Containing Free Metal Or Free Carbon Patents (Class 149/108.2)
  • Patent number: 11002117
    Abstract: A method can include forming a mixture of an explosive and a thermally conductive material; disposing at least a portion of the mixture in a chamber of a capsule; and at least partially sealing the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Skyler
  • Patent number: 10370247
    Abstract: A method for forming a contact to a layer of one or more molecular components that comprises depositing one or more nanoparticles on the layer of one or more molecular components. Each of at least a portion of the one or more nanoparticles bond with each of at least a portion of the one or more molecular components. When there is more than one nanoparticle, each of at least a portion of the one and more nanoparticles cross-link with at least one other of the one or more nanoparticles. The bonded and cross-linked nanoparticles form both a mechanical and electrical contact for the layer of molecular components. The contact may further act as protection and sealing layers to preserve the chemical integrity at ambient operation conditions and/or enable mass and ionic exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel Loertscher, Marcel Mayor, Gabriel Fernando Puebla Hellman
  • Patent number: 10336661
    Abstract: An energetic nanocomposite includes fuel nanoparticles and oxidizer nanoparticles covalently bonded to negatively charged functionalized graphene sheets. A preferred example includes Al fuel nanoparticles and Bi2O3 nanoparticles. A preferred method of formation mixes a solution of positively charged fuel nanoparticles, positively charged oxidizer nanoparticles, and negatively charged functionalized graphene sheets having functional groups to bond with the positively charged fuel nanoparticles and positively charged oxidizer nanoparticles. Self-assembly of the energetic nanocomposite is permitted over a predetermined time via the attraction and aggregation of the positively charged fuel nanoparticles positively charged oxidizer nanoparticles and negatively charged functionalized graphene sheets. Additional methods and nanocomposites include unfunctionalized graphene sheets, which can be commercial grade sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Stephen W. Chung, Rajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Clay Stephen Staley, Keshab Gangopadhyay, Kristofer Emile Raymond
  • Patent number: 10184327
    Abstract: A capsule can include a shell that defines at least a portion of a chamber; and a mixture of an explosive and a thermally conductive material disposed in the chamber. A method can include forming a mixture of an explosive and a thermally conductive material; disposing at least a portion of the mixture in a chamber of a capsule; and at least partially sealing the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Skyler
  • Patent number: 10059637
    Abstract: An in-situ process for synthesizing highly pyrophoric foam materials using metal and carbon precursors wherein the precursors serve as foaming and activating agents to disperse and lock nano-sized metal particles within a rigid porous carbon matrix. The resulting carbon matrix is also pyrophoric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Kendall C. Mills, Lauren A. Morris, Christopher D. Haines
  • Patent number: 9938203
    Abstract: A novel pyrotechnic composition comprising nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide and oxidizer such as potassium nitrate wherein the crystalline boron phosphide is synthesized by a self-propagating high-temperature reaction. The nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide and oxidizer pyrotechnic composition unexpectedly emits smoke and green flame upon ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Anthony P. Shaw, Jason Brusnahan, Jay C. Poret, Lauren A. Morris, Christopher D. Haines, Zhaohua Luan
  • Patent number: 9919274
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) immobilized membranes for harvesting pure water from air include CNTs incorporated into a layer of super-absorbing polymer. The super-absorbing polymer may be cast over a porous substrate. The super-absorbing polymer binds strongly to water and generates water clusters while the CNTs are operable to interrupt the specific water-polymer and water-water interactions to generate more free water which permeates more easily through the membrane. Methods of forming the CNT immobilized membranes are provided. The CNT immobilized membranes disclosed herein exhibit improved water vapor extraction efficiency, water vapor removal and mass transfer coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Somenath Mitra, Sagar Roy
  • Patent number: 9856181
    Abstract: The present invention is a red-light-emitting composition based upon a potassium periodate oxidizer formulation, which is useful as the illuminant in the US military's M662 40 mm red star parachute projectile, and which composition is composed of readily commercially available ingredients—ingredients that are environmentally friendly. Further, the subject inventive potassium periodate formulation provides significant enhanced illumination and safety versus the current military M662 illuminant which is based upon potassium perchlorate oxidizer formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jesse J. Sabatini, Jared D. Moretti
  • Patent number: 9828304
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are pyrophoric composite materials comprising nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles dispersed in a ceramic matrix for use as aerial decoys. The composite material is prepared using tape casting methods to produce a thin film. The iron precursor in the film is then activated by reduction under a hydrogen atmosphere. The composite nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles and ceramic material is an improvement over current pyrophoric decoys as it eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and the need for a substrate to support the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christopher Haines, Kendall Mills, Juan Patino, Zac Doorenbos, Jan Puszynski
  • Patent number: 9664017
    Abstract: In situ generation of hydrogen fluoride or other reactive fluoride species can sometimes be beneficial during an acidizing operation, particularly when it is desired to limit the presence of a carrier fluid that may be present. Methods for acidizing a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a non-HF fluoride compound, the non-HF fluoride compound being a gas at standard temperature and pressure and that is free of boron; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; transforming the non-HF fluoride compound into a reactive fluoride species; and etching a surface in the subterranean formation with the reactive fluoride species, the surface comprising a siliceous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Antonio Reyes, Aaron Michael Beuterbaugh, Alyssa Lynn Smith
  • Patent number: 9573856
    Abstract: A micro-explosive material is provided. The micro-explosive material can include a carbon nanotube and a solid oxidizer attached to the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube with the solid oxidizer attached thereto is operable to burn per an exothermic chemical reaction between the carbon nanotube and the solid oxidizer such that a controlled burn and/or an explosive burn is provided. The micro-explosive material can be used as a heat generator, a gas generator, a micro-thruster, a primer for use with a larger explosive material, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Luke M. Currano, Madan Dubey, Ronald G. Polcawich
  • Patent number: 9416636
    Abstract: A hydraulic cutting tool, a system, and a method are for hydraulic cutting through a pipe wall of a pipe body. For this purpose, the cutting tool is provided with at least one cutting section comprising at least one fluid discharge body. Each such fluid discharge body comprises at least two outwardly directed discharge openings having non-parallel discharge directions directed at a common intersection point located outside the fluid discharge body. The cutting is carried out by means of an abrasive fluid being supplied, via a flow-through pipe string, to the at least one fluid discharge body from a remote location. Thereby, abrasive cutting jets will discharge at high velocity from the fluid discharge body so as to meet and disperse in the intersection point, thus weakening the further cutting ability of the cutting jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Well Technology AS
    Inventors: Morten Myhre, Arne Gunnar Larsen, Roy Inge Jensen, Patrick Andersen, Erlend Engelsgjerd, Markus Iuell, Arnt Olav Dahl, Nils Rune Haga, Arnold Ostvold
  • Patent number: 9139486
    Abstract: Method for decommissioning a body containing explosive material includes opening the body containing explosive material in a secured and/or currentless state, and cutting individual bodies along a cutting plane into at least two parts in a liquid by one or more cutting processes to expose the main charge carriers intact in the respective individual bodies for removal without destruction. Method further includes removing main charge carrier essentially intact while still in the liquid from the individual bodies, and transferring the main charge carrier to a container, structured and arranged to store each individual main charge carrier free from contact with other main charge carriers, and which includes a material that is absorbent for liquids. Method further includes feeding the container with the main charge carriers to an incineration process and grinding all of the other parts of the individual bodies in a grinding process to produce ground material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SPREEWERK LUEBBEN GMBH
    Inventors: Gert Von Wickede, Ernst Kschamer, Gerd Gude, Frank Petzsch
  • Publication number: 20140360635
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a composite fragmenting material having exothermic properties includes the steps of packing a mold with preformed metal fragments; filling interstitial spaces surrounding the metal fragments with a reactive metal powder to form a mixture; and then sintering the mixture at a temperature effective to both coat the metal fragments with the reactive metal powder and to bond the metal fragments together. In one embodiment the composite fragmenting material is formed into a nosecone for a warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Alven
  • Patent number: 8778105
    Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Yury Gogotsi, Valarie Pelletier, Farhad Forohar, Magdy Bichay
  • Patent number: 8728429
    Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of manufacturing electrically conductive nanodiamond particles involves providing at least one type of carbon-containing explosive material and at least one type of non-explosive material; wherein the non-explosive material contains at least one or more than one element or species other than nitrogen that serve as a nanodiamond dopant; mixing the carbon containing explosive material with the non-explosive material; detonating the mixture under conditions of negative oxygen balance in the presence of a cooling medium; purifying the product of detonation from incombustible impurities; and carrying out additional processing for activation or enhancement of electrical conductance. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: International Technology Center
    Inventor: Olga Shenderova
  • Patent number: 8721813
    Abstract: Bimetallic alloys prepared in a ball milling process, such as iron nickel (FeNi), iron palladium (FePd), and magnesium palladium (MgPd) provide in situ catalyst system for remediating and degrading nitro explosive compounds. Specifically, munitions, such as, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX), nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine that have become contaminants in groundwater, soil, and other structures are treated on site to remediate explosive contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Clausen, III, Cherie Geiger, Michael Sigman, Rebecca Fidler
  • Patent number: 8685187
    Abstract: Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chenghua Han, Hongfa Huang
  • Patent number: 8652346
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishing aerosol composition for common electric apparatuses is disclosed, which includes oxidant, combustible, adhesive and additive. The composition of the present invention is characterized in that the oxidant is the mixture of the potassium salt and the strontium salt, in which the content of the potassium salt oxidant is more than or equal to 15 mass % to less than 20 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than 48 mass % to less than or equal to 52 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the mean particle diameter of all components is less than or equal to 50 ?m. After quenching the fire in a space with the heavy current electric apparatus, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the insulation resistance of the common electric apparatus is ranged from 20M? to 100M?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shaanxi J&R Fire Fighting Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hongbao Guo, Zanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8623156
    Abstract: An improved method for the production of pyrophoric materials which does not employ hot NaOH and produces pyrophoric materials on various types of ceramic, metal, nanomaterial substrates. The method impregnates the substrate materials with pyrophoric iron or other materials resulting in materials that are “tunable” with respect to its pyrophoric output as determined by its temperature, rise time sustenance etc through selective variation of particle size, morphology, and diluents or reactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army, South Dakota Board of Regents
    Inventors: Christopher Haines, Deepak Kapoor, Jan Puszynski, Rajesh Shende, Zac Doorenbos, Lori Groven
  • Patent number: 8608879
    Abstract: The present invention is a flare illuminant composition, useful in hand-held signals, which composition is environmentally friendly and economical, containing a commercially available, aromatic, high energy, amine-based organic compound, 5-aminotetrazole, in place of the conventional and toxic KClO4, or, for the known alternative to KClO4, expensive, strontium bis-(1-methyl-5-nitriminotetrazolate)monohydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jesse J. Sabatini, Gary Chen, Amita Nagori, Reddy Damavarapu
  • Patent number: 8585839
    Abstract: A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kelvin T. Higa
  • Patent number: 8585841
    Abstract: Systems and methods for chemoremediation or mechanical destruction of undetonated explosive materials. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity to a chemical reagent selected for its chemoremediative properties. A barrier is interposed between the explosive material and the chemical reagent to delay the chemoremediation of the explosive material. Alternatively a water expandable material may be incorporated into the explosive material, whereby upon exposure to moisture the water absorbing material will expand sufficiently to fragment the explosive material into initiation insensitive particles. Initiation insensitivity is achieved by incorporation of water, which acts as a desensitizing agent as well as fragmenting the explosive material into particles sufficiently small that they are below the critical diameter for explosive initiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: MaxamCorp Holding S.L.
    Inventors: Carl Hermanus Lubbe, Delana Harris, José Manuel Botija González, Fernando María Beitia Gómez De Segura
  • Patent number: 8580054
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a melt-castable energetic material comprises at least one of: 3,5-bis(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DNFO), and 3-(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-5-(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (ANFO). In another embodiment, a method for forming a melt-castable energetic material includes reacting 3,5-bis(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DAFO) with oxygen or an oxygen-containing compound to form a mixture of at least: DNFO, and ANFO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Philip F. Pagoria, Mao X. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8568541
    Abstract: A reactive material that includes at least one of a fuel, an oxidizer, and a class 1.1 explosive and is formulated for use in a reactive material projectile. The reactive material is formulated to provide at least one of an overpressure of greater than approximately 9 pounds per square inch at a radial measurement of 12 inches from a point of impact on a target, a hole greater than approximately 2 square inches at an optimum penetration level in a target, and pressure, damage, and a flame when the reactive material bullet impacts a target. The fuel may be a metal, a fusible metal alloy, an organic fuel, or mixtures thereof. The oxidizer may be an inorganic oxidizer, sulfur, a fluoropolymer, or mixtures thereof. A reactive material projectile having the reactive material disposed therein is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Nielson, Benjamin N. Ashcroft, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 8551268
    Abstract: Improved electric primer compositions, structures, and methods that are compatible with existing munitions and in particular an exemplary electric primer composition including carbon nanotubes along with energetic primer mixture(s) and an exemplary primer structure including layers of energetic materials wherein a layer exhibiting the most energetic character is positioned proximate to a primer button. Alternative embodiments include both conductive and non-conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Rao Yalamanchili, John Hirlinger, Christopher Csernica
  • Patent number: 8545646
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-density rocket propellant and associated recoilless launching systems and methods with tungsten powder added providing substantial mass to the propellant for additional impulse, absorption of sound, optimization of back blast and carry weight, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-density rocket propellant includes tungsten mass percentages of between about 70%-about 80%, equivalent to about 17%-about 26% by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Randolph T. Johnson, Paul G. Wallman, Diana O. Bragunier, Stephen N. Stiles
  • Patent number: 8518196
    Abstract: A missile includes a pyrotechnic charge. The missile is constructed in such a way that the pyrotechnic charge is made to burn deflagratively when the missile is used correctly. The pyrotechnic charge includes a mixture containing at least one metal or a metal alloy as a fuel and at least one metal oxide as an oxidizing agent. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that they can react with one another by burning. The mixture is compressed to a density of at least 85% of a theoretical density of the mixture, and the fuel, the oxidizing agent and a quantitative ratio between the fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that a density of the mixture is at least 6 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Arno Hahma
  • Patent number: 8512490
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for making homogeneous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A method of the invention forms a metal oxide nanostructure via a sol-gel process with surfactant templating. Metal nanoparticles are introduced into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Daniel Tappmeyer, Andrey Bezmelnystin, Rajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Rajesh Shende, Bhushan Mehendale, Steve Apperson, Sved Barizuddin, Keshab Gangopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20130206290
    Abstract: A micro-explosive material is provided. The micro-explosive material can include a carbon nanotube and a solid oxidizer attached to the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube with the solid oxidizer attached thereto is operable to burn per an exothermic chemical reaction between the carbon nanotube and the solid oxidizer such that a controlled burn and/or an explosive burn is provided. The micro-explosive material can be used as a heat generator, a gas generator, a micro-thruster, a primer for use with a larger explosive material, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Luke M. Currano, Madan Dubey, Ronald G. Polcawich
  • Patent number: 8506920
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and formulation for the creation of a diamond-carbon bearing material of varying particle sizes. The material is a detonation by-product of explosive formulations that employ carbon dioxide as the oxidizing agent and a material, such as powdered magnesium, as the fuel for such detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Daren Normand Swanson
  • Patent number: 8465608
    Abstract: A method for forming a metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) includes providing a vacuum level of <10?8 torr base pressure in a deposition chamber. A first layer of a first material of a metal that is reactive with water vapor is deposited, followed by depositing a second layer of a second material of a metal oxide on the first layer. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction to form at least one product, and the first and second layer are in sufficiently close physical proximity so that upon initiation of the exothermic reaction the reaction develops into a self initiating chemical reaction. An interfacial region averaging <1 nm thick is formed between the first layer and second layer from a reaction of the first material with water vapor. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Coffey, Edward Alan Dein, Bo Yao
  • Patent number: 8414718
    Abstract: An energetic material composition includes a reducing material and an oxide of phosphorus. The reducing material includes a reducing metal and, in an optional hydride form, auto disperses products of the reaction by the formation of a gaseous product. The composition can be included in a cavity of a warhead. A method of neutralizing a targeted species and a method of reducing structural integrity of civil engineering structures by reacting the composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Edward W. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8409378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lead- and barium-free ignition charge which does not contain any oxidant, and its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ruag Ammotec GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Bley, Rainer Hagel, Aleksej Hoschenko, Peter Simon Lechner, Frank Mönius
  • Patent number: 8409377
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Eric D. Steffler, W. David Swank
  • Publication number: 20130025749
    Abstract: A gas generating pyrotechnic composition that in addition to a primary fuel component and a primary oxidizer component includes critical relative amounts of elemental carbon and cupric oxide. Also provided are associated methods for producing an inflation gas for an occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. LUND
  • Patent number: 8361258
    Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Ashcroft, Daniel B. Nielson, Daniel W. Doll
  • Patent number: 8317951
    Abstract: The micro gas generator employs a liquid propellant, e.g. 50% to 60% by weight hydroxyl ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer, 16% to 22% triethyl ammonium nitrate as fuel, 21% to 28% water as a diluent to provide stability and 1% to 3% additives. The liquid propellant is housed in a can mounted in sealed relation on a retainer in which an initiator is also mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Island Pyrochemical Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Amnon Parizat
  • Patent number: 8298358
    Abstract: A metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) and methods for forming the same includes a first material and a second material having an interfacial region therebetween. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction with one another to form at least one product and are in sufficiently close physical proximity to one another so that upon initiation the exothermic reaction develops into a self initiating reaction. At least one of said first and second materials include a metal that is reactive with water vapor at room temperature. The interfacial region averages <2 nm thick, such as <1 nm thick. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Coffey, Edward Dein, Bo Yao
  • Publication number: 20120255457
    Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Hugus, Edward W. Sheridan, George W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8282751
    Abstract: A sensitized explosive that comprises an explosive precipitated onto a sensitizer. The explosive is CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof and the sensitizer is aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. The sensitized explosive is used in a percussion primer that includes a bismuth compound and a melt binder. The bismuth compound is bismuth oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof and the melt binder is a wax having a melting point above ambient temperature, trinitrotoluene, poly(3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane), poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane), ethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoate, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer are also disclosed. Methods of forming the sensitized explosive and the percussion primer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. Johnston, Kirstin F. Warner, Reed J. Blau, Scott K. Lusk
  • Patent number: 8277583
    Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce red smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert G. Shortridge, Christina M. Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8277585
    Abstract: Improved electric primer compositions, structures, and methods that are compatible with existing munitions and in particular an exemplary electric primer composition including carbon nanotubes along with energetic primer mixture(s) and an exemplary primer structure including layers of energetic materials wherein a layer exhibiting the most energetic character is positioned proximate to a primer button. Alternative embodiments include both conductive and non-conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Rao Yalamanchili, John Hirlinger, Christopher Csernica
  • Publication number: 20120234196
    Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of a rocket motor and fuel system thereof and, in particular to a new and useful Viscous Liquid Monopropellant (VLM) rocket motor containing a liquid propellant that is pumped into the combustion chamber, atomised and then ignited. The atomisation step significantly increases the surface area of the propellant, delivering faster burn rates and smoother combustion. VLM is a non-Newtonian fluid containing both oxidisers and fuels. These monopropellants are comprised of a variety of liquid and solid components, mixed together to form a homogenous fluid, although heterogeneous in composition. The solid constituents are retained within the liquid phase by dispersion, suspension, bonding or chemical emulsification techniques, so as when a motive force is applied to the propellant, all the constituents are also transported, and held in correct proportion whilst doing so.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Beck, Adam Michael Berry
  • Patent number: 8257523
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making thermite compositions. The process includes providing a fuel-based slurry and at least one oxidizer-based slurry, formulating combination of fuel-based slurry and oxidizer-based slurry in a solvent to a desired energetic dose depending on nanocomposites' use, circulating the fuel-based slurry/oxidizer-based slurry combination in a mixing device operating semi-continuously during mixing and dispensing cycles forming a homogeneous mixed slurry, agitating ultrasonically or by high shear rate mixers the mixed slurry, and drying of the mixed slurry forming compact structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jan A. Puszynski, Jacek J. Swiatkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8257520
    Abstract: An ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. An ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes at least one metal fuel portion having an ordered array of nanopores; and an oxidizer in the nanopores. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes forming an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and depositing an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes forming an ordered array of nanopores in at least one metal fuel portion; and depositing an oxidizer in the nanopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander E. Gash, Thomas Yong-Jin Han, Donald J. Sirbuly
  • Patent number: 8241443
    Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, James R. Horning
  • Patent number: 8231748
    Abstract: A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kelvin T. Higa
  • Patent number: 8231801
    Abstract: A fire-extinguishing aerosol for precision electric appliance is disclosed, which includes oxidant, flammable agent, adhesive and additive. The composition of the present invention is characterized in that the oxidant is the mixture of the potassium salt and the strontium salt, in which the content of the potassium salt oxidant is more than or equal to 5 mass % to less than 15 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than 52 mass % to less than or equal to 60 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the particle average diameter of all components is less than 50 ?m. After quenching the fire in the space in which the precision electric appliance is installed, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the dielectric resistance of the precision electric appliance is more than or equal to 100 M?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shaanxi J&R Fire Fighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongbao Guo, Zanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8206522
    Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Sandstrom, Aaron A Quinn, Jack Erickson