Patents Assigned to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
  • Patent number: 11933580
    Abstract: Provided herein are shaped charges for focusing a fluid mass and related methods of using the shaped charges for disruption of an explosive target with a spherical projectile. The shaped charge comprises a plastic shell having a special geometric shape configured to support a shape-conforming explosive. A cylindrical plastic body has an interior volume for containing a fluid and the plastic shell. The plastic body closed distal end has a geometric shape that is substantially matched to the shape of the plastic shell. Metal spherical projectiles having an outer layer of metal selected to have an effective density matched to the fluid provide advantageous target disruption capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. Vabnick, Lee R. Foltz, Daniel E. McCarthy, Marc J. La Belle, Michael S. Shattuck
  • Publication number: 20240068767
    Abstract: Provided herein are shaped-charges for focusing a filler, such as a fluid mass, and related methods of using the shaped-charges for disruption of an explosive target. The shaped-charge comprises an attenuating body positioned and configured to attenuate rarefaction waves to increase filler, including a fluid mass, explosively driven out of the container toward a target while also maintaining and enhancing fluid jet integrity. To further control impact and impulse forces on a target, additional layers may be used, including a foam layer and a jet-clipping layer positioned between the shaped-charge and the target surface. Also provided are propellant driven liquid disrupters having special attenuating bodies to improve liquid jet column characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. VABNICK, Lee R. Foltz, Daniel E. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20240057557
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicants: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, AUBURN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kathleen GILES, Thomas Craig ANGLE, Lowell Paul WAGGONER, Thomas PASSLER, Terrence FISCHER
  • Patent number: 11898830
    Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Publication number: 20230288457
    Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. VABNICK, Michael MALONE
  • Patent number: 11696568
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignees: AUBURN UNIVERSITY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
    Inventors: Kathleen Giles, Thomas Craig Angle, Lowell Paul Waggoner, Thomas Passler, Terrence Fischer
  • Publication number: 20230083139
    Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. VABNICK
  • Patent number: 11519945
    Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. Vabnick, Michael Malone
  • Patent number: 11421971
    Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Patent number: 11274908
    Abstract: Provided herein are penetrator projectiles for use with explosive ordnance disposal disrupters, and related methods of making and using. The penetrator projectile has a tip, neck, shaft and base, wherein the geometry and composition of the different elements are selected to ensure the projectile is ballistically stable after firing to provide improved free-flight characteristics and corresponding explosive ordnance disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Patent number: 11262155
    Abstract: A propellant driven disrupter (PDD) for disrupting an explosive target, comprising: a disrupter barrel having a breech and muzzle end; a projectile liquid or gas positioned in the barrel and extending a longitudinal distance in the disrupter barrel. The projectile liquid distal end is located farthest from the disrupter barrel breech end. A jet stabilizing projectile (JSP) is at least partially positioned in the barrel and operably contacts the projectile liquid distal end. The JSP has a JSP proximal end facing toward the disrupter barrel breech end and a distal end opposed to the JSP proximal end, wherein some or all of the JSP is positioned in the barrel. The PDD may contain the JSP, with an air region between the JSP distal end and the muzzle end, or an air region in an adapter that is connected to the muzzle end. Also provided are JSP's having improved flight stability for use with liquid or air-filled disrupters and methods of disrupting a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Publication number: 20210404777
    Abstract: Provided herein are shaped charges for focusing a fluid mass and related methods of using the shaped charges for disruption of an explosive target with a spherical projectile. The shaped charge comprises a plastic shell having a special geometric shape configured to support a shape-conforming explosive. A cylindrical plastic body has an interior volume for containing a fluid and the plastic shell. The plastic body closed distal end has a geometric shape that is substantially matched to the shape of the plastic shell. Metal spherical projectiles having an outer layer of metal selected to have an effective density matched to the fluid provide advantageous target disruption capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. VABNICK, Lee R. Foltz, Daniel E. McCARTHY, Marc J. La Belle, Michael S. SHATTUCK
  • Publication number: 20210389107
    Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. VABNICK
  • Publication number: 20210251188
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicants: The United States of America as Represented by The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Ju, Auburn University
    Inventors: Kathleen GILES, Thomas Craig ANGLE, Lowell Paul WAGGONER, Thomas PASSLER, Terrence FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20210190836
    Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. VABNICK, Michael MALONE
  • Patent number: 10921089
    Abstract: Provided herein are shaped charges for focusing a fluid mass and related methods of using the shaped charges for disruption of an explosive target. The shaped charge comprises a plastic shell having a special geometric shape configured to support a shape-conforming explosive. A cylindrical plastic body has an interior volume for containing a fluid and the plastic shell. The plastic body closed distal end has a geometric shape that is substantially matched to the shape of the plastic shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
    Inventors: Ian B. Vabnick, Lee R. Foltz, Daniel E. McCarthy, Marc J. La Belle, Michael S. Shattuck
  • Publication number: 20210041205
    Abstract: A propellant driven disrupter (PDD) for disrupting an explosive target, comprising: a disrupter barrel having a breech and muzzle end; a projectile liquid or gas positioned in the barrel and extending a longitudinal distance in the disrupter barrel. The projectile liquid distal end is located farthest from the disrupter barrel breech end. A jet stabilizing projectile (JSP) is at least partially positioned in the barrel and operably contacts the projectile liquid distal end. The JSP has a JSP proximal end facing toward the disrupter barrel breech end and a distal end opposed to the JSP proximal end, wherein some or all of the JSP is positioned in the barrel. The PDD may contain the JSP, with an air region between the JSP distal end and the muzzle end, or an air region in an adapter that is connected to the muzzle end. Also provided are JSP's having improved flight stability for use with liquid or air-filled disrupters and methods of disrupting a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. VABNICK
  • Patent number: 10794660
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluid jet enhancement adapters for use with a propellant driven disrupter, and more particularly muzzle blast suppressor. The fluid jet enhancement muzzle blast suppressor may comprise a suppressor bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end with an inner suppressor surface that defines the suppressor bore. An outer suppressor surface opposably faces the inner suppressor surface, with a suppressor chamber positioned between the inner and outer suppressor surfaces. A plurality of passages connect the suppressor bore with the suppressor chamber, wherein the plurality of passages are sized to allow gas to move from the suppressor bore to the suppressor chamber and minimize liquid movement from the suppressor bore to the suppressor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Patent number: 10760872
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluid jet enhancement adapters for use with a propellant driven disrupter. The adapter may comprise: a first end operably connected to a muzzle end of a propellant driven disrupter barrel and a second end, wherein a longitudinal region extends between the first end and the second end. The longitudinal region has: a longitudinal region inner surface that defines a longitudinal region lumen; a longitudinal region outer surface opposably facing the longitudinal region inner surface, with a longitudinal region wall having a wall thickness that separates the longitudinal region inner surface from the longitudinal region outer surface. The longitudinal region lumen has a first end inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to a muzzle inner diameter. The longitudinal region wall forms a continuous surface that radially isolates the longitudinal region lumen from a surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
    Inventor: Ian B. Vabnick
  • Publication number: 20200173761
    Abstract: Provided herein are penetrator projectiles for use with explosive ordnance disposal disrupters, and related methods of making and using. The penetrator projectile has a tip, neck, shaft and base, wherein the geometry and composition of the different elements are selected to ensure the projectile is ballistically stable after firing to provide improved free-flight characteristics and corresponding explosive ordnance disruption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dept. of Justice
    Inventor: Ian B. VABNICK