With Igniting Means Patents (Class 102/499)
  • Patent number: 11927433
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blazek, Lee R. Hardt
  • Patent number: 11530907
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blazek, Lee R. Hardt
  • Patent number: 11519706
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blazek, Lee R. Hardt
  • Patent number: 11067376
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blazek, Lee R. Hardt
  • Patent number: 11047666
    Abstract: Embodiments employ venting features and damping components both inside and concentric to a fuzewell to improve munition fuze survivability. Damping components are selected based on their densities and stiffness properties. A shock damping liner with longitudinal grooves is affixed to an inner surface of the fuzewell and envelops the fuze. At least one shock damping collar constrains and attenuates shock experienced by the fuze. A shock damping ring is concentric about the outer surface of the fuzewell and attenuates shock between the outermost munition system layer (the casing) and the fuzewell. Longitudinal vents in the fuzewell wall and radial apertures oriented transverse to the longitudinal vents are used for off-gassing. The venting and component orientation combination provides increased damping, resulting in impedance mismatches across multiple interface surfaces in the munition, which reduces shock vibrational pressures and stresses transferred to the fuze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blazek, Lee R. Hardt
  • Patent number: 10082376
    Abstract: A projectile has a liner forming an interior void, and a core disposed in a first region of the void proximal to a trailing end portion of the liner, with a portion of the void disposed forward with respect to the core. An outer jacket covers a leading end portion of the liner to enclose the interior void. When the projectile impacts a target object, the core travels in a direction of flight through the leading end portion of the liner to impact the object. When the projectile impacts a target surface at a non-zero angle of approach with respect to the normal of the target surface, the projectile creates a deformation in the target surface immediately before the core travels through the leading end portion of the liner to impact the target. This deformation reduces the probability that the core will ricochet off the deformed portion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, James C. Copp, Kenneth Havens
  • Patent number: 9709368
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projectile device and a method of manufacture of a projectile device and in particular, to a pistol bullet and a rifle bullet and method of manufacture of same. In one embodiment, the projectile apparatus has a cylindrical body portion having a diameter, a front nose section tapering from a most proximal point of the projectile to the cylindrical body portion, and a rear tail section connected to the body portion and extending to the most distal point of the projectile, in which the front nose portion comprises a plurality of twisting depressions forming troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: G9 Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Mahnke
  • Patent number: 8661982
    Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20130199395
    Abstract: A stand-off breaching device, for breaching a target, that includes a nose at a front end which is a rounded cone-shape and configured to cause the stand-off breaching device to rebound from a target after the nose impacts the target, and a body connected to the nose and extending to a back end of the stand-off breaching device. The body includes a main explosive fill that is detonated and explodes to provide an explosive breaching force, and a delay detonator that detonates the main explosive fill and that is triggered when the nose impacts a target. The delay-detonator is configured to delay detonation of the main explosive fill until the stand-off breaching device has rebounded to a determined stand-off distance chosen to cause effective breaching of the target. The nose, body, and their components are fabricated from material that will be substantially consumed by the explosion, minimizing any fragments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: DYNAMIC SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Danny Joe FREW, Stephen Lance KINNEBREW
  • Publication number: 20130145952
    Abstract: Ammunition comprises, along a longitudinal axis, a fuse in the form of a tip, an ammunition body and a skirt, the ammunition body of cylindrical form with axis of revolution merged with the longitudinal axis, having, between a front end and a rear end, a circular cylindrical wall delimiting a loading compartment containing a pyrotechnic charge, the ammunition body being sealed at its front end by the fuse and at its rear end by the skirt attached to the ammunition body. The ammunition body includes, in the loading compartment, between its two ends, a central core having n fins each comprising at least one edge, in the axis of revolution, attached to the skirt, n being greater than or equal to 1, to separate the pyrotechnic charge into at least two portions on either side of a given fin Ei. Applications are to cannon or mortar type ammunition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TDA ARMEMENTS SAS
    Inventors: Patrick COHE, Bertrand DUBOIS, Pascal RONDET
  • Patent number: 8418624
    Abstract: An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Thomas McGarraugh, Barron Christopher Miller
  • Patent number: 8410413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a shell (1) for achieving variable firing range and effect when firing from a launcher, which shell (1) contains a firing charge (10), a rocket motor charge (6) with gas outlet (8), a rocket motor nozzle (9) and an active part (5). According to the invention, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that the shell (1) also contains a release mechanism (15) for releasing the rocket motor nozzle (9) from the rocket motor charge (6) after a time delay determined with regard to firing range and effect, and that the rocket motor charge (6) comprises a propellant which is detonable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
    Inventor: Nils Johansson
  • Patent number: 8371224
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively varying the yield of an explosive device is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a main charge that may selectively be consumed and/or detonated to achieve the selected yield ranging from about 0% to about 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Boswell, Gerardo Pangilinan, Von Whitley
  • Patent number: 8365671
    Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20120227613
    Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, IV, Filippo Bellomo, Daniel J. Martorana, Ryan A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8250986
    Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, IV, Filippo Bellomo, Daniel J. Martorana, Ryan A. McCoy
  • 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: 8234979
    Abstract: An apparatus for shock isolating an electronics package includes an outer member including an internal threaded portion and a transition member including an external threaded portion and a hollow inner portion that defines a cavity configured for receiving the electronics package. A layer of mechanically compliant shock isolation material is positioned between the inner thread portion of the outer member and the external thread portion of the transition member. The compliant shock isolation material encloses a front end and sidewalls of the transition member and is absent from its aft end to allow access to one end of the electronics package (e.g. to a connector). The internal threaded portion of the outer member and the external threaded portion of the transition member are compliantly engaged via a gap provided by the layer of compliant shock isolation material. In one embodiment the electronics package is a fuze assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Falabella, Gary A. Simpson, Jonathan Dwight Wehking
  • 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: 8181576
    Abstract: A projectile for safe standoff destruction of explosive devices. The projectile's casing encloses a chamber containing combustible material located opposite a roughened surface on the chamber. The combustible material is mounted so upon the projectile impacting the explosive device, the combustible material flies onto the roughened surface, heating the material by shear forces and igniting the material. This creates pressure bursting the chamber, injecting combustion gases into the explosive fill within the device, thereby igniting the fill locally at the impact, and along cracks in the fill. This arrangement prevents a coherent detonation wavefront from forming within the fill, and a slower burn of the fill, whereby a rifleman has little chance of receiving a concussive shock, or shrapnel, from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian T. Amato, Steven Kim, Gerald Laib, Carl Gotzmer
  • Patent number: 8037829
    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: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jesse T. Waddell, Thomas H. Bootes, George D. Budy, Richard K. Polly, Jason M. Shire, Wayne Lee
  • Publication number: 20110107936
    Abstract: The invention relates to an action device (1) designed for graduated explosive effect, especially intended to form part of a shell body (2) for firing from a gun barrel, which action device comprises at least two action parts (4, 5, 6) comprising fuel (10) and oxidizer (14), and an activation device (3) for activating the action parts (4, 5, 6), which activation device (3) comprises a detonator (23). The invention is characterized in that the fuel (10) and the oxidizer (14) of the action parts are stored separately up to activation of the action device (1), and in that the detonator (23) and the action parts (4, 5, 6) are designed for the initiation of one or more action parts (4, 5, 6), depending on the grade of explosive effect which is to be obtained. The invention also relates to a process for the said action advice (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mats Runemard
  • Patent number: 7891297
    Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Rohr
  • Publication number: 20100282115
    Abstract: A munition includes a casing, the casing formed at least in part from a material comprising (i) a meltable or phase-changing material, and (ii) an energetic material; an explosive payload contained within the casing; and a fuze arrangement, the fuze arrangement comprising a main fuze configured and arranged to ignite the high explosive, and at least one secondary fuze configured and arranged to cause the casing material to melt or undergo a phase change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Sheridan, George D. Hugus, Joseph G. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20100263566
    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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: James D. RUHLMAN, Blake K. THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20100192797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a warhead (10) for attacking particularly half-hard and/or soft targets, wherein the warhead comprises a splinter-forming casing (1) and an explosive material positioned in the casing (1). The warhead (10) further has a front plate (2) having a splinter formation, into which a distance sensor (3) is integrated. An igniter (5) for the explosive material and a stabilizing strap for adjusting perpendicular flight characteristics on the way to the target are located in the rear part of the warhead (10), wherein the initiation of the igniter (5) is determined by a property of the target to be attacked, namely, the parameter of a defined height from the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Seidel, Michael Schwenzer
  • Publication number: 20100192798
    Abstract: Embodiments of a buoyancy dissipater and method for deterring an errant vessel are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a volume of gas is generated from a propellant and diffused below a waterline of a vessel. The resulting gas bubble dissipates the buoyancy of the vessel providing a non-lethal deterring effect. The buoyancy dissipater includes a diffuser having radially-positioned diffusion ports to radially diffuse the gas generated by a gas generator below the waterline. In some embodiments, the radially-positioned diffusion ports comprise holes positioned radially around the diffuser to diffuse the gas around the buoyancy dissipater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James H. Dupont, William N. Patterson, Richard D. Loehr
  • Patent number: 7752975
    Abstract: A sympathetic detonation barrier for a munition includes a generally cylindrical polyethylene sleeve disposed over the munition. Preferably, the sleeve comprises HDPE. The sleeve may include vent openings in a side wall. In one embodiment, the sleeve extends from substantially a rear end of the munition to substantially a rear end of a fuze well of the munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Amin Yousef, Khawla Yousef, legal representative, Crane Robinson, Gould Gibbons, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100147178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a so-called fuze damping in projectiles, in particular with a built-in firing delay. The invention proposes a projectile (1) having a rear part (1a) and a fuze (2) , wherein at least one damping element (7) is inserted between a fuze base (5) and the projectile (1) and/or between a fuze shoulder (6) and a possible threaded ring (4) or similar attachment element. The damping element (7) is in the form of a disc, ring or pot, and is composed of a material with a lower acoustic impedance than the material of the projectile (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang HOFFMANN, Wolfgang SCHERGE, Mathias LENGNICK, Holger BRASE, Stefan KEIL, Torsten NIEMEYER
  • Patent number: 7493860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulkhead shield particularly of a projectile with a pyrotechnic charge, situated between the pyrotechnic portion and the command and control portion. The bulkhead shield comprises at least: one wall pierced by a duct; an end-cap consisting of a support portion and a portion engaged in the duct leaving a space between itself and the wall of the duct, the two portions being connected by a mechanical weakness zone; the support portion pressing on the wall, at the front, so that the engaged portion separates from the support portion under the effect of an external pressure to come into contact with the inner wall of the duct and close the space. The invention applies in particular to shells whose detonation is programmed a given delay after impact on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: TDA Armements S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Denis, Bruno Charles
  • Patent number: 7490555
    Abstract: A method of converting a cluster bomb having an expelling charge and submunitions into a unitary bomb, the method comprising: preparing the cluster bomb for the insertion of a shock wave destructive charge including removing the expelling charge; and inserting the shock wave destructive charge into the cluster bomb such that the destructive charge operatively contacts at least one submunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Israel Military Industry Ltd.
    Inventor: Isar Veksler
  • Patent number: 7475638
    Abstract: A training projectile includes at its head a hollow arched cavity or cap that defines a hollow cavity within the head of the training projectile, and that bursts when the projectile strikes a target. Into this cavity are placed a first chemically-inactive marking material and a second chemically-active marking material, whereby both marking materials are released upon bursting of the arched cavity. The first marking material creates, for example, a color effect by means of a colored powder; the second marking material produces a light effect by means of, for example, materials that interact to produce chemo-luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Haeselich
  • Patent number: 7451703
    Abstract: Apparatus for venting munitions exposed to high ambient temperatures. The munition includes a casing having a nose end and an opening in the nose end; a lifting plug disposed in the opening in the nose end, the lifting plug including a bore therethrough; and a seal disposed in the bore in the lifting plug, the seal comprising an ionomer. The munition may further include a fuze well disposed in the casing, the opening in the nose end leading into the fuze well; and a second seal disposed in the fuze well. The seals will rupture and vent the munition's explosive to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Shahram Dabiri
  • Patent number: 7114449
    Abstract: A method for producing a large-caliber, high-explosive projectile (1, 1?), and a projectile formed according the method, having a projectile casing (2, 2?) that surrounds a chamber (6, 6?) filled with an explosive charge (9, 9?), and that has a mouth (5, 5?) at its tip that can be sealed, and through which the explosive charge (9, 9?) is inserted into the chamber (6, 6?) of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). The explosive charge (9, 9?) is disposed in a plastic casing (8), comprised of an elastic material, inside the chamber of the high-explosive projectile (1, 1?). Additional tensioning means (11, 11?, 17, 17?) are provided to compensate for the varying volume of the explosive charge (9, 9?) relative to the projectile casing (2, 2?) if the temperature fluctuates dramatically and maintain the explosive charge (9, 9?) under a pre-stress, particularly when using a plastic bound explosive charge (9, 9?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst-Wilhelm Altenau
  • Patent number: 6889611
    Abstract: A smoke shell (10) which includes a shell casing (12), an ogive (14) fixed to the shell casing (12) and a base (22) releasably connected to the shell casing (12). The ogive (14) has a time fuse (18) operatively connected to an ejection charge (20). A number of smoke pots (26) are provided in the shell casing (12) adjoining each other and the base (22) and an ejection plate (28). An ignitor charge (30) is mounted to the ejection plate (28) in the proximity of the ejection charge (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Scherer, Josef Schneider, Gerald Rieger
  • Publication number: 20040134372
    Abstract: Described is a smoke shell (10) comprising a shell casing (12), an ogive (14) fixed to the shell casing (12) and a base (22) releasably connected to the shell casing (12). The ogive (14) has a time fuse (18) operatively connected to an ejection charge (20). A number of smoke pots (26) are provided in the shell casing (12) adjoining each other and the base (22) and an ejection plate (28). An igniter charge (30) is mounted to the ejection plate (28) in the proximity of the ejection charge (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Scherer, Josef Schneider, Gerald Rieger
  • Patent number: 6640719
    Abstract: A fuze explosive train device for detonating a munition that uses a stab firing pin within a pressure cartridge, with the stab firing pin located between a gas generator and a stab detonator. The firing pin is capable of transferring an energy from the gas generator into the stab detonator in a manner that initiates the stab detonator to a high order explosive reaction. A method of initiating a stab detonator using a stab firing pin also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gary A. Pacella, Barry D. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6622632
    Abstract: The present invention controls the polar ejection angle of fragments in a fragmenting warhead. The warhead's detonators are initiated non-simultaneously to produce corresponding detonation waves in the warhead's explosive material. The detonation waves interact to control the polar ejection angle of fragments formed when the warhead's casing ruptures. Specified times of detonation for each of the detonators can be selected/adjusted after the warhead is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy L. Spivak
  • Patent number: 6615737
    Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a safety igniter for a pyrotechnic munition component capable of being subjected to slow cook-off comprising a structure in the form of a casing and a solid pyrotechnic charge present in the structure. This safety igniter, which is composed solely of a block of solid pyrotechnic composition based on pentrite, is intended to bring about the combustion without detonation of the pyrotechnic charge when the munition component is subjected to slow cook-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SNPE
    Inventors: Alain Bonnel, Dominique Houdusse, Bruno Nouguez, Alain Tinet
  • Patent number: 6470806
    Abstract: A training device for simulating the action of stun grenades and the like is provided by combining a delay cartridge with a conversion fitting that installs in a grenade body. A firing assembly fitted to the grenade body over the delay cartridge is percussively initiated through release of a hammer to activate a primer located on the end of the cartridge. The cartridge contains a delay-burning compound that subsequently activates a pyrotechnic charge. A suitable application is for training in the use of flash/bang training devices or “stun” grenades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Murray
  • Patent number: 6408765
    Abstract: A breaching device for controlled blasting of an object at short range includes a blasting element including an explosive charge contained within a housing, the blasting element being configured to blast the object from a preset distance. Connected to, and extending from, the housing is a stand-off rod having a length equal to the preset distance. A pyrotechnic lead pellet is associated with the blasting element and with the stand-off rod so as to detonate the explosive charge upon impact of the stand-off rod with the object. A tail is provided for stabilizing the device during its flight to the object. The tail is connected to the blasting element through a “safe and arm” device and a safety connector configured to reduce shock forces acting on the tail resulting from detonation of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: State of Israel-Ministry of Defense Armament Development Authority-Rafael
    Inventors: Zvi Tauber, Joseph Teper
  • Patent number: 6332403
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a combustible case having a length dimension, a rearward end closed by a metal case bottom and a front end; a combustible propellant powder contained in the case; and an electrically insulated high-voltage electrode passing through the case bottom into the case. The electrode has an outer end situated externally of the case and is connectable to a current source and an inner end situated within the case. A current distributor is situated within the case and is electrically connected to the inner end of the electrode. At least three conductor wires are electrically connected to the current distributor and extend at least partially parallel to the length dimension within the case through the propellant powder. An electric contact arrangement is situated within the case in the front end thereof and is secured to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak, Wolfgang Scherge
  • Patent number: 6332402
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge with electric propellant ignition includes a case having a rearward end closed by a case bottom and a front end; a propellant powder charge contained in the case; a high-voltage electrode disposed at the case bottom and having an end situated within the case; at least three tubes composed of propellant powder and extending from the electrode end toward the front end of the case through the propellant powder charge; an electric conductor extending in each tube and having opposite first and second ends; and an electric contact arrangement situated within the case in the front end thereof. The electric contact arrangement is electrically connected to the second end of the conductors and has externally exposed contact locations connectable to an electrically conducting component externally of the case. The first end of each electric conductor is electrically connected to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs—und Entwicklungszentrum Unterlüss GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weise, Hans Karl Haak
  • Patent number: 6258316
    Abstract: A relatively high carbon, water-atomized, steel shot is softened via annealing to render it suitable for ballistic use. The annealing preferably includes decarburization from a surface layer or throughout and preferably provides the shot with a surface Knoop hardness of less than 250.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Morris C. Buenemann, Jr., Jack D. Dippold, Howard Muldrow, Peter W. Robinson, Brian Mravic
  • Patent number: 6244184
    Abstract: A fuze for a submunition grenade including an electric detonator and primary super quick apparatus for electrically initiating the electric detonator upon percussion. Preferably, the fuze also includes self-destruct apparatus for electrically initiating said electric detonator, after a period of time, when said primary apparatus fails to initiate said electric detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Israel Military Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Oded Tadmor
  • Patent number: 6135028
    Abstract: A penetrating, dual-mode warhead having soft target, surface burst mode and a hard target, penetrating mode is provided. The warhead has a cylindri outer fragmenting shell which contains an explosive surround. A long-rod penetrator with an explosive payload is located within the outer fragmenting shell. By arming selection prior to launch, the warhead can be configured for the surface burst mode which uses proximity sensor to initiate the outer shell explosive. The outer shell initiates the penetrator payload thereby detonating both explosives and fragmenting both the shell and penetrator casing. In the penetrating mode, the outer shell is stripped away on impact but is initiated just as the penetrator exits the shell. By this method the penetrator remains undamaged, but the outer shell nevertheless detonates to engage any surface targets. The penetrator continues into the hardened target, detonating on either a void sensor or on timing, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lucia D. Kuhns, Leonard T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5945629
    Abstract: A fuse-less ballistic explosive projectile (1) with a great fragmentation effect has a secondary explosive (50) with a special structure (75), the secondary explosive detonating upon impact. The secondary explosive (50) surrounds within a projectile cap (24) a conical projection (30) of a penetration core (18). Transmission of the firing effect from the secondary explosive (50) is effected through a central through bore (40) of the penetration core (18) to a large-volume bursting charge (60) arranged in a projectile body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Diehl Stiftung & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Schildknecht, Karl Rudolf, Hans Strauss
  • Patent number: 5939662
    Abstract: A hard-target penetrating warhead (10) adapted for use with length constrained warhead payload bays. The warhead (10) includes a warhead case (12) for containing warhead explosives (22, 27). A tungsten ballast (16) is disposed within the case (12) for providing a high warhead sectional pressure upon impact of the warhead (10) on a target. A fuse (19) detonates the warhead explosives (22, 27) upon penetration of the target. The fuse (19) is housed by a fuse well (18) that is attached to the case (12) at one end. A slip fit section of the fuse well (18) provides structural support to the case (12) and prevents dislodging of the fuse well (18) and the fuse (19) from the case (12) upon warhead target impact. Explosives blowout ports (24) included in the fuse well (18) inhibit undesirable explosion or detonation of the warhead explosives (22, 27) by accidental exposure to high heat or fire. In a specific embodiment, the case (12) has a 6 caliber radius head nose (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Bootes, Mel Castillo
  • Patent number: 5872326
    Abstract: Avalanches, such as snow avalanches, are triggered with an explosive char The charge is propelled into a potential avalanche slope and detonated therein. The explosive charge is first located in a tube which is closed at one end and which also houses a propelling charge with which the explosive charge is propelled from the tube into the avalanche slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Konrad Doppelmayr & Sohn Maschinenfabrik Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Manhart
  • Patent number: 5872324
    Abstract: A trimode fuze is provided which comprises a combination of a standard dual ode fuze with the addition of a void sensing mechanism. The modified fuze provides detonation of a warhead under three distinct scenarios: impact upon a hard target with detonation caused by the deformation of the warhead, displacing the hard target firing pin, penetration and continuous deceleration within a solid target with detonation caused by the expiration of a penetration delay timer, and penetration of a soft target with detonation caused by the transition from a target impact deceleration to the lower preset deceleration threshold.The first two modes of detonation are similar to those found in prior art dual mode fuzes. The third mode is brought about when target impact deceleration causes compression of a spring. As the spring compresses, steel balls slide out of a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Fred W. Watson, Jr, Steve N. Chan