Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lead-free, nontoxic pyrotechnic composition, comprising: 30-80 wt % of bismuth subnitrate; and 10-50 wt % of a fuel, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a lead-free, nontoxic priming composition, comprising: 20-80 wt % of the above nontoxic pyrotechnic composition; 20-50 wt % of an initiator explosive; and 2-10 wt % of a sensitizer, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e., the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants, but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The new gas generator is designed to reach maximum inflation at the same time as the current, single stage gas generators. However, the new generator has a more rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants. The propellant used in new generator comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, which is less toxic and corrosive than the currently-used azide, (2) a fuel such as CL-20, and (3) a binder such as polycaprolactone. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are light metal explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants (LME&Ps) comprising a light metal component such as Li, B, Be or their hydrides or intermetallic compounds and alloys containing them and an oxidizer component containing a classic explosive, such as CL-20, or a non-explosive oxidizer, such as lithium perchlorate, or combinations thereof. LME&P formulations may have light metal particles and oxidizer particles ranging in size from 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m.

Abstract: A recyclable energetic composition and method of processing energetic compositions cured by cyclo-addition of azido groups of the polymer binder with di- and/or tri-acetylene curatives (components) to form triazole linkages, such that the cure reaction is accelerated or delayed at will without degradation, allowing storage and later recycling of unused material for reduction of hazardous waste, and reduction of pollution.

Abstract: Ammonium nitrate is phase-stabilized by a synergistic phase stabilization additive combination of at least cupric oxide and potassium nitrate. Specifically, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate contains between about 94.0 and about 96.0 wt. % ammonium nitrate and between about 4 and 6 wt. % of a synergistic phase stabilization additive combination of at least cupric oxide and potassium nitrate, wherein the cupric oxide is present in a relative amount of no more than about 2.0 wt. %. In some cases, additional stability is imparted by the inclusion of zinc oxide such as in a relative amount of no more than about 1.5 wt. %.

Abstract: The borehole of many wells, including oil and gas production wells, is frequently cased with a steel or similar metal casing. In order to extract oil or other material existing within the surrounding geologic formation, it is necessary to puncture the casing. Currently, this is accomplished with tubes (guns) containing explosive charges being lowered into the well bore and detonated, causing the tube and well casing to be punctured and the geologic formation shattered. The guns are made from high strength, thick-walled and machined metal. This invention discloses a multi-layered or composite tube that enhances the directional orientation of the explosive charges utilizing less costly and more easily fabricated material. The invention also discloses a gun having properties to allow the desired directionally oriented perforation by the explosive charge without being deformed and jammed within the well casing. Other advantageous are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) and a gas generating material (18). The gas generating material (18), when ignited, produces a combustion gas that actuates the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The gas generating material (18) comprises a single-base nitrocellulose composition that includes greater than 2%, by weight of the single-base composition, stabilizer. The stabilizer is a urea of an aromatic amine.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition, which is a mixture of a fuel selected for the group consisting of cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, and mixtures thereof, and an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, a combination of ammonium nitrate with potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, or mixtures thereof, such that the combination is a solid solution, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof. The combination of ammonium nitrate with other salts in solid solution is intended to phase stabilize the ammonium nitrate. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance. Useful alkali metal salts include lithium carbonate, lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag has, in a housing having a gas discharging port, a combustion chamber accommodating a molded article of a gas generating composition which is burnt to generate gas and ignition means to ignite the molded article of a gas generating composition. The molded article contains a metal component and meets the requirement: (A) the (theoretical) combustion flame temperature of the molded article of the gas generating composition is 2000° C. or less, and part or the whole of the metal or metal oxide after combustion of the molded article of the gas generating composition has a melting point not lower than the combustion flame temperature; and (B) bulk combustion residues remain in the combustion chamber at the time of combustion of the molded article of the gas generating composition.

Abstract: A degradable prepolymer for explosive and propellant compositions having increased hydrolyzability comprising at one —O—CH2—O— linkage within the backbone of the prepolymer. The degradable prepolymer is useful as a binder for explosive and propellant compositions.

Abstract: An incendiary composition (14) for a fin-stabilized kinetic energy projectile (1), which can be arranged in the tail region of the projectile (1) and, upon impact with a target (13), penetrates the target (13) as a separate unit behind the penetrator (2) of the kinetic energy projectile (1). To reach the objective of a high destructive effect caused by the incendiary composition (14) within a target (13), despite a small volume and a low mass, and to ensure that the incendiary composition is ignited securely by the shock waves generated upon impact, according to the invention, a titanium sponge is used as the incendiary composition (14), with an epoxide resin or a polyester resin used as a binder.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a new composition that provides different outputs depending upon the level of stimulus supplied to the composition. More specifically, if the composition is subjected to a weak shock, the composition produces fragments that burn upon their surfaces. If the composition is subjected to a strong shock, the bulk of the fragments will initiate, and, depending upon the make-up of the fragments, an explosive, propellant, or pyrotechnic, a different output will result.

Abstract: A porous igniter body and a method of making the same are provided wherein a blowing agent component including at least one thermally decomposable blowing agent solid is mixed with at least one igniter fuel and at least one igniter oxidizer to form an igniter body precursor. The igniter body precursor is subsequently subjected to a temperature sufficient to decompose at least a portion of the blowing agent to form the porous igniter body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: A non-/low-toxic, non-hypergolic, propellant formulation generally comprising metal nanoparticles, such as boron, aluminum, or carbon, and one or more fluoro-polymers mixed in in particulate form. The present invention takes advantage of the increased surface area provided by nano-sized metallic particles to enhance the metal's combustion efficiency, or ignitability. The inclusion of fluoro-polymers also aids in increasing the combustion efficiency of the metallic nanoparticles due to the presence of halogenic oxidizers. The thermal degradation of a halogenated fluoro-polymer additive in the propellant combustion zone serves to release halogens, thereby improving the combustion of the metallic nanoparticles and increasing the propulsion system's energy output. The present invention's formulation is safe to store and handle, environmentally-friendly, and may be economically manufactured to provide for widespread, cost-effective use.

Abstract: A high temperature combination delay element and ignition composition contains a polymeric silicone component, an oxidizer component and a high temperature metal component.

Abstract: Improved binders for energetic compositions include high molecular weight polyester polyol binder polymers and energetic plasticizers wherein the plasticizer to polymer ratio is 1.6:1 or less.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic initiator comprising a pyrotechnic varnish in contact with a resistive heating element is prepared by preparing an aqueous adhesive composed of a dispersion of an explosive substance and of additives in an aqueous suspension based on a copolymer chosen from ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and vinyl acetate/ethylene acetate/ethylene copolymers, depositing the aqueous adhesive on the resistive element, and drying the aqueous adhesive at a temperature of between 55° C. and 75° C., in order to remove the water contained in the adhesive and to obtain the varnish.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solvent-free gas-generating pyrotechnic composition, and a method for continuously manufacturing the composition in a twin-screw mixer-extruder, the composition including a binder, a nitrogenous organic compound, an oxidizing filler, and optionally at least one additive; the oxidizing filler including an ammonium perchlorate and a chlorine scavenger; the binder including at least one polymer, having a molecular mass greater than 200,000 and selected from a polyester polymer and an acrylic ester, and wherein the binder uncliding at least one liquid constituent selected from a polyester resin and a plasticizer.