| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20110030859 | Family of Metastable Intermolecular Composites Utilizing Energetic Liquid Oxidizers with NanoParticle Fuels In Sol-Gel Polymer Network - A new process for forming MICs as well as three exemplary categories of MIC formulations is disclosed. MICs disclosed herein include a first exemplary category for which combustion can be initiated and sustained by either a heat (flame) source or electrical power, a second exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and that sustain combustion at low pressures only with electrical power and a third exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and extinguished at low pressures only with electrical power. The new process of MIC formulation provides energetic liquid oxidizers in place of traditional solvents, thus eliminating the need for solvent extraction. The energetic liquid oxidizer serves as a medium in which to suspend and grow the 3D nanostructure formed by the cross linked polymer (PVA). As a consequence, the 3D nanostructure entraps the liquid oxidizer, preventing it from evaporating and thereby eliminating the need for solvent extraction, preserves the 3D nanostructure shape. Further, the liquid oxidizer matrix produces provides a mechanism through which ignition and combustion may be controlled. The material combustion rate may be adjusted/throttled through adjustments in the amount electrical power supply and may even be extinguished by complete removal of the electrical power supply. Repeated on/off ignition/extinguishment is possible through repeated application and removal of electrical current. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110067789 | Family of Modifiable High Performance Electrically Controlled Propellants and Explosives - A composition capable of producing either solid propellant grains, liquid or gel monopropellants, all of which are electrically ignitable and capable of sustained controllable combustion at ambient pressure. Additional compositions capable of sustained controllable combustion at elevated pressures are described. Applications for the compositions disclosed herein are provided, and include among other applications use in small micro thrusters, large core-burning solid propellant gains, shaped explosives charges for military application, and pumpable liquids and gel monopropellants or explosives for military, commercial mining or gas and oil recovery. In alternative embodiments the above compositions may also incorporate an energetic nitrate polymer, bum rate modifiers, and/or metal fuel(s). The HIPEP formulation makes it possible to ignite and sustain combustion at ambient and vacuum conditions (a) without continuous electrical power and (b) while providing faster bum rates. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110226148 | PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION OF ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND METHODS FOR TRIGGERING SAME - An apparatus and method for disrupting or destroying a component of an electronic device is provided. In one example, an electronic device includes a memory for storing data and a combustion device disposed therewith, the combustion device comprising a volume of electrically ignitable propellant disposed to render the memory at least partially inaccessible after combusted. For example, the combustion device could damage the memory itself or another component of the electronic device, such as a controller or read head, thereby rendering the data inaccessible. In some examples, the memory may include a magnetic storage material such as a magnetic hard drive and the combustion device may be disposed and operable to provide demagnetization of the storage material when combusted. In other examples, the combustion device may merely destroy or render inoperable the read head or other components of the electronic device needed for accessing stored data. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110259230 | ELECTRODE IGNITION AND CONTROL OF ELECTRICALLY IGNITABLE MATERIALS - Apparatus for providing electrically initiated and/or controlled combustion of electrically ignitable propellants is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a volume of electrically ignitable propellant (liquid and/or gas) capable of self sustaining combustion, and electrodes operable to ignite the propellant. The apparatus may further include a power supply and controller in electrical communication with the electrodes for supplying a potential across the electrodes to initiate combustion of the propellant and/or control the rate of combustion of the propellant. Various configurations and geometries of the propellant, electrodes, and apparatus are possible. In one example, the electrodes are supplied a direct current, which causes combustion of the propellant at the positive electrode. In another example, the electrodes are supplied an alternating current, which initiates combustion of the propellant at both electrodes. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120137912 | CONTROLLABLE DIGITAL SOLID STATE CLUSTER THRUSTERS FOR ROCKET PROPULSION AND GAS GENERATION - A thruster stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thruster stack assembly includes a plurality of grain elements having a common core region (e.g., a channel or passageway), where each grain element comprises a volume of electrically ignitable propellant. The thruster stack assembly further includes electrodes associated with the plurality of grain elements, the electrodes adapted for selectively igniting the plurality of grain elements. In one example, one or more of the grain elements may be ignited and combusted without igniting or damaging adjacent grain elements of the stack. The core region serves to channel combustion gases and exhaust from the thruster stack. Multiple stacks may be assembled together to form three-dimensional thruster arrays. | 06-07-2012 |
