Explosive Operated Apparatus (e.g., Explosive Door Hinge, Tool Explosively Actuated, Band Release, Expansion Of Tube, Cable Cutter, Explosively Operated Splitting Wedges) Patents (Class 89/1.14)
  • Patent number: 11965727
    Abstract: A breaching pole is provided including an elongated handle, an elongated arm joined with the elongated handle and a charge placement arm joined with the elongated arm. The charge placement arm can include a shaft having multiple barbs sized and spaced relative to one another so as to frictionally engage an insert placed over the charge placement arm to secure that insert to the arm. The breaching pole is operable to place the insert adjacent a structure using the charge placement arm and subsequently detonate a breaching device associated with the insert to breach the structure. The insert can define a bore with a sidewall. The charge placement arm registers within the bore. The insert can be constructed from compliant material so the insert deformably engages the barbs as the shaft is inserted into the bore of the insert. A related method of use is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: J&N Tactical LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Herr
  • Patent number: 11932426
    Abstract: A separation device for a spacecraft or launcher, separation device being movable from a locked state, in which the separation device is arranged to lock onto a component of a spacecraft or launcher, to a released state, in which component is released, separation device including: an inner housing divided into at least two portions for locking onto component of spacecraft or launcher, and a locking arrangement arranged to move between a locking configuration and a releasing configuration, wherein the locking configuration is such that said at least two portions of inner housing are prevented from separating, wherein said locking arrangement includes: a first part arranged to at least partially enclose said at least two portions of inner housing when locking arrangement is in the locking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BEYOND GRAVITY SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Niklas Journath, Magnus Thenander, Örjan Arulf, Johan Öhlin, Kjell Pettersson, Oskar Björfeldt
  • Patent number: 11873108
    Abstract: A drogue bridle separation assembly may comprise a housing and a pyrotechnic fastener. The housing may define a riser channel and a fastener opening. The pyrotechnic fastener may be configured to extend through the fastener opening and the riser channel. The pyrotechnic fastener includes a charge configured to undergo an exothermic reaction in response to an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bang H. Vo, Steve Holstine
  • Patent number: 11787571
    Abstract: Separation device assemblies include a first plate defining respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces and a second plate defining a respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces. A fracture groove is located on separation walls of the first and second plates. A first end member, a second end member, and the separation wall of the first plate define a first plate expansion device channel and the second plate defines a similar second plate expansion device channel. When assembled, the first plate and the second plate form an expansion device cavity and the first and second plates form a frangible joint. The respective engagement surfaces are configured to engage with receiving channels of attachable mounting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: William Fairlie, Erik Saucier
  • Patent number: 11761467
    Abstract: For screw release, an apparatus includes a boss, a screw secured to the boss, and a force release component connected to one of the boss and the screw. The force release component releases a portion of the screw from the boss in response to a specified force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: LENOVO (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Bouziane Yebka, Tin-Lup Wong, Philip Jakes
  • Patent number: 11655041
    Abstract: An electronic release system for an aircraft ejection system may comprise: a controller; a plurality of release devices in operable communication with the controller; a plurality of pins, each pin in the plurality of pins operably coupled to a release device in the plurality of release devices, the controller configured to: receive an indication that an ejection event from an aircraft has been initiated, command activation of the plurality of release devices, and in response to commanding the activation, releasing the plurality of pins from an ejection seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Casey Stribrny, Nicholas Bharucha, Steven Holstine, Jackson Fulcher
  • Patent number: 11608200
    Abstract: A device for the hold-down and controlled release of space satellites installed on launchers and loads installed on space satellites, includes a blocking member made up of segments radially displaceable from a mutually approached retaining position to a mutually spaced-apart release position of a connecting screw. In order to control the radial displacement of the segments between the retaining position and the release position there are provided a rotatable element coaxial with the blocking member, an articulated mechanism which operatively connects the rotatable element with the segments of the blocking member, and linear motors for driving the controlled rotation of the rotatable element and, through the articulated mechanism, the simultaneous displacement of the segments of the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: AEREA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ruggero Cassanelli, Ivo Aliverti, Luca Andrea Pernechele
  • Patent number: 11608199
    Abstract: A device for the hold-down and controlled release of space satellites installed on launchers and loads installed on space satellites, includes a blocking member made up of segments radially displaceable from a mutually approached retaining position to a mutually spaced-apart release position of a connecting screw. In order to control the radial displacement of the segments between the retaining position and the release position there are provided a rotatable element coaxial with the blocking member, an articulated mechanism which operatively connects the rotatable element with the segments of the blocking member, and linear motors for driving the controlled rotation of the rotatable element and, through the articulated mechanism, the simultaneous displacement of the segments of the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Aerea S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ruggero Cassanelli, Ivo Aliverti, Luca Andrea Pernechele
  • Patent number: 11608198
    Abstract: A device for the hold-down and controlled release of space satellites installed on launchers and loads installed on space satellites, includes a blocking member made up of segments radially displaceable from a mutually approached retaining position to a mutually spaced-apart release position of a connecting screw. In order to control the radial displacement of the segments between the retaining position and the release position there are provided a rotatable element coaxial with the blocking member, an articulated mechanism which operatively connects the rotatable element with the segments of the blocking member, and linear motors for driving the controlled rotation of the rotatable element and, through the articulated mechanism, the simultaneous displacement of the segments of the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: AEREA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ruggero Cassanelli, Ivo Aliverti, Luca Andrea Pernechele
  • Patent number: 11572203
    Abstract: A release mechanism for separating two components including: (i) a first plate-shaped member (1) with a first midplane (21) that is connectable to a first component and having two opposite first surfaces (3; 3?) arranged parallel to the first midplane and a first coupling portion (5); (ii) a second plate-shaped member (2) with a second midplane (22) that is connectable to a second component and having two opposite second surfaces (4; 4?) arranged parallel to the second midplane and a second coupling portion (6); (iii) an explosive (9) arranged in the first coupling portion and/or the second coupling portion or between them; and (iv) a plurality of protrusions (10) provided on and firmly connected to at least one of the first surfaces and/or the second surfaces. The first member and the second member are coupled to each other in a mutual midplane comprising the first midplane and the second midplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland Ltd.
    Inventor: Markus Conrad
  • Patent number: 11565835
    Abstract: A joint that is separable by detonating a detonating cord within an expanding tube. The joint is held together with a set of bolts. Each bolt is retained on one side of the joint with a lever. The expanding tube is retained under an arm of each lever. When the detonating cord is activated, the tube expands and exerts a force against an arm of each lever, thereby breaking the set of bolts, and allowing the joint to separate. In one example, the separable joint is used to retain a payload fairing on a launch vehicle so that the fairing can be jettisoned during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Stratolaunch, LLC
    Inventors: Erich K. Weinberg, Michael Zack Eckblad
  • Patent number: 11525492
    Abstract: A vibration-proof mount which is interposed between a vibration device including a vibration source and an elastic member disposed on a foundation surface includes an upper base plate including a first mounting portion where the vibration device is mounted, a lower base pate arranged below the upper base plate and supporting the upper base plate, and a plurality of connecting members connecting the upper base plate and the lower base plate, the plurality of connecting members including at least two or more first connecting members disposed between the first mounting portion and the lower base plate at intervals from one another. The first mounting portion is configured to have higher rigidity than the lower base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Noriaki Ida, Takeshi Kadowaki, Shuichi Miura
  • Patent number: 11466815
    Abstract: A combustion powered tool uses a fuel canister with a refillable hydrogen storage vessel containing metal hydride. The fuel canister includes a valve assembly with at least one valve to release hydrogen fuel gas. The valve assembly is removable from the refillable hydrogen storage vessel. A coupling device includes a first coupler attached to the refillable hydrogen storage vessel and a second coupler attached to the valve assembly. An outlet adapter is attached to the valve assembly to supply hydrogen fuel gas to the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Gary Hill, Anthony Romano, Derek Marchanti, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Andrew Seman
  • Patent number: 11466721
    Abstract: A selectively releasable separation nut for securing a payload and/or deployable equipment (hereafter “second body”) to a rocket, missile, or aircraft or spacecraft (hereafter “first body”) by way of a preloaded bolt, or other fastener, and releasing them on command. The separation nut may have magnetic eddy current damping components that dissipate as heat the strain energy stored in the separation nut, the bolt, and surrounding first body and second body structures during the bolt preload release. Energy not dissipated as heat during preload release may be stored as kinetic energy and dissipated as heat after the bolt mechanical release. The bolt acceleration and velocity are controlled throughout the release cycle. The bolt kinetic energy post release is less than 0.01% of the stored strain energy pre-release. Shock, impulse, and momentum transfer to the released second body are near zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Jeanette Ann Houghton, Worthington Bowie Houghton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11319260
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic egress system for a structure may comprise an explosive cord, an outer sheath disposed about the explosive cord, and a stress concentrator coupled to the outer sheath. The stress concentrator may comprise a triangular cross section. The stress concentrator may include a standoff structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rosado, Matthew Quinn McGee
  • Patent number: 11239038
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Gigavac, LLC
    Inventors: Murray Stephan McTigue, Bernard Victor Bush, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, Brent James Swartzentruber, Michael Henry Molyneux, Daniel Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11220337
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a cutting a payload strap includes a cutting assembly with an aperture to enclose a payload strap and a cutting element to sever the payload strap, a non-explosive energy source to store cutting energy, a control component coupled to the energy source to release the cutting energy, and a controller coupled to the control component to time and control the delivery of the cutting energy to the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Worden Cleary, Ty Aaby Larsen
  • Patent number: 11098736
    Abstract: A cylinder housing 12 includes a cylindrical cylinder portion 21 which extends in the direction of a center axis line Z and a bent portion 22 which is bent with respect to the cylinder portion 21 and extends inward in a radial direction from an end portion of the cylinder portion 21, the cylinder portion 21 includes a first cylinder portion 25 and a second cylinder portion 26 which is located on the side of the bent portion 22 in the first cylinder portion 25 and is connected to the bent portion 22, a thickness B of the second cylinder portion 26 is equal to or larger than a thickness A of the first cylinder portion 25, and a thickness C of the bent portion 22 is larger than the thickness A of the first cylinder portion 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SANOH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huy Hung Ha
  • Patent number: 11072030
    Abstract: A detangling device for severing a mooring line is disclosed. The device includes a line cutting assembly, which includes an ignition device, a propellant chamber, a moveable shuttle-knife assembly and a knife. The device further includes a pressure sensor, and a control system configured to monitor the pressure sensor and actuate the line cutting assembly when the monitored pressure sensor indicates a threshold depth is exceeded. The device can be a one-use device, wherein the knife breaks through a water-sealed housing to sever a mooring line when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Barton G. Selby
  • Patent number: 11062865
    Abstract: An electrical interruption switch for interrupting high currents at high voltages includes a casing, surrounding a contact unit defining a current path through the switch, and a pyrotechnic material, comprising a gas and/or shock wave-generating, activatable material. The contact unit has first and second connection contacts and a separation region. The pyrotechnic material and contact unit are formed such that a current to be interrupted is supplied to the contact unit via the first connection contact and discharged therefrom via the second connection contact, or vice versa. When the pyrotechnic material is ignited, the separation region is exposed to a gas pressure and/or shock wave, such that the separation region is torn open, caved in or separated. At least one chamber in the switch, at least partially delimited by the separation region, is filled with a filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Peter Lell
  • Patent number: 10982936
    Abstract: Examples relate to a linear shaped charge support structure configured to support a linear shaped charge in a canted configuration with at least part of the linear shaped charge canted about a longitudinal axis of the linear shaped charge. Examples relates to a linear shaped charge, the linear shaped charge support structure comprising a linear shaped charge, and a support frame comprising the linear shaped charge support structure and a non-linear shaped charge support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: LINEAR SHAPED LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Lumley
  • Patent number: 10981679
    Abstract: A satellite dispenser door release mechanism is disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite door dispenser as disclosed herein includes a wire or cable having a first end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser body of a satellite dispenser and a second end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser door of the satellite dispenser; and a pyrotechnic cutter configured to receive the wire or cable in a position to cut the wire or cable upon firing of the pyrotechnic cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Beck, Peter Barlow, David Yoon, Ben Malcolm
  • Patent number: 10946986
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing a one-way locking mechanism that changes the shape or stiffness of a structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mechanism for increasing fairing jettison clearance. Embodiments of the present invention permit outward breathing displacement by the fairing, but reduce the inward breathing displacement by the fairing such that the fairing does not hit and damage the spacecraft or vehicle as it is jettisoned from the spacecraft or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance L.L.C.
    Inventors: Trevor M. Tanner, Michael W. Clarke, Philip M. Echelman
  • Patent number: 10940960
    Abstract: A satellite dispenser door release mechanism is disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite door dispenser as disclosed herein includes a wire or cable having a first end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser body of a satellite dispenser and a second end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser door of the satellite dispenser; and a pyrotechnic cutter configured to receive the wire or cable in a position to cut the wire or cable upon firing of the pyrotechnic cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Beck, Peter Barlow, David Yoon, Ben Malcolm
  • Patent number: 10934029
    Abstract: A joint assembly thermally isolates a warm structure, such as a payload, from a cold structure, such as a cryogenic fuel tank, in a space vehicle while maintaining structural interconnection within the joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a primary joint that is capable of separating, and a secondary joint connected to and adjacent to the primary joint. The secondary joint includes an inflatable annulus structure and one or more restraining members, where separation of the primary joint causes the inflatable annulus structure to be in compression and the one or more restraining members to be in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Paragon Space Development Corporation
    Inventors: Chad E. Bower, Maxim de Jong, Brian Aiken, Jose Javier Lopez
  • Patent number: 10845176
    Abstract: A munition module includes an ignition point of an explosive configuration positioned away from a detonator within a casing of the explosive configuration. In an initial state, an ignition channel runs from the detonator to the ignition point. The ignition channel is formed so as to be open in an initial state and self-sealing in an exploded state after a detonation has taken place. A warhead with the munition module contains an active covering which at least partially surrounds the explosive configuration and can be accelerated by the reacted explosive. In a munition having the warhead, the detonator is an impact detonator. A munition in the form of an air-burst munition contains the warhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Benjamin Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10830181
    Abstract: A thermally initiated variable venting system may comprise a first linear shape charge (LSC) coupled to a first sensor and a second LSC coupled to a second sensor. An upper apex of the second LSC may be disposed within a lower apex of the first LSC. The output of the system may vary depending on whether the event is fast cook-off (FCO) or slow cook-off (SCO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Luis G. Interiano
  • Patent number: 10824743
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for the destruction of electronically stored information and/or components that incorporated sensitive technology or that contain sensitive information upon the occurrence of one or more predetermined events. The system and method of the present invention is particularly suited for the safeguarding of electronically stored information and/or classified technology in systems deployed in an operational environment. The system and method of the present invention be incorporated into drones, full size aircraft, any type of vehicle, mines, missiles, torpedos, bombs, phones, cameras, robots, satellites or other spacecraft, computers, hard drives, thumb drives, switches, routers, bugs, brief cases, safes, and generally any device that utilizes components on which sensitive data is stored or components that utilize technology that should only be accessed by authorized personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Pahmet LLC
    Inventors: Peter Hofleitner, Martin E. Tross
  • Patent number: 10712140
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a bumper system for use with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal disruptor. The bumper system can include a bumper stop configured the slidably engage the disruptor, and a bumper configured to receive at least a portion of an initiation system of the disruptor. The bumper may be configured to receive at least a portion of the initiation system such that the bumper is attached to the at least a portion of the initiation system by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Zero Point, Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry Allen Sasnett, Michael Danforth Lincoln, Joshua Keith Brammer
  • Patent number: 10677047
    Abstract: A technique is provided for modeling flow simulations at downhole reservoir conditions and rock formations after performing wellbore perforations. By utilizing these flow simulations, a user may be able to simulate and compare different scenarios, thereby facilitating a more effective, profitable, and realistic choice of perforating systems and operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Bell, John Hardesty, Sashi B. Gunturu
  • Patent number: 10669048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing a one-way locking mechanism that changes the shape or stiffness of a structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mechanism for increasing fairing jettison clearance. Embodiments of the present invention permit outward breathing displacement by the fairing, but reduce the inward breathing displacement by the fairing such that the fairing does not hit and damage the spacecraft or vehicle as it is jettisoned from the spacecraft or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Trevor M. Tanner, Michael W. Clarke, Philip M. Echelman
  • Patent number: 9945323
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing and a piston slidably mounted within the housing. The piston has a first portion forming a sliding fit between the piston and the housing, a second portion spaced apart from both the housing and the first portion, and a groove formed between the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy M. Henck
  • Patent number: 9905383
    Abstract: A conduction-breaking device breaks conduction between a pair of devices in an electric circuit. The conduction-breaking device includes a conductive body having a cuttable portion, an arc-extinguishing chamber having a pair of fixed blades, a gas generator, a cutting member having a pair of movable blades, and a deforming mechanism. When the cuttable portion is cut at two positions by the fixed blades and the movable blades, the cuttable portion forms a separated piece, which is separated from the electric circuit, and first and second remaining portions, which remain connected with the electric circuit. The separated piece has cut ends at opposite ends. The deforming mechanism deforms the separated piece such that the cut ends of the separated piece are located on a leading side in a moving direction of the cutting member with respect to a part of the separated piece between the cut ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Hori, Yoshiki Nakamura, Takaki Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 9677833
    Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm which has a handle portion connected to a pull rod member. A bore hole collects exhaust gases passing over the top of the rod member and directs the gases to vent tunnel(s) which extend perpendicular to the rod member. In the preferred embodiment, a deflecting surface is used to further direct the exhaust gases to the bore hole. Further embodiments provide seals to protect the user from any exhaust gas which has not been vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Kincel
  • Patent number: 9441894
    Abstract: A bleeding mechanism for use in the propulsion system of a recoilless, insensitive munition utilizing a utilizing a fluidic countermass. The present bleeding mechanism utilizes a firing pin or a similar puncture or tear device. A heat sensitive material blocks the movement of the firing pin. A mechanical locking mechanism locks the firing pin in position until it is unlocked by the melting of the heat sensitive material. When the insensitive munition is exposed to heat, the reaction of the heat sensitive material within the bleeding mechanism allows the firing pin to be released and to rupture a cartridge seal. The cartridge may be filled with a compressed compound, which releases gas under pressure to the countermass container, causing a countermass cover to rupture, thereby emptying the countermass fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Leon Moy
  • Patent number: 9062946
    Abstract: According to the invention, this piece comprises: a base section piece (1) provided with a projecting longitudinal heel (4) delimiting a longitudinal groove (7); a longitudinal pyrotechnic cord laid in said groove; and a plurality of consecutive section piece portions (2) fixed one after the other to said base section piece (1) by first fixing means (9). Between the consecutive section piece portions (2) are second fixing means (18), distributed along said base section piece (1) and independent of said first fixing means (9), enabling said pyrotechnic cord to be fixed and positioned relative to said base section piece (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ASTRIUM SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Cousin, Thomas Kister, Pascal Lesaulnier
  • Patent number: 9027481
    Abstract: An expansion tube of a detonating pyrotechnic rupture piece is open next to pre-established rupture zones and, inside said open expansion tube there is disposed a sealed bladder which contains a pyrotechnic fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Astrium SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Kister, Joël Astier, Sébastien Gigleux
  • Patent number: 8967030
    Abstract: According to the invention, the device (1) comprises a bolt (6) including a locking member (9) which is mounted such that it can slide with respect to a first component (2) and can adopt a locked position in which the locking member (9) retains the second component (3) and an unlocked position in which the locking member (9) releases the second component (2), the transition from the locked position to the unlocked position taking place under the action of pyrotechnic means (5). In addition, a branch (4) that is at least partially deformable under the action of the pyrotechnic means (5) is arranged with respect to the bolt (6) in such a way that the transition from the locked position to the unlocked position takes place by means of the deformation of said branch (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Kister, Denis Wintersdorff, Mathieu Davion
  • Publication number: 20140331851
    Abstract: According to the invention, the component to be ruptured comprises an alternation of oblong pre-cut zones and of non-pre-cut zones and the pyrotechnique rupture device (1) with detonating cord (2) comprises an alternation of sections (1.1) for rupturing said non-pre-cut zones and of inflatable sections (1.2) for parting the broken parts of said component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Kister, Luc Preaud
  • Patent number: 8881637
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Rick Leites, John E. Walsh, Michael J. Lorello, Adam O'Day, Douglas A. Clark, Victor Bogdanov, Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Publication number: 20140305291
    Abstract: A disconnection unit (10) is described for instantaneous disconnection of a load connected to a vessel (12) with the help of a wire, cable, chain or the like (16) that runs on a topside of an assigned part of an open deck (14) of a vessel, where the unit (10) comprises a housing (30) that contains an explosive part (32), said explosive part comprises, at least, one explosive unit (34) formed as a directed charge with a blast-off side, where the unit (10) is arranged to extend above the deck (14) of the vessel, and the unit (10) comprises a rod mechanism (50) arranged to hold the housing with the explosive part (32) adjoining said wire, cable, chain or the like (16) that shall be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Per Huse, Reidar André Skarbøvik
  • Patent number: 8851519
    Abstract: A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a movable member movably mounted within the housing, and a sliding element coupled to the movable member so as to move with the movable member and so as to be extendible to an exterior of the housing to engage a tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20140260929
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rick Leites, John E. Walsh, Michael J. Lorello, Adam O'Day, Douglas A. Clark, Victor Bogdanov, Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Publication number: 20140224110
    Abstract: A countermeasure system is provided including a frame and two or more rows of countermeasures disposed on the frame. Each row of the countermeasures may be configured to be initiated substantially simultaneously along the length of the row. Additional countermeasure systems may include elongated explosive charges and or masses disposed along the length of the rows. The frame may include two or more ridges on a side opposite to the two or more rows of countermeasures, the ridges being configured to engage with corresponding ridges on a vehicle when the countermeasure panel is mounted to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TenCate Advanced Armour USA, INC.
    Inventors: ERICK JAMES SAGEBIEL, Andrew Roger Hansen, Robert Schwarz, Joergen Leir Svane, Josef Stefan Dobriski
  • Patent number: 8783026
    Abstract: A staged rocket apparatus includes first and second stages connected by a releasable connector. A plurality of pressurized gas struts are connected between the first and second stages and provide a separating force urging the first and second stages apart. The gas struts are held in a telescopingly collapsed first position by the releasable connector. The separating force is maintained at a minimum value so long as the releasable connector holds the struts in their first position. When the releasable connector is disconnected the separating force increases due to gas flow through a metering passage having a progressively increasing flow area from a high pressure chamber to a low pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Brian A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 8776661
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, devices, systems, and methods are disclosed in which two substantially parallel flanges are provided with rupture areas, respectively, located in the same element of the elements to be connected. In the disclosed device, the rupture areas and the portions of the flanges outside the rupture area are arranged so as to prevent the connected elements from catching after the separation thereof, and to limit the vibrations induced in the element in said rupture areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Astrium SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Cousin
  • Patent number: 8757065
    Abstract: A component separation system for separating a load from an external structure according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a sleeve slidingly engaged with the external structure. The sleeve includes an opening and an interior. A locking mechanism, such as a ball or latch, is movably disposed through the sleeve opening between a locked position engaging the external structure and an unlocked position not engaging the external structure. A mover slidingly disposed within the hollow interior of the sleeve controls the movement of the locking mechanism through the opening. Energy excess beyond that required for unlocking the mechanism may provide a thrust to forcibly eject the load from the external structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Erik A. Fjerstad, Derek L. Budisalich, George D. Budy
  • Patent number: 8752465
    Abstract: A laser weapon system includes a chamber configured to direct a post-detonation gas flow between a first mirror and a second mirror, and an ejectable ammunition cartridge containing a first gas and a second gas. The cartridge is fluidly connected to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: LaserMax, Inc.
    Inventor: William Houde-Walter
  • Patent number: 8701538
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system are disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets by the use of a non-lethal cloud of pellets that collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, and/or a deformation to the ogive cones to cause a short in the fuze circuit, and/or deposition of conductive material to cause a short in the fuze circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William Donnelly Marscher, William Joseph Kelly
  • Patent number: 8695473
    Abstract: An elastomeric charge holder includes one or more holes formed therein into which is disposed an explosive charge. The elastomeric charge holder further includes one or more metal wires also disposed within the elastomeric charge holder. The elastomeric charge holder may be over molded or over extruded over each of the one or more metal wires, thereby retaining each of the one or more wires in place during use of the elastomeric charge holder. The one or more wires are also a better match of thermal coefficients to a metal confinement tube that holds the elastomeric charge holder, which results in improved retention of the elastomeric charge holder in place, particularly during initiation of the explosive charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: David Kametz, Kevin Duprey