Miscellaneous Patents (Class 102/293)
  • Patent number: 7296520
    Abstract: An external telemetry unit for a projectile. The external telemetry unit comprises a shell adapted to be inserted between the front of the projectile body and the fuze, a flexible battery and flexible electronic circuitry encircling the front of the shell, and a plurality of contoured antennas covering the flexible battery and flexible electronic circuitry. The inside of the shell is formed to match the contour of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary
    Inventor: Kenneth R. McMullen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7240618
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 7174832
    Abstract: A system for logging authorized detonator usage of identifiable detonators, after removal of the detonators from a controlled store, in which the system includes an inventory control for maintaining an inventory of detonators at the controlled store, and also data concerning authorized removal of detonators from the store for use on site as part of a controlled blasting sequence; and a fire control station which monitors and logs the destruction of each detonator after transmission of a fire signal to each detonator, and transmits detonator destruction data to the inventory control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: SMI Technology (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Christian Shann
  • Patent number: 7174835
    Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David James Knapp
  • Patent number: 7089862
    Abstract: A water pod for assisting a user in extinguishing forest fires includes a hollow shell constructed with a biodegradable plastic that ruptures upon impact when dropped from an aircraft. The shell includes a fill port allowing it to be filled with water or another flame retardant material. The shell may include a detonation device allowing the pod to be ruptured prior to impact, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7036260
    Abstract: A safety system for preventing a handheld firearm from discharging an inadvertently loaded live ammunition projectile or bullet during a training exercise or the like by safely venting through a series of substantially perpendicular vent holes in the barrel, the pressure needed to propel the bullet down and through the barrel towards the target—so as to retain the bullet in the bore and cause the firearm to shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Gee
  • Patent number: 7017495
    Abstract: A method for the dispersion of projectiles from guns capable of firing multiple projectiles in rapid succession whereby some of the projectiles are modified by moving the center of mass of the projectile away from it's central axis and oriented prior to firing. This, in combination with bring fired from a rifled gun barrel, imparts velocity to the projectile upon exiting the gun barrel at right angles to the barrel. This velocity along with the higher muzzle velocity will cause the modified projectile to diverge away from the trajectory of a standard projectile. The magnitude of the divergence will vary with the distance the projectile's center of mass is away from its central axis, and the placement of the modified projectile strikes around the bull's-eye will be determined by the loading orientation of the modified projectile. Firing a multiplicity of standard and modified projectiles in rapid succession will produce an accurate dispersion pattern on a target, increasing the hit probability on that target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Sexton
  • Patent number: 6892646
    Abstract: A guidance electronics unit is provided for an explosively-launched vehicle, e.g., a projectile or missile, comprising a plurality of circuit card assemblies, each circuit card assembly containing a plurality of electronic components and interconnections, each circuit card assembly maintained in a housing and spaced apart. All spaces surrounding each circuit card assembly are filled with a granular material to provide support for each circuit card assembly during explosive launch. Further, a method for supporting circuit card assemblies in the guidance electronics unit is provided. The problem of enabling guidance electronics to survive the large loads encountered during an explosive launch out of a gun, such as a howitzer, or missile launch tube is thereby solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Craig A. Zimmerman, Justin C. Dyster, Mathew H. Bosse, Norman Lange, Tovan Adams, Lee Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6880467
    Abstract: A covert tracer round has an infrared emitter of radiation mounted to its front, side or back. The radiation (which may be coherent or incoherent) is detected by a sensor that displays an image of the target and the beam. The sensor receives the beam directly if the emitter is on the back of the round and by reflection off the target or nearby objects if the emitter faces forward. The round may include a fixed or moveable collimating lens. The emitter may radiate radially from the round to signal troops or devices located along its path. The round may include sensors that gather significant information about chemicals or biological agents, about magnetic or gravitational anomalies or any other remotely detectable property and transmit that information to the sensor by modulating the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David James Knapp
  • Patent number: 6871595
    Abstract: This invention describes a method to psychologically alter the mental state of a target individual or audience by introducing odors to illicit memory in combination with a robust, coordinated audiovisual scheme, which results in the susceptibility to change their behavior. The odorant compositions are formed from ingredients comprised of at least an odorant compound and a carrier liquid. Preferred odorant compounds include a variety of familiar odors which provide the olfactory stimuli required to be effective. Non-lethal dissemination systems to deliver the odorant to the target individual or group are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Jean Marie Lewis
  • Patent number: 6862996
    Abstract: An ammunition system for a rapid fire gun. The ammunition system includes a bullet having a tip that is stored in a retracted position and during flight is deployed create an aerodynamic shape. Another aspect of the ammunition system is that the bullet has a cylindrical body having a first length in storage and a second longer length after ignition of the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Key
  • Patent number: 6848366
    Abstract: A binary exploding target package, a process of forming an exploding target from the contents of the binary exploding target package, and the exploding target formed therefrom. The binary exploding target package includes a first, target container and a second container. An oxidizer composition is contained within one of the containers and a catalyst composition is contained within the other container. An exploding target is formed by mixing the oxidizer and catalyst compositions, and introducing the mixture into the target container to form an exploding target just prior to using the exploding target as a target for a shooting exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Jeremy Tanner
  • Patent number: 6837164
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vishwa Khanna, Richard C Dzury, Kenneth Milano, Tapan Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 6802262
    Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having its dielectric made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile either carries contact wires or is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Warnagiris, Drew L. Goodlin
  • Patent number: 6802261
    Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having either its dielectric or its plates made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Warnagiris, Drew L. Goodlin
  • Patent number: 6772693
    Abstract: A support member for supporting a mortar shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a weapon, and a method for attaching said supporting member (6) to a tail (4) in the mortar shell (1). The supporting member (6) includes a support element (8) provided with a rim flange (7) and a firing mechanism (15). The support element (8) is supported by means of one or more attachment pieces (10) against a front rim (23) in guiding fins (5) in the mortar shell (1). The attachment pieces (10) include a predetermined deformable point enabling the detachment of the fired mortar shell (1) from the supporting member (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventors: Mauri Kuru, Ari Makkonen
  • Patent number: 6748868
    Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corp.
    Inventor: Hermann L. Miskelly, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040107857
    Abstract: A support member for supporting a mortar shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a weapon, and a method for attaching said supporting member (6) to a tail (4) in the mortar shell (1). The supporting member (6) includes a support element (8) provided with a rim flange (7) and a firing mechanism (15). The support element (8) is supported by means of one or more attachment pieces (10) against a front rim (23) in guiding fins (5) in the mortar shell (1). The attachment pieces (10) include a predetermined deformable point enabling the detachment of the fired mortar shell (1) from the supporting member (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: PATRIA VAMMAS OY
    Inventors: Mauri Kuru, Ari Makkonen
  • Patent number: 6736069
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating energy by using exothermic reaction of metal, comprising the steps of reacting an oxidant containing mostly water with combustion substances mainly containing light metals to generate hydrogen; reacting generated hydrogen with nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine peroxide, metal nitrate, metal perchlorate, metal sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide to generate water and heat; continuously repeating the above two steps with the use of water to gradually increase explosive power, and to a method for utilizing generated energy. The method can generate increased amounts of energy by repeatedly reacting oxidants such as water, liquid acid, and metal salt with combustion substances containing mostly light metals, and has economic advantages in that inexpensive substances such as light metal and oil are used as combustion substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Chang-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 6688233
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the process of mechanical translation of projectiles by a spring mechanism that is built of a smart material and that is activated by an electric pulse, to provide a controlled translation of a projectile before firing or, in case of pre-firing termination, in order to restore the projectile to its original position after translation. The pre-firing translation using the spring mechanism provides a more controlled process and reduces the risk associated with the conventional propulsion charge translation design. The ability to return the projectile to its initial state after translation affords a significant advantage over the conventional propulsion charge design since it enables the projectile firing to be terminated even after translation, unlike in the conventional design whereby the projectile firing is irreversible upon a mechanical translation by setting off the propulsion charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leon Manole, Stewart Gilman, Ernest Logsdon, Samuel A. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 6681675
    Abstract: A method for remotely accessing packages suspect of containing hazardous devices. The method includes using a continuous stream of high velocity abrasive particles and/or fluid(s) created in-situ while attached to a remotely or autonomously operated vehicle to breach the exterior surface of a suspect package well below the impact initiation threshold thus preventing sufficient stimuli to initiate explosive, pyrotechnic, or flammable materials. An automatic standoff device may be used to allow the operator of a remotely operated vehicle or the feedback mechanism of an autonomously operated vehicle to optimally locate the abrasive fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6679180
    Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having either its dielectric or its plates made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile either carries contact wires or is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Warnagiris, Drew L. Goodlin
  • Patent number: 6668725
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Ensign-Brickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Publication number: 20030233956
    Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann L. Miskelly
  • Patent number: 6666144
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved precision rocket motor and warhead system by increasing the spin rate of the rocket motor. The system comprises an outer housing segment attached to the end of a rocket motor tube and an annular sleeve placed within the end of the outer housing segment so that the end of the sleeve is aligned with the end of the segment. At least two annular bearings are placed around the outer surface of the sleeve. Normally the annular bearings will be made of a plastic type material that can be “stretched” around the outside of the sleeve prior to placing it within the outer housing segment. The inner surface of the sleeve will include a warhead attachment mechanism to secure the warhead to the inner surface. Finally, the invention includes a locking mechanism that locks the sleeve in place within the outer housing segment while attaching the warhead to the sleeve and unlocks to allow the sleeve to rotate independently of the rocket motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven S. Kim, Eric J. Hawley
  • Patent number: 6666142
    Abstract: A switch key tool for setting the pulse repetition frequency code on a laser guided bomb. The switch key tool allows the user to set the pulse repetition frequency code when the laser guided bomb has its switch knobs and also when the laser guided bomb is missing its switch knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Gregory Pearce, Gregory V. Brodbeck
  • Patent number: 6660112
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 6644166
    Abstract: A portable explosives disrupter for de-arming improvised explosive devices includes a barrel for housing a projectile, a mechanism for firing the projectile from the barrel, a breech which may be adapted to house a variety of firing mechanisms, a light-weight, semi-rigid, three-dimensionally flexible, recoil-absorbing system for orienting the device in relation to a target and minimizing the effects of recoil on the accuracy of the device, and a means for accurately aiming the explosives disrupter at a target. Three different firing mechanisms are provided, the first employing a firing pin and shock tubing, the second employing a metal sphere and shock tubing, and the third employing a firing piston and a source of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Graham Herbert Alexander, Jeffrey Taylor Stroup, James Patrick LaBine, Bradley Gene DeRoos
  • Publication number: 20030131748
    Abstract: The invention entails apparatus for mounting a payload, such as a warhead, to bulkheads carried by munitions. The apparatus comprises fore and aft bulkheads depending from the munitions, each of the bulkheads having a substantially centrally located opening; bulkhead attaching structure carried by the payload and engaging at least one of the bulkheads, and at least one fastener carried by the bulkhead attaching structure and engaging both the payload and the bulkhead attaching structure. In one embodiment, the bulkhead attaching structure is an annular ring element disposed about and secured to the aft end of said payload. The ring element includes a first annular portion of a first diameter, and a second aft portion of a second diameter, the first diameter of said first portion being smaller than the second diameter to accommodate annular portions of the aft bulkhead. In a second embodiment, the bulkhead attaching structure comprises a step element carried by the payload, which abuts the fore bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Van Weelden, Steve Ericson
  • Patent number: 6578491
    Abstract: A tactical missile includes a heat pipe connecting heat sources with heat sinks within the missile. The system includes a removable external heat dissipation device that connects to the heat pipe while the missile is being tested or reprogrammed. The external heat dissipation device draws heat out of the heat pipe and so maintains the electronic components acceptably cool during extended testing or reprogramming. During the relatively short tactical flight, the heat pipe transfers heat from the electronic components to the heat sinks within the missile. The high heat transfer rate of the heat pipe enables elements such as structural members and propellant to be used as heat sinks, elements not heretofore incorporated into thermal management of the heat generating electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Bruce R. Babin
  • Patent number: 6536348
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for altering the appearance of valuable articles comprising at least a reservoir (22) filled with a fluid adapted to soil said articles and a pyrotechnic charge (24) associated with said reservoir (22) for opening the latter to release said fluid on said articles. The (each) reservoir (22) is substantially defined by a wall made of a fragmentation material adapted, by the effect of the pyrotechnic charge (24), to produce a multitude of scattered elementary splinters. The invention is applicable to suitcases for the transport of funds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Val'Protect S.A.
    Inventor: René Gral
  • Publication number: 20030047103
    Abstract: A tactical missile includes a heat pipe connecting heat sources with heat sinks within the missile. The system includes a removable external heat dissipation device that connects to the heat pipe while the missile is being tested or reprogrammed. The external heat dissipation device draws heat out of the heat pipe and so maintains the electronic components acceptably cool during extended testing or reprogramming. During the relatively short tactical flight, the heat pipe transfers heat from the electronic components to the heat sinks within the missile. The high heat transfer rate of the heat pipe enables elements such as structural members and propellant to be used as heat sinks, elements not heretofore incorporated into thermal management of the heat generating electronic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce R. Rabin
  • Patent number: 6484617
    Abstract: An assembly and process designed to neutralize a landmine having a case loaded with an explosive charge set to detonate upon actuation. The assembly includes a housing provided with a chamber loaded with a solid propellant. One of the ends of the housing is exposed to permit the loaded propellant to communicate the chamber with the outside atmosphere. The propellant is remotely ignitable via a remotely operable igniter. The first end of said housing is constructed and arranged and the solid propellant is present in an amount and composition suitable for generating, upon ignition of the solid propellant, a plume sufficient in burn time and temperature both to penetrate through the case of the landmine positioned in spaced relation to the first end and to initiate controlled burning of the explosive charge of the landmine so that detonation of the explosive charge is either avoided or reduced due to pre-detonation partial consumption of the explosive charge by burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Anderson, Charles B. Zisette, Robert D. Ciccarelli, Richard B. Cragun, Michael G. Crilly, John E. Delaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6453790
    Abstract: A system for communicating hardened, buried target arrival-related data from an airborne warhead device to a remote mission analysis location is disclosed. The communicated information especially relates to impact deceleration events encountered by a hardened target penetration warhead, events arising from the warhead impacting with the earth and then with one or more layers of hardening material such as concrete disposed in or adjacent a subterranean target. Verification of warhead detonation may also be included in the communicated data. The system includes ultra high radio frequency communication from the subterranean warhead to a repeater apparatus disposed at or above the point of warhead earth impact followed by conventional signal relaying of the collected warhead experience data from the repeater to a remote mission analysis facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John L. Cesulka, Kenneth J. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20020078849
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Publication number: 20020059881
    Abstract: An airborne platform comprising: (a) an aerodynamic body; (b) a protected element within the aerodynamic body; and (c) a cover, reversibly secured to the aerodynamic body, for protecting the protected element from an external atmosphere. The present invention is particularly suited for an electro-optical detection system equipped with an optical dome or window. Optical windows carried on airborne platforms are known to be particularly sensitive to the high temperatures generated by air friction at super-sonic speeds. By covering such a window when the airborne platform is in flight, and releasing the cover just before use, the electro-optical detection system equipped with the optical window can be made operative, even at airborne platform speeds of several Mach and higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventor: Zeev Steiner
  • Patent number: 6378436
    Abstract: A propellant cutting assembly and method of using the assembly to cut samples of solid propellant in a repeatable and consistent manner is disclosed. The cutting assembly utilizes two parallel extension beams which are shorter than the diameter of a central bore of an annular solid propellant grain and can be loaded into the central bore. The assembly is equipped with retaining heads at its respective ends and an adjustment mechanism to position and wedge the assembly within the central bore. One end of the assembly is equipped with a cutting blade apparatus which can be extended beyond the end of the extension beams to cut into the solid propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Sharp, Shawn W. Hoskins, Brett D. Payne
  • Patent number: 6378437
    Abstract: A hardened subminiature telemetry and sensor system for a ballistic projectile having a radome, antenna, steel insert, S-band transmitter circuit board, data recorder, sensor or measurement device and battery. The entire assembly is contained in such a way that the assembly can be threaded into the existing tracer well of a kinetic energy projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Burke, Jr., Michael S. L. Hollis, Freddie J. Brandon, Eugene M. Ferguson, Jonah N. Faust, Bradford A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020029716
    Abstract: A munition article is to be provided with an antenna which, by virtue of a characteristic which is uniform all around, permits interference-free reception of items of satellite navigation information, even if in the manner of an artillery projectile it is fired with spin along an elongate ballistic trajectory, so that a tail antenna with a spherical characteristic does not allow the expectation of good reception factors in relation to navigation satellites which are as high as possible above the horizon. Therefore the tip (10) of the fuse tip (11) of the projectile is equipped with a dipole satellite antenna which faces in the direction of flight. Connected to the dipole (13) which is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14) of the projectile are symmetrically disposed conductor portions (15) which rest with a close fit in recesses (19) in the ballistic cap (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Koch, Martin Hertel, Werner Wiesbeck, Eberhard Gschwendtner
  • Publication number: 20020011172
    Abstract: The invention provides an installation for dismantling chemical bombs, which can make a toxic chemical agent in a chemical bomb harmless and can dismantle the chemical bomb with safety. The installation for dismantling chemical bombs comprises a container for accommodating the chemical bomb; a bomb holding apparatus including an airtight closing lid to close the container in an airtight sealed condition and a bomb rotating mechanism for rotating the chemical bomb, placed in the container, rotatably about a longitudinal axis thereof; a boring and cutting apparatus having a cutter to bore a cut hole in a body shell of the chemical bomb; and a neutralizer spraying apparatus having a neutralizer spray nozzle inserted in the cut hole bored by the boring and cutting apparatus. The neutralizer is sprayed into the cut hole through the neutralizer spray nozzle to make the chemical agent harmless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ito, Kiyosi Asahina, Hirosuke Sone, Mizune Sakato
  • Publication number: 20020000172
    Abstract: Described is an optronic fuse device (10) for a flying object such as a drone, a rocket or an aircraft, comprising a sensor window (14) which is provided for its optical arrangement (12) and with which is associated an air deflection device (16) in order to keep the air flow of the flying object in flight away from the sensor window (14) and to deflect it past the sensor window (14) and in that way to prevent fouling and/or icing of the sensor window during the mission of the flying object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Adreas Ganghofer
  • Patent number: 6334529
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing anti-tank ammunition including a tube with a first cap disposed at a first end of the tube, and a second cap disposed at a second opposing end of the tube. The first cap includes a one-way valve which allows gas to escape the tube, but which prevents gas from entering the tube. The apparatus reduces the amount of corrosion which forms on the ammunition, thereby substantially lowering the number of backfires of the ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Franey
  • Patent number: 6334395
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
  • Patent number: 6308632
    Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a propeller assembly from a folded configuration to a deployed, operational configuration, the apparatus comprising a propeller assembly hub which in conjunction with a propeller hub nut maintains an aerodynamically efficient shape after the propeller assembly is deployed, the propeller hub nut which is diametrically large enough to allow assembly of a drive shaft and a drive shaft bevel gear and includes a cavity to accept a spring detent, a propeller blade which protrudes from a journal located in the surface of the propeller assembly hub where when in its folded configuration, the propeller blade is in the same parallel axial direction as the drive shaft and when deployed is nutated to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotating of a propeller blade bevel gear, the drive shaft rotated about its axis where one end engages a prime mover and a second distal end engages the hub nut, drive shaft bevel gear fixed to the drive shaft near the distal end whic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6272997
    Abstract: A retaining clip for the retention of a fin-stabilised projectile in a desired position in a barrel at the rear breech end of a launcher, the clip comprising a generally cylindrical body portion having: engagement means for engaging with the launcher at the said rear breech end, said engagement means extending at least part of the way around the said cylindrical body portion and adapted to prevent forward movement of the clip when positioned in the launcher, a substantially central axial aperture for allowing access for firing the projectile a plurality of radially and axially extending grooves for engaging the fins of the projectile when the clip is fitted to the projectile, each of said grooves having facing walls defining the groove therebetween, and the grooves adapted to divide the cylindrical body portion into a plurality of connected segments locating means positioned on at least one of said walls of at least one of said grooves and intruding into or above the groove, said locating means adapted to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance PLC
    Inventors: David J James, Derrick Hewkin
  • Patent number: 6260464
    Abstract: A structure for the destruction of dangerous materials is described which has a destruction location, which may be a pit below ground level. The destruction pit contains the dangerous materials. At least one durable, sealed membrane is present beneath at least a portion of the destruction pit. An overburden mound of soil is provided above the destruction pit; and at least one shaped explosive charge placed adjacent the dangerous materials capable of subjecting the dangerous materials to crushing detonation forces and high heat for a period of time. After detonation of the explosive charge to destroy the dangerous materials and their containers, such as by pyrolysis, the destruction pit is remediated by removal of the waste products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bechtel Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Gorrell, James F. Cullinane, August D. Benz
  • Patent number: 6257148
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a mortar shell into the barrel of a mortar weapon by using a separate support piece fixed to the tail of the mortar shell. In the arrangement the support piece is attached to the tail of the mortar shell with a mechanical joint provided by a separate connecting element (7), the connecting element being manufactured of such material and constructed in such a way that it fractures when the charge of the mortar shell is fired, allowing the mortar shell (1) to detach from the support piece (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventors: Vesa Tapio Toivonen, Kari Matti Reunamäki, Martti Juleani Lehtimäki
  • Patent number: 6202562
    Abstract: An anti-personnel projectile launched from a 12 gauge shotgun shell required at impact to have a low lethality consequence, in which the projectile is fitted in the shell in a shape characterized by a blunt end in the direction of flight and maintained in this shape by oppositely directed air resistance and propelling forces to obviate a change of shape during flight that might cause a serious injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Brunn, Jacob Kravel
  • Patent number: 6123026
    Abstract: A dome assembly (50) adapted for use with a missile (32) having a longitudinal axis (42) parallel to a thrust vector thereof. The inventive dome (50) includes a crystal (30, 50) having a crystallographic structure that includes a plurality of planes (12, 14, 16), one of said planes (14) being more susceptible to failure than one or more of the other planes (12, 16). A surface around a missile sensor provides a place for mounting the crystal (30, 50) so that said plane susceptible to failure (14) faces approximately opposite to that of a positive velocity vector (34) of said missile (32). In a more specific embodiment, the crystal (30, 50) is a sapphire crystal (30, 50) having a crystallographic structure that includes positive n-planes (12), positive r-planes (14), and a c-plane (16). By design at nominal conditions, an r-plane (14) is approximately bisected by a plane formed by the normal of the c-plane (16) and a wind flow vector (36) parallel to a thrust vector of said missile (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: James H. Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 6120627
    Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation in the form of an explosive material is intermixed with microorganisms. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. A bioremediation apparatus that contains microorganisms and prevents contact between the microorganisms and explosive material is joined with an explosive apparatus that houses a charge of explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Ensign-Bickford Company
    Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards