Explosives, Propellants Or Pyrotechnics, E.g., Rocket Fuel, Napalm (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 588/403)
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Publication number: 20140323792Abstract: A system and method for desensitizing an explosive material using a vacuum vessel having an enclosed volume. The explosive material is placed in the enclosed volume of the vacuum vessel, and immersed in a desensitizing liquid also in the enclosed volume. The pressure in the enclosed volume is reduced with respect to atmospheric pressure conditions to at least partially saturate the explosive material with the desensitizing liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: MP ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventors: Thaine R. MORRIS, David J. PIER
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Patent number: 8871991Abstract: A method of stabilizing a fuel containing a reactive sodium metal may include puncturing a cladding of a fuel pin enclosing the fuel containing the reactive sodium metal to form an injection passage and an extraction passage. A reaction gas may be injected into the fuel pin through the injection passage to react with the reactive sodium metal to form a stable sodium compound. A ratio of a product gas and a remaining quantity of the reaction gas exiting the fuel pin through the extraction passage is subsequently measured, wherein the product gas is a reaction product of the reaction gas and the reactive sodium metal within the fuel pin. Once the measured ratio indicates that a reaction between the reaction gas and the reactive sodium metal is complete, the injection passage and the extraction passage are sealed so as to confine the stable sodium compound within the fuel pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Eric P. Loewen, Brian S. Triplett, Brett J. Dooies
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Patent number: 8865961Abstract: Nitrocellulose propellants and plasticized military munitions, equipment, or contaminated soil are placed in a suitable container. A first option consists of adding a strong base to plasticized munitions in a container or militarization/demilitarization equipment or soil containing plasticized munitions or nitrocellulose propellant; adding an organic solvent; and then adding water to mixture. Alternatively, a second option consists of adding organic co-solvent to plasticized munitions in a container or soil containing plasticized munitions or solid nitrocellulose propellant. A strong base is added to mixture and allowed to react. When the reaction stops or is completed, a sulfur based bulk reductant is added to degrade all nitro and amino compounds. The organic solvent is evaporated and recovered for reuse and water is added to the container to make up for the evaporated organic solvent. If pH is higher than 8.5, a suitable acid is added to drop the pH to near neutral.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Inventor: Valentine Asongu Nzengung
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Patent number: 8754284Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deactivating an explosive composition in order to render the composition safe. The present invention also relates to a cartridge that contains an explosive composition and that is adapted to achieve deactivation of the explosive composition in the event that it is not detonated as intended during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty LtdInventors: Richard Goodridge, Deane Tunaley, Steve Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff, Thomas Smylie
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Patent number: 8695263Abstract: An explosive assembly adapted to destruction of artillery and other large ordnance shells; said explosive assembly comprising a pair of hollow half shells; each of said half shells formed with an internal cavity conforming to at least a portion of external surfaces of an ordnance shell to be destroyed.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Applied Explosives Technology Pty LimitedInventor: Christopher Charles John Murray
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Patent number: 8671814Abstract: A blast treatment method capable of performing blast treatment of a treatment subject with a simple structure, with high efficiency, and at low cost, while inhibiting scattering of harmful substances or the like to the outside. The method includes: inside disposing an inside explosive for blasting a treatment subject around the treatment subject; disposing an outside explosive having a detonation velocity greater than that of the inside explosive at a position outside the inside explosive; and detonating the outside explosive using an initiation device, and initiating the inside explosive by detonation of the outside explosive, thereby performing blast treatment of the treatment subject by initiation of the inside explosive.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventors: Shuzo Fujiwara, Mitsuaki Iida, Takehiro Matsunaga, Kenji Koide, Ryusuke Kitamura
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Patent number: 8618347Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition provided in an explosive cartridge, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a deactivating agent that renders the explosive composition insensitive to detonation, wherein the deactivating agent is a plant.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Inventors: Thomas Smylie, Richard John Goodridge, Deane Tunaley, Steven Kotsonis, Les Armstrong, Brad Beikoff
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Publication number: 20130345488Abstract: The present Treatment System (10) addresses destruction of general nitrogen based organic (plastic) explosives in wastewater discharge applications and potential recovery of quantities of explosives otherwise lost to the environment. The Invention (10) addresses the problem of such explosive matter entering the environment in one aspect of the invention by treating a wastestream or aqueous substance from a plant containing such matter by a process including selective filtration (16), reverse osmosis (18), crystallization (20) and continuous retained biological treatment (12) to recover a maximum amount of explosive material from the wastestream or aqueous substance, containing organic nitrate explosive matter and related materials prior to discharge to the environment, or for the purposes of recycle, burning or food for the continuously retained biological subsystem when utilized in the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Dennis A. Brunsell, Charles E. Jensen, Larry E. Beets
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Patent number: 8512216Abstract: A method for filling a container with hazardous waste includes moving the container to a first location where a filling head adds the hazardous waste to the container, vents air from the container, and mixes the hazardous waste in the container. A lid is coupled to the container while it is at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Energysolutions, LLCInventors: Gordon Crawford, David Skeath, Gary Buss
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Patent number: 8468945Abstract: A blast treatment method enables easy and safe blast treatment of ammunition having propellant provided with a warhead having a bursting charge and a propulsion unit having a propellant.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Koide, Ryusuke Kitamura, Nakaba Tsutsui
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Patent number: 8464624Abstract: A blast treatment method and an apparatus, which can perform the blast treatment of a treatment subject by using and securely initiating a blasting explosive having fluidity. The blast treatment method includes: a blasting preparation operation of housing a blasting explosive having fluidity in a container and placing the blasting explosive around a treatment subject as well as attaching an initiation device to the container; a housing operation of housing the container, the blasting explosive, and the treatment subject in a chamber; a decompression operation of decompressing the inside of the chamber; and a blasting operation of initiating the blasting explosive and blasting the treatment subject with the blasting explosive. In the decompression operation, the inside of the chamber is decompressed while a gas vent portion regulates the escape of the blasting explosive to the outside of the container and permits the escape of gases in the container to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Asahina, Kenji Koide, Takashi Gotou, Hideaki Shimoda, Ryusuke Kitamura, Nakaba Tsutsui
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Publication number: 20120259149Abstract: A method of demilitarizing an energetic is disclosed. The method comprises indirectly heating the energetic in a chamber to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the energetic to at least partially decompose the energetic and substantially preclude combustion of the energetic such that the indirect heating produces a decomposition gas, and separating at least a portion of the decomposition gas from the chamber. The method may further comprise monitoring the decomposition gas and/or passing the separated decomposition gas through an air abatement system. The method may further comprise adjusting at least one of the following: the indirect heating of the energetic, the separating of the decomposition gas, the air abatement system, and a residence time of the energetic in the chamber. The energetic may be a bulk energetic.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: U.S. DEMIL, LLCInventors: David J. KAUTZ, Lawrence R. CULP, Mark B. MITSKOVSKI
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Patent number: 8278495Abstract: A chemical warfare (CW) agent decontamination system and method for decontaminated surfaces contaminated by CW agents. The system includes both solid particles and liquid solution in admixture such that the solid particles absorb the liquid decontamination material. The method of decontaminating surfaces contaminated with CW agents includes contacting the CW agent with a sufficient amount of a solid-particle sorbent for a sufficient time and under conditions which are sufficient to produce a reaction product having less toxicity than the CW agent. CW agents to be decontaminated include the nerve agents VX and G-type agents, and mustard agent HD. The system is non-toxic and has a reduced environmental impact as compared to the previously available decontamination systems and solutions.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Daniel Waysbort, William R. Creasy, H. Dupont Durst, David J. McGarvey
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Patent number: 8242324Abstract: A method of scrubbing mercury compounds and nitrogen oxides from a gas stream employing a scrubbing operation. The method involves the contact of the stream which contains mercury, SOx and NOx compounds with a sorbent to remove at least a portion of the latter compounds. This results in a partially cleaned stream. The method further involves contacting the latter stream with an oxidant to oxidize and remove substantially all residual nitrogen oxides, mercury and mercury compounds remaining in the stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Airborne International Holdings LLCInventor: Dennis W. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120198987Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for purging an airlock cavity created between the airlock access door and the primary explosion chamber opening sealing mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airlock device is used to ensure that, in the event toxins are released from the primary explosion chamber opening sealing means, the toxins are properly handled and are not inadvertently released into the atmosphere. In one embodiment, negative pressure is used to vacuum the entrained air within the airlock cavity subsequent to an explosion. To facilitate the sweeping and exhausting of the cavity, an orifice in the access door may be operable to allow the flow of ambient air through the airlock access door.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: John L. Donovan, Jay M. Quimby, McRea B. Willmert
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Patent number: 8234964Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical devices and methods allowing the safe removal of heavy, difficult to handle fragments from an explosive destruction system (EDS).Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Paul C. Wynne, Dale Michael McClellan, Brad R. Branson, Joe T. Green
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Patent number: 8178743Abstract: A method for remediating hazardous materials susceptible to nucleophillic attack is disclosed wherein sodium hydroxide is applied to a treatment zone in situ for raising the pH of the treatment zone to at least about 12.5 so that alkaline hydrolysis effectively breaks down the hazardous substance by replacing a leaving group with a nucleophile. The method is well suited for in situ use in the vadose zone to treat contaminated soil and groundwater.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Tetra Tech, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Britto, Madhukant Patel, Mikael L. Spangberg, Richard W. Arnseth, Franklin R. Bogle
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Patent number: 8178744Abstract: A method and apparatus for the demilitarization of ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated tubular ammunition conveying chamber having a wall, an inlet opening, and a discharge opening; a heater in thermal communication with the elongated tubular chamber; and a first discharge barrier obstructing at least a first portion of the discharge opening of the elongated tubular chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: U.S. Demil LLCInventors: David J. Kautz, Lawrence R. Culp, Mark B. Mitskovski
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Patent number: 8153855Abstract: The object is to rapidly clean-up an off-gas generated by blasting in a pressure vessel to such a level as to permit the exhaust of the off-gas. An object to be blasted is blasted in a pressure vessel to generate an off-gas, which is introduced into a combustion furnace to burning a combustible component contained in the off-gas. The off-gas after the burning in a reservoir section is stored in the reservoir section, and exhausted out of the reservoir section if a component contained in the off-gas complies a predetermined emission requirement, otherwise returned to at least one of the pressure vessel and the combustion furnace to be re-treated if the component does not comply the emission requirement.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., Ceramatec, Inc.Inventors: Kiyoshi Asahina, Masato Katayama, Ryusuke Kitamura, Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Singaravelu Elangovan
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Patent number: 7966920Abstract: Disclosed is an airbag deployment device that includes a containment vessel and a retention rack disposed within the containment vessel, wherein the retention rack comprises at least one container, and wherein at least one airbag pyrotechnic actuator may be placed within the at least one container and secured through utilization of at least one pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Charles Lee Martin
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Patent number: 7878100Abstract: An apparatus useful in the removal of toxic materials from toxic weapon projectiles has a base, a projectile retaining container and a ram. The projectile retaining container has a projectile retainer opening, a ram opening and a drain opening. The projectile retaining container is adapted to retain a toxic weapon projectile in the projectile retainer opening. The ram is adapted to extend into a toxic weapon projectile disposed within the projectile retaining container to crush the projectile's burster well and to thereby release toxic materials to the drain opening in the projectile retaining container. The ram alternatively includes high pressure water nozzles for breaking up any coagulant particles and for thoroughly rinsing the interior side walls of the toxic weapon projectile.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Parsons CorporationInventor: James Osterloh
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Patent number: 7765910Abstract: Disclosed is a blast containment vessel. A body has an opening. An external door is configured to form a seal surrounding the opening when the external door is in a closed position. A yoke is configured to retain the door in the closed position. A first automatic system is configured to automatically move the external door into and out of the closed position. A second automatic system is configured to automatically move the yoke when the external door is in the closed position. During and after a blast event, the body and the external door contain products of the blast event and the seal remains intact.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: NABCO, Inc.Inventor: Kim W. King
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Patent number: 7637194Abstract: The invention relates to the field explosives technology and concerns a method and a device in which the explosive materials are removed from their casings. The object of the solution according to the invention is to disclose a method and a device with which explosives-containing bodies with non-uniform dimensions and also with internal attachments can be safely opened and dismantled. The object is attained through a method in which a strip of casing material is removed up to a residual wall thickness by means of machining tools, subsequently pressure is applied on the casing by means of a pressing tool and then the explosive material is removed from the casing by means of melting or by means of pressing. The object is further attained through a device comprising a device for removing a chip and a device for applying pressure on the explosives-containing bodies and devices for transporting the explosives-containing body.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Spreewerk Luebben GmbHInventors: Gerd Gude, Ernst Kschamer, Waldemar Lehmann, Rudolf Meinhardt, Holger Philipp, Hans-Juergen Poehla, Hans-Georg Tritsch, Gert Von-Wickede
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Patent number: 7631588Abstract: An apparatus useful in the removal of toxic materials from toxic weapon projectiles has a base, a projectile retaining container and a ram. The projectile retaining container has a projectile retainer opening, a ram opening and a drain opening. The projectile retaining container is adapted to retain a toxic weapon projectile in the projectile retainer opening. The ram is adapted to extend into a toxic weapon projectile disposed within the projectile retaining container to crush the projectile's burster well and to thereby release toxic materials to the drain opening in the projectile retaining container. The ram alternatively includes high pressure water nozzles for breaking up any coagulant particles and for thoroughly rinsing the interior side walls of the toxic weapon projectile.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Parsons CorporationInventor: James D Osterloh
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Publication number: 20090131733Abstract: The object is to rapidly clean-up an off-gas generated by blasting in a pressure vessel to such a level as to permit the exhaust of the off-gas. An object to be blasted is blasted in a pressure vessel to generate an off-gas, which is introduced into a combustion furnace to burning a combustible component contained in the off-gas. The off-gas after the burning in a reservoir section is stored in the reservoir section, and exhausted out of the reservoir section if a component contained in the off-gas complies a predetermined emission requirement, otherwise returned to at least one of the pressure vessel and the combustion furnace to be re-treated if the component does not comply the emission requirement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Kiyoshi Asahina, Masato Katayama, Ryusuke Kitamura, Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Singaravelu Elangovan
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Patent number: 7521585Abstract: TNT and nitramines, such as RDX, are recovered from mixtures containing same. The present invention more particularly relates to the removal of such mixtures from munitions and the separation of components contained in the munitions.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: G.D.O. IncInventors: Kym B. Arcuri, Duane A. Goetsch, Steve J. Schmit, Ryan M. Smith
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Patent number: 7506568Abstract: Disclosed is a blast containment vessel. A body has an opening. An external door is configured to form a seal surrounding the opening when the external door is in a closed position. A yoke is configured to retain the door in the closed position. A first automatic system is configured to automatically move the external door into and out of the closed position. A second automatic system is configured to automatically move the yoke when the external door is in the closed position. During and after a blast event, the body and the external door contain products of the blast event and the seal remains intact.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: NABCO, Inc.Inventor: Kim W. King
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Patent number: 7501551Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Shmuel Eidelman, Samuel Goroshin
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Patent number: 7445717Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Daniel K. Cha, Seok-Young Oh, Pei C. Chiu, Byung J. Kim
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Patent number: 7427177Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Brown, James Lute, Dave Robinson, George Skladany, Christopher Nelson
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Patent number: 7418895Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for purging an airlock cavity created between the airlock access door and the primary explosion chamber opening sealing mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airlock device is used to ensure that, in the event toxins are released from the primary explosion chamber opening sealing means, the toxins are properly handled and are not inadvertently released into the atmosphere. In one embodiment, negative pressure is used to vacuum the entrained air within the airlock cavity subsequent to an explosion. To facilitate the sweeping and exhausting of the cavity, an orifice in the access door may be operable to allow the flow of ambient air through the airlock access door.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: DeMil International, Inc.Inventors: John L. Donovan, Jay M. Quimby, McRea B. Willmert
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Patent number: 7373867Abstract: A system for neutralizing an explosive device concealed within an object by focusing a plurality of energies or fields including electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic, or acoustic toward the object thereby inducing detonation. A blast containment enclosure has means for focusing the energies or fields on the object, in a continuous fashion, to concentrate the energies at the contents of the object while protecting the surrounding by containment and/or redirection of a resulting explosion as well as feedback transducers for moderating the magnitude of the energies. A method for the neutralization of contained explosive devices is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Gregory Carl Ryan
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Publication number: 20080064913Abstract: A self-adjusting catalyst—a platinum group metal (PGM) catalyst supported by a second, non-PGM catalyst—and a method of decomposing high-energy chemical propellants such as HAN-based monopropellants, hydrazine, and hydrazine derivatives, and an improved reaction engine, are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Arthur J. Fortini, Jason R. Babcock, Matthew J. Wright
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Publication number: 20080064914Abstract: A robust, high-temperature catalyst comprising a catalytic component supported on a porous ceramic carrier is provided for propellant decomposition. The catalyst comprises a porous, high-surface-area ceramic carrier material and up to 40% of metal and/or metal oxide, based upon the total weight of the catalyst. The supported species include metals and/or oxides of transition and lanthanide metals that possess high activity for the decomposition of liquid propellants. The carrier can be produced via a wet chemical process and then impregnated with salt solutions containing desired active-phase precursors. The catalyst can cause a liquid propellant to react upon contact with the catalyst and to produce hot gases that can be used to provide thrust, drive turbines, inflate devices, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Mark D. Fokema, James E. Torkelson
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Patent number: 7331268Abstract: A method for neutralizing explosive ordnance is provided. According to an aspect of the method, an energetic charge is activated to produce a shockwave, which is imparted at an effective velocity and temperature on a gas to ionize the gas for creating plasma and to drive the plasma. The plasma is impacted on a casing of an ordnance containing an explosive to penetrate through the casing and, without or before causing an explosive event of explosive within the casing, substantially consume the explosive.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Gerardo I. Pangilinan, Thomas P. Russell, Von H. Whitley
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Patent number: 7249553Abstract: Described is a process and a plant for destroying rocket motors, including in particular the following steps and stations: cutting of the motor into sections; cooling of the sections containing propellant by immersion in a cryogenic liquid; and fragmenting and extraction of the cooled propellant by elastic deformation of the casing of the section. The propellant fragments are recovered for subsequent treatment and the casings are deactivated before being scrapped.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: SNPE Materiaux EnergetiquesInventors: Marie Gaudre, Eric Marchand, Jean-Michel Tauzia, Jean-Louis Trichard
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Patent number: 7240618Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Dyno Nobel Inc.Inventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards
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Patent number: 6979758Abstract: A method for neutralization of the explosive content of mines and UXO by essentially completely consuming the explosive by combustion or decomposition before any explosion occurs. A charge of a compound that reacts with an extremely high heat-release rate is ignited on or near the casing of the device to be neutralized. The intense exothermic reaction generates high temperature combustion products that will disrupt the casing, thus leading to combustion or decomposition of the explosive. The holes melted in the mine casing enable ignition of a large area of the explosive charge and provide easy access for atmospheric air to support active burnout of the explosive. The apparatus comprises the compound that reacts with a high heat release rate, an ignition source, and a container for the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Shmuel Eidelman, Samuel Goroshin
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Patent number: 6878856Abstract: A bioremediation system converts a waste stream, at least part of which is a fluid containing energetics, to carbon dioxide (CO2), water, and environmentally benign end products. It uses gas-enhanced sequencing-batch-reactors (SBRs), treating the waste stream in three SBRs seriatim. The first SBR uses a nitrogen purge, the second a hydrogen gas supplement, and the third an oxygen gas or forced air supplement. Each reactor may be supplemented with additives to optimize conditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient level. The system may be implemented under manual control, semi-automated, or fully automated, as needed. A waste stream of consideration is the pink water resultant from munitions fabrication and handling.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Byung J. Kim, Neal R. Adrian, Clint M. Arnett
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Publication number: 20040260141Abstract: Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: THE ENSIGN-BICKFORD COMPANYInventors: Farrell G. Badger, Brendan M. Welch, Ronald D. Thomas, Lyman G. Bahr, Dean F. Richards