Abstract: A Powder Dispersal Target Impact Indication System (PDS) includes a body configured to contain a powdered substance for dispersing into air external to the body on impact of a target by a firearm projectile. A mounting structure is used to mount the body to the target. A securing cap is configured to retain the powdered substance within the body. A dispersal aperture is configured to disperse the powdered substance.

Abstract: Explosive compositions for use in high temperature, reactive ground, or both, are disclosed. The explosive compositions can include an emulsion with a continuous organic fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizer phase. The oxidizer phase can include one or more Group I or Group II nitrates.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide munitions that are optimized for both performance and safety. According to various embodiments of the invention, primers are provided having reduced sensitivity by using less sensitive ingredients. The primer formulations according to embodiments of the invention provide primers that are insensitive to stimulants that tend to cause inappropriate ignition of main propelling charges.

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.

Abstract: A flash powder formulation for use in flash grenades that produces reduced smoke containing from about 10 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of zirconium hydride, from about 40 percent by weight to about 90 percent by weight CAN, and from zero percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of a binder material.

Abstract: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.

Abstract: A flash powder formulation for use in flash grenades that produces reduced smoke containing from about 10 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of zirconium hydride, from about 40 percent by weight to about 90 percent by weight CAN, and from zero percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of a binder material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-treated oxidizing agent for gas generating compositions which is obtained by mixing ammonium nitrate with an inorganic compound having as an element one or two or more metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn and Ti and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment, and a gas generating composition containing the same. This invention provides a gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate, which can be safely produced, does not change in density with phase transition, and has sufficient combustibility.

Abstract: A perchlorate-free solid pyrotechnic flash bang composition is disclosed, which comprises an oxidizer component selected from the group comprising potassium nitrate, strontium nitrate, and basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof, a metallic fuel component selected from the group comprising aluminum, magnesium, magnesium-aluminum alloys, silicon, zirconium, and combinations thereof, and a non-metallic fuel component comprising sulfur. The flash bang pyrotechnic composition may also further comprise a ballistic accelerant component, a pH stabilizer, and a free flow/anti-caking component.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is lead- and barium-free propellant charges with primary explosives mixed with oxygen-supplying substances, characterized in that the primary explosives are selected from alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salts of dinitrobenzofuroxanes and the oxygen-supplying substances are chosen from metal peroxides, nitrates of ammonium, guanidine, aminoguanidine, triaminoguanidine, dicyanodiamidine, and the elements sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, cerium, and/or multivalent metal oxides. The propellant charges according to the invention exhibit increased stability with respect to known propellant charges that are free of harmful substances.

Abstract: An exothermal feeder mass is described, containing aluminum and magnesium, at least one oxidizing agent, a SiO2-containing filler, and an alkali silicate as the binder; it is characterized in that it contains roughly 2.5 to 20% by weight of a reactive aluminum oxide with a specific surface of at least roughly 0.5 m2/g and an average particle diameter (d50) from roughly 0.5 to 8 microns and is essentially free of fluoride-containing fluxes.

Abstract: A binary exploding target package, a process of forming an exploding target from the contents of the binary exploding target package, and the exploding target formed therefrom. The binary exploding target package includes a first, target container and a second container. An oxidizer composition is contained within one of the containers and a catalyst composition is contained within the other container. An exploding target is formed by mixing the oxidizer and catalyst compositions, and introducing the mixture into the target container to form an exploding target just prior to using the exploding target as a target for a shooting exercise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for preparing stabilized &agr;-AlH3 and &agr;′-AlH3, compositions containing these alane polymorphs, e.g., energetic compositions such as rocket propellants, and methods for using the novel polymorphs as chemical reducing agents, polymerization catalysts, and as a hydrogen source in fuel cells and batteries. The method produces stabilized alane by treating &agr;-AlH3 with an acidic solution that optionally contains a stabilizing agent such as an electron donor, an electron acceptor, or a compound which coordinates the Al3+ ion.

Abstract: A non-toxic heavy-metal-free priming mix and a method of forming same, designed especially for industrial shotshells and other shotshells having abnormally heavy charges of propellant in an effort to qualify for heavy duty assignments such as the need to break up cement which has set up within a cement kiln and impedes the operation of the kiln. The mix is characterized by the inclusion of a secondary highly shock-sensitive explosive, PETN, in unusually large amounts such as 13-17% by weight of the mix as well as equally large amounts of powdered aluminum, as a fuel. This combination, supported by potassium nitrate and ferric oxide as primary and secondary oxidizers, respectively, proves to be highly effective. Each of the components, namely DDNP, PETN, tetracene, glass, powdered aluminum, potassium nitrate, ferric oxide, and gum tragacanth is non-toxic and heavy-metal-free.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer and gas heater composition for vehicle occupant restraint systems (commonly known as “airbags”) contains a non-azide fuel, an oxidizer and a metal. The ignition enhancer composition provides reliable and consistent ignition of a main propellant composition to produce a sufficient amount of gas to inflate an attached airbag within ten to eighty milliseconds or successfully heat the stored gas in a hybrid system. In a preferred embodiment, the enhancer composition contains 5-aminotetrazole, strontium nitrate, boron nitride, mica or clay and aluminum.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer mix including both bismuth sulfide and potassium nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a non-toxic primer mix comprising zinc sulfide and aluminum nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer mix is disposed. Bismuth and zinc sulfide act as fuels for the oxidizers of potassium and aluminum nitrate in providing an ignition flame for the primer. The non-toxic primer mix further contains a lead-free explosive material, and additionally can include added fuels, sensitizers, explosives and binders.

Abstract: Disclosed are propellants such as may be used in solid rocket motors. In one preferred embodiment, the propellant comprises one high energy propellant composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of fuel and oxidizer having a predetermined fuel/oxidizer ratio, wherein individual fuel particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of oxidizer, and a low energy propellant comprising a fuel and oxidizer. The amounts of the two propellants are present in amounts which achieve a preselected burn rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer and gas heater composition for vehicle occupant restraint systems (commonly known as “airbags”) contains a non-azide fuel, an oxidizer and a metal. The ignition enhancer composition provides reliable and consistent ignition of a main propellant composition to produce a sufficient amount of gas to inflate an attached airbag within ten to eighty milliseconds or successfully heat the stored gas in a hybrid system. In a preferred embodiment, the enhancer composition contains 5-aminotetrazole, strontium nitrate, boron nitride, mica or clay and aluminum.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosive compositions comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula  and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5  (III)  wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone; and optionally a sensitizer.

Abstract: A gas generant for an air, which is improved in the defects of gas generants using sodium azide in a practical use and has stable combustion capability. And a molecular compound comprising (a) a gas generant component, (b) an oxidant component and (c) a reaction accelerator component, preferably represented by the composition formula (I).M.mX.nY (I)[wherein, M is Al Mg, Ca, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Co, Sr, Ni and another metal components; X is a nitrogen-containing compound having 0 or 1 carbon atom; Y is an anion such as NO.sub.3 and ClO; m is a number of 1 to 3; and n is a number 2 to 3].

Abstract: Igniter compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in relatively little particulate material, as compared to typical igniter compositions used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag system that includes a gas generant, which is improved in the defects of gas generants using sodium azide in a practical use and has stable combustion capability. A molecular compound comprising (a) a gas generant component, (b) an oxidant component and (c) a reaction accelerator component, preferably represented by the composition formula (I).M.mX.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, particularly for inflating devices such as air bag inflators, includes an effective amount of an exploded aluminum powder to both increase the burning rate and lower the composition's pressure exponent.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a gas generating composition of a gas generator for an air bag, which composition produces less combustion residues and is easily adsorbed. This composition comprises azide of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, metallic silicide, and perchlorate or nitrate of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. The combustion residues of the azide are changed to be glass silicate by the metallic silicide and caught by a filter of the gas generator, so that they do not pass through the filter of the gas generator nor make holes in the air bag unlike a conventional gas generator. And, the addition of silicon dioxide further improves the catching of the combustion residues of the azide.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture for use in tracer rounds of projectiles to increase sibility under high speed conditions when viewed through laser hardened optics, comprising, in percentages by weight, an admixture of 20% to 40% magnesium, 10% to 30% strontium nitrate, 3% to 8% sodium nitrate, 3% to 20% barium peroxide and 1% to 5% viton. Additional ingredients that increase the pyrotechnic effectiveness are 0% to 5% aluminum, 0% to 15% potassium perchlorate, 0% to 5% manganese dioxide, 0% to 10% iron oxide as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0% to 15% potassium nitrate, 0% to 10% Teflon and 0% to 1% ethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A nontoxic primer mix for use in a percussive primer, especially of the Boxer type which principally comprises diazodinitrophenol and boron. The composition may also contain calcium carbonate or strontium nitrate as an oxidizer, a nitrate ester as a fuel, and tetrazene as a secondary explosive.

Abstract: A method for improving the disperion of particulate materials in intermollar explosive compositions which comprises dry blending at least one fuel compound and at least one oxidizer compound, a viscosity modifier and a dispersable particulate material, melt blending the resulting dry blend, and thereafter casting the melt into a suitable form, casing or mold. The viscosity modifier suitable for use in the invention is a cationic salt of carboxymethylcellulose ether. The viscosity modifier is added in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired melt viscosity.

Abstract: Emulsifiers are disclosed which comprise the reaction product of component (I) with component (II). Component (I) comprises the reaction product of certain carboxylic acids or anhydrides, or ester or amide derivatives thereof, with ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali and/or at least one alkaline-earth metal. Component (II) comprises certain phosphorus-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorus-containing acids, the metal being selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, zinc, cadmium, aluminum, tin, lead, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These emulsifiers are useful in water-in-oil explosive emulsions.

Abstract: Propellant grain consisting essentially of:A. from about 50% to about 75% by weight of an oxidizer consisting essentially of ammonium nitrate;B. from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a cured polymeric binder;C. from 0% to about 30% by weight of a nitrate ester plasticizer;D. from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight of boron in free elemental form; andE. from 0% to about 3% by weight of aluminum metal.The grain has a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.30 at a combustion pressure between about 2500 and about 7000 pounds per square inch (between about 1700 and about 4800 N/cm.sup.2). Also, an uncured pourable slurry having the formula stated above, except that the binder is uncured. Also, a method for forming a propellant grain having the formula stated above, comprising the steps of providing the uncured pourable slurry defined above, pouring the slurry into a casing, and curing the slurry in situ to form a cured propellant grain having a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.

Abstract: A blasting agent is disclosed for use in a borehole having a pressure resistant closure. The blasting agent is used in combination with a primary initiating system comprised of a detonator and an initiator for the detonator. The blasting agent is preferably a semi-fluid explosive material having a predetermined sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the borehole diameter and the initiating system's strength, wherein the blasting agent upon initiation is transformed into explosive products by means of reaction front which consumes substantially all the blasting agent as the reaction front passes through the blasting agent. The reaction front has an average velocity of propagation of between 200 meters/second and 1,000 meters/second for at least 30% of the total length of blasting agent located in the borehole. Another aspect of the invention is a method of blasting wherein the average velocity of propagation of the explosive front in the blasting agent is in a range of between 200 m/sec and 1,000 m/sec.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric proportion of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide, preferably selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to said grain from a water slurry and dried, and when dried has an average particle size of less than about 50 microns.

Abstract: An explosive composition having a combination of a principal explosive, which is relatively insensitive to initiation of detonation, two mesh fractions of a sensitizing explosive which is relatively sensitive to initiation of detonation, a critical diameter additive which lowers the critical diameter of the composition, and a binder, demonstrates the ability to achieve steady-state detonation after deliberate initiation of detonation. The composition is further characterized by low sensitivity to accidental detonation by external influences, and favorable mechanical and processability properties.A method of making an explosive composition of this type by adjusting the amount of critical diameter additive and testing the composition is also described.

Abstract: A tracer composition with a relatively high luminous output and a moderate burn rate includes from 35 to 47% by weight magnesium; from 40 to 53% by weight strontium nitrate, from 2 to 10% by weight magnesium carbonate, from 0 to 6% by weight color intensifier; from 0 to 6% by weight retardant and from 3 to 8% by weight of a synthetic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of (i) a terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene and (ii) a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture for producing a smoke screen includes a reduction agent comprising a light metal, at least one oxidation agent comprising potassium nitrate, combustion moderators including at least one carbonate and a nitrogen producing compound and at least one sublimable or evaporatable, smoke generating, nontoxic additive.

Abstract: An excellent water in oil type emulsion explosive having both of a superior handling property and a good aging initiating sensitivity at low temperatures and at small calibers, is provided by using a specific low molecular weight polyethylene as the carbonaceous fuel in the emulsion explosive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry mix explosive composition which includes a bulking agent which comprises from 1-20% (by weight) of a vegetable protein additive, the bulking agent having a bulk density of 0.1-0.6 grams per cubic centimeter. It is preferred that the resulting explosive composition have a bulk density of from 0.5-1.1 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A combustible delay barrier for providing a delay to intrusion into an object. The delay barrier comprises a combustible layer containing a source of fuel such as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The combustible layer of the delay barrier is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extingushing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: A nitrogen-generating composition useful for inflating air bags to protection for occupants of motor vehicles is disclosed which is composed of a stable nitride resistant to high temperatures and an inorganic oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: Low alloy steel tubes are decarburized, heavily diffusion chromized and heavily diffusion aluminized to protect them against sulfidation. For the diffusion they can be supported upright with one end on layer of diffusion-coating pack on floor of a retort. Surface portions that are to be welded are covered with masking layer that prevents diffusion coating, or with inert layer that reduces the amount of coating. Diffusion aluminizing can also be applied to foils and powder to make pyrophoric product after leaching out much of the introduced aluminum. Powder can also be diffusion boronized. Pyrophoric boron-containing iron or nickel powder mixed with Ba(NO.sub.3).sub.2 will ignite to cause generation of large quantity of NO.sub.2 gas, and generation is improved when powdered boron and/or oxidizer like NaClO.sub.3 is added.

Abstract: Sensitized inorganic nitrate mixtures with high brisance are provided in which oxygen balance is attained by the incorporation of aluminum dust and hydrocarbons. Cap sensitivity is achieved by adding an organic nitrate. The resultant mixtures have a low tendency to sweat and cause headaches.

Abstract: A melt castable explosive composition not based on TNT is disclosed which consists essentially of about 10 to 20 weight percent of a matrix material having a melting temperature of about 60.degree. to 100.degree. C., up to about 0.5 weight percent of an emulsifying agent and up to about 20 weight percent aluminum powder, balance high explosive. The matrix material is ozokerite wax, ozokerite modified with carnauba wax, or a waxy polyethylene.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat form from blended metallic powder including a major constituent by weight having a high melting point and a minor constituent by weiht having a substantially lower melting point includes selection of the powder to provide continuous and reproducible compacted flat forms. Powder is selected on the basis of compressibility and flowability. The selected powder is compacted to a flat green form and then liquid phase sintered. The flat form may be stacked to provide a flat article of a desired thickness which will result in a monolithic or composite cross section when subsequently sintered. Liquid phase sintering is carried out in a manner designed to avoid undesirable embrittlement and to provide a uniform microstructure in the fully consolidated article. The process is especially useful in the production of tungsten heavy alloy plate.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of particulate material, for example a combustible silicon-containing material in particular mixed with titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted for forming an infra-red radiating screen.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material, charcoal, or other reducing agent and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted to form an infra-red radiating screen. The carbon reduces oxidation of the combustible material prior to emission.