodiment includes cured nano tube impregnated resin, at least two conductors formed in the nano tube impregnated resin, at least one layer of cured composite material and at least one insulation layer separating the cured composite material from the nano tube impregnated resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Glancy, David L. Johnson
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHAMBERED RADIATION SHIELDS AND SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20120273622
    Abstract: Radiation shields include an outer composite wall, an inner composite wall, and an enclosed fuel chamber disposed between the inner and outer composite walls. A fuel may be contained within the enclosed fuel chamber. Spacecraft include one or more such radiation shields, and may further include a fuel cell and a conduit providing fluid communication between the fuel chamber of the radiation shield and the fuel cell. Methods of forming a radiation shield system include forming an enclosed fuel chamber between an outer composite wall and an inner composite wall of a radiation shield, and providing fuel within the enclosed fuel chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Long
  • FUEL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20120272567
    Abstract: A fuel processing system for converting a logistical fuel and air into a liquid product comprising methanol. One such system comprises a fuel injection system configured to combine a logistical fuel and ambient air to produce a logistical fuel and air mixture, a synthesis gas production system configured to convert the logistical fuel and air mixture to synthesis gas, and a methanol synthesis system configured to convert the synthesis gas to a crude methanol liquid. Related methods are additionally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Sabrina Hawkins, Jason S. Tyll, Florin Girlea
  • WIRELESS ENERGY TRANSMISSION USING NEAR-FIELD ENERGY
    Publication number: 20120274147
    Abstract: Techniques are described for wireless energy transmission and projecting magnetic fields over relatively long near-fields. In one example, a device for transmitting near-field energy comprises at least one source that generates a radiofrequency (RF) signal, an antenna that generates near-field signals from the RF signal, and a plurality of sub-wavelength sized elements that form a lens in communication with the antenna that captures the near-field signals, generates near-field energy, and re-directs the near-field energy toward an object in the near-field of the lens, where the sub-wavelength sized elements are disposed about the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Frederick P. Stecher, Christopher Fuller
  • Unmanned air vehicle weapon adapter
    Patent number: 8297172
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Nelson, Kenneth Nash, Dennis C. Philpot
  • Stock for a firearm
    Patent number: 8296986
    Abstract: A firearm stock having an internal cavity, a buttplate assembly and an engaging lever. The buttplate assembly has a base member including a locking leg. The locking leg includes a locking notch and the base member includes an attachment leg. The attachment leg includes an attachment aperture. The buttplate assembly is pivotally coupled, via an attachment pin, to a rear portion of the stock. The engaging lever is positioned through an aperture in an upper portion of the stock and comprises a body extending from a head to a locking tab. The body also includes a release notch in a central portion. The body is positioned within the locking notch when the buttplate assembly is in a closed position and the body is removed from the locking notch when the engaging lever is rotated into a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton L. Cook, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Kurtis Sparing, Eric M. Yeates, Birten L. Todd, Gary Cauble, Chris Michaels, James K. Bentley
  • Universal mounting platform
    Patent number: 8297562
    Abstract: A mounting platform for removable attachment between tunnel segments of parallel webbing, including at least one accessory attachment portion; at least one primary coupling portion extending from the accessory attachment portion; a hook extending from a portion of the primary coupling portion, wherein the hook allows the primary coupling portion of the primary coupling portion to be removably secured to a portion of webbing when the primary coupling portion has been positioned within a tunnel segment of the parallel webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Yeates, Birten L. Todd, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Clifton L. Cook, Thomas A. Marx
  • Cyclic nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8299053
    Abstract: The present invention provides cyclic nitro compound, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: RadioRx, Inc., Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Bednarski, Lynn M. Oehler, legal representative, Susan Knox, Louis Cannizzo, Kirstin Warner, Robert Wardle, Stephen Velarde, Shoucheng Ning
  • Methods and apparatuses for electro-mechanical safety and arming of a projectile
    Patent number: 8291825
    Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Hossein Aliaghai, Kristen L. Gerzina, Dennis Lagerquist
  • INSULATING MATERIALS COMPRISING POLYSILAZANE, METHODS OF FORMING SUCH INSULATING MATERIALS, AND PRECURSOR FORMULATIONS COMPRISING POLYSILAZANE
    Publication number: 20120264838
    Abstract: Methods of forming an insulating material comprising combining a polysilazane, a cross-linking compound, and a gas-generating compound to form a reaction mixture, and curing the reaction mixture to form a modified polysilazane. The gas-generating compound may be water, an alcohol, an amine, or combinations thereof The cross-linking compound may be an isocyanate, an epoxy resin, or combinations thereof The insulating material may include a matrix comprising one of a reaction product of a polysilazane and an isocyanate and a reaction product of a polysilazane and an epoxy resin. The matrix also comprises a plurality of interconnected pores produced from one of reaction of the polysilazane and the isocyanate and from reaction of the polysilazane and the epoxy resin. A precursor formulation that comprises a polysilazane, a cross-linking compound, and a gas-generating compound is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Larson, Michael E. Fuller
  • Advanced Muzzle Loader Ammunition
    Publication number: 20120260814
    Abstract: A muzzle loaded ammunition round having a bullet and a consumable cartridge case. The cartridge case is hollow and is filled with at least one propellant composition, the cartridge case being constructed from a consumable material, such as foamed celluloid. The bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant composition at least via the cartridge case, the propellant composition having a charge weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: William J. Worrell, Drew Lee Goodlin, Richard Quesenberry, Jeffrey Bandel, Benjamin R. Vaughan, Sandra L. Case
  • Projectiles for marking targets, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of utilizing the same
    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
  • INSENSITIVE MUNITIONS SWAGED VENT PLUG
    Publication number: 20120255456
    Abstract: A venting system for ordnance or rocket motors comprising a casing having at least one hole and a plug, the plug being formed from a plug slug swaged into the at least one hole. A method to fill a vent hole in a casing comprising transforming a plug slug positioned within the vent hole into a plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Fink, David A. Smith, Craig F. Borchard, David J. Fehr, Scott V. Hanson, Mark J. Shireman, Robert J. Stanek, John S. Koshuba
  • Automated composite annular structure forming
    Patent number: 8282757
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming an annular composite structure is provided. In one embodiment an apparatus for forming annular composite structures is provided. The apparatus includes an annular shaped tool and a forming head. The annular shaped tool includes a forming surface of a select cross-sectional geometry. The forming head is configured to form continuous ply layers one ply at a time circumferentially about the forming surface of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Madsen, Eric McNabb, John Schowengerdt, John B. Healey, Todd Rosevear, Kevin Fehlmann
  • Methods of forming a sensitized explosive and a percussion primer
    Patent number: 8282751
    Abstract: A sensitized explosive that comprises an explosive precipitated onto a sensitizer. The explosive is CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof and the sensitizer is aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. The sensitized explosive is used in a percussion primer that includes a bismuth compound and a melt binder. The bismuth compound is bismuth oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof and the melt binder is a wax having a melting point above ambient temperature, trinitrotoluene, poly(3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane), poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane), ethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoate, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer are also disclosed. Methods of forming the sensitized explosive and the percussion primer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. Johnston, Kirstin F. Warner, Reed J. Blau, Scott K. Lusk
  • Thermal protection system and related methods
    Patent number: 8276361
    Abstract: A thermal protection system and a method of manufacturing are disclosed. The thermal protection system may be configured to protect a movable joint, for example, a flexible bearing of a rocket motor nozzle. The thermal protection system includes a series of annular shims separated by a plurality of discrete spacers. Each shim of the series of annular shims may have a larger diameter than the previous shim, and the shims may nest. The shims may comprise a thermally stable material, and the discrete spacers may comprise an elastomer. Optionally, an annular bearing protector may separate the annular shims from the flexible bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Duane J. Garbe
  • PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS OF O-NITRO COMPOUNDS
    Publication number: 20120237615
    Abstract: The present invention provides O-nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of O-nitro compounds and methods of using O-nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: RADIORX, INC., C/O INTERWEST VENTURE PARTNERS, ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Bednarski, Lynn M. Oehler, Susan Knox, Louis Cannizzo, Kirstin Warner, Robert Wardle, Stephen Velarde, Shoucheng Ning
  • INITIATION SYSTEMS FOR EXPLOSIVE DEVICES, SCALABLE OUTPUT EXPLOSIVE DEVICES INCLUDING INITIATION SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20120227609
    Abstract: Initiator systems for warheads include a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of an explosive material contained in an explosive device and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least a portion of an explosive material of a warhead. Scalable output explosive devices include an explosive material at least partially disposed within a housing and an initiator system including a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of the explosive material and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least another portion of the explosive material. Methods of igniting warheads include deflagrating a portion of an explosive material disposed within the warhead and detonating at least another portion of the explosive material disposed within the warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Eric Volkmann