Propellant Ignitors Patents (Class 102/202)
  • Patent number: 7380501
    Abstract: An ETC igniter and compatible electrical connector for enabling an ETC gun to be used in a battlefield setting in close proximity with personnel and sensitive electronic equipment. This is accomplished by providing a current path to and from the igniter that is electrically isolated from all other portions of the gun. The connector and igniter are adapted to be capable of withstanding the high connection forces necessary to prevent arcing and the extreme stresses imposed during firing of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: Michael R. Triviski, David C. Cook, Alan R. Sunnarborg, Reed A. McPeak
  • Patent number: 7284487
    Abstract: Stereolithography is used to fabricate directly a single-piece, missile-usable, accurate, flightweight igniter without the use of intermediate, non-operational molds or prototypes in the fabrication process. The same prototype-less, direct stereolithography can be used to produce other missile-usable parts by designing each such part to be of a single-piece configuration and by using material that is suitable for both stereolithography and functional missile application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert W. Milton, Mark W. Kirkham, Robert S. Michaels, Jon A. Freeman, Bryce D. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 7150227
    Abstract: A multi-stage ignition type gas generator has a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber defined independently from each other, and a third combustion chamber through which a gas generated in the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber passes before reaching a gas discharge port. In a partition wall defining the first combustion chamber and the third combustion chamber and a partition wall defining the second combustion chamber and the third combustion chamber, a restriction means, which opens a communicating port communicating a combustion chamber and the third combustion chamber only by gas pressure generated in the combustion chamber defined inside the partition wall, is arranged, and a gas generating agent disposed in the first combustion chamber and a gas generating agent disposed in the second combustion chamber are different in at least one of all gas output and gas output per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7146913
    Abstract: A shaped charge detonation booster comprises a tubular wall body of substantially constant outside diameter for enclosing an axial primer path that terminates with an enlarged main cavity volume. Preferably, the main cavity is positioned within the juncture plane of opposing shaped cutter charges. The tubular wall surrounding the primer path is substantially thicker than the tubular wall surrounding the main body and the explosive material within the main body is compacted more densely than the explosive material in the primer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Titan Specialties, Ltd.
    Inventor: William T. Bell
  • Patent number: 7137339
    Abstract: A gas generator comprises an elongated, preferably tubular outer housing (10), at least one combustion chamber (26, 28) provided therein and filled with a solid propellant (30; 30?), and at least one igniter unit (16, 18) generating ignition gas for igniting the solid propellant (30; 30?). The igniter unit (16, 18) is arranged laterally and externally on the outer housing (10) in such a way and, in relation to the outer housing (10), a preferably radial ignition transfer opening (50, 58) is provided in the outer housing so that ignition gas generated in the igniter unit (16, 18) flows into the interior of the outer housing (10) via the ignition transfer 1 openings (50, 58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Bierwirth, Karsten Schwuchow, Rolf Ruckdeschel
  • Patent number: 7125041
    Abstract: An igniter includes: an igniter assembly including an igniter main body having an ignition portion adapted to be ignited by an ignition electric current; an igniter collar which accommodates the igniter main body; a cup body having an opening portion, the igniter assembly and the cup body being connected to each other, such that at least the ignition portion of the igniter main body is surrounded by the cup body; and a tubular crimp case that connects and fastens at least a part of an exterior surface of the igniter collar and at least a part of an exterior surface of the cup body from an outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kato, Shingo Oda, Hiroshi Harada, Ryohei Yamada
  • Patent number: 7077428
    Abstract: An airbag module has an inflator activated via an electrical connector. The inflator includes an initiation assembly having an initiator and a receptacle that retains the connector. The initiator may have a single, center pin. The initiator may be encased by a body and cover, which may be attached together by molding, vibratory welding, electromagnetic welding, or snap fitting. The connector may have projections that extend from a main body to facilitate retention of the connector by a collar, washer, a retainer attached to the body, or by the inflator housing. The body may be seated in a collar having an annular ridge that presses into the body to form a seal. The connector may have a rib designed to mesh with splines of the receptacle to enable engagement of the connector with the receptacle in multiple orientations, while preventing relative rotation between the connector and the initiator after assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Barker, Dario Brisighella, Brent Parks
  • Patent number: 7070204
    Abstract: A programmable gas generator which has a plurality of different elements can be individually activated, and wherein the activation causes inflation of a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Erik K. Antonsson
  • Patent number: 7059249
    Abstract: A plasma injector for use in munitions having a central axis. The plasma injector has a stub case, a tube, an anode, a cathode, and a conductive wire. The tube has a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending therethrough. The tube has at least one aperture that is operably connected to the central bore. The tube is attached to the stub case substantially transverse to the central axis. The anode is positioned proximate the first end. The cathode is positioned proximate the second end. The conductive wire extends through the central bore between the anode and the cathode and operably connects the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: United Defense LP
    Inventors: Amir Chaboki, Reed A. McPeak, Michael R. Triviski, Steven R. Zelenak
  • Patent number: 7047885
    Abstract: An electronically controlled multi-pulse ignitor ignites a cartridge used to launch a projectile. An electronics module is programmed with a temperature performance profile for the cartridge. A temperature sensor is coupled to supply current cartridge temperature data to the electronics module. A first event ignitor is coupled to the electronics module and initiates a ballistic cycle upon command from the electronics module. A translation mechanism, including a first charge coupled to the first event ignitor, moves the projectile forward to increase the free volume in the cartridge. A second event ignitor, coupled to receive a second event ignition signal from the electronics module, ignites the main propellant charge on receiving the second event ignition signal from the electronics module, where the timing of ignition of the second event ignitor is determined by the temperature performance profile and the current cartridge temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Crickenberger, Saleem L. Ghazi
  • Patent number: 7024288
    Abstract: A method for generating predictions of rocket motor ballistic performance at specific firing temperatures and for generating data profiles for analysis. The method requires generally available specifications for the rocket motor to be tested and test data from one or more test firings at a known temperature. The method is implemented in software form and generates pressure and thrust versus time data at a selected temperature. The method generates a burnback profile with a correct final web that integrates to the correct final propellant weight as well as a throat area profile and thrust coefficient profile, for the test firing temperature and for the temperature to be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John M. King
  • Patent number: 6925937
    Abstract: An ignition device for a downhole tool includes a body with a cavity, a thermite material and a resistive element within the cavity. The resistive element, which is heated to the high temperature needed for ignition of the thermite material, has a non-galvanic outer surface at the ignition temperature. A large amount of electrical power is required to reach the ignition temperature, making the device safe and unlikely to accidentally ignite. The device has an electrical connector that is located within a sealed chamber when downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Michael C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6918340
    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 gas generator has a rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants. One propellant used for the gas generator comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, (2) a fuel such as CL-20. and (3) a binder such as polycaprolactone. A second propellant comprises by weight approximately 70-95% energetic nitrate fuel, 5-25% energetic polymer binder and 0.1-5% flash suppressant. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sami Daoud
  • Patent number: 6889614
    Abstract: The air bag inflator employs an injection piston assembly in which liquid propellant is delivered through nozzles in the injection piston to the combustion chamber. Metering of the liquid propellant is accomplished in a manner that is not sensitive to changes in ambient temperatures. A plug is slidably mounted between the propellant chamber and the nozzles to prevent flashback at startup. The plug is pushed forwardly to expose the nozzles to the propellant chamber in response to a predetermined pressure in the propellant chamber. A plug may also be fitted into each nozzle to be expelled into the combustion chamber upon opening of the nozzle. A tape may also be provided over the outlet of the nozzle to prevent flashback into the propellant chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Island Pyrochemical Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Ammon Parizat, Marek Tarczynski
  • Patent number: 6889613
    Abstract: The variable output inflator includes an injection piston assembly containing a liquid propellant chamber from which liquid propellant is injected through one or more nozzles in the injection piston into a combustion chamber. The movement of the injection piston is controlled by a magnetic control unit employing an annular gap through which the MR fluid flows in a controlled manner. The inflator is of cylindrical type and may be made of small compact dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Island Pyrochemical Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Amnon Parizat, Marek Tarczynski
  • Patent number: 6877431
    Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive angular or bent isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) whose center coincides with the center of the circular metal disk. The angular or bent isolated pin (13) is sealed in the oval or elliptical opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). An angular or bent ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section section, different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the circular metal disk (11) and the angular or bent isolated pin (13). The isolated and ground pins both have circular transverse cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventor: Neil Heeke
  • Patent number: 6874423
    Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11) with a conductive straight isolated pin (13) hermetically sealed in an oval or elliptical through-going opening (O) positioned offset from the center of the circular metal disk. The straight isolated pin (13) is sealed in the opening (O) by means of a glass-to-metal seal (17). A conductive straight ground pin (15) is connected to the rear side of the circular metal disk (11) adjacent to the opening (O) and extends approximately parallel to the straight isolated pin (13). Because the through-going opening (O) has an elliptical or oval cross-section, a wider range of different bridge wires of different lengths, which are connectable on the front side of the metal disk (11) between the front surface of the metal disk (11) and the straight isolated pin (13), is possible. The straight isolated and ground pins have circular transverse cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventor: Neil Heeke
  • Patent number: 6874422
    Abstract: The hermetically sealed electrical feed-through device has a circular metal disk (11, 21) with a conductive isolated pin (13, 23) hermetically sealed in a through-going circular opening (O, O?) by a glass seal (17, 27) and a conductive ground pin (15, 25) connected with a rear side of the metal disk (11, 21) adjacent to the through-going circular opening and extending approximately parallel to the isolated pin. The isolated pin (13, 23) has an oval or elliptical section (13a, 23a) extending through the glass seal (17, 27), whereby different bridge wires of different lengths are connectable on the front side of the metal disk between the front surface of the metal disk and the isolated pin (13, 23). In one embodiment the pins are straight and the through-going circular opening is offset in the metal disk; in another embodiment the pins are bent and the through-going circular opening (O,O?) is centrally positioned in the metal disk (11,21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventor: Neil Heeke
  • Patent number: 6857370
    Abstract: A primer assembly including an ignition element assembly, a primer head assembly and a tubular body, is presented. The primer head assembly has an exterior diameter and an internal chamber containing the ignition element assembly. The tubular body has an open head end, a closed tail end and a wall defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber of the tubular body contains an ignition charge and the head end includes an internal diameter for receiving the exterior diameter of the primer head assembly. When the primer assembly is assembled, the tubular body encloses the primer head assembly and the primer head assembly seals the internal chamber. In one embodiment, the tubular body is a one-piece, seamless metallic tube having a wall of a thickness of about 0.150 to 0.160 inch and, preferably, about 0.155 inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert D. May
  • Patent number: 6848713
    Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag comprises: a housing having a gas discharging port; an initiator assembly provided with a first igniter and a second igniter mounted to the housing via a holder, each of the first igniter and the second igniter including a priming activated upon an impact, the second igniter having, a center pin connected to an external power supply to constitute a positive electrode, a grounding pin connected to a metal portion of a motor vehicle to constitute a negative electrode, and an opening-shutting device of current provided between the center pin and the external power supply; and gas generating material ignited and burnt by the initiator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakashima, Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Publication number: 20040231544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a film-type ignition element, used in particular for igniting the propellant charge of large-caliber ammunition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing an ignition element of this type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: NITROCHEMIE ASCHAU GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Bohm, Almuth Kessler, Manfred Lubben, Eckhard Rahnenfuhrer
  • Patent number: 6802259
    Abstract: A device for firing energetic materials (14) such as pyrotechnics or explosives, including a firing composition (12) for the energetic materials (14) and an UV-radiation source (16) for irradiating the firing composition (12), wherein the UV-radiation source (6) possesses a piezo-luminescence element (18) in order to provide a current-less and electromagnetically interference-secure firing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst-Christian Koch
  • Publication number: 20040112239
    Abstract: An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Brent Parks, Bradley W. Smith, Matthew S. Johnson, Michael R. Schramm
  • Patent number: 6708621
    Abstract: An ignition device for a propellant charge contained in a cylindrical case of a munition, said device comprising at least one linear energetic element and means to ignite said element, and characterised in that the ignition means comprise a tubular part, placed at a bottom cap part of the case and delimiting a chamber that communicates with a pyrotechnic igniting component, said tubular part comprising an axial hole intended to allow the passage and entry into the chamber of the linear igniting element or elements arranged substantially along the case axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Nicole Forichon-Chaumet, Patrick Berneau, Laurent Desgland
  • Patent number: 6672215
    Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of stainless steel, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sami Daoud
  • Patent number: 6659009
    Abstract: A gas generating initiator includes a generally cylindrical body defining an initiator chamber therein, the body being open at one end and closed at a second end by a base, the body having a longitudinal axis; the base including a generally centrally located first passage therethrough having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end on an exterior surface of the base, a longitudinal axis of the first passage being substantially coincident with the axis of the body; and a plurality of second passages in the base, the second passages having one end on an interior surface of the base and a second end that intersects the first passage at the second end of the first passage, wherein longitudinal axes of the second passages form angles with the longitudinal axis of the first passage and wherein a diameter of the first passage is greater than diameters of the second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bruce Jordan
  • Patent number: 6651563
    Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least on heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot re4action particles, an oxidant, and a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Artiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunther Faber, Helmut Zollner
  • Patent number: 6543362
    Abstract: A high-performance propulsion system includes propellant charge powder arranged in a case (1) and multiple pyrotechnic igniters (9) for igniting the propellant charge powder, each igniter (9) containing a primer (5) and optionally a booster charge (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und Systemtechnik
    Inventor: Erich Muskat
  • Patent number: 6539874
    Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs-Und Entwicklungszentrum UnterlĂ¼ss GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Weise
  • Patent number: 6474239
    Abstract: The invention relates to an igniter tube, notably for artillery ammunition, and comprising a stack of at least two ring-shaped tablets made of an igniting composition and joined together by a heat-shrinkable sheath. This tube incorporates a case having a tubular part inside which the stack of tablets is introduced leaving a little play, the tubular part thus covering at least part of the stack, and it comprises a ring made integral with the tablets by the heat-shrinkable sheath, said ring incorporating an abutment surface that is held by retention means against a matching surface carried by a bore of the case. Application to the ignition of ammunition propellant charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Joël Leblond, Bernard Pieuchot, Raymond Capdevielle
  • Patent number: 6341562
    Abstract: An initiator assembly for use with a propellant-actuated device located in a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the initiator assembly includes circuitry and an integral, one-piece insert member that are injection molded with insulating material to an initiator. The insert member suitably engages an initiator adapter for holding the initiator assembly in place relative to the inflator housing both before and after the initiator assembly is ignited. The circuitry is capable of receiving and processing a signal to determine whether to send an ignition signal to ignite the propellant within the inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Dario G. Brisighella
  • Patent number: 6334394
    Abstract: A propellant charge arrangement for barrel-weapons or ballistic drives comprises a conventional core charge having an ignition system and a consolidated propellant surrounding the core charge and having its own high electrical energy ignition system which can be controlled in a time-delayed manner after triggering the core charge ignition system. The structure and arrangement of the consolidated propellant and its ignition system are chosen such that, during combustion of the core charge, the consolidated propellant disintegrates into fragments of essentially uniform geometry in response to triggering of its associated ignition system, wherein the fragments are accelerated into the gas volume generated during combustion of the core charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung
    Inventors: Gerd Karl Werner Zimmermann, Ernst GĂ¼tlin, Hans JĂ¼rgen Maag
  • Publication number: 20010032563
    Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Weise
  • Publication number: 20010030007
    Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least one heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot reaction particles, an oxidant, and a binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Gunther Faber, Helmut Zollner
  • Patent number: 6302008
    Abstract: A process of producing a propellant charge igniter for cartridge ammunition of the type including an ignition tube with a booster charge, wherein the ignition tube is composed of a sheathing tube (4) with ignition openings (3) and a thin-walled protective tube (6) which is arranged inside the sheathing tube (4) in order to protect the booster charge, and wherein the external wall of the protective tube fits against the internal wall of the sheathing tube (4) and covers the ignition openings (3). To avoid microscopic gaps between the sheathing tube and the protective tube, which gaps influence the performance of the propellant charge igniter, a paste-like sealing agent (5) is introduced into the sheathing tube (4) before the protective tube (6) is inserted into the sheathing tube (4), and only then is the protective tube (6) inserted into the sheathing tube (4) to displace the sealing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W&M GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred LĂ¼bben, Stefan Thiesen, Klaus Unterstein
  • Patent number: 6286432
    Abstract: A primer assembly includes a head loading assembly including a frontward throughbore, and a rearward throughbore having a stop. A closing plug assembly includes a conically bored open frontward end and an open cylindrical rearward end including an outer flange between the frontward and rearward ends. The closing plug assembly is press fitted into the head loading assembly frontward throughbore. An ignition element assembly is press fitted into the head loading assembly rearward throughbore. The ignition element assembly has an ignition element portion that bears against the stop. The closing plug assembly and the ignition element are located to be captivated by threading a flashtube into a head loading assembly threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Reider
  • Publication number: 20010018878
    Abstract: The invention relates to an igniter tube, notably for artillery ammunition, and comprising a stack of at least two ring-shaped tablets made of an igniting composition and joined together by a heat-shrinkable sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: GIAT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Joel Leblond, Bernard Pieuchot, Raymond Capdevielle
  • Patent number: 6272994
    Abstract: A flashtube liner for a primer assembly including a head loading assembly. A flashtube containing an ignition charge has an open rearward end connected to the head loading assembly. A closing plug assembly includes a conically bored open frontward end and an open cylindrical rearward end that may include an optional outer flange between the frontward and rearward ends. The closing plug assembly is attached to the head loading assembly located rearwardly of the flashtube. A flashtube liner has a flange at an open rearward end. The flashtube liner is inserted into the flashtube to line the inner wall of the flashtube. The flashtube liner is held in place by the flashtube impinging the flashtube liner flange between the head loading assembly or the optional flange, and the open rearward end of the flashtube. The flashtube liner is constructed of an extruded plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Reider
  • Patent number: 6247409
    Abstract: An igniter for a gas generator comprises at least two connecting leads and an incandescent means arranged between the connecting leads and surrounded by an igniting substance. Several filaments are used as the incandescent means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 6237494
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an ignition component for a pyrotechnic composition or propellant charge. This component comprises at least two electrodes separated by a cylindrical insulating envelope marking out an inner volume, electrodes connected by a conductive ignition fuse arranged in the inner volume, the component thus forming a plasma torch whose size is such that it generates a plasma when it receives an ignition voltage less than or equal to 600 volts and is supplied with electric energy less than or equal to 5000 joules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Luc Brunet, ANdré Espagnacq, Frantz Caillau, Patrick Guerenne
  • Patent number: 6213023
    Abstract: Base bleed unit comprising a surrounding housing (1) surrounding at least one mass flow generating gun powder charge (7), and having at least one outlet hole (6, 6′) extending through a rear wall (3) of the housing (1), in which also at least one igniter charge (4) is arranged. According to the invention, an internal and the rear wall (3) adjacent portion of the mass flow generating gun powder charge (7) is arranged abutting a preferably substantially conically narrowing supporting wall surface extending from the rear wall (3). The preferably substantially conically narrowing supporting wall surface may comprise a centrally located member (5), extending from and integrated with the internal surface of the rear wall (3) of the base bleed unit, arranged to act as a supporting surface with its external surface, or with such a member attached to said internal surface. The preferably substantially conically narrowing wall surface may also comprise a collar shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Gunners
  • Patent number: 6167808
    Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent J. Mramor
  • Patent number: 6164208
    Abstract: An igniter for vehicle airbag inflator includes a stainless steel casing, an ignition unit, a pyrotechnic powder holder, and a stainless steel shell, the casing defining a receiving chamber, the ignition unit being mounted in the receiving chamber within the casing, the ignition unit including a pair of electrodes, a nickel chrome wire connected between the electrodes at one end, and an electrically insulative packing block fastened to the electrodes to fix the electrodes in a separated manner, the pyrotechnic powder holder being covered on the ignition unit and holding a high burning rate pyrotechnic powder, the stainless steel shell being covered around the pyrotechnic powder holder for protecting it from damage. The igniter can be adjusted to achieve ignition time delay within 2 milli-seconds, and maximum pressure within 40.about.60 Bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Chung Shan Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Ming-Teh Hsu, Long-Ming Tsai
  • Patent number: 6119599
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating surface plasmas, for ignition of propellants. The invention provides a plurality of sheet fuses with insulating sheets separating each fuse. One of the fuses is complete, while the other fuses have a gap. The fuses are sheets formed into concentric coaxial cylinders. The complete fuse forms the outer most cylinder. The fuses sequentially become a plasma starting from the outer most fuse to the inner most fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Johnson, Warren Joseph Dick, Reed Alan McPeak, Chris Sherman Sorenson, Leo Erasmus Thurmond, III
  • Patent number: 6032568
    Abstract: A means and method of controlling the muzzle velocity of a gun launched projectile to ensure that the muzzle velocities of several rounds of the same type tend towards the same value or that of an individual round approaches some nominal value. A sensor means measures a parameter related to the muzzle velocity of a projectile and a control means instructs an electrothermal energy unit to discharge a fixed amount of energy into the gun barrel after a certain time delay, the time delay being derived from the measured parameter and being such to ensure that discharge causes the projectile to achieve a controlled muzzle velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Fuller, Stephen Gilbert, Robert James Mills, Charles Davis Gareth Edwards
  • Patent number: 5959235
    Abstract: A device for initiating burning of an explosive or propellant material subjected to external heating prior to detonation is described, the device comprising at least two materials, at least a first one of which materials melts at a temperature below the temperature at which detonation of said explosive or propellant material is induced and reacts with said second material to produce an exothermic reaction to cause initiation of burning in said explosive or propellant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Douglas C. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 5895881
    Abstract: A propellant charge igniter for cartridge ammunition, includes an ignition tube; and a transfer charge disposed within the ignition tube, wherein the ignition tube is composed of a jacket tube having defined therein a plurality of ignition openings; and a protective tube which is positioned within the jacket tube so that the outside wall of the protective tube rests flush against the inside wall of the jacket tube and covers the plurality of ignition openings, which is thin-walled and has a wall thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, which is arranged to effectively protect the transfer charge against adverse external environmental influences including humidity, and which is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, oxide ceramic material, glass ceramic material, metal or metal alloy, and plastic. This arrangement provides a reliable sealing of the transfer charge against external environmental influences over a long time period, e.g., at least 10 years, even if handled roughly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Industrie AG
    Inventors: Stefan Thiesen, Manfred Lubben, Dieter Jungbluth
  • Patent number: 5827993
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignition device for a gas generator (G), in which: (i) at least in the vicinity of the primary charge (CP), the transmission line (L) is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E) of the generator (G); (ii) the end of the transmission line, provided with a deflagrating terminal lead charge (r), emerges in a sealed intermediate chamber (CI); and (iii) the intermediate chamber (CI) is connected to the primary charge (CP) via at least one throttling vent (e) having an axis (1--1) at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Beau
  • Patent number: 5792982
    Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert S. Scheffee
  • Patent number: 5772242
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag gas generator comprising a housing, an ignition means accommodation chamber defined in the said housing, a combustion chamber, a coolant/filter chamber, an ignition means provided inside said ignition means accommodation chamber, a canister provided in said combustion chamber and a coolant and a filter, provided in said coolant/filter chamber, is characterized in that another coolant is provided in said canister to cool said combustion gas and to collect combustion residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ueda, Nobuyuki Katsuda