Patents by Inventor John W. Fronabarger

John W. Fronabarger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130204005
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8440008
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8404897
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8298324
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20120215004
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8216401
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120152140
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120145290
    Abstract: Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8163786
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120077983
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM B. SANBORN
  • Publication number: 20120024178
    Abstract: Described are hot-wire igniter devices comprising a bridgewire, an acceptor proximate a portion of the bridgewire, and an output configured to be ignited by the acceptor, wherein the acceptor comprises copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazole. The bridgewire may be configured to receive power from a power source. The bridgewire composition may comprise Tophet A, Tophet C, stainless steel, nichrome bridgewire materials, or stablohm bridgewire materials. The output may be an explosive, pyrotechnic, or propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: John W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8071784
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8062443
    Abstract: 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. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, Magdy M. Bichay
  • Publication number: 20110108172
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETIC MATERIALS COMPANY
    Inventors: JOHN W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20110105800
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: John W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 7833330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20100280254
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: John W. FRONABARGER, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090223401
    Abstract: 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. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090069566
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Fronabarger, Michael D. Williams, William B. Sanborn
  • Patent number: 7253288
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of substituted tetrazole synthesis and manufacture. More particularly, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing substituted tetrazoles and tetrazolate salts, such as sodium nitrotetrazolate and sodium cyanotetrazolate, using small scale and/or microreactor techniques. The use of the present techniques result in less hazardous and more efficient manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company
    Inventors: Robert N. Renz, Michael D. Williams, John W. Fronabarger