Abstract: An apparatus and method for electronically controlling ordnance fuzes by sensing magnetic fields proximate the ordnance via a magnetic field sensor. The sensor is preferably a giant magnetoresistance detector. For spinning ordnance, in-flight cumulative range can be calculated by counting turns of the spinning ordnance. Ordnance may be armed a pre-determined time after exit of the ordnance from a weapon firing the ordnance as determined by the magnetic field sensor. The invention is also of a giant magnetoresistance sensor and method for making same and an apparatus for and method of sensing angular velocity for spinning ordnance.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
October 2, 2001
Assignee:
TPL, Inc.
Inventors:
David W. Cutler, Eric S. Boltz, Raymond L. Jarratt, Jr.
Abstract: The present invention is a dielectric film, and method for making the film, suitable for use in the construction of capacitor devices, including wound capacitors. In order to overcome strength limitations associated with polymers having desirable dielectric properties, the invention includes a dielectric film featuring a polymer impregnated upon a strengthening substrate. The polymer is deposited directly upon the substrate, which substrate provides required physical strength for film processing and capacitor fabrication, without compromising dielectric performance.
The inventive film is based on siloxane polymers modified with polar pendant groups to provide a significant increase in dielectric constant and dielectric strength. During film production, the polymer infiltrates the porous paper to provide an interfacial composite layer between the two materials, the interfacial layer consisting of polymer and paper.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 5, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 24, 2001
Assignee:
TPL, Inc.
Inventors:
Kirk M. Slenes, Kristen J. Law, William F. Hartman
Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in electrically conductive materials. A detection method and apparatus are provided for using applied magnetic fields to induce magnetic fields in the material under test, and then directly detecting changes in the induced magnetic field attributable to corrosion, cracks, flaws, or anomalies in the material under test. The invention features the use of one or more giant magnetoresistance sensors to detect directly the changes in the induced magnetic field, which changes provoke a response in the giant magnetoresistance sensors in the form of a change in resistance signal. The apparatus may be configured in various ways, including absolute field detection and differential field detection configurations, with either passive or active field compensation, and single sensor or multiple sensor arrays. A plurality of giant magnetoresistance sensors may be disposed upon a single substrate, or on multiple substrates.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 18, 1997
Date of Patent:
November 21, 2000
Assignee:
TPL, Inc.
Inventors:
Timothy C. Tiernan, Raymond L. Jarratt, Jr.
Abstract: Methods to recover nitroamines from energetic pyrotechnic materials yielding useable by-products and producing zero waste. The methods are used on materials containing HMX and RDX.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 16, 2000
Assignee:
TPL, Inc.
Inventors:
Randall S. Phillips, Andrew W. Cain, Thomas J. Schilling, Michael W. Miks