Patents Assigned to Alliant Techsystems
  • Evaporators including a capillary wick and a plurality of vapor grooves and two-phase heat transfer systems including such evaporators
    Patent number: 8397798
    Abstract: A two-phase heat transfer system includes an evaporator, a condenser, a vapor line, and a liquid return line. The evaporator includes a liquid inlet, a vapor outlet, and a capillary wick having a first surface adjacent the liquid inlet and a second surface adjacent the vapor outlet. The condenser includes a vapor inlet and a liquid outlet. The vapor line provides fluid communication between the vapor outlet and the vapor inlet. The liquid return line provides fluid communication between the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The wick is substantially free of back-conduction of energy from the second surface to the first surface due to an increase in a conduction path from the second surface to the first surface and due to suppression of nucleation of a working fluid from the second surface to the first surface to promote liquid superheat tolerance in the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Closed-cycle rocket engine assemblies and methods of operating such rocket engine assemblies
    Patent number: 8381508
    Abstract: Closed-cycle rocket engine assemblies including a combustor assembly, a combustor jacket, a turbine, a first pump and a mixing chamber are disclosed. The combustor jacket facilitates the transfer of heat from the combustor assembly into a fluid and the turbine is driven by a heated fluid from the combustor jacket. The mixing chamber may include a first inlet to receive a fluid from the turbine, a second inlet to receive a fluid from a first reactant reservoir, and an outlet to deliver a fluid to the first pump. Additionally, the first pump may be coupled to and powered by the turbine and the first pump may be configured to deliver at least a portion of the fluid from the mixing chamber into the combustion chamber of the combustor assembly. Related methods of operating such rocket engine assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir V. Balepin
  • Reservoir systems including flow directional devices, heat transfer systems including reservoir systems and related methods
    Patent number: 8381805
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a primary evaporator, a condenser to the primary evaporator by a liquid line and a vapor line, a secondary evaporator connected to the primary evaporator through a sweepage line, and a reservoir system. The reservoir system includes a reservoir, a first flow directional device that restricts fluid from flowing into the reservoir from the primary evaporator, and a second flow directional device that restricts fluid from flowing out of the reservoir through at least one output of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Methods of purifying 1,2,4-butanetriol
    Patent number: 8367877
    Abstract: Methods of purifying BT are disclosed. The method comprises adding at least one polyhydroxyl compound to a crude BT mixture comprising BT and at least one boron-containing compound to form a polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is then heated to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound, and then to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. A composition comprising BT is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Velarde, Andrew J. Sanderson
  • Apparatus and methods for forming composite stiffeners and reinforcing structures
    Patent number: 8366981
    Abstract: A composite structure is provided. The structure includes at least one ply of preimpregnated material formed into a curved elongated member of continuous fibers onto a mandrel. The fibers have a select orientation. The curved elongated member has a length and a cross-sectional geometry that varies along the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon M. Benson, Jason K. Slack, Todd A. Rosevear, James L. Harvey, Mark Roman, Timothy Olschewski
  • Projectiles for marking targets and methods of manufacturing such projectiles
    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
  • Reactive compositions including metal
    Patent number: 8361258
    Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Ashcroft, Daniel B. Nielson, Daniel W. Doll
  • Force measuring device and related methods
    Patent number: 8353222
    Abstract: A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, a first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, with each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Petruska, Jeffrey R. Nostrom, Amy M. Baesler, Rick R. Baird
  • Neutron detection by neutron capture-initiated relaxation of a ferroelectrically, ferromagnetically, and/or chemically metastable material
    Patent number: 8354641
    Abstract: A system for detecting radiation using an array of cells containing a metastable material together with sensing apparatus and display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan M. Lorkovic
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Rocket assembly ablative materials formed from, as a precursor, staple cellulosic fibers, and method of insulating or thermally protecting a rocket assembly with the same
    Patent number: RE43867
    Abstract: A rocket motor assembly is insulated or thermally protected with a rocket motor ablative material formed from a prepreg. The prepreg contains at least an impregnating resin matrix and, as a precursor prior to carbonization, carded and spun staple cellulosic fibers. When patterned and carbonized, the rocket motor ablative material can be lined or otherwise placed into a rocket motor assembly, such as between the solid propellant and case, in the bulk area of the exit nozzle liner, or at susceptible portions of a re-entry vehicle, such as the nose cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Wilson, Shelley Rawding, legal representative, John K. Shigley, Allan P. Thompson