Abstract: A method of igniting one of a pyrotechnic material and primer during or after an all fire setback acceleration. The method including: positioning a mass element along an inclined surface; biasing the mass element in a direction into the inclined surface such that the mass element traverses the inclined surface upon the all fire setback acceleration against the biasing; drawing the mass element toward one of a pyrotechnic material and primer with the biasing after the mass element traverses the inclined surface. The method can further include delaying the drawing until the mass element experiences a set forward acceleration. The delaying can include drawing the mass element into a delay well after the mass element traverses the inclined surface and drawing the mass element across a delay wedge when the mass element experiences the set forward acceleration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the sequential steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of escapement mechanisms for providing mechanical control of motion based on desired timing criteria and more particularly to micro-scale and millimeter scale escapement mechanisms, and even more particularly to such mechanisms produced in whole or in part using multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods. In some embodiments, such escapement mechanisms are used in safing and arming applications for munitions or other explosive devices where two or more accelerations are present at appropriate times where after an arming delay occurs.

Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm comprises a case having a base located at one end and a projectile mounted at the other end. A specific volume of propellant is contained in the case and is ignitable via a primer located in the base. The ignition of the propellant causes the projectile to be propelled from the case. The case comprises a wall defining a plurality of circumferential flutes that extend around outer and inner surfaces of the case in a helical or vertical configuration.

Abstract: Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module.

Abstract: A hand grenade fuze has a firing cap, a delay charge, which can be fired by the firing cap, in a delay charge holder, a detonator, which can be fired by the delay charge, in a detonator holder, and a booster charge, which can be fired by the detonator, for firing a hand grenade explosive charge.

Abstract: Projectiles with sealed propellant are described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a projectile includes a chamber having a propellant charger, an exit from the chamber for release of propellant gases into a barrel when the propellant is ignited to fire the projectile, and a seal to block the exit which is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to ignition of other propellant in the barrel, where the seal is carried from the barrel by the projectile after the ignition. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Novel hybrid luminescent ammunition (HLA) is provided. The HLA projectiles can include photoluminescent or triboluminescent material, or both. The photoluminescent and triboluminescent material can be placed at various locations on the projectile. In one configuration, the triboluminescent material that gives off light when the projectile impacts the target. In another configuration, a photoluminescent material provides a during flight and the triboluminescent material provides identification of target impact. In another configuration, the triboluminescent material is used to provide both the ballistic trace and the impact identification. Methods of making the HLA are also provided.

Abstract: A priming assembly and a method are provided for coupling a plurality of detonators to at least one explosive through a plurality of transmission lines. The priming assembly may include a housing that receives the plurality of detonators and the plurality of transmission lines. In use, the plurality of transmission lines may communicate with the plurality of detonators within the housing to transmit explosive charges from the plurality of detonators to the at least one explosive.

Abstract: A projectile is provided comprising a body with a channel that contains a non-Newtonian fluid. In various embodiments a plunger is located in the channel, wherein the plunger transmits a force to the non-Newtonian fluid upon interacting with a target, causing the non-Newtonian fluid to exert a pressure in the channel, and wherein the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid changes upon interacting with the target. By way of non-limiting example, the non-Newtonian fluid of embodiments of the present invention can comprise a shear-thickening fluid that increases its viscosity with at least the rate of shear upon interacting with the target.

Abstract: Bullets, including lead-free bullets with frangible cores, are described herein. In some embodiments, a bullet includes a jacket having an inner surface defining a cavity having an open end and a closed end. The bullet also includes a lead-free core positioned within the cavity and extending from the closed end to a first intermediate portion of the cavity. The core includes a plurality of particles that are compacted within the cavity to form the core. The bullet also includes a seal positioned within the cavity and extending from the first intermediate portion to a second intermediate portion of the cavity. The seal abuts the inner surface of the jacket, thereby substantially sealing off the core within the cavity. The bullet may also include a polymeric tip having a forward portion projecting forward from the open end and a rearward portion extending rearward into the cavity.

Abstract: A cartridge casing for rifles is made from a high strength aluminum alloy. A method for making such cartridge casing includes the steps of (a) forming a cylindrical blank from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength greater than 80,000 psi, and (b) rotating the blank at a rate greater than 500 rpm and forcing the blank into a die, the die having a bore with progressively reduced interior diameters which are less than the external diameter of the blank. In the method, the forcing of the blank into the die results in the finished cartridge casing having a distal end with an external diameter which is less than the external diameter of its proximal end.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit for a fuse includes a firing chain having first and second firing devices defining an intermediate space therebetween and a barrier blocking the intermediate space in a safe position. The firing chain is brought into an armed position by a releasing movement vacating the intermediate space. First and second mutually independent securing devices lock the barrier in the safe position and execute an unlocking action based on two mutually independent physical arming parameters. A compact and very reliable safety and arming unit can be achieved in this way.

Abstract: A method of charging explosives in a substantially vertical blast borehole, with a loading density reduced in relation to that corresponding to the complete fill up of the borehole diameter. The method includes the step of introducing a charging hose in fluid connection with a nozzle into an end opening of the vertical blast borehole. The charging hose and nozzle are then moved along the blast borehole along a travel direction at a controlled rate. As the nozzle is being moved, an explosive emulsion is forced though the nozzle at a controlled pumping rate such that the emulsion is sprayed by the nozzle laterally relative to the travel direction, in an arc formation extending around an axis of the nozzle, which axis is parallel to the travel direction, and onto an inner wall of the blast hole. The pumping rate and the controlled moving rate are adjusted so as to form a coherent string of the explosive emulsion exiting from the nozzle, whereby the string only partially fills up the blast borehole diameter.

Abstract: A shaped charge liner is provided. The shaped charge liner comprises a first material denser than 10 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc) and a reactive material. The first material is concentrated in a middle of the liner and decreased in at least one of an apex and a skirt of the liner, and the reactive material is concentrated in at least one of the apex and the skirt of the liner and decreased in the middle of the liner.

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device is provided having a front, a rear and an axis of symmetry with the device comprising an explosive charge, a liner lining a front of the explosive charge, the liner having a recess in the form of a groove encircling the axis of symmetry; and the groove arranged to provide an axis of projection for the liner at an angle A relative to the axis of symmetry. A method of cutting a structure is provided comprising the steps of providing the foregoing device, detonating the explosive charge to create a detonation wave; forming the liner into an formed projectile in the shape of an annular ring with the detonation wave; directing the formed projectile towards the structure; and forming an annular ring cut pattern in the structure with the formed projectile.

Abstract: A fireworks launching stand comprises a post, a cap attached to a top of the post, and at least one horizontal arm attached to the cap. The horizontal arm can be tilted. Fireworks tubes suitable for use with rockets and/or Roman candles are attached to the horizontal arm. The use of the stand reduces the risk of injury to the user due to improper handling of lit fireworks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively varying the yield of an explosive device is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a main charge that may selectively be consumed and/or detonated to achieve the selected yield ranging from about 0% to about 100%.

Abstract: This invention describes a frangible bullet made from particles of a copper-based metal powder with the aid of an organic lubricant, which have been pressed so that the pressed particles have a density of more than 6.9 g/cm3, where the composition has been treated with thermal oxidation.

Abstract: An improved, multiple-use fireworks launcher (10) is provided for the launching of fireworks such as an artillery shell (40) having a lower lift charge (42) and an upper effect charge (44). The launcher (10) includes a base (12), with an upstanding, open-top launch tube (14) operably coupled with the base (12). A reinforcing section (16) is positioned about the lower end of launch tube (14), and preferably comprises a tubular sleeve (36) tightly secured to the outer surface (32) of launch tube (14). The combined thickness of the tube (14) and section (16) are sufficient to prevent catastrophic failure of the launcher (10) in the event a shell (40) is improperly placed within the tube (14) in an inverted condition with the lift charge (42) thereof positioned over the effect charge (44).