Abstract: Wells are sealed by means of thermite reaction charges inserted into the wells. The reaction charge can be diluted by addition of metal oxides, silica, or the like control reaction pressure, peak temperature, reaction rate, and expansion characteristics of the resulting thermite plug. The use of dilution of the thermite reactants can take the form of a thermite charge with specific layers, including relatively high and low reaction temperature layers. The ignition source can be oriented to achieve directional control on the product expansion including radial or axial expansion. The charge can be loaded with a large mass to compress the resulting thermite plug into the borehole wall and reduce its porosity during the reaction process. A further variation involves continuous feed of the thermite reactants to the reaction zone. Various combinations and permutations of the above inventive concepts are described.

Abstract: The oxygen generation system includes a chemical oxygen generator that creates oxygen through an exothermic chemical reaction that creates sufficient heat to pose a serious risk to a user. The oxygen generation system therefore includes a containment layer to permit safer administration of oxygen from a chemical oxygen generator by shielding a user from and/or dissipating the heat generated by the chemical generator. The oxygen generation system may be handheld and portable for use in extreme, remote, and/or hostile conditions, locations, environments, and situations with a simple activation method easily operated under stress without any preparation or maintenance.

Abstract: The propulsion system for the acceleration of projectiles is based on a multi-perforated grain propellant and is composed from nitrocellulose, a crystalline energy carrier of a nitramine type and an inert plasticizing additive. The number of perforations is 2 to 6, preferably 4. The propellant grains can have round or polygonic profiles, depending on the number of perforations. The preferred grain geometry is cubic with a rectangular grain profile. The nitramine compound contains a structural element of the general chemical structure formula R—N—NO2, where R is a residual group. The nitramine compound is present in a concentration in the range from 0 to 35% by mass, in particular in the range from 5 to 25% by mass. The nitramine compound is preferably RDX. The inert plasticizing additive is a water-insoluble polyoxo compound, if necessary in combination with a substance containing carboxyl groups. In layers near the surface an increased concentration can be present.

Abstract: Pressed and segmented gas generant grain assemblies formed from a plurality of symmetric gas generant pieces or segments are disclosed. The symmetric pieces or segments are arranged circumferentially to define a substantially round, segmented body. In certain variations, the symmetric segments are substantially free of polymeric binder and have a high density. The segmented pressed grain assemblies are more robust and less expensive to manufacture, while still exhibiting desired combustion performance. Methods of making such segmented gas generant grain assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a premeasured compressed charge in which the compressed charge has a leading end portion with a smaller dimension than both a trailing end portion and a desired caliber of the intended firearm and the trailing end portion has a larger diagonal dimension than the desired caliber of the firearm. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold with cavities, filling the mold cavities with gunpowder, pressing gunpowder to form a compressed charge so that one of a density and a compaction of the gunpowder, adjacent the leading end portion of the compressed charge, is about 0% to about 5% less than the density or the compaction of the gunpowder adjacent the trailing end portion to facilitate a more complete combustion of the compressed charge upon discharge of the firearm, and removing the compressed charge from the cavities.

Abstract: An inflator (30) comprises at least one combustion chamber (34), filled with a plurality of solid propellant pellets (10), each of the solid propellant pellets (10) including a surface having a breaking point (19) which is delimited at least by two converging surfaces (28) produced by pressing. A method of manufacturing solid propellant pellets (10), includes the steps of providing a solid propellant (12), pressing the solid propellant (12) into a pellet blank (16), the pellet blank (16) having at least one predetermined breaking point (18) which divides the pellet blank (16) into at least two subareas (20), and breaking the pellet blank (16) along the at least one predetermined breaking point (18), wherein each of the at least two subareas (20) forms a solid propellant pellet (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a propellant pellet for pyrotechnical safety devices in vehicles, such as airbag modules, belt tensioners, micro-inflators and igniters. The propellant pellet according to the invention has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be obtained by dry injection of a powdered propellant composition. The pellets have a maximum diameter of 2 mm and preferably a relative bulk density, defined as ratio of bulk density of the propellant pellets to the maximum theoretical density of the propellant composition, of at least 0.5. A propellant charge, an igniter and an inflator each comprising a plurality of said propellant pellets are provided.

Abstract: A solid propellant compact (10) in the form of a compact made of a powdered and/or granulated solid propellant, especially for inflators and/or actuators of a vehicle occupant restraint system, includes at least one recess on at least one of its sides. Solid propellant compacts (10) of this type are provided in an inflator (14) comprising at least one combustion chamber. A module includes such inflator (14) with an airbag inflatable by the inflator (14). A pyrotechnical drive unit (30) comprising a housing (32), a piston (34) movable in the housing (32) includes solid propellant compacts (10) of this type.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle and methods for maneuvering the vehicle. The vehicle may include a plurality of multiple-impulse rocket motors, each of which comprises a plurality of independently ignitable solid fuel propellant charges, and a processor that generates at least one command to ignite at least one solid fuel propellant charge of at least one of the plurality of multiple-impulse rocket motors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chemical oxygen generator to produce cool oxygen gas comprising: a. a charge housing, b. a solid but porous charge contained in the said housing, the charge being made of a chemical mixture that generates oxygen upon decomposition and that will undergo a self-sustained exothermal decomposition after initiation, the said charge containing at most 3.0 wt. % of binder material, the said porous charge allows the generated oxygen to pass through the charge without damaging the virgin material and without creating volumetric burning, the said charge is mounted in the housing in such a way that the generated oxygen passes through the charge and under the pressure difference flows from the moving decomposition front towards the vent, c. an ignition device mounted at one end of the cartridge in such a way that it is capable to initiate a self-sustained decomposition of the charge at the charge surface adjacent to the initiator, d.

Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in the electrical ignition of a propellent charge (1) provided with an electrically conductive surface coating (5) and comprising one or more propellant components (3), ensuring that ignition and progressive combustion of the propellent charge take place. The method is characterized in that said electrically conductive surface coating, when ignition of the propellent charge is desired, is connected to an electrical high-voltage source (6), in that said high-voltage source is made to generate at least one high electrical pulse to said connected electrically conductive surface coating, and in that said at least one high electrical pulse produces an instantaneous flashover ignition of the electrically conductive surface coating of the propellent charge and of all its propellant components, simultaneously. The invention also relates to a propellent charge and to an ammunition shot comprising the propellent charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the production of radially perforated, cylindrical propellant tubes (1, 23, 31). The invention is based on the underlying idea that the respective propellant tube (1, 23, 31) must be fixed and centred between its own open ends and thereafter to be perforated in stages in a large number of consecutive perforation operations by means of one or more pins (13) capable of displacement in a pin die (10) relative to the propellant tube towards and at least through the major proportion of the cylindrical wall of the propellant tube. Also included in the invention is the requirement for the displacement, between each perforation operation, of the propellant tube and the pin die (10) used for the preparation operation in such a way relative to one another that the propellant tube, after a complete perforation operation, shall be covered in its entirely by perforations (32, 33, 35, 36), which lie at a predetermined e-dimension distance from one another.

Abstract: A propellant charge for a recoilless gun, in particular a propellant charge for a round of a reloadable support weapon. The propellant charge is cylindrically shaped and adapted for loading into a charge chamber formed between an inner casing and an outer casing of the round.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a cartridge design that includes a bullet having a larger diameter than the 0.224 inch bullet currently included in the 223 Remington or 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and a case that has substantially the same base diameter as the case currently included in the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. The overall length of the disclosed cartridge is substantially similar to the overall length as the 223 Remington or the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge.

Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.

Abstract: A propellant charge for a recoilless gun, in particular a propellant charge for a round of a reloadable support weapon. The propellant charge is cylindrically shaped and adapted for loading into a charge chamber formed between an inner casing and an outer casing of the round.

Abstract: A protector for propelling charge increments on a mortar shell includes a semi-cylindrical body, the semi-cylindrical body arranged around a bottom and sides of the charge increments; two generally horseshoe shaped end plates attached to a front and a rear of the semi-cylindrical body, the end plates defining openings therein, the tail tube of the mortar fitting in the opening in each end plate, the charge increments being disposed between the two end plates; a wedge-shaped boom attached to the rear end plate, the wedge-shaped boom fitting between two fins on the fin portion of the mortar shell; a stop tab attached to a rear end of the wedge-shaped boom, the stop tab extending substantially perpendicular to a narrow side of the wedge-shaped boom to contact an end of the fin portion thereby minimizing longitudinal motion of the charge increments; and a nose cone attached at the front of the semi-cylindrical body, the nose cone defining an opening at its front end, the middle portion of the mortar shell fitting

Abstract: A disk-shaped propellant module (6) for a propellant charge (2), which can be composed of several modules of this type. To ensure a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the propellant charge (2) for a cartridge with increased charge density (>1.2 g/cm3), the propellant module (6) is provided with at least three axially extending ignition channels (9), uniformly distributed over a partial circle, and at least three radial ignition channels (10) that extend from the inside or interior of the propellant module (6) to its outer edge surface (11). The center of the circle for the axial ignition channels (9) is positioned on the central axis (100) for the propellant module (6) and each of the radial ignition channels (10) intersects with at least one of the axial ignition channels (9).

Abstract: A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.

Abstract: A gas generating composition for air bags to be used as occupant crash protection systems in automobiles, which is less toxic or dangerous, can be easily handled, has a high combustion efficiency and a high gas generation efficiency, produces few residue during combustion, can be safely manufactured and exhibits a high molding strength in the molding step; and a molded article thereof. The invention provides a gas generating composition containing (a) a fuel comprising at least one polymer compound selected from polyacrylic polymer compounds, polyacetal, urea resins, melamine resins, ketone resins and cellulose-based polymer compounds; (b) an oxidizing agent selected from ammonium nitrate and phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate; and (c) at least one combustion accelerator selected from oxyacid salts such as metal nitrates, metal nitrites, perchlorates and chlorates; a molded article thereof; and an inflator for air bags with the use of the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a propellant composition made from a lacquer, the lacquer comprising: (a) from about 15 to about 70 wt % of an organic solvent; (b) from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt % of a stabilizer; (c) optionally, from about 0% to about 40 wt % of an energetic plasticizer; (d) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % of a nonenergetic plasticizer; (e) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % water; (f) optionally, from about 0 to about 15 wt % of additional additives; and balance being nitrocellulose; all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the lacquer has a viscosity of less than 10 million centipoise when processed. The present invention is also directed to an efficient and safe method of making perforated propellant grains using the above lacquer composition, as well as propellant grains having ellipsoidal cross sections or outwardly extending ridges.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).

Abstract: A destructive device containing a thermite-type composition having a core burning configuration. The device comprises a housing having a top, a bottom, and a thermally insulated liner to maximize the thermal effectiveness of an ignition. The bottom has a circumferential skirt and defines one orifice therein for directing the expulsion of the thermite-type-composition upon ignition, the top has vents which together with the bottom orifice and skirt balance the escape of gas and prevent the device from moving during ignition.

Abstract: An improved high energy impulse rocket includes a motor case containing propellant composed of individual, free flowing granules of a predetermined shape and unbonded to said motor case. The propellant has a high burning rate of 100 milliseconds or less and generates chamber pressures of up to about 50,000 psi. The rocket motor includes a reentry nozzle open at one end and connected to an exit nozzle, the reentry nozzle forming an annulus to contain the propellant and also forming a barrier to prevent ejection of the propellant during burning. Acceleration of the rocket assists in maintaining the propellant within the motor case, which acceleration may be as high as 20,000 g generating a velocity as high as 10,000 fps. Such a rocket offers unique advantages, especially as a device to punch an opening in a wall structure, the details of which are described as well as other details of the improved and relatively inexpensive impulse rocket.

Abstract: A propellant system is disclosed which includes a propellant applied to at least one surface of a substrate which is in the form of a strip. The propellant strip is adhesively attached to itself in a configuration which conceals propellant within the configuration and which allows the attached strip to peel away from itself under applied forces thereby resulting in smooth and continuous exposure of propellant for burning. The system is directed to use with ejectable projectiles which are slidably disposed within a canister or casing. The propellant system is interconnected between the projectile and the canister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister.

Abstract: The detonation wave velocity in a solid explosive body of material, incred by the "channel effect", is further increased by compounding of the "channel effect" and/or by partial shock wave interruption by means of a threaded or rifled passage wall surface in a continuous, open channel arrangement. The high velocity detonation wave can be used to increase the jet velocity of shaped charges.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a case, an explosive material packed against the inner wall of the case, and a liner for lining the explosive material, where the liner includes Bismuth and Copper powders as constituent elements. The Bismuth element replaces a Lead element which is normally present as a constituent element in prior art shaped charge liners. Bismuth is superior to Lead because all environmental concerns, with respect to the deposition of Lead in a formation, have been eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of propellent charges for small and medium calibre arms.The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fragmentable propellent charges, which consists in a first stage in coating powder particles with a mixture of dinitropolystyrene and of a compound of the polyvinyl nitrate and/or polyvinyl acetate type and, in a second stage, in compressing at between 100.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. the powder particles thus obtained.The invention also relates to the fragmentable charges obtained by the process and to the coated particulate powders obtained at the end of the first stage of the process.The fragmentable charges according to the invention exhibit a temperature behaviour which is superior to that of traditional fragmentable charges and are suitable for cartridgeless ammunition intended for arms with a high rate of fire.

Abstract: A gun propellant comprises ammonium azide in finely divided form and at least one conventional propellant and/or explosive composition. The ammonium azide is free of any heavy metals capable of reacting with the ammonium azide to form metallic azides. The ammonium azide may be in pulverulent form or may be fabricated into a grain having a specific geometry. The ammonium azide may also be employed as a pyrotechnic formulation in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A modified propellant increment for the propulsion system of an ammunition round includes a body composed of combustible propellant material and having a hollow interior, and a plurality of holes defined through the body which communicate the exterior of the body with the hollow interior thereof. The hollow interior of the body is empty of any propellant other than the propellant material composing the body. The holes are arranged in first and second arcuate rows on opposite planar end portions of the body and ensure complete combustion of the body upon burning thereof.

Abstract: A propellant-charge pack has an annular envelope having an outer wall extending along and centered on an axis, a pair of axially spaced end walls extending transversely inward from the axis and having inner peripheries centered on the axis, and an inner wall defining a clear axially throughgoing passage between the inner peripheries of the end walls. The envelope is generally axially symmetrical about the axis, that is it is formed as a body of revolution or of regular polygonal section, and is substantially symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the axis midway between the end walls. A relatively easily ignited primar charge forms a part of the inner wall symmetrical of the plane and a propellant charge fills the envelope between the walls outward of the inner wall. The primar charge is of such high combustibility, compared to the diameter of the passage, that the entire primar charge, even of a stack of such packs, will be ignited before they burn through and set off the respective propellant charges.

Abstract: An environmental charging and detonation system for submunitions has an arnator in which a firing pin or rotor shaft is used for safing and arming, stab detonation, as well as the rotor for the alternator. A ram air actuated ribbon is deployed during submunition flight for arming the submunition and spinning the rotor of the alternator. The alternator generates energy that is stored in a charging circuit. A multidirection impact detection switch triggers a firing circuit that discharges the energy stored in the charging circuit through an electronic detonator. The electronic detonator will reliably detonate the submunition regardless of the submunition impact angle with a target.

Abstract: This invention relates to a saboted, light armour penetrating small caliber ammunition round.

Abstract: A propellant-charge pack has an annular envelope having an outer wall extending along and centered on an axis, a pair of axially spaced end walls extending transversely inward from the axis and having inner peripheries centered on the axis, and an inner wall defining a clear axially throughgoing passage between the inner peripheries of the end walls. The envelope is generally axially symmetrical about the axis, that is it is formed as a body of revolution or of regular polygonal section, and is substantially symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the axis midway between the end walls. A relatively easily ignited primer charge forms a part of the inner wall symmetrical of the plane and a propellant charge fills the envelope between the walls outward of the inner wall. The primer charge is of such high combustibility, compared to the diameter of the passage, that the entire primer charge, even of a stack of such packs, will be ignited before they burn through and set off the respective propellant charges.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-toxic, non-corrosive, lead-free rimfire ammunition.

Abstract: A charge formed of a mass of packed propellant is generally centered on an axis and is of radially generally uniformly and radially outwardly increasing density. This charge has a predetermined size and shape and is made by first filling particulate propellant into a chamber centered on an axis and defined by side walls extending at least generally parallel to the axis. This chamber is radially somewhat larger than the predetermined size and shape for the charge. At least some of the side walls are then displaced radially inward to reduce the volume of the chamber until the reduced chamber generally has the size and shape for the charge. The weight of the particulate propellant filled into the chamber is equal to the desired weight for the charge. The tail of a projectile is positioned in the chamber before filling the particulate propellant into the chamber. The projectile downwardly closes the chamber and can be raised after the mass is packed to push it up out of the chamber.

Abstract: A smoke canister used as a spotting charge for locating a point in space re a warhead has been detonated. The canister is provided with a plurality of seals to prevent leakage of the smoke producing chemical in the canister during a very long storage life of the canister in the missile warhead.

Abstract: The present invention falls in the field of propellant charges for ballistic ammunitions which have combustible or a non-combustible casing. According to the invention, the ammunition is constituted by a casing 2 placed around a shell 1 and closed by a portion 3 which carries the primer 4. The casing contains a mixed charge constituted on one hand by fragmentable balls 5 and on the other hand, by grains 6 of propellant powder. The balls 5 are constituted by agglomerated propellant powder. The charges according to the invention may be prepared on an industrial scale very easily and in a very reproducible manner and they permit an appreciable increase of the coefficient of filling of the casing.