Patents Assigned to Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
  • Patent number: 9534880
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. McPherson, Tim Manship
  • Publication number: 20150013859
    Abstract: The present application discloses a variety of improvements that enhance at least one of the mechanical, chemical/energetic, ballistic, or adhesive properties, of a class of ECPs, regardless of whether said ECPs are in solid phase or gels, singly or in combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. McPherson
  • Patent number: 8888935
    Abstract: A composition capable of producing either solid propellant grains, liquid or gel monopropellants, all of which are electrically ignitable and capable of sustained controllable combustion at ambient pressure. Additional compositions capable of sustained controllable combustion at elevated pressures are described. Applications for the compositions disclosed herein are provided, and include among other applications use in small micro thrusters, large core-burning solid propellant gains, shaped explosives charges for military application, and pumpable liquids and gel monopropellants or explosives for military, commercial mining or gas and oil recovery. In alternative embodiments the above compositions may also incorporate an energetic nitrate polymer, bum rate modifiers, and/or metal fuel(s). The HIPEP formulation makes it possible to ignite and sustain combustion at ambient and vacuum conditions (a) without continuous electrical power and (b) while providing faster bum rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Grix, Wayne N. Sawka
  • 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: 8584443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid rocket motor control system that uses state of the art electrically ignited, extinguishable and throttleable propellants. In embodiments, the control system is implemented by a software algorithm embedded in missile flight controllers and contains all control system elements and control compensation that performs thrust control for many defense and space rocket motor applications, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventor: Russell W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8317952
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically controlled propellant comprising a binder, an oxidizer, and a cross-linking agent. The boric acid (the cross-linking agent) has been found to function as a cross-linking agent for the high molecular binder used to make the propellant, thereby improving the composition's ability to withstand combustion without melting. The present invention also may include 5-aminotetrazole (5-ATZ) as a stability-enhancing additive. The binder of the present invention may include polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and/or the co-polymer of polyvinylalcohol/polyvinylamine nitrate (PVA/PVAN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Katzakian, Charles Grix
  • 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: 20110067789
    Abstract: A composition capable of producing either solid propellant grains, liquid or gel monopropellants, all of which are electrically ignitable and capable of sustained controllable combustion at ambient pressure. Additional compositions capable of sustained controllable combustion at elevated pressures are described. Applications for the compositions disclosed herein are provided, and include among other applications use in small micro thrusters, large core-burning solid propellant gains, shaped explosives charges for military application, and pumpable liquids and gel monopropellants or explosives for military, commercial mining or gas and oil recovery. In alternative embodiments the above compositions may also incorporate an energetic nitrate polymer, bum rate modifiers, and/or metal fuel(s). The HIPEP formulation makes it possible to ignite and sustain combustion at ambient and vacuum conditions (a) without continuous electrical power and (b) while providing faster bum rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: DIGITAL SOLID STATE PROPULSION, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Grix, Wayne N. Sawka