Patents Assigned to Pacific Scientific
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Patent number: 8490487Abstract: An omni-directional mechanical acceleration sensor is disclosed for use in applications including, but not limited to, vehicular seat belt systems, aircraft safety harness systems and initiation of airbag safety systems. The mechanical acceleration sensor incorporates at least two masses which, upon an acceleration event occurring, will cause a lever, to pivot thereby releasing the lever from engagement with an actuating means which would then initiate the applicable safety system.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Pacific Scientific CompanyInventors: John Churilla, Bruce Campbell Glascock, Ronald John Nathan
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Patent number: 8469627Abstract: A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/snare deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more snares with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLCInventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
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Patent number: 8440008Abstract: Described are compounds and materials that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive, such as copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Copper(I) nitrotetrazolate may he prepared by a process comprising the steps of: combining cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include combining cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
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Publication number: 20130078036Abstract: A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/membrane deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more membranes with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLCInventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert A. McCoy, William G. Seeglitz, Edwin A. Spomer
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Patent number: 8404897Abstract: Embodiments of methods for preparing 3-aminopicric acid from picric acid is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining lithium hydroxide, picric acid, and a first solvent to form a first solution, combining lithium hydroxide, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and a second solvent to form a second solution, combining the first solution with the second solution to form a mixture, and cooling the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
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Publication number: 20120273240Abstract: A self contained fire extinguisher system that does not need external power in order to sense or initiate a release of a fire suppression medium, includes components configured to utilize a linear sensor network that can be connected to at least one and/or different sources of fire suppression mediums. A linear temperature sensing cord can be routed over a large area not practical with individual sensors. The cord can also actuate several and different sources of fire suppression mediums to maximize the suppression of a fire.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: Brian Edward Smith, Mei Zhen Chen, Thornton Alexander McGill, III
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Patent number: 8298324Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture. The method may also include providing cuprous chloride and providing sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
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Publication number: 20120237293Abstract: An apparatus and a method for disabling a ground engaging traction device of a land vehicle includes at least one penetrator configured to breach the traction device, an articulated strap configured to move the apparatus between a retracted arrangement and an extended arrangement, a mass configured to deploy the apparatus to the extended arrangement, and a retractor configured to retract the apparatus to the retracted arrangement. The penetrators can be arranged in a triangular section which, in turn, can be deployable on any of its three sides.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona), LLCInventors: Robert Arthur McCoy, Brian D. Rosner, Patrick J. Barnhill, Gregg D. Spendlove, Edwin Allen Spomer, Martin A. Martinez
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Publication number: 20120215004Abstract: Described are compounds and materials that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive,such as copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Copper(I) nitrotetrazolate may he prepared by a process comprising the steps of: combining cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include combining cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANYInventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. Williams
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Publication number: 20120210898Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Materials Company (California), LLCInventor: Robert S. Ritchie
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Publication number: 20120174763Abstract: Lightweight armor protection systems and methods for armoring a soft-skinned shelter can include a plurality of panel assemblies and a plurality of couplers configured to secure the panel assemblies relative to the soft-skinned shelter. Individual panel assemblies include a plurality of panels positioned adjacent to one another along lengthwise panel edges, wherein the panels are composed of a ballistic material, and a plurality of hinges pivotally coupling the panels. Adjacent individual panels pivot relative to one another between a stacked arrangement of the panel assembly and an expanded arrangement of the panel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2009Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: Robert S. Ritchie, Richard L. Marquez
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Patent number: 8216401Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge. Certain embodiments utilize a variety of output formulations, such as BKNO3, black powder, and Red Dot double base propellant.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
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Patent number: 8213151Abstract: In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California), LLCInventors: Steven Nelson, Joe Carvalho, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20120137914Abstract: In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic MaterialsInventors: Steven Nelson, Joe Carvalho, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 8186905Abstract: A non-lethal vehicle device provides for the selective, remotely-deployed controlled stop of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment controller, spike/membrane deployment mechanism(s), a “speed bump” type housing that can protrude (be driven over until deployed) or be submerged, and one or more membranes with a plurality of spikes. A combination of sensors may provide independent deployment once armed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Material Company (Arizona), LLCInventors: Mynor J. Castro, Robert Arthur McCoy, William Grant Seeglitz, Edwin Allen Spomer
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Patent number: 8163786Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing a cupric salt; providing water; providing a 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include providing cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
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Patent number: 8151708Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism is includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventor: Robert S. Ritchie
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Publication number: 20120077983Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture. The method may also include providing cuprous chloride and providing sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANYInventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM B. SANBORN
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Patent number: 8136448Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California), LLCInventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 8071784Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a compound and material that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive. An embodiment of the present subject matter provides the compound copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter provide methods for preparing lead-free primary explosives. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture. The method may also include providing cuprous chloride and providing sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate. Certain embodiments of the present subject matter also provide methods for preparing copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. The method includes: providing cuprous salt; providing water; providing 5-nitrotetrazolate salt; combining the cuprous salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture; and heating the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B Sanborn