Abstract: An annular ablative gas blocking device provides for automatic altitude compensation of a rocket engine exhaust plume. The nozzle is over expanded at low level launch altitudes and near optimally expanded at the highest altitude at the terminal burnout or staging altitude of the rocket engine. The ablative gas blocking device in the nozzle exit mitigates low altitude launch effects of an over expanded nozzle and inhibits external atmospheric air entrance into the nozzle at launch. The gas blocking means ablatively erodes away from plume impingement as the rocket ascends in a pre-programmed manner to achieve optimum area expansion ratio at all altitudes.

Abstract: An actuation device for ejecting a removable part of a missile includes a pyrotechnic actuator having a pyrotechnic charge configured to generate an overpressure and a piston configured to act on the removable part of the missile, at least one retaining rod, and at least one thermal insulation element configured to thermally insulate at least the pyrotechnic charge. The pyrotechnic actuator is configured to break the retaining rod.

Abstract: An apparatus includes charged-particle intercalated graphite. The apparatus additionally includes one or more explosive materials disposed within a region defined by the charged-particle intercalated graphite.

Abstract: A warhead casing includes a nose region, a tail region, a tubular body region, and a central cavity extending along a lengthwise axis and having a first axial end and a second axial end. An aft wall is formed integrally with the tail region and extends radially toward the lengthwise axis to define the second end of the central cavity, and includes an aperture configured to receive a fuse device. A method of manufacturing a warhead casing includes forming a nose portion, a body portion, and a tail portion. The tail portion includes a circumferential outer wall defining an inner cavity, and an aft wall integrally formed with the circumferential outer wall and extending radially inward to define an axial end of the inner cavity. At least one of the nose portion or the tail portion is joined to the body portion.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: The rocket launcher includes a launching tube that extends vertically from a flat base. The launching tube is of an undefined length and includes an opening adjacent to the bottom distal end where the flat base attaches. The flat opening includes a hinged door that opens to enable insertion of a rocket or firework therein. The door includes a plurality of small holes thereon so as to enable air to pass there through along with a fuse if applicable. A handle is also attached to and extends from the exterior surface of the launching tube, and enables the rocket launcher to be carried between uses.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (1) for a block of explosive material, forming a missile decoy, that is introduced into an explosive material container (2) with a sabot (4) and an ignition transmission charge (5). The safety device (1) is characterized by a prestressed tube sensor/slide (6) that is connected between the sabot (4), the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material container (2) such that it can release or re-close an ignition channel (13) disposed between the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material.

Abstract: A launchable grenade system is backwards compatible with conventional launch platforms and is capable of launching a variety of payloads at greater range and increased launch velocity, and with significantly improved targeting accuracy. The grenade is pre-packaged in a disposable launch canister that effectively confines launch ejection gases behind the projectile until it exits the canister. Additional enhancements in one or more embodiments, include collapsible aerodynamic stabilizers that are folded inside the launch canister prior to firing and deploy in flight to improve projectile stability and ballistic performance; electronic fuzing for improved repeatability and targeting precision, next-generation digital capabilities that include electronic device identification, failsafe and device monitoring; and momentum arresting forward expulsion of the payload to reduce blunt trauma hazard from projectile hardware and to provide for short distance targeting at significantly greater speed.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignitor. The ignitor includes a break charge and a voltage storage component in communication with the break charge, wherein the voltage stored in the voltage storage component is for firing the break charge when the voltage is communicated to the break charge. The ignitor further includes a processor in communication with the voltage storage component, wherein the processor is configured to delay transmission of the voltage stored in the voltage storage component for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a projectile configured to be propelled upwardly from a hand-held launcher and receiving a plurality of electrically conductive streamers.

Abstract: Electric match assembly for initiating a pyrotechnic device in response to a signal, the assembly comprising a first element for connection to a leader carrying the signal; a first electric match component for connection to the lift charge of the pyrotechnic device, the first electric match component being connected to the first element such that when the first element is connected to the leader and the first electric match component is connected to the lift charge, the signal is applied to the lift charge; a second electric match component for connection to the time fuse connected to the burst charge of the pyrotechnic device, the second electric match component being connected to the first element such that when the first element is connected to the leader and the second electric match component is connected to the time fuse, the signal is applied to the time fuse of the burst charge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic display device configured to ignite solid pyrotechnic compositions or aerial shells within a launch tube prior to propelling them on a desired arc. A smokeless pyrotechnic propelling charge is disposed within the launch tube below the solid pyrotechnic compositions, and separated therefrom. An ignition source is disposed in operative relationship to the pyrotechnic compositions or aerial shells, which are ignited prior to ignition of the smokeless pyrotechnic propelling charge.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions having a fuel preferably comprising a mixture of 5-aminotetrazole (5-AT), azodicarbonamide (ADCA), an oxidizer, and a superfine metal powder burn rate enhancer such as nano-aluminum, for use in automotive seatbelt pretensioners and other suitable applications requiring high impetus, high rate of gas generation. Also, methods of making these compositions, and devices incorporating them such as seatbelt pretensioners.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A pod (34) containing sensors and/or targeting systems such as laser designators or range finders are hung on a cable (30) below an aircraft (12). The line (30) can be reeled in or out similar to towed decoys. This allows the aircraft (12) to operate above or in the cloud cover while the sensors/targeting equipment (34) are operating below the cloud cover to find the enemy forces.

Abstract: Many of today's weapons systems use surveillance and target acquisition (STA) devices which can exploit the infrared and millimeter wavebands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Designing obscurant devices which can provide screening against such systems often results in complicated or costly solutions. A device capable of mitigating these problems is described wherein an obscurant device (10), and more particularly a device capable of providing screening against the visual, infrared and millimeter wave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprises an obscurant payload, a burster charge capable, when detonated by a detonator, of disseminating said payload and a payload casing wherein some or all of the payload casing is configured to disintegrate upon actuation of the burster charge and to act thereafter as an obscurant.

Abstract: An ejection device for ejecting a plurality of submunitions (24a-d) having an adapter (10) including a control unit (12, 13, 14a-c, 15a-b, 16) and adapted for releasable fastening in an ejection barrel (2) of a discharger (1), and a submunitions cluster (20) including the submunitions and adapted for releasable connection, both mechanical and electrical, with the adapter. In the assembled condition of the device, the submunitions cluster is connected with the adapter, permitting submunitions to be ejected from the submunitions cluster. The control unit of the adapter controls the device to eject submunitions in one or more of a variety of ejection modes, such as sequentially one by one or at least in part simultaneously. The period between ejection of two consecutive submunitions may be adjustable. The ejection device may be integrated into a discharging unit including at least one discharger (1), such as a conventional discharging unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for smoke generation for the protection of combat vehicles, wherein the shell has the form of an integral two-chamber double can (2) including a partition wall shared by both chambers (10), the wall thickness of the partition wall (10) being greater than the wall thickness of the double can outer wall (22), and the front end of the double can (2) being closed gas-tight.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: This invention relates to a firing launching system and method which comprises a base having a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures receive a plurality of mortars which, in turn, receive a plurality of Pyrotechnic projectiles which may be situated in the plurality of mortars, respectively. The Pyrotechnic projectiles may then be ignited and launched to provide a fireworks display. The base may be a one-piece molded solid construction and provided with the plurality of apertures such that at least two-thirds of each of the plurality of mortars is encased to provide support to a wall of the mortar. The base may be provided with a plurality of apertures having a common diameter for receiving a common size mortar or receiving one of a plurality of sleeves, each having the same outer diameter, but a varying inner diameter to permit the sleeve to receive a different sized mortars.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pyrotechnic projectile comprising a body containing a bursting charge (4) and a combustible charge (5) which is ignited and dispersed by the bursting charge (4), characterized in that the combustible charge (5) is formed by a metallic powder combustible with oxygen, arranged in the busting charge (4) according to a pattern corresponding of the flare pattern to be obtained in the sky. The metallic powder can be titanium, aluminum or magnesium powder.

Abstract: A longitudinal launcher tube made substantially of polyurethane resin or plastic having a rear end closed by a transverse rear wall and an open front end. The invention allows a projectile to be housed in the tube and adapted to slide longitudinally inside it towards the front, to be expelled from it via the front end tube, means for defining with the tube and projectile a rear gas expansion chamber immediately to the rear of the projectile, and an impulse cartridge adapted on command to develop gas pressure in the rear chamber to cause the expulsion of the projectile via the front end of the tube. The apparatus is a pyrotechnic device for rigidly supporting fireworks such as mortar-type, rocket-type, projectile-type, and other pyrotechnic devices so that the launcher device is reusable, whereby the launcher substantially retains its integrity after each launch to minimize harm caused to persons and the environment.

Abstract: A skyrocket is provided which provides a first fireworks effect prior to launch as well as a second effect after launching. The skyrocket includes a body which houses or is coupled to a rocket motor, a first effect and a second effect. A transparent or translucent nose cone is placed on the top end of the body which provides both the ability to view one of the effects placed therein but also maintains the aerodynamic properties of the skyrocket. The first effect may be a strobing effecting which during burning provides a pulsating intensity of light visible through the nose cone prior to lift-off of the skyrocket, and the second effect may be a bursting charge which explodes after the rocket is in flight. An ignition fuse leads to the first effect and a second fuse leads to the rocket motor so that by lighting the first fuse, no further fuses need be lit and a delay is provided before the rocket motor ignites.

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.

Abstract: A toy gas-fired missile and launcher assembly whose missile is composed of a soft head and a tail extending therefrom formed by a piston. The piston is telescoped into the barrel of a launcher having a closed end on which is mounted an electrically-activated ignitor, the air space between the end of the piston and the closed end of the barrel defining a combustion chamber. Joined to the barrel and communicating with the chamber therein is a gas intake tube having a normally-closed inlet valve. To operate the assembly, the operator places the inlet tube with its valve open adjacent his anal region from which a colonic gas is discharged. The piston is then withdrawn to a degree producing a negative pressure to inhale the gas into the combustion chamber to intermix with the air therein to create a combustible mixture. The ignitor is then activated to explode the mixture in the chamber and fire the missile into space.

Abstract: A launcher for launching aerial firework shells into the air includes a base and an upright tubular member. The tubular member is constructed of a plastic that resists damage from the explosive force of the fireworks and allows substantial reuse of the launcher for multiple shells. The tubular member is seated in an indentation in the base that snugly receives the sides of the tubular member. The tubular member is preferably secured to the base by stainless steel staples to allow for use of the launcher in a damp environment and over multiple years.

Abstract: An apparatus for the deployment of a visible plume to alert other motorists that a proximate motor vehicle has been involved in a collision is described as having a tube which is open at one end disposed at the top and closed at a distal end. The distal end houses an activation device that is used to detonate an explosive charge in response to the detection of an output signal. The output signal is generated by a sensor subsequent to the motor vehicle experiencing an impact of sufficient magnitude. Both the sensor and the output signal are compatible with current technologies used to detect impacts which result in the deployment of air bags, and accordingly the device may rely upon these systems as may already be installed in the motor vehicle. The explosive charge expels a signaling media above the motor vehicle in a plume above the motor vehicle to visually alert other motorists that a collision has occurred.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus (11) for full-calibre submunitions or the like payloads (12) which are coaxially stacked in its load space (19) results in a system which operates in a fault-free manner when, for ejecting the payloads (12), detachment of the load space (19) from the rocket motor (17) disposed therebehind and detachment of the ogive (14) from the opposite end of the load space (19) are each promoted by a pyrotechnic charge (28, 31), with the load space (19) being braked as a result of being positioned transversely beside the trajectory (26) of the separated motor (17) which flies further along the trajectory and past the load space in a stable configuration and with the load space (19) only then being turned by a braking parachute (23) connected to its end (22). The load space tail (18) which thereafter then faces forwardly in the direction of flight is opened by detachment of a cover (25) and the load space (19) is pulled away from the payload stack (12--12) by means of the braking parachute (23).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device includes a launcher for launching and igniting a plurality of pyrotechnic stars for creating an aerial fireworks display. The launcher comprises a launching tube having an igniter that ignites the pyrotechnic stars as they are being expelled from the launching tube under the force of pressurized air. The igniter may comprise a section of the launching tube having a locally reduced diameter so that the pyrotechnic star frictionally engages it during launch, causing a striker composition on the interior of the launching tube to ignite a prime composition on the exterior surface of the pyrotechnic star. Alternatively, the igniter may comprise a flame within the launching tube to ignite the prime composition on the star. Various feeding mechanisms are provided to rapidly feed a large number of pyrotechnic stars for launching from the launching tube. The launcher utilizes pressurized air to launch the pyrotechnic stars and, thus, minimizes adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method a flat-side model rocket. In the preferred embodiment, the model rocket is four-sided, and may be constructed by a user from wooden pieces that are pre-cut and pre-engraved with a sealed-CO.sub.2 laser. The model rocket of the present invention is compatible with existing model rocket engines, launching apparatuses, and parachute-type recovery apparatuses.

Abstract: A millimeter wave screening cloud-forming product is made by forming comped hollow disks of carbon fiber cut to a desired length. The handleable disks are stacked inside a grenade body forming a hollow cylindrical shape. A high explosive mass is inserted into the resulting compacted hollow cylinder, enabling bursting of the compacted mass to release the individual carbon fibers.

Abstract: A rocket-fired visual signalling apparatus and method includes a rocket, an elongated streamer having a first end portion connected to the rocket and a rocket launcher for launching the rocket so that the rocket pulls the streamer into the air such that when the rocket burns out, the streamer is spread out over the surrounding ground cover to facilitate visibility of the streamer.

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 cannister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister. Alternatively, the propellant is telescoped and covered with a sleeve which peels away as the projectile is ejected.

Abstract: The member bearing electromagnetic decoys comprises a sliding member (23 to 27) having an open major face closed by a cover of which an extension projects opposite an opening (21A) in a compartment (21) provided for a pyrotechnic portion. When the pyrotechnic charge there disposed has caused ejection of the decoy-bearing sliding member, and after a given delay, it will act on the extension of the cover in order to remove the latter and thereby release it from the electromagnetic decoys. This ensures that the decoys are deployed at the end of a given delay after ejection of the decoy-bearing member from the aircraft.

Abstract: A smoke screen shell is provided having a rapidly burning decoy charge that generates a spontaneous fog and a slowly burning camouflage charge that generates a lasting fog. The decoy charge and camouflage charge are fired from a canister sleeve by an ejection charge. Upon firing, pressure from the ejection charge is communicated through a channel to a relief chamber positioned between the decoy charge and the camouflage charge. This results in an accelleration difference, causing a separation and slightly different trajectories, the decoy component accelerating at a higher rate. The decoy charge takes effect in the air prior to the camouflage charge. The collocation of the spontaneous fog and of the lasting fog essentially occurs in the target. The decoy charge and the camouflage charge land within a proximity at a target area such that a collocation occurs between the spontaneous fog and of the delayed lasting fog. The ignition and relief chambers, the channel therebetween, the charges, etc.

Abstract: A shuttle launch system for a model rocket which includes a model rocket engine having a propellant charge for propelling the model rocket in a first direction and an ejection charge for ejecting matter in a second direction generally opposite the first direction consists of a booster rocket having a longitudinally extended tube with a peripheral sidewall, an inner chamber and top and bottom ends and an engine-receiving chamber adjacent the bottom end of the tube. A shuttle glider support structure is mounted on the booster rocket for releasably supporting a shuttle glider thereon. A fluid passage extends between the inner chamber of the booster rocket and the shuttle glider support structure such that a portion of gas within the inner chamber is redirected from the inner chamber through the fluid passage and out of the shuttle glider support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical head of the type comprising an elongate envelope, a pyrotechnical composition contained in the envelope, and dispersal means for dispersing said pyrotechnical composition. The dispersal means include longitudinal detonating fuses adapted to split the envelope longitudinally, and a transverse detonating fuse adapted to split the envelope transversely.

Abstract: A munition has at least two smoke pots disposed in a casing and ejected outside the casing by an ejection composition. Each pot has an axial channel, and the axial channels are aligned so as to constitute an ignition channel of the smoke pots, ignition being ensured by the ejection composition. The munition has a temporary axial link between the two smoke pots when they are ejected and on their trajectory.

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.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic bomb comprising a body (1) containing a burst charge (2) and flare charges (6) whose dispersion and ignition are ensured during the burst, characterized in that the said body (1) is made at least partially from a pyrotechnic composition.

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.