Shaped Charge Patents (Class 102/476)
  • Patent number: 12061073
    Abstract: A method for producing a warhead with directed blasting action involves the step of making an outer casing and arranging therein a charge with a cavity situated at the front end of the charge. An insert whose shape corresponds to the shape of the cavity is arranged on the surface of the charge. The method furthermore involves the step of depositing a material on the insert in an additive manufacturing process. A warhead manufactured according to the method includes an outer casing, a charge with a cavity situated at the front end of the charge, and an insert. A material is deposited on the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS A B
    Inventors: Hamzah Hamdan, Christer Thuman, Björn Johansson
  • Patent number: 11662185
    Abstract: An amorphous-based material component may be incorporated into a liner for a shaped charge used in perforating a wellbore casing. Other components of the shaped charge and/or perforating gun that accommodates the shaped charge may be of amorphous-based materials. Further, the liner and other components of the shaped charge may be manufactured by way of three dimensional printing. Indeed, a multi-material three dimensional print application may be utilized to form shaped charge components simultaneously along with an entire perforating gun system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, Moises Enrique Smart, Jason Mai
  • Patent number: 11499806
    Abstract: A detonation wavefront controller for a linear shaped charge, comprising a first part and a second part. The first part comprises: a detonator holder, and a first aperture having a first width and a shape which is substantially a cyclic polygon, substantially an ellipse or substantially circular. The second part comprises: a second aperture having a second width larger than the first width. With the first part at least partly received within the second part, the first part is moveable relative to the second part to configure the detonation wavefront controller at least between: a first configuration with a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, and a second configuration with a second distance between the first aperture and the second aperture, the second distance larger than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LINEAR SHAPED LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Lumley
  • Patent number: 10782106
    Abstract: A shaped charge including an explosive load positioned in a casing, a liner applied on the load, and means ensuring the securing of the casing and the load bearing the liner. These securing means include a ring having a stop surface for the liner and at least two shims each covering an angular sector and moving radially by the action of a tightening means, to be pressed against an inner bearing surface of the casing. According to the invention, the tapped hole of the tightening screw(s) has its axis parallel to the axis of the casing and the shim is positioned axially relative to the ring by at least one radial pin authorizing sliding thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: NEXTER MUNITIONS
    Inventors: Rémi Boulanger, Bertrand Padiolleau
  • Patent number: 10704867
    Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, comprising a housing (2), a high explosive (3), and a reactive liner (6) where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner (6) is produced from a reactive composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet. The composition is a pressed i.e. compacted particulate composition comprising at least two metals, wherein one of the metals is present as spherical particulate, and the other metal is present as a non-spherical particulate. There may also be at least one further metal, which is not capable of an exothermic reaction with the reactive composition, present in an amount greater than 10% w/w of the liner. To aid consolidation a binder may also be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Philip Duncan Church, Robert Peter Claridge, Peter John Gould, Richard Gordon Townsley
  • Patent number: 10520286
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a shaped charge inlay may include an upper edge that extends inward and horizontal to an edge of a shaped charge casing associated with a shaped charge. The shaped charge includes an existing liner and the shaped charge inlay further includes a body that extends inward toward an apex of the existing liner. The shaped charge inlay may be disposed above the existing liner in the shaped charge, to disrupt collapse of the existing liner upon detonation of the shaped charge and thereby change the geometry of a perforating jet and resulting perforation created by the shaped charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: DynaEnergetics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joern Olaf Loehken, Denis Will, Bernd Fricke
  • Patent number: 10450179
    Abstract: A synchronization system for a container-processing plant, including a container-forming machine configured to form a container, the container-forming machine having a first rotating wheel for rotating the container about a first rotation axis; a container-filling machine operatively coupled to the container-forming machine and configured to fill the container, the container-filling machine having a second rotating wheel for rotating the container about a second rotation axis; and at least one electric motor configured to cause the first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel to rotate, the synchronization system comprising: a position sensor provided in the container-forming machine and configured to detect a rotating position of the first rotating wheel and to generate a position detection signal; at least one control unit configured to: receive information associated with the position detection signal; synchronize the rotation of the second rotating wheel to the rotation of the first rotating wheel b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Federica Sorbi
  • Patent number: 10422612
    Abstract: A warhead assembly is provided for a projectile includes a forward module having a precursor warhead, and an aft module including a main warhead. The warhead assembly includes a deployment system for selectively deploying the warhead assembly from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, at predetermined conditions, to thereby provide a longitudinal displacement between the forward module and the aft module. The deployment system includes an expansion member accommodated between the forward module and the aft module, and configured for being longitudinally expanded under the predetermined conditions to thereby increase a longitudinal dimension of the expansion member and thereby urge the forward module and the aft module away from one another to provide said longitudinal displacement. A corresponding deployment system and projectile are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Tal Osdon, Herman Margolis, Ilan Tiraspolski
  • Patent number: 10302405
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices comprising energetic materials capable of superdetonation and methods of making and using such devices. The devices disclosed herein comprise components, dimensions, and configurations optimized to utilize superdetonation velocities produced by the energetic materials disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn D. McGrane
  • Patent number: 10222182
    Abstract: A modular shaped charge system including a housing including a circular opening; an attachment ring having a diameter complementary to a diameter of the opening of the housing. The attachment ring configured to snap fit into the opening of the housing. A liner including a cone shape with a base diameter complementary to the diameter of the attachment ring. The liner is configured to snap fit into the attachment ring. The apex of the liner is positioned inside the housing. An air gap cover including a cone shape with a base diameter complementary to the diameter of the attachment ring. The air gap cover is configured to thread into the attachment ring, and the apex of the air gap cover is positioned outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Normary Camacho Cardoza, Nicholas Shaker, Michael G. Craft, Lonnie Frericks
  • Patent number: 10184763
    Abstract: A munition, such as a warhead, includes a penetrator casing for penetrating hard targets, such as a fortification or reinforced building or other structure. The penetrator casing has a relatively thick nose, and a relatively thin aft section extending back from the nose. A cable interface is in the aft section, and an electrical harness extends from the cable interface, external of the casing, and forward to a nose kit. The penetrator casing may have reduced-thickness portions, to provide weakness points to the casing that facilitate the casing being transformed into fragments of a semi-controlled and desirable size when an explosive within the casing is detonated after the penetration occurs, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Bootes, George D. Budy, Wayne Y. Lee, Richard K. Polly, Jason M. Shire, Jesse T. Waddell
  • Patent number: 10024642
    Abstract: An initiating device including at least one detonator, at least one booster charge and an action charge. The at least one booster charge is arranged such that, at the action charge initiates, the booster charge is free from disturbing edge effects that can have a disturbing effect on the action charge. A booster casing in which the booster charge is disposed is configured with a rear cylindrical part having a diameter D1, a front conical part delimited by a first circular limit face having the diameter D1, and a second circular limit face having a diameter D2, wherein the two limit faces are plane-parallel at a distance H1 from each other, wherein H1/D2 lies within a range 0.5-1.5. Also, a production method for producing the booster charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Johan Östlund, Karl Edström, Svante Persson
  • Patent number: 9982979
    Abstract: A device for the controlled breakdown of the shell of a warhead, wherein, by exploiting the hollow charge effect, the shell is substantially weakened and/or penetrated in the affected areas, thus enabling fragments of a desired size to form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TDW Gesellschaft fuer verteidgungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH
    Inventor: Markus Graswald
  • Patent number: 9746292
    Abstract: Container (10) is generally cylindrical except for a longitudinal concave groove (11) extending along its entire length. Upon explosion, the contour of this groove (11) results in a focussing effect on the wall material due to the oblique angle at which the expanding cylindrical detonation wave front impacts upon its inner wall. This produces the forging of a rough rod-like projectile (111) which, being coherent, maintains its velocity and consequently travels much further than the randomly shaped projectiles (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ALFORD RESEARCH LIMITED
    Inventors: Roland Alford, Sidney Alford
  • Patent number: 9612095
    Abstract: Embodiments may take the form of a composite shaped charge. In an example embodiment, a shaped charge includes a casing, an energetic material positioned within the casing, and a liner substantially covering the energetic material. At least one of the casing, the energetic material, and the liner comprises a composite construction. An example embodiment may take the form of a case having a composite construction. An example embodiment may take the form of an energetic material having a composite construction. An example embodiment may take the form of a liner having a composite construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Moises Enrique Smart, Claude Jones
  • Patent number: 9569974
    Abstract: A method and assembly for guidance of an aircraft during a low-altitude flight. The guidance assembly comprises a memory forming part of a flight management system, which is configured to store an active flight trajectory and any new flight trajectory, generated by the flight management system, and a memory forming part of a guidance system, which is configured to also store the flight trajectory and any new flight trajectory, which are received from the flight management system, the guidance assembly being configured to periodically transmit from the guidance system to the flight management system identification codes for the flight trajectories recorded in the memory of the guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Nicolas Albert, Thomas Koebel, Boris Kozlow, Remy Laugero
  • Patent number: 9291435
    Abstract: An improved shaped charge apparatus and method of manufacturing is provided including a composite wave shaper, a main charge, and a metal liner. An exemplary embodiment's wave shaper can be adapted to manipulate a shock front so that an interaction of the main charge and the metal liner occurs lower along the liner's profile such that the apparatus restricts an initial elongation of a resulting jet. An embodiment can have a thickness of the metal liner sufficient to provide a mass necessary to generate a first size diameter aperture in a target material. An embodiment an also provide a combination of the liner thickness and shock interaction point resulting in the jet having an improved length to diameter ratio among other advantages. An embodiment of the invention can also provide other advantages such as an explosive to mass ratio of less than 3 or 2 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric Scheid, Kevin Hovden, Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 9291439
    Abstract: A rock-fracturing mining explosive element; said explosive element subjected to an initial spreading against a target surface on impact of said explosive element with said target surface; said explosive element so constructed as to control the rate of spreading and compression against said surface prior to detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chris Murray, Steven Richard Courtley, Ron Gilbert, Craig Brown
  • Patent number: 9188413
    Abstract: A shaped charge casing 1 designed to be nested to reduce overall volume, which benefits storage or carriage. A lid portion 5 is connected at 8 to a body portion 9 by means of a screw thread. A shaped charge liner 12 can be positioned onto lip 11. The lid portion 5 and body portion 9 can be separated to allow filling or unpacking of explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defense
    Inventors: Stephen James McLean, Douglas Kirkpatrick, Nigel Chapman
  • Patent number: 9140088
    Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 9080432
    Abstract: A shaped charge includes a cup-shaped casing defining an interior volume; a liner located within the interior volume; an explosive disposed between the liner and the casing; and a reactive material disposed between the liner and the casing. A method for generating a dynamic overbalance inside a wellbore includes disposing a perforation gun in the wellbore; and detonating a shaped charge in the perforation gun, wherein the shaped charge includes a cup-shaped casing defining an interior volume, a liner located within the interior volume, an explosive disposed between the liner and the casing, and a reactive material disposed between the liner and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, Lawrence A Behrmann
  • Patent number: 9010249
    Abstract: An explosive bulk charge, including: a first contact surface configured to be selectively disposed substantially adjacent to a structure or material; a second end surface configured to selectively receive a detonator; and a curvilinear side surface joining the first contact surface and the second end surface. The first contact surface, the second end surface, and the curvilinear side surface form a bi-truncated hemispherical structure. The first contact surface, the second end surface, and the curvilinear side surface are formed from an explosive material. Optionally, the first contact surface and the second end surface each have a substantially circular shape. Optionally, the first contact surface and the second end surface consist of planar structures that are aligned substantially parallel or slightly tilted with respect to one another. The curvilinear side surface has one of a smooth curved geometry, an elliptical geometry, and a parabolic geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 8985024
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge is provided for improved penetration of a target formation. The liner is formed from a combination of high density particulate and low density particulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wenbo Yang, James Guilkey
  • Patent number: 8955443
    Abstract: A cylindrical warhead is divided into a conical central segment and peripheral segments. The central segment has a disk-shaped liner bounding a cavity with high explosive and forming a penetrating projectile. The peripheral segments are hingedly attached to the central segment and have outer segment faces bounding respective cavities with high explosive, the segment faces forming sidewalls of the warhead in a closed position. The peripheral segments can be released to an open position in which the segment faces point in the forward direction for detonation. The warhead may be used in the closed position for single hardened targets such as armored vehicles and in the open position for area targets such as lighter vehicles and personnel. Opening of the warhead may be enabled at a time of launch of the warhead, or at a time of target acquisition after launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Clayton W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150033971
    Abstract: A cylindrical warhead is divided into a conical central segment and peripheral segments. The central segment has a disk-shaped liner bounding a cavity with high explosive and forming a penetrating projectile. The peripheral segments are hingedly attached to the central segment and have outer segment faces bounding respective cavities with high explosive, the segment faces forming sidewalls of the warhead in a closed position. The peripheral segments can be released to an open position in which the segment faces point in the forward direction for detonation. The warhead may be used in the closed position for single hardened targets such as armored vehicles and in the open position for area targets such as lighter vehicles and personnel. Opening of the warhead may be enabled at a time of launch of the warhead, or at a time of target acquisition after launch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clayton W. Miller
  • Patent number: 8943972
    Abstract: An Insensitive Munitions safety device mitigates the occurrence of a violent response of an anti-armor munition subjected to elevated temperatures. The anti-armor munition includes a projectile body having fore and aft ends, an explosive charge disposed in the projectile body, and a projectile-forming or jet-forming liner disposed in the projectile body. The liner includes an aft surface contiguous with the explosive charge and a fore surface that defines a void. A liner restraint abuts a fore end of the liner and restrains movement of the liner. A portion of the liner restraint comprises a material having a heat deflection temperature less than the critical temperature of the explosive charge in the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Nausheen Al-Shehab, Bruce D. Williamson, Ernest L. Baker, David Pfau, Adam J. Enea, David Hunter
  • Patent number: 8813651
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for a shaped charge or an explosively formed projectile may include making a liner substrate using a 3D additive manufacturing process. At least a portion of the surface of the liner substrate may be surface finished. The surface finished portion may be electroplated with a metal to form a multi-layer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ryan Hooke
  • Publication number: 20140224145
    Abstract: A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along pre-determined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected towards the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Burky, John Leach
  • Patent number: 8616130
    Abstract: Improved liners and explosive devices having improved liners are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a liner for an explosive device comprises a plate configured to be positioned against an explosive charge. The plate comprises rhenium, palladium, or a combination thereof, at least a bimodal particle size distribution having a powder grain size no greater than 25 microns, a substantially circular diameter, and a substantially concave interior relative to a surface of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Sami Daoud
  • Publication number: 20130233195
    Abstract: Exemplary multi-shell structured blast effect charges as well as shaped charge or shaped-charge-like explosive charges are disclosed which contain metal carbonyls in the form of pure substances, granulates, mixtures with inorganic fuels, or as granulates of mixtures with inorganic fuels integrated in suitable closed containers. The metal carbonyls serve in the form proposed herein as fuel, which during the intended conversion of the total charge exhibit an undirected (multi-shell structured blast effect charges) or at least partially directed (shaped charges or shaped-charge-like explosive charges) pressure enhancing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Sebastian Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8522682
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for explosive systems such as grenades with novel micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) fuze and novel placement of the MEMS fuze providing increased performance, reliability, and safety. The MEMS fuze is disposed towards a rear portion of the explosive system providing superior performance and design flexibility. Further, the explosive system includes electronics configured to implement a launch timer and to sense impact or when the system stops spinning. The present invention includes an operational method improving safety and reliability by preventing detonation until after the launch timer expires, upon impact, or when the explosive system stops spinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kevin Genson, Daniel Jean, John Hendershot, Gerald Laib, David Olson, Ezra Chen, Veronica Badescu, Anthony Mansfield, Troy Caruso
  • Publication number: 20130199394
    Abstract: This invention is a segmented missile that uses multiple circular linear shaped charge warheads deployed in tandem. Each warhead is capable of full-caliber holes and 5 to 15 charge diameters of penetration for each warhead, depending on the target material. The full-caliber hole capability allows for the warheads to travel down the hole made by the previous warhead. Each warhead is sequenced in its time of arrival at the bottom of the hole, allowing for a cumulative effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Innovative Defense, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Collier
  • Patent number: 8464639
    Abstract: A fuse booster system for a reduced collateral damage bomb or penetrating warhead is described and disclosed. The fuse booster system uses shaped charges that will ignite the main high explosive charge of the bomb or penetrating warhead, and also remove portions of the bomb or penetrating warhead to reduce the power of the bomb at the target in a measurable manner to control the lethality and collateral damage of the bomb or penetrating warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Blake K. Thomas, James D. Ruhlman
  • Patent number: 8459186
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating a subterranean formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular carrier; a charge tube disposed in the tubular carrier; and at least one shaped charge mounted in the charge tube which includes a casing, an explosive material and a liner enclosing the explosive material within the casing. An apex portion of the liner has a cross-sectional thickness greater than a cross-sectional thickness of any other portion of the liner. The cross-sectional thickness of the apex portion may be at least fifty percent thicker than a cross-section of a portion adjacent the apex portion. A density of the apex portion may be greater than the density of any other portions of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Zeping Wang, Dan Pratt, Paul Noe
  • Patent number: 8443731
    Abstract: A liner assembly for an explosively formed projectile device may include a reactive material liner and a primary liner configured to form into a projectile responsive to initiation of an explosive material. The reactive material liner may be configured and formulated to increase the velocity of the projectile after formation thereof. An ordnance device for generating an explosively formed projectile may include a case, an explosive material, and a reactive material liner and a primary liner configured, in combination, to form into a projectile. An explosively formed projectile may include a deformed primary liner and a deformed reactive material liner having an ignited portion increasing the velocity of the projectile. Methods of explosively forming a projectile may include explosively expelling a primary liner and a secondary liner and increasing the velocity of the projectile by combusting at least a portion of the secondary liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick P. Stecher, Richard M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 8434411
    Abstract: Explosive devices, and in particular cluster explosively-formed penetrator warhead devices, are described herein. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a spherically-shaped explosive device comprises an initiator, a fuze component system configured to ignite the initiator, and a substantially spherical explosive charge surrounding the initiator. The substantially spherical explosive charge has a substantially spherical surface. A plurality of liners are on the substantially spherical surface of the substantially spherical explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Sami Daoud, Thomas R. Berger, Michael J. Villeburn
  • Publication number: 20130104765
    Abstract: A liner assembly for an explosively formed projectile device may include a reactive material liner and a primary liner configured to form into a projectile responsive to initiation of an explosive material. The reactive material liner may be configured and formulated to increase the velocity of the projectile after formation thereof. An ordnance device for generating an explosively formed projectile may include a case, an explosive material, and a reactive material liner and a primary liner configured, in combination, to form into a projectile. An explosively formed projectile may include a deformed primary liner and a deformed reactive material liner having an ignited portion increasing the velocity of the projectile. Methods of explosively forming a projectile may include explosively expelling a primary liner and a secondary liner and increasing the velocity of the projectile by combusting at least a portion of the secondary liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Frederick P. Stecher, Richard M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 8418622
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, device and method of use thereof for disrupting the jet of a shaped charge and thereby significantly reducing the penetrating capability by over 90% thereof; thus providing a means to mitigate the damage caused by the premature or accidental jetting of the shaped charge. The device has a central support, along which radiate a plurality of increasing radius, generally hemi-circular, thin discs—such that the outline of the disc edges thereof form a cone that models the interior of the hollow open mouth of the shaped charge—importantly, the discs are staggered along the length of the central support. The device, which can be molded of inexpensive plastic, must be lodged fully within the hollow open mouth of the shaped charge at the time of the premature or accidental jetting—to provide the desired mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James Pham, Gregory Stunzenas, Tan Vuong, Ernest Baker
  • Patent number: 8413585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a projectile casing (3) in which an explosive charge (8), surrounded by a fragmentation casing, (9) is disposed, wherein the fragmentation casing (9) is fixed to the projectile casing (3), and the projectile (1) comprises a first ignition unit (11) adjacent to the explosive charge (8) disposed to the rear for igniting the explosive charge (8). The projectile (1) may be selectively used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile whose effect is due to pressure waves resulting from explosion of the explosive charge (8) due to an ejection charge (15), and the explosive charge (8) is axially displaceable relative to the fragmentation casing (9), which allows the explosive charge (8) to slide out of the projectile casing (3) at least far enough so that the explosive charge cannot act on the fragmentation casing (9) to fragment it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Heitmann
  • Patent number: 8375859
    Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device is provided having a front, a rear and an axis of symmetry with the device comprising an explosive charge, a liner lining a front of the explosive charge, the liner having a recess in the form of a groove encircling the axis of symmetry; and the groove arranged to provide an axis of projection for the liner at an angle A relative to the axis of symmetry. A method of cutting a structure is provided comprising the steps of providing the foregoing device, detonating the explosive charge to create a detonation wave; forming the liner into an formed projectile in the shape of an annular ring with the detonation wave; directing the formed projectile towards the structure; and forming an annular ring cut pattern in the structure with the formed projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Erick J. Sagebiel
  • Patent number: 8336461
    Abstract: Building on a modular construction of a hand grenade (10), the invention provides a module (1) that can be integrated in the hand grenade (10) and can be equipped with a hollow charge insert (3) in order to act as an armor-penetrating part. The module (1), including the hollow charge insert (3), can be fixed (mounted, screwed, clipped, etc.) at the bottom end of the hand grenade (10) and is attached to the armored element. In the simplest form, the hand grenade (10) is put down, in the case of side walls possibly hung on, and the hand grenade (10) is attached so that the hollow charge insert (3) can exert an adequate effect on the target medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Arges GmbH
    Inventor: Arnulf Reinmüller
  • Patent number: 8327925
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that comprise mixtures of barite and carbon fiber material and further may include steel and a binder. The compositions may be utilized for manufacturing perforator devices, including perforating guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Allan W. King
  • Publication number: 20120247358
    Abstract: Improved liners and explosive devices having improved liners are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a liner for an explosive device comprises a plate configured to be positioned against an explosive charge. The plate comprises rhenium, palladium, or a combination thereof, at least a bimodal particle size distribution having a powder grain size no greater than 25 microns, a substantially circular diameter, and a substantially concave interior relative to a surface of the explosive charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Sami Daoud, Thomas R. Berger, Michael J. Villeburn
  • Patent number: 8245770
    Abstract: By using reactive shaped charges to perforate failure prone formations, the present invention is able to keep formation sand in place and increase productivity. An efficient flow distribution is surprisingly produced without requiring surge flow or post-perforation stimulation. Further, using the secondary reactive effects of reactive shaped charges allows for the reduction of the risk of erosion and minimization of sand production. In a preferred embodiment, a liner capable of producing a strongly exothermic intermetallic reaction between liner components within and around the tunnel is used to achieve a high percentage of substantially clean and enlarged perforation tunnels conducive to flow or gravel packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Geodynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert George Bell, David S. Wesson, Nathan Garret Clark, John Thomas Hardesty
  • Patent number: 8240251
    Abstract: Embodiments of a reactive shaped charge, a reactive liner, and a method for penetrating a target are generally described herein. The reactive shaped charge comprises a reactive liner having a matrix of reactive metal particles in a hydrocarbon fuel, a high explosive, and an inner barrier separating the reactive liner from the high explosive. The hydrocarbon fuel fills the interstitial spacing between the reactive metal particles, and the matrix is tightly packed or compresses to exhibit a solid like property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jesse T. Waddell, Thomas H. Bootes, George Darryl Budy, Richard K. Polly, Jason M. Shire, Wayne Lee
  • Patent number: 8220394
    Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet. The composition may be selected from any known formulation which is suitable for use in an oil and gas well perforator, typically the composition will comprise at least one metal and at least one non-metal, wherein the non-metal is selected from a metal oxide, or any non-metal from Group III or Group IV or at least two metals such as to form an intermetallic reaction. Typically at least one of the metals in the invention may be selected from Al, Ce, Li, Mg, Mo, Ni, Nb, Pb, Pd, Ta, Ti, Zn or Zr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Raymond Bates, Brian Bourne
  • Patent number: 8191479
    Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. Further, the fusing system may include a shaped charge to control the ignition of the main explosive charge to control the amount of collateral damage when the bomb casing is filled with high explosives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Ruhlman, Blake K. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8166882
    Abstract: A shaped charge has a case defining a volume therein. A liner is located in the volume. An explosive is located between the case and the liner. The liner defines an interior volume and an opening thereto. The liner also has an apex portion that is distal from the opening. The liner has a first thick portion and a second thick portion. A thin portion is located between the first thick portion and the second thick portion in a direction extending from the apex portion along the liner toward the opening. The thin portion is thinner than the first thick portion and thinner than the second thick portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wenbo Yang
  • Patent number: 8161884
    Abstract: A selective fragmentation pattern of explosive material is applied to a surface of a munition. None, some, or all of the explosive material in the selective fragmentation pattern may be detonated, selectively stamping the surface of the munition with the detonated explosive material. The portion of the selective fragmentation pattern selected for ignition is determined by lethality requirements of a target of the munition. Upon detonation of the munition, fragments are formed based on the selected portion of the selective fragmentation pattern. Consequently, igniting all, some, or none of the selective fragmentation pattern may vary lethality of a munition and one munition may be used for a wide range of lethality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Victor Kokodis, George Sudol, Brian Fuchs, Amy Wilson
  • Patent number: 8156871
    Abstract: A liner for a shaped charge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of portions, where at least one portion is composed of powder materials. In one embodiment, the liner comprises two portions that are composed of different powder materials, while alternative embodiments of the liner comprise three portions or four portions. When the shaped charge is used in a perforating gun, reactive powder materials may be added to the plurality of portions of the liner to optimize the penetration or the enhancement of the perforating tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Behrmann, Wenbo Yang