Ammonium Nitrate Patents (Class 149/46)
  • Publication number: 20040020573
    Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a base emulsion phase which comprises a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidiser phase, wherein the viscosity of the base emulsion phase is less than 2000 cP (Brookfield viscosity #4 spindle at 50 rpm) at 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Martin Palmer
  • Publication number: 20040020574
    Abstract: A putty-like water-in-oil emulsion composition comprising a) an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising water and an inorganic salt, wherein a portion of the inorganic salt is present in aqueous solution and a portion is present in crystalline form, b) an organic phase comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and c) an associated mixture of an emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifying agent comprising at least one of hydroxy groups and amino groups; said emulsifying agent suitable for forming a water-in-oil emulsion, and an acylated hydrocarbon polymer, said hydrocarbon polymer having {overscore (M)}n ranging from about 2,000 to about 6,000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A Pollack
  • Publication number: 20040016480
    Abstract: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, contain a high energy substituted tetrazole or bitetrazole that forms a naturally occurring hydrate and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as a primary oxidizer. The combination results in gas generants that are relatively more stable and less explosive, have improved ignitability and burn rates, and generate more gas and less solids at lower operating pressures than known gas generant compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Graylon K. Williams, Sean P. Burns, Jeffrey W. Halpin, Paresh S. Khandhadia
  • Publication number: 20040016481
    Abstract: The manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner simultaneous to the filling of the shot holes, in a mixer, preferably a rotating mixer, wherein a water-based, non-explosive or low sensitivity matrix, an air bubble stabilizing agent, and optionally, an oxidant in granular form and a combustible material are mixed together. The nature of the water-based matrix, together with the use of an air bubble stabilizing agent, allows the incorporation of air during the mixing, regulating the density of the final product and acting on the variables of the process. On coming out of the mixer, the explosive is totally sensitized and has reached its final density, allowing for quality control before filling the shot hole. The process may be carried out on the explosives pumping truck, with compartments for the transportation of a water-based matrix, an oxidant in granular form, a combustible material and a gas bubble stabilizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Union Espanola de Explosivos, a Spanish Corporation
    Inventors: Fernando Beitia Gomez de Segura, Jose Ramon Quintana Angulo, Rafael Lanza Rivas
  • Patent number: 6669753
    Abstract: A method for desensitizing explosives illicitly manufactured from commercial fertilizers, preferably ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate prills are impregnated with microballoons which carry a desensitizing agent, preferably water. The microballoons are sufficiently small that they can be incorporated into the prills where they are not easily separated. Should the modified ammonium nitrate be used as a starting material for the manufacture of ANFO, the resulting ANFO exhibits a diminished explosive potential. The microballoons release their contents in response to a prompt shock wave which passes through the ANFO. The released water quenches the explosive reactions in AN/fuel compositions and curtails the explosive performance of the ANFO. Further, the microballoons are a benign additive having no adverse impact on the fertilizer itself, the plant material or the environment if it is instead used for its intended purpose as a fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: George P. Chambers, William H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6652682
    Abstract: The present invention is a propellant composition comprising from about 2 percent to about 46 percent, by weight, boron particles having a diameter of less than about 500 nanometers. Liquid or gel embodiments of the invention may also include adding the boron particles to a liquid fuel in order to form a liquid fuel system. Examples of such liquid fuels include ethyl ammonium nitrate (EAN), triethyl amine nitrate (TEAN), Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), trinitrotoluene (TNT), jet fuel formula (JP-10), kerosene, RJ-4, or other hydrocarbon based fuels. These liquid fuel systems can be part of bipropellants wherein the liquid fuel system is stored separately from an oxidizing agent and the two are mixed during operation. Examples of oxidizing agents may include nitrogen tetroxide, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ammonium perchlorate (HAP), hydoxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN), ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium dinitramide (ADN), or a combination of said chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawls, Joel P. Fields, Timothy J. Dunn, Douglas Elstrodt, Michael L. Hudson, Kerry L. Wagaman, Kenneth Kuo
  • Patent number: 6652683
    Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided which utilize elemental carbon and nitrous oxide in the gas generation or formation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, Matthew S. Johnson, David J. Green
  • Patent number: 6651565
    Abstract: A method capable of decreasing the amount of NOx generated by the combustion of a gas generating agent for an air bag. A method for reducing NOx generated by the combustion of a gas generating agent of an air bag by a reducing material placed inside an inflator and decreasing its amount. NH2 radical, or the like, is generated by the decomposition of the reducing material. The radical is allowed to react with NOx and a part of NOx is changed to the N2 gas. Thus, the amount of NOx is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Yamato, Masayuki Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20030209300
    Abstract: An explosive emulsion composition which includes two oxygen supplying salts and urea as a discontinuous phase, and a continuous water-immiscible organic phase which consists predominantly of iso-paraffinic oils and one or more emulsifying agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Muamer Meduselac, Richard Charles Scales
  • Patent number: 6641622
    Abstract: A process for preparing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate comprises the following steps. A solution of ammonium nitrate (12), a phase stabilizer (26), and an inert liquid (20) is prepared. The solution is atomized to form a stream of droplets. The droplets (54) are freeze dried to form phase stabilized ammonium nitrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Sampson, Peter J. Astrauskas
  • Publication number: 20030201041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based explosive having detonation properties similar to dynamite. It comprises an emulsion explosive formed by blending an emulsion phase with cast particles. The emulsion phase comprises a continuous organic liquid fuel phase, a discontinuous inorganic oxidizer solution phase and an emulsifier. The cast particles comprise a mixture of sodium perchlorate, water and diethylene glycol. The cast particles can be added to the emulsion phase before the particles are completely cured and thus before they reach final sensitivty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: DYNO NOBEL INC.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hales, Scott B. Preston, Jared R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6623574
    Abstract: A gas generating composition which is excellent in a combustion efficiency and a gas output and in which amounts of residues generated are reduced in the combustion is obtained. A gas generating composition comprising (a) 5 to 40% by weight of at least one high polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylic derivative resin, a polyacetal, a urea resin, a melamine resin, a ketone resin and a cellulose-based high polymer, and (b) 60 to 95% by weight of ammonium nitrate or phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate. It is suitable as a gas generating agent for an air bag of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianzhou Wu
  • Patent number: 6620266
    Abstract: Known gas generant compositions, absent elastomeric binders, are coated with silicone thereby providing a composition that exhibits enhanced moisture protection, ballistic performance, combustion properties, and gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Graylon K. Williams, Sean P. Burns, Paresh S. Khandhadia
  • Patent number: 6617064
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Mark A. Petrie, Jeffrey C. Bottaro, Robert J. Schmitt, Paul E. Penwell, David C. Bomberger
  • Patent number: 6605233
    Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of producing a gas. The gas is produced by combusting a mixture of a fuel selected from the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, 5 amino-tetrazole, 5 nitro-uracil, guanidine salt of 5 nitro-uracil, and mixtures thereof, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, and a cupric oxalate hemi-hydrate coolant. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and the low-solids gas generating composition produces no more than about 0.082 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Talley Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Knowlton, Christopher P. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20030145925
    Abstract: This invention relates to dispersant compositions, comprising a Mannich adduct as emulsifier in a water in oil emulsion, from a) a hydroxyaromatic compound with hydrocarbon substituent(s) of formula (I) (R1)nAr(OH)x, where R1=a hydrocarbon, chosen from a straight or branched-chain C6-C400alkyl, C6-C400alkenyl, C6-C400alkenylaryl, or C6-C400alkylaryl group; Ar=a mono- or multi-nuclear, optionally substituted aromatic ring; n=1, 2 or 3; and x=1 to 5; b) formaldehyde, an oligomer or polymer thereof; and c) a nitrogen compound, chosen from an amine and ammonia, comprising at least one primary or secondary amino function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Arend Jouke Kingma, Arno Lange, Hans Peter Rath
  • Patent number: 6602365
    Abstract: Gas generant compositions are provided which compositions react to produce nitrogen gas and which compositions include at least one complex of guanylurea nitrate with at least one metal element having an atomic number of 21-30 and 39-50 and sufficient oxidizer such that, upon combustion reaction initiation of the gas generating composition, reaction products including a quantity of nitrogen gas are produced. Also, related methods of making a gas generating composition and associate methods of gas generation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan V. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20030140995
    Abstract: A method of preparing a gassed water-in-oil emulsion explosives composition from a gasser solution of an inorganic nitrate, an ammonium species and an optional accelerator which is added to an emulsion explosive composition, reacts and forms gas bubbles is disclosed. The emulsion explosive composition is composed of a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier. The reaction between the gasser solution and the emulsion explosive composition is such that the emulsifier does not undergo chemical attack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Helen O'Hara, David Stow, David Edwin Yates
  • Patent number: 6592691
    Abstract: Gas generant compositions and methods of gas generation are provided whereby desired gas generation can be realized without requiring the presence and use a charge or coating of an associated igniter composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Taylor, Ivan V. Mendenhall, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 6588797
    Abstract: An apparatus (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises an oxidizer and a fuel. The oxidizer is an inorganic salt and the fuel is a tetrazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6572833
    Abstract: A process for the production of ammonium nitrate bodies in particulate form wherein an ammonium nitrate/water liquid mixture containing at least 92% and preferably at most 97.5% by weight ammonium nitrate, optionally with a proportion of the ammonium nitrate substituted by alkali- and/or alkaline earth metal nitrate, and a small amount of poly-styrene sulphonate crystal-habit modifier is sprayed as droplets into an atmosphere in which cooling effects crystallization of the ammonium nitrate and which the crystallized particles are dried to remove moisture, wherein the liquid mixture also contains ammonium sulphate, the concentration of poly-styrene sulphonate in the liquid mixture being at least 0.01%, preferably in the range 0.02 to 0.06%, by weight, and the concentration of ammonium sulphate in the liquid mixture being greater than that of the poly-styrene suphonate and at least 0.04%, preferably in the range 0.06 to 0.15%, by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: John Cooper, Michael Brues, Noel Hsu, Ronald O. Peddie
  • Patent number: 6554927
    Abstract: An improved method of explosively bonding a first metal to a second metal with an explosive composition comprising a base explosive in admixture with an inert particulate material, the improvement wherein the diluent comprises an inert material having a mean particle size selected from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, a hardness value of not less than 4 mohs, and a plurality of faces and edges. The explosive composition allows for a sustainable detonation value of less than 1800 m/s, preferably less than 1200 m/s to reduce or prevent the formation of interface waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sigmabond Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Hardwick
  • Patent number: 6539870
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method of blasting whereby the formation of nitrogen oxide after-blast fumes is reduced. This helps satisfy the need for better fume characteristics in blasting. The method reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides in after-blast fumes resulting from the detonation of a blasting agent in a borehole. The method comprises formulating the blasting agent to contain from about 1% to about 20% silicon powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Granholm
  • Patent number: 6527886
    Abstract: A gas-generant-molded-article for air bags which is prepared by molding a gas generant composition into a cylindrical form containing an opening hole, wherein the relationship between the linear burning velocity r (mm/second) of said gas generant composition under a pressure of 70 kgf/cm2 and a thickness W (mm) of said molded article falls within a range represented by 0.005≦W/(2·r)≦0.3, with the linear burning velocity preferably falling within a range of from 1 to 12.5 mm/second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo Yamato, Norimasa Hirata, Takeshi Takahori, Takushi Yokoyama, Naoki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6521063
    Abstract: Tactical missile propellant formulations are inherently sensitive to impact and friction stimuli. The impact and friction insensitivity of some tactical propellant formulations is improved significantly when internal conductive polymers PERCOL®292, (copolymer of a quaternary acrylate salt and acrylamide, Allied Colloids, Inc.) and VERSICON®, (Polyaniline)(Emeraldine salt), green/black powder, Monsanto Company) are added to the formulation. These two conductive polymers were evaluated in a high performance propellant formulation containing the same ingredients now being used in fielded tactical missiles. The impact and friction insensitivity of propellants containing these conductive polymers was improved thirty and sixty six percent, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Larry C. Warren, Darren M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030029346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the energy of an emulsion blasting agent as it is being loaded into a borehole and to an improved method of perimeter blasting wherein an energy reducing agent is added to and mixed uniformly throughout an emulsion blasting agent as it is being pumped or conveyed into a perimeter borehole to reduce the energy of the blasting agent to a desired level. In addition, by adding varying amount of gassing agents, the density and sensitivity of the emulsion blasting agent also can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: DYNO NOBEL INC.
    Inventors: Kerry S. Atkinson, John B. Halander
  • Patent number: 6516840
    Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition consisting of A) an oxygen-donating constituent, which forms a disperse phase, B) an organic constituent, which forms a dispersion phase, and C) at least one emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier includes a copolymer comprising, in random or regular order, structural units derived from maleic anhydride and from one or more olefins having more than 40 carbon atoms, where the structural units derived from maleic anhydride have been modified by reaction with alcohols, aminoalcohols, ammonia or amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Klug, Ralf Bender
  • Publication number: 20030024619
    Abstract: The invention provides explosive emulsion compositions which include polymers of conjugated dienes and/or aryl-substituted olefins which have been hydrogenated, functionalized, and optionally modified. The explosive emulsion compositions include a copolymer of two different conjugated dienes. The polymers may be selectively hydrogenated to produce polymers which have highly controlled amounts of unsaturation, permitting highly selective functionalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Smith Coolbaugh, Halou Oumar Mahamat
  • Patent number: 6514361
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing an explosive emulsion. The method comprises first preparing an oil phase containing a hydrocarbyl-substituted anhydride, and preparing an aqueous phase containing an hydroxy amine, and preferably an oxidizer salt. The two phases are then mixed sufficiently to create a water-in-oil emulsion, with the anhydride and amine reacting at the interface of the two phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Borden
  • Publication number: 20030019552
    Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component wherein said oxygen supplying component comprises at least 50% by weight of prilled agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, b) an organic phase, comprising at least one organic fuel and c) an emulsifying amount of an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group substituted succinic emulsifier composition, said succinic emulsifier composition having at least one of succinic ester groups, succinic amide groups, succinic imine groups, succinic ester-amide and succinimide groups, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of said groups is substituted with an aminoalkyl group, wherein the aliphatic hydrocarbon based group contains from about 18 up to about 500 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Pollack, John J. Mullay, Brian B. Filippini
  • Patent number: 6505562
    Abstract: A gas generating composition for air bags to be used as occupant crash protection systems in automobiles, which is less toxic or dangerous, can be easily handled, has a high combustion efficiency and a high gas generation efficiency, produces few residue during combustion, can be safely manufactured and exhibits a high molding strength in the molding step; and a molded article thereof. The invention provides a gas generating composition containing (a) a fuel comprising at least one polymer compound selected from polyacrylic polymer compounds, polyacetal, urea resins, melamine resins, ketone resins and cellulose-based polymer compounds; (b) an oxidizing agent selected from ammonium nitrate and phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate; and (c) at least one combustion accelerator selected from oxyacid salts such as metal nitrates, metal nitrites, perchlorates and chlorates; a molded article thereof; and an inflator for air bags with the use of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianzhou Wu
  • Patent number: 6478904
    Abstract: An emulsifier comprising at least one ester of a polyhydric composition and a mono-or poly-basic organic acid, the polyhydric composition preferably comprising a sorbitol and/or sorbitan derivative and the acid PIBSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sasol Chemical Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Nicolaas Venter, Francois Kruger
  • Patent number: 6475312
    Abstract: Preferred gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of 5-aminotetrazole nitrate and an oxidizer. The oxidizer may be selected from a group including nonmetal and metal nitrates, nitrites, chlorates, chlorites, perchlorates, and oxides. 5-aminotetrazole nitrate is characterized as an oxygen-rich fuel and is therefore considered to be a self-deflagrating fuel. To tailor the oxygen balance in certain applications, however, the use of an oxidizer is preferred. Methods of formulating the compositions are also described. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags and actuating seatbelt pretensioners in passenger-restraint devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Burns, Paresh S. Khandhadia
  • Patent number: 6468369
    Abstract: There is provided a gas generating composition for an air bag which improves combustion behavior and enhances handling safety, generates a large amount of generating gas on combustion, reduces amount generated of mist, and can downsize and reduce weight of a gas generator itself. The gas generating composition for an air bag comprises (a) a guanidine derivative compound, (b) a phase stabilized ammonium nitrate and (c) a silicon compound acting as a pressure exponent controller or a detonation suppressing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Xingxi Zhou
  • Publication number: 20020148543
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for gas generation via a water-supplying compound and a water-reactive fuel precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, David J. Green, Ivan V. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20020148544
    Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided which utilize elemental carbon and nitrous oxide in the gas generation or formation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, Matthew S. Johnson, David J. Green
  • Publication number: 20020124917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-in-oil explosive emulsion comprised of a continuous oil phase; a discontinuous aqueous phase containing a functional component and an emulsifying amount of a hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride or ester or another derivation of said acid or anhydride; where the pH of the aqueous phase has been adjusted to a pH of at least 6.0 by the addition of a base other than the functional component. It has been discovered that the adjustment of the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH of at least 6.0 results in a considerably stable emulsion, even when the hydrocarbyl-substituted emulsifier is not aminated. A further stabilization of the emulsion can be accomplished through the use of sensitizing agents such as microspheres in order to ease handling and repumping of the explosive emulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Craig Borden
  • Publication number: 20020121321
    Abstract: A gas-generating composition having superior gasification rate, appropriate combustion rate, and suppressed carbon monoxide generation. The gas-generating composition includes ammonium nitrate, metal oxyacid salt, ammonium perchlorate, and combusting component. A basic combustion residue derived from the metal oxyacid salt is neutralized by hydrogen chloride derived from the ammonium perchlorate, thereby substantially neutralizing combustion residue of the gas-generating composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: NOF Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Takayama, Kazuya Serizawa, Katsuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6436211
    Abstract: A method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate is provided wherein a transition metal ammine carbonate is reacted with nitric acid in the presence of water to form a corresponding reaction mixture. A spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation is formed including at least a gas generating fuel and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable. The precursor is subsequently spray dried to form a gas generant powder. The method may also include a relatively mild heat treatment of the dried material, either as a part of the spray drying or subsequent to such spray drying. A phase stabilized ammonium nitrate and a corresponding method of making the same wherein ammonium nitrate is stabilized through the presence of a stabilizing metal diammine dinitrate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Mendenhall, Robert G. Smith, Robert D. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020108687
    Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Klug, Ralf Bender
  • Publication number: 20020096235
    Abstract: A process for preparing free-flowing, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate comprises the following steps. A solution of ammonium nitrate (12), a surfactant (13), a phase stabilizer (26), and an inert liquid (20) is prepared. The solution is atomized to form a stream of droplets. The droplets are freeze-dried to form agglomerates (54) of crystals of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate. The crystals of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate in the agglomerates are coated with a film comprising the surfactant. The agglomerates are disintegrated into separated free-flowing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate in the agglomerates crystals coated with a film comprising the surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6416599
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating agent for an air bag including a fuel component of nitrogenous organic compound and an oxidizing agent as its major components, to which at least one metal nitride or metal carbide that is allowed to react with a metallic component contained in the fuel component or the oxidizing agent to form slag is added, thus providing the effects of: solving the slag collecting problem which stands in the way of commercially practicing the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels; promoting the size reduction of the gas generator through the full use of high rate of gasification of the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels; and providing a gas generating agent molded member which is strong and stable with age by improving heat resistant properties and formability of the nitrogenous organic compound base fuels which are poor compared with the metallic compound azide of an inorganic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignees: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki-Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Eiichiro Yoshikawa, Ryo Minoguchi, Akihiko Kuroiwa, Takeshi Kanda, Kenjiro Ikeda, Makoto Iwasaki, Akihiko Tanaka, Eishi Sato, Dairi Kubo, Kaoru Masuda, Moriyoshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 6398888
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to hardening ammonium nitrate by combining ammonium nitrate with a functionally active polymer. The functionally active polymer may be combined with ammonium nitrate by itself as a shell or in intermixed with the ammonium nitrate. The invention is found useful in hardening ammonium nitrate for use in explosives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: ICI Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay
  • Patent number: 6383318
    Abstract: Gas generant compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in a relatively high burning rate and low burning rate pressure exponent, while also desirably providing a high gas output, as compared to normal or typical gas generant formulations such as used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Taylor, Ivan V. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6368432
    Abstract: A gas generating composition for generating gas by a combustion reaction to inflate, for example, an airbag. The gas generating composition includes an oxidant and crystalline carbon powder that reacts with the oxidant. The oxidant is preferably ammonium nitrate. The crystalline carbon powder is preferably activated carbon powder. The gas generating composition preferably includes a high energy substance, binder and plasticizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: NOF Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Serizawa, Katsuhiko Takahashi, Kenji Nakamichi
  • Patent number: 6368552
    Abstract: A water treating agent which has a high safety and is to be used for preventing corrosion and scale formation in the feed water lines and steam generation system and for preventing corrosion in the steam condensate lines in plants, boilers and steam generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukimasa Shimura, Shiro Taya
  • Patent number: 6364975
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an age-stabilized and/or strengthened ammonium nitrate propellant composition wherein the strengthening agent is selected from the group consisting of azodicarbonamide, dicyandiamide, oxamide and mixtures thereof and wherein the age-stabilizing agent is a molecular sieve having a pore size of 13 angstroms or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Propulsion Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Fleming, Hugh J. McSpadden, Donald E. Olander
  • Patent number: 6361630
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) and a gas generating composition which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16). The gas generating composition comprises a non-azide nitrogen containing organic fuel, an inorganic salt oxidizer, and a metal organic coolant selected from the group consisting of alkali metal formates, alkaline earth metal formates, alkali metal oxalates, and alkaline earth metal oxalates. The amount of metal organic coolant in the gas generating composition is a cooling amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Abdel K. Helmy, Tracy N. Michon
  • Publication number: 20020007885
    Abstract: A gas generating composition for generating gas by a combustion reaction to inflate, for example, an airbag. The gas generating composition includes an oxidant and crystalline carbon powder that reacts with the oxidant. The oxidant is preferably ammonium nitrate. The crystalline carbon powder is preferably activated carbon powder. The gas generating composition preferably includes a high energy substance, binder and plasticizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: KAZUYA SERIZAWA, KATSUHIKO TAKAHASHI, KENJI NAKAMICHI
  • Patent number: 6340401
    Abstract: An improved thermally stable, storage stable gas generating composition characterized by both an increased burning rate and a decreased pressure exponent for producing a clean, nontoxic, substantially ash- and solids-free gas for inflating inflatable structures such as vehicle airbags is provided. Optimum combustion efficiencies and operating pressures are achieved in the improved gas generating composition by adding an effective amount of a copper or copper compound catalyst to a gas generating composition that is preferably a eutectic mixture or solid solution of ammonium nitrate, at least one highly oxygenated fuel, potassium or cesium perchlorate or nitrate and an optional binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Wheatley, James D. Martin, Robert D. Lynch