| ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120130115 | METHODS OF PRODUCING NITRATE ESTERS - Methods of forming a nitrate ester include combining at least one nitrate salt and sulfuric acid to form a nitrating solution and adding an aliphatic polyol to the nitrating solution. Nitrate esters formed by this method may be, for example, triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), diglycerol tetranitrate (DGTN), 1,1,1-tris(methylol)ethane trinitrate (TMETN), 1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN), nitroglycerin (NG), diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN), ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), metriol trinitrate (MTN), nitrocellulose (NC), or 1,2-propanediol dinitrate (PDDN). | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120119102 | NEUTRON DETECTION BY NEUTRON CAPTURE-INITIATED RELAXATION OF A FERROELECTRICALLY, FERROMAGNETICALLY, AND/OR CHEMICALLY METASTABLE MATERIAL - A system for detecting radiation using an array of cells containing a metastable material together with sensing apparatus and display apparatus. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120096769 | SOLID FEED SYSTEMS FOR ELEVATED PRESSURE PROCESSES, GASIFICATION SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - A solid feed system may comprise a supersonic nozzle, an isolated injection section having a port for injection of solid feedstock positioned downstream from the supersonic nozzle, and a supersonic diffuser positioned downstream from the isolated injection section. Additionally, a gasification system may comprise such a solid feed system and a reaction chamber downstream thereof. Furthermore, a method of reacting a solid feedstock under pressure may include directing a fluid flow through a supersonic nozzle to provide a supersonic flow stream, and directing the supersonic flow stream through an isolated injection section at a static pressure at least fifty percent (50%) lower than an operating pressure within a reaction chamber (e.g., at a static pressure near ambient pressure). | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094150 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL MONITORING AND CONTROL - Battery sub-arrays are configured for electrical and mechanical coupling with each other to form a multi-cell battery. A sub-array may be an individual cell or a group of cells. Each sub-array includes a bypass switch to connect the sub-array within the multi-cell battery or bypass the sub-array. Monitoring and control circuitry controls the bypass switch in response to voltage measurements, temperature measurements or a combination thereof for the sub-array. Each sub-array is contained in a holder including a housing and a thermal container encompassing a substantial portion of the housing. The housing includes a cell cavity, a sensor cavity, and a circuit cavity. Positive terminals and negative terminals are positioned on sides of the holder such that when holders are mechanically abutted in an array, various electrical connections can be made to connect the cells in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120085173 | NON-INTRUSIVE SENSOR FOR IN-SITU MEASUREMENT OF RECESSION RATE OF ABLATIVE AND ERODING MATERIALS - A non-intrusive sensor for in-situ measurement of recession rate of heat shield ablatives. An ultrasonic wave source is carried in the housing. A microphone is also carried in the housing, for collecting the reflected ultrasonic waves from an interface surface of the ablative material. A time phasing control circuit is also included for time-phasing the ultrasonic wave source so that the waves reflected from the interface surface of the ablative material focus on the microphone, to maximize the acoustic pressure detected by the microphone and to mitigate acoustic velocity variation effects through the material through a de-coupling process that involves a software algorithm. A software circuit for computing the location off of which the ultrasonic waves scattered to focus back at the microphone is also included, so that the recession rate of the heat shield ablative may be monitored in real-time through the scan-focus approach. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120065294 | INSULATIVE COMPOSITIONS, ARTICLE INCORPORATING THE SAME AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - Precursors, insulative compositions, an article including the insulative compositions and a method for making the insulative compositions are disclosed. The insulative compositions are formed from a precursor composition that includes a nitride butadiene rubber, a nanoclay and a cure package including a sulfur-based curing agent. The insulative compositions may have a substantially reduced weight and compressive modulus in comparison to conventional insulative rubbers. Thus, the insulative compositions may provide improved ballistic properties in addition to reduced density and thickness. Precursor compositions for forming the insulative composition may have good flow characteristics. The insulative compositions may be used in a variety of applications, such as personnel body armor, ground vehicle armor and aircraft armor systems. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060985 | REACTIVE COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING METAL - A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060676 | MULTILAYER BACKING MATERIALS FOR COMPOSITE ARMOR - A multilayer backing composite for armor plate systems. One embodiment provides a ceramic layer and a bonded multilayer backing layer bonded to the ceramic layer. The backing layer can be formed from at least two layers each of alternating elastomeric interstitial layers and UHMWPE layers having an areal density in the range of about 125 to 400 g/m | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120037702 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SYNTHETIC WEAPON STABILIZATION AND FIRING - In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120025311 | RADIATION-HARDENED SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE, A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING THE RADIATION-HARDENED SEMICODUCTOR STRUCTURE, AND METHODS OF FORMING THE RADIATION-HARDENED SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A radiation-hardened semiconductor structure including an insulator material doped with at least one of a transition metal, a lanthanide, and an actinide, and a semiconductor material located over the insulator material. A semiconductor device including the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure is also disclosed as are method of forming the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure and the semiconductor device. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024497 | TWO PHASE HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND EVAPORATORS AND CONDENSERS FOR USE IN HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS - A heat transfer system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop includes a condenser having a vapor inlet and a liquid outlet, a vapor line in fluid communication with the vapor inlet of the condenser, a liquid line in fluid communication with the liquid outlet of the condenser, and primary evaporators fluidly coupled in series with the liquid line and in parallel with the vapor line. The second loop includes a reservoir, a secondary evaporator having a vapor outlet coupled to the vapor line and a fluid inlet coupled to the reservoir, and a sweepage line in fluid communication with the reservoir and the primary evaporators. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024437 | PRECURSOR OF AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE IONIC LIQUID AND A METHOD OF DESENSITIZING AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION - An ionic liquid is disclosed. A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120017625 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A system including a primary evaporator facilitating heat transfer by evaporating liquid to obtain vapor is disclosed. The primary evaporator receives a liquid from a liquid line and outputs the vapor to a vapor line. The primary evaporator also outputs excess liquid received from the liquid line to an excess fluid line. A condensing system receives the vapor from the vapor line, and outputs the liquid and excess liquid to the liquid line. The excess liquid is obtained at least partially from a reservoir. A primary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, and the vapor line, and provides a heat transfer path. Similarly, a secondary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, the vapor line, and the excess fluid line. The secondary loop provides a venting path for removing undesired vapor within the liquid or excess liquid from the primary evaporator. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120006220 | PROJECTILES FOR MARKING TARGETS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF UTILIZING THE SAME - Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006124 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS RELATING TO A SENSING DEVICE - Methods, devices, and systems relating to a sensing device are disclosed. A device may comprise a structure including a first surface and a second, opposite surface, wherein the structure comprises one or more segments. Further, the device may include a plurality of sensors disposed on the structure, wherein each segment of the one or more segments comprises a first sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to the first surface and an associated second sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to the second surface. Moreover, each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to measure a strain exhibited on an adjacent surface of the structure at an associated segment of the one or more segments. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110307189 | FORCE MEASURING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110284645 | ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES, SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - Adaptive structures, systems incorporating such adaptive structures and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptive structure is provided that includes a first structure and at least one microstructure associated with the first structure. The at least one microstructure may include a microscale beam configured to be displaced relative to the first structure upon the adaptive structure being exposed to a specified temperature. The beam may be formed for example, of a metallic material, of multiple different metallic materials, or of a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a plurality of the adaptive structures may be associated with micropores of a skin panel. The adaptive structures may be utilized to control the flow rate of a coolant or other fluid through the micropores responsive to a sensed environmental parameter such as, for example, temperature. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110277446 | ROCKETS, METHODS OF ROCKET CONTROL AND METHODS OF ROCKET EVALUATION UTILIZING PRESSURE COMPENSATION - Rockets, rocket motors, methods of controlling a rocket and methods of evaluating a rocket design are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of controlling a rocket may include measuring a combustion chamber pressure, calculating a logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure, and computing the difference between the logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure and the logarithm of a reference combustion chamber pressure value to generate an error signal. The method may further include filtering the error signal to generate a compensated signal in the logarithm domain, and exponentiating of the compensated signal in the logarithm domain to provide a compensated signal in the physical domain. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110276308 | Non-Contact Deviation Measurement System - A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272636 | Method and System for Continuously Pumping a Solid Material and Method and System for Hydrogen Formation - A method of continuously providing a pressurized slurry of a solid material and liquid carbon dioxide is disclosed. The method comprises mixing particles of the solid material and particles of solid carbon dioxide in a mixing container and feeding the mixture of the solid material and the solid carbon dioxide to a pump to form a slurry of the solid material and liquified carbon dioxide. Within the pump, the solid carbon dioxide sublimates, forming a gaseous carbon dioxide which subsequently liquefies due to an increase in pressure. The liquid carbon dioxide and the solid material then mix to form the slurry of the solid material and the liquid carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the pressurized slurry may be used for pipeline transportation of the solid material. A system of producing a continuous pressurized slurry of solid material and liquid carbon dioxide is also disclosed. A method of producing hydrogen is also disclosed. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110252999 | MARKING AMMUNITION - Marking cartridge for conventional firearms that deposits marking media on impact with a target. The marking cartridge generally comprises a marking projectile containing a quantity of marking media beneath a frangible cap portion and having a more durable exterior surface adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel when fired. The marking projectile also may comprise a receptacle for marking media having a curled lip adapted to remove air during assembly and excess marking media to insure a consistent quantity of marking media is contained within the marking projectile. The receptacle defining a marking media cavity radially spaced from exterior bearing portion wall and having a mushroom shape. The marking cartridge also may comprise an extendable casing. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110239887 | NON-TOXIC, HEAVY-METAL FREE SENSITIZED EXPLOSIVE PERCUSSION PRIMERS AND METHODS OF PREPARING THE SAME - A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110226493 | MAN RATED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110219977 | INITIATOR MODULES, MUNITIONS SYSTEMS INCLUDING INITIATOR MODULES, AND RELATED METHODS - Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110195947 | METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING AND ISOLATING N-(BROMOACETYL)-3,3-DINITROAZETIDINE AND A COMPOSITION INCLUDING THE SAME - A method of synthesizing and isolating N-(bromoacetyl)-3,3-dinitroazetidine (ABDNAZ) by reacting DNAZ with bromoacetyl bromide and boron trifluoride etherate to produce a mixture comprising ABDNAZ and a salt of DNAZ. Water and a solvent are added to the mixture to form an organic phase comprising the ABDNAZ and an aqueous phase comprising the salt of DNAZ. The organic phase and the aqueous phase are separated to produce an ABDNAZ/solvent solution comprising the ABDNAZ and the aqueous phase comprising the salt of DNAZ. A nonsolvent is added to the ABDNAZ/solvent solution to produce an ABDNAZ/solvent/nonsolvent mixture. The ABDNAZ is subsequently recovered. A composition comprising ABDNAZ is also disclosed. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110187577 | Resolution Radar Using Metamaterials - A radar system includes at least one transmit array comprising a plurality of metamaterial elements. The radar system further includes at least one near-field stimulator for inputting electromagnetic signal to the transmit array so that a sub-wavelength target is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110179768 | ROCKET THRUSTER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOAD-BALANCED PINTLE VALVE - A rocket thruster of this invention includes a nozzle and a valve assembly. The valve subassembly includes a pintle with a head portion, which has a truncated substantially conical surface region facing and concentric with converging and throat regions of the nozzle to provide a variable effective throat area therebetween. The truncated portion of the head portion has an outer edge defining a bleed passageway opening communicating with a primary bleed passage leading through the head portion to a bleed cavity located on an opposite side of the head portion. During activation of a rocket motor to which the rocket thruster is coupled, gases imparting a load on the head portion pass through the primary bleed passage to the opposite side of the head portion for counterbalancing loads acting on the head portion. A thrust control subassembly moves the pintle axially for changing the effective throat area. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110172463 | METHODS OF PRODUCING 1,3,5-TRIAMINO-2,4,6-TRINITROBENZENE - Methods of producing TATB are disclosed. The method comprises providing acid wet TNPG and distilling water from the acid wet TNPG. The TNPG is reacted with an alkoxylating agent to form a solution of 1,3,5-trialkoxy-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene solution, which is reacted with an aminating agent. An alternate method comprises nitrating phloroglucinol in a first vessel to produce TNPG, which is reacted with an alkoxylating agent in a second vessel to form a solution comprising 1,3,5-trialkoxy-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene and at least one of at least one volatile byproduct and at least one nonvolatile byproduct. The at least one of at least one volatile byproduct and at least one nonvolatile byproduct is removed in situ. The 1,3,5-trialkoxy-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene is reacted with an aminating agent. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110132576 | TWO-PHASE HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM INCLUDING A THERMAL CAPACITANCE DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A two-phase heat transfer system includes an evaporator unit configured to receive heat from a source, a liquid line fluidly connected to the evaporator unit, a vapor line fluidly connected to the evaporator unit, and a condenser. The condensing unit includes a thermal capacitance device and a condenser integrated with the thermal capacitance device. Methods of forming a thermal storage unit include preparing a honeycomb core to receive a phase change material, metallurgically bonding end pieces to the core, to thermally link the end pieces to the core, and bonding the end pieces together to form a seal for holding the phase change material within the core. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110130572 | METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING CYCLIC NITRO COMPOUNDS - The present invention provides cyclic nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110121792 | Energy Capture Circuit - An energy capture circuit for capturing energy in response to an input pulse. The circuit is constructed and arranged to transfer input energy in time divided portions among subcircuits. This includes a storage means, a clock means, at least two subcircuits, and at least one transfer circuit. Each subcircuit includes a first inductive means in operative communication with the input source, a rectifying means for producing a positive current in operative communication with the first inductive means, a capacitive means in operative communication with the rectifying means, and a switch means in operative communication with the capacitive means. At least one transfer circuit is in operative communication with each of the switch means of the at least two subcircuits. The output of the clock means is in operative communication with both a first switch means and an inverter means, the inverter means having an output in operative communication with a second switch means. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110118511 | METHODS OF PURIFYING 1,2,4-BUTANETRIOL AND COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING 1,2,4-BUTANETRIOL - Methods of purifying BT are disclosed. The method comprises adding at least one polyhydroxyl compound to a crude BT mixture comprising BT and at least one boron-containing compound to form a polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is then heated to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the polyhydroxyl compound, and then to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. A composition comprising BT is also disclosed. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110100246 | PERCUSSION PRIMERS COMPRISING A PRIMER COMPOSITION AND ORDNANCE INCLUDING THE SAME - A primer composition that includes stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus, at least one oxidizer, at least one secondary explosive composition, at least one light metal, and at least one acid resistant binder. The stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus may include particles of red phosphorus, a metal oxide coating, and a polymer layer. The metal oxide coating may be a coating of aluminum hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, chromium hydroxide, germanium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, niobium hydroxide, silicon hydroxide, tin hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The polymer layer may be a layer of epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, or mixtures thereof. A percussion cap primer that includes the primer composition, a tertiary explosive composition, and a cup is also disclosed, as are ordnance devices including the primer composition. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110075372 | EVAPORATORS FOR USE IN HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS, APPARATUS INCLUDING SUCH EVAPORATORS AND RELATED METHODS - An evaporator includes a liquid barrier wall made of a ceramic material, a vapor barrier wall made of a ceramic material, and a wick made of a ceramic material and being positioned between the liquid barrier wall and the vapor barrier wall. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110056401 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SAFETY AND ARMING OF A PROJECTILE - A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110041475 | ELASTOMER STRUCTURES, ROCKET MOTORS INCLUDING ELASTOMER STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF FORMING STRUCTURES FROM LAYERED VISCOELASTIC MATERIALS - Methods of forming structures from layered viscoelastic materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, such methods may include covering at least a portion of a first viscoelastic material layer disposed on a substrate with a portion of at least a second viscoelastic material layer and containing a quantity of gas within a space defined between a portion of the substrate, a portion of the first viscoelastic material layer and a portion of the second viscoelastic material layer. The methods may further include forming at least one discrete fluid path between the defined space containing the quantity of gas and the vacuum, and removing at least a portion of the quantity of gas from the defined space through the at least one discrete fluid path. Additionally, elastomer structures comprising at least one void defined therein, the at least one void exhibiting at least a partial vacuum, are disclosed. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110023744 | PROJECTILES FOR MARKING TARGETS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF UTILIZING THE SAME - Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110019711 | Portable Laser Source - A portable laser source includes a flash lamp assembly defining a hollow central channel, an elongate laser rod extending within the hollow channel for receiving a flash of light emitted by the surrounding flash lamp assembly, and a hermetically-sealed enclosure housing both the flash lamp assembly and the laser rod and including at least one optical transmission window for transmitting a laser beam emitted by the laser rod. Preferably, the flash lamp assembly is hermetically-sealed from the laser rod within the enclosure to maintain physical and electrical isolation of the laser rod from combustible and electrically conductive components of the flash lamp assembly. The combustible component of the flash lamp assembly can include Zr wool and an accelerant, or like materials for emitting a flash of light. The laser source can include a second window used to test the condition of the laser rod via application of an external test light to activate the laser rod within the sealed enclosure. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110005421 | DUAL FAULT SAFE AND ARM DEVICE, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES THEREWITH AND SAFETY AND RELIABILITY FEATURES THEREFOR - A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110000390 | Non-toxic percussion primers and methods of preparing the same - A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100317894 | METHODS OF PRODUCING 1,3,5-TRIAMINO-2,4,6-TRINITROBENZENE - Methods of producing 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), from alkoxy derivatives of phloroglucinol, such as 5-methoxyresorcinol, 3,5-dimethoxyphenol, or 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, are disclosed. The alkoxy derivatives may be exposed to and directly nitrated with a reaction mixture comprising a sulfuric acid solution and at least one nitrate salt. The nitrated alkoxy derivative of phloroglucinol may be alkoxylated and, thereafter, aminated to produce the TATB. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100307775 | GAS-GENERATING DEVICES WITH GRAIN-RETENTION STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100300065 | CLOSED-CYCLE ROCKET ENGINE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SUCH ROCKET ENGINE ASSEMBLIES - Closed-cycle rocket engine assemblies including a combustor assembly, a combustor jacket, a turbine, a first pump and a mixing chamber are disclosed. The combustor jacket facilitates the transfer of heat from the combustor assembly into a fluid and the turbine is driven by a heated fluid from the combustor jacket. The mixing chamber may include a first inlet to receive a fluid from the turbine, a second inlet to receive a fluid from a first reactant reservoir, and an outlet to deliver a fluid to the first pump. Additionally, the first pump may be coupled to and powered by the turbine and the first pump may be configured to deliver at least a portion of the fluid from the mixing chamber into the combustion chamber of the combustor assembly. Related methods of operating such rocket engine assemblies are also disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100294158 | Shotshell with Shot Pellets Having Multiple Shapes - In at least one embodiment, a shotshell comprises a casing defining an internal chamber, a plurality of first shot pellets within the internal chamber and a plurality of second shot pellets within the internal chamber. The first shot pellets comprise a first shape and the second shot pellets comprise a second shape that is different from the first shape. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100282058 | Unmanned Air Vehicle Weapon Adapter - In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100280899 | FEDERAL AMMUNITION AUTHORITY KIOSK - An interactive system for assisting a user in the selection of ammunition based upon user entered parameters. A stand-alone kiosk includes a computer having a microprocessor and a memory, an input device in operative communication with the computer for permitting a user to enter parameters, and an output device in operative communication with the computer for providing information from the system to the user. A program is stored in the computer for execution by the microprocessor, the program interactively displaying a series of prompts on the output device, each prompt eliciting a response from the user concerning hunting parameters. The program stores the user inputted parameters in memory, applies predefined rules and/or recommendations against the user inputted parameters to thereby suggest advantageous ammunition, and displays the selected ammunition to the user on the output device. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276042 | REACTIVE COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING METAL - A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100275762 | CASE ACTIVATION BULLET FEEDER - A bullet feeding device having an expandable collet insertable into a die body. The die body is capable of receiving bullets from a source and directing the bullets to the expandable collet. The expandable collet restricts the passage of the bullet through the die body until the mouth of a cartridge case is inserted into the die body opposite the bullet. The mouth of the cartridge case causes the expandable collet to expand and allow the single bullet to pass through the expandable collet and be placed in the mouth of the cartridge case. As the completed cartridge is drawn from the die body, the expandable collet contracts above the tip of the bullet and prevents the passage of additional bullets until a new cartridge case is inserted. The expandable collet is capable of accepting bullets of different lengths and shapes. In addition, the expandable collet is easily interchangeable with expandable collets of other sizes to be compatible with bullets of different diameters. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100275487 | ADVANCED MUZZLE LOADER AMMUNITION - A fixed round of ammunition for a muzzle loader firearm. The round has a bullet within a sabot that is engaged to a consumable cartridge case. The case is filled with propellant that is precisely calibrated to provide optimal ballistic properties with the particular bullet it is engaged to. The consumable cartridge case can be more tailored to respectively increase or decrease the burn rate of the consumable cartridge case. The consumable cartridge case can be constructed out of nitrocellulose or other energetic materials. A wide range of propellant formulas can be used that are safe because the burn rate is precisely calibrated for the bullet used. The propellant can contain pyrotechnic material and/or other ingredients to reduce the burn rate of a smokeless propellant and can contain a stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the ammunition round. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100269724 | Reduced Energy Cartridge and Method of Making Same - A method of manufacturing a cartridge comprising providing a cartridge body with forward and rearward cavities interconnected by an aperture, providing a piston with a primer retaining cavity, inserting primer into the primer retaining cavity, securing the primer, placing a seal member around the piston, inserting the piston and seal member combination into the rearward cavity of the cartridge body, and crimping at least a portion of the cartridge body to the piston. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100250146 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PORTABLE GAS CHROMATOGRAPH SYSTEM - A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100242435 | HELICAL CROSS FLOW (HCF) PULSE DETONATION ENGINE - A helical cross flow pulse detonation engine. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100231921 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING TARGET MOVEMENT WITH AN INTERFEROMETER - Systems and methods are disclosed for an interferometer system. An interferometer system may comprise a plurality of light sources, wherein each light source of the plurality is configured to transmit a source beam. The interferometer system may also include an interferometer including a polarizing beam splitter and a reference reflector. The interferometer is configured to receive the source beam and transmit a measurement beam to a target reflector and a reference beam to the reference reflector. Additionally, the interferometer system may include a plurality of receivers, wherein each receiver of the plurality is associated with a light source and configured to receive a mixed beam comprising a reflected measurement beam and a reflected reference beam. Moreover, the interferometer is configured to receive at least one source beam at an angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to a side of the interferometer configured to receive the source beam. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100205929 | BASALT FIBER AND NANOCLAY COMPOSITIONS, ARTICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF INSULATING A ROCKET MOTOR WITH THE SAME - An insulation composition that comprises at least one nitrile butadiene rubber, basalt fibers, and nanoclay is disclosed. Further disclosed is an insulation composition that comprises polybenzimidazole fibers, basalt fibers, and nanoclay. The basalt fibers may be present in the insulation compositions in a range of from approximately 1% by weight to approximately 6% by weight of the total weight of the insulation composition. The nanoclay may be present in the insulation compositions in a range of from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 10% by weight of the total weight of the insulation composition. Rocket motors including the insulation compositions and methods of insulating a rocket motor are also disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100180443 | Method For Fabricating Structural Propellants - A vehicle includes at least one polyoxymethylene structural support member. The polyoxymethylene structural support member includes a polyoxymethylene component that is a propellant that provides thrust to the vehicle upon pyrolysis or combustion of the polyoxymethylene component of the product of pyrolysis of the polyoxymethylene component. The vehicle can be a satellite or other type of spacecraft. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100131211 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VERIFYING SENSOR BOND INTEGRITY AND STRUCTURES EMPLOYING SUCH SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining an amount of bond between a structure and sensor. A method may include performing a process associated with a sensor bonded to a structure and generating measured data in response to the process. The method may further include comparing the measured data to known reference data to determine integrity of a bond between the sensor and the structure. A system may include a sensor system including at least one sensor bonded to a structure. The system may further include a sensing system configured to initiate an application of one or more stimuli to the at least one sensor and monitor a property associated with the at least one sensor. The sensing system may further be configured to determine an amount of bond between the at least one sensor and the structure based on the monitored property. Structures having one or more sensors bonded thereto and an associated sensing system for determining bond integrity between the one or more sensors and the structure are also disclosed. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100116385 | Methods of forming a sensitized explosive and a percussion primer - A sensitized explosive that comprises an explosive precipitated onto a sensitizer. The explosive is CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof and the sensitizer is aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. The sensitized explosive is used in a percussion primer that includes a bismuth compound and a melt binder. The bismuth compound is bismuth oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof and the melt binder is a wax having a melting point above ambient temperature, trinitrotoluene, poly(3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane), poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane), ethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoate, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer are also disclosed. Methods of forming the sensitized explosive and the percussion primer are also disclosed. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100111823 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING POWER - Provided herein are methods and systems of producing hydrogen using ammonia borane, which has a high hydrogen density while being stable and easily stored. Ammonia borane may be exothermically reacted with a strong oxidizer, such as a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. The reaction between ammonia borane and the strong oxidizer may occur spontaneously and may produce heat. Unreacted ammonia borane may be exposed to and thermally decomposed using the heat produced during the exothermic reaction between ammonia borane and the strong oxidizer. The heat may be retained by performing the reactions in a vessel or reactor including a material capable of retaining the heat. A high gravimetric hydrogen yield is obtained from the reaction of ammonia borane with hydrogen peroxide and the thermal decomposition of unreacted ammonia borane. Hydrogen production using the methods and systems may yield a high gravimetric hydrogen content of at least about 10%. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100101762 | HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM - A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101172 | DEPLOYABLE TRUSS HAVING SECOND ORDER AUGMENTATION - A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100086729 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL RADIATION-HARDENED LAMINATE - A multifunctional composite having high strength, low weight, low distortion, low CTE, impact resistance, and multi-faceted radiation protection. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084060 | METAL COMPLEXES FOR USE AS GAS GENERANTS - Gas-generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas-generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite amine, metal nitrate amine, and metal perchlorate amine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas-generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas-generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas-generating devices, such as automobile air bags. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100022377 | OPTICAL DEVICES COMPRISING DOPED GLASS MATERIALS, LASER SYSTEMS INCLUDING SUCH OPTICAL DEVICES, AND METHODS OF FORMING SUCH OPTICAL DEVICES AND LASER SYSTEMS - Optical devices include a doped glass material in which the dopant facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material. The doped glass may not significantly absorb a selected wavelength of laser radiation to be manipulated by the optical devices. The dopant may comprise one or more of a transition metal element, an actinide element, and a lanthanide element. Laser systems include at least one such optical device and a laser device configured to emit a beam to be manipulated by the optical device. Methods for forming optical devices and laser systems including such optical devices include dispersing a dopant within a glass material to form, and forming the glass material into a body having a size and shape configured to manipulate a beam of radiation emitted by a laser device. The dopant is selected to comprise a material that facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20090320974 | Polyoxymethylene as structural support member and propellant - A vehicle includes at least one polyoxymethylene structural support member. The polyoxymethylene structural support member includes a polyoxymethylene component that is a propellant that provides thrust to the vehicle upon pyrolysis or combustion of the polyoxymethylene component of the product of pyrolysis of the polyoxymethylene component. The vehicle can be a satellite or other type of spacecraft. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090302242 | OPTICAL COUPLED SENSORS FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS - An optical sensor comprising a light source; a sensor substrate, arranged to receive a force to be detected, the sensor substrate including an interference pattern generator, optically coupled to the light source for receiving light from the light source, and generating an interference pattern, and a detector, optically coupled to the sensor substrate for receiving the interference pattern and providing a signal which can be used to determine the force applied to the sensor substrate. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090266263 | ADVANCED MUZZLE LOADER AMMUNITION - A fixed round of ammunition for a muzzle loader firearm. The round has a bullet within a sabot that is engaged to a consumable cartridge case. The case is filled with propellant that is precisely calibrated to provide optimal ballistic properties with the particular bullet it is engaged to. The consumable cartridge case can be more tailored to respectively increase or decrease the burn rate of the consumable cartridge case. The consumable cartridge case can be constructed out of nitrocellulose or other energetic materials. A wide range of propellant formulas can be used that are safe because the burn rate is precisely calibrated for the bullet used. The propellant can contain pyrotechnic material and/or other ingredients to reduce the burn rate of a smokeless propellant and can contain a stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the ammunition round. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090211481 | FUZE MOUNTING FOR A PENETRATOR AND METHOD THEREOF - A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090211433 | FUZE MOUNTING FOR A PENETRATOR AND METHOD THEREOF - A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090205415 | ROLL ORIENTATION USING TURNS-COUNTING FUZE - The present invention comprises a device for determining the roll orientation of a body with respect to a local fixed coordinate system or a predetermined reference vector. The device uses a measurement of an external magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, to determine a roll orientation reference with respect to the field or an uncompensated roll orientation. The uncompensated roll orientation is then adjusted according to a bias angle, such as an angular difference between the external magnetic field and a local fixed coordinate system, to determine the roll orientation of the device with respect to the local fixed coordinate system or a compensated roll angle. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090200006 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system including a primary evaporator facilitating heat transfer by evaporating liquid to obtain vapor is disclosed. The primary evaporator receives a liquid from a liquid line and outputs the vapor to a vapor line. The primary evaporator also outputs excess liquid received from the liquid line to an excess fluid line. A condensing system receives the vapor from the vapor line, and outputs the liquid and excess liquid to the liquid line. The excess liquid is obtained at least partially from a reservoir. A primary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, and the vapor line, and provides a heat transfer path. Similarly, a secondary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, the vapor line, and the excess fluid line. The secondary loop provides a venting path for removing undesired vapor within the liquid or excess liquid from the primary evaporator. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090163466 | CYCLIC NITRO COMPOUNDS, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS THEREOF AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides cyclic nitro compound, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090137700 | LOW COST, LOW-DENSITY, ABLATIVE RUBBER INSULATION FOR ROCKET MOTORS - An insulation material comprising a low-density EPDM polymer, at least one flame-retardant, and an organic filler. The insulation material is used in an insulation layer of a rocket motor. The organic filler is a polymeric, organic filler such as polyvinyl chloride. A rocket motor comprising an insulation material is also disclosed. The insulation material comprises a low-density EPDM polymer, at least one flame-retardant, and a polymeric, organic filler and is applied between an inner surface of a case of the rocket motor and a propellant. A method of insulating a rocket motor is also disclosed. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090135086 | RESOLUTION RADAR USING METAMATERIALS - A radar system includes at least one transmit array comprising a plurality of metamaterial elements. The radar system further includes at least one near-field stimulator for inputting electromagnetic signal to the transmit array so that a sub-wavelength target is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090126775 | SOLAR ARRAYS - A solar array including a solar array assembly, hub assembly, and wing assembly. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090117501 | METHODS OF FABRICATING AND IGNITING FLARES INCLUDING REACTIVE FOIL AND A COMBUSTIBLE GRAIN - Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090114113 | Shotshell with Shot Pellets Having Multiple Shapes - In at least one embodiment, a shotshell comprises a casing defining an internal chamber, a plurality of first shot pellets within the internal chamber and a plurality of second shot pellets within the internal chamber. The first shot pellets comprise a first shape and the second shot pellets comprise a second shape that is different from the first shape. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090114110 | DUAL FAULT SAFE AND ARM DEVICE, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES THEREWITH AND SAFETY AND RELIABILITY FEATURES THEREFOR - A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a rotatable barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially inline with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090113779 | Rapid Acquisition Shooting System - The invention is directed towards an elevation adjustment mechanism which has a mechanism for coarsely adjusting the pitch rotation comprising a lever actuated clamping assembly and a mechanism for finely adjusting the pitch rotation comprising a threaded rod mechanism. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090108815 | Energy Capture Circuit - An energy capture circuit for capturing energy in response to an input pulse. The circuit is constructed and arranged to transfer input energy in time divided portions among subcircuits. This includes a storage means, a clock means, at least two subcircuits, and at least one transfer circuit. Each subcircuit includes a first inductive means in operative communication with the input source, a rectifying means for producing a positive current in operative communication with the first inductive means, a capacitive means in operative communication with the rectifying means, and a switch means in operative communication with the capacitive means. At least one transfer circuit is in operative communication with each of the switch means of the at least two subcircuits. The output of the clock means is in operative communication with both a first switch means and an inverter means, the inverter means having an output in operative communication with a second switch means. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090093644 | METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING CYCLIC NITRO COMPOUNDS - The present invention provides cyclic nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090088506 | SYNTHESIS OF ENERGETIC THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS CONTAINING BOTH POLYOXIRANE AND POLYOXETANE BLOCKS - This thermoplastic elastomer is present in a substantially solid state suitable for use as a binder for a propellant, explosive, and/or gas generant of a supplemental restraint system. The thermoplastic elastomer is formed from a composition including A blocks which are crystalline at temperatures below about 75° C. and B blocks which are amorphous at temperatures above about −20° C. The A blocks are derived from oxetane derivatives and the B blocks are derived from oxiranes and derivatives thereof. The A blocks and B blocks are end-capped with a diisocyanate having a first isocyanate moiety that is substantially more reactive with the terminal groups of the blocks than the second isocyanate moiety, whereby the more reactive first isocyanate moiety is capable of reacting with the terminal groups of the blocks, leaving the less reactive second isocyanate moiety free and unreacted. The end-capped A blocks and the end-capped B blocks are linked together with a linking compound having two isocyanate-reactive groups which are sufficiently unhindered to react with the free and unreacted isocyanate moieties of the end-capped polymers. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090050635 | SEAMLESS MULTI-SECTION PRESSURE VESSEL - A lightweight, ergonomically beneficial, hydrodynamic, and volumetrically efficient hybrid pressure vessel having at least two longitudinally extending, semi-cylindrical sections with flattened rib portions at a common interface between the sections. Additional longitudinally extending sections may be employed to provide additional internal volume. One or more apertures extend through the ribs to provide communication between sections. The pressure vessel comprises a cast metal material, optionally including exterior reinforcing structure for containing internal pressure | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090025267 | Firearm Rest - A firearm rest is constructed and arranged to receive a weight plate of standard size and shape. The firearm rest can secure the weight against movement in three orthogonal directions. In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame defining a planar weight support surface, a front firearm support, and a rear firearm support, wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support and secure a weight plate. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a clamp, a magnet, a strap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction pad, and/or a platform having a raised perimeter flange. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a shaft that is moveable between first and second positions. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20080309023 | THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A thermal protection system and a method of manufacturing are disclosed. The thermal protection system may be configured to protect a moveable joint, for example, a flexible bearing of a rocket motor nozzle. The thermal protection system includes a series of annular shims separated by a plurality of discrete spacers. Each shim of the series of annular shims may have a larger diameter than the previous shim, and the shims may nest. The shims may comprise a thermally stable material, and the discrete spacers may comprise an elastomer. Optionally. an annular bearing protector may separate the annular shims from the flexible bearing. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080251169 | IONIC LIQUID, A METHOD OF SYNTHESIZING AN IONIC LIQUID, A PRECURSOR OF AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE IONIC LIQUID, AND A METHOD OF DESENSITIZING AN EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION - An ionic liquid is disclosed A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080245252 | NON-TOXIC PERCUSSION PRIMERS AND METHODS OF PREPARING THE SAME - A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080229963 | REACTIVE MATERIAL ENHANCED MUNITION COMPOSITIONS AND PROJECTILES CONTAINING SAME - A reactive material that includes at least one of a fuel, an oxidizer, and a class 1.1 explosive and is formulated for use in a reactive material projectile. The reactive material is formulated to provide at least one of an overpressure of greater than approximately 9 pounds per square inch at a radial measurement of 12 inches from a point of impact on a target, a hole greater than approximately 2 square inches at an optimum penetration level in a target, and pressure, damage, and a flame when the reactive material bullet impacts a target. The fuel may be a metal, a fusible metal alloy, an organic fuel, or mixtures thereof. The oxidizer may be an inorganic oxidizer, sulfur, a fluoropolymer, or mixtures thereof. A reactive material projectile having the reactive material disposed therein is also disclosed. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080228440 | Non-Contact Deviation Measurement System - A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation. | 09-18-2008 |
