Flare Patents (Class 102/336)
  • Patent number: 6170399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to flares and other solid propellant devices, rockets or the like, equipped with an igniter or igniter system which is based in whole in part on an extruded igniter stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Gary K. Lund, Reed J. Blau
  • Patent number: 6123789
    Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Nielson
  • Patent number: 6095052
    Abstract: A bullet comprises a lead sheet and a zinc foil fixed to the lead sheet, the sheet and foil being rolled and pressure formed into a bullet having generally helical layers of the lead sheet and zinc foil. The bullet exhibits an improved environmental impact on soil, relative to all-lead bullets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Dennis L. Bean, Charles Arthur Weiss, Jr., Philip Garcin Malone, Joe Gain Tom
  • Patent number: 6092467
    Abstract: A flare apparatus including a shell base, an explosive assembly carried by the shell base, a flare cover interference fit onto the shell base and having a closed end surface away from the shell base which is convex, a flare composition located in the interior space defined by the flare cover and a fire composition on or in proximity to the flare composition. The present flares are straight forward in construction, easy and inexpensive to produce and provide substantial benefits, for example, attaining higher altitudes when used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Skyblazer, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Brice
  • Patent number: 6055909
    Abstract: This invention proposes to make use of an already developed set of hardware which dispenses and controls the performance of towed decoys capable of defeating radar guided weapons. Using this same hardware, a new and unique payload, payload control and dispensing mechanism is inserted into a decoy towbody. The payload consists of foils and/or foil packs of a pyrophoric material. This material creates an infrared (IR) signature behind the decoy that is more attractive than the infrared plume emitted by the aircraft engine. The fact that the IR decoy is towed insures that it will be kinematically correct by flying the same profile as the aircraft so as to remain within the field of view of the missile's seeker. Because the pyrophoric material can be metered (dispensed at varying and controllable rates) its radiant intensity can be matched with that of the engine of the towing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: L. Ray Sweeny
  • Patent number: 6013144
    Abstract: An infrared emitting pyrotechnic material comprising a fibrous carbon containing substrate (1) onto one or both faces (4, 5) of which is vapor deposited a combustible material layer (2, 3) which may be protected by an additional coating (6, 7). The thickness and composition of each of the layers (2, 3) are selected such that in use each of the layers is capable of igniting substantially simultaneously the entire surface on which it is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignees: Secretary of State for Defence in her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, North Ireland of Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
    Inventor: James Callaway
  • Patent number: 5997667
    Abstract: A fire starting flare suitable for hand-held launchers has a fuse and ignitor assembly within a flare core material such that as the flare is launched the fire ignites and as the flare lands the fuse reaches the ignitor assembly to set off the flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Quoin, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5996502
    Abstract: An aerodynamically stable, kinematic flare having an enhanced plume signature is disclosed. The flare includes a housing with a flare illuminant disposed within the housing. A primary nozzle is configured in the aft wall of the housing. Four secondary nozzles are configured in the aft end of the side wall of the housing and are positioned aft of the center of gravity of the flare. At least two of the secondary nozzles comprise off-center nozzles having a longitudinal axis which does not extend through the longitudinal axis of the flare. A shroud is attached to the housing and deploys to an extended position upon combustion of the illuminant. The shroud is configured with holes which correspond in size and position to each of the secondary nozzles when the shroud is in its extended position. The primary and secondary nozzles are sized and positioned to spin stabilize the flare during combustion of the illuminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Endicott, Jr., Ross W. Guymon, Ralph S. Tappan, II
  • Patent number: 5983801
    Abstract: A three-in-one smoke grenade to disperse unruly crowds that emits three smoke trails and deploys at three separate locations on the assembly site of the unruly crowd, to thereby obviate the typical defense of a crowd member throwing the smoke source to another location away from the assembly site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Brunn
  • Patent number: 5917142
    Abstract: A fusee cap includes a fusee cap body having a scratch surface for frictional engagement with the head of a fusee to cause fusee ignition and a spark deflector shield projecting from the fusee cap body to deflect sparks produced during ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Calvin B. Chang
  • Patent number: 5912430
    Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and an organic fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. The composition preferably includes significant quantities of cesium nitrate as an oxidizer. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot when burned. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Nielson
  • Patent number: 5895882
    Abstract: An air-delivered infrared anti-ship missile decoy is delivered from an aiaft to a desired location below sea surface ahead of advancing forces and then activated at a later time by a remotely-transmitted encoded signal to separate a payload assembly from the remainder of the decoy, float the payload assembly on the sea surface and then produce a relatively large infrared plume above the payload assembly and atop the sea surface that provides an infrared signature for decoying and deception purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert C. Woodall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5866840
    Abstract: A decoy flare for infrared (IR) seeking missiles comprises a tubular shell with a cover member hermetically sealed to an outer front edge of the tubular shell to form a container for a pyrophoric liquid. The cover member has a central rupturing disc that ruptures at a predetermined pressure, a nozzle cap with a nozzle opening being attached to the cover member adjacent an exterior surface of that rupturing disc. Pressure applied by a mechanism to the pyrophoric liquid can rupture the rupturing disc and eject the pyrophoric liquid through the nozzle. A pre-heating chamber formed by an enclosure surrounds the nozzle opening in order to provide for more reliable ignition of the pyrophoric liquid at high altitudes and low flow rates, that enclosure having an outer surface containing a number of perforations through which air can enter the pre-heating chamber and through which pyrophoric liquid can be ejected from the chamber into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National
    Inventors: Paul Briere, Michel St-Onge, Andre Roy
  • Patent number: 5852254
    Abstract: Protective device for protection of rapidly moving objects such as aircraft or the like against homing heads that react to radiation, in particular infrared radiation, emitted by the aircraft, and that have a destructive charge. The protective device has at least one dispenser arranged on the object to be protected, and at least one effective body (flare), such as a spot flare or the like, that can be launched therefrom. The effective body has at least one decoy charge that can be at least partially ignited at a distance from the object and which, upon decomposition, temporarily forms an apparent target body that spectrally simulates, in a way relevant to the homing head, the target signature of the object to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Norbert Wardecki
  • Patent number: 5834680
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of black body-generating decoy flares for thrusted applications. Compositions are provided which, when combusted, provide black body radiation. The compositions generally include from about 20% to about 60% metal, such as magnesium or aluminum, from about 5% to about 50% ammonium perchlorate, and from about 8% to about 30% binder. Important to operation of the present invention is the production of graphitized carbon upon combustion of the composition. Accordingly, high carbon content materials are added to the compositions. These materials may include from about 5% to about 30% polyaromatic compounds, such as decacyclene, anthracene, and naphthalene. Other suitable high carbon materials include polyolefins. This invention also discloses methods of using these compositions in thrusted decoy flare applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Dean M. Lester
  • Patent number: 5801321
    Abstract: Aerial training flare or flare simulator comprising a polymeric case, a begradable polymeric candle housing, and a candle comprising a pyrotechnic illuminant and an environmentally friendly, fast-burning ignition composition. An expulsion cartridge ejects the candle and the candle housing while the case is retained on the launching aircraft. The only major component of the flare which falls to earth is the partially melted candle housing, which is biodegradable and thus reduces requirements for environmental cleanup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald E. LaGrange, Dennis D. Deckard, Douglas A. Schulte
  • Patent number: 5783768
    Abstract: A fire starting flare suitable for hand-held launchers has a fuse and ignitor assembly within a flare core material such that as the flare is launched the fire ignites and as the flare lands the fuse reaches the ignitor assembly to set off the flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Quoin, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5763818
    Abstract: A decoy flare ignition system is disclosed which includes an ignition initiator disposed at the aft end of the flare housing. An illuminant igniter is positioned in direct contact with the flare illuminant. The illuminant igniter includes at least one illuminant igniter pellet selected such that the firing of the ignition initiator triggers combustion of the illuminant igniter pellet if the safe-and-initiation device has been actuated. The igniter pellet is preferably configured as a circular cylindrical shell and is positioned over the bore of the flare illuminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Ross W. Guymon, David W. Endicott, Jr., Ralph S. Tappan, II
  • Patent number: 5691500
    Abstract: A remotely-actuated fireworks launcher apparatus includes a housing assembly, a signal receiver housed within the housing assembly, an ignition servo electrically connected to the signal receiver and housed with the housing assembly, and a servo-actuated ignition switch operated by the ignition servo. The servo-actuated ignition switch is in an ignition circuit which also includes an electric igniter assembly, and a power supply. A fireworks receiver assembly is attached to the electric igniter assembly. The fireworks receiver assembly receives a fireworks device that is ignited by the electric igniter assembly. A manually operated ignition signal transmitter is actuated to transmit signals for activation of the signal receiver. The servo-actuated ignition switch includes a first switching element operated by the ignition servo and a second switching element selectively connected to or disconnected from the first switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Massimiliano Mancini
  • Patent number: 5679921
    Abstract: This invention relates to flares; more particularly it relates to flares ch are good emitters of infra-red radiation and which are adapted to be attached to rockets for tracking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1958
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: George T. Hahn, Paul G. Rivette, Rodney G. Weldon
  • Patent number: 5661257
    Abstract: A covert, i.e., no visible light emitted, multispectral day/night target marker is disclosed. The marker emits a signature detectable in the electromagnetic spectrum including visible, near infrared, middle and longwave infrared, and radar regions. The marker is particularly useful for marking of target areas so that they can be easily detected from the ground or the air. The visible spectrum is marked by a white or colored pyrotechnic smoke generant. The near infrared region is marked by near infrared emitting photodiodes encased in a hardened polymeric molding compound. These diodes are only visible through night vision devices (image intensifiers). The middle through the far infrared regions are marked by the heat generated from the combustion of the pyrotechnic smoke generant. The smoke generant is housed in a canister having a highly emissive surface. The radar region is marked using radar chaff. The target marker is configured for use with conventional mortar or rocket delivered flare systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Brad A. Fairbourn
  • Patent number: 5654522
    Abstract: An aerodynamically stable, kinematic flare having an enhanced plume signature is disclosed. The flare includes a housing with a flare illuminant disposed within the housing. A primary nozzle is configured in the aft wall of the housing. Four secondary nozzles are configured in the aft end of the side wall of the housing and are positioned aft of the center of gravity of the flare. At least two of the secondary nozzles comprise off-center nozzles having a longitudinal axis which does not extend through the longitudinal axis of the flare. A shroud is attached to the housing and deploys to an extended position upon combustion of the illuminant. The shroud is configured with holes which correspond in size and position to each of the secondary nozzles when the shroud is in its extended position. The primary and secondary nozzles are sized and positioned to spin stabilize the flare during combustion of the illuminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Endicott, Jr., Ross W. Guymon, Ralph S. Tappan, II
  • Patent number: 5639984
    Abstract: Convert infrared tracer compositions are provided. The compositions are formed using peroxide such as strontium peroxide and barium peroxide. Added to these materials is a burn rate catalyst such as boron, iron oxide, cupric oxide, manganese dioxide, carbon, silicon, graphite fibrils, amorphous silica, copper oxide, potassium dodecaborate, the dipotassium salt of bitetrazole amine, and the potassium salt of dilituric acid. The composition also includes alkali metal compounds in order to enhance the infrared emissions. The compositions are bound together using a binder such that the composition results in a granular material having a mean particle size in the range of from about 500.mu. to about 800.mu..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel B. Nielson
  • Patent number: 5635666
    Abstract: A flare mass for dummy target production has an incendiary composition component and an inert component, the weight ratio of the incendiary mass component and the inert component being adjusted such that the maximum of the spectral radiant flux of the flare mass in adaptation to the spectral radiant flux distribution of the target signature to be simulated is displaced toward longer wavelengths compared with the spectral radiant flux distribution of the incendiary mass component alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Bannasch, Martin Wegscheider, Martin Fegg, Horst Bosel
  • Patent number: 5631441
    Abstract: A decoy flare for infrared (IR) seeking missiles comprises a tubular outer shell with a first rupturing disc sealing a rear end of the outer shell and a cover member with a second rupturing disc sealing a front end of the outer shell. These form a sealed container for a pyrophoric liquid. A nozzle cap is attached to the cover member with a nozzle being located in front of the second rupturing disc. A piston in the container adjacent the first rupturing disc separates the pyrophoric liquid from the disc. A holder for a gas generator, a disc of energetic material, is connected in sealed relationship to the container to position the gas generator adjacent the first rupturing disc and form a gas generating chamber between the holder and that disc. That holder contains an ignition mechanism for the gas generator and a seal to prevent gases from escaping via the ignition mechanism after it is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government
    Inventors: Paul Briere, Michel St-Onge, Andre Roy, Bruno Paradis, Louis Legare
  • Patent number: 5627338
    Abstract: A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, a fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Kyle W. Poor, B. Thomas Craven, Bernard M. Durgin
  • Patent number: 5623120
    Abstract: Energetic compositions and the process for obtaining same for use as the itable composition in infrared-emitting decoy flares, for high-temperature ignition compositions, and the like, are disclosed. These compositions are attained by combining a fluorinated hydrocarbon, either in a liquid state or as a water emulsion, with a powdered metal fuel such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium or zirconium to yield volatile solvent free energetic compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jerry S. Brown, John A. Conkling
  • Patent number: 5587552
    Abstract: Infrared illuminant compositions are disclosed which produce significant quantities of infrared radiation when burned but which produce very little visible light. The infrared illuminant compositions provide specific illumination in the spectral range visible with night vision devices. The disclosed infrared illuminant compositions include ammonium nitrate as the main oxidizer, an infrared generator such as cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, and a fuel. By eliminating potassium and its direct and indirect visible light contributions, from the illuminant compositions, improved concealment indexes are obtained. Other additives, including conventional binders and burn rate modifiers may be used as to tailor the performance and physical characteristics of the infrared illuminant composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Dillehay, David W. Turner
  • Patent number: 5585594
    Abstract: An aircraft-launched pyrotechnic decoy flare for luring an incoming missile away from the aircraft's exhaust which comprises a compactly clustered substantially void free array of discrete pieces of a gassy high intensity infra-red emitting pyrotechnic composition contained in a rupturable air-tight container. On ignition of the flare, combustion spreads rapidly along the interfaces between the discrete pieces to produce gaseous combustion products. When the pressure within the air-tight container reaches a predetermined level the container ruptures and the discrete pieces burst apart. The plurality of pieces have a large combined surface area over which combustion occurs and so produce a high intensity emission of infra-red radiation. In a preferred embodiment the discrete pieces comprise a mixtured fibrous activated carbon cloth impregnated with a metallic salt and coated with a mixture of an oxidizing halogenated polymer, an oxidizable metallic material and an organic binder. FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Peter G. Pelham, Douglas Smith
  • Patent number: 5565645
    Abstract: An infrared decoy flare having enhanced infrared intensity is disclosed. The flare includes a case in which an infrared illuminant composition is disposed. The bore diameter and length of the case are advantageously selected to be compatible with preexisting chaff dispensers and their cartridges located on aircraft. The illuminant composition, the nozzle throat area, the geometry of the illuminant composition, and the volume of the combustion chamber are selected such that combustion of the illuminant composition results in an unstable combustion condition during the first second of combustion, thereby increasing the peak intensity of the radiation emitted by the propellant. Preferably, the flare is configured such that the unstable combustion occurs during the first 0.2 to 0.5 seconds of combustion of the illuminant composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph S. Tappan, II, Richard C. Anderson, David W. Endicott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5561260
    Abstract: An aircraft launched pyrotechnic decoy flare (1) which comprises a pellet (2) configured with a cavity (4) which extends along a fore-and-aft axis (8) of the pellet (2) and is vented at its rearward end (12). Part of the external surface of the pellet (2) is covered with a casing (16) to prevent combustion of said part of the surface. The pellet (2) is made of a gassy pyrotechnic composition including an organic binder, and an oxidizing halogenated polymer and an oxidizable metallic material which react with each other on ignition and emit infrared radiation. When the flare (1) is ignited the surface of the cavity (4) combusts and produces hot gaseous products which escape from the cavity (4) through the vent (22) thus propelling the flare (1) in a forwards direction. In this way the flare (1) can be propelled in the same direction as the aircraft to reduce the rate at which the flare (1) separates from the aircraft exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: James N. Towning, Timothy D. Sutlieff, Peter G. Pelham
  • Patent number: 5546863
    Abstract: A line carrying projectile has an axially elongate hollow projectile rod for muzzle loading within the bore of an associated shotgun and an at least partially transparent container assembly mounted on the forward end of the projectile rod and containing a chemiluminescent flare. The flare is removed from the container and activated by bending after which it is reassembled within the container in its active condition preparatory to firing. A part of the projectile frictionally engages and grips an associated portion of the gun barrel to releasably retain the projectile in a launching position within the gun and regardless of barrel orientation until the projectile is fired from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Joslyn
  • Patent number: 5427032
    Abstract: A flare-antenna assembly has flare material enclosed in a cylindrical anta and forms part of a marker beacon. The flare aids in the search for the marker beacon by providing means for both visual and infrared detection. The flare is actuated in response to a specific remote radio signal being received by the antenna. The received signal is decoded by the electronic system within the marker beacon. If the received signal meets the necessary criteria the electronic system generates an electrical signal that detonates a squib embedded in the flare material. The detonation of the squib activates the flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Frederick F. Hiltz, Charles E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5400712
    Abstract: Infrared decoy flare having box fins which deploy upon firing of the flare from an aircraft to stabilize flare trajectory and flight path, and an aerodynamic nose to also enhance flight stability, as well as plume formation and subsequent decoying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Herbage, William H. Heinsohn
  • Patent number: 5390605
    Abstract: The present invention lies in the field of infra-red decoys for protecting aircraft.It relates more particularly to a stabilized decoy (4, 21) propelled over a trajectory and with directed infra-red emission, comprising a body (22) open over its rear part (24) containing an emissive block (28, 40) made of pyrotechnic substance and an ignition assembly for the said block, characterized in that the said body includes an ogive (23) at its front part and has an aperture of constant cross-section at its rear part (24), in that the ignition assembly comprises an ejectable pyromechanical device (6, 26) situated at the rear of the said body and an ignition charge (29) situated at the front of the said body and in that the said emissive block (28, 40) has at least one channel and is placed between the ignition charge (29) and the ejectable pyromechanical device (6, 26).FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
    Inventors: Gerard Meili, Jean-Luc Pinchot
  • Patent number: 5313888
    Abstract: The invention includes a pull-wire igniter for a pyrotechnic distress or signalling device which includes a hollow, elongated, tubular body which has a pyrotechnic composition mixture packed into one portion of the body and a small diameter, central passageway is formed through the pyrotechnic composition. A thin elongated plastic center tube is inserted through the central passageway. The outer end of the center tube is recessed at the outer end of the composition. An igniter cup is positioned firmly within the end of the center tube. A pull-wire device extends through the center tube and is exposed at the opposite end of the body so that the user can grasp the pull-wire. The igniter cup is partially filled with an igniter mixture and the end of the pull-wire extends through the igniter cup and is coated with a scratch material. A short section of shrink tubing is positioned over the coated end of the wire to isolate the scratch material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Brian D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5136950
    Abstract: A flare comprising an oxygen reservoir section, a fuel reservoir section and a nozzle section; the oxygen reservoir section having a reservoir capable of containing oxygen at high pressure, and a valve operable by an actuator to selectively permit transmission of pressurized oxygen from the reservoir; the fuel reservoir section including a collapsible fuel bag having a fuel orifice at one end and a plug normally positioned over the orifice; and the nozzle section having a oxygen flow deflector, a fuel atomizing region and an ignition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence
    Inventors: John L. Halpin, Maurice Verreault, Simon A. Barton
  • Patent number: 5113765
    Abstract: A road flare is provided which is triangular in cross-section to maximize stability of the flare as is used burning on a roadway surface or the like, and to maximize packing, storing and shipping efficiency by providing a cross-sectional shape that defines a flush-pack with other flares so that no significant interstitial space is wasted within the packing, shipping and storing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventors: James Carey, John J. Addario, Roberto Juarez
  • Patent number: 5056435
    Abstract: An infrared illuminant composition and flares produced therefrom having increased burn rate and increased infrared intensity while maintaining low visible light intensity. The composition comprises potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, hexamine, boron, silicon, ferric oxide and a binder. A process to produce infrared illuminant flares prevents or substantially eliminates chunking out of burning pieces of the illuminant at pressing increments in the flares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventors: Leon L. Jones, Daniel B. Nielson
  • Patent number: 5025729
    Abstract: An emergency signalling device comprising an elongate shell to be fired into the air. The shell encloses a combustible propellant charge, combustible material for generating a visible smoke trail, combustible material for generating a visible spark trail, at least one explosive charge for generating an audible report, a multiplicity of radar chaff particles, and an explosive ejection charge for distributing the radar chaff particles from the shell once the shell has been propelled beyond a predetermined altitude. An ignitor wire is provided which is in contact with the propellant charge. The shell is enclosed in a barrel for storage and launching. The barrel has an external thumbstop to prevent recoil from pushing the barrel back through the hand of the operator. There is a bulkhead at the closed lower end of the barrel, on which are mounted electrical contacts connected to the ends of the ignitor wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Robert W. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4976201
    Abstract: A distraction device is comprised of a hollow container that is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. An explosive charge capable of producing a loud sound and a brilliant flash of light fills the second chamber. A standard M201 hand grenade fuse is installed in the distraction device so that the fuse is in communication with the first chamber. The fuse initiates the sequential ignition of several combustible compositions in the distraction device. A first combustible composition generates a combustion gas of sufficient pressure in the first chamber to separate the expended fuse from the distraction device before the device explodes. The first composition also ignites a combustible time-delay composition, which in turn ignites a spark-producing composition that detonates an explosive output charge. Separation of the fuse from the distraction device before the explosive charge is detonated prevents the fuse from becoming a lethal projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Martin Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4934273
    Abstract: A compact laser flare illuminator includes a semiconductor diode laser array radiation source, an energy source for the radiation source that can be switched on and a housing which holds the array and energy source, while allowing egress of a beam. This illuminator may be used to facilitate night vision by persons wearing night vision goggles or using other types of wavelength-selective night vision devices. The housing may serve as a heat sink and may be equipped with a propulsion device and with fins for flight stabilization, as well as with a parachute for slowing descent from an altitude above an area to be illuminated. A wavelength filter that passes radiation only in a predetermined wavelength range and a lens or optical element to focus the laser radiation toward the area to be illuminated are optional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Spectra Diode Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Endriz
  • Patent number: 4881464
    Abstract: A signal flare with luminous oscillations resulting from a combustible cosition of octafluorohexanediol, magnesium or aluminum, chlorinated benzene, an inorganic oxidizer, and polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David C. Sayles
  • Patent number: 4768439
    Abstract: An illuminating non-metallic pyrotechnic composition is disclosed which consists essentially of, expressed in absolute weight units: (a) from about 51 to 61 parts of strontium nitrate, (b) from about 15 to 25 parts of potassium perchlorate, (c) from about 15 to 25 parts of sulfur, (d) about 3 parts of sodium nitrate, and (e) about 2 parts of uintaite. Optimum flare luminosity is achieved when the composition is essentially free of other fuel constituents, such as dextrin, nitrocellulose charcoal. A flare is disclosed comprising the disclosed pyrotechnic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventors: Stewart M. Singer, Stanley Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 4739708
    Abstract: A infrared flare is used as a military decoy for infrared heat seeking missiles. The flare burns a pyrophoric fuel to provide a good simulation of an aircraft spectral signature. To minimize blow-out under extreme wind and high altitude conditions, the flare has an oxygen injector arranged concentrically around the fuel ejector and a shroud sheltering an ignition space just downstream of the fuel ejector. The injected oxygen reacts with a small amount of the fuel to produce a pilot flame in the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada
    Inventors: John L. Halpin, Kenneth D. Foster
  • Patent number: 4690059
    Abstract: An emergency flare for road and railway use which changes so a different color during the final stage of illumination, thus warning that burnout is approaching, and thereby allowing time for replacement or other means to warn oncoming traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Edgar E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4690029
    Abstract: Up to now exceedingly precise manufacturing tolerances had to be observed in securing or mounting a flare composition or incandescent charge sleeve in a blind borehole in the tail portion of a projectile body to ensure reliable sealing against propellant gases. To prevent this disadvantage a bolt member or plug is inserted into the blind borehole of the projectile body until the face or end surface of this bolt member or plug abuts the bottom region or portion of the blind borehole. The bolt member or plug and the projectile body are rotated relative to one another. Due to friction between the end surface of the bolt member or plug and the bottom portion of the blind borehole sufficient heat is generated at the front end of the bolt member or plug such that material of this front end of the bolt member or plug flows into an annular groove of the blind borehole to form a flange member. This flange member securely anchors the bolt member or plug in the blind borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon-Buhrle AG
    Inventors: Harald Katzmann, Werner Senn, David Ammann
  • Patent number: 4682544
    Abstract: A container adapted for insertion into a device is disclosed wherein the container has fitted into its hollow interior the components required to form therein and eject therefrom a chemiluminescent light emitting material upon impact of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignees: American Cyanamid Company, Del Manufacturing
    Inventors: Anthony Koroscil, Walter A. Smithey, Paul A. Delgado
  • Patent number: H925
    Abstract: An encapsulated signal illuminant flare composition is comprised of powde magnesium from about 45 to about 60 weight percent, of powdered sodium nitrate from about 32 to about 49 weight percent, and of capsular adhesives containing about 91 weight liquid materials contained within capsules having cell walls of equal parts Arabic gum and gelatin of about 9 weight percent to yield a binder from about 6 to about 12 weight percent. The composition ingredients are blended in a dry mixer to achieve a homogeneously, blended signal illuminant flare composition. The blended signal illuminant flare composition is incrementally fed into a flare press for compacting into cartridges in two increments at about 14,000 psi pressure which ruptures the capsular adhesives by hydraulic forces to achieve polymer mixing and the surrounding of the powder ingredients with the binder ingredients to form a very homogenous signal illuminant flare composition mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David C. Sayles
  • Patent number: H1603
    Abstract: An aerial flare having a safe-and-arm ignition system in which a radially vable valve element or slider is retained in a safe position obstructing ignition ports by engagement of the slider with interior walls of the flare casing. To deploy the flare, an expulsion charge is electrically detonated, ruptures a frangible barrier, ignites primer in the igniter, and expels igniter-illuminant assembly from the forward end of the casing. When the igniter clears the casing, the slider is powered radially outwardly under the force of a biasing spring to uncover the ignition ports so that the parts are in an arm position. The flaming primer then ignites the illuminant through the open ignition ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dennis D. Deckard, Stanley J. Herold, Donald E. LaGrange, Dennis L. Mitchell, David J. Mulinix