US3783790A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controlled fragmentation warhead
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1973-02-02
•
Granted: 1974-01-08
•
Expires: 1993-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A method of producing fragmenting warheads that permits selecting sizes and numbers of fragments desired while allowing for assembly line production. The sizes and shapes of desired fragments are traced onto the outside of an explosive case by an electron beam welder. The electron beam creates a thin molten zone along its path of travel. Upon fast cooling of the molten zones by circulating a liquid coolant inside the case, a very hard and brittle martensite structure is created along the path of beam travel. When detonated, the explosive case will fragment along the brittle martensite zones created.
Inventors
- 👤 R Polcha
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:18
CPC Classifications
C; C21; C21D; C21D9/00; C21D9/16; F; F42; F42B; F42B12/00; F42B12/02; F42B12/20; F42B12/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A controlled fragmentation warhead for projectiles and missiles comprising: a tubular explosive case of generally cylindrical configuration; and a plurality of cleavage lines formed in said explosive case to geometrically define a pattern of fragments of the desired size and shape; said cleavage lines being zones of higher hardness and brittleness than the remainder of said explosive case whereby upon detonation of an explosive charge housed therein said case will separate into discrete fragments along said cleavage lines to produce controlled fragmentation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A controlled fragmentation warhead for projectiles and missiles comprising: a tubular explosive case of generally cylindrical configuration; and a plurality of cleavage lines formed in said explosive case to geometrically define a pattern of fragments of the desired size and shape; said cleavage lines being zones of higher hardness and brittleness than the remainder of said explosive case whereby upon detonation of an explosive charge housed therein said case will separate into discrete fragments along said cleavage lines to produce controlled fragmentation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A warhead as defined in claim 1 wherein said explosive case is metallic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A warhead as defined in claim 1 wherein said explosive case is normalized steel and said cleavage zones are martensite.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |