Initiating Devices Patents (Class 102/275.11)
  • Patent number: 11131533
    Abstract: Shock resistant mounting structures for fuze systems. The shock resistant mounting structures may comprise: a shock resistant base cap and a shock resistant washer. The shock resistant base cap may comprise a circular cap housing and a plurality of first cripple studs disposed within the circular cap housing. The circular cap housing may be configured to engage a flange end of a fuze and may be adapted to snugly fit within a fuze well. The shock resistant washer may comprise a ring-shaped housing and one or more second cripple studs radially disposed within the ring-shaped housing. The ring-shaped housing may have a center opening adapted to engage a fuze body. When installed, the shock resistant base cap and shock resistant washer may be disposed within the fuze well and may minimize or divert shock loading energy from entering a fuze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Nicholas H. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 10161730
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide an Explosive Device Simulator (EDS). Embodiments of the Explosive Device Simulator may include two or more chemical components that are non-explosive when separated from each other within the EDS, but which form an explosive mixture or substance when combined. Because the individual chemical components are non-explosive, the Explosive Device Simulator may be stored, transported and handled safely for long periods of time and without increased security, protective measures, or special training. Further, the chemical components may be chosen such that the Explosive Device Simulator creates a realistic explosion (e.g. loud and bright), but which produces minimal concussive forces and is therefore safer to use as a training aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Remington Lee, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Hupp
  • Patent number: 9988885
    Abstract: According to an aspect a deformable member is provided, wherein the deformable member is configured for use in a ballistic transfer module. The ballistic transfer module includes the deformable member, a booster holder, a booster and a detonating cord. A method of initiating one or more percussion initiators of a perforating gun assembly using the ballistic transfer module and deforming the deformable member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: DynaEnergetics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Arash Shahinpour, Joerg Mueller, Eric Mulhern, Frank Haron Preiss
  • Patent number: 9658039
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide an Explosive Device Simulator (EDS). Embodiments of the Explosive Device Simulator may include two or more chemical components that are non-explosive when separated from each other within the EDS, but which form an explosive mixture or substance when combined. Because the individual chemical components are non-explosive, the Explosive Device Simulator may be stored, transported and handled safely for long periods of time and without increased security, protective measures, or special training. Further, the chemical components may be chosen such that the Explosive Device Simulator creates a realistic explosion (e.g. loud and bright), but which produces minimal concussive forces and is therefore safer to use as a training aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Remington Lee, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Hupp
  • Publication number: 20150144399
    Abstract: An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: William Greeley, Raivo Kull, Ed Soohoo
  • Publication number: 20150020705
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for releasing a fluid to the atmosphere comprises a housing (12) for the fluid. The housing can comprise a biodegradable polymer, or a polymer that has been adapted to biodegrade. The polymer can also comprise a component that is reflective to infrared radiation so as to prevent melting of the housing polymer during immersion in or whilst in proximity to flame. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism (30,32,42,50,56,58) for causing the fluid to be released to the atmosphere from the housing. The mechanism can be housed in a second housing (14) that is detachably mounted to the first housing to define a housing unit. Further, a restraint mechanism (34) can be provided for regulating when the fluid is to be released from the housing to the atmosphere. The restraint mechanism can be deactivated once a certain force of apparatus impact with a surface has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Marc Hartmann, Derrick Yap
  • Publication number: 20140366762
    Abstract: A spark generating tube includes a single tube and a pyrotechnical mixture. The single tube only has a single layer of plastic material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene. The pyrotechnical mixture has formed a thin layer in contact with the single layer of the single tube. The pyrotechnical contains an oxidizer, a reducing agent, a substance with low temperature of Tammann and an agent for lubricating and adhering, wherein the agent for lubricating and adhering is either talc or graphite, and the reducing agent can be an aluminum powder in microscale. During the process for manufacturing a spark generating tube, the mixture of the oxidizers and additives is formed separately from the reducing agent. The final mixture is obtained only in the single tube formed with an extruder. In this way, only a very small amount of pyrotechnic mixture is formed at any instant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marco Antonio FALQUETE
  • Publication number: 20140305327
    Abstract: A signal tube connector which can be used with a number of signal tubes which includes a detonator receiving body and a retention member, wherein a signal tube locating space is formed between opposing surfaces of the body and the member and wherein the retention member is movable relative to the body and can be locked in place with a locking mechanism to retain signal tubes within the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: AEL MINING SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelius Bezuidenhout, Pieter Stephanus Jacobus Halliday, Clifford Gordon Morgan, Cheryl Lynn Kelly, Andries Matthys Botha
  • Publication number: 20140299011
    Abstract: An explosive booster assembly (70) which includes a primary module (10) with a first housing (12) and a first booster (14), wherein a detonator (62) is engageable with the first housing, and an auxiliary module (30, 30A) which comprises a second housing (32) with a second booster composition (34), wherein the second housing (32) is interengageable with the first housing (12) to expose the first booster composition (14) to the second composition (34), and wherein any number of substantially identical auxiliary modules (30, 30A) are engageable with one another in order to form a compound booster assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: AEL MINNING SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelius Bezuidenhout, Pieter Stephanus Jacobus Halliday
  • Publication number: 20140248522
    Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a body having a base; a striker release element rotatably disposed on the body, the striker release element having a first surface; a first biasing element for biasing the striker release element away from the base; a striker mass rotatably disposed on the base along a second axis, the striker mass having a second surface corresponding to the first surface of the striker release element, the first surface obstructing rotation of the striker mass; and a second biasing element for biasing the striker mass such that the second surface is biased towards the first surface; wherein when the body experiences an acceleration profile of a predetermined magnitude and duration, the striker release element rotates towards the base to release an engagement between the first and second surfaces and allow the striker mass to rotate under a biasing force of the second biasing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jacques Fischer, Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Publication number: 20140245917
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic time delay element which includes a casing made from a plastics material, a pyrotechnic composition inside the volume, a membrane inside the volume against one end of the pyrotechnic composition and a primary explosive inside the volume on an opposing side of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelius Bezuidenhout, Pieter Stephanus Jacobus Halliday
  • Patent number: 8794152
    Abstract: A gas-impermeable sealer element (24, 124) for a detonator or other explosive initiation device includes a non-reactive sleeve (26, 126) having a channel (28, 128) formed therein. A reactive material strip (30, 130) is sealed within the channel for transmission of an explosive's initiation signal through the sealer element (24, 124), either alone or in cooperation with transfer charges located at the input and/or output end of the non-reactive sleeve (26, 126). The reactive material strip (30, 130) comprises a reactive metal wire or other substrate (34) having on one or both sides thereof a layer of reactive material (30, 130, 36), either reactive metal foils which react exothermically when ignited, or a deposited fuel-oxidizer reactive material. The reactive materials, upon being energized, react exothermically in the absence of atmospheric oxygen or other extraneous oxidizer and so may be encapsulated, sealed or otherwise isolated from the atmosphere in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson J. Plitt, Joseph W. Twarog, Jr., Mark Dorman, Raymond T. Overstrom, John Childs
  • Patent number: 8776689
    Abstract: A detonator formed entirely from a plurality of discrete segments of an insensitive energetic composition, each of the segments employed in the detonator being compacted at different pressures from powder and/or granules of insensitive energetic composition so as to form an energetic train which sequences detonation of the individual segments. Initiation of a main charge can only be effected when a last segment in the detonation train is initiated. Detonation starts with a first segment in the detonation train which is produced under the lowest compaction pressure, and then detonation progresses to a last segment compacted under a higher compaction pressure. The first segment can be detonated by a safety fuse or detonating cord, and the last segment can only be detonated by the next to the last segment in the detonation train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent Gonsalves, Bekim Isovski, Larry Sotsky, Stojan Kotefski, Lidija Kotevska
  • Patent number: 8746144
    Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Richard W. Givens, Ronald L. Loeser, Roger F. Backhus
  • Patent number: 8616129
    Abstract: A cartridge useful as an activator of other systems, and related method of manufacture. The cartridge's casing includes a fuse delimited by placing a plate at each end staked to the casing for fixing the fuse. This configuration permits precise control of the length of the fuse during manufacture, eliminates the need for separate structures in the casing to aid fuse location, and simplifies manufacture and assembly. This configuration supports the fuse lessening stresses that can lead to fractures. A portion of the casing is thinned by a preselected amount to permit fracturing of the casing to launch the projectile. The projectile may be attached to the cartridge casing more simply, e.g. by screw threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ryan Barrow, James Mackie-Smith
  • Publication number: 20130277108
    Abstract: A energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Wililam Greeley, Raivo Kull, Ed Soohoo
  • Patent number: 8511229
    Abstract: A microcavity structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the microcavity structure includes a first substrate, which has a region of interest. A second substrate with a perforation therein is bonded to the first substrate. The perforation coincides with the region of interest. In a specific embodiment, the first substrate is implemented via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. A smoothing layer is included between the PCB and the actuator. A bonding gasket adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Amish Desai, Bob Melendes, Ming Lu, Brian Fuchs, Stephen Chau
  • Patent number: 8485097
    Abstract: A device for initiating an energetic material through an electrical pulse. The device includes an input charge, an initiator assembly and a switch. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive. The initiator assembly is configured to initiate a detonation event in the input charge in response to receipt of the electrical pulse to a terminal that is electrically coupled to the initiator assembly. The switch is maintained in a normally open condition but is closed to transmit electrical energy from the pulse that remains on the first terminal after operation of the initiator assembly has been initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, John P. Segal
  • Patent number: 8468944
    Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Richard W. Givens, Ronald L. Loeser, Roger F. Backhus
  • Patent number: 8408133
    Abstract: A method for detonating an unexploded munition including: firing one or more munitions into an area without detonation; providing the one or more munitions with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from an induced vibration; inducing a vibration in the power supply of the one or more munitions to generate power; and generating a detonation signal from the generated power to detonate the one or more munitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Carlos M. Pereira, Richard Dratler
  • Patent number: 8397640
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technique pertains to in-line explosive trains, and, more particularly, to a dynamic switch for use in an in-line explosive train. In a first aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a method for use in arming an in-line explosive train comprising: arming two S&A circuits independently of one another; transitioning each arming circuit to a dynamic control start state to initiate a pair of state machines, each state machine associate with a respective one of the S&A circuits; transitioning through the states of the state machine to turn a switch on and off. In a second aspect, the presently disclosed technique includes a dynamic safety switch for use in an in-line explosive train comprising: a pair of S&A circuits; a pair of state machines entering a predetermined cycle upon indication to arm from both the S&A circuits and cooperatively transitioning through the cycle; and a switch controlled by the cooperative transition of the state machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventors: Paul J. Carson, Eric E. Roach
  • Patent number: 8387534
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system comprises a composite and an applicator. The composite comprises an explosive material and a plurality of nanostructures. The applicator is configured to direct microwaves to the composite. In response to the microwaves, the nanostructures within the composite generate shockwaves that detonate the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Timothy J. Imholt
  • Patent number: 8327766
    Abstract: A timing element for an initiator is made from a reactive polymeric material such as, e.g., a glycidyl azide polymer. The reactive polymeric material may include pulverulent oxidizer additives, such as ammonium, perchlorate and/or ferric oxide. The oxidizer additives are used to increase the rate of reaction and the output spark of the polymer material. The timing element serves to delay the travel of an initiation signal between an input, such as a signal transmission input line, and an explosive output charge, for a predetermined period of time, usually about 5 to about 10,000 milliseconds, e.g., about 9 to about 9600 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Twarog, Jr., John C. Campbell, Jr., Tyson J. Plitt, Kim Chi Ho
  • Patent number: 8316768
    Abstract: An elongate, flexible, incendiary device for producing a nearly instantaneous source of flaming combustion along a linear pathway of indeterminate length. The incendiary device is provided in the form of a solid, continuous strand, such as, for example, a ribbon, tape, cord, filament, rope or tube. The device is comprised of means for rapid ignition along the longitudinal axis of the strand in co-linear arrangement with a solid or semi-solid combustible fuel composition. Upon ignition, the device produces flames from its exterior surface for a duration of time suitable for igniting nearby combustible matter. The incendiary device provides a nearly instantaneous line of fire for igniting prescribed fires, controlled burns, and backfires. A method for igniting vegetative matter over an area of land using one or more indeterminate lengths of a rapidly igniting linear incendiary strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Reistroffer
  • Patent number: 8312811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: P&P AB
    Inventors: Tor Christiansson, Erik Isberg
  • Patent number: 8307767
    Abstract: An initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with a venting device. A system for venting a container includes a venting device and an initiator coupled with the venting device. The initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with the venting device. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with a container, detonating an explosive sheet of the venting system, and venting the container as a result of detonating the explosive sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony T. Skinner, Michael L. Fortner
  • Patent number: 8297189
    Abstract: The invention relates to so-called fuze damping in projectiles, in particular, those provided with a built-in firing delay. Thus, a projectile (1) is provided having a rear part (1a) and a fuze (2), wherein at least one damping element (7) is inserted between a fuze base (5) and the projectile (1) and/or between a fuze shoulder (6) and a possible threaded ring (4), or similar attachment element. The damping element (7) is in the form of a disc, ring or pot, and is composed of a material with a lower acoustic impedance than the material of the projectile (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hoffmann, Wolfgang Scherge, Mathias Lengnick, Holger Brase, Stefan Kell, Torsten Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 8291826
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Patent number: 8286555
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Patent number: 8276516
    Abstract: An apparatus for detonating an initiation charge that is formed of a secondary explosive, such as triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB). The apparatus includes an exploding foil initiator, which can have a relatively small flyer that is suited to initiate a detonation event in the initiation charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Reynolds Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nance, John Yelverton, Charles Hart, Michael Meadows
  • Publication number: 20120240806
    Abstract: A detonator formed entirely from a plurality of discrete segments of an insensitive energetic composition, each of the segments employed in the detonator being compacted at different pressures from powder and/or granules of insensitive energetic composition so as to form an energetic train which sequences detonation of the individual segments. Initiation of a main charge can only be effected when a last segment in the detonation train is initiated. Detonation starts with a first segment in the detonation train which is produced under the lowest compaction pressure, and then detonation progresses to a last segment compacted under a higher compaction pressure. The first segment can be detonated by a safety fuse or detonating cord, and the last segment can only be detonated by the next to the last segment in the detonation train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent Gonsalves, Bekim Isovsky, Larry Sotsky, Stojan Kotefski, Lidija Kotevska
  • Patent number: 8272326
    Abstract: A high impulse fuze booster includes a booster explosive charge positioned within an explosive charge cavity of a booster housing. A substantially planar flyer plate is coupled with the booster housing, and a detonation waveshaper is positioned within the booster explosive charge. A low-sensitivity explosive charge is opposed to the substantially planar flyer plate. The booster explosive charge is configured to generate a detonation wave and the detonation waveshaper shapes the detonation wave into a planar detonation wave, the planar detonation wave is parallel to the substantially planar flyer plate. The planar detonation wave interacts with the substantially planar flyer plate in two or more stages including a planar striking stage and a planar contact stage where the planar detonation wave carries the substantially planar flyer plate into planar contact with a plurality of surfaces of the low-sensitivity explosive charge to initiate the low-sensitivity explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bryan F. Berlin, Kim L. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20120227609
    Abstract: Initiator systems for warheads include a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of an explosive material contained in an explosive device and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least a portion of an explosive material of a warhead. Scalable output explosive devices include an explosive material at least partially disposed within a housing and an initiator system including a first initiation device configured to detonate at least a portion of the explosive material and a second initiation device configured to deflagrate at least another portion of the explosive material. Methods of igniting warheads include deflagrating a portion of an explosive material disposed within the warhead and detonating at least another portion of the explosive material disposed within the warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Eric Volkmann
  • Publication number: 20120227607
    Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to an initiator support assembly that includes a casing and one or more initiator leads extending from the casing. The transmission of current through the initiator leads detonates an explosive charge within the casing. The casing includes a flange and a dampening member attached to the flange. The dampening member is between the flange and a structure where the initiator support assembly is mounted. The dampening member dampens shock that would otherwise be transferred from the structure to the initiator support assembly. In another example embodiment, at least a portion of the casing is formed of an interior wall, a dampening layer covering at least a portion of the interior wall and an exterior wall. The dampening layer dampens shock to the initiator support assembly that would otherwise be transferred from a structure to the initiator support assembly when the exterior wall is mounted to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bradley Biggs, Timothy B. Bonbrake, George Darrly Budy
  • Patent number: 8250980
    Abstract: An exemplary firing pin with a release mechanism apparatus at least partially composed of an elastic thermoplastic material. The apparatus includes a rod with a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion includes an integral cage-like element with a plurality of restraining wall elements, which, interiorly, are undercut defining an interior chamber with a volume sufficient to accommodate a cable stop element and define an aperture in communication with the chamber. The aperture is sized to accommodate a cable or the like, but small enough to prevent the stop element seated in the chamber from moving, so long as the restraining wall elements are constrained. The restraining wall elements are generally constrained by a substantially rigid element, such that they cannot deform, flaring open, even if the cable is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Mackie-Smith, Edward Tersine, Ryan Barrow
  • Patent number: 8234978
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to initiate detonation. The apparatus includes a first hollow cylinder, a second hollow cylinder laterally spaced from the first hollow cylinder, each of the first and second hollow cylinders having an inner surface and an outer surface, and extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A spring is disposed in each of the first and second cylinders, and a firing pin is disposed in each of the first and second cylinders, wherein the spring is positioned between the first end of each of the first and second cylinders and the firing pin. A sear lever is in communication with each of the firing pins, and bushings are disposed between the sear lever and each of the first and second hollow cylinders, positioned so that the sear lever is insulated from contact of the outer surface of the hollow cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bond, Jerry Shrum, Barbara Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120192748
    Abstract: A coupling adapter including a side wall and a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining fins supported by the side wall and extending radially inwardly in order to provide a variable diameter interference fit with an elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Scheid, Brad Moan, Scott Germain
  • Patent number: 8230788
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided for use in oilfield operations to detonate an explosive downhole including a capacitor discharge unit and initiator electrically connected together to form a single unit. Further, provided is a method of fabricating an integrated detonator. Additionally, a method of use for an integrated detonating unit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Nolan C. Lerche, Anthony Frank Veneruso
  • Publication number: 20120174808
    Abstract: Silicon-based explosive devices and methods of manufacture are provided. In this regard, a representative method involves: providing a doped silicon substrate; depositing undoped silicon on a first side of the substrate; and infusing an oxidizer into an area bounded at least in part by the undoped silicon; wherein the undoped silicon limits an exothermic reaction of the doped silicon to the bounded area. Another representative method involves: providing a doped silicon substrate; depositing a masking layer of low-pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) Silicon nitride to the first side of the substrate; patterning the nitride mask and etching the porous silicon, and infusing oxidizer into an area bounded by the LPCVD nitride; wherein the silicon nitride limits an exothermic reaction of the doped silicon to the bounded area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Luke J. Currano, Ronald G. Polcawich, Wayne Churaman, Mark Gelak
  • Publication number: 20120118191
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Patent number: 8161880
    Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wuensche, James Barker, Gayle Moritz
  • Patent number: 8122828
    Abstract: Ammunition with structural and functional features such as to optimize the propellant combustion process when the weapon is fired, resulting in accelerated delivery of the combustion gases. For this purpose, advantageously, the ammunition at issue is fitted with an innovative firing system (4), the incendiary operation of which allows to ignite the entire quantity of propellant (7) in a homogeneous and capillary manner. In this operational circumstance, a considerably larger quantity of propellant (than that occurring with the known art) is therefore ignited in a shorter time. This results in accelerated delivery of the gases, such as to transmit to the projectile (5) an extremely fast burst of thrust, resulting in greater ballistic yield of the projectile and greater damage to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Salvatore Tedde
  • Patent number: 8122829
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a safety lighter intended to initiate the combustion of a pyrotechnic device, the lighter including a lighter body (10) having a cylindrical void (12) of axis XX?, and a pyrotechnic slide-in module (14) including pyrotechnic means (70, 74, 30) of initiating the combustion of the pyrotechnic device, the pyrotechnic slide-in module (14) being able to be displaced in the cylindrical void, from a so-called safety position (Ps), providing isolation between the pyrotechnic means of the slide-in module and the pyrotechnic device to be initiated, to a so-called initiation position (Pi), intended to provoke the combustion of the pyrotechnic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: TDA Armements SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Riviere, Patrick Cohe, Alain Dousset
  • Patent number: 8091477
    Abstract: A detonator assembly includes a capacitor, an initiator, a transformer and an addressable chip. The initiator is electrically connected to the capacitor, the transformer is mechanically and electrically connected to the capacitor and the addressable chip is mechanically and electrically connected to the transformer. The initiator may be bonded or fused to the capacitor, and the transformer may be bonded or fused to the capacitor. The capacitor, initiator, transformer and addressable chip form a unified integrated detonating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Brooks, Nolan C. Lerche, Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Patent number: 8056478
    Abstract: A method for initiating a low-sensitivity explosive charge includes initiating a booster explosive charge within an explosive charge cavity in a booster housing, and generating a planar detonation wave. Generating the planar detonation wave includes directing a detonation wave through the booster housing along a first waveshaper surface of a detonation waveshaper. The detonation wave is directed around the first waveshaper surface toward a second tapered waveshaper surface. After progressing around the first waveshaper surface, the detonation wave is directed along the second tapered waveshaper surface. The detonation wave changes into a planar detonation wave as the detonation wave moves along the second tapered waveshaper surface, the planar detonation wave includes a planar wave front. The planar detonation wave strikes a flyer plate coupled over the explosive charge cavity of the booster housing, and the planar wave front makes planar contact along an inner face of the flyer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bryan F. Berlin, Kim L. Christianson
  • Patent number: 8051775
    Abstract: A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Henderson, Philip Kneisl, Bennie C. Gill
  • Patent number: 8037827
    Abstract: A fuze for a projectile has a firing assembly for firing a main charge of the projectile and a delay detonator for firing the firing assembly after a delay time which is defined by a burning distance of a delay charge. The delay detonator has a housing with a fuze half in which it is fired and a detonator half which contains a detonator charge for firing the firing assembly. In order to prevent the projectile from misfiring as a result of premature detonation of the delay detonator, the housing has a relief opening in the fuze half, with an opening cross section that can be passed through freely in the firing state of the delay detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Junghans Microtec GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Kopf, Frank Martin Kienzler, Gerd Giesler, Herbert Höni
  • Publication number: 20110203475
    Abstract: The invention is characterized in that the a explosive part (1) comprises two initiation devices (7) arranged on each end face (5) with connections to an inner explosive charge (2), the two initiation devices (7) being arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge (2), with or without an ignition delay. At, and in that the diameter di of the inner explosive charge (2), the thicknesses ti, ty of the two insulating layers (8, 9) and thickness is of air gap (10) are chosen such that energy from two colliding detonation fronts along the common centre axis A-A is required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge (3). The invention also relates to a method for the above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventor: Christer Thuman
  • Publication number: 20110198913
    Abstract: A gas generator device (3) is used for breaking or splitting natural and artificial objects when inserted in a drilled hole and ignited to start a burning reaction in a deflagration or non-detonation mode. The gas generator comprises a first part (11) having a first main cavity (12) and a second part (13) having a second main cavity (14). An oxidant and a combustible compound are contained in the first part. A liquid such as water is contained in the second main cavity for distributing the pressure obtained from gases generated in the burning reaction. The first and second main cavities are separated from each other by a bottom plate (21) of the first part that e.g. can be set at a level to adapt the volume of the first space and the amount of oxidant contained therein. The gas generator device is particularly well suited for use in horizontal drilled holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Milana Kirsanova Thornqvist, Oleg Nikolaevich Kirsanov
  • Publication number: 20110192307
    Abstract: An improved system and method for ignition of a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is provided where a gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is supplied to a detonator tube having a fill point and an open end and an igniter placed at an ignition point within the detonator tube is ignited while the gaseous or dispersive fuel-oxidant mixture is flowing through the detonator tube. A detonation impulse is produced at the ignition point that propagates to the open end of said detonator tube where it can be supplied to a detonation tube having an open end, to an internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber, and to a pulse detonation engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SOUNDBLAST TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton